sign in sign up
<<
Home , Dele Alli, Dwight McNeil, Joe Aribo, Steven Alzate

TENNIS | Page 4 NBA | Page 5 Murray’s Leonard scores ambition has 35 points as brought him Clippers beat back from brink rivals Lakers

Friday, November 27, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada I 1, 1441 AH Dele Alli caps GULF TIMES Spurs fi ghtback to sink Brighton SPORT Page 2

HORSE RACING De Vries rides Noor Al Hawa to Group 2 feature victory Mikhalides’ ward wins His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy; Smart saddles two winners

By Sports Reporter Doha

n a spectacular fi nish, Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa won his second straight feature this month Iwhen the Georges Mikhalides ward won His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Tha- ni Trophy (QA Group 2) at the Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Adrie de Vries kept the Al Safl iya Cup (Listed) winner in the mix in the 2000m race, as Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Pazeer and Mohamed Riyaz-school Ex- tremis set the pace up front in the race for three-year-old and older Thoroughbreds. As the action moved to the fi - nal straight, the pace quickened and Noor Al Hawa took the ad- vantage with Jassim Mohamed Ghazali-saddled The Blue Eye joining the party under Harry Bentley, even as Pazeer weakened under Eduardo Pedroza. As Noor Al Hawa took a size- able advantage, the race was brought alive with a fantastic Al Shahania Stud director Abdul Rahman al-Mansour (second from right) presents the trophy to the winning connections in the presence of Trainer Georges Mikhalides (centre) congratulates jockey Adrie de turn of foot by last year’s Qatar Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (right) after Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa won the His Highness Sheikh Vries after he rode Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa to His Highness Derby topper Full Moon, once Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy (QA Group 2) at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy (QA Group 2) victory. again helmed by Ryan Curatolo for trainer Deborah Mountain in lifa al-Thani’s colt to a thrilling hamed Ghazali had a winner in lid al-Mosallam, for the jockey’s 1:30.75. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Bachelot), 4. Zarandi (Carlos Race 7: 1. Shaman Bu Thaila (Anas the colours of Hassan Ali al-Ab- short head-victory over seven a Thoroughbred Handicap event fourth victory this season. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Henrique). Won by: Hd, 1 ¼, ¾. al-Seyabi), 2. Moaddie (Theo dulmalik. furlongs. with Sheail bin Khalifa al-Ku- Earlier in the day, Al Jeryan Race 2: 1. Chamekh (Ronan Tho- Time: 1:35.16. Owner: Sheail bin Bachelot), 3. Latamah (Ronan The colt had stayed at the back Later in the evening the famous wari’s Sam Langford registering Stud’s AJS Hamayem and Umm mas), 2. Diyala (Theo Bachelot), 3. Khalifa al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Thomas), 4. Sarat Abha (Tomas of the pack and went wide com- Al Shahania Stud colours entered his fi rst victory in Qatar yes- Qarn’s Chamekh registered their Nisal (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 4. Mohamed Ghazali. Lukasek). Won by: 1 ½, Hd, Hd. ing off the fi nal bend but then the winner’s circle once again terday. In the miler, a distance fi rst career wins respectively un- Razad (Soufiane Saadi). Won by: Race 5: 1. Hakeem (Saleh Salem Time: 1:23.45. Owner: Ibrahim al- picked up pace coming threat- when Lukasek helmed Aaley Al the gelding has won in the UK, der Ivan Rossi and Ronan Tho- Nk, Shd, No. Time: 2:14.35. Owner: al-Marri), 2. Holy Roman Prince Malki. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. eningly close to the lead before Magam to a scintillating victory Harry Bentley helmed the three- mas respectively. Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 3. War Race 8: 1. Aaley Al Magam eventually running out of real in the Jaafer Cup for Smart. year-old and they beat Eduardo Thomas was also astride Ma- Mieulle. Order (Ivan Rossi), 4. Qatar (Tomas Lukasek), 2. AJS Moaddie estate. It was also the fi rst time that Pedroza-ridden Hessdalen by a jed Seifeddine saddled-Qatar Race 3: 1. Al Wannah (Tomas Weave (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won (Alexander Reznikov), 3. Mehdi Full Moon edged out The Blue the seven-year-old won in a lit- head for a fi ne win. Dance in the Thoroughbreds race Lukasek), 2. AJS Jamra (Alexan- by: 1, ¾, Nk. Time: 1:36.08. Owner: (Ronan Thomas), 4. She’ris (Edu- Eye for the runner-up spot but tle over a year, having fi nished Qatari jockey Saleh Salem for fi llies and mares when the der Reznikov), 3. Fahim (Ronan Rashid Mohamed al-Athba. ardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 ½, ¾, 3 ¼. was beaten by a length-and-a- third in last year’s edition of the al-Marri has already done bet- seven-year-old picked up a fi ne Thomas), 4. Sendeed Al Galayel Trainer: Bader al-Balushi. Time: 2:12.23. Owner: Al Shahania quarter for the win. 2000m race. ter than his previous season’s win by a length-and-a-quarter. (Anas al-Seyabi). Won by: Shd, 5 Race 6: 1. Qatar Dance (Ronan Stud. Trainer: Julian Smart. In a graduation event for lo- Smart’s ward fi nished a tally of three wins, riding Bader ¼, Nk. Time: 1:31.05. Owner: His Thomas), 2. Amenable (Luca Race 9: 1. Noor Al Hawa (Adrie de cal Purebred Arabians, Julian length-and-a-half ahead of al-Balushi-trained Hakeem to a RESULTS Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Maniezzi), 3. Festive (Harry Bent- Vries), 2. Full Moon (Ryan Cura- Smart-trained Al Wannah Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Moaddie, fi ne victory in a Thoroughbred Race 1: 1. AJS Hamayem (Ivan Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian ley), 4. Almahha (Soufiane Saadi). tolo), 3. The Blue Eye (Harry Bent- made it to the winner’s circle who was ridden by Alexander Handicap for horses rated 80 and Rossi), 2. Maiuf (Ronan Thomas), Smart. Won by: 1 ¼, ½, Shd. Time: 1:53.51. ley), 4. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza). for the third time in 2019 when Reznikov for trainer Hadi Nasser below. Al-Marri and his mount 3. AJS Al Uraiq (Al Moatasem al- Race 4: 1. Sam Langford (Harry Owner: Mubarak bin Saeed Won by: 1 1/4, Hd, 1. Time: 2:00.44. Tomas Lukasek rode His High- al-Ramzani. beat Holy Roman Prince, also Balushi), 4. Alsdry (Faleh Bugha- Bentley), 2. Hessdalen (Edu- al-Jafai al-Naimi. Trainer: Majed Owner: Al Wasmiyah Farm. ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- Champion trainer Jassim Mo- ridden by a Qatari rider Ali Kha- naim). Won by: ½, 4, Nk. Time: ardo Pedroza), 3. Jacko (Theo Seifeddine. Trainer: Georges Mikhalides.

QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the winners of Jaafer Cup for local Purebred Arabians after Al Shahania Stud’s Aaley Al Magam won the 2000m race yesterday. Tomas Lukasek rides Aaley Al Magam to Jaafer Cup victory yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 27, 2019 FOOTBALL

EPL Dele Alli caps Tottenham fi ghtback to sink Brighton ‘I’m very happy with second half. I’m not saying players were wrong but we changed bits and that makes a diff erence’

AFP London

ele Alli got Tottenham back on track as the England midfi elder capped a gritty es- capeD act with the late winner in yesterday’s 2-1 victory against Brighton. Jose Mourinho’s side were in danger of a second successive defeat when Adam Webster headed Brighton into a shock lead at the Totten- ham Hotspur Stadium. But equalised af- ter the interval and Alli fi nished off a fl owing Tottenham move in the closing stages to erase the bitter taste of last weekend’s ac- rimonious London derby loss to Chelsea. “I’m very happy with second half. I’m not saying players were wrong but we changed bits and that makes a diff erence,” Mour- inho said. “It’s hard after a defeat to have confi dence and we started poorly, it aff ects the confi dence. Brighton have monsters in the air and it aff ected the self-esteem of our team. “In the second half the play- ers put all the negative aside and were very strong in their per- formance.” Avenging their defeat at Brighton in October, Tottenham, unbeaten in Boxing Day fi xtures since 2003, have won three of their last four league games as they try to climb into the top four. Saluting Alli’s crucial con- Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli (second right) celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates against Brighton & Hove Albion in London yesterday. (Reuters) tribution, Mourinho said: “An- other goal and another incred- Boxing Day and the Tottenham later to the audible frustration ible performance and eff ort. The striker thought he had netted of the Tottenham crowd on a work rate was absolutely incred- again when he fi red home from dank, wet day in north London. Mourinho rages against festive fi xture pile-up ible from Dele. Winks’ pass, but the goal went to Mourinho, standing rain-soaked Tottenham Hotspur coach Jose Mourinho games. Leicester City manager Brendan would not compensate for the extra strain “The little details are more a VAR review and was ruled out on the touchline, revealed before has lashed out at the Premier League’s con- Rodgers described the calendar as “non- during the festive period. important than what people by the narrowest of off side deci- the game that his Christmas was gested fixture list over the Christmas period sense”. “The break is ok but it’s not the main issue, look at. His attitude and fi ghting sions. ruined by the death of his fam- which means his side have to travel to face Brighton coach joined Mour- which is that you play on Dec. 26 and then spirit was so good.” ily’s pet Yorkshire Terrier. Norwich City two days after beating Brighton inho in complaining about the impact of the Dec. 28 and the impact that has on players,” That Chelsea setback was CLINICAL KANE But Kane put a smile back on & Hove Albion 2-1 yesterday. Spurs were games on players but said he understood he added. completely overshadowed by the Brighton made the most of that his manager’s face in the 53rd without suspended forward Son Heung-min that the number of fixtures over the holiday alleged racist abuse of Blues de- let-off to take the lead in the 37th minute when he seized on a de- and will be without the South Korean against period boosted the Premier League’s global fender Antonio Rudiger by Tot- minute. fl ection off after Norwich in addition to and appeal. tenham fans after his role in Son Pascal Gross swung over a the Brazilian’s determined run. who picked up fifth yellow cards “It’s very diff icult in terms of selecting play- Heung-min’s red card. free-kick and Webster rose Drilling a shot that Mat Ryan of the season against Brighton. ers, scientists who know about recovery Amid widespread calls for above and could only push back out, Kane Tottenham visit Southampton on Jan. 1 for a would say it’s not good but it’s the Premier stronger action to stamp out Davinson Sanchez to plant a gobbled up the rebound with a fourth Premier League game in 11 days. League, the schedule and we have to adapt,” racism in football, Tottenham powerful header past Gazzaniga clinical fi nish for his eighth goals “It’s a crime that they are playing again on Potter said. fans appeared to behave better for his third goal of the season. in fi ve Premier League games on the 28th, it’s against every rule of physiology “It’s a tricky one, on one hand the league this time. Mourinho must have been Boxing Day. and biology,” Mourinho told a news confer- gives clubs lots of resources to cope with Since Mourinho’s fi rst game in furious that Tottenham wilted Kane’s 16th club goal this ence after his side overcame Brighton thanks the demands. I understand it’s good for the charge of Tottenham, no Premier against such a simple set-piece season was followed by Mour- to second-half strikes from Harry Kane and league having all these matches over Christ- League team had conceded more and his team’s record of one inho making a signifi cant switch Dele Alli. mas but it’s a diff erent thing in terms of the goals than the 14 his side allowed clean-sheet in his nine matches when he sent on Christian Erik- “It’s against every rule, but that’s how it is and performances of players.” across all competitions heading suggests a defender could be sen for Harry Winks. now we have three players suspended, it’s The Premier League is introducing a winter into this round of matches. high on his January shopping Eriksen made an immediate completely unfair.” break later this season to bring England Those defensive frailties were list. impact in the 72nd minute when The Portuguese was echoing criticism of the into line with Europe’s other major leagues, on display when Steven Alzate Underlining the urgency to ad- he fl oated a delicate pass to Serge schedule made by Liverpool coach Juergen so each team will enjoy a free weekend in lost his marker and forced Paulo dress that problem area, Bright- Aurier who fl icked the ball into Klopp, who said there was no reason why February. Gazzaniga into a sprawling save. on’s Bernardo forced Gazzaniga the path of Alli, who guided a su- teams only had two days to rest between But Potter said one week without games Kane has a knack of scoring on to save from a corner moments perb lofted fi nish over Ryan.

FOCUS Aubameyang goal earns Arteta’s Arsenal draw uters 63rd minute as Reiss Nelson’s Bournemouth shot defl ected into the path of Aubameyang, and he swivelled to rifl e the ball home before a second-half equaliser wild celebration with the travel- from Pierre-Emerick ling fans that earned him a yel- Aubameyang gave low card. Mikel Arteta a point in Both sides created opportuni- hisA fi rst game as Arsenal man- ties in the pouring rain, but nei- ager as his side came back from ther could grab a winner and the a goal down to draw 1-1 with draw left Arsenal in 11th place on Bournemouth in the Premier 24 points, with Bournemouth League yesterday. four points further back in 16th. The two sides came into “We missed a lot of chances the game in poor form, with in the second half, we should get Bournemouth having lost six the three points today but that of their last seven and Arsenal can happen,” Aubameyang said. only winning once since beating “I think the attitude of the boys Bournemouth 1-0 at the Emir- was great but we have to improve ates on Oct. 6. our chances.” Arteta restored Mesut Ozil to Arteta was disappointed not to the starting line-up and the Ger- win the game, but said his play- man forward looked sharp in the ers had performed well. opening exchanges, but despite “In terms of attitude, desire Arteta energetically encouraging and commitment it was better his team from the sidelines, they than I expect. They are not used failed to create many chances. to playing at this rhythm,” said Arsenal’s sloppiness was the 37-year-old Spaniard, who punished when they gave the spent fi ve seasons as a player at ball away cheaply on the left the club. wing and Bournemouth sliced “I am still learning about the through them quickly, midfi eld- players, about the priorities, to er Dan Gosling stabbing home make them more secure when Jack Stacey’s centre from close they jump on to the pitch. My range to give the home side the only aim now is to fi nd solutions, lead. to attack better, defend better,” The Gunners equalised in the Arteta added. Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring a goal against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, December 27, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Qatar Cup to be held Martial double fi res from January 10 Manchester United in Newcastle rout

Home blues for Lampard as Chelsea lose to Southampton By Sports Reporter en the team’s ranks in the second Doha part of Qatar Football League. AFP Ahmed Akaïchi is a Tunisian Manchester professional footballer who he Qatar Stars League played as a striker for Lebanese has released the sched- Premier League club Al Ahed. nthony Martial’s double and ule of 2020 Qatar Cup, Lebanon’s Al Ahed FC defeated a Mason Greenwood rocket where the top four clubs 4.25 SC from the Democrat- fi red Manchester United to a Tin the 2018-19 season QNB Stars ic People’s Republic of Korea 4-1 win against Newcastle that League (Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al (DPRK) 1-0 at the Kuala Lumpur liftedA the mood at Old Traff ord after their Sailiya and Al Rayyan in that or- Football Stadium and claimed recent struggles. der) will compete. the AFC Cup. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side slumped The fi rst semi-fi nal between to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at lowly Al Duhail and Al Sailiya will be TALAL AL-BALOUSHI Watford last weekend to raise fresh ques- played on Friday, 10th January, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT tions about the United manager’s ability and second semi-fi nal featur- Former Al Sadd star Talal al-Ba- to inspire his players. ing Al Sadd against Al Rayyan on loushi yesterday announced his When Matty Longstaff put Newcastle Saturday, 11th January. retirement from football after ahead in the fi rst half yesterday, Solsk- The fi nal is scheduled for Fri- many achievements throughout jaer’s critics were sharpening their knives day, 17th January. All matches his career. At the beginning of again. But Martial rode to Solskjaer’s res- will be played at the Al Sadd Sta- the current season 2019-2020 cue with the equaliser and Greenwood’s dium. The kick-off is at 19:30 al-Baloushi moved to Mesaimeer thunderbolt put United ahead before on all days. In the event of a tie after he played for Al Markhiya rounded off a fi rst half between the teams at the end of last season. blitz. regular time, there will be no ex- Talal spent most of his illus- Martial netted again after the interval tra time and penalty shoot-out trious career at Al Sadd where as United ended a two-match winless will be straightaway enforced. he won the 2011 AFC Champi- run in the Premier League and moved ons League title and the bronze into seventh place, just four points be- AL SHAHANIYA SIGN medal at the FIFA Club World hind fourth placed Chelsea in the race to TUNISIAN STRIKER AKAICHI Cup held in Japan the same year. qualify for the Champions League. Al Shahaniya Club has an- This is an addition to the mul- United’s failure to match the levels nounced yesterday that it has tiple domestic titles in his tally. they showed in their recent win at cham- signed Lebanon’s Al Ahed striker He has won Qatari league, HH pions Manchester City during lacklustre and AFC Cup 2019 winner Tuni- the Amir Cup and Heir Appar- eff orts against Watford and Everton had sian Ahmed Akaichi to strength- ent Cup. put Solskjaer’s future in the spotlight again. The Norwegian insisted he retains the support of United owners the Glazer family, but he could hardly aff ord another setback against mid-table opponents like Newcastle. Scott McTominay tried too hard to set Celtic maintain the tone for United when he crunched Manchester United’s striker Mason Greenwood (centre) celebrates with teammates Anthony Martial (left) and Marcus Rashford into a studs-high tackle on Sean Long- after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League match against Newcastle United yesterday. (AFP) staff that earned him the fastest Premier fi ve-point lead League booking of the season after just The 19-year-old midfi elder was mak- tory away to his mentor Jose Mourinho’s some 17 minutes from time. Southamp- 40 seconds. That was part of a splutter- ing just his third appearance since that Tottenham Hotspur that banished tem- ton’s second straight away win saw them AFP and Olivier Ntcham to prevent ing start from United and Dwight Gayle dream debut at St James’ Park and this porarily the bad memories of the home climb to 14th place, three points clear of Glasgow the visitors bolstering their goal should have put Newcastle ahead from was his fi rst goal since. defeat by injury-ravaged Bournemouth. the relegation zone. Sheffi eld United are diff erence. And the Buddies even Joelinton’s pass, but the striker blazed Earlier in the day Southampton bol- But this Boxing Day clash saw another behind Tottenham only on goal diff er- made Neil Lennon’s men sweat high into the Stretford End. stered their hopes of top-fl ight survival south coast side in Southampton enjoy ence as they missed the chance to close eltic extended their win- in stoppage time after Cameron It was a warning that Solskjaer’s men with a 2-0 victory at Chelsea as the Blues success at Stamford Bridge. to within a point of Chelsea in a 1-1 draw ning run in the Scottish MacPherson’s free-kick pulled failed to heed as Newcastle took the lead lost consecutive home games in the Pre- Michael Obafemi put the Saints ahead with bottom-of-the-table Watford. Premiership to 11 games a goal back a minute from time. in the 17th minute. Matty Longstaff had mier League for the fi rst time since 2011. in the 31st minute with the second Pre- Aston Villa won the battle of two of the with a 2-1 victory at St “We were a bit slow get- scored the winner against United on his ’s young side kicked off mier League goal of his career and Nath- bottom three as Conor Hourihane’s fi ne MirrenC on Boxing Day to main- ting our shots off at times but I Premier League debut in October. on the back of a tactically inspired vic- an Redmond made it 2-0 to the visitors strike was enough to beat Norwich 1-0. tain a fi ve-point lead over Rang- thought we looked dangerous all ers at the top of the table. day,” said Lennon. “I would like ’s men have a us to put a more fl attering score- game in hand over the Scottish line on the board, but in terms of Ancelotti gets winning start as Everton beat Burnley champions and kept up their ti- the performance, it was good.” tle challenge with a 1-0 win over Rangers needed talisman Al- Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a winning start Calvert-Lewin met with a superb angled winner with AC Milan and Real Madrid attack. In the end, the performance was Kilmarnock ahead of Sunday’s fredo Morelos to come off the as Everton manager with an 80th-minute diving header which flew in off the inside was appointed by Everton on Saturday to good. Not the top, but enough,” he said. clash between the two Glasgow bench to end Kilmarnock’s re- Dominic Calvert-Lewin header earning a of the far post. Sidibe had gone closest to replace the sacked Marco Silva. Burnley boss was left to giants at Celtic Park. sistance at Ibrox. Morelos had 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley at breaking the deadlock with a low drive in “Today, for me, was really special. The reflect on 20-year-old winger McNeil’s Celtic were more comfort- to settle for a place among the Goodison Park yesterday. the 32nd minute which Burnley keeper reception was fantastic here at Goodison sloppy error. “We never really looked in able winners in Paisley than the substitutes on his return from Burnley had been typically resilient in did well to keep out with his Park. The atmosphere of the Premier too much trouble and then we wanted scoreline suggests as fi rst half suspension as defence, while posing few questions of leg. Burnley’s best opening came three League does not change. It was a special to progress in the second half. It was a goals from Callum McGregor kept his place after scoring in Everton, and it took a high-quality finish minutes later when an Ashley Westwood day, absolutely,” said Ancelotti, who giveaway in the second half and they and James Forrest put them in Friday’s 3-0 win at Hibernian. to separate the sides. free kick found Chris Wood at the back was sacked by Serie A club Napoli this nicked it,” he said. “It was a poor mistake, command. However, the Colombian made After Burnley winger Dwight McNeil was post but the New Zealander headed over month. “We deserved to win. We were Dwight was trying to play inside football St Mirren goalkeeper Vaclav a big impact just seven minutes robbed by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Djibril Sidibe the bar from a promising position. a little bit slow from the back in the first and it was not on. He is a fantastic foot- Hladky made a string of second after coming on as he rounded whipped in a cross from the right which Italian Ancelotti, a Champions League half – not so eff icient on the counter baller and he will learn”. half saves from Forrest, Jeremie off a fi ne team move also involv- Frimpong, Odsonne Edouard ing and Joe Aribo.

FOCUS Ayew magic seals win for Palace over West Ham Reuters bemused West Ham players be- break on a damp afternoon and London fore calmly dinking a fi nish over Ayew had another chance when keeper Roberto, recalled after he burst clear on the right but being dropped a month ago. could not beat Roberto from a ordan Ayew’s magnifi - Had or Cristiano tight angle. cent late solo goal earned Ronaldo scored the goal it would West Ham’s opener came out Crystal Palace a 2-1 have been replayed endlessly, of the blue. come-from-behind home but Ayew was modest about an Michail Antonio’s clever pass winJ against West Ham United in eff ort he described as “one of his released Snodgrass and he took a lively festive derby at Selhurst best”. a touch before curling past Vice- Park yesterday. “When I had the ball I wanted nte Guaita. It looked as though honours to try and shoot with my left It sparked Palace into a greater would end even but Ayew pro- foot, I pushed it too far and tried eff ort and Ayew was again in- duced an incredible moment of to do everything on instinct,” he volved as they got level, nodding skill to complete the turnaround told Amazon. “This victory is for down James McCarthy’s cross after West Ham had taken the the supporters.” into the path of Kouyate who lead. Manager Hodgson was happy volleyed past Roberto. Injury-hit Palace had failed to big up his striker in a team Either side could have taken to win any of their three games performance he said went be- the win with Snodgrass denied leading up to the busy Christ- yond the call of duty. by a brilliant last-ditch tackle mas programme, and when they “It was a fantastic eff ort. The by substitute Jaïro Riedewald fell behind in the 57th minute to second goal was one of those before Ayew’s late Christmas Robert Snodgrass’s clinical fi n- wonderful individual eff orts that present for the home fans. ish it appeared their poor run will live long in the memory, get While Palace moved into would continue. lots of airings on TV,” he said. the top half, West Ham remain But ’s side pro- West Ham had enjoyed a 12- hovering just above the bot- duced a spirited response and day break since their last game tom three after a ninth defeat of former West Ham midfi elder was postponed because of Liver- the season and the pressure re- Cheikhou Kouyate levelled. pool’s World Club Cup commit- mains on manager Manuel Pel- That set up a frantic fi nale ments. legrini. with Snodgrass going close be- Yet they were sluggish in a dull “It was a tight game, unfortu- fore Ayew’s stunning winner. fi rst half in which Ayew wasted nately for us we didn’t keep that Cutting in from the right, he the best chance when he scuff ed score because we dropped inside produced a high-speed pirou- wide from close range. our box and allowed them to ette, then jinked between two Things livened up after the have possession,” he said. Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew celebrates scoring their second goal against West Ham United yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Friday, December 27, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT SAILING Supermaxis vie for early lead in Murray’s ambition Sydney-Hobart has brought him yacht race back from brink Having been close to retiring after the Australian Open, the Scot had hip surgery and will return to Melbourne

Andy Murray breaks down while announcing his retirement at the US supermaxi yacht Comanche sails out of Sydney harbour at the Australian Open start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race yesterday. earlier this year. Reuters Hobart, the 75th race began Sydney under clear blue summer skies. Light bushfi re smoke is forecast over the ocean in the ace favourite Coman- coming days, but Cruising che snatched the lead Yacht Club of Australia Com- after a slow start in modore Phil Billingham said the gruelling Sydney- the impact was expected to HobartR yesterday, as more be “minimal” as many of the than 150 yachts sailed into boats will be up to 40 miles open ocean for the annual race off shore. down Australia’s east coast. The front-runners are likely Supermaxi Infotrack ear- to enjoy relatively calm pas- lier led the boats out of Syd- sage across the Bass Strait but ney Heads just hours after the back end of the fl eet will skipper Christian Beck played face tougher conditions amid down his yacht’s chances, say- increasing winds and thun- ing victory appeared unlikely derstorms expected early next unless “someone (else) has a week. problem”. Mark Bradford, skipper of But 100-footer Comanche, 2018 runner-up Black Jack, Kevin Mitchell fael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka and “And then the video. I can’t which begins on 3 January and vested in it as I was, and putting which holds the race record, was among those predicting a The Guardian many others. really remember what exactly is a high-grade warm-up for just as much work and eff ort into soon left behind four other su- slow race, tipping a line hon- “How much will you miss all was in it. I think Mark Petchey the Australian Open, starting it as I was. They were obviously permaxis including the crew of ours-winning time of around that?” Petchey asked him. Mur- … he did the interview with on 20 January, there will be no sad for me as well.” Wild Oats XI, who were fi ght- one day and 20 hours — about ndy Murray struggles ray kept the door ajar. “That’s me and it was a tough, tricky thoughts of the fi nishing line. Yet Murray remains a ragbag ing hard to defend their 2018 11 hours outside Comanche’s to recall the moment in something that I’m sure when moment for him as well. That Every match now is to be em- of ambiguities and concedes title. 2017 race record. January in Melbourne we fi nish, when we fi nish play- match for me … I said as well to braced and enjoyed. If he wins, he has not always been honest Wild Oats XI tactician Iain “We’ll be a candidate for when he admitted he ing, we’ll remain friends.” This my team and my family after- fi ne. If he doesn’t, there will be about his fi tness (although he is Murray declared the recently sure. We’ve put a huge eff ort mightA be about to play his last was a farewell, unrequested but wards: ‘If that is the end, that another one next week. Ten- hardly alone there). repaired boat “100 % ready to in this year so hopefully we’ll tournament. As he gripped his excruciatingly public. The tour- is fi ne.’ nis Australia, which tried to be “It was really hard because, up go” after it sustained mast and reap the rewards,” he said. aching hip, his response to the nament had all but retired him. “It would have been an amaz- kind a year ago, will extend him until that point, when I had been deck damage last month. Billingham said the vari- inevitable question dripped with Murray had no say in it. He was ing way to fi nish. Brilliant at- a wildcard entry, and we will get asked, my closest family and “Comanche is one extreme, able conditions mean the race resignation. moved, certainly, but confused. mosphere, packed crowd, epic back on the Murray merry-go- friends knew, and my team knew and we are the other extreme,” is wide open for the handicap “Yeah, I think there’s a chance He had momentarily lost con- match, almost came back. And round. I was really struggling. he said ahead of the race start. honours, which goes to the of that,” he said, dabbing at trol of his destiny. it was like: ‘That is fi ne, if I had In an altogether gruesome “But, as a professional athlete, “The skinny little boat likes vessel that performs best ac- tears on his cheek on the eve of He smiles now looking back had to fi nish there, I would have scene in Resurfacing – a docu- when you turn up at tourna- some light breeze going down- cording to size and was last the Australian Open. There- on the experience and says he been OK with it.” mentary more suitable for stu- ments and you get asked by the wind, and the bigger boats like year claimed by the 66-foot after there were long pauses, cannot remember his answer to Except it was not the end. dents of Guys hospital than of media and fellow coaches etcet- to reach. Tasmanian yacht Alive. awkward silences. Few present the Guardian’s question about The desire and ambition that tennis – a surgeon hammers a era how you are doing and how “I’m sure there’s going to “There is a view going could remember a tougher mo- his future that might have in- had driven Murray since he was metal shaft into Murray’s right are your hips doing, I am not go- be a bit of cat and mouse in all around that some of the 60 ment in our dealings with one spired the orchestrated tributes. fi ve still burned inside him. It thigh bone to stabilise the hip ing to say: ‘Oh my hip feels ter- this.” footers could go very well. It of the game’s most complex and “I didn’t think I had said did not die on the court against that has made his life a misery rible. I can’t run to my forehand Thousands of spectators depends when the southerly emotional characters. that,” he says, before head- Bautista Agut. Or even on the for most of his career. It is the and I can’t serve.’ I might have to lined the harbour shore to comes through,” he told na- Murray played one match in ing home to Surrey to pack for operating table. single most dramatic image of play them the next day. watch as the boats jostled to tional broadcaster ABC. Melbourne, losing magnifi cent- his 14th visit to Melbourne, Murray had a second hip sur- the fi lm of his life. This is the “So, you are always putting on secure a favourable position “When they are going down ly to Roberto Bautista Agut in where he has reached the fi nal gery. He did his rehab. He came sacrifi ce he made – just to play a bit of a front and a brave face: for the deepwater classic, aid- the coast of Tasmania, it will fi ve sets. And some of us feared fi ve times, losing four times to back. He won a tournament for tennis. ‘I am doing a little bit better, ed by 15-knot north-easterly slow them down. They are go- this was it, the end of the crazy Djokovic and once to Federer. the fi rst time in two-and-a-half “At times during the whole the hip is doing good.’ But that winds. ing into the wind rather than adventure we had shared for It is Murray’s place of suff ering years, in Antwerp. So here he is period, I didn’t appreciate how wasn’t actually the case. After weeks shrouded in running with it.” more than a decade. and self-examination. on the plane again, still ambi- diffi cult it was for everyone else “And then in Australia was bushfi re smoke haze that Other contenders for the What happened next might “I don’t know what I had tious, showing fl ashes of his around me. I was just thinking: the fi rst time I had opened up forced the cancellation of the overall handicap win include have been written in Holly- said, really,” he says. “I was so brilliant best, but still not en- ‘Well, they don’t have the pain to everyone and said how much Big Boat Challenge, an event 2017 champion Ichi Ban as well wood. As his fi rst professional emotional. I didn’t think I had tirely comfortable. He cancelled in their hip, I am the one dealing I had been struggling and how that foreshadows the Sydney- as TP52 Celestial, he said. Tour coach, Mark Petchey, got said I’m retiring. I think I said his customary Miami training with this, you don’t know what I was feeling. That was a really them both through a faltering I would like to get to Wimble- block to spend Christmas with it is like.’ important moment for me be- TV courtside interview, trib- don to stop. And, at the time, his young family, and will wave “But you see it in the fi lm and, cause the support from the ten- utes went up on the big screens that was my plan. I didn’t want them goodbye on Friday. when I look back and refl ect on nis community was amazing and around the court from Roger to play any longer than that be- When Murray arrives in Syd- it, there were lots of periods helped a lot in that period. And I Federer, Novak Djokovic, Ra- cause I couldn’t do it any more. ney to prepare for the ATP Cup, where my team were just as in- needed it.” Inter-Club sailing begins today FOOTBALL oha Marine Sports Sunday, 29th December: Club will host the 2019 – Fleet Racing China slaps spending curbs on clubs amid cash crunch Inter-Club Team 09:30 Team Leaders Racing and In- Meeting ($1.4mn) has been placed on Chinese pursue star signings. Clubs will also be from the country’s private sector since Xi D Reuters dividual Optimist Sailing 11:00 Racing Hong Kong players’ salaries. permitted to sign a fi fth player from over- Jinping, a football fan who has declared Championship from today Monday, 30th December: Clubs will also not be permitted to seas, up from the current quota of four, his desire to improve the nation’s stand- to January 1, 2020. 2019 – Fleet Racing spend more than 1.1bn yuan on their op- but will only be allowed to fi eld four for- ing within the game, became president in 09:30 Team Leaders hinese football authorities have erations throughout the upcoming cam- eigners on the pitch at any one time. 2013. Following is the schedule: Meeting announced major curbs on paign, with salaries not to exceed 60% of Offi cials have routinely sought to curb Wales international was 11:00 Racing spending by clubs ahead of the that amount. excessive spending in the Chinese Super the latest global superstar to be linked Friday, 27th December: Tuesday, 31st December: C2020 season that include a cap “Our clubs had too much money burned League after a major outlay on foreign with a move to China following his falling Off icial arrival day 2019 – Fleet Racing on foreign and domestic players’ salaries and our professional football has not been stars ahead of the 2017 season saw the ar- out with Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- 09:00 – 17:00 Registration 09:30 Team Leaders as they seek to stave off fi nancial ruin. run in a sustainable way,” Chinese Foot- rival of players such as Brazilian star Oscar dane. That transfer to Jiangsu Suning fell (Team & Fleet Racing) Meeting Overseas recruits to the Chinese Super ball Association chairman Chen Xuy- and Carlos Tevez from Argentina on huge through before the closure of the transfer Saturday, 28th December: 11:00 Racing League in the upcoming winter transfer uan said, according to state news agency salaries. window last summer. Team Racing Wednesday, 1st January window will be limited to earning 3mn Xinhua. “If we don’t take timely action, I Later that year, a 100% levy was placed However, the infl ux of foreign talent, 09:30 Team Leaders 2020 – Fleet Racing euro ($3.3mn) after tax, the fi rst time a fear it will collapse.” The new rules were on transfers valued at over 45 mn yuan expected to lift standards at a club level, Meeting, Sailors Briefing and 09:30 Team Leaders salary cap has been implemented in the confi rmed after a meeting of the Chinese involving foreign players while the same has done little to reverse the national draw of teams Meeting Chinese Super League in more than a dec- Football Association on Wednesday and condition was imposed on domestic team’s dismal fortunes, with China failing 11:00 Team Racing Optimist 11:00 Racing ade. do not extend to bonuses that can be paid, moves worth more than 20mn yuan. to qualify for the fi nals of the World Cup Class TBD Closing Ceremony Additionally, a ceiling of 10mn yuan which could give clubs some fl exibility to Money has poured into Chinese football since their debut appearance in 2002. Gulf Times Friday, December 27, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL With defense surging, Chiefs set for Leonard scores 35 Chargers in fi nale

Reuters pecially helpful improving an Los Angeles aggressive secondary. Mean- while, Mahomes overcame ankle, knee and hand injuries. ardon Patrick Maho- After missing two games, he points as Clippers mes if he seems to be has engineered a team as hot a novice at explaining as any except the Baltimore the eff ects of strong Ravens (11 straight wins), who Pdefensive play. are assured the top seed in the The Kansas City quarter- AFC playoff s. The Chiefs, who back has seldom recognised clinched the AFC West title in such support. The defense was a Dec. 8 win at New England, the weak link last season, when sit No. 3 in the conference and beat rivals Lakers the Chiefs reached the AFC will play their starters Sunday. Championship Game largely They must beat the Chargers ‘The whole season I’ve been humble, but I want to be defensive player of the year’ because of Mahomes and his and hope for an improbable off ensive threats. When he Miami upset at New England played for Texas Tech, the to overtake the Patriots for the numbers Mahomes put up — No. 2 seed and a fi rst-round including a record 819 total playoff bye. First up, though, yards and 734 passing yards is Philip Rivers and Los An- in an, ahem, loss — routinely geles. The Chargers were the failed to overcome a shoddy fi rst victim in the Chiefs’ fi ve- defense. However, as the game win streak, but they gen- Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (2nd Chiefs (11-4) ride a fi ve-game erated 438 yards — to just 310 right) moves to the basket against Los win streak entering a home for the Chiefs — in that 24-17 Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (left) during game Sunday against the Los setback at Mexico City. Rivers the first half at Staples Center. PICTURE: Angeles Chargers (5-10), the passed for 353 yards but threw USA TODAY Sports defense has been key. The unit four interceptions. has allowed 9.6 points on aver- Rivers, who will be an un- age and four total touchdowns restricted free agent after during that stretch, including the season, ranks third in the no TDs in the last nine quar- NFL with 4,334 passing yards ters. “We understand that if but has 18 interceptions (tied we can go out there and put up for second-most) against 21 some points,’’ Mahomes said, touchdowns. The Chargers are “then they’re going to hold the winless in the AFC West and lead for us, and we’re going to will miss the playoff s for the fi nd a way to get a win.” eighth time in the last 10 years. Mahomes’ quick-strike ca- “I don’t believe in doing the pability enables Kansas City same thing and getting the to gamble defensively with same results,” said coach An- diff erent blitzes and coverages thony Lynn, who went 9-7 and that fi rst-year co-ordinator 12-4 his fi rst two seasons with has Steve Spagnuolo intro- the Chargers. “There will be duced. some adjustments. We’ll see “You could see the want- how many. But it sucks — fi rst to early (this season),’’ Chiefs losing season as a head coach. head coach Andy Reid said It’s very frustrating for me. I of the defense. “The posi- don’t plan on doing it again.’’ tive thinking and the want to Chargers off ensive tackle do the right things, you saw Russell Okung (groin) missed that right away.’’ Newcomers practice Wednesday after such as safety Tyrann Math- missing last Sunday’s loss to ieu, defensive end Frank Clark the Oakland Raiders. and linebacker Terrell Suggs, Everyone participated in the whom the Chiefs claimed off Chiefs practice Wednesday, waivers just last week, bought including left guard Andrew in immediately and provided Wylie (ankle), who missed last leadership. Mathieu was es- Sunday’s win at Chicago.

quarter, and Patrick Beverley produced a key against the Rockets lineup featuring former AFP RESULTS Los Angeles block of James’s potential game-tying three- MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook. New Orleans 112-100 Denver pointer with 3.6 seconds to play. “I just tried to make a play on a really great ‘HUGE STAGE’ awhi Leonard scored 35 points LA Clippers 111-106 LA Lakers player,” Beverley said after he swatted the ball Draymond Green scored 16 of his 20 points as the Clippers rallied to beat Philadelphia 121-109 Milwaukee and it went out of bounds — somehow off in the second half, and Damion Lee added 22 the Lakers 111-106 in an all- Golden State 116-104 Houston the hands of James. “We gave that one away,” points and a career-high 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles NBA showdown on said Anthony Davis, who scored 24 points for Warriors rallied to win their third straight — KWednesday. Boston 118-102 Toronto the Lakers but lamented the team’s “mental just their seventh victory of the season. The Western Conference heavyweight tetokounmpo said. “We had to have our char- mistakes on both ends of the fl oor” late in the Westbrook had 30 points and 12 rebounds clash was part of the NBA’s fi ve-game Christ- acter tested because the only way you get bet- game. for Houston. Harden, averaging 38.6 points mas extravaganza, which saw the Philadelphia ter is when you face adversity.” Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 25 points per game, had just 24 in the face of the War- 76ers make a statement with a 121-109 victory It was a back-and-forth battle in Los An- while James fi nished with 23 points, nine re- riors’ determined, disciplined defense. “It’s a over the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks. geles, where the Clippers and Lakers battled bounds and 10 assists in his team’s fourth lot of these guys’ fi rst time playing on Christ- Cameroonian big man Joel Embiid scored through 15 lead changes. straight defeat. mas,” Green said. “That’s a huge stage, and to 31 points as the Sixers ran roughshod over the With superstar LeBron James off to a slow Despite the breathless buildup to the “Bat- come out and execute like we did and to actu- league’s top-rated defense. start off ensively, the Lakers still managed to tle of Los Angeles”, Leonard scoff ed at the idea ally get a win like we did against a very good Embiid pulled down 11 rebounds and take control with a 17-2 scoring run to close that city bragging rights mattered. team, it defi nitely feels good.” There was an- played a key role in neutralising Milwaukee’s the fi rst half and take a 63-51 lead at the break. “It was one game out of the season,” he other upset in Denver, where the lowly New reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis The Lakers led by as many as 15 in the third said. “Whoever won this game was not going Orleans Pelicans toppled the Nuggets 112-100. Antetokounmpo, who was held to 18 points quarter before the Clippers battled back to to win the LA Championship or anything. A Brandon Ingram scored 31 points for the on eight-of-23 shooting. knot the score at 86-86 going into the fourth. Christmas win was a welcome boost, how- Pelicans — who are second-from last in the “The whole season I’ve been humble, but Three-pointers from James and Kentavious ever, for the struggling Golden State Warriors, West — and New Orleans snapped the sec- I want to be defensive player of the year, and Caldwell-Pope helped push the Lakers to a who shocked the Houston Rockets 116-104 in ond-placed Nuggets’ seven-game winning I feel like tonight showed it,” Embiid said. 101-94 lead, but the Clippers tied it up again San Francisco. streak. The holiday slate tipped off in Toronto, The 76ers led by as many as 29 points as they and took the lead for good with 3:29 remain- While the Warriors have reached the last where Jaylen Brown scored 30 points to lead handed the Bucks just their fi fth defeat of the ing on their way to a second victory this sea- fi ve NBA Finals, they’ve struggled with inju- the Boston Celtics to a 118-102 win over the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes (right) celebrates his touchdown season. son over the Lakers. ries that have seen stars Klay Thompson and reigning champion Raptors in the fi rst Christ- run with Tyreek Hill in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears on “We had to go through this today,” An- Leonard scored 11 points in the fourth Stephen Curry sidelined and were underdogs mas Day game in Canada. December 22, 2019 in Chicago. PICTURE: Chicago Tribune/TNS

SPOTLIGHT Bengals, Browns end seasons with rivalry matchup Reuters how we talk about what a Bengal is — a Meanwhile, fi rst-year Browns coach Los Angeles physical, hungry, accountable teammate Freddie Kitchens has defl ected questions who’s willing to do his all to get the job about his job status, with speculation done — I saw that so many times,” Taylor swirling near the end of a disappointing ith the top pick in the 2020 said. “We were on the road, and in a game season. NFL Draft dubiously secured, that we could have been out of early — but “I truly worry about today and get the Cincinnati Bengals enter we weren’t. Our guys fought to the very better today,” Kitchens said. “We have their regular-season fi nale end, and those are the things we need to a game on Sunday that we have to start Won Sunday against the visiting Cleveland continue to build off of.” getting ready for usually about 2pm eve- Browns with the usual rivalry matters on The Browns (6-9) were eliminated from ry Monday. That is the only thing I am their mind. playoff contention with their 31-15 loss to concerned about.” “I know the city wants us to beat Cleve- the Baltimore Ravens last week, but they Mayfi eld stressed that the entire roster land, as they should,” Bengals coach Zac have several players vying for individual should be held accountable and bear re- Taylor said. milestones. sponsibility for a season that began with Despite defeating just one other team Running back Nick Chubb boasts a 92- aspirations for a playoff berth but will end on their schedule to date, the Bengals (1- yard lead on the Carolina Panthers’ Chris- short of the postseason. 14) have remained competitive in several tian McCaff rey for the NFL rushing title. “Any time you have a head coach and games down the stretch. He is aiming to become the fi rst Browns you have a losing record, that’s the fi rst After opening December with a 22-6 player to accomplish the feat since Leroy person everyone points to, but it goes home victory against the New York Jets, Kelly in 1968. to many more things than just Freddie,” the Bengals lost 27-19 at Cleveland in Week With one more touchdown pass, quar- Mayfi eld said. “We can all be better in this 14 and absorbed a 38-35 overtime loss at terback Baker Mayfi eld can become the fi rst process. I think that’s what it comes down Miami in Week 16. Cincinnati forced OT Browns signal-caller to throw at least 20 to is there’s not one single thing to blame. against the Dolphins after rallying from TDs in successive seasons since Brian Sipe Just overall, we all have to bring it more and a 23-point defi cit midway through the did so from 1978-80. However, two of May- more every day to meet the expectations fourth quarter. fi eld’s primary targets were listed as limited we set for ourselves.” Taylor beamed about his players’ energy on Wednesday’s injury estimate, as wide re- Bengals wide receiver Stanley Morgan and resolve in mounting the comeback. ceivers Jarvis Landry (hip) and Odell Beck- did not practice Wednesday due to a con- Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb (2nd left) eludes the tackle attempt of Cincinnati Bengals’ Germaine Pratt “A lot of the things that we preach, and ham Jr. (groin) contend with injuries. cussion. (behind) and Nick Vigil (3rd right) for a first down rush in the second half, on December 8, 2019, at FirstEnergy Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 27, 2019 SPORT

NFL Eli will walk off fi eld one last time with all Giants memories ‘It’s still the feeling of winning, in the locker room with your teammates, after a hard-earned game’

By Bob Glauber Newsday

or Eli Manning, it has never been about him. Never about 366 touchdown passes – sev- enthF most in NFL history. Never about the 57,023 yards – also seventh most ever. Never about the numbers that often shape a quarterback’s legacy. For Manning, it has always been about his team. And his teammates. The feeling you get when you win a football game after pour- ing a week’s worth of prepara- tion into the eff ort. The bonds you forge when you help those around you achieve their collec- tive goal. The incredible emo- tional high you enjoy when you can celebrate a win - whether it be in the regular season or in the greatest game of all, the one on the fi nal Sunday of the playoff s. For Manning, it has always been about what he can do to create those special moments that will last a lifetime. “It’s still the feeling of win- ning, in the locker room with your teammates, after a hard- earned game,” Manning said after winning what almost cer- tainly was his fi nal NFL game less than two weeks ago at MetLife Stadium. “To get the W is still the best feeling of all.” He has enjoyed that feeling more than any other quarter- back in Giants’ history, leading his team to 117 regular-season wins and eight more in the play- off s, including two Vince Lom- bardi Trophies. His last one was a 36-20 win over the Dolphins on December 15, a fi tting send- off in front of the fans who have watched him go from struggling New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. rookie to two-time Super Bowl champion MVP. In what will almost surely be ahead. He has 23 touchdown overtime win – Jones’ fi rst When the two returned home, the kind of fl ourish he produced ning puts on a helmet and shoul- Manning walked off the fi eld his fi nal game in a Giants’ uni- passes and 11 interceptions – game without a turnover – he their postgame celebration against the Dolphins, but with a der pads for the Giants, as he and into the locker room with form on Sunday, Manning will highly impressive numbers for a acknowledged the benefi ts of was caught on video at a bar in more subdued, yet undeniably prepares to walk off into a life that special feeling he has lived watch from the sidelines as his rookie player, particularly some- watching Manning prepare as Hoboken, N.J., where the two emotional departure after a fab- after football. He’ll carry with for all these years. heir apparent, Daniel Jones, one who has made a quantum the starter during the rookie’s indulged in a game of “fl ip cup” ulous 16-year career. him reminders of all those wins, One more time. closes out his own rookie sea- leap in competition after a career two-game absence with an ankle with other teammates, including Time for one more round of all those special moments he One last time. son against the Eagles. Fans will at Duke. Manning has been the injury. As the two stood next to Saquon Barkley. “You got to see applause from the home crowd, created. Not for himself, but for He has led more wins than any see No. 10 one last time, while dutiful tutor, serving as a sound- one another in the locker room Eli Manning out there fl ipping a who feted him with an unforget- those around him. other Giants’ quarterback – 117 watching the quarterback they ing board for Jones and teaching afterward, they quietly dis- cup,” Barkley said. “That’s pretty table outpouring of support dur- And that includes the legion of in the regular season and eight can only hope will approach by example what it means to be a cussed some of the X’s and O’s dope if you ask me.” ing and after his fi nal start and Giants fans who have witnessed more in the playoff s – and takes some of Manning’s achieve- professional quarterback. from the game, trading informa- It is nearly over now, with the can now stand and cheer him as the greatest and longest-lasting his rightful place as the greatest ments. After Jones’ fi ve-touchdown tion the way only quarterbacks torch having been passed from he stands on the sidelines help- career of their beloved quarter- quarterback in the nearly centu- Jones has already shown le- performance against the Red- with an intimate knowledge of Manning to Jones. Manning will ing his successor. back. ry-old history of the franchise. gitimate promise for what lies skins in last Sunday’s 41-35 the game plan can. fi nish his Giants career, not with It will be the last time Man- Bravo.

MLB NHL Islanders to open White Sox, Encarnacion reportedly three-game agree to a one-year, $12mn deal road trip today By LaMond Pope The Sox options at DH in 2020 By Andrew Gross but the teams play three times Chicago Tribune could include Encarnacion, Jose Newsday between Jan. 13-21. Yet the Is- Abreu, James McCann, Zack landers, who went into the hol- Collins and Yasmani Grandal. iday break with three straight he White Sox agreed to Abreu had three homers and he Islanders will home losses and on a mini 1-2-1 terms Wednesday on a 19 RBIs in 127 at-bats as a DH resume their season in skid, are more concerned about one-year, $12 million in 2019. McCann hit .156 with good position to earn a regaining their consistency deal with veteran slug- six RBIs in 45 at-bats as a DH, second straight playoff than the path they must take. Tger Edwin Encarnacion, accord- while Collins hit .267 with two berthT but with a challenging “It’s enough talking about ing to reports, adding another homers and 11 RBIs in 45 at- second half to navigate in order it,” captain Anders Lee said. formidable bat to what’s shaping bats as a DH. to qualify. “It’s just going out there and up as an impressive lineup. Encarnacion also played 57 Christmas brought Day 2 of doing it. But we’ve got to go out The deal for Encarnacion, who games at fi rst base in 2019. the NHL’s three-day holiday and execute.” hit 34 home runs in 109 games The three-time All- break and the Islanders will The Islanders are getting con- last season with the Mariners Star (2013-14, ’16) has a open a three-game road trip on sistent production from their and Yankees, reportedly also in- .263/.352/.499 career slash line Friday night against the Black- top two lines and from their de- cludes a 2021 club option for $12 with the 414 homers and 1,242 hawks, possibly facing their fensemen. But one glaring issue million. RBIs in 1,916 games. former goalie and still fan fa- has been the composition and Encarnacion, who turns 37 on He has had success at Guar- vorite Robin Lehner. production from the bottom Jan. 7, has hit at least 32 homers anteed Rate Field, slashing The second-place Islanders two lines. Having right wing Cal in each of the last eight seasons. .283/.387/.475 with seven hom- (23-9-3) lost to the Blue Jack- Clutterbuck (left wrist) out in- He has 414 career homers in 15 ers and 27 RBIs in 32 games. ets, 3-2, on Monday night at defi nitely complicates it further. years with the Reds (2005-09), He’ll join a roster that add- NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. Andrew Ladd, Tom Kuhn- Blue Jays (‘09-16), Indians (‘17- ed two-time All-Star catcher They will also face the Wild, hackl, Michael Dal Colle, Ross 18), Mariners (‘19) and Yankees Grandal on Nov 21 and former who have a league-best 28 Johnston, Matt Martin and Leo (‘19). Rangers outfi elder Nomar Maz- points since November 14, and Komarov are all in the mix for Encarnacion had a ara on Dec. 10. the fi rst-place Capitals, who ice time as bottom-six wings. .244/.344/.531 slash line with 18 The Sox also re-signed Abreu, lead the Metropolitan Division But coach Barry Trotz has doubles, 34 homers and 86 RBIs have another All-Star catcher in by eight points, on the trip. also struggled to settle on a in 2019. He was out from Aug. 3 McCann and a young core fea- In all, 25 of the Islanders’ fi - third-line center with Derick to Sept. 3 because of a right wrist turing batting champion Tim nal 47 games are on the road Brassard often performing fracture. Sixteen of his homers Anderson, third baseman Yoan and that includes two season- better as a top-six right wing. came as a designated hitter. Moncada and left fi elder Eloy long four-game trips, one to Trotz has tried using Josh Bai- That production is much more Jimenez. Top prospects Luis Nashville, Vegas, Arizona and ley, typically a top-six wing, than what the Sox got out of their Robert and Nick Madrigal are Colorado from Feb. 13-19 and in the middle on the third line. designated hitters. The group expected to play a role during the then to Vancouver, Calgary, Ed- He’s also moved Komarov, combined for a .205/.285/.356 season. monton and Pittsburgh March more comfortable on the wing slash line and 17 homers in 2019. The active off season also has 10-15. There are 17 divisional and as a forechecker, to center. Yonder Alonso had the most at- included signing pitchers Dal- games left, including eight of With Clutterbuck out, Trotz bats (146) at DH and had a .164 av- las Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez, 14 through the Islanders’ All- tried elevating fourth-line erage with six homers and 18 RBIs moves that could make the Sox New York Yankees first baseman Edwin Encarnacion breaks his bat while singling to center field in the Star break/bye week at the end center Casey Cizikas but he in 42 games before he was desig- a factor in the American League third inning, scoring Mike Tauchman Monday, July 22, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. of January. The Islanders have didn’t look comfortable as the nated for assignment June 28. Central. (Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS) yet to face the rival Rangers, third-line center, either. Gulf Times Friday, December 27, 2019 7 SPORT

YEARENDER When the world of sport lost some of its brightest stars JESSI COMBS 39 AFP EMILIANO CHESTER Paris, France racing driver considered SALA Athe “fastest woman on four WILLIAMS wheels” was killed in an August rom the tragic death of 27 car accident trying to break Argentine footballer her own record. Combs earned Emiliano Sala to motor her “fastest woman” title in 2013 racing legend Niki Lauda when she hit 398 miles (641 kilo- andF South Africa’s 1995 Rugby metres) per hour. World Cup champion Chester Williams, here’s a look at some of PERNELL WHITAKER 55 the notable sporting fi gures who he former Olympic box- passed away in 2019: Ting gold medallist and four- weight world champion died af- EMILIANO SALA 28 ter a traffi c accident in Virginia he Argentine footballer was on July 14. Whitaker was regarded Tkilled on January 21 when as one of the most gifted fi ghters the plane he was in crashed into of his generation, a skilful tech- the English Channel. He was on nician who enjoyed a successful his way to join Cardiff after they professional career after winning agreed a club record 17 million- gold as a lightweight at the 1984 euro transfer fee with Nantes. Olympics.

NIKI LAUDA 70 ANDRES GIMENO 82 ustria’s three-time Formula he oldest male French Open AOne world champion died on Tchampion in the Open era May 20, eight months after a lung ANTHOINE HUBERT 22 passed away October 9. Gimeno’s transplant. Lauda suff ered severe he French driver was killed biggest achievement was win- burns on his face and hands, and Tin a horrifi c high-speed race ning Roland Garros aged 34 in inhaled toxic fumes which dam- just minutes into the Formula 1972 but he also reached the Aus- aged his lungs when his vehicle Two race at the Belgian Grand tralian Open fi nal in 1969 and burst into fl ames at the Nurbur- Prix on August 31. Hubert, who the semi-fi nals at Wimbledon in gring in 1976. Despite being given was considered a serious talent 1970. the last rites in hospital he made by Renault’s F1 set up, died fol- an almost miraculous recovery to lowing a three-car pile-up also BILLY MCNEILL 79 race again just six weeks later still involving Juan Manuel Correa he former Celtic captain, the bandaged and in intense pain. and Giuliano Alesi. Tskipper of the ‘Lisbon Lions’ side that became the fi rst British JOSE ANTONIO REYES 35 FRANK ROBINSON 83 team to win the European Cup in he former Spain international he pioneering baseball great, 1967, died April 22 after suff ering Twas killed in a car crash on Twho was the fi rst African- from dementia for a number of June 1 on the main road from Se- American to become a manager years. His spent his entire playing he New Zealand running a few years, won gold in the only villa to Utrera. Reyes was part of in the major leagues, passed career with Celtic before going on Tgreat, the most dominant three Olympic events he contest- Arsenal’s unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ away February 7 after suff ering to manage the Glasgow giants. middle-distance runner of his ed — the 800 metres at Rome in who won the 2003-04 Premier from bone cancer. The Hall of era, died December 12. Snell, who 1960 and the 800m and 1500m in League title. He later had spells at Famer won two World Series ti- PETER SNELL 80 had suff ered heart problems for Tokyo four years later. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. tles during a glittering career and remains the only player to win HIDEKICHI MARIEKE VERVOORT 40 MVP awards in both the National MIYAZAKI (centre) elgian Paralympic champion League and American League. BMarieke Vervoort, suff ering from a degenerative muscle dis- MATTI NYKANEN 55 ease, ended her life on October 22 NIKI LAUDA he Finnish ski jumping ace through euthanasia. Vervoort an- Tdied suddenly on February nounced her intentions after the 4. Nykanen dominated the sport 2016 Rio Games after detailing her in the 1980s when he won four struggle with constant pain, pa- Olympic gold medals, six world ralysis in her legs and a condition titles and the World Cup four which left her barely able to sleep. times. He made headlines after his sporting career as a pop sing- BOB WILLIS 70 er and stripper and did repeated he former England paceman, stints in prison for assault. Twho famously bowled his country to a dramatic Test win HIDEKICHI MIYAZAKI 108 against Australia in 1981, died Japanese centenarian who December 4. Willis played in 90 Aset the 100-metre sprint Tests, taking 325 wickets with his world record for the over-105 age aggressive pace bowling and also category died January 23. Miya- captained England for a spell be- zaki, dubbed “Golden Bolt” after fore retiring in 1984 and taking eight-time Olympic gold med- up a career in broadcasting. allist Usain Bolt, clocked 42.22 seconds in his home city of Kyoto CHESTER WILLIAMS 49 in 2015. he left winger in South Africa’s Tside that won the 1995 Rugby KELLY CATLIN 23 World Cup died of a heart attack he American three-time on September 6 after returning Tworld champion cyclist took home from a gym session. Wil- her own life on March 7 after a liams was the only black player in battle with depression. Catlin the triumphant 1995 side and has ebrated 1995 Rugby World Cup for the country just a year after was part of the US team pursuit been credited by many with break- winning squad, died of a heart the end of white-minority apart- squads that captured world titles ing barriers in a team reserved for attack on July 10. Small was heid rule. in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and also whites for many decades. famed for keeping rampant Jonah won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio JAMES SMALL 50 Lomu at bay when the Spring- GORDON BANKS 81 Olympics. he former South African boks won the World Cup fi nal in ngland’s goalkeeper during Twinger, a member of the cel- Johannesburg, a historic moment Etheir triumphant 1966 World ANTHOINE Cup campaign, Banks passed away HUBERT BOB WILLIS on February 12. A legendary save he made from Pele at the 1970 World Cup came to defi ne his ca- reer. “The save was one of the best I have ever seen,” Pele recalled.

MARTIN PETERS 76 he forward was part of the TWest Ham trio of captain Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley, for England’s only World Cup triumph in 1996. Hurst described Peters, who died December 21 following a long battle against Alzheimer’s disease, as “one of the all-time greats”.

TYLER SKAGGS 27 he Los Angeles Angels pitch- Ter was found dead July 1 in his hotel room ahead of a game against the Texas Rangers. A toxicology report showed Skaggs had ingested a lethal mix of alco- hol, fentanyl and oxycodone.

RAYMOND POULIDOR 83 he universally loved Poulidor Tdied November 13 but will forever be remembered as the greatest French rider never to win the Tour de France. From 1964 to 1976 Poulidor fi nished second in the Tour de France on three oc- casions and third fi ve times in an era dominated by Eddy Merckx.

Friday, December 27, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

BOXING DAY TEST SPOTLIGHT Our U-19 team looks very strong Smith eyes century as always: Rohit as Australia seize control against NZ ‘THE WAY THEY BOWLED AND PLACED THEIR FIELD, I HAD TO BE PATIENT’

AFP Melbourne IANS having bagged four titles till Mumbai date, including the last edi- aster batsman Steve Smith tion in 2018, when the Prithvi ground out an unbeaten 77 Shaw-led team got the better yesterday as he zeroed in on ohit Sharma feels the of Australia by eight wickets yet another century, putting World Cup-bound in the fi nal and remained un- AustraliaM in the driving seat after the India U-19 team is beaten in the tournament. opening day of the second Test against “very strong” and the Rohit shared his experiences New Zealand. defendingR champions will play with young trainees at his own In the Black Caps’ fi rst Boxing Day really hard in South Africa to cricket academy here yester- Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground try and retain their crown. day. since 1987, skipper Kane Williamson The 13th edition of the U-19 “There is no harm in play- won the toss and opted to bowl, and it World Cup will be played ing big shots, trying to play a looked to be a good decision with Joe among 16 teams, split into four fl amboyant cover drive. When Burns out fi rst ball and David Warner groups. we were growing up and used just before lunch. Defending champions In- to play shots in the air, we were But fi rst Marnus Labuschagne, the dia are placed in Group A with taken out of the nets, which world’s leading run-scorer for 2019, and fi rst-time qualifi er Japan, was not right because eventu- then Smith smacked half centuries to New Zealand and Sri Lanka. ally you want the results,” said seize back control and leave them on 257 The top two teams from each Rohit. for four, frustrating the disciplined New group will qualify for the Su- “If the guy is giving you re- Zealand bowlers. per League stage. sults by playing the big shots, Along with the fi dgety Smith, Travis “Our team looks very strong there is nothing wrong in that. Head was not out 25, desperate for runs as always. We won the last As a young kid, growing in after a lean spell. Labuschagne made 63 time. I wouldn’t say that we this generation, you want to with Colin de Grandhomme taking 2-48. will win this year as well. I am play shots. You want to look The signs are ominous for New Zea- sure about one thing – they good (while batting) but again land with superstar Smith scoring are going to play really hard. it is very important what they centuries in his past four Tests in Mel- They have got great coaching think of their game and what bourne, and a fi fth looking likely. staff . Of course, it’s a big plat- understanding they have “The way they bowled and placed form and in big platforms, In- about the game,” he added. their fi eld, I had to be patient,” said dia team generally tends to do “What we need to be careful Smith. “It’s not the kind of wicket you well. I hope they bring the Cup of is, if the player is doing mis- could go after them. I think we did pretty back home,” Rohit said on the takes again and again, then he well today. sidelines of an event. needs to be told how he should “The plan will obviously be to score as India are the most success- go about it next time. I mean many as we can (today),” he added. “But ful side in the competition playing shots is not a crime.” after getting sent it, I think you’d take 257 for four at the end of the day. One more good partnership would be nice and sort of set the game up for us.” Record crowd for Australia-NZ Test The visitors need to win to square the Australia’s Steve Smith plays a shot on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand at the MCG in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) three-match series after crashing in the More than 80,000 fans New Zealand are playing their opening day-night clash in Perth by 296 and the way the pitch played in the fi rst homme ball ricocheting off his elbow packed the Melbourne first Boxing Day Test in Aus- runs. It was a bold decision by William- hour or two, it’s annoying not to have and onto the stumps as he attempted Scorecard Cricket Ground yesterday in tralia since 1987 and Cricket son to bowl on a pitch that has tradition- them a couple more down. to leave it. Smith was met with a mix AUSTRALIA 1st innings the largest single-day crowd Australia chief Kevin Roberts ally been docile and favoured the bats- “On the positive, they haven’t got too of boos and cheers as he walked to the for a Test match between the said the huge crowd pointed J. Burns b Boult 0 men. And it appeared to pay dividends far ahead of the game. Hopefully we get a crease and after a poor summer, by his two nations, and one of the to the popularity of the sport in a sizzling opening over from Trent couple (of wickets) early tomorrow.” standards, appeared determined to build D. Warner c Southee b Wagner 41 biggest against any country. in both countries. Boult, back after missing two Tests with a decent score. It was slow going, but he M. Labuschagne b de Grandhomm 63 The Boxing Day Test is the “Thanks so much to the Aus- a rib injury. After three testing balls to brought up his 28th Test half-century off BOOS AND CHEERS S. Smith not out 77 highlight of the cricket tralian and New Zealand fans Warner, his fourth clattered into Burns’ After Burns fell, Labuschagne and 103 balls — his fi rst in four Tests. Along calendar in Australia and who made history at the MCG middle stump, with the opener out for Warner dug in to wrestle back the ini- the way he passed Greg Chappell (7,110 M. Wade c Watling b de Grandhomme 38 routinely attracts throngs today,” he said. a golden duck to huge roars from the tiative before a Neil Wagner delivery saw runs) to become Australia’s 10th highest T. Head not out 25 of spectators, with the 91,112 “The atmosphere was large New Zealand contingent in the Warner caught at slip for 41, with South- run-scorer, with David Boon’s 7,422 his Extras (lb11, b1, w1) 13 who watched England in brilliant from ball one and 80,000-strong crowd. ee taking an outstanding one-handed next target. As in Perth, Matthew Wade Total (four wickets; 90 overs) 257 2013 the record. The 80,473 reflective of the great rivalry Boult was sorely missed by the Black catch. again came under a short-ball barrage Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Burns), 2-61 who attended yesterday was between our two nations on Caps in Perth and along with Tim The in-form Labuschagne looked set from Neil Wagner, with one bouncing off (Warner), 3-144 (Labuschagne), 4-216 second biggest for a non- the field, and the close rela- Southee found early swing and zip with for another big score after plundering his his helmet as their rivalry heated up. (Wade) Ashes fixture on Boxing Day, tionship we have off it.” the ball. fi fth consecutive 50, having converted But he survived to make 38 and pro- behind only the 85,661 who The previous day one record “Obviously we would have liked a few three of his previous four into centuries. vide valuable support for Smith before Bowlers: Boult 20-2-60-1, Southee witnessed Australia play the for an Australia-New Zealand more wickets on our tally,” said Boult. “I But it wasn’t to be and he was out in edging de Grandhomme to wicketkeeper 21-5-63-0, de Grandhomme 21-5-48-2, West Indies in 1975. Test in Melbourne was 51,087. think the overheads (cloudy conditions) bizarre fashion, with a rising de Grand- BJ Watling. Wagner 21-7-40-1, Santner 7-1-34-0.

CENTURION TEST Curran takes four for England as De Kock resists Reuters Pretoria Scorecard SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings am Curran took four wickets for England, while D. Elgar c Buttler b Anderson 0 Quinton de Kock fell fi ve runs short of his century A. Markram c Bairstow b Curran 20 after dragging South Africa out of early trouble to Z. Hamza c Stokes b Broad 39 277 for nine at the close on the opening day of the fiS rst Test against England at Centurion Park yesterday. F. du Plessis c Root b Broad 29 England took a wicket with the opening delivery of the H. van der Dussen c Root b Curran 6 four-Test series and had their hosts teetering on 111-5 after Q. de Kock c Buttler b Curran 95 lunch but De Kock’s belligerent innings brought South Af- rica back into the match. D. Pretorius c Root b Curran 33 James Anderson marked his 150th cap and return to the V. Philander not out 28 England attack with the fi rst-ball wicket of opener Dean El- K. Maharaj c Stokes b Archer 6 gar, setting the tourists up for early domination of an inex- perienced home side seeking to halt a run of fi ve successive K. Rabada b Broad 12 Test defeats. Extras (lb4, nb2, w3) 9 Sam Curran’s skilful bowling earned him fi gures of 4-57 Total (9 wkts, 82.4 overs) 277 and Stuart Broad returned from illness to claim 3-52. Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Elgar), 2-32 (Markram), 3-71 But De Kock wrestled the initiative away from Eng- (Hamza), 4-97 (Van der Dussen), 5-111 (Du Plessis), land with an innings that combined early aggression, as he 6-198 (Pretorius), 7-245 (De Kock), 8-252 (Maharaj), sought to impose himself on the bowlers, with later circum- 9-277 (Rabada) spection. Bowlers: Anderson 20-4-69-1, Broad 17.4-4-52-3 (1nb, “We tried to make sure we kept up our intent, to keep 1w), Curran 19-5-57-4 (2w), Archer 19-4-65-1(1nb), Root ticking over and not get bottled up,” De Kock told reporters. 4-0-26-0, Denly 3-0-4-0. “When England are on top, it’s very tough to score runs against them.” The 37-year-old Anderson’s fi rst ball in Test cricket for He reached his 50 off 45 balls with some ferocious hitting fi ve months, having limped out of the Ashes series with a before digging in to try to tire out the England bowlers on a calf injury, was a warm-up delivery down the leg side that hot day. Elgar tried to fl ick at and edged to Buttler. De Kock fell agonisingly short of a sixth Test century as he It was not the start South Africa, under a new coach- feathered an away swinger from Curran through to wicket- ing regime after an administrative crisis, were looking for keeper Jos Buttler for 95 off 128 balls. against an England side who have battled with a fl u bug in De Kock featured in an 87-run sixth-wicket stand with their camp since arriving almost two weeks ago. 30-year-old debutant Dwaine Pretorius, who made 33, and But Zubayr Hamza, in his third Test, boosted his chanc- 47 runs for the seventh wicket with Vernon Philander who es of securing the regular No. 3 place with 39 before being was 28 not out at the close. caught in the slips by Stokes off Broad. Curran led the way for the England bowlers, who had to “We would have liked to have got them out but if we can do without Ben Stokes, forced off the fi eld by dehydration keep them to under 300, we are confi dent we can go on and England’s Sam Curran celebrates taking the wicket of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock during the first day of the first Test at The although he did return to fi eld for the last hour. bat big,” Curran said. SuperSport Park Stadium at Centurion yesterday. (Reuters)