FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 GGOLFOLF | Page 6 Messi sees red Na birdies as Bilbao stun fi nal hole for Barca to win one-shot win Super Cup at Sony Open

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 TENNIS Jumada II 6, 1442 AH Australia rebuff s GULF TIMES stars complaining about quarantine SPORT Page 4 QNB STARS LEAGUE aim to close Al Sadd gap Reigning champions will be keen to catch up with Al Sadd, who are 11 points ahead of them on the table

By Sports Reporter to achieve the desired result,” Lam- training and matches we play,” said ouchi added. Frenchman Blanc. On Duhail’s new signing Michael Ol- Al Wakrah are 10th in the table with unga, who joined the champions 14 points. Al Wakrah and Umm Salal, l Duhail take on Qatar SC in from Japanese top-fl ight J1 League side who had played out a goalless draw last the QNB Stars League today Kashiwa Reysol recently, Lamouchi week, have the same number of points, at the Suheim Bin Hamad said the striker will need time to adapt. but the latter are placed above on better Stadium, with both teams “Olunga played his fi rst match against goal diff erence. Aeager to get back to winning ways after Al Sadd and did not show his known “We are ready to take on ,” last week’s defeat. Reigning champions scoring power, but he will add value to Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez said. Al Duhail had gone down 1-3 to lead- the team as he was the top scorer in the “The team showed a good level in the ers Al Sadd, while Qatar SC lost 1-2 to Japanese League. He is trying to adapt last match (against Umm Salal), which Al Rayyan in the last round. The results with his new colleagues,” he said. helped us to recover after the big loss saw Qatar SC slip by one position, but Meanwhile, Qatar SC, coached by to Al Duhail in the previous week. The Al Duhail stood second. Younes Ali, will look to consolidate playing level of the players also im- Duhail, however, will be keen to catch their fourth position. “It will be an proved as the match wore on. Perhaps, up with Al Sadd, who are 11 points exciting match against the defending the most important thing in the last ahead of them on the table. The Red champions considering we both lost match against Umm Salal was that our Knights coach Sabri Lamouchi urged our matches in the last round,” said Ali response as a team was good,” he added. his team to stay focused against Qatar yesterday. In the third match today, Umm Salal SC, who he said will pose a threat on “We have played a series of tough face Al Arabi, who will look to put be- counter attack. matches in a short period of time, hind the disappointment of having “We have to be the attacking side where we played six games within a drawn 1-1 with Al Gharafa through a during this match because the Qatar SC month, but we are now in a good condi- last-gasp goal last week. Heimir Hall- team are good at moving from defence tion. As a team, we are keen after each grimsson’s side are placed seventh with to attack at high speed. We have to stay match regardless of a result we get. This 19 points. focused because if we lose focus, we is done so that we create more chances Meanwhile, leaders Al Sadd face Al may have to pay a heavy price,” he said to win in the best possible way. What Khor tomorrow. The Wolves looks set yesterday. happened against Al Rayyan is that we to regain the title after they brushed “We will look for a victory to com- did not show the required physical level past Al Duhail to remain unbeaten in pensate for the loss against Al Sadd last due to back-to-back matches. But I am the league this season. Xavi Hernan- week. We know that a diffi cult match waiting for a positive reaction from the dez’s side were held to goalless draw by awaits us against Qatar SC. They have players against Al Duhail,” he added. Al Duhail players train yesterday on the eve of their QNB Stars League match against Qatar SC. Al Khor last time and will be keep to set high potential and will play against us Meanwhile, Al Rayyan face Al Wak- the record straight. strongly in order to compensate for rah today. Al Rayyan, under Laurent SC in the last round. The Lions im- “We are working well as a squad. new training tactics, but there are some In other matches tomorrow, Al their loss against Al Rayyan. Therefore, Blanc, will look to sustain the momen- proved from sixth to fi fth position with We have prepared well for this week’s players who are not ready and we need Gharafa meet Al Kharaitiyat while Al we have to be fully focused on the fi eld tum, having beaten formidable Qatar that victory. match. We are up to speed with our to equip all players through rigorous Sailiya take on Al Ahli.

SPOTLIGHT HANDBALL Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali stadiums Qatar aim for third to host FIFA Club World Cup 2020 straight win in Egypt By Sports Reporter Croatia, we are ready for them.” By Sports Reporter Borg El Arab, Egypt He praised the team for their Doha stellar show and urged them to keep their focus. atar will aim for their “We have maintained a high ollowing confi rmation that in third straight victory standard so far. It’s important to light of the Covid-19 pandemic in the World Handball keep the momentum going,” he and related quarantine measures Championship when said. required by the New Zealand au- Qthey lock horns with Croatia in Ahmed al-Shaabi, president thoritiesF Auckland City FC will be unable their fi nal Group C encounter of the Qatar Handball federation, to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup today. Qatar lead the group with meanwhile attended the team 2020, FIFA has rejigged the competition’s four points following their wins training session in Alexandra match schedule. over Angola and Japan and an- yesterday and urged the players The competition format remains un- other victory would see them to do their best against Croatia. changed, with the opening match for- enter the next phase of the tour- “The task is not easy but I have feited. The tournament will now be nament as group toppers. confi dence in you,” al-Shaabi staged at Education City and Ahmad Bin Croatia have three points af- told the players. Ali stadiums, while Khalifa International ter beating Angola and drawing Meanwhile Qatar player Amin Stadium, which was originally due to host with Japan and a win for them Zakar was all pumped up about two games, will not be used. would see them fi nish on top of the Croatia clash. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium will stage the the group. “Despite the absence of many fi rst match on 4 February at 5pm lo- Qatar’s Spanish coach Valero players, we managed to qualify cal time, and the FIFA Club World Cup Rivera said that having already for the second round. We beat champions will be crowned at Education qualifi ed for the main draw has Angola in the fi rst round and City Stadium on 11 February, kick-off eased the pressure on the play- then we won over the strong Jap- 9pm local time. ers, but that doesn’t mean they anese national team,” said Amin. The tournament will be contested by will take Croatia lightly. “The coach also has a big role Qatar league champions Al Duhail, Al “Happy to qualify despite all in the success of the players and Ahly, Bayern Munich, Ulsan Hyundai, Ti- the problems due to injuries,” we are looking forward to more gres UANL and the winners of the CON- said Rivera. “The focus now is on wins in the tournament.” MEBOL Libertadores fi nal scheduled for Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium will stage the first match on 4 February, and the FIFA Club World Cup champions will be crowned at the 30 January. Following the withdrawal of Education City Stadium (below) on February 11. Auckland City, the local team Duhail, will move directly to the second round.

DRAW TO TAKE PLACE IN ZURICH TODAY The teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 will discover their path to glory today with the tournament’s offi cial draw being held at FIFA’s head- quarters in Zurich, Switzerland at 6pm Doha time. The draw will be presented by Jessica Libertz and conducted by FIFA Deputy Director of Competitions Jaime Yarza, who will be assisted by former Swit- zerland international goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. The draw will reveal the sched- ule of matches of the six participating teams in the tournament, which will compete from 4 to 11 February to raise the coveted trophy. Fans of the beautiful Qatar Handball Association president Ahmed al-Shaabi (right) speaks game can follow the event live from FIFA. to coach Valero Rivera during a team training session in Borg El Arab, com and on the FIFA YouTube channel. Egypt yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Messi sees red as Bilbao stun Barca to clinch Super Cup Messi threw an arm at Villalibre, who had earlier scored a 90th-minute equaliser in normal time to deny Barca victory

AFP Madrid

ionel Messi was sent off for the fi rst time playing for Barcelona as stunned the Catalans to win the Spanish Su- Lper Cup on Sunday night, a dramatic fi nal fi nishing 3-2 after extra-time. Moments before Bilbao’s momen- tous triumph was confi rmed, Messi threw an arm at Asier Villalibre, who had earlier scored a 90th-minute equaliser in normal time to deny Barca victory. Antoine Griezmann’s double looked to have sealed the trophy but Villalibre intervened before Inaki Wil- liams’ fabulous strike three minutes into extra time proved decisive. Messi shook off a thigh problem to start in Seville and was required to play all 120 minutes as Barcelona attempted to take the game to penalties. Instead, the 33-year-old lost his temper at the end of a combative contest, reacting to a late challenge from Villalibre by swip- ing his hands across the back of his op- ponent. It meant a fi rst ever red card for Messi in 753 appearances for Barcelona, to go with his two reds for Argentina in 2005 and 2019. “After so many years in football, Leo knows perfectly well when he is fi t to play,” said Barca coach Ron- ald Koeman. “We talked and he said he was in a good place to start. He has sur- vived the game, given the maximum, nothing more.” Messi’s anger will take some of the limelight away from Bilbao, who had already denied the competition a Cla- sico fi nal by beating Real Madrid in the semi on Thursday and now have com- pleted the set. It means a title and the perfect start for Marcelino Garcia Toral, Athletic Bilbao players celebrate after winning the Spanish Super Cup at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Sunday night. (AFP) who only took over as coach less than two weeks ago. run and a trophy, even a minor one, threaded through for Jordi Alba on the for what looked like the winner. In- But there was praise too for his pred- would have turned encouraging signs left, whose cut-back was intended stead, Bilbao scored in the 90th minute ecessor Gaizka Garitano, who oversaw in recent weeks into more tangible evi- for the Argentinian but spilled out to send the game to extra-time and this team reaching the Copa del Rey dence of a revival under Koeman. to Griezmann, who could not miss. then the 93rd to lead for the fi rst time. fi nal last season, which earned quali- “It is not a step back,” he said. “Al- Marcelino hurled his water bottle to Villalibre was allowed to volley in fi cation in the fi rst place. “This is for ways winning titles is helpful to show the ground in disgust but his team were from close range but there was little Gaizka Garitano and his coaching staff that we are on the right track, but it is soon level. Barca could do about Williams’ eff ort, as well who brought us here,” said Wil- only one game, it is a Super Cup, and we Williams played the pass, his clipped the striker cutting inside from the left liams. Organisers at the Spanish Foot- will show in the next few games that we ball over the top catching Alba off - and whipping a tremendous shot into ball Federation might have hoped for are on the right track.” guard, with Oscar De Marcos sneaking the top right-hand corner. the global attraction of a Clasico, espe- Bilbao were the better side in the in and half-volleying home. Raul Gar- Unai Nunez might have sealed it but cially as the coronavirus pandemic had fi rst half, more decisive in possession cia thought he had his third goal in four failed to connect. Griezmann almost already kept the tournament in Spain and more aggressive out of it. But both days when he headed in just before the rescued it but fi red high on the volley rather than the lucrative Saudi Arabia, teams created little for 40 minutes and hour but Barca survived. with his right foot. Then Villalibre left where it was played last year. then in two minutes both had scored. With 10 minutes left, Griezmann a shoulder in on Messi, who reacted, Yet this was a frantic fi nal, with a A brilliant pass created each of them, struck again, Alba’s cross evading the scuttling after his opponent and swing- hugely surprising result. Barca arrived Messi the instigator for Barca. Bilbao defence and fi nding the French- ing an arm around the back of his head. on the back of a nine-game unbeaten He collected from the right and man, who steered in at the front post Messi and Barca were beaten. (centre) is shown a red card by referee Jesus Gil Manzano. (Reuters)

FOCUS Klopp says Liverpool have a fi ght City defender Stones ‘quietly on their hands to fi nish in top four confi dent’ of title success AFP the sides last season as Liverpool romped to London their fi rst league title in 30 years. However, a much tighter fi ght for the title is in store this season, with just fi ve points urgen Klopp says Liverpool have a separating the top six. “You can see how fi ght on their hands just to qualify for much we have improved since I’ve been the Champions League this season here,” said Maguire, who joined for a world- before he can even think about a title record fee for a defender from Leicester in defence.J Sunday’s goalless draw at home to August 2019. Premier League leaders Manchester United, “As a team we are on the up but there is together with wins for Leicester and Man- loads of improvement we need to make, and chester City, left Liverpool fourth in the table. make a lot more progress to get to where we A series of injuries to key defenders, most want to be. We wanted to win the game but notably to Virgil van Dijk, has disrupted Liv- we keep the momentum going of not losing, erpool’s season, but they are also missing especially away from home.” the presence of Diogo Jota at the other end United’s last domestic defeat away from as goals have dried up. The defending cham- home came at Anfi eld a year ago, when they pions are only fi ve points ahead of ninth- were comfortably beaten 2-0. Ole Gunnar placed West Ham and, with points being Solskjaer admitted his side were not at their dropped by all teams, Klopp is aware the whole team needed to chip in with goals, best on Sunday, but they showed a maturity Manchester City’s John Stones (centre) scores against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday. (AFP) competition is likely to be closer than ever. not just the front three of Mohamed Salah, to keep Liverpool at bay and could have won “In the season when we came second Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. “I’m talk- the game late on, with Alisson Becker deny- AFP really gets ahead of themselves, Contributing goals has high- (2018/19), the day when I started really ing about everyone – midfi elders, full-backs ing Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. London no-one looks too far, which is a lighted his resurgence further. thinking about the title race was the day getting into the box, set-pieces,” he said. “Last time we played here we didn’t great quality to have. In previ- “I’ve been wanting to add goals when it was clear that we are in the Cham- “Everybody can chip in. We need to start have any confi dence or momentum,” said ous seasons where we have won to my game,” said Stones, who pions League,” he said. “I know my job and I doing that quickly.” Maguire. “The fi rst half felt like we didn’t ohn Stones says Man- the league we have never looked also scored in the League Cup know what I have to do. The most important “We’re all human,” he added. “You can play well, we felt we could have been brave chester City are starting further than the next game and semi-fi nal win over United ear- thing is to qualify for the Champions League see when we miss chances we’re a little bit and hurt them a bit more. We didn’t play to feel “quietly confi dent” that’s all we can aff ect and all lier this month. and I know how diffi cult it is. This season down confi dence-wise but then we need with belief and courage and I felt the second after climbing to second we can prepare for. We keep that “I’ve put a lot of pressure will be a tough race for the top four.” to keep going to try to fi nd that goal. We’ve half was much more like ourselves. “We are inJ the Premier League following mentality and hopefully we can on myself, maybe in the wrong The 53-year-old German acknowledged just got to keep working hard and not think improving but we still need to do better with their fi fth successive top-fl ight keep on this winning run.” way sometimes, to get on the fans were “not the most patient species” about it too much, because the quality we and without the ball.” win. Sunday night’s 4-0 win Stones, who scored two of the scoresheet but I’ve kept chipping and wanted to win every match. possess going forward is frightening.” over Crystal Palace at the Etihad four goals against Palace, has away and kept chipping away “I’m not too diff erent to that but I am long Liverpool’s next Premier League match PREMIER LEAGUE VIRUS CASES DROP lifted Pep Guardiola’s men above been outstanding in City’s recent in training, trying to improve enough in the business to know that you is at home against struggling Burnley on TO 16 AS PRESSURE EASES champions Liverpool and within run of form. The 26-year-old fell and being in the right areas. It’s have to go through more diffi cult periods as Thursday. The Premier League revealed yester- two points of leaders Manchester out of favour last season and ap- a collection of things that have well,” he said. day that just 16 players and staff had tested United, with a game in hand. peared to be well down the cen- got to come together and I’m “It’s not the most diffi cult in my life – not MAGUIRE HAILS UNITED PROGRESS, positive for coronavirus in the latest round In all competitions Pep Guar- tre-back pecking order when the really pleased, it’s a weight off even close to it – so it’s just a situation where SAYS THERE IS ROOM TO IMPROVE of testing – a signifi cant drop from recent diola’s side are unbeaten in 15 current campaign began. my shoulders, my fi rst ‘two’ for we play football and have had injuries, still Meanwhile, Manchester United captain weeks. Britain is in a fresh lockdown as au- games and have kept clean sheets But with Aymeric Laporte and City.” have injuries but got used to the injuries we Harry Maguire hailed the huge progress the thorities battle a highly infectious strain of in 12 of them. Nathan Ake aff ected by form and Guardiola praised Stones for had in the long term and now players com- Red Devils have made in his 18 months at the Covid-19 but fears of another shutdown for They are also through to the fi tness issues, and Eric Garcia in- his performances this season, ing back.” club but said much more improvement was the English top-fl ight have eased. League Cup fi nal, the FA Cup dicating a desire to leave, Stones saying he “deserves the best”. Liverpool are on a three-match goalscor- needed to deliver major trophies. Aston Villa’s clash with Everton was the fourth round and the last 16 of has grasped an opportunity to “Confi dence is everything,” said ing drought in the Premier League – their United extended their unbeaten league only postponed fi xture over the weekend the Champions League. shine alongside new signing Ru- the Catalan. “He won his con- worst since 2005. Klopp’s side had nearly run to 12 matches and their away record to due to an outbreak that closed Villa’s train- Asked to describe the mood ben Dias. Of the 10 matches he fi dence for himself. As manag- 66% possession and 17 shots against arch- 16 without defeat with a 0-0 draw at Liv- ing ground. The Villa fi rst team are due to among the squad, England de- and Stones have started together, ers, we can’t give confi dence. He rivals United but managed just three on erpool on Sunday to remain top of the Pre- return to action tomorrow, away to Man- fender Stones said: “I think City have won nine and conceded started to play alongside Ruben target. Captain Jordan Henderson said the mier League. A mammoth 33 points divided chester City. quietly confi dent – but no-one just one goal. and they’ve played really well.” Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Inter stun Juventus to move level with leaders AC Milan 'It was a bad defeat, we didn’t expect it, we couldn’t have put in a worse performance than this'

AFP Pirlo made a triple change just before Milan the hour with Weston McKennie, Fe- derico Bernardeschi and Dejan Kulu- sevski coming off the bench. nter Milan shocked champions Ju- But Inter ‘keeper Samir Handanovic ventus 2-0 to move level on points was rarely threatened, clearing a McK- with Serie A leaders AC Milan on ennie header on 61 minutes, and a Sunday night, boosting their hopes Chiesa eff ort three minutes from time. Iof a fi rst league title since 2010. Arturo “It’s a slip-up, but our ambition re- Vidal got his head to a Nicolo Barella mains the same, there is still a long way cross in the 12th minute for his fi rst to go,” warned Pirlo, whose side next league goal for Inter Milan against his meet Napoli in tomorrow’s Italian Su- former club. per Cup. Barella added the second seven min- In Naples, Lorenzo Insigne scored utes after the break as Inter claimed a twice and set up another as Napoli fi rst victory over Juventus since Sep- thumped Fiorentina 6-0 to move third tember 2016, ending a series of seven ahead of Roma who lost 3-0 to local matches without a win. “It was a bad rivals Lazio on Friday. Insigne got the defeat, we didn’t expect it, we couldn’t fi rst goal in the fi fth minute at the Diego have put in a worse performance than Armando Maradona Stadium as Gen- this,” said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo naro Gattuso’s side went four goals up after his second league defeat this sea- in the fi rst half. son. “Our attitude was wrong, right Fiorentina missed chances to equal- from the start. We were too passive, ise with Napoli keeper David Ospina fearful, we only thought about the de- denying Franck Ribery before Diego fensive phase.” Demme, Hirving Lozano and Piotr Zie- Inter are equal on 40 points with lo- linski notched three goals for the hosts cal rivals Milan, who were travelling to in the last nine minutes before the Cagliari last night, with Juventus seven break. points behind the top two in fi fth. “To Napoli were awarded a penalty after win against a team like Juve you have Gaetano Castrovilli fouled Tiemoue to touch perfection,” said Inter coach Bakayoko. Insigne converted from the Antonio Conte after his fi rst win in four spot for his ninth goal this season. Sub- meetings against the club he led to the stitute Matteo Politano completed the fi rst three of their current run of nine rout with a minute to go. consecutive league titles. Atalanta missed the chance to move “I’m happy for the lads because these third, dropping points before next are games that give you self-esteem and week’s trip to AC Milan with a goalless make you understand that we’re on the draw against lowly Genoa. Gian Piero right path. I’ve seen a credible Inter, Gasperini’s side had won their fi rst and it is the greatest satisfaction after a three matches of the year with a total of year and a half of work”. Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Juventus in the Serie A at the San Siro in Milan. (Reuters) 12 goals scored. looked to have Hans Hateboer rattled the post for broken through for the away side af- later off Barella’s perfect cross. “We’ve Romelu Lukaku then forced a save fi elder Barella created another chance A superb Alessandro Bastoni through Atalanta after 65 minutes in the best ter 11 minutes but Federico Chiesa was shown that we’re up to fi ghting for the from Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech for Lukaku which Szczesny cleared, and ball to Barella paid off in the 52nd chance for the hosts who are sixth, ruled off side in the build up. And Chil- Scudetto,” warned Vidal, who won four Szczesny on 24 minutes, with Lautaro the Polish keeper also denied Barella minute, with the pacy Italy midfi elder eight points behind Milan. Genoa are ean Vidal made no mistake for last sea- league titles in as many years with Ju- Martinez spurning the chance to score before punching the ball off Lukaku’s shaking off Gianluca Frabotta and Gior- 16th position, two points above the rel- son’s Serie A runners-up two minutes ventus. on the rebound. Omnipresent mid- head at full stretch. gio Chiellini to blast home the second. egation zone.

SPOTLIGHT Phil Neville takes over at Miami aft er quitting as England women’s coach Miami: Hours after leaving his Cup later that year but results deal in 2018, hoping to resur- but added that his health had role as England women’s man- since then have been poor. rect his injury-plagued career, improved markedly. Metz end Lyon’s run as ager, Phil Neville was unveiled but made only 19 appearances “He’s on the mend so it’s defi- yesterday as the coach of Inter FREE AGENT WILSHERE in all competitions as groin and nitely good signs, it’s a relief to Miami, the Major League Soc- REJOINS BOURNEMOUTH ankle injuries limited his game everyone,” he said. “I’ve spoken cer club co-owned by former ON SHORT-TERM DEAL time. The former England inter- to him in the last couple of days PSG take lead England and Manchester Former West Ham United national, who last played for his and I can tell he’s getting better. United team-mate David Beck- midfielder and free agent country in the 2016 European His voice is getting better and ham. Earlier this month Miami Jack Wilshere has returned Championship, made 197 ap- he’s starting to crack a couple parted ways with manager to Bournemouth, signing a pearances for Arsenal and won of jokes. He’s told me to tell Diego Alonso following a disap- contract until the end of the the FA Cup twice. Bournemouth the boys he’ll be watching (the pointing MLS debut season in season, the second-tier Cham- are third in the Championship Southampton game) from his which they won only seven of pionship club said yesterday. table on 42 points, eight points hospital bed, so they’d better 23 games. Neville, 43, had been Wilshere made 27 appearances behind leaders Norwich City, be at it.” manager of England’s women’s for Bournemouth when he was after 24 games. team until resigning ahead of loaned to the south coast club BRZECZEK LEAVES JOB AS Miami’s announcement. from Arsenal in the 2016-17 SHREWSBURY BOSS TO POLAND COACH He was previously due to season. WATCH SAINTS FA CUP Jerzy Brzeczek has left his job leave his role in July, at the The 29-year-old began MATCH FROM HOSPITAL as Poland coach despite help- end of his contract. Beckham training with Bournemouth last Shrewsbury Town boss Steve ing the team qualify for Euro and Neville are among the co- month to maintain his fitness Cotterill will be cheering on his 2020, the country’s football owners at English League Two levels after his contract at West team in today’s FA Cup match federation (PZPN) announced. side Salford. Ham was terminated during the at Premier League club South- The 49-year-old Brzeczek ex- The English Football As- close season after two years ampton from hospital after tended his contract last Novem- sociation last year announced with the London side. spending time in intensive care ber after helping Poland finish that Neville’s successor would “It feels great to be back with coronavirus. The manager top of their qualifying group for be Netherlands women’s boss and I can’t wait to get start- was taken to hospital last week the European Championship, Sarina Wiegman, but she is not ed,” Wilshere said in a club following a Covid-19 outbreak which will be held this year due to start her new role until statement.”From the minute I at the third-tier club, which after being postponed due to after the Tokyo Olympics later walked through the door three forced the postponement of the coronavirus pandemic. this year. Neville, who had also weeks ago, it felt natural and the third-round tie earlier this “I invited Jerzy Brzeczek been in line to manage a Great like I had never been away. I month. to my house, we had a coff ee Britain team at the Games, was know a lot of the players and The 56-year-old spent part and I told him the news,” PZPN appointed as England boss in staff here and I’m pleased they of the weekend being given president Zbigniew Boniek said. January 2018. allowed me to train initially, and oxygen in intensive care and “I take the responsibility for this His team won the SheBe- then it just went from there.” remains in hospital. Cotterill’s decision. I have thought about lieves Cup in 2019 before reach- Wilshere joined West Ham assistant, Aaron Wilbraham, it and I must do what is good ing the semi-finals of the World from Arsenal on a three-year said that had been “scary news” for the team.” Metz’s (left) vies for the ball with Lyon’s Toko Ekambi (centre) during the French Ligue 1 match at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP Cameroonian Ekambi, who fort after fi ne work from Mem- FOCUS Paris had forced a good save from Al- phis Depay. That allowed Leya exandre Oukidja three minutes Iseka to claim a shock win for earlier, successfully cut inside to Metz. yon slumped to a shock fashion himself a shooting op- Earlier David pounced in the Atletico to appeal FIFA’s ban on Trippier 1-0 home defeat to Metz portunity but could only blast fi rst minute of stoppage for Lille on Sunday night that over. Three minutes later Metz to tap home after Xeka’s power- AFP peal Committee has dismissed the appeal ended a long unbeaten twice came close to taking a ful low drive was spilled by Reims Madrid lodged by the club Atletico Madrid in a case Lrun and allowed Paris Saint- shock lead, fi rst hitting the post goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic concerning the player Kieran Trippier. As a Germain to stay top of Ligue 1. following a cross to put Lille on 42 points, equal consequence, the decision of the FIFA Dis- Rudi Garcia’s side had come before Marcelo charged back to with champions PSG. Jonathan tletico Madrid will appeal to the ciplinary Committee passed on 23 Decem- into Sunday’s late match on the block Lamine Gueye’s shot on Bamba’s long-range leveller two Court of Arbitration for Sport ber 2020 is confi rmed, extending sanctions back of 16 league games without the line. minutes after the break gave Lille (CAS) after Kieran Trippier’s imposed on the player by the English FA to defeat, knowing that a win would With 16 minutes remaining a chance to snatch the win after 10-week ban for breaching betting have worldwide eff ect.” have put them back in the lead Ekambi slammed home what he Arber Zeneli had given Reims a rulesA was upheld by FIFA yesterday. Atletico An extended absence for Trippier would of France’s top fl ight. However thought was the opener when the 35th-minute lead with a cross will request Trippier’s suspension is again be a huge blow to Atletico Madrid, who sit struck in the ball fell to him after fi ne play be- that bamboozled home stopper put on hold while the appeal is being heard, four points clear at the top of , with fi nal minute to snatch the points tween and Thia- Mike Maignan. raising the possibility of the defender again two games in hand over their closest rivals for resilient Metz, who had to go Mendes. However after a long Monaco are six points off the returning to action. As it stands, Trippier is Real Madrid. Trippier has become a key withstand a second-half on- VAR review the goal was ruled lead in fourth after Wissam Ben banned until February 28 and is due to miss player for coach Diego Simeone, who said in slaught before fi nally prevailing out for straying Yedder’s brace gave them a 3-2 eight La Liga fi xtures, as well as Atletico’s December he felt the ban was “unfair”. and moving ninth. off side when Mendes shot and win over Montpellier on Friday. fi rst leg at home to Chelsea in the Champi- The England right-back was suspended The loss leaves Lyon third, then pressuring Metz defender The Principality club are level ons League last 16. FIFA said in a statement for 10 weeks and fi ned £70,000 ($94,000) two points behind PSG and , who had nod- on 36 points with fi fth-placed on Monday the suspension handed to Trip- by the FA for breaching betting rules. In the Lille, whose own late goal from ded the ball out to Ekambi. Rennes, who earlier on Sunday pier by the English Football Association (FA) written reasons for its decision, the FA said Jonathan David secured a 2-1 win had the perfect fought back from going a goal applies worldwide. Trippier, 30, exchanged WhatsApp mes- over Reims. Lyon should have chance to win the match with down after just three minutes at But Atletico will now submit a fresh ap- sages with friends about his impending taken the lead six minutes before seven minutes left of his Lyon Brest to win 2-1. peal to CAS, according to a club source, and after the English FA had failed to delay en- move from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid in the break when Karl Toko Ekambi debut but he shanked his shot, Saint-Etienne are just four request Trippier’s ban is again put on hold forcing his ban until the result of Atletico’s 2019. In one of the messages, Trippier told a was fed by Tintotenda Kadewere and Oukidja then did brilliant to points above the relegation zone again until it is completed. Trippier was able appeal to FIFA was known. friend to “lump on” (bet heavily) regarding on a breakaway attack. keep out Aouar’s close range ef- after a 1-0 defeat at Strasbourg. to play for Atletico against Sevilla last week FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA Ap- his move to Spain. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Davis Cup Finals to take place over 11 Australia rebuff s days, three cities

Reuters event in 2019 but for sure there London were things to improve, like the scheduling and the attendances in the stands,” Davis Cup Finals stars complaining he 2021 Davis Cup Fi- Tournament Director Albert Cos- nals will be held over 11 ta told Reuters. days rather than seven “With the new format and the Tand will almost certainly new project we have now I believe be staged across three cities, the we will solve all those problems. International Tennis Federation Eleven days is better for the play- (ITF) confi rmed yesterday. ers because you can’t play fi ve ties The changes proposed by the in seven days.” about quarantine ITF’s event partner Kosmos Ten- A 10-week bidding process nis, the Spanish-based invest- opened yesterday for European ment fi rm who are pumping in cities keen to join Madrid in host- ‘There’s no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn’t treat you specially’ $3bn over 25 years, were agreed by ing the 2021 Finals. the ITF Board. Turin, the new host of the ATP AFP This year’s event is scheduled Finals, would be a logical option Melbourne for Nov 25-Dec 5. while London is another potential The ITF confi rmed that two co-host. more European cities are being The two additional cities would ozens of tennis stars sought to share the staging of the each host two group stages and stuck in hotel quar- 2021 Finals with Madrid which one quarter-fi nal each, with Ma- antine ahead of the hosted the fi rst edition of the re- drid hosting two group stages, Australian Open were vamped competition in 2019. two quarter-fi nals, the semi-fi - toldD yesterday they would get Another change is to have the nals and the fi nal. no “special treatment” to leave Finals trimmed from 18 to 16 “Players we have spoken to their rooms to train, despite teams from 2022. over the last few days alone have complaints from some players. “We want to make it better for shown real excitement at being Australian health authorities the players, better for the fans and able to add another couple of cit- rejected demands for tough iso- better for the teams,” Kris Dent, ies, making it even more a World lation rules to be eased, as play- ITF Senior Executive Director, Cup of tennis,” Dent said. ers resorted to hitting balls off Professional Tennis, told Reuters. “We’re quietly confi dent we windows, walls and upturned “People love the idea of the will get a good show of interest.” beds in the hope of being ready best teams in the world coming A fi nal decision is expected by for the year’s fi rst Grand Slam. together for one event, but seven March based on the hosting and The Australian Open is due days, especially the day after the Covid-19 contingency proposals to make a delayed start in ATP Finals, it’s just not possible received from bidders. Melbourne on February 8, but so these changes we think will Last year’s event was post- its troubled build-up hit fur- make a great competition even poned because of the pandemic. ther problems after positive greater.” Costa believes three cities coronavirus cases were de- The 121-year-old men’s team would enable more ‘home’ fans tected on three of the 17 char- event underwent a major re- — a traditional aspect of the Davis ter flights that carried players vamp in 2019 with the season- Cup. and staff. long home and away tie for- “Three host nations means a The 72 players on the three mat replaced by a soccer World wider audience and more fans planes have been deemed close Cup-type format with the top will be able to see their players at contacts of the four Covid-19 18 nations battling for the title home and that’s something that cases and barred from leaving at Madrid’s Caja Magica in No- players like and fans like,” the their hotel rooms for 14 days, as vember. Spaniard said. largely virus-free Australia tries While there was praise for the The reduction to 16 nations for to prevent community trans- new event which ended with the Finals from 2022 would also mission. Rafa Nadal leading Spain to vic- make for a ‘cleaner’ format, says Heath authorities said they tory over Canada in the fi nal, the Costa, with four groups of four discovered two more cases logistics of playing 25 ties, each and the top two progressing to the linked to the tournament yes- consisting of two singles and a quarter-fi nals. terday, bringing the total for Argentine tennis player Maximo Gonzalez (L) and Italy’s Simone Bolelli (R) return to a tennis hotel after a training session in Melbourne doubles, on three courts in seven Twelve of the 16 nations would the Australian Open cluster to yesterday. days was challenging. come through the qualifying ties six. One tie between the United held earlier in the year, with two Several players have taken to treat you specially, so neither do returned travellers who are con- ment,” one Twitter user wrote. Tennis Australia has begun States and Italy ended at 4am, lo- ITF wildcards and the winners social media to complain about we,” he said. fi ned to their hotel rooms for the “Most of us here in Melbourne delivering exercise equipment cal time. and runners-up from the 2021 conditions. The arrangements have full 14 days. do not want tennis players here to the isolated players who are “We believe we did a great event. World number one Novak sparked a backlash in Australia, Andrews said all players knew potentially reintroducing the virus concerned about the risk of in- Djokovic — who arrived on a with some social media us- about Australia’s strict quaran- and causing us to go back to harsh jury when they fi nally hit the virus-free fl ight and is being ers questioning why more than tine rules ahead of their fl ights. restrictions,” another added. courts for a week of lead-in Nadal in ATP top 10 for 800th successive week allowed to train in a bio-secure 1,000 players and staff were “The notion that there’s been French player Alize Cornet is- tournaments to start in Mel- bubble — reportedly sent a list fl own in for the sporting event, any change, the notion that peo- sued an apology to Australians bourne from January 31. Paris: Rafael Nadal yesterday of demands to tournament or- when tens of thousands of Aus- ple weren’t briefed, I think that on Twitter after earlier deleting New Zealand player Artem became the first player to be ganisers that included allowing tralians remain stranded over- argument really has no integrity a tweet that called the quaran- Sitak said he could hear tennis ranked in the ATP top 10 for 800 players to move to private homes seas. whatsoever,” he said. tine “insane”. balls hitting the walls “every- consecutive weeks, a run span- with tennis courts. The country closed its inter- Some pointed out that the “Your reaction to this tactless where” in his hotel as players ning more than 15 years. Victoria Premier Daniel An- national border in March and host city of Melbourne had en- comment made me realise what embraced “creative” forms of The world number two broke drews smashed back that re- has since limited the number of dured a gruelling four-month you’ve been through last year exercise. Jimmy Connors’ previous record quest, saying authorities would its own citizens who can return lockdown last year after a virus & how much you suff ered,” she The doubles player told pub- of 789 straight weeks in the top not bend strict health rules any each week. outbreak. wrote. lic broadcaster ABC the situa- 10 in November. further for the players. Meanwhile the majority of “Our health safety is more “I guess I feel a bit anxious tion was “not ideal” but he was The Spaniard first broke into “There’s no special treatment players are allowed out to train important to us than your feel- about all this & I better have “staying positive and hoping for the top 10 in April 2005, shortly here. Because the virus doesn’t for fi ve hours a day, unlike other ings of privilege and entitle- shut my mouth.” the best”. before winning the first of his 13 French Open titles. The 34-year-old is still over BOTTOMLINE two-and-a-half years short of 4. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 8,470 matching Roger Federer’s record 5. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,630 of spending 931 weeks in total in 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5,940 the top 10. 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,615 Kyrgios calls Djokovic ‘tool’ aft er quarantine demands There were no changes at the 8. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 4,164 top of the rankings as players 9. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) Agencies prepare for the Australian Open 3,455 Melbourne next month. 10. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 3,120 Some of the sport’s biggest stars 11. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,860 were among those told they 12. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) ick Kyrgios joined former would get no “special treatment” 2,830 Davis Cup player Sam Groth yesterday, with 72 players stuck 13. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) in criticising Novak Djoko- in hotel quarantine in Australia 2,710 Nvic after the Serbian world after four Covid-19 cases on the 14. David Goff in (BEL) 2,600 (+2) number one reportedly wrote to Aus- chartered planes which flew play- 15. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,580 (-1) tralian Open organisers asking them to ers to the country. 16. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) ease quarantine restrictions for players. 2,580 (-1) Passengers who arrived on three ATP top 20: 17. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,420 charter flights have been placed into 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,030 18. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 2,365 hard quarantine, including more than points 19. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,260 70 players who are unable to train out- 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9,850 20. Karen Khachanov (RUS) side their rooms for 14 days before the 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 9,125 2,245 year’s first Grand Slam starts on Feb. 8. A Spanish tennis website reported that Djokovic wrote to Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley with a list of “demands”, Zverev splits with Federer’s firm asking for reduced isolation periods and having players moved to “private houses London: German Alexan- experience, but we both feel that with tennis courts”. der Zverev has parted ways with it’s the right decision to have my Djokovic’s management team did Roger Federer’s sports manage- family take on a bigger role once not immediately respond to request for ment company Team8, the world again.” comment. number seven said. Zverev also had setbacks in Kyrgios criticised Djokovic time and Zverev, who recently split with 2020 and was accused of domes- again in 2020 for organising the Adria coach David Ferrer, reached his tic abuse by his former girlfriend Tour exhibition event in the Balkans, World number one tennis player Novak maiden Grand Slam fi nal at the Olga Sharypova, allegations he where multiple players including the Djokovic of Serbia gestures from his hotel US Open, picked up two ATP ti- said were “unfounded, untrue”. top-ranked Serbian contracted the vi- balcony in Adelaide yesterday. tles in Cologne and made the fi nal The German was also criticised rus. of the ATP Masters 1000 event in after being pictured partying “Djokovic is a tool,” Kyrgios, ranked Covid-19 pandemic. it’s insulting to Australians that have don’t wash my own hair. I’ve never Paris in 2020. at Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour 47th in the world, said on Twitter. Djokovic, who set up the breakaway had to endure it,” Groth added. washed my own hair. It’s just not some- “I reached my fi rst Grand Slam event in the Balkans, where mul- Djokovic, who opted to rent a private Professional Tennis Players’ Associa- “What did he think would happen? thing that I do. I normally have hair- fi nal without my parents and tiple players including the top- house instead of staying at a hotel dur- tion last year after resigning as the head That (Victoria’s Premier) Dan Andrews dressers that do it twice a week for me. brother being court-side due ranked Serbian contracted the ing the 2020 US Open, is among top of ATP’s Players Council, was looking to would say ‘sure Novak anything you “This is the situation that we’re deal- to them contracting Covid-19,” virus. Another video appeared to players who are serving their mandatory gain popularity, said Australian Groth. want’? Spare me.” ing with. I can’t wait to get out of quar- Zverev wrote on Instagram. show Zverev dancing at a crowd- quarantine in Adelaide before travelling “Is he serious? It’s a selfish political Bernard Tomic’s girlfriend, Vanessa antine just so I can get my hair done.” “For this reason and because of ed club following the Adria Tour to Melbourne for the year’s first Grand move to gain popularity,” he wrote in his Sierra, drew flak from Kyrgios after The 25-year-old Kyrgios, who has the ongoing worldwide restric- fi asco despite pledging that he Slam. column. complaining that the food served at railed at tennis players who have tions, I have decided to go back to would be self-isolating. Many Australians have questioned Groth also pointed to the criticism their quarantine hotel room was cold breached Covid-19 protocols since the the roots and have my family help At the French Open Zverev the decision to host the tournament Djokovic received for organising the and grumbling about having to wash her start of the pandemic, was not amused. me with my coaching, as well as... played with fever and breathing with organisers flying in 1,200 players Adria Tour in June. own hair. “I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs ob- with my management. diffi culties during his fourth- and their entourages when thousands of “To suggest players should have “This is the worst part of quarantine,” viously has no perspective, ridiculous “I want to thank TEAM8 for round defeat to Italian teenager citizens are stranded overseas due to the shorter quarantine isn’t only ridiculous, Sierra said on her YouTube channel. “I scenes,” Kyrgios said. the great work and tremendous Jannik Sinner. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA Bulls overcome Doncic’s That wasn’t me in the second half. I’ve got to do historic triple-double way better in the second half’ AFP Los Angeles

auri Markkanen scored a team- high 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls overcame a historic triple-dou- Lble from Luka Doncic to beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-101 on Sunday. Garrett Temple scored 17 of his 21 points in the fi rst half as the Bulls snapped a four-game losing streak. The Bulls shot 50 percent in the fi rst half and led by 19 points at one stage, en route to a 67-52 lead heading into the third quarter. Slovenian sensation Doncic fi nished with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 15 as- sists to record his 29th career triple- double to pass Michael Jordan and move into 15th spot on the all-time list.

RESULTS Clippers 129-96 Indiana New Orleans 128-123 Sacramento Utah 109-105 Denver Chicago 117-101 Dallas New York 105-75 Boston

A frustrated Doncic said the blame for the loss rested squarely on his shoulders because he played selfi shly. “The second half, I played terrible,” Doncic said. “That’s on me, that game. I was being selfi sh a little bit because I had 30 points in the fi rst half. “That wasn’t me in the second half. I’ve got to do way better in the second half. That’s just on me.” Doncic shot 11-of-18 from the fl oor in the fi rst half. He fi nished with six three-pointers. Doncic became only the fourth play- er in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game and the youngest to do so. Oscar Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen celebrates after their win over Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (USA TODAY Sports) Robertson did it fi ve times. The Bulls had six players in double- “Conditioning-wise, I feel pretty 105-75 blowout win. he was happy to be back. “It felt really the fi rst quarter and 15 in the second. played really well today.” Celtics coach fi gure scoring as their bench outscored good.” Julius Randle scored 20 points and good to be out there,” Walker said. “I They opened the second half with a Brad Stevens, meanwhile, said the game the Mavericks reserves 61-22. Chi- Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points pulled down 12 rebounds and RJ Barrett kind of forgot how good it feels to be 10-0 scoring burst and led by as many was not representative of Boston. “We cago’s ball movement was outstanding and eight rebounds for Dallas in his added 19 points and 11 boards for the out there.” as 37 before it was over. Knicks coach had a clunker,” Stevens said. “You try to and their defense compiled a season- third game back since recovering from Knicks, who spoiled the season debut Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with Tom Thibodeau said that, even as his have as few of those as you can.” high 14 steals. This was Markkanen’s off season surgery on his right knee. of Celtics All-Star guard Kemba Walk- 25 points as Eastern Conference team remained mired in a losing streak, Also, Zion Williamson had 31 points second game back after missing seven Elsewhere, the New York Knicks er, absent from the fi rst 11 games with a leader Boston remained without Jay- he liked what he was seeing in practice. and six rebounds as the New Orleans because of Covid-19 protocols. snapped their fi ve-game NBA losing left-knee injury. son Tatum, who remained in Covid-19 “I love the approach and I love the at- Pelicans overcame a 43-point perform- “I was a little short on my shot and streak in emphatic style, holding the Walker departed in the third quarter quarantine. The Knicks never trailed, titude of the guys we had today,” Thibo- ance by Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox to trying to get my legs back,” he said. host Celtics to a season-low total in a with an apparent rib injury, but said pushing their lead to as many as 11 in deau said. “A lot of guys stepped up and beat the Kings 128-123.

NFL FOCUS Brady-led Buccaneers advance, Saints’ Brees says he’ll mull Mahomes hurt in Chiefs win retirement aft er AFP Washington playoff loss

AFP om Brady threw for two touchdowns Washington and ran for another Sunday to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over New Orle- ans in the NFL playoff s while defending ew Orleans Saints quarterback Drew SuperT Bowl champion Kansas City withstood Brees insisted Sunday he’s still decid- Patrick Mahomes suff ering a concussion to ing if he has played is last NFL season oust Cleveland. after a painful playoff loss to the Tam- Six-time Super Bowl champion Brady and Npa Bay Buccaneers. Reports have swirled for a a defensive unit that forced four turnovers week that the future Hall of Famer would call it sparked the visiting Bucs over the Drew Brees- a career when the Saints’ season ended, even if led Saints while Mahomes threw for one touch- that came without a Super Bowl shot. “I’m go- down and ran for another before exiting in the ing to give myself an opportunity to think about third quarter of the Chiefs’ 22-17 triumph. the season, think about a lot of things, just like “The defense was the key to the game. It was I did last year, and make a decision,” Brees told huge,” Brady said. “Our defense really balled reporters after the Saints fell 30-20 to a Tampa out, got the turnovers we needed.” Bay Buccaneers team led by quarterback Tom Both winners advanced to within one game Brady at the Superdome in New Orleans. of next month’s Super Bowl in Tampa, the Buc- Although he wasn’t able to take the Saints to caneers booking a date next Sunday at chilly the Super Bowl, Brees – who piloted New Orle- Green Bay in the NFC Championship game ans to the NFL crown after the 2009 season – while the Chiefs will host the Buff alo Bills in said he had no regrets about returning in 2020. next Sunday’s AFC Championship game. “I would never regret it, never,” said Brees In his fi rst Bucs season after 20 years in New who turned 42 on Friday. “No complaints, no England, 43-year-old Brady beat 42-year-old regrets. I’ve always tried to play this game with Brees in a duel of the all-time NFL passing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) throws as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett moves in during the first half in great respect and great reverence for it. I appre- yardage leaders. That earned a showdown with their playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (USA TODAY Sports) ciate all this game has given to me.” star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Pack- He said the outcome of Sunday’s game, which ers, who lost 38-10 to Tampa Bay in October. At New Orleans, Brady drove the Bucs 61 yard touchdown pass from Jameis Winston to fi eld goal but Cleveland marched 75 yards on 18 included four turnovers by the Saints off ense “It’s great for our team. We worked hard to yards in 11 plays over 5:52 to set up Ryan Suc- Tre’Quan Smith but Succop’s 37-yard fi eld goal plays in 8:17 and pulled within the fi nal margin that he acknowledged were the “determining get to this point,” Brady said. “We’re going to be cop’s 36-yard fi eld goal and put Tampa Bay ending the second quarter pulled Tampa Bay on Kareem Hunt’s 3-yard touchdown run. factor” in the contest, wouldn’t be a factor in playing a great football team. Aaron Rodgers is ahead 23-20 early in the fourth quarter. Devin level at 13-13. Smith caught a 16-yard touch- After a Karl Joseph interception ended a his decision on retirement. “This won’t have playing incredible.” White, who already had a fumble recovery, in- down pass from Brees 5:17 into the third quar- Chiefs drive, Kansas City forced a Cleveland anything to do with it,” he said. Mahomes, last year’s Super Bowl Most Valu- tercepted Brees on the Saints’ next series to set ter for a 20-13 Saints lead. White recovered a punt and the Chiefs ran out the clock, thanks The 2020 season was Brees’s 20th NFL cam- able Player, completed 21-of-30 passes for 255 up Brady’s 1-yard touchdown run with 4:57 re- fumble by Jared Cook to set up Brady’s 6-yard to a 13-yard run by reserve quarterback Chad paign and his 15th with the Saints. In 12 reg- yards but suff ered a concussion when slammed maining to produce the fi nal margin. touchdown pass to Leonard Fournette – his Henne and his 5-yard pass to Tyreek Hill for a ular-season games he completed more than to the turf by Browns linebacker Mack Wilson. Mike Edwards intercepted Brees for a fourth 77th career playoff TD toss – to equalise at 20- fourth-down conversion. “HenneThingIsPos- 70 percent of his passing attempts for 2,942 “When any of our teammates go down, we all Bucs takeaway with 4:17 left and Tampa Bay ran 20, setting up the fi nal drama. sible,” Mahomes tweeted after the victory. yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. step up for one another,” Chiefs receiver Tyr- out the clock. Brady completed 18-of-33 passes At Kansas City, Baker Mayfi eld fl ipped a “I’m proud of Chad and the way he handled He missed four games after suff ering multiple ann Mathieu said. Mahomes must complete for 199 yards while Brees, who led New Orleans 4-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry to everything,” Reid said. broken ribs and a collapsed lung in November. NFL concussion protocols before he can return to a 2010 Super Bowl victory, completed 19-of- lift Cleveland within 19-10 early in the third Mahomes opened the scoring on a 1-yard Battling through injury and the uncertainties of to face the Bills, who lost to the Chiefs 26-17 in 34 for 134 yards in what could be his NFL fare- quarter. On Kansas City’s next possession, touchdown run and threw a 20-yard touch- the Covid-19 pandemic, made the season even October. “He’s actually doing very well. He’s well. “He’s an incredible player,” Brady said. Mahomes was slammed down by Wilson and down pass to Travis Kelce for a 13-3 Chiefs’ lead. more rewarding,” Brees said. feeling pretty good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid Wil Lutz kicked fi eld goals of 23 and 42 yards knocked out of the game. “I pray you back next Butker fi eld goals of 28 and 50 yards brought a “It was worth every minute of it,” he said, said. “He got hit in the back of the head and to put the Saints ahead, but the Bucs took a week,” Wilson tweeted after the game. “Go be 19-3 halftime lead. “We hurt ourselves in the adding that interpretations of his searching kind of knocked the wind out of him and every- 10-6 lead on Succop’s 26-yard fi eld goal and a great like you have been.” In reply, Mahomes fi rst half and they capitalised,” Mayfi eld said. looks at the Superdome crowd as he departed thing else with it. “He’s doing great right now... 3-yard touchdown pass by Brady to Mike Evans. tweeted: “All good brother!” “We gave it our all. It’s just unfortunate to come the fi eld as a “last look” were not necessarily we’ll see where it goes from here.” New Orleans answered with a trick play 56- The Chiefs added a 33-yard Harrison Butker up short. It sucks.” accurate. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 SPORT

GOLF RUGBY Springboks ready to do whatever it takes to Na birdies fi nal play British & Irish Lions

Reuters next year. Cape Town “If at the end of the day Option A does not work in South Africa, and there are Options B and C... outh Africa are open to we will go to Option Z. hole for one-shot “all options” to play the “We will take any option not to British & Irish Lions and lose it, if it means playing there are willing to travel to the or next year. Whatever it takes.” UnitedS Kingdom to make sure South African Rugby cut 1.2 the series goes ahead, director billion rand ($78.39 million) from of rugby Rassie Erasmus said its 2020 budget due to Covid-19, yesterday. which includes some players and The Lions are scheduled staff taking up to 50% pay cuts, win at Sony Open to tour South Africa for eight and the Lions tour is desperately matches between July 3 and Au- needed to refi ll the coff ers. gust 7 this year, including three But Erasmus said there was tests against the world champion a sporting context too with the ‘I’M JUST HAPPY THE WAY I PLAYED THE LAST TWO HOLES’ Springboks. Boks having not played a test But with all nations involved since they lifted the Rugby World AFP in the grip of the Covid-19 cri- Cup in Japan in November 2019. Los Angeles ses, the series remains in serious “Apart from the commercial doubt in its current form. reasons, we feel we deserve to A decision is likely to be made play against them (the Lions). outh Korean-born next month, but Erasmus says I want the opportunity, (head American Kevin Na from a Bok point of view they are coach) Jacques (Nienaber) wants birdied the 72nd hole to ready to look at all scenarios to the opportunity. claim a one-shot vic- ensure the tests go ahead. “Some players extended their toryS Sunday in the US PGA Tour “We desperately want to play career to have this opportunity. Sony Open at Waialae Country and will do anything it takes,” Er- Players stayed in South Africa to Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. asmus told reporters yesterday. play this. Na followed up a career-low “We don’t want to miss this “So if the question is put to us, 61 in the third round with a fi ve- opportunity. ‘Guys, would you do X, Y and Z’, under par 65 for a 21-under par “Whatever we have to do to we don’t care. We will do any- total of 259. play that (series)... we sacri- thing to play that series. He fi nished one stroke in front fi ced the Rugby Championship “We will never, ever stop it of Chris Kirk, who was fi rst last year for player welfare, but (from our side) and that is why in the clubhouse on 260 after also because we knew we had a I think we will fi nd a solution in a fi nal-round 65, and Chile’s big series (against the Lions) the the end.” Joaquin Niemann, who capped his 66 with back-to-back bird- ies. “All these experiences – play- ing 18 years on tour – it’s paying off right now,” said the 37-year- old Na, who turned pro in 2001 and joined the US PGA Tour in 2004 but didn’t win his fi rst US Tour title until 2011. It would be another seven years until he claimed a second, but he’s now taken his tally to fi ve. “I felt pretty confi dent all day,” said Na, who began the round two strokes behind over- night leader Brendan Steele. Birdies at the second and ninth kept him in the hunt, but after he let a seven-foot birdie chance go begging at 11 he fell back with a three-putt bogey at the 12th. Na responded with three birdies in a row at 13, 14 and 15. “I played a pretty good front nine,” he said. “Made a little mistake missing South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa (centre), head coach Rassie the putt on 11 and 12 I misjudged Erasmus and Siya Kolisi (left) during the World Cup Trophy Tour in that down grain and three-putt- Pretoria, South Africa, on November 7, 2019. (Reuters) ed. But I knew there were a lot of birdie holes left and just Kevin Na of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, played my game, hit a lot of Hawaii. (Getty Images/AFP) solid shots. England skills coach Ryles to miss Six “I was having fun out there.” birdie from just off the green at His one-under par 69 left him He was just right of the fair- 17 and birdied the par-fi ve fi n- sharing fourth on 261 with Webb Leading scores aft er fi nal round Nations due to Covid-19 lockdown way off the tee at 18, where ishing hole despite fi nding both Simpson (64) and Australian (USA unless noted, par-70) 64, Nick Taylor (CAN) 66-62-68- England’s skills coach Jason last year. “Due to the current his second shot tracked the a fairway and a greenside bun- Marc Leishman (65). 259-Kevin Na 67-66-61-65 67, Russell Henley 66-64-65-68 Ryles will not join the team Covid-19 lockdown, coach fl ag but rolled off the back of ker. “Obviously super disappoint- 260-Chris Kirk 65-65-65-65, 264-Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 66-67- ahead of the Six Nations as Jason Ryles and his family the green. His chip on left him “Just another good week, so ed,” Steele said. Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 62-69- 67-64, Nick Hardy 69-63-66-66, the Australian is not relocating have chosen not to re-locate less than two feet for birdie and happy with that,” added the “Playing really well, feeling 63-66 Keith Mitchell 71-62-63-68, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to England this month as they the win. Chilean, who was coming off a really good about it. Thought 261-Webb Simpson 65-65- Peter Malnati 62-69-64-69, England’s Rugby Football had originally planned,” the Kirk shook off two early bo- playoff loss in the Tournament I hit a perfect shot on 10. Got a 67-64, Marc Leishman (AUS) Charley Hoffman 66-65-64-69 Union (RFU) said yesterday. RFU said in a statement. geys to climb the leaderboard of Champions last week. weird lie there, totally changed 66-65-65-65, Brendan Steele 265-Lee Kyoung-hoon (KOR) Ryles appointment to Ed- “It is hoped Jason will rejoin with seven birdies in his 65. Steele didn’t fi nd his fi rst the momentum. 65-66-61-69 69-66-66-64, Charles Howell die Jones’ backroom staff the coaching team for Eng- Niemann, who began the day birdie until the seventh, but “Every single shot I hit after 262-Patton Kizzire 64-69-65-64, 67-68-66-64, Kramer Hickok was made last January. The land’s summer fixtures.” tied for second with Na, carded he had consolidated his lead that ended up with a weird lie, Collin Morikawa 66-65-67-64, 67-68-65-65, Mackenzie Hugh- 42-year-old was previously England begin their Six Na- a 66 to join Kirk on 260. with a 21-foot eagle putt at the one foot through the fairway, Billy Horschel 65-66-66-65, es (CAN) 65-69-65-66, Hideki assistant coach at Melbourne tions title defence against “I’m just happy the way I ninth. really struggling after that. Daniel Berger 64-68-64-66 Matsuyama (JPN) 66-65-66-68, Storm, which won Australia’s Scotland at Twickenham played the last two holes,” said Bogeys at 10 and 14, however, Completely changed the mo- 263-Matt Jones (AUS) 69-67-63- Stewart Cink 67-63-65-70. rugby league Grand Final Stadium on February 6. Niemann, who chipped in for proved too much to overcome. mentum and super bummed.”

NHL Yandle, Luostarinen fuel Panthers past Blackhawks Reuters game to start the season. Chicago intended pass for Huberdeau was The Penguins scored on the game’s Miami had an apparent goal by Patrick Kane unintentionally tipped in by Chicago fi rst shift. A shot from the right point wiped out with 7:28 left in the fi rst defenseman Calvin de Haan. by Brian Dumoulin caromed off Ro- period. Pius Sutter’s spin-around as- Huberdeau provided the fi nal tally, drigues and past Samsonov just 19 eith Yandle scored an early sist was also nullifi ed after the Pan- scoring with 3:05 left. seconds into the game. goal and Eetu Luostarinen thers challenged, and a video review Dowd tied it at 12:04 of the fi rst on snapped a tie in the third showed that Kane was off side. JAKE GUENTZEL LIFTS PENGUINS a backhander from above the crease period, lifting the Florida The Panthers opened the scoring PAST CAPITALS that fl uttered past DeSmith. KPanthers to a 5-2 season-opening just 12 seconds into the second pe- Jake Guentzel scored in the fourth Washington took a 2-1 lead at win over the Chicago Blackhawks on riod. Ekblad’s long shot from beyond round of the shootout on Sunday to 14:24 of the fi rst on Ovechkin’s fi rst Sunday in Sunrise, Fla. the right circle went in with help give the Pittsburgh Penguins a 4-3 goal through three games. Tom Wil- Juostarinen and Patric Hornqvist, from a screen by Carter Verhaeghe. win over the visiting Washington son stole the puck from Pittsburgh who also scored, made their Pan- The Panthers doubled the advan- Capitals. Guentzel got in tight and defenseman John Marino in the thers debuts. Yandle, the subject of tage at 5:33, with Yandle scoring his slipped the puck under the pads of Penguins’ end, leading to Ovechkin persistent trade/benching rumours, 100th career goal past an out-of-po- goaltender Ilya Samsonov. cashing in on a Kuznetsov rebound played his 867th consecutive game sition Delia. After Delia’s breakup of It was the fi rst win in three games with a backhander. – the longest streak by an NHL de- a Huberdeau pass, Yandle turned his for Pittsburgh; it was the fi rst loss, Sceviour tied it with his fi rst goal fenseman. back on the goal, retrieved the puck albeit with a shootout point, for as a Penguin. Samsonov played the Florida was the 30th NHL team to and fi red it on net in one motion. Washington. puck behind his net, but Pittsburgh’s play its season opener this year, with Chicago got on the board after An- Marcus Pettersson scored the ty- Teddy Blueger intercepted it and got only the Dallas Stars yet to debut. drew Shaw drew a holding penalty on ing goal in the second period for the it to Sceviour in front. His lofted shot Panthers backup goalie Chris Yandle. DeBrincat cashed in with a Penguins, who also got goals from was upheld as a goal after a review to Driedger made 23 stops to earn the one-timer from the left circle, beat- Evan Rodrigues and Colton Sceviour. make it 2-2 at 2:10 of the second pe- win. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky is not ing Driedger, who was out of posi- Casey DeSmith, in his second ap- riod. yet in game shape. tion. pearance and fi rst start, made 20 The Capitals moved ahead 3-2 Defenseman Aaron Ekblad and The Blackhawks tied the score 2-2 saves. He stopped all four Washing- midway through the second period Jonathan Huberdeau also scored for while playing four on four as Murphy ton players in the shootout, including during a four-on-three power play. Florida. Huberdeau added two as- scored with 2:53 left in the third pe- captain Alex Ovechkin after Guent- Backstrom converted a pass from sists. riod. Driedger was screened on the zel’s goal to seal it. Ovechkin had a Kuznetsov on a back-door play. Alex DeBrincat and Connor Mur- play. goal and an assist during regulation. Pittsburgh tied it 3-3 at 12:57 of phy each scored and Collin Delia However, Luostarinen scored 22 Nic Dowd and Nicklas Backstrom the second. Jason Zucker carried the made 24 stops for the Blackhawks. seconds later to give Florida a 3-2 also scored, Evgeny Kuznetsov had puck behind the net and passed it out But it wasn’t enough to prevent Chi- lead. The Panthers went up 4-2 with two assists and Samsonov made 24 to Pettersson, who roofed a shot past Ryan Carpenter (right) of Chicago Blackhawks and Eetu Luostarinen of the Florida Panthers cago from losing its third straight 14:03 left in the third as Hornqvist’s saves. Samsonov. battle along the boards at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7 SPORT

GOLF Doha to host Asian Youth Beach Handball Championship in April

QNA Also, the 17th Asian Junior ECGC, CBQ host Qatar Masters Pro-Am Qualifi er Kuwait Championship (World Cham- pionship Qualifiers — Hungary By Sports Reporter 2021) has been transferred Doha he Asian Handball to Bahrain from March 20 Federation announced to 29. The 23rd Asian Men’s Tchanges to the dates and Club League will be held from ommercial Bank, Qa- locations of several tourna- May 20 to 31 in Jeddah. The tar’s fi rst private bank, ments scheduled for 2021. ninth Asian Youth Champion- and Education City Golf It has been decided to transfer ship (World Championship Club held the Commer- the 2nd Asian Youth Beach Qualifiers — Greece 2021) will cialC Bank Qatar Masters Pro-Am Handball Championship to be held from June 5 to 17 in Qualifi er on Friday. Doha from April 2 to 9. Kazakhstan. This competition is the fi rst to be held this year, and more Pro- Am Qualifi er competitions will follow on February 6, 12, and 19, as the offi cial Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Pro-Am champi- onship will be held on March 10, 2021. Root thanks Michael Braidwood, General Players take part in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Pro-Am Qualifier at the Education City Golf Club on Friday. Manager at Education City Golf Club, said: “Through this com- professionals and international entries to the VIP chalet at the in Commercial Bank Pro-Am tunities for our customers and England’s lone fan petition, we aim to provide the golf players.” Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament with leading pro- general public, the introduc- golfi ng community a unique op- Top three standing players 2021. fessional golfers is a dream for tion of this new pro-am com- portunity to play in a national will get qualifi ed to play in the Hussein al-Abdulla, Chief many golf enthusiasts. As we petition is another example for devoted support golf tournament with the ulti- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Marketing Officer at Com- are always looking at ways to of how we are fulfilling that mate goal of playing alongside Pro-Am, and each won two free mercial Bank, said: “Playing provide more playing oppor- pledge.”

FOCUS Aspetar, Aspire Zone, QAF sign medical A screen grab of a video tweeted by England Cricket that showed England captain Joe Root calling a fan Rob Lewis who watched the first Test from the ramparts of a fort in Galle.

AFP He was forced off the ram- co-operation agreement parts on the fi rst day, but the Sri Galle, Sri Lanka Lankan cricket board later inter- vened to get him a place on the lone England cricket 16th-century fort. fan who waited 10 Root said Lewis was a “beacon months in Sri Lanka to for everyone at home”. watch his team play had “Rob? Hello mate, how are anA unexpected phone call yester- you? It was nice to see you fi nally day from team captain Joe Root up on the fort,” said Root. after they beat the hosts in the “That’s why I wanted to come fi rst Test. over, on behalf of all the lads we After winning by seven wick- really appreciate your support ets, Root telephoned Rob Lewis, and it’s an incredible story and who had been cheering from journey that you’ve been on.” Galle fort overlooking the cricket Lewis said the call was “an stadium. unbelievable gesture”, and that The 37-year-old stayed in Sri he would be watching when the Lanka after England quit the tour second Test starts Friday. in March without playing a Test Root tweeted a video of him because of the coronavirus pan- making the call to Lewis who demic. could be seen on the ramparts of With spectators and media the Unesco world heritage site. banned, Lewis was kept away Whilst in Sri Lanka, Lewis has from the stadium when the worked remotely as a web de- match eventually started last signer and done stints as a night- The agreement was signed by Aspetar Director General and AZF CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi (second from right) and Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Dr Thani week. club DJ. Abdulrahman al-Kuwari (third from left) in the presence of QAF and Aspetar off icials, and Qatari athletics stars Abderrahman Samba (fourth from left), Abubakar Haidar (fourth from right) and Ashraf al-Saifi (third from right).

By Sports Reporter ing ceremony at Aspetar, al- to Qatar athletics Stars to reach mittee. Aspetar contributed pion Mutaz Barsham missed the Former India spinner Chandrasekhar Doha Suwaidi said, “We are proud of the podiums at the Tokyo Olym- to enhancing the reputation of ceremony because of his pres- stable, to be shift ed out of ICU the successes achieved by Qatar pics.” Qatari sports by providing high- ence in a preparatory camp out- athletics in international com- Dr al-Kuwari explained that level medical services, which side the country. Former India leg-spinner BS Chandrasekhar Bhagwath spetar and the Qatar petition. This agreement will this agreement will be very use- has prompted many interna- Under the signed agreement, Chandrasekhar, who was stated in a release to the media. Athletics Federation serve Qatar’s sport by conduct- ful for Qatari sport, pointing out tional sports stars to choose As- Qatari athletics stars will benefi t admitted to hospital yesterday She added that the 75-year-old (QAF) have signed a ing a full comprehensive medi- that co-operation with Aspetar petar as the best destination for from comprehensive medical after complaining of fatigue was fine and was watching co-operation agree- cal test for athletes pre-, during has continued for years, and that treatment and preparation, and support leading up to the Tokyo and slurred speech, is stable. the Australia-India Test match ment,A under which Qatari ath- and post-competitions, provid- Qatari athletics will be partici- we at the Qatar Athletics Fed- Olympics. “He is stable and likely to be when he suddenly complained letes will benefi t from Aspetar’s ing them with comprehensive pating in many competitions, eration seek to benefi t from it Aspetar was the offi cial shifted from Intensive Care of fatigue and slurring in outstanding medical services, medical support and use of As- including the Diamond League in developing the capabilities of medical provider of the 2019 Unit (ICU) to ward shortly,” said speech. “So we took him to the the latest scientifi c research and pire Zone facilities to serve Qa- – Doha round at the end of May our athletes and improving re- IAAF World Athletics Cham- a spokesperson of Karnataka hospital,” she said. sports science, as well as using tar’s sport and athletics. this year, and the Tokyo Olympic cent years’ achievements,” said pionships, where it was highly State Cricket Association (KSCA). The former India leg-spinner, Aspire Zone facilities. “We are always pleased to Games. Dr al-Kuwari. praised by many sports offi - The former leg-spinner was who made his debut for India The agreement was signed collaborate with Qatar athlet- “We are proud to have a such The signing ceremony was cials locally and internation- admitted to a private hospital. in January 1961, scalped 242 today by Aspetar Director Gen- ics Federation for the service of medical landmark in Qatar, and attended by senior QAF and ally. Aspetar attracts many of Earlier, his wife had said that he in 58 Test matches he eral and Aspire Zone Founda- sport and performance, and we with its international achieve- Aspetar offi cials, and a number the world’s athletics stars both was recovering. played. He picked 16 five- tion CEO Mohamed Khalifa al- are very pleased to co-operate ments, Aspetar is one of the of Qatari athletics stars led by for treatment and medical ad- “Chandra is recovering very hauls during his 15-year-old Suwaidi, and QAF President Dr with a such distinguished asso- most prestigious centres of Abderrahman Samba, Abubakar vice, thanks to the world hospi- well, and he will be back home long career. He played his last Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari. ciations such as the Qatar Ath- sports medicine, accredited by Haidar and Ashraf al-Saifi , tal’s distinctive approach to the in two days,” his wife Sandhya Test in 1979. At the opening of the sign- letics Federation and our wishes the International Olympic Com- while world and Olympic cham- treatment of athletes.

SPOTLIGHT Singh on song as Ireland beat UAE to square series

AFP was born in India but has lived in ‘BAT DEEP’ Singh, in his second over, had Abu Dhabi Ireland since arriving as a stu- After losing the toss and being Farid caught by Gareth Delany at dent when he was 17. put in, Ireland made a poor start deep square-leg on the sweep. It is the second-best perform- to their innings as Kashif Daud Shortly after, Chundanga- ll-rounder Simi Singh ance by an Irish bowler in ODIs removed Kevin O’Brien, playing poyil Rizwan and Aravind both produced an “excep- after Paul Stirling’s six for 55 in his 150th ODI, in the second hoiked the 33-year-old spinner tional” career best against Afghanistan in 2017. over. down the throat of Craig Young one-day international “For Simi to come into the When Stirling and Andy Bal- at long-on before Singh had performanceA with bat and ball to game, not having played in the birnie fell in quick succession to Basil Hameed caught behind by steer Ireland to a crushing 112- fi rst one, and bowl with that con- Zahoor Khan, the Irish were in Tucker and Muhammad Usman run win over United Arab Emir- trol was exceptional,” said Ire- deep trouble at 10-3. leg before. ates yesterday which levelled the land captain Balbirnie. Harry Tector, who made 33, Singh picked up the fi rst fi ve series at 1-1. “The control, the accuracy and and Lorcan Tucker, 42, began wickets. Coming in with Ireland strug- the wicket-taking ability, it was the rebuilding process before “We are really happy to win by gling at 99-5, Singh made 54 not an absolute joy to watch him.” 21-year-old Campher, who was a big margin which was impor- out from 57 balls and shared a UAE won the opening en- named man of the series, and tant for us. That will give us huge sixth-wicket partnership of 91 counter on January 8 without Singh joined forces in a vital confi dence going forward,” said with Curtis Campher who made vice-captain Chirag Suri and un- sixth-wicket stand. Singh. 56. capped left-arm spinner Aryan “When I went to the crease I Ireland will remain in the UAE Ireland reached 228-6 from Lakra who both tested positive chatted with Curtis and the plan to play a three-game ODI series their 50 overs and then bowled for coronavirus. was just to take the game as deep against Afghanistan. out UAE for just 116 in 36 overs The next two games, in what as we can and then try to explode with off -spinner Singh taking had been scheduled as a four- at the end,” said Singh. “Luckily BRIEF SCORES: Ireland 228 for an astonishing 5-10 from his 10 match series, were then axed that happened for us.” 6 in 50 overs (Curtis Campher overs. despite a series of attempts to re- UAE made a good start in the 56, Simi Singh 54 ; Zahoor “It was just one of those days schedule as the home squad were chase to reach Ireland’s 228 with Khan 3-35) beat UAE 116 all out when everything clicked with the hit by a wave of Covid-19 positive the openers Zawar Farid and in 36 overs (Simi Singh 5-10) by bat and the ball,” said Singh, who tests. Vriitya Aravind adding 46 before 112 runs. Series result: Drawn 1-1 Ireland’s Simi Singh bowls against the UAE during the second ODI in Abu Dhabi yesterday. ()

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS South Africa impressed with Pakistan security: skipper de Kock

AFP on January 26. Test cricket only resumed in De- over half a million people and Karachi, Pakistan “When we were coming here, cember 2019. killed more than 10,000. obviously, security was a concern “It looks like all corners are De Kock admitted playing con- — if not the biggest concern,” the checked... all bases covered, ditions in Pakistan were unknown outh African skipper 28-year-old told a virtual news touch wood,” said de Kock. for the squad, although head coach Quinton de Kock says conference. “At the moment we feel safe. Mark Boucher toured in 1997, 2003 top-notch security sur- “When we landed here we saw There is a lot of security, so now we and 2007 as a player. rounding the squad since the amount of security... we be- are just worrying about cricket.” “We do understand that spin theirS arrival in Pakistan at the came a lot calmer. It became less The squad are being kept eff ec- plays a big part in the subconti- weekend has allowed them to of a worry and we were able to fo- tively in a bubble at their Karachi nent so we will have all our bases concentrate fully on cricket. cus more on cricket.” hotel as a precaution against the covered,” said de Kock, who will De Kock is leading a 21-strong Pakistan went years without coronavirus, but can train at a play his 50th Test in Karachi. squad on South Africa’s fi rst tour playing home games after mili- nearby club ground. The second Test will be played to Pakistan in 14 years, where tants attacked the team bus of the All matches will be played be- in Rawalpindi from February 4, they will play two Tests and three Sri Lankan side in 2009. hind closed doors, however, as while Lahore will host all three internationals. They have hosted a few limit- Pakistan grapples with an epi- Twenty20 internationals on Feb- The fi rst Test starts in Karachi ed-overs matches since 2015, but demic that has offi cially infected ruary 11, 13 and 14. Police patrol around a hotel housing the South African cricket team in Karachi on Saturday. (AFP)

SL VS ENG, 1ST TEST AUS VS IND, 4TH TEST Bairstow and India eye fairytale win, as Australia Lawrence seal fret over Starc Reuters Brisbane, Australia

njury-ravaged India will win for England chase 324 runs for a fairytale victory in the fourth Test de- cider against Australia as an ‘As a batting unit, we have to get a big total in the first innings’ Iepic series that has ebbed and fl owed draws to a fi tting climax on the fi nal day at the Gabba. At the end of a rain-hit day four, India’s batsmen pondered a wicket laden with ominous cracks while Australia fretted over the fi tness of pace spear- head Mitchell Starc and hoped the weather would behave on day fi ve. Australia may also wonder whether they waited too long to unleash their bowlers, with rain bringing an end to yesterday’s play after only 1.5 overs of India’s second innings after tea. India, after bowling Australia out for 294, were four for no loss, with Rohit Sharma four not out and fellow opener Shubman Gill yet to score. Australia have a maximum of 98.1 overs to beat India and seal the series 2-1, but it was only a week ago that the home side India’s Mohamed Siraj celebrates the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne failed to knock over Ajinkya Ra- (not pictured) of Australia on day four of the fourth Test at the Gabba hane’s battered team in 131 overs in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. (AAP/Reuters) in the drawn Sydney Test. The hosts must win the match to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Scorecard trophy, while holders India need only a draw to retain it two years AUSTRALIA 1st inn 369 Total (all out, 75.5 overs) 294 after their breakthrough 2-1 win INDIA 1st inn 336 Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Harris), in the 2018-19 series in Australia. AUSTRALIA 2nd inn (o/n 21-0) 2-91 (Warner), 3-123 (La- Compounding the challenge, buschagne), 4-123 (Wade), 5-196 Australia’s attack may also be M. Harris c Pant b Thakur 38 (Smith), 6-227 (Green), 7-242 England’s Jonny Bairstow (right) and Dan Lawrence celebrate after the former scored the winning runs in the first Test against Sri Lanka in undermanned, with left-armer D. Warner lbw Sundar 48 (Paine), 8-247 (Starc), 9-274 Galle yesterday. (Cricket Sri Lanka) Starc seen clutching his ham- M. Labuschagne c Sharma b Siraj 25 (Lyon), 10-294 (Hazlewood) string. S. Smith c Rahane b Siraj 55 Bowling: Siraj 19.5-5-73-5 (1w), AFP Root already has his thoughts on the sec- “One thing I know about Natarajan 14-4-41-0 (2nb), Sun- Scorecard M. Wade c Pant b Siraj 0 Galle, Sri Lanka ond Test starting in Galle on Friday, and four Mitchell is he’s tough,” Australia dar 18-1-80-1, Thakur 19-2-61-4 tough Tests in India after that. batsman Steve Smith told re- C. Green c Sharma b Thakur 37 (1w, 1nb), Saini 5-1-32-0 (1nb) SRI LANKA 1st inn 135 “There are things and mistakes in this porters. “He has played through T. Paine c Pant b Thakur 27 fter a seven-wicket win, a dou- ENGLAND 1st inn 421 game that we have probably got away with,” some injuries before and got the INDIA 2nd innings P. Cummins not out 28 ble-century innings, and two SRI LANKA 2nd inn 359 said Root. “But I am really proud of these job done so he’ll be hopefully R. Sharma not out 4 fi ve-wicket hauls for the bowlers, guys.” good to go tomorrow. ENGLAND 2nd inn (o/n: 38-3) M. Starc c Saini b Siraj 1 England captain Joe Root still feels England have now won four away Tests in “The wicket is certainly dif- S. Gill not out 0 N. Lyon c Agarwal b Thakur 13 hisA side “got away” with too many mistakes Z. Crawley c Mendis b Embuldeniya 8 a row, their best performance since 1955-56. ferent to what it is in Sydney. Total (0 wickets, 1.5 overs) 4 J. Hazlewood c Thakur b Siraj 9 against Sri Lanka. D. Sibley b Embuldeniya 2 Root has 24 Test wins as a captain, two be- There’s a bit more happening Bowling: Starc 1-0-4-0, Hazle- England won the fi rst Test in Galle yester- J. Bairstow not out 35 hind Michael Vaughan’s all-time record of here. We saw a few balls shoot Extras (b5, lb2, nb4, w2) 13 wood 0.5-0-0-0 day with Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence 26 for England. up today, a couple kept a bit low, negotiating what Bairstow called a “tricky” J. Root run out 1 “We are not the fi nished article, we have a a couple went off cracks which fi nish after losing three quick wickets before D. Lawrence not out 21 long way to go,” he added. is always playing on the batters’ In a series that has produced a tims, out for 55 when he gloved the overnight close Sunday. Extras (b4, lb5) 9 “If we can keep improving all the time, mind.” string of unlikely Indian heroes, a catch to Rahane after a ball Bairstow, who cracked a four to pass the keep learning from the things and the little Mohamed Siraj, the de facto pace pinged steeply off the wicket. winning target, and Lawrence steadied the Total (24.2 overs) 76 mistakes we made then we can keep getting FAIRYTALE FINISH? leader in only his third Test, fi n- In his second Test, Shardul innings and scored the required 36 runs in Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Sibley), 2-12 (Crawley), better.” The highest successful chase in ished with an innings haul of 5-73 Thakur grabbed 4-61 in the in- less than 10 overs. 3-14 (Root) Root said that Sri Lanka are a “very proud” a Gabba Test was in 1951 when yesterday, taking the wind out of nings, snaring opener Marcus The crumbling pitch gave Sri Lanka’s Bowling: Embuldeniya 12-3-29-2, D. Perera side and England must expect a backlash in Australia fi nished 236 for seven, Australia’s sails as they tried to Harris (38) and tearing into the tail spinners hopes of claiming more wickets, 11.2-2-34-0, De Silva 1-0-4-0 the second Test. but there have been big scores in quicken their scoring. with the wickets of all-rounder but Bairstow (35) and Lawrence (21) took Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal is recent years. He had some assistance from Cameron Green (37) and wicket- England to 76-3 after resuming at 38-3. RESULT: England win by seven wickets also looking for more of the attitude from Pakistan racked up 450 in the the pitch, with balls rearing out keeper-captain Tim Paine (27). Sri Lanka called a review on one Dilruwan the second innings, when Lahiru Thir- fourth innings at the Gabba in a of cracks and others staying low. Australia’s tail showed custom- Perera ball to Lawrence — who missed a re- fi rst innings when he also saw six England imanne scored a stubborn 111. lost cause in 2016. “We saw some cracks today ary resistance, with Pat Cummins verse sweep — but the TV replay found the batsman fall in a single session, tarnishing Chandimal admitted his side gave away That India remain in the hunt and it will play on the batsmen’s (28 not out), Nathan Lyon (13) and faintest edge before it hit his pads. the big total. the game on the opening day. is an achievement in itself, with minds. It won’t be easy tomor- Josh Hazlewood (9) boosting the The win should have been a stroll after “We were outplayed in the fi rst innings not a single fi rst-choice bowler row but our batsmen will be pre- victory target to ensure India will Sri Lanka collapsed to 135 in the fi rst innings ‘LITTLE MISTAKES’ RANKLE with the bat and ball,” he said. “As a batting in the team due to a horrendous pared,” he told reporters. have to fi ght tooth and nail to de- and England made 421 with a Joe Root dou- He said the team’s lack of preparation before unit, we have to get a big total in the fi rst in- injury toll. Smith was one of Siraj’s vic- liver the fairytale fi nish. ble century. the match — stuck in a bio-secure corona- nings. It cost us the game.” But the home side hit back with a deter- virus bubble — had been a handicap, but the If they could have added 70-80 more mined 359 in their second innings before fi ve-wicket hauls by spinners Dom Bess and runs on Sunday, then Sri Lanka could have India’s Shardul Thakur (centre) having England in trouble at 14-3 at one Jack Leach were a “brilliant achievement”. caused an upset. bowls to Australia’s captain Tim stage late Sunday. Bairstow’s role overcoming the general “It could have been a diff erent story,” Paine yesterday. (AFP) “These run chases are always a little bit batting jitters in his fi rst Test since 2019 was he declared, adding the fi rst-innings total nervy,” said the captain, who hit 228 in the also a plus. would be crucial in the second Test.

Moeen Ali could yet play for England in second Test

Reuters Ali was quarantined after being batsman rejoined the England Root said. “It would be wrong Galle, Sri Lanka the only England player to squad at the weekend and to completely rule him out. Test positive on arrival in Sri Root said his inclusion in the “It’s so good to have him back Lanka on January 3, isolated line-up for the second Test, around the dressing room, he’s xperienced all-rounder from his teammates for 13 days which starts on Friday, had not such a great character and Moeen Ali could yet play and missed the first Test at the been ruled out despite little such a big part of the squad. Efor England in the second Galle International Stadium, training time. We are just thrilled for him Test against Sri Lanka after which the visitors won by “With Mo, I think it’s important to be back among us and to recovering from Covid-19, cap- seven wickets yesterday. that we take it day by day and be back in training when we tain Joe Root said in a video But the 33-year-old spin bowler that we look at where he’s at start getting ready for the next news conference on Monday. and attacking middle-order over the next couple of days,” game.”