SPORT Tuesday 30 January 2018

PAGE | 28-29 PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32 left to Woods passes Evergreen Federer step out of Messi’s comeback test with planning Melbournene shadow, says Alves flying colours return in 2019

Al Gharafa eye place in ACL main draw

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Al Gharafa, placed sixth in the QNB Stars League standings, will host Uzbekistan side Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League (ACL) one-off play-off today. The kick-off is at 8.00pm. If Al Gharafa win, they will be clubbed in Group A, which also com- prises the UAE’s Al Jazira, Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate after scoring against Espérance de Tunis during the first semi-final of the Al Kass 2018 Tournament at the Aspire Training Pitch Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and in Doha yesterday. PSG beat the Tunisian side 4-2. Iran’s Tractorsasi. Qualifying for the tournament proper after a gap of many seasons, if it happens, will surely delight The Cheetahs’ Al Kass Cup: Gutsy PSG down fans. In fact, Al Gharafa ended their title drought of five seasons only recently when they lifted the QSL Cup, defeating Al Espérance to storm into final Rayyan in the final. Turkish coach Bulent THE PENINSULA Paris Saint-Germain and three-goal cushion with the first Uygun, who replaced Espérance de Tunis players attack of the half. Frenchman Jean Fernan- DOHA: Paris Saint-Germain vie for the ball possession Adil Aouchiche set off an a dez before the start of (PSG) colts advanced to the final during the first semi-final of marauding run from his own QNB Stars League’s sec- of Al Kass 2018 after overcom- the Al Kass 2018 Tournament half, dancing past several chal- ond phase, is intensely ing a stern examination set by at the Aspire Training Pitch in lenges and spraying the ball out putting his wards through Espérance de Tunis, and prevail- Doha yesterday. left to Ruben Providence, before their paces ahead of the ing by four goals to two advancing into the area and get- game. yesterday. ting on the end of a low cross to Al Gharafa had In the early stages of the finish from six yards out. It was strengthened the squad semi-final clash, the Tunis side a goal worthy of the grandest in the January transfer worked tirelessly to knock PSG stages. window by roping in out of their stride and disrupt Then, in the 68th minute, Dutch midfield great the French youngsters’ slick Tunis were once again back in Wesley Sneijder and Ira- passing game. The tactic was the game. There seemed to be nian striker Mehdi largely successful, with few little danger as PSG centre back Taremi, also keeping in clear chances created in the Soh attempted to shepherd the mind the premier Asian opening period. ball out for a goal kick on the competition. But on the 15th minute, PSG right, until his pocket was picked Qatar’s Al Duhail, Al went in front after a corner from by the tenacious Farouk Sadd and Al Rayyan had the right was not dealt with and, Mimouni, who cut back from the qualified directly for the in the ensuing melee, captain byline before firing low into the group stage. Loic Mbe Soh turned the ball in far corner. In their previous from close range. Tunis poured forward in meetings, the two teams The lead was doubled within numbers in search of a third goal have been almost equally a minute, after a rapid move that would set up a nailbiting impressive. During the down the PSG left. Tunis keeper to retain their composure. And, later. PSG keeper Yanis Saidani Tunisians’ physical approach finale, but there was to be no fur- 2008 AFC Champions Fares Jebali was quickly off his on the 28th minute, they were received a backpass under no occasionally strayed beyond fair ther reward for their persistence, League Group Stage, the line to snuff out the danger, but three down. PSG worked the ball pressure, but his attempted play and, on 41 minutes, midfield as PSG held out for a merited two teams were involved the ball escaped his grasp and well out to the left, and Tanguy clearance was cut out by Zied hardman Wael Dhouibi’s wild victory. in a two-all draw and was cleared directly into the path Coulibaly supplied a low, teas- Berrima on the right of the area. lunge at Soh earned a well- Having won the inaugural later, at the Group Stage, of the onrushing Arthur Zagre, ing cross that forward Alexandre He squared for captain Mobtas- deserved yellow card, marking tournament in 2012, and again Pakhtakor won 2-0. who needed no second invita- Fressange met with a first time sar Triki to pass into an open the final significant act of a triumphed in 2015, the young In the Round of 16 in tion to rifle home. shot into the near corner. goal. breathtaking first half. Parisians are chasing a unique 2010, Al Gharafa took the From a position of relative Tunis looked dead and bur- It was now PSG’s turn to feel There was no let up as the hat-trick. After this accom- revenge by beating comfort, a shell-shocked ied, only to be handed an the pressure as Espérance second period got underway, plished performance, few would Pakhtakor 1-0. Espérance were now struggling improbable lifeline five minutes mounted a series of attacks. The and PSG re-established their rule out their chances. Ali Assad eyes QSL title with Al Sadd

THE PENINSULA as we had won the season- Al Rayyan in the first phase, so adversely affected the team in opening Sheikh Jassim Cup. we’ll seek to compensate for that the first phase. He’s a unique DOHA: Al Sadd midfielder Ali We’re competing hard in the in the coming weeks. striker and fierce scorer. How- Assad (pictured) said that his QNB Stars League and want to Al Sadd are gearing up for ever, coach succeeded in team is in pursuit of the QNB fare well in the cup competitions their Week 15 match against Our ambitions for making up for it to a large Stars League (QSL) title despite and also AFC Champions Qatar SC on Saturday. The the league title are extent,” he said. being ranked second in the League.” Wolves will surely seek to col- Al Sadd are coming off huge standings. Assad also noted that the lect full points from the game in still on. We’ve been wins over Al Sailiya and Al Al Sadd are trailing behind team faced certain difficulties order to catch up with leaders longing for it since Gharafa and Assad said that Al Duhail by just two points and and challenges in the league Al Duhail, while the rivals badly 2012-13: Assad their main aim is three points Xavi Hernendez’s men are chas- such as injuries and they need some positive results to from every game, not the ing for their first QSL crown affected Al Saad negatively dur- avoid relegation. number of goals. since the 2012-13 season. ing the first phase. “It will be a tough game and the services of their Algerian “We promise our fans and “Our ambitions for the He also predicted that the we have to be cautious not to attacking midfielder Jugurtha management that we’ll put our league title are still on. We’ve competition between Al Sadd, miss any points and keep clos- Hamroun who is on suspension best efforts to compete for the been longing for it since 2012- Al Rayyan and Al Duhail in the ing in on the top spot. Al Sadd for Saturday’s away match. league title and do well in the 13,” Assad said during an coming rounds will intensify. are always looking for victories Assad said Hamroun’s AFC Champions League. My interview with QSL Online. “The competition between and we’ll do our best to achieve absence will be felt, but was main ambition is to win the QNB One of the key players of Al these three teams will be intense. it against Qatar SC,” Assad said. positive on coach Jesualdo Fer- Stars League title again with Al Sadd, Assad said: “So far so good We had lost to both Al Duhail and However, Al Sadd will miss reira’s plans. “His absence Sadd,” Assad said. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 Bangladesh to face upbeat Sri Lanka in first Test

AFP best all-rounder in the world,” Raz- Manager Asanka Gurusinha zak told reporters in Chittagong confirmed that the team would not CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH: yesterday. “It’s difficult to replace seek a replacement for Mathews. Bangladesh are depending on their him because you need to pick a Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have spin force led by veteran Abdur bowler and batsman in his place and so far played 18 Tests against each Australia’s captain Jason Sangha (right) bats as Afghanistan’s Razzak (pictured) to deliver the still there is no guarantee that they other, with the islanders winning 15 wicketkeeper Ikram Ali Khil reacts during the U19 semi-final opening punch against Sri Lanka in will perform equally good. of them. World Cup match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the first of two Tests starting “I will try to play my normal Squads: yesterday. Wednesday. game without trying anything Bangladesh: Mahmudullah Razzaq, 35, was the third spin- extraordinary,” the left-arm spin- Riyad (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Liton ner added to the squad for the ner said. Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes, match in Chittagong after skipper Bangladesh have been a domi- Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hos- Australia beat and star all-rounder Shakib Al nant home side after registering sain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Hasan was ruled out with a finger memorable Test wins against Eng- Rahman, Kamrul Islam, Mehedi injury. land and Australia in the 2016-17 Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Naeem Uncapped left-arm orthodox season. Hasan, Sunzamul Islam, Tanbir Afghanistan to spinner Sunzumul Islam and leg- But their only Test win against Hayder, Abdur Razzak. spinner Tanbir Hayder are also part Sri Lanka came in their landmark Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal of the 16-man squad to be led by 100th Test in Colombo, when the (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, reach final Mahmudullah Riyad. visitors drew the two-match series Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Razzak, who played the last 1-1. They will also seek inspiration Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niro- AFP of his 12 Tests against West Indies Sri Lanka, led by Dinesh Chan- from their 2-0 Test triumph over shan Dickwella, Roshen Silva, in 2014, is determined to prove dimal, are upbeat after their recent Pakistan in the UAE last year. Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND: Australia cruised that the selectors made the right triumph in the tri-series one-day However Sri Lanka also have a Dilruwan Perera, Dushmantha Cha- into the final of the Under-19 World Cup with an easy six- call. international tournament. gap to fill after veteran all-rounder meera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila win over Afghanistan at Hagley Oval in “Shakib is the best player, not They beat Bangladesh in Dhaka Angelo Mathews was ruled out of Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Lahiru Christchurch on Thursday. just in our team (but) he is also the on Saturday. the first game due to injury. Kumara. The three-time champions chased down Afghan- istan’s target of 182 at a canter, losing just four as they reached it with more than 12 overs remaining. Australian allrounder Jonathan Merlo took four for 24 with the ball before opening batsman Jack Edwards Lamichhane’s IPL breakthrough smashed 72 in a man-of the-match knock. They will play the winner of the semi-final between India and Pakistan in the tournament decider on a shot in the arm for Nepal cricket Saturday. Afghanistan have had a dream run at this year’s tour- nament, defeating Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the group AFP The ICC has been working with CAN to draft stages, then thrashing hosts New Zealand by 202 runs to a new constitution, but negotiations hit a road- make the final four for the first time. KATHMANDU: Teenage leg-spinner Sandeep block after the Nepal side refused to adopt the But their batsmen failed to fire against Australia, leav- Lamichhane could boost the sagging fortunes of proposed text. ing a spin-heavy attack little to defend. Nepal’s scandal-tainted domestic cricket with his “It is concerning that CAN did not adopt the “We did a bit of research on their spinners and thought breakthrough deal to become part of the Indian constitution as proposed,” said ICC Deputy Chair- it’d be a good idea to take the game to them,” Edwards , officials said yesterday. man Imran Khwaja ahead of the weekend said. Lamichhane, 17, made history Sunday becom- negotiations in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. “Try to get them before they get us. ing the first cricketer from Nepal to land an IPL “In addition to this there remains a number “The pitch was pretty slow, probably gave us a bit of contract when he was picked by the Delhi Dare- of other reinstatement conditions outstanding time to read the spin, which helped.” devils for $31,466 during a player auction ahead that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.” Afghanistan won the toss and surprisingly chose to of the tournament, which starts in April. Lamichhane is currently training in Dubai bat in humid conditions, making a slow start after losing “Sandeep has created history for Nepal and with Nepal’s national team ahead of the Division opening batsman Ibraham Zadran early. has sent out a positive message about Nepali Two of the World Cricket League in Namibia next Ikram Ali Khil worked hard to steady proceed- cricket,” Chumbi Lama of the Cricket Associa- month. ings, patiently bringing up his half century off 80 tion of Nepal (CAN) told AFP. Nepal needs to finish in the top two to take balls. “He has also opened doors for other Nepali part in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe in But he played a lone hand and could not find a part- players to make a mark internationally.” March. ner at the other end as regular dismissals prevented the Lamichhane’s entry into the cash-rich league Nepal has never qualified for the World Cup. Afghans from building any momentum. comes on the heels of weekend meetings between “I am worried that the dispute over the Cricket They struggled to 86 for four at the halfway mark and the International Cricket Council (ICC) and CAN Association of Nepal has been affecting the devel- hopes of a significant total ended when Ikram departed about ending Nepal’s two-year suspension from opment of cricket in Nepal and players’ career on 80. the global governing body. enhancement,” said Nepal’s former national skip- Afghanistan ended their innings all out for 181 after “We have had series of meetings with ICC and per and one-time mentor to Lamichhane, Raju 48 overs. are hopeful for a reinstatement,” said Lama. Khadka. Defending a modest total, they did themselves no The ICC banned CAN in April 2016 over polit- “The IPL opportunity for Sandeep could help favours when they dropped Edwards on eight. Teenage leg-spinner ical interference in the running of the domestic cricket in Nepal overall in addition to his career. He went on to top score for the Australians, supported governing body, but continued to allow Nepal’s Now various countries and teams will notice by Param Uppal, who was 32 not out. national teams to participate in top events. other players of the country,” he added. Roger, Martina and Jack: Golden oldies in sports

AFP

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer, 36, is showing no signs of slow- ing down after winning his 20th Grand Slam title at the Austral- ian Open. Here are the other athletes who successfully rolled back the years: - Jack Nicklaus - The Golden Bear fired a sen- US golfing legend sational final round to win his Jack Nicklaus record 18th major title at the Masters at Augusta in 1986 -- when he was 46. Martina Navratilova Nicklaus shot 30 on the back nine as he moved from tied ninth overnight to clinch a dramatic one-shot victory over Greg Nor- man and Tom Kite. It was a sixth Masters title for Nicklaus, who remains the old- - Roger Milla - scored in the 1958 World Cup. est player to win the Plenty of footballers have - Ichiro Suzuki - tournament. played on into extra time, but Now a free agent after a cel- - Martina Navratilova - Cameroon’s Roger Milla set what ebrated MLB career, Suzuki is The Czech-American tennis could be an unbreakable record making no noises about retiring, legend won the US Open mixed when he scored in the 1994 even at the age of 44. doubles title with Bob Bryan in World Cup at the age of 42. The former Yankees and 2006, just weeks away from her With his goal against Russia, Marlins outfielder has clocked Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with the Australian Open trophy. 50th birthday. It was her 31st Milla shattered his own record up an extraordinary career Grand Slam doubles title -- an after he grabbed four, aged 38, including the all-time MLB all-time record -- to sit along- career which brought her 167 for the WBC light heavyweight done there: he won the IBF light at the 1990 World Cup, followed record of 262 hits in a season, side her 18 Grand Slam singles singles titles and 177 doubles tro- title in 2010 at the age of 46, heavyweight from Tavoris Cloud, by a trademark celebratory jig and is the only player to make and 10 major mixed doubles phies on the WTA circuit, both making him the oldest boxer in and the WBA (Super) title from at the corner flag. Milla’s exploits 200 hits in 10 consecutive sea- crowns. also all-time records. history to win a world Beibut Shumenov at 48 and 49 snatched the record from Swe- sons. The 10-time All Star also Navratilova turned profes- - Bernard Hopkins - championship. respectively, extending the den’s Gunnar Gren, who was 37 holds the record for most MLB sional in 1975, embarking on a Hopkins beat Jean Pascal But “The Executioner” wasn’t record. years and 236 days when he hits by a foreign-born player. TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27 Yamaha’s Vinales, Rossi Alonso satisfied after Daytona dominate at Sepang test endurance race AFP AFP fastest qualifying time in Day- SEPANG: Maverick Vinales was tona this weekend, said his the fastest rider on day two of MIAMI: Fernando Alonso experience in Florida would be the 2018 test at Malaysia’s (pictured) believes he has invaluable when he eventually Sepang Circuit yesterday, with gained vital experience for a races in Le Mans. his Yamaha team-mate Valen- future crack at the Le Mans 24 “It is a positive feeling tino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow of Hours after finishing 38th in the despite the issues and reliabil- rival Honda close behind. Daytona endurance race on ity. It was a very nice experience Looking comfortable on his Sunday. the whole event,” Alonso said. new bike, Spain’s Vinales logged The Spanish former For- “If and when I will be Le 1min 59.355 seconds - 0.035sec mula One world champion’s Mans, it will be the second time faster than Rossi, a nine-times campaign in Florida was at least,” he added. “So I will be world champion. derailed by mechanical prob- much more prepared for the Both the Yamaha riders lems that included two brake practice, the race, driver worked on improving the power failures in his United Autosports changes, communication, of their new Yamaha engines, Ligier JS P217. driver preparation between the body positioning and extending The 36-year-old admitted teams, how much rest you need tyre life. however he had been unnerved to have.” “Today, it was a competitive by the experience. Alonso said last week his day. The fight (in the 2018 “You’re scared a little bit, chances of racing in Le Mans MotoGP race) is going to be no doubt,” Alonso said. this year are “50-50”. tight,” Rossi said. “It happened two times in McLaren have indicated “The new fairings are good. the first corner - you’re right Alonso will be free to race at The front tyre now has more there at 300-310 kilometres an Circuit de la Sarthe on June contact with the track,” he told hour then you hit the brakes 16-17 should he wish to do so reporters. and there’s no brakes. as it does not clash with his F1 Last season Rossi and “At night,g , youy don’t see commitments. Vinales struggled with Yamaha’s clearly the tire wall or thethe 2017 chassis, poor rear tyre grip escape road,ad, so there and rapid tyre degradation. was even a llittleittle more Rossi, 38, is the oldest rider of a scare.” in the MotoGP race. There is The McLarenMcLaren much speculation about whether Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Spanish rider Maverick Vinales rides his bike during the second day of driver tookk to he will race in the 2019 season the 2018 MotoGP pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang yesterday. the track in -- a question he says he will Florida thishis weekend to answer after this year’s season four-time MotoGP champion, Johann Zarco, in his second year gain experienceence for begins. came in seventh, 0.347seconds in the top class on a Yamaha, fin- racing Le Mans.Mans. There was a moment of off the pace, while his team- ished sixth quickest with a time Alonsoo has sspo-po- drama on the circuit when Suzu- mate and countryman Dani of 1min 59.702. Ducati’s Danilo ken of his desiredesire to take ki’s Andrea Iannone was forced Pedrosa, was 12th in 1min.59.999 Petrucci of Italy was ninth at 1min a crack att the “Triple“Triple to stop on track with his bike seconds. 59.747sec, Suzuki’s Andrea Ian- Crown” of mmotor-racingotor-racing - Today, it was a spitting flames. Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, a none came in 10th with a time of winning thehe Formula OneOne competitive day. The Testing began with damp three time MotoGP champion, 1.59.917sec and Spain’s Aleix Monaco Grandand Prix, the IndIndi-i- fight in the 2018 patches on the track after over- registered 1.59.498 seconds on Espargaro on an Aprilia finished anapolis 50000 and Le Mans.Mans. MotoGP race is going to night rain but conditions became his Ducati to take fourth. His 11th - 0.570sec off the pace. Only oneone other driver -- be tight. The new scorching hot later in the day. team-mate Andrea Dovizioso Honda MotoGP rider Dani Graham Hillll -- has successfully fairings are good. The British rider Crutchlow said finished eighth - 0.377 seconds Pedrosa was quickest on Sun- achieved thathat hahat-trick.t-trick. AAlonsolonso he was happy with his bike and slower than Vinales. day, the first day of testing. has two winsins in Monaco,Monaco, and front tyre now has more was concentrating on its Australia’s Jack Miller who Dovizioso was second fastest impressed aatt tthehe InIndy500dy500 on hhisis contact with the track, set-up. was fifth logged 1min 59.509 and Lorenzo came in third. The debut last year.year. says Rossi Spain’s Marc Marquez, a seconds on a Ducati. Frenchman testing ends today. Alonso,, who ppostedosted the 13th 28 SPORT TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29 Pique renews contract Neymar left to step out of Messi’s Beckham to launch MLS team in Miami AFP shadow, says PSG team-mate Alves MIAMI: Former England captain David Beckham (pictured) will unveil his long- sought Major League Soccer expansion team at a Monday news conference in REUTERS Miami, bringing a conclusion to a turmoil- Aubameyang on filled four-year quest. BARCELONA:Paris Paris S Stt MLS announced Friday it will “make Germain forwardrward a major announcement regarding the Neymar (picturedtured brink of €63m future of soccer in Miami” on Monday, right) left Barce-arce- inviting ticketed members of the public lona in orderr to to what is expected to be the announce- escape ththee Arsenal move ment of a 25th league club. shadow of Lionelonel The team is expected to begin MLS Messi aandn d AFP play in 2020 at a 25,000-seat stadium to increase Brazil’szil’s be built in Miami’s Overtown chances of LONDON: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is closing on a neighborhood. winning this year’sear’s switch from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal as Arsene Just over 11 years after announcing he Barcelona’s Gerard Pique (right) holds his jersey World Cup, accord-cord- Wenger looks to boost his forward options, reports in would leave Real Madrid for the MLS Los with Club President Josep Maria Bartomeu as ing to clubb anandd Germany and Britain said yesterday. Angeles Galaxy in a deal that included the they pose for photographs during the official country team-matem-mate German magazine Kicker reported the clubs had chance to purchase an expansion team announcement of the Spanish defender’s Dani Alves ((picturedpictured agreed on a €63m ($78m) fee for the player and that as at a reduced rate, Beckham will make United in England, Real Madrid in Spain, contract renewal at the Camp Nou Stadium left). part of the deal Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud could good on plans he first announced in Feb- the Galaxy in North America and Paris in Barcelona yesterday. Neymar bbecameecame the thethe totopp of move to Germany on loan until the end of the season. ruary 2014. Saint-Germain in his farewell matches. world’s most eexpensivexpensive footballer footballer Ligue 1, with But the report said Giroud was still dragging his feet Several failed stadium sites delayed He also played for England from 1996 in August whenn hhee compcompletedleted a a €222m €222m NeymarNeymar contrcontribut-ibut- and would prefer to stay in England and move to Pre- his consortium’s efforts, other MLS teams to 2009, winning 115 caps. ($276m) transferfer from from Barcelona Barcelona to to PSG. PSG. inging 17 ggoalsoals and 11 assists. mier League side Chelsea. making their debuts while Beckham His five-year stint in MLS with the The 25-year-oldear-old ffinishedinished third However, AlvesAlves bbelieveselieves NeyNey-- The BBC also reported that the move was close, quot- struggled to get his off the ground, una- Galaxy boosted football’s profile in North Bosnia and behind Messi anandd ReaReall MaMadrid’sdrid’s CriCris-s- mar’smar’s main oobjectivebjective tthishis season season is is to to ing a figure of £60m but said the deal would not go ble to find an agreeable place for a America and contributed to the steady tiano Ronaldoo inin tthehe 20120177 BallBallonon d’O d’Or.r. deliverdeliver PSG’s first Champions League through until the German club had a replacement lined specially built venue. growth in attendances across the MLS. “I think he’s’s (Ne(Neymar)ymar) up up there there with with title.title. up. The group edged closer to success last When Beckham arrived in 2007, aver- Herzegovina (Lionel) Messii as the most influential “It’s our main goal. It’s what Ney-Ney- The Bundesliga club turned down a bid of 50 million year after securing a land deal for a pro- age attendances through the league were player in worldd f football.ootball. T Thehe t hthinging is, is, h hee marmar was thinkingthinking wwhenhen hhee llefteft Barca euros from Arsenal last week, the BBC reported. posed stadium project, waterfront sites 16,770; when he ended his five-year stint had to come ooutut ofof hishis shadowshadow aa littlelittle,”,” andand it’s what I was thinking when I left Gabon international Aubameyang, 28, played for and others near the Miami Marlins base- they had increased to 18,807 per game. hold USA in Alves told FIFA’sFA’s website. (www.fifa(www.fifa.. Juventus.Juventus. TThat’shat’s wwhathat moves us,” hhee Dortmund in their 2-2 draw against Freiburg on Sat- ball stadium and NBA Miami Heat arena By 2017, that number had increased to com) added. urday but did not score. having earlier fallen though. 22,113. “Playing wwithith someonesomeone asas uniqueunique asas “We’re ready to compete and the Aubameyang was jeered by his own fans on Sat- MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Beckham’s move to MLS was also fol- friendly Leo is the mostt incre incredibledible t hthinging t hthatat can can questionquestion ooff wwhetherhether tthathat preparationpreparation urday and has been told he can leave Dortmund if last month the Miami franchise project lowed by several high-profile European happen to you,u, butbut there’sthere’s alwalwaysays th thatat leads us to victory or elimination is Arsenal met the asking price, the German club’s was “the most complicated situation in stars nearing the end of their careers. AFP doubt in your mmindind i iff it’s it’s y youou t hthatat rea reallylly goinggoing to ddependepend onon hhowow wewe worworkk as as a a director of sport Michael Zorc confirmed. any market that we’ve experienced” England teammates Frank Lampard has the qualityy oror ifif it’sit’s himhim.. team.” Arsenal lost forward Alexis Sanchez to Man- because of the Miami area political struc- and Steven Gerrard both later moved to LOS ANGELES: The US national team continued “It was importantmportant fforor NeNey’sy’s own PSG resume ttheirheir EuropeanEuropean camcam-- chester United last week with Henrikh Mkhitaryan ture and fast-changing real estate MLS, along with Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and rebuilding after their World Cup failure by draw- development andand forfor BrazilBrazil forfor himhim ttoo paign on Feb. 14 in the first legleg ofof a a travelling in the opposite direction in a swap environment. Spanish striker David Villa. ing 0-0 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their follow his ownn patpath.”h.” mouth-wateringmouth-watering llast-16ast-16 t ietie aga againstinst deal but Wenger remains short of options up Launch of the new Beckham-backed Announcing plans for his Miami team opening game of 2018 on Sunday night. PSG have oopenedpened an an 11-point 11-point g gapap at at holdersholders ReaReall MaMadrid.drid. front as the club battle to secure a Champions team will mark the second attempt to start four years ago, Beckham said he had Just 11 weeks after a humiliating qualifying League place for next season. a Miami-based MLS franchise. already identified players who he hoped round defeat to last place Trinidad and Tobago, The Miami Fusion, which made their to lure to Florida. the Americans fielded a young inexperienced debut in the 1998 MLS season, played for “It would be disrespectful for me to squad for the exhibition match at the StubHub four seasons before being cut from the say what players I want in the team. But Center stadium in Los Angeles. league after the 2001 campaign amid low we have a list of players,” Beckham said Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Luka Menalo had one ticket sales and the lowest revenues of in 2014. of the best chances to score in the 43rd minute Barcelona escape Alaves scare after Messi’s late strike any team in the competition. “I’ve been fortunate to play with some of the first half but his right-footed shot from the Beckham, 42, retired in 2013 after a of the best players in the world and some centre of the box was blocked by US goalkeeper AFP stage for Messi’s dramatic and just his seventh in the league minutes from time completed 20-year career that saw him win league of them are calling me up to ask me when Bill Hamid. stylish winner. this season but his fourth in the second-half rout of a des- crowns with Manchester Miami is happening.” Menalo had another opportunity in the 66th MADRID: Barcelona escaped The Argentine’s strike league and cup since the turn perate Las Palmas, who remain Alaves furious over rejected penalty appeal minute, weaving his way through three defend- a scare on Philippe Coutinho’s ensures that Barca stay of the year. second from bottom and five ers but he couldn’t finish. first start as struck unbeaten in the league, and “I feel good, I’ve started the points from safety. REUTERS FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER His shot to the bottom right corner didn’t get with a trademark free-kick to keeps Atletico Madrid 11 points year well and I hope to con- Sevilla were denied the against Barcelona in was almost two “I spoke to my team mates and it’s a very past Zach Steffen, who had come in to replace drag the La Liga leaders back back despite their 3-0 ham- tinue the goals and assists.” chance to close within three years ago, in February, 2016. clear handball. For me, video-refereeing is nec- Hamid. Steffen was making his national team from a goal down to beat mering of Las Palmas Frenchman Griezmann points of Real Madrid and the BARCELONA: Alaves players were left furi- Guidetti scored on that day for Celta Vigo essary in Spain,” he said. A STORY OF GROWTH Seattle Sounders consistently draw crowds of more debut. Both teams were missing many of their Alaves 2-1 and restore their earlier. started the move that led to Champions league places after ous after their 2-1 defeat by Barcelona at the in a 6-1 defeat and in 74 league matches since The VAR (video assistant referee) system Founded in 1993 as part of US Soccer’s success- than 40,000 to their home games, averaging 42,600 top players as the US squad had just two national 11-point lead at the top. With out Atletico’s second, intercept- Angel Rodriguez scored a con- Nou Camp on Sunday, believing they should Barcelona have not had a spot- kick given is set to be used in Spain next season accord- ful hosting of the 1994 World Cup, Major League in 2016. team veterans, Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris. Messi whipped home a injured, Atletico took a while ing a loose pass and setting troversial equaliser deep in have been awarded a late penalty. against them, but have earned 32 of their own. ing to La Liga president Javier Tebas, although Soccer kicked off its first season in 1996 with 10 Beckham’s arrival in 2007 helped boost aver- Dave Sarachan is now 0-0-2 as interim man- beautiful free-kick six minutes to get going and had to wait Angel Correa free to scamper stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 John Guidetti’s strike put the Basques Alaves defender Victor Laguardia high- it has not been officially announced. teams. age attendances by 8.2 percent, at 16,770 per game. ager of the US national team since taking over from the end to down resilient until the 61st minute to open down the pitch and feed Fern- draw for Getafe at the Roman ahead but late goals by Luis Suarez and Lionel lighted the fact the referee was the same official However, even with technology in place As MLS readies for its 22nd season, the compe- Though that number fell in 2008 and 2009, gates from Bruce Arena. He led the Americans to a 1-1 Alaves, who are just two points the scoring, Antoine Griez- ando Torres, who shifted the Sanchez Pizjaun stadium. Messi turned the game around before Sam- who failed to award Barcelona a clear goal there will still be room for debate and Barce- tition has expanded beyond all recognition. It now have risen steadily ever since, jumping by as much draw in Portugal in November. from the drop zone in 17th mann latching on to Juanfran’s ball onto his right foot and Luis Muriel had slid in a uel Umtiti handled ’s shot against Valencia when Lionel Messi’s strike lona coach Ernesto Valverde insisted that comprises 23 teams spread across North America - as 12.7 percent in 2015 following the excitement The USA World Cup hopes were dashed with despite John Guidetti silencing fine ball down the right flank lashed home just his second 72nd-minute for hosts but with in the dying stages. crossed the line. although the ball struck Umtiti, it was not a 20 in the United States and three in Canada -- and caused by the 2014 World Cup. a 2-1 qualifying round defeat to Trinidad and the Camp Nou with a shock before dinking neatly over Las goal of the season, the 600th seconds to spare Juan Cala The forward, on loan at Alaves from “He was far away from the play but it was penalty. will include a new team in Los Angeles -- Los Ange- Television remains a harder nut to crack, how- Tobago, ending seven straight appearances for breakaway opener in the 23rd Palmas stopper Leandro scored by Atletico in all com- challenged Sevilla keeper Ser- Barcelona, smashed the ball towards goal very clear. The referee is the same one from “(They) complained that there was a hand- les FC -- for the 2018 campaign. Miami and Nashville’s ever. An average of 272,000 viewers tuned in on the US on soccer’s biggest stage. All the US needed minute. Chichizola. petitions during Diego gio Rico for a hopeful high ball, but it struck Umtiti’s arm and the visitors the Mestalla,” Laguardia said. ball. I see it from a Barcelona perspective, of acceptance will take the league to 25 teams; the ESPN for regular-season games in 2017, some dis- to advance was a tie against Trinidad. Luis Suarez had broken the “The first half was not very Simeone’s seven-year reign and with the Sevilla fans and furiously demanded a penalty, but refe- “Now they are at peace, the two of them, course, and I think that it was involuntary. league will ultimately expand to 28. tance of the ratings giant of the NFL, which averages Bosnia-Herzegovina also failed to get into away side’s tough resistence good but the coach gave us a as coach. players clamouring for a free- ree Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva did not give Barca and Iglesias Villanueva.” “I asked Umtiti and bar cutting off his hand In keeping with the other major professional around 14.9 million viewers per game. the World Cup. with a sweet volley from good talking to at half-time, An easy tap-in from Tho- kick, Angel lashed home the it. Guidetti was also in no doubt that Alaves we don’t think there’s anything else he can do sports leagues in North America, the MLS is a closed Andres Iniesta’s cross 18 min- and we responded well,” said mas Partey after great work leveller and celebrated under They would have been lucky to get one, should have been given the chance to level from about it. For me it’s involuntary, but everyone competition with no promotion or relegation. A reg- CONQUERING MIAMI?: utes from the end, setting the Griezmann, whose goal was from Yannick Carrasco two a hail of whistles and boos. given the last time a penalty was awarded the spot. will see it from their own point of view.” ular season split into Eastern and Western Conferences With a large Hispanic population and world- kicks off in March and is followed by a series of play- famous beaches framed by a glittering and dynamic Indian club offs culminating in the MLS Cup final, usually held in skyline, Miami has long seemed an obvious choice for December. its own Major League Soccer franchise. Yet for a variety of reasons, the journey towards complains of SPRINKLING STARDUST the Beckham-backed venture set to be announced Major League Soccer was given a jolt of inter- on Monday has followed a long and winding road. national recognition when the Designated Player Rule MLS Commissioner Don Garber cites Miami’s fast- match-fixing -- nicknamed the Beckham Rule -- became effective changing real estate environment and local political as part of the salary cap regime in 2007. structure as key hurdles along the way. This regulation allowed every MLS franchise the MLS had already tried and failed to expand to approaches freedom to sign a players who was not constrained the Florida tourism hub. The Miami Fusion, which by the salary cap rules, enabling clubs to offer higher made their debut in the 1998 MLS season, played for REUTERS wages to players from around the world. four seasons before being cut from the league after Beckham’s arrival was followed by a steady the 2001 campaign amid low ticket sales and the MUMBAI: An Indian football club has written to stream of high-profile international stars at the tail- lowest revenues of any team in the competition. the country’s governing body alleging several of end of their careers, which included Thierry Henry their players have been approached via social (New York Red Bulls), Kaka (Orlando), Didier Drogba WORLD CUP FALL-OUT? media to fix matches. (Montreal), Andrea Pirlo and David Villa (New York Could the United States’ shock failure to qualify Earlier this month, Minerva Punjab FC said City), Steven Gerrard (Los Angeles Galaxy), Frank Lam- for the 2018 World Cup have repercussions for MLS? two players were made offers of three million pard (New York City) and Bastian Schweinsteiger The league’s hierarchy let out a collective groan when rupees ($47,218) through WhatsApp and Insta- (Chicago Fire). the US men’s team slumped to defeat against Trini- gram as well as text messages and that they In recent years as the league has matured, clubs dad and Tobago last October. reported the matter to the All India Football Fed- have moved away from hiring older players, instead The World Cup has been a consistent engine of eration (AIFF). mining for up and coming talent in South America. growth for MLS. In each of the MLS seasons follow- The current I-League leaders said they had ing the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, also reported the matter on the Asian Football RISING ATTENDANCES attendances spiked as new fans flocked to stadiums, Confederation’s integrity app. Major League Soccer is now one of the best with crowd numbers rising dramatically. Minerva owner Ranjit Bajaj wrote on social attended football leagues in the world, attracting an The political fall-out from the World Cup flop media on Sunday that five more players had been average gate of more than 22,000 fans per game in also could have consequences. With United States approached to fix matches. 2017 for the first time in history. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati stepping “Another low for Indian football with another According to MLS figures, that put it ahead of down, a crowded field of candidates are jostling to five of my players being asked to fix matches in France’s Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A for average crowd replace him at an election next month. the I-League, taking the numbers to seven,” he sizes. Several candidates have called for MLS to be said. Expansion side Atlanta United FC attracted a reformed, with the introduction of promotion and Javed Siraj, the AIFF’s integrity officer, con- record crowd of 71,874 for their game against Toronto relegation as well as changing the timing of the sea- in October at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The son to fit with the European winter schedule. firmed receiving the letter from the club and said Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scores their second goal from a free kick during their Spanish La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on Sunday. the governing body was taking it seriously. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018

Woods passes comeback test with flying colours

Tiger Woods during the REUTERS a few times I had to jack up the schedule leading up to the Mas- Farmers Insurance Open speed and had no issues at all ters in April. on Sunday. LA JOLLA: An upbeat Tiger Woods (with my body),” Woods said. The 42-year-old is due to play on Sunday declared his surgically- “The big concern was playing the Genesis Open at Riviera in Los fused back had passed its first big out of the rough. Angeles in three weeks, while he test with flying colours. I hadn’t played out of rye grass is also expected to play two or After finishing a very respect- since last year. three tournaments in Florida able equal 23rd at the Farmers I hit some really good ones out before heading to Augusta. Insurance Open, Woods spoke of there. “I haven’t built out my with optimism as he reflected on Unfortunately I put myself in schedule. his official PGA Tour comeback. there.” We want to see how I was He found the sticky rye grass Though not thrilled with some swinging after one tournament rough with monotonous regular- of his wayward drives, he pointed and reassess where I’m at,” he ity at Torrey Pines South course, out that he was not the only one said. hitting only three fairways in each to have trouble finding the short “It’s nice to get this one under of the final three rounds, but hit grass off the tee. my belt though.” some creative and brilliant recov- “These are some of the nar- He finished at three-under 285 ery shots and putted well in his rowest fairways on tour and when on Sunday on a course where he first official start since his spinal I don’t have my best stuff -- and has won eight times. fusion last April. today was windy -- it compounded “It’s nice to see I was able to “Overall I thought I did pretty it. still grind,” Woods said. well this week,” the American said It made it very difficult for “I fought my tail off and it was after a closing even-par 72 in me.” good stuff. strong and gusty winds. Woods expressed satisfaction “I’m going to go back and He finished seven strokes with his short game but despite work on a bunch of things. behind the winner. apparently coming through the “I can feel some of the things “Some of the shots I had to hit week without aggravating his I’m doing wrong in my swing,” he out of the rough, out of the trees, back he would not reveal his said. Day, Noren in play-off duel at Torrey Pines

AFP He had three birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, but LA JOLLA: Tiger Woods had taken couldn’t come up with any bird- his bow and left the stage when ies to counter two bogeys coming fierce drama unfolded on Sunday The spotlight had been all on Woods as the in and closed with a one-over 73. at Torrey Pines, with Alex Noren 14-time major champion wrapped up his first US Day’s four birdies were all on and Jason Day locked in a play-off PGA Tour tournament in a year with an even par the front nine. duel as darkness fell. 72 for a 72-hole total of 285. He made two bogeys coming The spotlight had been all on in and after a par at the last hole Woods as the 14-time major of regulation could only wait to see champion wrapped up his first US After pars at the par-three shot.”You could barely see the if it would be good enough on a PGA Tour tournament in a year 16th, the fourth play-off hole took yellow. day when as many as four players with an even par 72 for a 72-hole them to the par-four 17th, where And it’s starting to get cool so shared the lead at one point. total of 285. both Day and Noren were in a fair- I didn’t really know how hard to Palmer birdied the last hole of That was good enough for a way bunker off the tee. hit it. regulation to complete a 72 and promising tie for 23rd as Woods Both reached the green from “So I just got up and just kind get into the play-off. launched his latest bid to return to there and both two-putted for par, of saw the yellow (flag) a bit and Noren and Day were both form in the wake of spinal fusion Day’s birdie effort stopping only just hit it.” looking forward to returning Mon- surgery last April. inches short. Noren wasn’t sorry to see play day to finish things off. Woods was never in site of the The light was fading as they halted, even with no decision. “This is what I play for, so I’m 10-under par total of 278 that sent returned to 18, where Day was in “I could barely see the last excited,” Noren said. Australia’s Day, ’s Noren a fairway bunker and Noren in the putt,” he said.”It’s better this way It’s nerve-racking playing and American Ryan Palmer into first cut of rough just off the than maybe missing a short one these extra holes, but I’m happy sudden death. fairway. when you can’t see.” with the way he played and the Palmer was eliminated with a Noren reached the green in Day, the 2015 PGA Champion- way I played and just to get out par at the first playoff hole, the two, leaving himself some 40 feet. ship winner, is seeking his first title here (Monday) again.” par-five 18th, where Noren’s third Day laid up and stuck his third since the 2016 Players Day said he didn’t care how shot into the green spun back shot five feet from the pin. Championship. many more holes it takes if he can toward the pin to leave him a tap- Noren rolled his eagle attempt Noren, ranked 19th in the end his victory drought. in birdie and Day drained a tough, five feet past, and after Day world and a nine-time winner on “Alex is playing some tremen- downhill eight-footer. drained his birdie Noren rolled in the European Tour, is in search of dous golf,” Day said. The remaining duo returned his. his first US tour title. ”To be able to go through and Jason Day of Australia reacts after missing a putt on the 16th to 18 and birdied again -- both “I couldn’t even see the flag, The Swede held a one-shot go shot for shot there was pretty hole in the third hole of the play-off on Sunday. reaching the green in two. really,” Day said of his third overnight lead. special.” Vintage Spain win maiden European title

REUTERS breaks, their most lethal weapon throughout the competition, ZAGREB: A rampant Spain lifted dried up in the second half of the their first European handball title Sweden, who had final and Spain started rifling in after a magnificent second half goals from all angles to carve out propelled the former world defied the odds to a 25-17 lead with eight minutes champions to a 29-23 win over reach the final, led left. the 16-nation tournament’s 14-12 at halftime Ferran Sole and David Bala- surprise package Sweden in the but the Spaniards guer scored five goals each for final on Sunday. Spain while backs Raul The success gave joyous turned the match on Entrerrios and Alex Dujshebaev Spanish fans in the Zagreb Arena its head with an 8-1 also contributed chipping in with plenty to cheer about after sev- streak early in the four goals apiece. eral lean years, including a second half with their French playmaker Nikola fifth-place finish in last year’s Karabatic made amends for a world championship which came stand-in goalkeeper poor last-four display against on the back of missing out on the Arpad Sterbik pulling Spain with a total of nine goals 2016 Olympic Games. off some crucial saves. from as many as 11 shots to lead Sweden, who had defied the his team’s effort against Den- odds to reach the final, led 14-12 mark, who never looked like at halftime but the Spaniards racking up 11 saves to frustrate recovering from a dramatic turned the match on its head Spain. defeat by Sweden in the other with an 8-1 streak early in the But the Spaniards looked semi-final. second half with their stand-in more like the team that won the Three of the Karabatic’s goalkeeper Arpad Sterbik pull- 2013 world title as they overran team-mates added five goals ing off some crucial saves. their rivals after the break, cap- each to underline a balanced Spainish players celebrate with the European Handball Championship trophy in Zagreb on Sunday. Earlier on Sunday, world italising on the 38-year old attack which wiped out a heroic champions France beat Denmark Sterbik’s acrobatics and a flurry solo effort by Denmark winger 32-29 to win the bronze medal Danes for losing the 2016 Olym- The made a bright fast-paced opening period, with of Swedish turnovers. Hans Lindberg, who netted 12 and get some revenge on the pic final to them. start and led by three goals in a their keeper Mikael Appelgren Sweden’s trademark fast goals. TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Westbrook carries Thunder past 76ers

REUTERS against Oklahoma City took a balanced scoring attack to a built an early lead and never place Nov. victory over Phoenix at Toyota looked back in a victory over Los LOS ANGELES: Russell West- 15, 2008, during West- Center in Houston. Angeles in Toronto. brook barely missed a brook’s rookie season. Harden finished with 27 The win allowed the Raptors triple-double with 37 points, 14 LeBron James racked up 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight (33-15) to clinch no worse than Head coach of the NBA Toronto Raptors, Dwane Casey (left) poses assists and nine rebounds, and points, eight rebounds and 14 assists, as the Rockets improved the second-best record in the with President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo (right) and the Oklahoma City Thunder held assists and Cleveland handed to 3-0 against the Suns this sea- Eastern Conference in the first player DeMar DeRozan (in this file picture. on for a 122-112 win over the Detroit its eighth consecutive son despite failing to record a half of the NBA season, mean- Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday loss behind a big fourth-quarter basket over the final seven-plus ing Dwane Casey will coach evening at Chesapeake Energy finish at Quicken Loans Arena. minutes of the game. Team LeBron in the All-Star Arena. Kevin Love contributed 20 The Rockets took a 107-93 Game. Casey to coach Paul George finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds, J.R. lead on a Ryan Anderson Boston (35-15) has a better points as the Thunder won their Smith had 15 points and 3-pointer at the 7:35 mark and record than Toronto, but the eighth consecutive game, which Isaiah Thomas added 14 points then withstood a late surge Celtics’ Brad Stevens is ineligi- is the longest active streak in the and seven assists for the Cavs. keyed by Suns guard Devin ble to coach at the All-Star Game LeBron in ASG NBA. Jae Crowder and Kyle Kor- Booker and forward T.J. because he earned the honor last Steven Adams notched a ver tossed in 12 points apiece off Warren. season. MIAMI $50K more than in years prior. double-double with 20 points the bench as Cleveland gradu- Booker and Warren com- VanVleet hit nine of his 13 Sacramento Kings coach and 13 rebounds. ally pulled away after the game bined to score 17 consecutive shots, including three of his four REUTERS: Dwane Casey will Dave Joerger fell to one knee Joel Embiid led Philadelphia was tied with 7 1/2 minutes points for the Suns to slice a 3-point attempts, to surpass his be the Toronto Raptors’ first- because of a brief dizzy spell on with 27 points and 10 rebounds remaining. 15-point deficit to 109-101 with previous career-best of 22 points ever head coach in the All-Star the sideline on Sunday and is in a losing effort. Tobias Harris and Anthony just under three minutes set earlier this month against Game, as he will guide LeBron doing fine, the team says. Ben Simmons tallied 22 Tolliver led the Pistons with 20 remaining. Cleveland. James’ team on February 18 at The incident happened in points on 10-for-14 shooting. points apiece. Booker, making his second Bryn Forbes poured in a sea- Staples Center. the first quarter when Joerger Dario Saric added 16 points Andre Drummond posted 17 consecutive start at point guard, son-high 23 points, including The Raptors’ win on Sun- rose quickly from his seat to in 21 minutes. points, 11 rebounds and four finished with 31 points and 10 five in the stretch that ultimately day guaranteed them at least shout directions at his players The Thunder beat the 76ers assists, while Reggie Bullock and assists. pushed his team to the lead, as the second-best record in the in a 113-98 loss to the San Anto- for the 18th time in a row, Stanley Johnson each scored 14 Warren added 24 points. San Antonio defeated Sacra- Eastern Conference through nio Spurs. including the 10th straight time points. Fred VanVleet led seven mento at the AT&T Center in San February 4. Brad Stevens, who “He’s OK. on their home court. James Harden flirted with a players in double figures with a Antonio. heads the East-leading Boston He’s alright,” said assistant Philadelphia’s last win triple-double, and Houston rode career-best 25 points as Toronto The Spurs forged a 14-0 run Celtics, is not eligible for the coach Elston Turner, who over the final 3:43 of the third honor after coaching in last quickly helped Joerger to his quarter and the first two min- year’s All-Star Game. feet, per ESPN.”Sometimes utes of the fourth to break open Casey will be coaching when you stand up real fast a nip-and-tuck game and roll to against two of his own players, from a sitting position, you get the win. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle a little bit light-headed. Forbes hit a pair of jumpers Lowry, after both were picked And that’s what in that surge. by Western Conference captain happened.” Six players scored in double Stephen Curry in this week’s “I just had to grab him and figures for the Spurs, who also draft. pick him up,” Turner said.”If got 15 points from LaMarcus Houston Rockets head you black out, you can really Aldridge and Manu Ginobili, 14 coach Mike D’Antoni had hurt yourself. from Pau Gasol and Dejounte already been named to coach So I was just trying to keep Murray, and 11 points from Patty Team Stephen. him from hitting the ground.” Mills. The 60-year-old Casey has He left the court and was Gasol added 11 rebounds and gone 347-299 in nine seasons taken to the visitor’s locker Murray took 10 boards as San as an NBA head coach, includ- room to meet with their medi- Antonio beat the Kings for the ing 294-230 in seven cal staff. 13th straight time and the 10th campaigns with the Raptors. Joerger didn’t return as a consecutive game played in the --The picking teams format precaution. Alamo City. won’t be the only big change at The team hasn’t said Blake Griffin scored 27 this year’s NBA All-Star Game. whether he’ll be on the bench points and Los Angeles over- The league will try to boost for the team’s next game, Tues- came a 21-point deficit to defeat competitiveness in the game by day in New Orleans. New Orleans at the Smoothie increasing the bonus for play- --Oklahoma City Thunder King Center. ers on the winning team to guard Andre Roberson suffered Lou Williams added 22 $100,000 apiece, according to a ruptured left patellar tendon points, Tyrone Wallace scored ESPN’s Chris Haynes. during the third quarter of Sat- 19, DeAndre Jordan had 12 points While players on the losing urday night’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gets defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ish and 19 rebounds and Milos Teo- team will still receive $25K Detroit Pistons, the team Smith during the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. dosic scored 12. each, the winners are getting announced Sunday.

Eagles arrive in Minneapolis Rakell powers Pacific past for Super Bowl Atlantic in All-Star Game REUTERS AFP Vasilevskiy. Team Pacific added to MINNEAPOLIS: The Philadelphia Eagles landed their lead halfway through the first in Minneapolis on Sunday amid frigid tempera- TAMPA: Sweden’s Rickard Rakell by taking advantage of a giveaway tures a week ahead of their Super Bowl clash with finished with two goals and an assist by Atlantic forward Jack Eichel at his the New England Patriots. as Team Pacific pocketed the $1 own blueline. Decked out in suits, ties, gloves and head- million bonus with a 5-2 win over Boeser, who turns 21 next month, phones, the players carried their luggage down Team Atlantic in the 2018 NHL All- picked up a Gaudreau rebound and the jetway around noon local time as they begin Star Game on Sunday. scored into an empty net to make it their quest to bring home the franchise’s first Rakell scored the opening goal 2-0. Vince Lombardi Trophy. and the final one in the champion- Atlantic forward Eichel, who was The Eagles are up against a Patriots team ship game for Team Pacific, capping held pointless, committed a team- looking to win back-to-back championships a four-team three-on-three tourna- high two giveaways as he and his and secure a record-tying sixth Super Bowl ment made up of players from each linemate Auston Mathews both fin- victory in the 52nd edition of the NFL’s title NHL division. ished a minus-three. game. The 11 all-stars from the Pacific After Green scored his first of The Pittsburgh Steelers (six) are the only team Division will divide the $1 million two, Doughty restored the two-goal with more NFL championships than the Patriots, prize money between them. lead for the Pacific to make it 3-1. who will be making their 10th Super Bowl appear- “It’s not the only cash, it gets Gaudreau and Rakell scored the ance and their third in four seasons. competitive. second-period goals for the Pacific. New England enjoyed the upper hand when It’s the three-on-three format Rickard Rakell (67) of the Anaheim Ducks takes a shot on net against Pekka “The only thing that probably the two teams last met in the Super Bowl in 2005, and we were pretty excited,” Johnny Rinne of the Nashville Predators in the first half during the 2018 Honda didn’t fall our way was the Atlantic beat Philadelphia 24-21. Gaudreau said. NHL All-Star Game between the Central Division and the Pacific Divison didn’t win,” said Tampa Bay Light- The Eagles also lost the championship game Vancouver Canucks rookie for- at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, yesterday. ning coach Jon Cooper, who coached in 1981. ward Brock Boeser picked up the the Atlantic.”But other than that, it The Patriots are scheduled to arrive on Mon- lion’s share of awards, collecting was an unbelievable event.” day after getting a send-off by fans at their home $90,000 and new car as Most Valu- shooting the puck, they’re trying to Crosby-led Metropolitan Division. Mike Smith and Marc-Andre field in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they able Player. make pretty sauce passes,” Los Ange- The Pacific defeated Team Cen- Fleury combined to stop nine of 11 defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in the He is the second rookie in NHL les Kings defenceman Doughty said. tral 5-2 in the other semi-final. shots they faced in the contest. AFC title game a week ago. history to win the award, along with “But we were playing in the final The mini-tournament games Each of them played 10 The Eagles crushed the Minnesota Vikings Mario Lemieux in 1985. for a big chunk of money so we were lasted just two periods instead of the minutes. 38-7 in the NFC decider to advance. Boeser, Gaudreau and Drew like, ‘We might as well give ‘er.’ We standard three periods during the The game was competitive until Players and coaches from both teams will Doughty each tallied a goal and an did give ‘er.” regular season. the final minute. take part in media night at the arena of the assist for the Pacific, who outshot the Detroit Red Wings defenceman Rakell, 24, opened the scoring With the outcome decided, Smith NHL’s Minnesota Wild on Monday and hold Atlantic 19-11. Mike Green scored both goals for the just 59 seconds in for the Pacific as attempted to become the first goal- news conferences on Tuesday through “In the first game, you kind of Atlantic, who advanced to the final he picked up a Anze Kopitar rebound tender to score a goal in an all-star Thursday. mess around a little bit, guys aren’t with a 7-4 win over the Sidney and beat Atlantic goaltender Andrei game. TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2018 32

I’d love to come back. SPORT I know I forgot to say 8.00PM 3.00PM Roger Federer that after the match. The Swiss tennis star FOOTBALL TENNIS But I hope I come back makes a pledge following Live on Al Gharafa vs ST Petersburg Ladies again next year. his 6th Australian Open Pakhtakor Trophy title win. TUBE Live on beIN1 Live on beIN 9 HD

Chung hoping Evergreen Federer planning Melbourne run sparks Korean Melbourne return in 2019 tennis boom

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MELBOURNE: Australian Open cham- SEOUL: Chung Hyeon hopes pion Roger Federer is set to continue his surprise run to the defying Father Time after announcing he Australian Open semi-finals will return to defend his title next year, will give South Korean tennis the Swiss said yesterday. a shot in the arm. The 36-year-old notched up his 20th Chung, who beat six-time grand slam title and sixth at Melbourne champion Novak Djokovic in Park on Sunday with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 the fourth round at Mel- 6-1 victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic, but bourne Park last week, was initially forgot to say whether or not he forced to retire from his last planned to defend the title. four clash with eventual “Yeah, I’d love to come back. I know champion Roger Federer due I forgot to say that after the match,” a to blistered feet on Friday. bleary-eyed Federer told reporters on The player was welcomed Monday. “But I hope I come back again home by hundreds of fans at next year.” Incheon International Airport Federer equalled the record of six on Sunday evening. Australian Open men’s titles, held by “I didn’t expect this many Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, and people to be here,” he said of emulated Ken Rosewall’s feat of claiming his reception. “I must have three grand slam titles after the age of 35. done something big.” His longevity has in part been put Switzerland’s Roger Chung rose from 58th in down to the careful management of his Federer taking the world to 29th when the playing schedule. a selfie with the latest rankings were released Despite being fully fit, he skipped the Australian Open on Monday, the highest posi- entire claycourt season last year to con- trophy during a tion ever achieved by a centrate on Wimbledon, a decision that visit to Government Korean player. paid off with his eighth title on the south- House in Melbourne, The Korean Tennis Asso- west London grass courts. Australia, yesterday. ciation is planning to pour He reiterated on Monday that he more resources into the game would continue to manage his schedule to capitalise on Chung’s tightly and despite being within sight of the tournament, I’ll know how I feel... did decision about his schedule after spending straightforward, just disbelief that I won exploits, while sales of tennis the world’s top ranking, a decision on I come out injured or not? some time with family at home in Swit- and there I was waking up with the equipment surged last week. whether or not his next tournament would “So now we know what the situation zerland, where he hoped the fact he had trophy. “Tennis isn’t a popular be in Dubai in late February had yet to be is. won the Australian Open title again would “But, I don’t know, this year feels more sport here right now but I made. “I also have to decide on the claycourt finally sink in. surreal. I can’t believe that I was able to want it to become popular,” “We were in talks with them (Dubai season so all these things are kind of “This year seems more surreal, I can’t defend my title, that after all these years Chung said. organisers) but when the (Australian interlinked. believe I was able to defend my title after I could do it again. Chung added that he Open) tournament started, I just said ‘look, “But it’s possible I’ll play something, all these years, that I could do it again,” “It’s super special, one of the great would visit a hospital today if it’s okay, I’d like to decide after the tour- but it’s also possible that maybe I just don’t he said. “To reach number 20, number moments in my career, and maybe this for treatment on his blisters nament’,” he said. play anything (for a while).” six here, it’s just a lot trying to take it in. one is going to take longer to sink in.” before deciding on his “That’s an ideal scenario for me. After Federer said he would make the “Last year was a lot more upcoming schedule. RF thrilled Federer has ‘no idea’ as fairytale how long he will go on continues AFP While his Switzerland’s Roger Federer holds long-time rivals the Australia Open trophy as he poses REUTERS MELBOURNE: Age-defying Roger Federer Nadal, Djokovic, for pictures following his win in the says after winning his third Grand Slam title Stan Wawrinka Australian Open in Melbourne on MELBOURNE: Roger Federer savoured the latest chapter of a in a year he has no idea how long he will and Andy Murray Sunday. Federer defeated Croatia’s late-career fairytale that delivered a sixth Australian Open crown continue playing. have injury con- Marin Cilic in their men’s singles on Sunday and a very “special” 20th Grand Slam title. The 36-year-old Swiss marvel continues cerns heading final on Sunday. Federer, a nervous defending champion, survived a second to defy the years and attrition rate, reaching into the new set ‘freeze’ and a late rally by sixth seed Marin Cilic before win- his 30th Grand Slam decider and claiming season, not only ning 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 under the closed roof of Rod Laver his sixth Australian crown and 20th Grand did Federer blaze Arena. Slam title. on into the final After a five-year drought, a rejuvenated Federer has bagged The world No.2 won back-to-back Aus- but he finished three Grand Slam titles in the past 12 months, emulating Austral- tralian Opens by beating Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7 stronger than ia’s Ken Rosewall who claimed the same number after his 35th (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Sunday, dropping his Cilic, who is seven birthday. only sets of a stress-free tournament. years younger, in Since his maiden major title at Wimbledon in 2003, several Federer, who downed great rival Rafael the fifth set. generations of young pretenders have come and gone, yet Fed- Nadal in a classic five-set Australian final Federer was erer has outlasted them all. He has now shared the last five Grand last year, eased through this year’s event with the oldest man at Slam titles with 31-year-old Spanish great and long-time rival five of his seven matches finishing on or 36 to reach the Rafael Nadal, a state of affairs, the Swiss said, he could scarcely under two hours and he spent just a total of Australian Open believe. But with his other ‘Big Four’ rivals -- Nadal, Novak Djok- 13hr 53min on court. final since Aus- ovic and Andy Murray -- struggling with injuries and the ‘NextGen’ Asked after his Melbourne triumph how tralians Ken talents yet to make a breakthrough, the tally could well rise if he much longer he can continue at the summit Rosewall (37) and manages his body and schedule correctly. of men’s tennis, he replied: “No idea. Honest, Mal Anderson (36) “I need to be very careful in my planning, really decide before- I don’t know. I have no idea. played in the 1972 hand what are my goals, what are my priorities. I think that’s what’s “I’ve won three Slams now in 12 months. decider. going to dictate how successful I will be,” said Federer, whose I can’t believe it myself. I just got to keep a He explained decision to skip the entire claycourt season last year despite being good schedule, stay hungry, then maybe his circumstances fit paid off when he claimed a record eighth Wimbledon title last good things can happen.” which allowed July. Federer said his age didn’t come into it him to play on. Although speeding to victory in the deciding set, Federer came when questions were raised about his con- “I think by not into the match a bundle of nerves, having been denied a proper tinuing longevity. overplaying, not semi-final against South Korea’s Chung Hyeon, who retired hurt “I don’t think age is an issue, it’s just a playing every in the second set. number,” he said. tournament pos- “I didn’t fall asleep very well after the Chung match,” said Fed- “But I need to be very careful in my plan- sible. I enjoy erer. “I think it surprised me that at this stage of a competition in ning, really decide beforehand what are my practice. Not semis, to get a walkover, that was very odd for me. I couldn’t fall goals, what are my priorities. minding the asleep until about three in the morning. “I think that’s what’s going to dictate how travel. Having a “All of the next day I was already thinking about how should successful I will be.” great team around me, they make it pos- Lenny with wife Mirka, a former player he I play Marin, ‘how cool would it be to win 20?’, but no, don’t think But he added: “Exciting times ahead. As sible,” he said. met at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. of it, ‘but how horrible would it be to lose it’. a professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy “At the end it’s seeing that my parents Despite his win Federer will remain “I had it for over 36 hours, to be honest. It was a lot. I’m in that position right now.” are incredibly proud and happy that I’m still world No.2 behind Nadal while Cilic has “Defending my title from last year, sort of the fairytale con- His emotional victory in Sunday put him doing it. They enjoy coming to tournaments. climbed from six to a career-high three. tinues,” he said. “That’s what stands out for me, maybe not equal- alongside Novak Djokovic and Australian That makes me happy and play better.” Cilic overcame Federer on the way to ling Emerson or Novak. They had their own unbelievable careers. Roy Emerson with the most Australian titles Federer is the father of two sets of twins, winning the 2014 US Open final, but it “It’s definitely a very special moment in my life again.” at six. Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and Leo and remains his only win in 10 encounters.