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Tuesday, January 21, 2020 CRICKET Jumada I 26, 1441 AH England thrash GULF TIMES SA by an innings and 53 runs SPORT Page 3

TENNIS Djokovic survives scare as rain causes chaos at Open Federer, Serena and Osaka also advance while Venus is ousted by rising US teenager Coco Gauff

AFP While play continued at the played before in the fi rst round of a Melbourne three stadiums with retractable Grand Slam.” roofs, half of the 64 scheduled Later on the covered centre court, matches were postponed, Australian world number one Ashleigh ovak Djokovic survived a scare ensuring a big backlog today Barty recovered strongly from a set to join Roger Federer and Serena down to beat Lesia Tsurenko 5-7, 6-1, NWilliams in the Australian Open 6-2, 6-2 victory over American Steve 6-1. second round as heavy downpours Johnson. In the men’s draw, Greek sixth seed caused chaos yesterday, forcing organ- Williams, on the hunt for a record- Stefanos Tsitsipas, who beat Federer en isers to postpone a swathe of matches. equalling 24th Grand Slam title, won route to last year’s semis, crushed Sal- Defending champion Djokovic was the fi rst set against Anastasia Potapova vatore Caruso 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. made to sweat before beating Ger- in just 19 minutes as she cruised to a Player anger over smog dominated many’s Jan-Lennard Struff in four sets 6-0, 6-3 win in less than an hour. the fi nal days before the tournament, on the fi rst day, when fears over air “I feel like I can still improve and get which is taking place after bushfi res pollution were replaced by disruption better throughout this tournament, for ravaged large parts of Australia, de- caused by rain. sure. This is a good stepping stone for stroying thousands of homes and kill- While play continued at the three right now,” Williams said. ing 29 people. stadiums with retractable roofs, half However, Williams’ elder sister Ve- Tournament offi cials are closely of the 64 scheduled matches were nus was ousted in stunning fashion by monitoring pollution and will halt play postponed, ensuring a big backlog for 15-year-old Coco Gauff , who won 7-6 and close the three main stadiums’ today. (7/5), 6-3 in a repeat of her fi rst-round roofs if particulate matter suspended Wet conditions are unusual for the upset at Wimbledon last year. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the air hits PM2.5 200. Australian Open, which is more used In the late match, defending cham- reacts after a point against In other results, Canadian 13th seed to extreme heat and was plagued by pion Djokovic dropped his fi rst set Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff Denis Shapovalov argued furiously smog from bushfi res during qualify- since 2006 in the opening round before during their first round match with the umpire over a code violation ing, when players suff ered coughing recovering to beat Jan-Lennard Struff of the Australian Open tennis for throwing his racquet as he lost in fi ts and breathing problems. 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. tournament in Melbourne four sets to Marton Fucsovics. Air quality was rated ‘good’ as the “There is a lot of pressure and a lot of yesterday. Croatian 25th seed Borna Coric was fi rst round started yesterday but about diff erent emotions involved. I defi nite- another fi rst-round loser as he went four hours later play was suspended ly try to remind myself to stay present down to experienced American Sam on outside courts when the heavens and really enjoy,” said the seven-time Querrey, while Australia’s Sam Stosur opened in Melbourne. Melbourne winner, who brought up his bombed out against Caty McNally. World number three Federer was 900th Tour-level victory. out in three sets to Zhang Shuai of was done well before the downpour as broke a net fastening. But former champion Caroline Woz- briefl y hauled off court while the roof Former US Open champion Sloane China — her fourth fi rst-round exit in she dismissed Marie Bouzkova of the “It was really tough for me trying to niacki, playing her last tournament be- was closed on Rod Laver Arena before Stephens was the biggest women’s Melbourne. Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 in 80 min- control my nerves,” said Osaka. “It’s fore retiring, safely reached the second returning to complete a routine 6-3, casualty on day one when she crashed Defending champion Naomi Osaka utes, smashing one powerful serve that tough to play someone you’ve never round as she beat Kristie Ahn 6-1, 6-3.

‘I’m just Olympia’s mom’: Serena’s QATAR BEAT SOUTH KOREA history chase begins with win

Melbourne: Serena Williams blitzed the first set in just 19 minutes as she launched her quest for a 24th Grand Slam title with a quickfire demolition of Anastasia Potapova at the Aus- tralian Open yesterday. The 38-year-old American, wearing a lilac dress and matching trainers, and sporting heavily decorated fingernails, powered past the Rus- sian teenager 6-0, 6-3 in 58 minutes. Williams comes into Melbourne in ominous form after breaking her three-year title drought with victory in Auckland — her first since becoming a mother to two-year-old daughter Olympia. Olympia watched her mother win the title last week, and Williams said after easing to victory over Potapova: “It (Auckland) was really special for me and her (Olympia) — I hope for her.” But the American legend, speaking to an ador- ing crowd at the 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena, admitted that Olympia “just cares about Play-Doh”. “I try to tell her I’m someone, you know,” she joked. “(But) I am just known about town as Olympia’s mom — I love that.” Williams threatened to blow away the 18-year- old Potapova — who was temperamental at times — in embarrassingly rapid fashion. But the 90th-ranked Russian, overawed in the first set, fought back and broke Williams’s serve Qatar notched up their in the second, helped by some sloppiness from third win on the trot in the American.Williams double-faulted to go the Asian Handball down a surprise 2-1, but there was never a hint Championship, beating of an upset as the American broke back before South Korea 34-27 in their pulling away to an easy win. Group 2 quarter-final There is huge pressure on Williams as she league match yesterday. eyes the record Grand Slam haul of Australia’s Qatar’s group also includes Margaret Court. Since winning the title in Iran and hosts Kuwait. Melbourne in 2017 she has lost four Slam finals, The top two teams from each time failing to even win a set. the group enter the semi- finals. Bahrain, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE constitute Group 1. Qatar had earlier topped their preliminary group with victories over China and Japan. Qatar are the defending champions. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS/AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOCUS Tsitsipas calls for ‘a little more respect’ Teenager Gauff aft er rowdy 1st round

Reuters Tsitsipas’ high-powered Melbourne game kept him in control in much of the match, with the only slight blip coming to- tefanos Tsitsipas called wards the end when he failed completes double for fans to be “a lit- to convert three match points tle more respectful” on Caruso’s serve. of his opponents after He fi nally secured victory aS rowdy fi rst match win over on his own serve with an ace Italy’s Salvatore Caruso at the down the middle of the court Australian Open yesterday. after an hour and 43 minutes. Melbourne’s large Greek Tsitsipas will next face Ger- community was out in full force many’s Philipp Kohlschreiber, eclipse of Venus at the Margaret Court Arena, who beat American Marcos chanting “Ole! Ole! Stefanos Giron 7-5, 6-1, 6-2. Gauff again has the measure of veteran Venus, will meet Romania’s Cirstea in 2nd round Tsitsipas!” as the Athens-born Sixth-ranked Tsitsipas has player put on a commanding been touted as a potential Reuters DAY ONE RESULTS 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 win over Caruso winner at Melbourne Park Melbourne in less than two hours. where he had beaten Roger Fe- Men’s singles Caruso, ranked 95th in the derer in the fourth round amid 1st round world, looked hopelessly out- a sensational run to the semi- oco Gauff shone on her Matteo Berrettini (ITA x8) bt played throughout and his fi nals last year. Australian Open de- Andrew Harris (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 troubles were compounded The 2019 ATP Finals cham- but yesterday as she Ricardas Berankis (LIT) bt Rob- after a fi nger on his right hand pion is aiming to better that knocked Venus Wil- erto Carballes (ESP) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 started bleeding from a cut performance, saying that he liamsC out of the fi rst round in early in the fi nal set. now has the game to go all the Sam Querrey (USA) bt Borna a repeat of her stunning vic- Coric (CRO x25) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 The crowd did not help way. tory over the seven-times Grand Guido Pella (ARG x22) bt John- matters, with some Tsitsipas “I definitely feel like I’m Slam champion in the Wimble- Patrick Smith (AUS) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 supporters loudly booing the more experienced now. Last don opener last year. Gregoire Barrere (FRA) bt Mo- Italian during certain points. year I did feel more as a kid The 15-year-old American hamed Safwat (EGY) 6-7 (8/10), “I really like they come and who was trying to get con- sensation, 24 years Williams’ 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) support me because that gives fidence by doing certain junior and the youngest player in Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt me a lot of positives in my things on the court,” Tsitsi- the draw, eased to a 7-6(5), 6-3 Denis Shapovalov (CAN x13) 6-3, game (but) I don’t really know pas said. win in the clash of generations at 6-7 (7/9), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) why they want to go the extra “Now I feel like I’m more Margaret Court Arena, her fi rst Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x18) bt mile some of the time,” Tsitsi- mature and more conserved in main draw appearance as a direct Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) pas told reporters. my thinking. I also think what Grand Slam qualifi er. 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, 6-4 “I think also, from their I feel now compared to before, “I defi nitely was a lot more Daniel Evans (GBR x30) bt side, they should be a little bit I’m just very sure with myself. confi dent this time,” Gauff , who Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 3-6, more respectful to the oppo- I don’t really doubt myself beat Williams 6-4, 6-4 at Wim- 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 nents.” that much.” bledon as a qualifi er, told report- Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt ers. Laslo Djere (SRB) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, “I think I was used to playing 7-6 (7/1) on big courts, so the crowd – I Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Steve guess the size of the crowd didn’t Johnson (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 startle me as much as last time.” Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) bt Gauff was born the year after Salvatore Caruso (ITA) 6-0, 6-2, Williams lost the 2003 Austral- 6-3 ian Open fi nal to younger sister Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) bt Serena. She grew up idolising Marcos Giron (USA) 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 the Williams sisters, who have Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Jan- shared 30 Grand Slam trophies Lennard Struff (GER) 7-6 (7/5), between them. But Gauff is de- 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 termined to plot her own path to Women’s singles greatness and all respect was put 1st round aside as she broke Venus in the Zhu Lin (CHN) bt Viktorija Golu- opening game and marched to a bic (SUI) 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/5) 5-3 lead in the fi rst set. Julia Georges (GER) bt Viktoria Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas leaves the court after winning the Williams, ranked world Kuzmova (SVK) 6-1, 6-2 Australian Open match against Italy’s Salvatore Caruso in number 55 and in the twilight of Petra Martic (CRO x13) bt Chris- Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) her career, summoned her two tina McHale (USA) 6-3, 6-0 decades of experience at Mel- Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS bourne Park to break back and x25) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) 6-4, ‘Be nice to each other,’ retiring force a tiebreak. 4-6, 6-2 In a point-for-point battle, Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) bt Wozniacki tells young players the 39-year-old fought gamely Kaia Kanepi (EST) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, Retiring former world number one Caroline Wozniacki yester- to share the support of the ter- 6-3 day urged the younger generation of players to “be nice to each races but she ended up gifting Paula Badosa (ESP) bt Johanna other”, saying locker-room friendships can last through life. the set to her schoolgirl oppo- Larsson (SWE) 6-1, 6-0 The Danish star, who is walking away from tennis after the nent when she struck an over- Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) bt Kat- Australian Open aged 29, lived to fight another day at Mel- head smash into the net. erina Siniakova (CZE) 6-1, 6-0 bourne Park after crushing American Kristie Ahn 6-1, 6-3 in the Gauff duly pounced, breaking Naomi Osaka (JPN x3) bt Marie first round. “There’s a lot of emotions, but I tried to keep them in Williams in the second game of Bouzkova (CZE) 6-2, 6-4 check, and I thought I did that very well today,” said Wozniacki, the second set to roar to a 3-0 Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Anna whose only Grand Slam triumph came in Melbourne in 2018. lead, showcasing her court speed Kalinskaya (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 “I think I’m just really trying to enjoy every moment.” and formidable power for a play- Sorana Cirstea (ROU) bt Barbora Wozniacki announced her plan to retire in December to focus er of her age. Pounding down Strycova (CZE x32) 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) on other things, including starting a family with husband and four fi rst serves in succession, Ann Li (USA) bt Lizette Cabrera former NBA star David Lee. She said she will leave the game Gauff wrapped up the match in Coco Gauff of the US hits a return against Venus Williams of the US after their singles match on day one of (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (12/10) with lifelong friendships, not least best buddy Serena Williams, style with a drop-shot. the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) Sofia Kenin (USA x14) bt Martina and encouraged the new women on the block to keep the “She played well, like I said,” Trevisan (ITA) 6-2, 6-4 locker room civil. “I think in general my generation we had great Williams told reporters. “Just round at Wimbledon and the “She’s got it all... and she’s answers during her post-match Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt friendships even from the juniors and we were a big group played very focused and put a lot third at the U.S. Open, has al- going to cause some upsets for media conference but also gave Kristie Ahn (USA) 6-1, 6-3 coming up and playing on the tour at the same time,” she said. of balls in the court. That’s what ready been tipped for Grand sure this tournament, the Aus- a reminder that she is still only Tamara Zidansek (SLO) bt Han “I think we have friendships that will carry on past the tennis. I you have to do. She’ll play well Slam trophies. tralian Open, I predict.” a teenager, admitting she spends Na-lae (KOR) 6-3, 6-3 don’t know how it was before me. All I know is that Serena obvi- the rest of the event. “Anybody who doesn’t think Gauff will face Romanian too much time on the popular Serena Williams (USA x8) bt ously played way before me and so did Venus, and they were “She clearly wants it, works she’s going to win a Grand Slam Sorana Cirstea, who earlier beat video-sharing app TikTok. Anastasia Potapova (RUS) 6-0, both super nice to me and very open and have always been very hard, is extremely mature has to have their head exam- Barbora Strycova 6-2, 7-6(5), for “I procrastinate a lot on that 6-3 there for me. “So I have had a great experience with them. Then for her age. I think the sky’s the ined,” 18-times Grand Slam title a place in the third round. app,” she said. “I have to do Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Lesya I hope that the younger generation will also be nice to each limit for her.” winner Chris Evert said pre- Gauff underlined her matu- homework. I’m still procrasti- Tsurenko (UKR) 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. other, because it’s just a sport and we all try our best out here.” Gauff , who reached the fourth tournament. rity with thoughtful, confi dent nating on that.”

SPOTLIGHT Riders shine in QF’s fi rst showjumping competition atar’s horseback riding skills, while placing them in an “By having this kind of na- Al Shaqab, and I am looking for- stars of the future put international sporting atmos- tional competitions, these own- ward to representing my country themselves in the spot- phere through a local competi- ers have a way of utilising their internationally”. light as Qatar Founda- tion. investment, which will in turn Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi, who tionQ played host to its inaugural “This also allows our stu- support the horse market in has been with Al Shaqab for four Showjumping Competition. dents to exchange knowledge Qatar, and help to maintain our years, also rode in the show- The equestrian centre’s with other riders, increase their equine legacy in Qatar’s com- jumping contest, and said: “I Equine Education Department understanding of showjumping, munity. have seen how my skill level has organised the two-day contest and prepare themselves to par- “The competition has already improved over the years, and that took place in the Al Shaqab ticipate in international compe- proved to be a success, and our I hope that doing well in this Indoor Arena at Education City, titions”. aim is to keep hosting it over competition will qualify me to with about 300 riders from Al As well as being an Olympic the coming years, supporting participate in larger competi- Shaqab, Qatar Equestrian Fed- discipline, showjumping is one riders and horse-owners, and tions. eration, and private stables, as of the most popular horse-riding helping to preserve the sport in “I am very thankful for Al well as individual horse-owners, activities in Qatar. Qatar.” Shaqab for all their support, and taking part. The Al Shaqab competi- Among the riders participat- how they have off ered us every- Speaking about the goal of tion included fi ve categories ing was Jassim Mohammed al- thing we need to pursue our pas- the new competition and what for various age groups, starting Kuwari, who has been a student sion.” it brings to the Qatari sporting with the Future Riders Program at Al Shaqab since 2015. The competition was free of scene, Mohamed al-Suwaidi, for children aged six years and “Each competition that we charge and open to all equestrian Head of Al Shaqab’s Equine above, all the way to the senior participate in gives us more en- enthusiasts, attracting members Education Department, said: “It category. couragement to improve our- of the community to enjoy the builds on our eff orts to improve Al-Suwaidi said the competi- selves, as we interact with more occasion and off ering an array the standard of horse-riding in tion also plays an important role experienced riders and aspire to of entertainment including a fun Qatar, and nurture future inter- in preserving the Qatari equine be like them,” he said. zone for children, bouncy cas- national equestrian champions. heritage, as it supports local Al-Kuwari has qualifi ed to tles, and cafes. “We organised this show- private horse owners and Qatari participate in the upcoming Al Shaqab will hold another jumping competition as an op- riders. “Although there is a great Asian Equestrian Federation showjumping competition this portunity for our riders to prac- appreciation for horse-riding in Under-21 Dressage Champion- year, which is scheduled to be tice what they have learned from our community, it can create a ship in April 2020, and said: “We held on March 20 and 21, with the lessons we give them, and fi nancial burden for owners due have gained a lot of experiences total prize money of QR270,000 encourage them to improve their to livery costs,” he said. through the lessons we take at for each competition. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 21, 2020 3 CRICKET

THIRD TEST QCA WOMEN’S T20I Oman, Kuwait to clash for title today England thrash moved Jilani for 22 in 39 balls By Sports Reporter Doha to trigger the collapse. Within 23 more runs, the remaining players were dismissed, lead- man and Kuwait set ing Oman to a thrilling three- up the fi nal show- run triumph. down in the QCA While Shetty had two for Women’s T20I 25, Lalit had a delightful three South Africa by an Tournament,O to be held at the for eight fi gures. After Amna Asian Town Stadium in Indus- Shareef made 23 in 20 balls trial Area today at 3pm. with four boundaries, no other Oman ended the double player stay long enough to re- round-robin league with three sist the Omani attack. wins and one loss, while Ku- Priyanka Edna and Vaishali wait recorded two wins and Jasrani played superbly to lift two losses and edged hosts Oman to 108 for fi ve. Edna innings and 53 runs Qatar (one win and three smashed four hits to the rope, losses) before advancing to while Jasrani cracked two ‘I’t’s a great template for how we want to play our Test cricket with big first innings score’ the fi nal. On the third and last fours. Madeena Zuberi bagged day of the league, Kuwait out- two wickets for 16, while Mar- played Qatar by seven wickets, ia Jasvi and Shareef had one chasing a modest 80-run tar- each. get with three overs to spare. Captain Aysha continued to RESULTS: be consistent and productive Kuwait beat Qatar by seven for Qatar as she made 26 in wickets 46 balls with two boundaries. Qatar: 79 for six in 20 overs Khadija Ahmad contributed 22 (Aysha 26 in 46 balls, Khadija not out in 48 balls. Ahmad 22 not out in 48 balls; Maria Jasvi, who was later Maria Jasvi 1/11, Madeena Zu- adjudged the Player of the beri 1/10, Mariamma Hyder 1/7) Match, Madeena Zuberi and Kuwait: 80 for three in 17 Mariamma Hyder shared three overs (Priyada Murali 20 in wickets, while three players 29 balls, Amna Shareef 15 not got run out. out in 25 balls; Rochelle 1/16, Kuwait clinched the match Shahreennawab 1/23, Akshata as Priyada Murali hit two fours Arjun 1/8) in 20 and Amna Shareef got an Player of the Match: Maria unbeaten 15 with a four. Ro- Jasvi (Kuwait) chelle, Shahreennawab and Akshata Arjun picked a wicket Oman beat Kuwait by three each. runs In another match, Ans- Oman: 108 for five (Vaishali hita Lalit and Bhakti Shetty Jasrani 29 in 48 balls, Priyanka grabbed fi ve wickets between Edna 32 in 31 balls; Madeena them to derail Kuwait’s 109- Zuberi 2/16, Maria Jasvi 1/20, run chase against Oman. Pri- Amna Shareef 1/24) yada Murali and Zeefa Jilani Kuwait: 105 all out in 19.5 collected 52 runs for the open- overs (Priyada Murali 31 in ing wicket before Priyanka 31 balls, Zeefa Jilani 22 in 39 Edna broke the stand the 10th balls, Amna Shareef 23 in 20 over. balls; Snehal Nair 1/27, Priyanka Murali got out after her at- Edna 1/25, Bhakti Shetty 2/25, tractive 31 off as many balls Anshita Lalit 3/8) with four stylish boundaries. Player of the Match: Anshita Thirty runs later, Shetty re- Lalit (Oman).

The England team leave the field after their victory over South Africa on the fifth day of the third Test at the St George’s Park Cricket Ground in Port Elizabeth yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters land captain Joe Root. Scorecard Port Elizabeth It took just three balls yesterday for Eng- land to claim their fi rst victim as Stuart ENGLAND 1st innings 499 for 9 declared A. Nortje b Bess 5 Broad forced Vernon Philander (14) to play SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 209 D. Paterson not out 39 ngland won the third Test yester- an inside edge onto his pad that popped up SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings Extras (b12, lb1, nb1, w1) 15 day, but made heavy weather of for Ollie Pope to take his sixth catch of the (overnight 102-6) wrapping up South Africa’s tail on match. Total (88.5 overs) 237 D. Elgar c Pope b Bess 35 the last day at St George’s Park to go Mark Wood’s fi rst ball after replacing Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Elgar), 2-22 (Ham- 2-1E up in the series after a dominant innings Broad saw him force Kagiso Rabada into P. Malan lbw b Root 12 za), 3-44 (Malan), 4-66 (Van der Dussen), and 53-run victory. a leading edge which fl ew up to mid-on D. Elgar b Wood 15 5-74 (De Kock), 6-83 (Du Plessis), 7-102 England needed four wickets to win in where Broad took an easy catch. Rabada, (Philander), 8-128 (Rabada), 9-138 (Nortje) their 500th overseas Test, but had to over- who will miss the last Test because of sus- Z. Hamza c Buttler b Wood 2 come late resistance and feisty 71 from Ke- pension, scored 16 off 24 balls. F. du Plessis c Pope b Root 36 Bowlers: Broad 10-5-14-1 (1nb), Curran 6-0-46-0, Wood 16.5-6-32-3 (1w), Bess 22- shav Maharaj and 39 from debutant Dane Dom Bess’ fi rst over saw him skid a ball H. van der Dussen c Pope b Root 10 Paterson before completing the task 10 on to bowl Anrich Nortje (5), leaving Pa- 11-36-1, Stokes 5-2-9-0, Root 29-13-87-4 Q. de Kock c Wood b Root 3 minutes before lunch. terson to join Maharaj for a late cameo that Result: England won by an innings and 53 runs They bowled South Africa out for 237 proved the home side’s best partnership of V. Philander c Pope b Broad 13 Series: England lead the four-match in their second innings for a commanding a poor Test performance. K. Maharaj run out (Curran) 71 series 2-1 victory after forcing the follow-on, when Maharaj was eventually run out, but not K. Rabada c Broad b Wood 16 Man of the match: Ollie Pope (ENG) the home side were 209 all out in their fi rst before smashing his way to a second Test innings in reply to a mammoth 499 for nine 50. Root bowled 10 successive overs as he declared. went in search for a fi rst Test fi ve wicket Du Plessis denies retirement Maharaj and Paterson put on a ground haul, having taken four overnight, but Test record partnership of 99 for the last without success. South African captain Faf du third Test against England and November).” wicket as they frustrated the England He even tried his luck with the new ball Plessis denied rumours of by an innings and 53 runs — “Definitely,” he said when bowlers. but Maharaj hit him for three successive retirement yesterday saying their seventh defeat in eight asked whether he was under But it was only a matter of time before fours and then two sixes in an over before he would continue to lead Test matches. more pressure than at any England completed their fi rst away vic- the England skipper took himself off . South the struggling team despite “I think I have been pretty other time of his career, tory by an innings since success in Sydney Africa won the fi rst Test in Pretoria by 107 an innings defeat to England. clear that I have committed adding “I’m not a robot. It’s in 2011. runs but England bounced back with a 187- “There are a lot of rumours myself to Cricket South a tough time but there’s no “It’s a great template for how we want to run win in Cape Town in the second Test. about retirement,” he said Africa until the T20 World running away from it,” he play our Test cricket with big fi rst innings The fi nal Test in Johannesburg starts on after South Africa lost the Cup (in Australia in October said. AFP QCA PR Director Eissa al-Yacoub (right) presents the Player of the score and drive it on from there,” said Eng- Friday. Match award to Oman’s Anshita Lalit on Sunday.

HARARE TEST TWENTY20 Tiripano gives Zimbabwe edge Simmons blasts 10 sixes as WI AFP Niroshan Dickwella behind the rout Ireland to level series Harare stumps. The left-armer spinner removed Regis Chakabva shortly AFP face with the ball coming onto of 54 by leg-spinner Samuel after lunch but Sikandar Raza Basseterre the bat nicely,” said Simmons Badree. “We need to get early onald Tiripano struck and Tiripano then both settled in. whose ambition is to help West wickets, we cannot have teams early to remove Oshada Raza fell for a fl ighty 41, stumped Indies defend their World T20 get to 40, 50 in no time. I think Fernando and complete by Dickwella as he charged at pening batsman title in Australia later this year. we need to improve in that an excellent second day Embuldeniya, who also bowled Lendl Simmons “I missed out on the last area,” admitted man of the se- ofD the fi rst Test for Zimbabwe Kyle Jarvis. blasted 10 sixes in World Cup because of injury ries Pollard. On Simmons, he against Sri Lanka in Harare. Ainsley Ndlovu was brilliantly an undefeated 91 as but I am looking forward to the added: “We love to see him in The 31-year-old seamer had snapped up at short-leg by Kusal WestO Indies routed Ireland by one this year.” that mindset, he’s a little guy earlier made a handy 44 not out Mendis off Lahiru Kumara. Lak- nine wickets in the third and The three-match series but he packs a punch.” batting at number eight as Zim- mal dismissed last man Victor fi nal Twenty20 International ended 1-1 after Ireland edged a Put into bat, Ireland raced babwe advanced from their over- Nyauchi just after the delayed at Warner Park on Sunday. fi rst-game thriller by four runs to 50-0 off just 3.3 overs with night 189 for two to 358 all out. break to fi nish with three for 53, Simmons, the nephew of in Grenada before Saturday’s openers Kevin O’Brien (top Left-arm spinner Lasith Em- leaving Tiripano undefeated on West Indies coach Phil Sim- match at Warner Park was scoring with 36) and Paul Stir- buldeniya, playing in his sixth 44. The two-Test tour was only mons, also hit fi ve boundaries abandoned due to rain. ling again getting their team off Test, was the stand-out bowler announced by the Sri Lankan in his 40-ball blitz. It was his Earlier, veteran all-rounders to a storming start. with fi ve for 114. cricket board last week. highest score in the format Kieron Pollard and Dwayne However, Pollard dismissed When bad light stopped play Zimbabwe were readmitted as and came just fi ve days before Bravo shared six wickets as O’Brien after the Irishman hit for the day, Sri Lanka had reached an ICC member last October fol- his 35th birthday. Chasing a West Indies restricted Ireland his runs off only 18 balls with 42 for the loss of Fernando who lowing a three-month suspen- modest 139 to win, Simmons to 138 all out. Captain Pollard, Bravo then accounting for had his off stump attenedfl by sion over political interference. won the match in style with a who produced the best bowl- Stirling (11). Stirling had made Tiripano’s very fi rst delivery. Di- six over midwicket off spinner ing spell by a West Indian in a career-best 95 in Grenada af- muth Karunaratne will resume Zimbabwe’s Kyle Jarvis (right) delivers a ball to Sri Lanka’s Dimuth BRIEF SCORES: Simi Singh whose three overs T20 internationals (4-25) in ter sharing an opening stand of on 12 and Kusal Mendis on six. Karunaratne (left) during the second day of the first Test at The Sri Lanka 42-1 (B.Fernando 21; D. cost 41 runs. Saturday’s abandoned game, 154 with O’Brien. The day began with Zimbabwe Harare Sports Club in Harare yesterday. (AFP) Tiripano 1-5) Fellow opener Evin Lewis claimed 3-17. Bravo fi nished Ireland were still well- Craig Ervine well set on 55 and Zimbabwe 358 (C. Ervine 85, K. made 46 with four boundaries with 3-19 to become the West placed at 74-2 but lost their looking for his third Test century. one through his defence shortly inswinger to have Brendan Taylor Kasuza 63, P. Masvaure 55, D. and three sixes as West Indies Indies’ leading all-time wick- last eight wickets for just 64 The 34-year-old progressed before lunch. It was the third leg before for 21 and Zimbabwe Tiripano 44 not out, S. Raza 41; raced to victory with 54 balls et-taker in the format with 57 runs despite the eff orts of comfortably to 85 until pace wicket to fall during the morn- captain Sean Williams edged L. Embuldeniya 5-114, R. Lakmal remaining. victims in his 69th game. skipper Andy Balbirnie who bowler Suranga Lakmal nipped ing as Lakmal also produced a full left-arm spinner Embuldeniya to 3-53, L. Kumara 2-82). “It was a proper batting sur- That beat the previous best made 28 from 23 balls. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Eight uncapped players in England Aspire Academy’s Six Nations squad

Reuters were all overlooked. Flankers London Tom Curry, Lewis Ludlam and Earl look next in line. Josh Hodge, who plays in ngland coach Eddie the second tier Championship, student-athletes Jones included eight and Alex Mitchell have also uncapped players but been called up as apprentices retained the bulk of and will train with the squad. hisE World Cup group when he “The Guinness Six Nations named a 34-man squad for for us is all about raising the the Six Nations championship standards in terms of the way yesterday. we prepare, tactically and Jones included 22 players physically how we play the training in Kenya involved in Japan, where Eng- game, and the way we come land lost in the fi nal to South together off the field,” Jones ‘The challenge for the boys is the lack of oxygen in the air at altitude and the diff iculty of Africa, but several of the ab- said in a statement. sentees are carrying injuries, “But our fi rst task is beat- training in these conditions. The food can also be overly healthy and quite plain at times’ including number eight Billy ing France (in Paris on Feb. 2) Vunipola, who broke his arm and that is the only game we for the fourth time on Sunday, need to worry about. We have and Jack Nowell who played got players from 11 clubs so we for Exeter on Saturday but now need to get everyone on the needs ankle surgery. same page quickly, spend a lot Prop Dan Cole, who had a of time working on our togeth- torrid time in the fi nal against erness. England will travel to the Springboks, was an expect- their warm weather training ed omission, with Jack Single- base in Portugal on Thursday, ton, and Ruaridh McConnochie from where they will go direct also fi t, but overlooked. Of the to Paris. They have not won the uncapped group, Tom Dunn, championship since 2017, fi n- Ben Earl and Ollie Thorley ishing second last season and a have been involved in previous distant fi fth in 2018. squads, while Fraser Dingwall, George Furbank, Alex Moon, SQUAD: Will Stuart and Jacob Umaga FORWARDS: Luke Cowan- are called up for the fi rst time. Dickie, Tom Curry, Tom Dunn, Wasps fl yhalf Umaga, nephew Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Ellis of former New Zealand captain Genge, Jamie George, Ted Hill, Tana, is included ahead of Har- Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe lequins’ Marcus Smith Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Jones has stuck with his Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler. policy of including only two Alex Moon, Kyle Sinckler, Will scrumhalves - Ben Youngs and Stuart, Sam Underhill, Mako Willi Heinz - which means Vunipola, Harry Williams. there is no place for Saracens’ BACKS: Elliot Daly, Ollie De- Ben Spencer, who was given an voto , Fraser Dingwall, Owen emergency last-minute World Farrell, George Ford, George Aspire Academy’s student-athletes in action during their winter training camp in Iten, Kenya. Cup call-up ahead of the fi nal Furbank, Willi Heinz, Jonathan and came on in the fi nal stages. Joseph), Jonny May, Ollie or many, the small town amongst the best athletes in the gold medallist Mo Farah. Having Even though Vunipola is Thorley, Manu Tuilagi, Jacob of Iten in the highlands of world can provide them with the best distance runner in the injured, there is no obvious Umaga, Anthony Watson, Ben Kenya is known under a increased motivation and help world in the same training loca- replacement at number eight, Youngs. diff erent name. They call fast track them in the pursuit of tion is incredibly motivational and as Alex Dombrandt, Sam Sim- APPRENTICE PLAYERS Fit the “Town of Runners.” Situ- their short and long term goals,” the boys got to chat to him face monds and Nathan Hughes Alex Mitchell, Josh Hodge. ated in the Rift Valley province, explains Steven Macklin, As- to face.” Britain’s most success- at approximately 35 kilometres pire Academy’s Head Endurance ful distance runner revealed that from the city Eldoret, Iten lies at Coach, who travelled with the moving into a house full of Kenyan Hooker Bigi to captain Italy in Six Nations an altitude of 2,400 meters and boys alongside team guide Mo- runners changed his whole atti- is the centre of Kenyan middle hamed Alobaidly, physiologist tude to training and racing. Zebre hooker Luca Bigi has international rugby. and long-distance running. Scott Cocking and physiothera- The Olympic champion wit- been selected to captain “We had the opportunity to Here you fi nd hundreds of the pist Ivan Bartulovic. nessed that they would start Italy in the Six Nations, taking identify a group of athletes fastest Kenyans living and train- The training camp off ers in- their fi rst run before 7am, they over from the retiring Sergio who will have a leadership ing side by side including big tensive training for a select would cook simple food like uga- Parisse, the Italian Rugby Fed- role within the team to help names, such as former marathon group of boys that are focused li, a maize fl our mix rolled into a eration announced yesterday. develop a culture within the world record holder and London on performing well at some ma- doughy lump. The 28-year-old has played group, entrusting the cap- marathon winner Wilson Kip- jor events in 2020 such as the After resting, they would train 24 times for the Azzurri since tain’s armband to Luca,” said sang, Olympic 1,500m cham- World U20 Championships and again in the afternoon, eat, rest 2017. He joined Italian Pro14 new Italy coach Franco Smith. pion Asbel Kiprop, world record the GCC, Arab and Asian U20 and go to bed early. side Zebre this season after “Luca has played for the two holder and Olympic 800m Championships. Aspire Academy’s endurance four years with Benetton Italian (Pro14) franchises and champion David Rudisha and For Aspire Academy’s athletes team has defi nitely enjoyed the Rugby. knows the players well. Every- many more. Runners from all Housem Hrabi, Abdalla ElKhair, fi rst half of the camp, especially “I’m very emotional. I didn’t one respects him and he has over the world go there to train Omar ElFadl, Hamza Hamiti, El- the diff erent training locations expect this choice. It’s a new demonstrated his willingness – regardless of their target being Hafez Mahadi, Obied Bashir O and the Kenyan countryside. The adventure ahead of me and and ability to lead by example to go to Olympics or just run for Mahamed and Mohamed Assaad fresh air and stunning landscape I’m thrilled to represent this on the field.” leisure. Kemel, these types of training make training very enjoyable team and my country,” Bigi Italy, who have not won a During a high-altitude train- camps are necessary to allow them and they have also interacted a told a press conference in match in the tournament ing camp from January 6-29 in focused and targeted training. lot with fellow athletes around Rome. “It’s a great privilege since 2015, open their Six Na- the Kenyan Rift Valley, seven “Last year we ran the camp in them and have used the chance to be able to lead the national tions campaign against cham- student-athletes from Aspire the same location and with the to watch their habits and be- team, even moreso to fol- pions Wales on February 1 in Academy fi nd themselves in aid of some specifi c testing and haviours and thereby learn from low extraordinary athletes Cardiff . South African Smith a unique environment that is monitoring, we found the boys them. such as Parisse, (Leonardo) was appointed interim head known for producing some of responded very well with im- “The challenge for the boys Ghiraldini, (Martin) Castrogio- coach following Irishman the world’s best runners.” proved physiological and hae- is the lack of oxygen in the air vanni, (Quintin) Geldenhuys Conor O’Shea’s resignation in The location of Iten allows us matological markers. It also pre- at altitude and the diffi culty of or (Alessandro) Troncon.” November. to have access to running trails, pares the athletes so that when training in these conditions. The Bigi will replace Italy legend Smith, 47, is no stranger to track, gym and pool with the they prepare for future interna- food can also be overly healthy Parisse, 36, who holds a rugby in Italy, having coached additional benefi t of being at tional events, they know more and quite plain at times with not record of 142 Italy caps, and is Treviso for six years between altitude. Iten is an elite setting about how they respond to this much choice. Very diff erent to expected to play in the home 2007 and 2013 before tak- with many professional athletes environment,” says Macklin. Doha, but an excellent diet for matches against Scotland on ing over as coach of South training and living in this area “One of the highlights of the athletes,” explains Macklin, who February 22 and England on African team The Cheetahs and the exposure of the boys to training camp so far was defi nitely is looking forward to the second March 14 before retiring from in 2015. this elite athlete environment the arrival of multiple Olympic half of the training camp.

FOCUS Lyles, many top sprinters skipping indoor season Reuters ager Emanuel Hudson said of the the break, though, Caribbean The New York meeting also New York 60m world indoor record holder sprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser- will feature a shot put duel be- and 2019 world 100m gold med- Pryce and Steven Gardiner will tween Olympic gold medallist allist. But it was a defi nite “no be running at least once indoors. Ryan Crouser and world cham- ven with outstanding way” from Mark Wetmore, man- “She will be doing Glasgow,” pion Joe Kovacs, key races in- hurdles races at US in- ager for US world 200m cham- said agent Adrian Laidlaw of Ja- volving world 800m winner door meetings and tal- pion Lyles, who will sit out the maican world 100m champion Donavan Brazier and women’s ented fi eld event compe- indoor season. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. 800m medallist Ajee Wilson and titionsE in Europe, international “Athletes were exception- The February 15 Glasgow a special appearance in the 60m athletics is continuing to be im- ally tired after Doha as a class. event is part of the seven-meet- by 13-times world champion pacted by the long 2019 outdoor It was so long,” said Wetmore. ing World Athletics Indoor Tour. sprinter Allyson Felix who will season. Wetmore and Paul Doyle, agent Bahamian Gardiner’s compe- be seeking to make her fi fth US Many top sprinters are skip- for Canadian Olympic and titions will be even more low key Olympic team this summer. ping or limiting their indoor world double sprint medallist with a couple of 300m races. Meanwhile in Europe, the season, often because the 2019 De Grasse, also mentioned the “Every year we do this just to three pole vault medallists from world outdoor championships shorter than normal downtime see how training is going,” said Doha - American Sam Kend- extended into October, more between the world champion- coach Gary Evans. ricks, Swede Mondo Duplantis than a month later than usual, ships and the Tokyo Olympics, There will be nothing low key and Poland’s Piotr Lisek - will managers and coaches told Reu- which will be held from July 24 about US hurdles races, though. feature in Dusseldorf’s February ters. Even the lure of an indoor to August 9. Olympic gold medallist Bri- 4 World Tour meeting.. But world championships in China That gap of less than 10 anna McNeal and world cham- the cycle for top sprinters has not pulled world outdoor months is much shorter than pion Nia Ali will clash over the running all out indoors is sev- champions Noah Lyles (US) and the nearly one year time frame 60m hurdles at the Boston In- eral years away, coach Brauman Dina Asher-Smith (Britain) and between the 2015 world champi- door Grand Prix on January 25 to believes. “Some will run next medallists Justin Gatlin (US), onships, which concluded in late open the World Athletics Indoor year (2021) because it fi ts their Andre De Grasse (Canada) and August, and the 2016 Olympics, Tour and in New York, the Mill- schedule and you have a bigger Shaunae Miller-Uibo (Bahamas) which opened in early August. rose Games hurdles race on Feb. break between the Games and to the winter circuit. “The timing doesn’t make a 8 will match Olympic champion the next world championships,” World 100m champion Chris- lot of sense,” said Lance Brau- Omar McLeod of Jamaica, world Brauman said. tian Coleman may also join man, who coaches Lyles and gold medallist Grant Holloway “But to be honest with you, them. “Coleman is still decid- Olympic 400m champion Mill- and US outdoor winner Daniel the next big indoor season for ing if he will compete,” man- er-Uibo. No matter how short Roberts. pros won’t be until 2022.” Gulf Times Tuesday, January 21, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA Pacers chase down Nuggets for fi ft h straight win Reuters Nuggets fi rst-round draft pick recorded a per, toward his debut for the New Orleans Los Angeles career-best with six 3-pointers in seven Pelicans. And it bodes well for the ulti- File photo of Domantas Sabonis (left) attempts, helping the Pacers outscore the mate step, still slated for tomorrow. of the Indiana Pacers in action. (AFP) Nuggets 39-9 from beyond the arc. The Pelicans changed Williamson’s oug McDermott buried two Sabonis fi nished with 22 points, 15 re- status on the injury report for Monday’s game-changing 3-pointers mid- bounds and 10 assists, giving him his fi rst game at Memphis from “out” to “doubt- way through the fourth quarter career triple-double. ful,” but that isn’t to cast doubt on an- and Domantas Sabonis took over T J Warren (22) and Brogdon (22) made nounced plans for him to play tomorrow downD the stretch to complete a triple-dou- it four Pacers with 22 or more points in a when the Pelicans host the San Antonio ble on Sunday night as the Indiana Pacers balanced attack. Justin Holiday added 14 Spurs. rallied from behind to beat the host Denver off the bench. Teams typically change a player’s injury Nuggets 115-107. Playing for a second game in a row report status from “out” to “available” After trailing by as many as 11 points in without starters Paul Millsap, Gary Harris over the course of a few games as a player the third quarter, the Pacers fi nally caught and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets scored the nears his return — or in the former Duke the Nuggets for the fi rst time since 0-0 on game’s fi rst six points and never trailed star’s case, his fi rst NBA appearance. a McDermott 3-pointer with 6:59 to play until McDermott’s 3-pointer with 4:13 Williamson is recovering from me- that produced a 91-all tie. remaining. niscus surgery on his right knee in mid- The game was subsequently deadlocked Denver led by as many as six in the fi rst October. He initially was expected to miss at 93 and 95 before McDermott followed quarter, nine in the second and 11 in the six to eight weeks, though the team has a hoop by the Nuggets’ Jerami Grant with third. been preaching an abundance of caution another 3-pointer, this one giving Indi- Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double in getting him ready. ana the lead for good at 98-97 with 4:13 with a game-high 30 points and team- In his one season at Duke, Williamson to play. high 10 rebounds for Denver. Grant and averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, Sabonis then scored the Pacers’ next six Will Barton chipped in with 16 points and shot 68 % from the fl oor in 33 games. points, extending the visitors’ lead 104- apiece, Mason Plumlee had 13 and Michael In the preseason for the Pelicans, he aver- 99 with 1:30 remaining. Porter Jr 10. aged 23.3 points and shot 71.4% from the McDermott bombed in another The Pacers outshot the Nuggets 50.0% fl oor. 3-pointer and Malcolm Brogdon slammed to 46.6. The Pelicans have won four of their last home a dunk as Indiana held on to win for PELICANS’ WILLIAMSON six games but are 16-27 and in 12th place the fi fth straight time. ON TRACK FOR DEBUT in the Western Conference, 4 1/2 games McDermott fi nished with a season- Zion Williamson, the NBA’s No 1 draft behind the eighth-place Memphis Griz- high and team-best 24 points. The former pick last June, took a step, at least on pa- zlies in the standings.

NFL NHL Late goal lift s Blue Jackets past Rangers Chiefs and 49ers made 31 saves, including 14 Reuters Los Angeles in the fi nal 20 minutes, and his best save of the night oc- curred about midway through liver Bjorkstrand the second when he slid across scored his second the crease to make a stick save goal of the game on former Blue Jacket Artemi with 27 seconds re- Panarin. advance to Super mainingO as the visiting Co- Defenceman Brady Skjei lumbus Blue Jackets rallied for scored for the Rangers, who a 2-1 victory over the New York were unable to win three Rangers on Sunday night. straight games for the second The Blue Jackets tied a time this season. New York season high with their fi fth also saw a fi ve-game home straight win thanks to Bjork- winning streak halted and lost strand, who returned after for the fi rst time in regulation Bowl showdown missing nearly a month due to when carrying a lead into the a back injury. Bjork- ‘IT’S AMAZING, TO BE HERE TO DO IT AT ARROWHEAD, THESE PEOPLE DESERVE IT’ strand recorded his RESULTS seventh career two- goal game as the Blue Pittsburgh 4-3 Boston Jackets also posted Carolina 2-1 NY Islanders their sixth victory Chicago 5-1 Winnipeg when trailing after two periods. Columbus 2-1 NY Rangers Bjorkstrand tied the game 6:08 into the third when third (16-1-2). his wrist shot from the right In his third career start, faceoff circle sailed over New Shesterkin fi nished with 29 York rookie goaltender Igor saves, including a point-blank Shesterkin’s glove as Rangers’ stop on Seth Jones with about defenceman Jacob Trouba at- 50 seconds left. tempted to block the shot. Skjei scored eight seconds Bjorkstrand scored the after exiting the penalty box game-winner by putting a shot after Dubois fl ubbed a pass over Shesterkin from the mid- as his stick broke. Trouba dle of the slot after getting the gained possession and made a puck from Pierre-Luc Dubois long outlet pass to Skjei, who as the Rangers completed a scored by fl ipping a shot over slow line change. Kivlenieks’ left pad and into Bjorkstrand’s clutch goals the upper corner of the net helped Matiss Kivlenieks win with 97 seconds left in the fi rst his NHL debut. Kivlenieks period.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (right) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against Tennessee Titans linebacker Derick Roberson in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP 294 passing yards and 23 completions. contained powerhouse rusher Henry, The game was eff ectively over by half- Los Angeles The win came one year after the Chiefs who helped Tennessee forge early leads time with Mostert crossing for three suff ered an agonising home overtime loss of 10-0 and 17-7 before the Chiefs ral- of his four touchdowns — a record in to the New England Patriots at the same lied. an NFC championship game — in the atrick Mahomes ended the Kan- stage of the playoff s. Henry had few complaints after being opening two quarters as San Francisco sas City Chiefs’ 50-year wait for a “It’s amazing, to be here to do it at Ar- restricted to a relatively paltry 69 yards opened up a 27-0 lead by halftime. return to the Super Bowl on Sun- rowhead, these people deserve it. We’re and one touchdown after 19 carries. “I just woke up like it was any other day as the San Francisco 49ers not done yet,” Mahomes added. “We’re “They just had a great game plan, game,” Mostert said of his stellar display. Prouted the Green Bay Packers to advance going to get it.” man,” Henry said after the defeat. “It was just one of those games where to next month’s NFL showpiece. Mahomes said the Chiefs — who had “They were coming off the ball, those once we all got in the groove we were like Mahomes helped the Chiefs overturn fought back from 24-0 down to rout the guys were being physical. They played ‘Hey, let’s keep it riding, keep it rolling’ a 10-point defi cit to complete a convinc- Houston Texans in the divisional round a great game today on defense and you and that’s what we did.” ing 35-24 win over the Tennessee Titans last week — had kept their cool after fall- know their off ense, we know the type But it was another disappointing to take the American Football Conference ing behind early on against the Titans. of off ense that is: explosive, can score at outing for Packers quarterback Aaron Championship at Arrowhead Stadium. “We just stayed with the process. It any moment. Rodgers, who once again fell short in his The reigning NFL MVP threw for three was like last week, we just stuck with the “We just came up short. All the credit pursuit of a second career Super Bowl touchdowns and danced into the end game plan and knew it was going to work to them and good luck to them.” title. zone for a superb individual score as the out,” he said. In Santa Clara, meanwhile, the 49ers Rodgers, regarded by many as one of Chiefs successfully neutralised the threat The Titans had reached the brink of clinched the National Football Confer- the greatest quarterbacks in NFL histo- posed by Titans running back Derrick the Super Bowl after a giant-killing play- ence Championship with a 37-20 rout ry, fi nished with 326 passing yards from Henry. off run which included wins over the New of the Green Bay Packers that was more 31-of-39 attempts but also had two in- It is the fi rst time the Chiefs have ad- England Patriots and the top-seeded one-sided than the scoreline suggested. terceptions and was sacked three times. vanced to the Super Bowl since their vic- Baltimore Ravens. Niners running back Raheem Mostert Niners counterpart Jimmy Garoppolo tory over the Minnesota Vikings in 1970. rushed for four touchdowns and a whop- meanwhile was barely called upon as the “I’m lucky to be a part of this team ‘GREAT GAME PLAN’ ping 220 yards as the run-oriented San San Francisco run game took over, mak- Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his with all these guys — it makes my job a lot But despite starting strongly the Titans Francisco off ence punched hole after ing just eight passes throughout the en- goal against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden easier,” said Mahomes, who fi nished with ran out of ideas once the Chiefs defence hole through a porous Packers defence. tire game for 77 yards. on Sunday in New York City. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 GOLF

REPORT FOCUS Lopez wins LPGA Tournament Landry squanders of Champions

AFP back to the tee. Lopez’s tee-shot Miami on the seventh playoff hole eas- ily found the green and rolled around to leave her a long birdie aby Lopez drained a chance. six-shot lead before 20-foot birdie putt on However Hataoka’s tee-shot the seventh hole of a was even better, arcing around sudden death playoff the back of the green and roll- Gto win the LPGA Tour’s season- ing down a slight slope to settle opening Tournament of Cham- around 12 feet from the pin. pions yesterday. Lopez judged her birdie putt The 26-year-old from Mexico perfectly, fi nding an ideal line City clinched the second win of and length to roll her ball gently winning in La Quinta her career after draining the putt to the edge of the cup and in. on the par-three 18th hole at the That left Hataoka with a pres- ‘I’ve been swinging it well all week and putting it well all week’ Four Seasons Orlando. sure-laden putt to save par and a Lopez’s long putt left Nasa chance for her fourth LPGA Tour AFP Hataoka needing to make an eas- event. Los Angeles LEADING SCORES ier 12-footer to force an eighth But her putt drifted well wide playoff hole, but the 21-year-old to leave Lopez the victor. 262-Andrew Landry 66-64-65-67 Japanese ace pushed her eff ort ndrew Landry squan- 264-Abraham Ancer (MEX) 68-67-66-63 wide of the cup to concede SCORES dered a six-shot back- 265-Scottie Scheff ler 65-64-66-70 defeat. 271 - x-Gaby Lopez (MEX) 65-69- nine lead on Sunday 268-Bud Cauley 68-64-71-65, Sepp Straka Lopez had birdied the 18th 71-66, x-Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 66- but fi nished with (AUT) 69-65-68-66 on Sunday to force her way into 69-68-68, y-Park In-bee (KOR) Aback-to-back birdies to win the the playoff with a closing ve-fi 269-Sam Burns 71-68-67-63, Tom Hoge 65-68-67-71 PGA Tour American Express in 66-70-66-67, Sebastian Cappelen (DEN) 67- under-par 66, and the Mexican 272 - Hur Mi-jung (KOR) 69-70- La Quinta, California, by two 70-64-68, Ryan Moore 68-65-67-69 said that had given her confi - 70-63, Brooke Henderson (CAN) shots. 270-Grayson Murray 64-71-69-66, Im Sung- dence for the shootout. 67-66-72-67 Landry fi red a fi ve-under-par jae (KOR) 67-66-69-68, Andrew Putnam “I was mentally prepared for 273 - Annie Park 68-73-68-64 67 on the PGA West Stadium 67-69-65-69, Rickie Fowler 65-64-70-71 the last 24 hours,” Lopez said af- 274 - Lexi Thompson 66-71- Course for a 26-under-par total 271-Adam Schenk 66-69-68-68, Tony Finau ter her win. “Coming down the 69-68, Kim Sei-young (KOR) of 262. 69-62-71-69, Alex Noren (SWE) 67-67-68-69 stretch yesterday, I knew I had to 66-69-67-72 He appeared to be cruising 272-Matthew NeSmith 68-68-70-66, Kevin birdie the hole to have a chance. 275 - Celine Boutier (FRA) 66- toward his second PGA Tour ti- Na 69-67-69-67, Talor Gooch 69-71-64-68, “I was very lucky to have a 69-69-71 tle when he nabbed three bird- Hank Lebioda 65-71-66-70. good look at it above the hole to- 276 - Nelly Korda 73-67-69-67 ies on the front nine and opened day and I made it. I know I don’t 277 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) the back with birdies at 10, 11 need to fear anyone else apart 68-71-73-65 and 12. from myself, and I proved to my- 278 - Cydney Clanton 69-69-69- But Landry, who lost the 2018 self I can win in any situation. 71, Angela Stanford 65-72-70-71, title in the California desert in “I put all those moments to- Danielle Kang 63-73-71-71 a playoff against Spain’s Jon gether and recall them when I’m 279 - Amy Yang (KOR) 68-69-76- Rahm, bogeyed three straight to walking down the fairway, just 66, Jessica Korda 70-68-71-70 open the door to Mexico’s Abra- staying in the moment.” 280 - Jasmine Suwannapura ham Ancer, who powered up the The playoff had been halted on (THA) 68-73-69-70 leaderboard with a 63 for 264. Sunday evening due to darkness 281 - Brittany Lincicome 71- Landry arrived at the 17th with Hataoka and Lopez unable 72-70-68, Georgia Hall (ENG) tee tied for the lead. In what to break the deadlock after re- 70-71-71-69 he called the “biggest shot of playing the 18th hole fi ve times. 282 - Cheyenne Knight 68-70- the tournament” he landed an South Korea’s Park In-bee had 74-70 eight-iron six feet from the pin been eliminated after the third 283 - Marina Alex 66-81-68-68 on the dangerous island green. playoff hole, leaving Hataoka 284 - Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) He followed that birdie with and Lopez to slug it out. 70-73-73-68 a birdie at 18, where he split the When play resumed just af- 286 - Bronte Law (ENG) 69-73- fairway and hit his approach to ter 8am local time yesterday, it 72-72 six feet. looked as if another protracted 287 - Ji Eun-hee (KOR) 74-67-76- “I’ve been swinging it well battle was in store. 70, Chun In-gee (KOR) 71-71-73-72 all week and putting it well all Both players secured pars on 292 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) week,” Landry said as he dis- the sixth playoff hole, sending it 75-76-73-68. cussed how he maintained his poise after blowing his big lead. “That putt on 15, I don’t know how that ball didn’t go in. Then I hit another great putt on 16. So I was, like, ‘Hey, look, I’m strok- ing the ball well.’ “I had good swing thoughts.” Nevertheless, the memory of the 2018 playoff loss was also prominent, making for an emo- tional moment when he’d se- cured the win and toddler son Brooks ran onto the 18th green for a hug. “It’s good to fi nally be able to get the job done again,” said Landry, who has endured his share of struggles since his only other tour victory in the 2018 Texas Open. Coming into the week Landry had missed fi ve straight cuts, and seven of eight since the 2019-20 campaign began. Andrew Landry poses with the trophy on the 18th green during the final round of The American Express tournament at the Stadium Course Ancer notched another solid at PGA West in La Quinta, California. (Getty Images/AFP) result with his fourth top-four fi nish, but remains in search of aggressive mindset heading into front nine and picked up four Scheffl er was even through under 70 and sole possession of his fi rst PGA Tour title. Sunday six shots off the lead more birdies coming in – rolling the fi rst nine with three birdies third place on 265. Rickie Fowl- Gaby Lopez of Mexico poses with the trophy after winning the Dia- “I knew I had to make a lot of shared by Landry and Scottie in a 26-footer at the par-three and three bogeys and drained a er, who started the day four off mond Resorts Tournament of Champions at Tranquilo Golf Course birdies, the guys were out there Scheffl er. 17th. “I’m proud of how I played six-foot eagle putt at the par- the lead, settled for a one-under at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, pretty far ahead,” he said of his He was fi ve-under on the today,” he said. fi ve 16th to fi nish with a two- 71 that left him tied for 10th. Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

SPOTLIGHT ‘Woods and Snead tied with 82 PGA Tour wins, but no comparison’ Reuters “To my way of thinking, win- to treat the players in the past the New York ning 82 during Tiger’s era would fairest way they could based be much more diffi cult than on the way the tour was back winning 82 during Sam’s era.” then.” s Tiger Woods makes Woods far outstrips Snead in But if Snead’s tally of 82 is his fi rst attempt this major championships, with 15 rather arbitrary, Woods’ is any- week at surpassing titles, second all-time to Jack thing but, because he knew Sam Snead for the most Nicklaus’ 18, versus seven for ahead of time what events were all-timeA PGA Tour victories, the Snead. offi cial and which were not. man largely responsible for peg- Snead, who died in 2002 at age ging Snead’s number at 82 has HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 89, posted his last offi cial victory weighed in with his thoughts on Beman noted the diffi cultly the at the Greater Greensboro Open how the two greats compare. panel he appointed faced in de- in 1965 at the age of 52. Woods, Many of ‘Slammin’ Sammy’s’ ciding what Snead victories to 44, said on his 82nd victory in victories – achieved from 1936 count as offi cial. October that he hoped to play to 1965 – came before the tour For example, fi ve of Snead’s into his 50s, health permitting. existed in its current form, back wins came in team events. If he does not pass Snead this in an era when there were was a The panel decided to include week at the Farmers Insurance looser affi liation of events, rather them because of their historical Open in San Diego, Woods will than today’s highly structured A file photo of Tiger Woods. signifi cance, and also to credit surely get many more chances circuit. Indeed, in 1987, then- Snead for his four wins at Pebble to offi cially take sole possession PGA Tour Commissioner Deane some of the inclusions were not complishment?” Beman said in Beach, even though one came in of a record that, had the Snead Beman set up a panel of golf his- warranted. a telephone interview with Reu- an 18-hole tournament in 1936. Golf legends Sam Snead (left) and Byron Nelson. panel been stricter, might have torians to sift through Snead’s But more than three decades ters before answering his own Another was achieved in a 54- been broken years ago. victories with a fi ne tooth comb, later, Beman is comfortable question. hole event at Pebble Beach that deemed not worthy of offi cial criteria (for offi cial victories),” On the other hand, had the deciding which to include in the with the fi gure of 82, while ac- “No question in my mind Ti- ended in a four-way tie, with victory status were the 1940 On- Beman said. “They had to devel- panel been less strict, Woods offi cial tally and which to discard. knowledging there were some ger’s 82 is far more signifi cant. each player credited with vic- tario Open in Canada, because it op criteria in retrospect, which is might still be facing a daunting The fi nal number displeased tough judgment calls that had I’m not sure it’s even real close tory rather than return the next included only one other touring always dicey and can always be task. Beman, for his part, is not many on both sides. Snead sup- to be made. Although Snead because when Snead won his 82 day for a playoff . But the panel professional, and an LPGA event clouded with personal wants and interested in second-guessing porters were disappointed that and Woods are offi cially tied, events, he was playing against also concluded that Snead had played on a par-three course. objectives. the panel’s conclusions. several were excluded, and the latter in Beman’s opinion obviously accomplished players won 62 tournaments that did “The diffi cultly in accom- “But even though it is not an “They did the best job they Snead himself thought the of- is clearly the best tour player but there weren’t as many back not merit inclusion in the offi cial plishing what (the panel) ulti- exact process and one that would could under the circumstances, fi cial number should have been ever. “Whose 82 victories dem- then who on any given week total. mately accomplished was that create some controversy then came up with (82) and that’s 89. Others felt, however, that onstrate the higher level of ac- could have expected to win. Among tournaments it until then, there was no specifi c and into the future ... they tried what it is,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 21, 2020 7 SPORT

SERIE A FOCUS PSG see off plucky Ronaldo double Lorient to reach French Cup last 16 AFP in the fi nal minute after further Paris goals from Mounir Chouiar and Bruno Ecuele Manga. pulls Juventus clear Montpellier — 5-0 winners ablo Sarabia put Paris over Caen — will travel to fourth Saint-Germain into the division side Belfort while Angers last 16 of the French Cup will host cup holders Rennes, The eight-time reigning champions have a four-point cushion on Inter Milan on Sunday night with whose 2-0 win at fi fth-tier Ath- Pthe late winner in a tight 1-0 win letico Marseille was interrupted over spirited Lorient. Spaniard for around 10 minutes after home Sarabia headed home the only fans threw fl ares onto the pitch. goal with 10 minutes remaining Lyon will travel to Nice af- to put Thomas Tuchel’s much- ter starlet Rayan Cherki showed changed side into the next round why he is so highly though of by after struggling to break Ligue 2 contributing to all four of their leaders Lorient down in an un- goals in Saturday’s 4-3 win over derwhelming contest. They have Nantes. The 16-year-old, who been rewarded with a tie at third- has drawn comparisons with tier Pau, who knocked out Ligue fellow Lyon academy graduates 1 side Bordeaux on Thursday. Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben PSG came into the match Arfa, scored twice, provided two missing a host of injured stars in- assists and won a penalty that cluding Edinson Cavani, Marco was missed by Moussa Dembele. Verratti, Juan Bernat and Mar- In-form Marseille will host quinhos, and with both Neymar Strasbourg in the next round, and Kylian Mbappe on the bench while Saint-Etienne will play the the away side lacked creative winner of Monday’s match be- spark despite the presence of in- tween Monaco and fourth-tier form striker Mauro Icardi. St-Pryve St-Hilaire. The French champions were lucky to go into the break level CAVANI ASKS TO LEAVE after Yoane Wissa somehow PSG FOR ATLETICO MADRID, managed to head Jimmy Cabot’s SAY FRENCH GIANTS pinpoint cross wide from just Edinson Cavani has told Paris a couple of yards out. The sec- Saint-Germain that he wants ond half continued to lack clear to leave for Atletico Madrid, the chances for either side, with Paul French champions sporting di- Nardi doing well to charge down rector Leonardo said on Sunday. Icardi’s close range header in the “It’s true that today he asked to 68th minute before pushing Pa- leave. We are studying the situa- blo Sarabia’s shot wide 11 min- tion. It’s also true that there has utes later. been an approach from Atletico However the 25-year-old Madrid,” said Leonardo. PSG do could do nothing about Sarabia’s not want the Uruguayan striker, header seconds later, the Span- their record goal scorer, to leave iard beautifully guiding home but “we have to listen to him be- Thiago Silva’s cross to squeeze cause we have a lot of respect for the top fl ight outfi t into the next the player”, added the Brazilian. round. Dijon will travel to fi fth- Cavani has scored 198 goals tier outfi t Limonest after English in his PSG career but has lost forward Stephy Mavididi struck his place as an automatic fi rst- twice as his team fi red four goals choice following the arrival of in the last 15 minutes of their 5-0 Mauro Icardi on loan from In- win over Nimes. Hosts Dijon ter Milan. PSG coach Thomas Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with teammate Aaron Ramsey after scoring against Parma during the Serie A match in Turin on Sunday. (AFP) were leading a tight tie by a single Tuchel refused to comment on goal thanks to Jhonder Cadiz’s the future of the 33-year-old AFP league game, and almost set up a sec- nervous, but we managed to get the re- erners fi ve minutes after going behind. fi rst half penalty when Mavididi player. “I have said a lot about Milan ond just after for Aaron Ramsey, but the sult.” The eight-time reigning champions “For me there’s always great emotion,” begun a goal frenzy in the 75th this, I am not going to repeat Welsh international rattled the post. An- have a four-point cushion on Inter, who said Conte of his return to Lecce. Com- minute. myself always on the same sub- dreas Cornelius scored with a towering have won only two of their last six league ing back to the Stadio Via del Mare means The 21-year-old, who has rep- ject,” said Tuchel. “If we want to ristiano Ronaldo struck twice as header to get seventh-placed Parma back games, and are now also under threat going back 30-35 years. I spent my child- resented England at Under-20 achieve our objectives — winning Juventus beat Parma 2-1 to pull level ten minutes after the break. from Lazio, who are just two points be- hood as a ball boy here. There will always level and is on loan from Italian as many trophies as possible — four points clear of Inter Milan But the visitors hardly had time to hind with a game in hand after hammer- be this attachment, but I am a profession- giants Juventus, added another it’s best with ‘Edi’, yes.” at the top of the Serie A table on celebrate when Ronaldo broke through ing Sampdoria 5-1 on Saturday. al and I try to do this job better.” SundayC night. Inter’s title push hit an- again after latching onto a Paulo Dybala Antonio Conte’s side had looked set to Lecce — just one point above the rel- other stumbling block after a 1-1 draw at cross for his 11th goal in seven games to take maximum points from his hometown egation zone — were coming off a four- lowly Lecce while Ante Rebic fi red city ri- bring his league tally this season to 16. team, where he started his footballing ca- match losing streak, but had held Juven- vals AC Milan to a last gasp 3-2 win over “It was important that we win tonight,” reer in the 1980s, when Alessandro Bas- tus by the same scoreline back in October. Udinese. said Ronaldo. “Lazio won, Inter drew so it toni headed the away side in front with 18 “Congratulations to them, even if con- Ronaldo broke through just before the was important to take advantage. Parma minutes remaining. But Marco Mancosu ceding this goal leaves a bitter taste in the break, to score in a seventh consecutive pushed forward in the end, we got a little grabbed a precious point for the south- mouth,” added Conte.

IRAN CLUBS TO BOYCOTT ASIAN FOOTBALL OVER HOSTING ROW Tehran: Four of Iran’s top football they would “only play if the confedera- shot down a Ukraine International Air- around 30mn euros, with 80% going clubs yesterday threatened to boycott tion off icially announces they can host lines Boeing 737, killing all 176 people on to Flamengo and the remainder to his the Asian Champions League unless a their competitors inside the Islamic board. On Sunday, Iran’s Sports Minister representatives and his family. The reported ban on the Islamic republic republic”. The teams’ managers rejected Masoud Soltanifar hit out at the AFC, ac- attacking midfielder — whose contract hosting international matches is lifted. any legal basis for the ban and called for cusing it of being influenced by “hostile” will run until June 2026 — celebrated Iran’s government has accused the Asian an urgent meeting with top AFC off icials, media and denying the country had any his 18th birthday on Sunday. In a state- Football Confederation of bias over the the statement posted on the Iranian aviation security issues. ment, Real said Reinier will team up with measure. The AFC has yet to confirm Football Federation’s website said. Castilla, the club’s second team who play whether or not a ban is in place. The row Tensions have soared between the REAL MADRID SIGN in Spain’s third tier, after competing in comes after a spate of security inci- West and Iran following the killing of top BRAZILIAN PROSPECT REINIER South American Olympic qualifying with dents in Iran, including the downing of a commander Qasem Soleimani in a US Real Madrid have completed the signing Brazil’s under-23 team. That tournament passenger jet shortly after takeoff from drone strike in Baghdad on January 3. of teenage Brazilian prospect Reinier is currently taking place in Colombia. Tehran’s main international airport on Iran retaliated five days later by launch- from Flamengo on a six-and-a-half-year Reinier helped Flamengo win last year’s January 8. Esteghlal, Persepolis, Sepahan ing a wave of missiles at US troops deal, the Spanish giants announced Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores and Shahr Khodro are among the Iranian stationed in neighbouring Iraq. yesterday. According to reports in double and has chosen Real Madrid teams in the AFC Champions League. Tehran was still on high alert hours Spain and in Brazil, Madrid will pay the despite reported interest from Barcelona In a joint statement, the four clubs said later when its armed forces mistakenly player’s buyout clause, amounting to and other leading European clubs. Paris St Germain’s Pablo Sarabia celebrates after scoring against Lorient in the French Cup Round of 32 match on Sunday. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Amir Cup preparatory Doha ready to host Qatar Fencing Grand Prix QNA Doha is the fi rst of three meeting held Doha Grand Prix of the series before Budapest (Hungary) and Cali haled Mubarak al- Ticket selling mechanism for (Colombia) and it is widely con- Kuwari, Director of the ongoing season was also dis- oha is set host the ex- sidered to be one of the top three Marketing and Com- cussed in detail. Commenting panded and bigger tournaments in the world. munication of the Qa- on the results of the meeting, 2020 Qatar Fencing This year we have the high- Ktar Football Association (QFA), al-Kuwari said: “The meeting Grand Prix as the fruit- est number of fencers ever with chaired a meeting to discuss the was called in to discuss matters Dful relationship and partnership a total of 350 male and female preparations of the Round of 16 relating to the 2020 Amir Cup. with Qatar Fencing Federation fencers coming to compete at of the 2020 Amir Cup. The meet- We are following a new system burgeons further as a record Aspire and looking to get points ing was held with attendance of and hence the meeting called to number of top world fencers that help towards qualifi cation representatives of Al Sadd, Al discuss key points.” descend on Qatar for competi- for Tokyo Olympic Games. Gharafa, Al Ahli, Al Rayyan, Al He added: “We are expect- tion, which will run over three Our young Qatari fencers get Khor, Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, Umm ing keen contests among the days from 24 to 26 at the Aspire the opportunity to compete with Salal, Muaither, Mesaimeer and remaining teams. The enthu- Dome. the very best in the world. Al Khairaitiyat. The meeting fo- siasm remains high among the Ali Salem Afi fa, Aspire Acad- The Qatari fencers, most of cused on discussing the market- players, offi cials and organisers. emy Deputy Director General, whom are graduate and student ing issues related to the event Our discussions also centred welcomed the Qatar Fencing athletes of Aspire Academy, are now into its 48th edition. The around marketing aspects of the Federation delegation led by the not yet at the stage of competing Round of 16 matches will be held event. The clubs are also keen to Secretary-General Khalid Issa for honours at this level, but the in February. The latest round of play their part in promoting the al-Hamadi before the two or- experience gained is invaluable.” discussion centred around the championship.” ganisations signed an agreement The 2020 Doha Fencing Grand new system that has been imple- The QFA Director said: “Ideas to extend the partnership. Prix event will witness partici- mented and the attendance rate and suggestions from the club Afi fa relayed how the work- pation from more than 350 ath- during the previous 10 seasons reps have been very interesting. ing relationship between As- Qatar Fencing Federation and Aspire Academy off icials pose on the eve of the Qatar Fencing Grand Prix. letes who will be representing – starting from the 2010 season I have assured the ones who at- pire Academy and Qatar Fenc- approximately 150 countries. until last season 2019 season. Of- tended the meeting that QFA re- ing Federation grows with each it draws lovers of this sport in competition serving as a quali- 2020 Doha Grand Prix brings to The Aspire Dome is located at fi cials disclosed a tally of 900,372 mains committed to taking eve- year. “Doha Fencing Grand Prix great numbers. Aspire is proud fi er for 2020 Tokyo Olympic our country the biggest cham- the Aspire Zone which falls un- spectators attending the matches ryone on board with regards to is a mega event on the sport- to host this big event and partake Games,” he said pionship organised by the Qatar der the Metro Gold Line: Sport in the past 10 seasons. promoting the event.” ing calendar in our country and in what is international sporting Al-Hammadi added that, “the Fencing Federation. City network. Tuesday, January 21, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Al Khor host Al Sadd in QNB Stars League’s deferred match By Sports Reporter off a win in front of home fans. The Doha Knights have three draws and six de- feats against their name. On the other hand, Al Sadd will not l Khor face reigning cham- want any more slip-up in their bid to pions Al Sadd in a QNB Stars retain the coveted league shield. They League match deferred from are currently third in the standings Week 7 at the Al Khor Stadium with 21 points, nine less than leaders Al today.A The kick-off is at 7pm. The game Duhail and seven less than Al Rayyan. was deferred due to Al Sadd 2019 AFC The Wolves have seven victories Champions League commitment. to their credit even as they lost four The match comes in the aftermath of matches. Sadd have been in good form 2020 Qatar Cup, which Al Sadd won by of late and Xavi Hernandez’s wards will defeating Al Duhail 4-1 in the fi nal last be eyeing nothing less than a win. Friday. The match assumes signifi cance Sadd midfi elder Salem al-Hajri said for both Al Khor and Al Sadd as they that his team had turned the page on will be keen on collecting three valu- the Qatar Cup win and were aiming to able points. defeat Al Khor. “The league matches Al Khor are in the 10th position with are diff erent from the cup matches but nine points and are not too far from the we will work to win and get close to the danger zone. They are one point ahead top of the league. Our focus is entirely of 11th-placed Al Shahania and four on the league, and all its matches are ahead of bottom-placed Umm Salal. diffi cult. The league still has a long way Al Khor have only two victories to to go, and we should not lose any points their credit, so they will expect to pull in all the upcoming rounds,” he said. Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and midfielder Salem al-Hajri address a press conference yesterday.

LA LIGA FOCUS CBQ, ECGC team up for ‘Start Messi ensures New at Golf’ programme Setien enjoys winning start Messi’s 76th minute strike decided a cagey contest against Granada

‘Start New at Golf’ is a unique golf instruction system and equipment through which Education City Golf Club and Commercial Bank are aiming to help children develop golf skills and a level of competency.

s part of the initiative Kings College School, and more to promote the game will follow very soon.” of golf in Qatar, Com- As for Commercial Bank, it has mercial Bank, Qatar’s donated ten customised SNAG award-winningA private bank, kit bags that include enough and Education City Golf Club equipment to train up to 16 chil- have teamed up to support lo- dren at a time. Hussein al-Ab- cal schools in providing golf ac- dulla, Chief Marketing Offi cer tivities. This initiative comes to at Commercial Bank said: “Our support schools’ curriculum and latest partnership with ECGC after-school activities. comes to attest our commitment ‘Start New at Golf’ or SNAG is as a bank to support our local a unique golf instruction system community and promote Qatar and equipment through which National Vision 2030. Education City Golf Club and “In other words, we highly Commercial Bank are aiming to value sport activities as they help children develop golf skills build healthier relationships in and a level of competency. the society and bring people to- ECGC golf professionals will gether.” train school teachers on how to Abeer Marwan al-Kalla, Head deliver golf tuition to their pu- of Corporate Communications pils in school gymnasiums and and CSR commented, “Golf is playgrounds. Ultimately, when not only a classy and sophisti- the children get to a level of com- cated sport, it is an activity that petency, they will be eligible to helps children practice skills such visit ECGC and experience golf as concentration and learn values for real. such as patience and persistence Commenting on the initia- tion to encouraging children to to achieve objectives. Overall, tive, Michael Braidwood, Gen- go outdoors and be active. playing golf will contribute to eral Manager Education City Golf “Given that, we believe such enhancing children’s cognitive Club said: “Golf is a perfect sport an initiative would benefi t our and academic skills and learn- for children to try as it possesses local community as well as future ings. As a Bank and as members many health and well-being at- generations. And, as part of our in this community, this initiative tributes. It teaches them some partnership with Commercial refl ects our commitment to sup- key core skills such as patience, Bank, we have started distribut- port younger generation growth focus and dedication, in addi- ing the SNAG kits, starting with and development.”

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) celebrates after scoring against Granada at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Sunday night. (AFP) RECOVERY AFP larly Puig, whose inclusion on the bench Messi and Sergio Busquets chased and Madrid was an early indication of Setien’s belief Griezmann did too, at one point earning the in youth. Puig’s contribution after com- approval of the home fans after sprinting to ing on should mean more opportunities provide cover at right-back. Vidal has al- Barca’s Dembele praises Aspetar uique Setien may want a diff erent are to come. Setien said last week that if he ways harried and when he won the ball back Barcelona but he needed the same could make one guarantee, it was that Bar- early in the second half, Barca had a four C Barcelona and French old Lionel Messi on Sunday night celona would play good football while he is against two. midfi elder Ousmane as the Argentinian gave his new in charge and although few could argue this But Messi’s pass was heavy and the an- Dembele praised Asp- coachQ a winning start by scoring in a 1-0 was a transformative display following the gle for Vidal became too acute. The game etar, sports medicine and victory over Granada. Messi’s strike in the sacking of Ernesto Valverde, there were cer- drifted and tension grew but two moments orthopaedicF hospital, at the end 76th minute decided a cagey contest at the tainly some encouraging signs. proved crucial. First Eteki’s shot was kept of his treatment. “At Aspetar Camp Nou and prevented the much-antic- The passing was faster, the pressing high- out only by the post as he drove hard past people welcomed me very well, ipated launch of Setien’s new era becoming er and Messi spent most of the match play- the right hand of Ter Stegen. they took care of me, and it did something of a damp squib. ing down the middle, with Griezmann on Then, less than fi ve minutes later, Gra- not surprise me. The quality is Victory also sends Barca back to the top the left and Ansu Fati, another youngster, nada were reduced to 10 men after Ger- paramount here. At Aspetar they of La Liga on goal diff erence, after Real Ma- on the right. Setien claimed on Saturday he man picked up a second yellow card for a take good care of the athletes, drid had briefl y claimed fi rst place following would never go home happy after winning late hack on Messi. It left Granada needing they prepare them well. Here, their win over Sevilla on Saturday. “I have and playing badly but a 1-0 victory gets his to survive 21 minutes and they only made the staff know their job very well, seen many things from the team today that tenure off to a positive start and, with Real it through eight. Puig, on for Ivan Rakitic, and take care of us. In case of I want to see,” said Setien. “But I already saw Madrid showing no sign of stuttering, he recovered possession in the corner before injury, I recommend any athlete some of them against Atletico (last week- could hardly aff ord anything less. Messi picked up the ball centrally. to come here and he will see for end) because Barca has been doing great His team had 83 per cent possession in the In a fl ash, he played in Griezmann, who himself,” Dembele said. things for many years.” fi rst half but chances were not as clear-cut found Vidal, whose swivelled a fl ick back Ousmane has sustained an in- It would have been diff erent if Granada’s and, as it was under Valverde, nearly eve- into the path of Messi and he poked a fi nish jury on November 27th during a Yan Eteki hadn’t struck the post with just rything went through Messi. His driving into the corner. Setien threw both arms into Champions League match, and came here before, and he advised 2022, Dembele said: “Frankly, I over 20 minutes left or their central de- run teed up Fati, who shot over, and then a the air and looked to the sky, with joy and he underwent an intense recov- me to visit Aspetar to treat my was not surprised by what I saw fender German Sanchez not been sent off cutting reverse pass set Alba away but Fati also relief. Earlier, two challengers for the ery therapy in Aspetar for two injury and get prepared for the here because I watch TV, and for a needless second yellow card soon after. failed to fi nish at the back post. top four stumbled as Valencia were thrashed weeks recently and has already rest of the championship and the everywhere people were talk- The extra man was the boost Barca needed Messi won the ball back on the ground 4-1 away at Real Mallorca and Real Sociedad spent another two weeks at the matches that will take place, es- ing about Qatar. Mehdi Benatia and Messi duly poked home his 17th goal in and then nipped past two players. He beaten 3-0 by Real Betis. After Sevilla and beginning of December. pecially in order to do a very good spoke to me also. Doha is a very 21 games this season following good work by fl ashed wide at the end of a fl uid team move Atletico Madrid both lost on Saturday, Real Hoping to come back to play physical preparation and get my- beautiful city where we feel good, Arturo Vidal, Antoine Griezmann and the and missed from two free-kicks. Barca were Madrid and Barcelona are now eight points as soon as possible, the Dembele self back in shape.” it is quiet, and I think that the 20-year-old Riqui Puig. slick, evidently trying to pass faster and clear of the chasing pack, in what looks in- said: “I have heard a very good Commenting on Qatar and the World Cup here will be well or- All three had reasons to impress, particu- press with more aggression. creasingly like a two-horse race. feedback, because Samuel Umtiti upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar ganised.”