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Monday, January 16, 2017 Rabia II 18, 1438 AH Kohli, Jadhav tons GULF TIMES help chase down big total SPORT Page 11 25TH IHF MEN’S HANDBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP earn fi rst points against Bahrain

fter a disappointing loss to kept the same distance for some time, their strength, increasing their advan- Egypt in their fi rst match at despite outstanding saves from Qatar tage to 10 goals by half-time, at which the 25th IHF Men’s Hand- keeper Danijel Saric. point a comeback from Bahrain seemed ball World Championship, When Saric made his fi fth save with impossible considering the momentum AQatar added their fi rst two points to Qatar at a 7-4 advantage in the 13th was all with the Asian champions. the Group D table with a clear victory minute, he recorded a rate of 56 percent Ten minutes into the second half, against Bahrain yesterday. and was the clear factor in stopping Qatar maintained the same lead, and Last time the teams met, in a friendly Bahrain’s attack. At the other end of the 10-goal distance persisted as the match in 2016, the game ended with a the court right wing Abdulla al-Karbi full-time buzzer neared – indicating diff erence of fi ve, but this time there was the most dangerous weapon, as he a vast improvement from Bahrain af- was little contest as Qatar steamrolled tallied three goals off three attempts by ter half-time. But the 10-goal defi cit their opponents to fi nish with a deci- midway through the half when Qatar Bahrain allowed in the fi rst 30 minutes sive 10-goal scoreline at 32-22. had pulled ahead to 9-4. was far too great to come back from, Earlier in the day, earned Bahrain coach Salah Bouchekriou and Qatar coach Valero Rivera used the two more points when they defeated called the fi rst timeout of the match in comfortable lead to play through his Argentina by 18 goals at 35-17. the 18th minute with Qatar in front at bench until the fi nal whistle sounded. After a positive opening that includ- 10-5 and Saric maintaining his impres- (IHF.info) ed a penalty save by goalkeeper Mo- sive save rate, but Bouchekriou’s advice hamed Husain Abdulla, Bahrain fell be- for the team was not enough to contain Qatar’s Ahmad Madadi (left) scores a hind Qatar, who created an early lead at the 2015 World Championship silver goal during the 25th IHF Men’s World 4-1 with a fast break from Kamal Aldin medallists. Championship 2017 Group D match Mallash. However, once the shock of Once the clock passed midway against Bahrain at the AccorHotels the opening minutes wore off , Bahrain through the half, Qatar began to show Arena in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE GOLF Cabrera-Bello City thrashed by continues victory quest at CBQM By Sports Reporter Everton, Ibra Doha yder Cup star Rafa Cabre- ra-Bello will attempt to be- come the third Spanish win- ner of the Commercial Bank RQatar Masters when he competes in the landmark 20th edition of the Eu- rescues United ropean Tour event at Doha Golf Club from January 26-29. City are 10 points behind Chelsea after fourth loss in last eight league games Cabrera-Bello enjoyed arguably his best-ever year in 2016, fi nishing AFP eighth on The Race to Dubai Rank- London ings presented by Rolex – despite not adding to his two European Tour ti- tles – and shone on his debut at both ep Guardiola suff ered the larg- the Olympic Games and The Ryder est league defeat of his mana- Cup. gerial career as Manchester Apart from securing seven top-fi ve City were thrashed 4-0 by fi nishes on the European Tour and PEverton, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s PGA TOUR last year, the Spaniard late equaliser gave Manchester United a tied for fi fth in the Olympics in Rio in 1-1 draw with Liverpool yesterday. August, was undefeated at Septem- 2016 as World Number 27. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and ber’s Ryder Cup in the USA and led Cabrera-Bello represented Kevin Mirallas put Everton in control at Spain to eighth place at November’s alongside Garcia at the Rio Olympics Goodison Park. ISPA HANDA World Cup of Golf in before partnering his famed compa- Teenager Tom Davies scored a fi ne . triot in the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine fi rst goal for Everton in the closing This month, the 32-year-old will National, recording a win and a draw stages and debutant Ademola Lookman compete in the Commercial Bank before he beat Jimmy Walker in Sun- completed the rout after coming on as for an eighth straight day’s singles. an 89th minute substitute. year as he endeavours to emulate Cabrera-Bello then took on the It was another chastening experi- compatriots Sergio Garcia (2014) and senior role at the World Cup where ence for City boss Guardiola, who Alvaro Quiros (2009) by lifting the he partnered rookie and wasn’t used to such humiliation in his Mother of Pearl Trophy. gave Spain the fi rst-round lead with trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Cabrera-Bello has already come a birdie putt on 18. However, as he Bayern Munich. close on three occasions, fi nishing looks to add to victories in 2009 and The defeat was City’s fourth in their joint runner-up last January after ty- 2012, Cabrera-Bello has had enough last eight league games and left them 10 ing for third in 2011 and 2014, the year of fast starts and close fi nishes, hav- points behind leaders Chelsea. he missed out on the playoff between ing amassed seven runner-up fi nish- Publicly at least, Guardiola wasn’t Garcia and Mikko Ilonen by one shot. es and seven thirds on the European angry with his expensively assembled Manchester City players react to their loss to Everton after their EPL match at Goodison Park yesterday. (AFP) “I defi nitely feel like I can win the Tour. team and he insisted the chastening af- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, I “I’ve fi nished high up the leader- ternoon could have gone diff erently if Not for the fi rst time, Ibrahimovic have been very close in the past. I re- board many times, but I’m very pa- City had taken their early chances. was United’s saviour as the Swedish ally like the course at Doha Golf Club tient and know my next victory will “We created enough chances in the forward struck from close-range in the and I know I can play well on it,” said come,” he said. “I’m playing well and fi rst half to score. After what happened 84th minute for his 19th goal since his Cabrera-Bello, who last month teed as long as I remain consistent, anoth- we were not able to score and Everton free transfer from Paris Saint Germain off his 2017 European Tour season by er win will come. I think I have a good had one chance and scored,” Guardiola in the close-season. fi nishing runner-up at the UBS Hong chance in Qatar and will certainly said. “They scored straight after half- There was a heated fi nale as Mour- Kong Open, after leading for the fi rst give it my best shot.” time and that is tough mentally for the inho and Klopp argued on the touchline three days. Qatar Golf Association president players.” after United’s Ander Herrera grappled “I’m always comfortable playing Hassan al-Naimi said, “Rafa Cabre- But the Spaniard did concede City with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino. in Qatar as the weather is so similar ra-Bello has been one of the most look destined not to win the title in his The feuding managers were eventu- to the Canary Islands where I come consistent performers at the Com- fi rst season in England. ally separated and exchanged a brief from. It’s sunny, there’s usually a nice mercial Bank Qatar Masters in recent “The fi rst one, yeah,” said Guardiola handshake at the fi nal whistle. breeze and it’s quite cool, so I really years and is always popular because when asked if top spot is now out of the Liverpool’s draw meant they lost feel at home. The fans are nice and of his friendly nature and rapport question. “The fi rst one is a 10-point ground in the title race, leaving them sev- there’s always a relaxed atmosphere.” with the fans. gap and that is a lot of course.” en points behind Chelsea in third place. After his tie for second in Qatar “We were all delighted to see him United manager Jose Mourinho had Klopp’s team have now gone four games last January, Cabrera-Bello followed perform so well last year, shining on called for his club’s fans to turn up the without a win in all competitions. up with another joint runner-up fi n- a big stage at the Olympics and then volume after some subdued atmos- United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates his goal against Liverpool. (Reuters) United remain sixth after their six- ish in Dubai the following week. In excelling on his Ryder Cup debut. pheres at Old Traff ord recently. match winning run in the league was April, he broke into the top 30 of the He’s playing as well as he ever has, so But Jurgen Klopp’s side silenced the for Paul Pogba’s needless handball. movic’s free-kick and a Henrikh Mkhi- brought to an end. Mourinho’s men Offi cial World Golf Ranking after the it would be no surprise if he’s again home supporters when James Milner Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Migno- taryan strike as United pushed for an are 12 points behind Chelsea and four and has since contending on the fi nal day at Doha converted a 27th minute penalty awarded let made fi ne saves to keep out Ibrahi- equaliser. points adrift of the top four. remained around that mark, ending Golf Club.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 16, 2017 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Guardiola rules City out of title race aft er Everton thrashing Defeat left City 10 points adrift of the league leaders Chelsea and outside the Champions League qualification places

By Andy Hunter at Goodison Park mier League games City have fallen behind Guardiola refused to blame his star play- The Guardian to an opening attempt. Guardiola insisted ers. City’s wretched eff ort at Goodison Park the problem lay not with his defence but the condemned Guardiola to the heaviest league team’s failure to convert one of several chanc- defeat of his glittering managerial career. ep Guardiola conceded Manchester es before Lukaku struck. But, publicly at least, the former Barce- City were out of the Premier League He said: “Believe me, I would like to know lona and Bayern Munich boss wasn’t angry title race after suff ering the heaviest why (it keeps happening). I will be concerned with his expensively assembled team and he league defeat of his managerial ca- and worried when the opponents arrive six or insisted the chastening afternoon could have reerP against Everton yesterday. seven times and create a lot of chances. That’s gone diff erently if City had taken their early City were beaten 4-0 at Goodison Park then our problem to control the game. I know chances. We created enough chances in the where two teenagers, the impressive Tom in many cases the people don’t agree with fi rst half to score. After what happened we Davies and the new signing Ademola Look- me but to control the game means you have were not able to score and Everton had one man, scored their fi rst Everton goals and two the possession to create enough chances and chance and scored,” Guardiola said. Belgium internationals, Romelu Lukaku and concede as few as possible. “They scored straight after half-time and Kevin Mirallas, were also on the scoresheet. “That has happened. But what happens that is tough mentally for the players. The The defeat left City 10 points adrift of when they arrive for the fi rst time it’s a goal. consequence of the game is an example of the league leaders Chelsea and outside the Gaël Clichy loses the ball, they make the many that has happened this season. It is Champions League qualifi cation places. counterattack and we don’t have our line. To football. In football you sometimes don’t Asked whether City were out of the title avoid that you put the ball up. Then you lose need to do many things to score. They arrive race, Guardiola replied: “Yes. The fi rst one is the ball because our strikers are our strikers, once and score a goal.” a 10-point gap and that is a lot. The second and 10 men behind the ball. Maybe we would City’s fourth defeat in their last eight one is three points, so we have to see. I spoke be solid with that but I don’t believe in it. league games leaves them trailing 10 points with the players for the last three weeks to “I want us to get better and better and feel behind leaders Chelsea, with even a top four forget about the table, focus on the next game we are able to score goals. When that hap- fi nish suddenly far from certain. They are at and do our best. After that, at the end of the pens we are going to suff er less behind. Our fi fth spot with 42 points, two above sixth- season, we’ll analyse how our level was, our strikers will have more confi dence. It is tough placed Manchester United. performance, the coach, the players. After for the players. I was a player and understand It is a far cry from the hype that greeted that we are going to decide.” how tough it is for them right now. We are Guardiola’s arrival in the close-season and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected as his lost to Everton 0-4 in the Premier League at Everton opened the scoring with their fi rst trying to do absolutely everything. But it’s not the plaudits that followed City’s success in Goodison Park in Everton yesterday. (Reuters) shot on target – the fourth time in seven Pre- the fi rst time it’s happened this season.” the opening weeks of the campaign.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Wenger hails angry Alexis Conte keeps Costa’s AFP syndrome ‘in house’ Swansea, United Kingdom

rsene Wenger lavished praise on Alexis Sanchez after Arsenal brushed aside Swansea 4-0 at the Liberty Stadium, despite the ChileanA star’s anger at being substituted. Sanchez scored the last of Arsenal’s four goals on a day when new manager Paul Clement saw precisely how big the job of keeping Swansea in the top fl ight is going to be. The 28-year-old Sanchez was taken off in the fi nal quarter as Wenger sought to give the returning Danny Welbeck some valuable game time. Even though Sanchez appeared far from happy with the decision, Wenger brushed aside the incident. “I thought he (Sanchez) was very sharp. I rested him for two weeks and gave him a lit- tle breather. I think he benefi ted from that,” said the Arsenal boss. “I gave him another rest for today, so he will benefi t from that as well. He’s hugely infl uential. When you look at the numbers, he’s been involved in about 25 goals in our team. But we also have players on the bench who are strikers who need competition. We were 4-0 up, he’s just come back from a good rest, Mesut Ozil as well comes back from sickness, so it was a good opportunity not to be stupid. “All the players are frustrated when they come off , some show it, some not. I just make the decision I feel is right, that’s it. There’s no problem. In every culture it’s dif- ferent. Some South Americans are a bit dif- ferent to Europeans. Southern Europeans are more diff erent to northern Europeans, Alexis Sanchez appeared far from happy after coach Arsene Wenger (right) substituted you have to respect that.” him during Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. (Reuters) Sanchez’s 14th goal of the season added the fi nishing touches to Arsenal’s convinc- formance of his team, albeit after a slow Swansea manager Clement said he saw ing win as the Gunners moved to third in the start. “We had some problems getting going, enough to give him optimism that the Welsh table. They have 44 points but remain eight but I put that down to the fact that Swansea side can stay up. The defeat left Swansea behind leaders Chelsea. played very well in the the fi rst half,” said at the foot of the table, but only six points In-form striker Olivier Giroud gave Wenger. separate the bottom six teams. Chelsea’s coach Antonio Conte (right) celebrates with his players after their win over Leicester City at King the visitors a fi rst half lead before own goals “They were well organised and they put in “In the fi rst half the game was fairly even. Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on Saturday night. (AFP) from Jack Cork and Kyle Naughton made an unbelievable amount of work. Certainly Our defensive shape looked good and they the outcome certain, paving the way for in the second half we took over and in the weren’t producing clear cut opportunities,” AFP to respect our victory and our Costa by deploying attacking Sanchez to add his name to the scoresheet. second half they couldn’t follow the pace said Clement, the club’s third manager of Leicester, United Kingdom players after a good perform- midfi elders Willian, Eden Haz- Wenger was pleased with the overall per- any more. We were relentless until the end.” the season. ance. If you want to know the ard and Pedro as a front three truth, I’m ready to tell the truth. without a recognised striker. ntonio Conte insisted On Tuesday, during the training He said: “I think it’s important he will keep any prob- session, Diego stopped because to have another way of playing, lems in the Chelsea he felt a pain in his back. From playing without a No.9 is an- New dad Kane enjoys week to remember camp ‘in-house’ after that moment he didn’t train dur- other solution. That’s important. dismissingA claims of a row with ing the week. For this season to- We played without a No.9 and London: New dad Harry Kane admitted his of it (the week) and then I’ve been focused back of defensive midfielder, has made 12 star striker Diego Costa. Conte day he wasn’t available for the won 3-0 but, I repeat, it’s im- hat-trick in Tottenham’s win against West on training. I’ve tried to make sure that international appearances since 2014 and saw his Premier League leaders starting 11 or the bench. This portant always to play as a team. Bromwich Albion completed one of the I’m getting enough sleep at home and the signed a three-and-a-half year deal. triumph 3-0 at Leicester City is the reason, the truth. I don’t Sometimes changing your play- best weeks of his life. Kane’s wife Kate gave missus has been great, making sure I get As of July 1, both will off icially be Bayern without Costa, who was omit- know anything about this (off er ing style is important during a birth to the couple’s first child, daughter enough sleep! What a great way to finish players. “The transfer of two German ted amid reports of an argument from China). The club did not in- championship.” Ivy, last weekend and the England striker the week off .” internationals is an investment in Bayern’s with fi tness coach Julio Tous and form me about this. That can be Defending champions Leices- celebrated the new addition to the family in future,” said Rummenigge. interest from clubs in China. only speculation.” ter suff ered a 10th defeat of memorable fashion. BAYERN SIGN HOFFENHEIM Bayern are three points clear at the top of But the Italian insisted an in- And Conte claimed he will not their title defence but manager After missing last week’s FA Cup win PAIR RUDY AND SUELE the table going into the second-half of the jury was behind Costa’s absence concern himself with questions Claudio Ranieri praised his play- over Aston Villa due to the birth, Kane Bayern Munich confirmed yesterday they season. Fifth-placed Hoff enheim, coached at the King Power Stadium and about Costa’s future at Stam- ers’ eff ort despite his side fl irt- returned to the line-up to fire a hat-trick have signed pair Niklas Suele by 29-year-old Julian Nagelsmann — the claimed any problems with his ford Bridge after seeing his side ing with relegation danger. He in Tottenham’s 4-0 win at White Hart Lane and Sebastian Rudy from Bundesliga rivals youngest trainer in Bundesliga history — players will be dealt with within open up a seven-point advantage said: “I said from the beginning on Saturday. The 23-year-old opened the Hoff enheim for the 2017/18 season. The Ger- are the only team still unbeaten this season the dressing room. “I have read a over second-placed Tottenham we have to look over our shoul- scoring before wrapping up the points with man league resumes on Friday when lead- in Germany’s top flight. lot of speculation about this top- Hotspur. “I can’t be concerned der. We are in the battle for rel- a five-minute double in the second half to ers Bayern are at Freiburg, but the Bavarian Bayern have again signed talent from ic,” said Conte, who said he will about this because today my egation. I said that two or three keep Tottenham hot on the heels of Premier giants have already started recruiting for a team who could threaten their German assess Costa’s fi tness next week. players showed me a great per- months ago. But we are in good League leaders Chelsea. next season. league domination. In recent seasons they “I can tell you if there are formance and great spirit. That’s condition and I’m sure now we “I’ve not had many better weeks,” Kane Rudy will join on a free transfer while recruited Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hum- problems — and I repeat ‘if’ — very important. When you are can get some good points. said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a week, the Bayern’s chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge mels and Mario Goetze, who later returned, with players, I am used to solv- able to win this type of tough “The mentality is right. This birth of my daughter, that was incredible, said they paid a ‘fair and serious’ price for from main rivals Borussia Dortmund. ing them in the changing rooms, game — Leicester were champi- team is used to fi ghting. Three an amazing experience. Looking after her Suele. Reports put the figure at 20mn The experience of two internationals will not outside, not in press confer- ons last season and this season seasons ago they fought to win all week and then getting ready for this ($21.2mn), plus bonuses. be hard to replace for Hoff enheim. ences. Trust me, what I told you I think their team has improved the Championship, two season game and to score a hat-trick and win 4-0 The burly centre-back, 21, is regarded as Suele has made 90 Bundesliga appear- is the truth. If we start to think ‘if — it means that I can’t be con- ago they survived a relegation in the way we did. It’s all been quite surreal a die Mannschaft star of the future having ances while Rudy has played 177 times in an off er arrives, if, if, if... I don’t cerned about anything. I must be battle and last season they won really. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. The baby made his senior international debut in 2016. the league. “To transfer to Munich is an like to answer these types of pleased to work with these play- the title. is there sleeping at home and I look at her He will receive a Bayern contract until June absolute dream for me and I want to win questions. If, if. We must enjoy ers. For sure I want to continue to “They are used to fi ghting. I’m amazed that she’s here. That was that part 2022. Rudy, 26, who can play either right titles there,” said Rudy. this victory. It wasn’t easy to win work with all my players.” very happy with the perform- against Leicester. It’s important Conte coped with the loss of ance. We tried to do our best.” Gulf Times Monday, January 16, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Roma, Napoli and Lazio keep pressure on champions Juve Juventus are now just a point ahead of Roma although the Turin giants have a game in hand

AFP a bouncing header past Albano Bizarri in the Milan Pescara net. Napoli doubled their lead moments later, Hamsik volleying Piotr Zielinski’s long ball past Bizzarri from a tight angle. adja Nainggolan hit a fi rst-half winner A curling drive from Lorenzo Insigne de- as Roma won 1-0 at Udinese to close fl ected off target and Bizzarri did well to fi nger- the gap on leaders Juventus to a single tip Jorginho’s screamer on to the crossbar from point in Serie A yesterday. Juventus, the corner. But the ‘keeper was left helpless in biddingR for a record sixth straight league title the dying minutes when Mertens, after winning could restore their four-point lead if they beat back possession in deep, completed a one-two Fiorentina away in last night’s late game. with Allan to fl ick past the ‘keeper from close But the Old Lady of Turin was given another range to claim his 12th goal of the campaign. reminder of potential obstacles on the way to Lazio remain fourth, at fi ve points behind Ju- the Serie A title with Roma, Napoli, Lazio and ventus, after Ciro Immobile’s second-half pen- Inter all winning. Roma travelled to Udinese alty secured the points in a 2-1 win over Atalan- looking to make it three wins on the trot having ta. Former Lazio ‘keeper Etrit Berisha was out suff ered their last reverse in a 1-0 defeat at Ju- to make a brave stop from the feet of Immobile ventus last month. in the early stages but Atalanta were fi rst off the After just 12 minutes Nainggolan turned on mark, Andrea Petagna beating Federico Mar- Kevin Strootman’s chip from deep in midfi eld to chetti with a volley from Remo Freuler’s cross beat Orestis Karnezis with a right-footed vol- on 21 minutes. ley from eight yards. Luciano Spalletti’s men Sergej Milinkovic-Savic rose to meet a free should have doubled their lead when a penalty kick at the back post to head Lazio’s leveller on was awarded minutes later for handball in the the stroke of half-time. Milinkovic-Savic was in area, but a nervous-looking striker Edin Dzeko the thick of the action again just after the hour, ballooned his eff ort over. the Serbian prompting Berisha out to close him Juventus are now just a point ahead of Roma down and winning a penalty when the ‘keeper although the Turin giants have a game in hand failed to make contact with the ball. Immobile following Italian Super Cup commitments last stepped up to send the ‘keeper the wrong way month. In Doha, the champions were beaten on with his 11th league goal of the season. penalties by AC Milan. AC Milan, in fi fth at nine points adrift, are Napoli’s last league defeat also came at Juven- away to Torino today. Inter Milan moved up tus, at the end of October, but at home to league to sixth with a 3-1 win over Chievo on Satur- strugglers Pescara the Azzurri were kept score- day night when Mauro Icardi hit the opener to less until Lorenzo Tonelli, Marek Hamsik and stretch his league-leading goals tally to 15 for the Dries Mertens hit one apiece in a fruitful second season. Ivan Perisic and Eder also hit late goals half. Tonelli got the hosts off the mark with his for Inter. second goal in as many games when he rose to Chievo travelled to the San Siro hoping for a meet Jorginho’s free kick from the left to send second consecutive upset over the Nerazzurri after a shock 2-0 home win at the start of the campaign when former coach Frank De Boer was POINTS TABLE at the helm. But despite Sergio Pellissier beating Samir (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Handanovic in the Inter goal with a 34th minute against, points): opener, Inter eventually hauled themselves back Juventus 18 15 0 3 39 14 45 into the match when Mauro Icardi got on the Roma 20 14 2 4 41 18 44 end of Antonio Candreva’s curling cross to chip Napoli 20 12 5 3 45 23 41 a volley past the outstretched hand of Stefano Lazio 20 12 4 4 35 22 40 Sorrentino on 69 minutes. AC Milan 18 11 3 4 28 20 36 Perisic virtually handed the hosts the points Inter Milan 20 11 3 6 33 23 36 four minutes from time and late substitute Eder Atalanta 20 11 2 7 32 24 35 added a third in the third minute of added-on Torino 19 8 5 6 36 27 29 time. Inter have changed signifi cantly since Fiorentina 18 7 6 5 28 24 27 Stefano Pioli took the helm from sacked De Boer Cagliari 20 8 2 10 31 44 26 nearly two months ago but the Serie A giants are Udinese 20 7 4 9 25 27 25 still struggling to fi nd the net. Although satis- Chievo 20 7 4 9 21 27 25 fi ed with his players’ “determination and qual- Sampdoria 20 6 6 8 22 26 24 ity”, Pioli said: “Today perhaps we should have AS Roma’s Radja Nainggolan (right) gets past Udinese’s Duvan Zapata during the Italian Serie A match at Dacia Arena stadium in Udine . (Reuters) Bologna 19 6 5 8 18 25 23 had a few more midfi elders in the area, but if you Genoa 20 6 5 9 22 27 23 ask me we have to improve in front of goal.” is only the beginning of our journey and we’ve a Lazio 2 (Milinkovic-Savic 45+1, Immobile 68-pen) Palermo 1 (Quaison 9) Sassuolo 20 6 3 11 28 34 21 He added: “I’m happy for the players, for the long way to go.” Atalanta 1 (Petagna 21) Udinese 0 Roma 1 (Nainggolan 12) Empoli 20 4 6 10 11 26 18 determination and quality they showed out on Napoli 3 (Tonelli 47, Hamsik 49, Mertens) Pescara 1 On Saturday Palermo 20 2 4 14 17 40 10 the pitch. Plus, we didn’t give much away. We RESULTS (Caprari 90+4-pen) Crotone 0 Bologna 1 (Dzemaili 51) Crotone 19 2 3 14 14 34 9 have to keep on like this, although we’re not Cagliari 4 (Borriello 40, 60, Pedro 44, Farias 64-pen) Sampdoria 0 Empoli 0 Inter Milan 3 (Icardi 69, Perisic 86, Eder 90+3) Pescara 19 1 6 12 15 36 9 looking at the table. We’re very happy but this Genoa 1 (Simeone 29) Sassuolo 4 (Matri 15, 66, Ragusa 24, Politano 83) Chievo 1 (Pellissier 34)

LA LIGA AFRICAN NATIONS CUP LIGUE 1 Crisis-ridden Mahrez double rescues Algeria Leaders Nice held Valencia ease by lowly Metz relegation AFP this campaign, had a poor after- Paris noon and hit the post late on with fears with win the best chance of the match. Midfi eld general Jean-Michael AFP rench pacesetters Nice Seri is also away at the Africa Madrid slugged out a 0-0 draw Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. with rock bottom Metz in Despite these absences Metz Ligue 1 yesterday leaving looked to be a soft opponent and alencia moved four points clear of Fthe door ajar for Monaco to go the visitors will be happy with La Liga’s relegation zone as goals top if they win at Marseille in the an away point that nevertheless from Martin Montoya and Santi last of the weekend games. leaves them bottom on goal dif- Mina sealed a fi rst league win in The result leaves Nice on 45 ference of Ligue 1. Vnine games in a 2-1 victory over Espanyol points ahead of Monaco and RESULTS yesterday. Paris Saint-Germain with the Nice 0 Metz 0 The home fans once again called for Sin- Monegasques facing a challeng- Caen 3 (Cornet 8-og, Santini 29-pen, gaporean owner Peter Lim to leave the club ing game at Marseille’s raucous 61) Lyon 2 (Lacazette 35-pen, 45) before kick-off after a disastrous campaign Velodrome stadium just along Played Saturday that has seen two coaches and the sporting the south coast later last night. Rennes 0 Paris Saint Germain 1 director leave the Mestalla. Champions Paris were de- (Draxler 40) However, there was fi nally some relief lighted on Saturday when new Toulouse 0 Nantes 1 (Sala 21) on the pitch in the fi rst game since interim boy Julian Draxler produced a Angers 1 (Traore 14) Bordeaux 1 coach Voro Gonzalez was put in charge until brilliant fi rst-time fi nish to earn (Santamaria-og 28) the end of the season as Montoya rounded off a 1-0 win at Rennes on his Ligue Lorient 3 (Waris 72, 90, Cabot 82) a fi ne team move to give Valencia the perfect 1 debut. Nice were playing with- Guingamp 1 (Salibur 40) start after 17 minutes. out arguably their best players as Montpellier 1 (Roussillon 88) Dijon 1 Mina sealed a fi rst home win in La Liga Algeria’s forward Riyad Mahrez (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Na- Balotelli was serving out a ban (Tavares 28) since September 17 minutes from time when tions group B match against Zimbabwe in Franceville, Gabon, yesterday. (AFP) and Younes Belhanda is out in- Nancy 1 (Dia 59) Bastia 0 he forced home the rebound after Diego jured. Played Friday: Lopez clawed Dani Parejo’s free-kick off AFP a penalty from Nyasha Mushekwi in However, 2013 runners-up Burki- The club’s top scorer Alassane Lille 1 (Deroussel de Preville 71) the line. David Lopez ensured a nervy fi nish Franceville, Gabon the 29th gave a Zimbabwe a 2-1 lead as na Faso recovered to equalise with a Plea, with 10 Ligue 1 goals so far Saint-Etienne 1 (Hamouna 17) when he pulled a goal back with fi ve minutes they surprised one of the tournament’s quarter of an hour left, Issoufou Dayo to go, but Valencia clung on to gain some heavyweights with the ferocity of their bundling the ball in with a close range breathing space from the bottom three. lgeria’s newly crowned Af- attacking play. Later last night, the header. The result means there is noth- At the other end of the table, Real Madrid rican Footballer of the Year second Group B game was to be played ing between any of the sides in Group will look to extend their lead and a Spanish Riyad Mahrez scored twice as between Senegal and Tunisia. A after hosts Gabon were held to a 1-1 record 40-game unbeaten run when they they rescued a point in a 2-2 draw by Guinea-Bissau in the tour- travel to third-placed Sevilla later last night. drawA against Zimbabwe in a thrilling nament’s opening match earlier in BURKINA FASO FIGHT BACK RESULTS opening Group B game at the African TO HOLD CAMEROON the day. Gabon play Burkina Faso and Valencia 2 (Montoya 17, Mina 73) Espanyol 1 Nations Cup yesterday. On Saturday, A brilliant Benjamin Cameroon face Guinea-Bissau in the (David Lopez 85) Mahrez had handed Algeria a 12th Moukandjo free-kick was not enough next round of matches on Wednesday Celta Vigo 1 (Radoja 89) Alaves 0 minute lead with a goal befi tting his for Cameroon to win their opening at the same venue. Cameroon have Played Saturday new status but then saw Zimbabwe game as Burkina Faso battled back to won the Cup of Nations four times but Leganes 0 Athletic Bilbao 0 come from behind to lead with just draw 1-1. Moukandjo, the Indomitable their build-up to this year’s tourna- Barcelona 5 (Suarez 14, 57, Messi 52, Arda Turan eight minutes left before the Leices- Lions , curled in a superb ef- ment has been overshadowed by a raft 58, Vidal 80) Las Palmas 0 ter City forward salvaged a draw by fort from a dead ball 10 minutes before of withdrawals by key players, includ- Atletico Madrid 1 (Gaitan 8) Real Betis 0 completing his double. A 17th minute the interval in the Group A game at the ing Liverpool defender Joel Matip and Nice and Metz’s players argue during the French L1 match at the Deportivo La Coruna 0 Villarreal 0 goal from Kudakwashe Mahachi and Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville. Schalke striker Eric Choupo-Moting. Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southeastern France. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 16, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Payet and Co. cross a line with their striking self-indulgence Moments such as the West Ham star refusing to play are when people in other team sports must wonder why footballers find it so hard to maintain professional decency

By Daniel Taylor The Guardian

here is a passage in one of Sir Alex Fer- guson’s latest books that seems deliber- ately designed to chop West Ham down to size and no doubt, as intended, would Thave pricked a few egos in the way he does better than anyone. What, Ferguson wanted to know, was “the West Ham way” and why did the club persist in applying this label when in all his years at Manchester United he had never come against a team from Upton Park that he was afraid of. West Ham, he pointed out, had not won a tro- phy since 1980 and always seemed to be surviv- ing, or lucky as hell, when they visited Old Traf- ford. So what was this West Ham way? “I hope,” Ferguson wrote, “that before I die someone can explain.” Ferguson often confused his pen for a bayonet but there was an agenda with this one bearing in mind it was part of a long defence of Sam Al- lardyce, one of the managers who fl ock around Dimitri Payet was left out of West Ham’s 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace after informing manager Slaven Bilic (left) that he wishes to leave the club. his feet, and I suspect he probably knows, deep down, that West Ham, however much they la- mer to his season-long loan arrangement from enabled a boy of 18 to play for the club while his earning £125,000 a week ever since, the most belongs in a more accomplished team when his bour the point sometimes, do have a tradition of Derby County. body was ravaged by cancer? lucrative deal the club has ever given any player, last appearance, as a 58th-minute substitute in playing football in a certain fashion. Martin had scored seven times in his 11 ap- In all three cases, it is diffi cult to think any and it would be intriguing to see what happened their FA Cup tie against Manchester City, came They might not always put it into practice pearances before that impasse and everything, of these players see too far beyond themselves. if, say, Chelsea tried to take advantage of the sit- at a time when the stadium was emptying and it and, yes, there is an argument that everything from the outside looking in, had been going Payet’s relationship with West Ham seems bro- uation between now and the end of the current was almost a surprise the opposition restricted the club must be experiencing right now be- swimmingly. The problem was that Steve Mc- ken. Martin told Fulham at one point that he transfer window. Hypothetical, perhaps, but I themselves to a fi fth goal. It is the manner he has cause of the Dimitri Payet imbroglio – anger, Claren took over at Derby in October, perplexed was injured, countered by Jokanovic saying the cannot help suspect Payet’s complaints might gone about it that feels like an aff ront and the frustration and the discomforting sense that that the club had let one of their main strikers club’s medical staff had been unable to ndfi any- vanish in the same way that Luis Suárez once impression he leaves that the star player always happy times pass far too quickly – is a more ac- leave, and Martin was informed before Christ- thing that would rule him out, and when Forest complained he had to get away from Liverpool gets his own way. Payet received a £1mn bonus curate version of the West Ham way. mas that there was a new contract waiting for went out of the FA Cup at Wigan Athletic last because of the paparazzi and then nearly moved in September and if West Ham truly want to Yet it is not entirely a fi gment of our imagina- him, with a bumped-up salary, if he returned to weekend Lansbury – the club captain, no less – to Arsenal, and a much quieter city. be a big club, if they want to demonstrate they tions and that probably is why the past week has Pride Park. Martin’s request for Fulham to pro- turned up on Twitter after an afternoon on the Payet also seems to forget that at the time he have serious ambitions and earn the approval been so distressing for everyone connected with vide him with the same kind of money, with the driving range with his friends. agreed that contract his declaration was that of men such as Sir Alex Ferguson, they surely the club when Payet, the kind of footballer who higher income to start immediately, was turned In Payet’s case, his mitigation that his family “the love aff air continues” before the slow, me- cannot bend on this one. Not yet, anyway – and made you quicken your walk to see them play, down and the player took the matter into his have not settled might be true but the ordeal of thodical process where his public utterances not without taking back some form of control. was the man who embodied everything they own hands, with no regard for those pesky de- living in London did not seem to dissuade him and body language, from summer onwards, have It might cost them a fair bit of money, but this wanted from their team. tails such as his contract with the London club from signing a new fi ve-and-a-half-year con- increasingly made it clear he had a roving eye. is the part these footballers do not understand – Instead, his legacy at West Ham turns out to having no recall clause. tract with West Ham last February. He has been On that front, he is fully entitled to think he what price a club’s honour? be something entirely diff erent and it all feels It does not stop there, either, if you remember deeply unsatisfactory now he cannot even that Henri Lansbury is currently being excused bring himself to go through the humdrum re- from duty at Nottingham Forest because he is quirements of a Premier League match against not in the right frame of mind when other clubs, Crystal Palace, no matter how much his club notably Aston Villa and Derby again, have been Payet heading towards West Ham exit might have been depending on him, whatever trying to lure him away. the damage to his reputation and however many Does Lansbury realise that back in the day with Marseille waiting in wings people were paying through the nose to be there. when Forest’s midfi eld was fi lled with players of These are the kind of moments when the authentic talent John Robertson somehow put By Ed Aarons conceded on Saturday in her column for the Bilic could be better served with the funds participants in other team sports must wonder himself in the frame of mind to play a European The Guardian Sun that “probably sooner rather than later generated from his sale than keeping an what it is about football that makes it so hard for Cup semi-fi nal just a few days after Hughie, the he will be on his way”, while the co-chairman unhappy player at the club. Meanwhile, Andy some to recognise the demarcation line between brother he worshipped, died because of a car David Gold has also conceded privately that Carroll believes the performance against general professional decency and outrageous crash that also killed the player’s sister-in-law Dimitri Payet’s agent has refused to comment Payet is expected to move back to Marseille Palace showed the unity of the squad without self-indulgence. and left his eight-year-old niece, who had been on reports that Marseille will meet West Ham partly because of his family’s unhappiness their star player. Nor can Payet’s stance be described as a one- in the back seat, with serious injuries? off icials this week to discuss his transfer, with with life in London. It is believed West Ham “I think we have answered a few of the crit- off when, outside the Premier League, another Did it come into Martin’s thinking that Slavi- the France international’s future in the Premier would be willing to sell if they receive an off er ics, 100%,” he said. “With everything that has story has been rumbling along that may not have sa Jokanovic, the manager at Craven Cottage, League looking increasingly doubtful. of around £30mn and reports in France yester- been going on during the week and everyone had the same kind of exposure but still tells you might have a legitimate argument when the Serb Payet was left out of West Ham’s 3-0 victory day claimed that West Ham off icials will meet talking it’s been tough, especially as the lads what can happen when footballers are off ered pointed out Fulham were the oldest club in Lon- against Crystal Palace after informing his the French club’s president, Jacques-Henri are close to one another. To put all that behind alternative employment, with a larger income, don and had far too much history and profes- manager, Slaven Bilic, that he wishes to leave Eyraud, today to discuss the transfer, although us and work as a team has been fantastic. and somehow think it reasonable to declare sional pride to become a train where footballers the club. Writing in his matchday programme the player’s long-term adviser Jacques-Olivier “The fans were like the 12th man and were themselves off -duty until the matter is resolved. with multimillion-pound contracts can jump on notes on Saturday, West Ham’s co-chairman Auguste refused to comment on that when great with their support. It was a great day all At least Chris Martin has had the decency to and off to their own desire? David Sullivan insisted that the 29-year-old contacted by The Guardian. round. All the lads were fantastic and profes- make himself available again for Fulham, scor- Will Payet understand why many West Ham would not be allowed to leave this month, Payet, who signed a bumper £125,000-a- sional. They know what it means to the fans ing a penalty in Saturday’s win against Barnsley, supporters are insisting that the huge shirt although it is understood that was written on week five-year contract in February 2016, and the club. We stuck together and everyone but there is not a lot more to be said in his favour bearing his name at one end of their new sta- Thursday and his attitude has since softened. is still expected to be fined by West Ham, is hungry and dedicated – and it showed in the bearing in mind he missed their previous three dium should be replaced by one in honour of the The vice-chairman, Karren Brady, also although there is a growing recognition that performance.” games out of his desire to take a sledgeham- late Dylan Tombides and the near-miracle that

ASPIRE BANKS TOURNAMENT Qatar Islamic Bank and Masraf Al Rayyan to clash in fi nal atar Islamic Bank night, MAR – the strongest per- (QIB) knocked out forming team in the tournament Qatar Central Bank thus far and favourites to secure (QCB) out of Aspire the title – defeated Doha Bank BanksQ Football Tournament in 2-0 in a high-tempo, exciting a closely-fought contest that game that was also full of strong ended in a penalty shootout. attacking play. The result means QIB is set to The fi nal round of matches in face Masraf Al Rayan (MAR) for the Aspire Banks Tournament the overall tournament title in take place on today. Doha Bank tonight’s fi nal, following MAR’s and QCB battle it out for third 2-0 win over Doha Bank in their place in a game that kicks off at last game. 6:30pm. The tournament fi nal Despite strong and attack- between QIB and MAR is set to ing play, QCB, which tested start at 8pm QIB’s defence on a number of An offi cial closing ceremony occasions, ended up losing the to bring the tournament to a match. The team from QIB dem- close will take place after the onstrated clear tactical aware- match. During this ceremony, ness, strength in defence and fi rst, second and third placed managed to counter-attack ef- teams will be awarded for their fectively. Their consistently eff orts. Awards will also be pre- strong performances has seen sented to the best player, best them emerge as one of the sur- striker, best goalkeeper, best prise elements of the tourna- coach, best administrator, and ment. a fair play award for the most In the second match of the sportsmanlike team. A QIB player tries to seize the ball from QCB defender during the Aspire Banks tournament. RIGHT: QIB players celebrate after thier victory. Gulf Times Monday, January 16, 2017 5 SPORT

GOLF TENNIS Storm overcomes Pain a constant McIlroy for ‘dream’ companion for Nadal

Reuters Shanghai Masters in October. SA Open triumph Melbourne “I am not injured, no,” Nadal told reporters when asked about his condition ahead of his fi rst Storm, whose only other European triumph came 10 years ago, won with a par t has been a “long time” since round clash with Germany’s Flo- Rafa Nadal was pain-free, the rian Mayer. “Pain-free is a long four at the third extra hole when McIlroy missed a seven-foot putt Spaniard says, but at least time ago,” he added with a smile. he will be competing at full “Being honest and being realis- speedI at the Australian Open af- tic, after Roland Garros, the only ter putting his injury woes behind tournament I played with okay him. conditions, not 100 % conditions, The 30-year-old, whose bus- was the US Open. tling power game propelled him “Because (the) Olympics, even to 14 grand slam titles, including if was a great event, I still had a lot one at Melbourne Park in 2009, of pain on the wrist. Was so diffi - has been blighted by injury since cult to play.” 2012 and in the last two years he Having added former French has looked a shadow of the player Open and Davis Cup winner Car- he once was. los Moya to his coaching team, He has not advanced to a grand Nadal said that after the setbacks slam quarter-fi nal since Roland of the last few years he was just Garros in 2015 and last year was happy to be arriving at the season dumped out of the Australian opening grand slam relatively fi t Open in the fi rst round by compa- and still eager to win. triot Fernando Verdasco. “I am here. I am enjoying,” A wrist injury forced him to he said. “During the last seven pull out of last year’s French Open months, I played just a couple of before his third round match, matches. ending his pursuit of an record- “That’s the real thing. I am extending 10th title. He also had playing tennis because I am hap- to miss Wimbledon. py doing what I am doing. He returned to win a gold medal “If I don’t believe that I can be in doubles with Marc Lopez at the competitive, and when I mean Rio Olympics but his results after ‘competitive’, is fi ghting for the that were disappointing and he things that I (fought for) during ended his season after a second- the last 10 years, I will be probably round loss to Viktor Troicki at the playing golf or fi shing at home.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday.

I’m no favourite, insists hotly tipped Pliskova Thrilling win: of England AFP, Melbourne: Karolina because the courts suit me.The AFP the second chance with both hands.” It was the third time McIlroy, one stroke ahead of Englishman Jordan Pliskova is seen as a dangerous weather as well, the balls as well,” Johannesburg “I am in shock,” he admitted after who trails Australian Jason Day in Smith, who closed with a 68. floater heading into this week’s she said yesterday. winning a competition fi rst staged in the world rankings, had been in- The play-off was confi ned to the 18th Australian Open and she says it She opens her account against 1893, and the second oldest national golf volved in a European Tour play-off , and McIlroy twice survived wayward is the tournament that off ers the Spain’s Tormo Sorribes but she raeme Storm of England de- championship after the British Open. and the third time he failed drives to salvage pars, and match the best chance for a maiden Grand is not getting ahead of herself, feated world number two Rory “What can I say? This is surreal. I have steadier Storm. Slam title. insisting she can not be consid- McIlroy of in just beaten a golfer who is the best in the French Open, won with a par four at the McIlroy was short and just off the The tall and tattooed Czech ered a favourite despite her US a play-off yesterday to win the world right now.” third extra hole when McIlroy missed a green with his second shot at the third star had a stellar 2016, beating Open performance. GSouth African Open 83 days after losing Gracious loser McIlroy said: “Obvious- seven-foot putt. extra hole, then narrowly missed a par Serena Williams to reach the US “I would definitely not take me as his European Tour card. ly it is disappointing to fi nish runner-up, It was the third time McIlroy, who putt while Storm reached the green in two Open final before falling to world a favourite of this tournament. Storm, 249 places below McIlroy in the but Graeme has played well all week and trails Australian Jason Day in the world and two putted for victory. number one Angelique Kerber. It’s a big draw. There is a lot of world listings, regained the right to com- what a story it is for him. rankings, had been involved in a - Storm closed with a round of two bird- Her scintillating form has contin- players. pete only because American Patrick Reed “He thought he had lost his card at the pean Tour play-off , and the third time ies and one bogey over the 6,942-metre ued this year with victory at the I just take it step by step,” she was sidelined for playing insuffi cient end of last year and now he is standing he failed.Three strokes ahead going into (7,100-yard) parkland track. lead-up Brisbane International, said. “There is still I think many events last season. with a trophy in his hands after the fi rst the fi nal round, Storm carded a 71 while Taking anti-infl ammatory tablets to propelling her to a career-best more players better than me.I “This is a dream come true. The whole event of this year. I am delighted for him. McIlroy, second overnight, fi red a 68. ease a back pain he suff ered since Thurs- fifth in the world. guess everyone is in shape and experience this week has been absolutely “I wish I could have done a little more, Storm had a let-off at the penultimate day, McIlroy birdied fi ve holes and bo- Pliskova, 24, won the girl’s singles everyone is excited to play this incredible,” said Storm after his triumph but it is not a bad way to start the season hole of the fi nal round, which he parred, geyed one in his fi nal round. title at Melbourne Park in 2010 Grand Slam. It’s the first Grand at Glendower Golf Club in Johannesburg. and gives me something to build on in the when McIlroy dropped a stroke having It was his second South African Open and said it was a tournament Slam of the year. Everyone was “I also have to thank Patrick Reed. I got weeks ahead.” taken two shots to get out of a greenside appearance, eight years after missing a where she felt at home. working hard in the off -season, my playing card back because he did not Storm, whose only other European bunker. play-off by one shot when a virtual un- “I think this can be the place so it’s tough to say. We will just play enough events and I have embraced Tour triumph came 10 years ago in the They fi nished on 270 — 18 under par — known. where I can play my best tennis, see after few rounds here.”

SONY OPEN Late birdie rush puts Thomas seven ahead

Reuters asked what had been the key to his gle putt on his fi nal hole that would have Honolulu bogey-free round.”I didn’t hit my iron earned him a 59 and settled for a 60 that shots as well I felt like today as I did the left him nine shots off the pace. fi rst two days. Thomas, fi ve strokes clear overnight ustin Thomas overpowered “I had a lot of scoring opportuni- after setting a PGA Tour record low for Waialae Country Club over the ties and scoring clubs, I just hit really 36 holes with a 17-under total of 123, had previous two days but his pa- poor iron shots to 25-30 feet. But it was to wait until the par-fi ve ninth before he tience was tested early in the great. I managed my day really well and picked up his fi rst shot of the day with a thirdJ round on Saturday before he to shoot fi ve-under not having my best comfortable two-putt from range. caught fi re to stretch his overnight stuff was great. And going bogey-free He then birdied the driveable par- lead to seven shots at the Sony Open in was awesome.” four 10th, getting up and down from a Honolulu, Hawaii. Thomas, who opened with a magical greenside bunker, and the par-four 14th, The American parred the fi rst eight 11-under 59 at Waialae to take control of where he hit a superb second shot from holes before he fi nally clicked into gear the tournament, is seeking his third vic- the right rough to within three feet of the with consecutive birdies, followed by a tory of the young season, and a second in cup, to extend his lead to six strokes. strong fi nish as he carded a fi ve-under- a row, and will head into the fi nal round Thomas also birdied the 16th, drain- par 65 for a 22-under total of 188 in the seven clear of fellow American Zach ing a 10-footer, and the par-fi ve last, PGA Tour’s fi rst full-fi eld event of the Johnson (65). where he missed the fairway off the tee year. England’s Olympic champion Jus- and clipped palm trees fronds with his His aggregate of 188 tied the record tin Rose (66) is a further stroke back at second shot before hitting a wedge to 14 low for 54 holes on the PGA Tour, set by 14-under, level with Americans Gary feet and sinking the putt. Steve Stricker at the 2010 John Deere Woodland (68) and Hudson Swaf- “I just have to go out and do what I Classic. ford (66). American journeyman Kevin did today,” Thomas said of Sunday’s fi - “Just patience,” the long-hitting Kisner, who made the cut right on the nal round. “I played with a big lead today 23-year-old told Golf Channel when number, narrowly missed a 10-foot ea- and felt like I handled it pretty well.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 16, 2017 TENNIS

PREVIEW/AUSTRALIAN OPEN Murray hopes to overcome Australian Open fi nal jinx ‘I obviously feel pretty confident after the way the last season finished. I do love it here. I love the conditions. I have played really well here over the years, and I just haven’t managed to get over the final hurdle’

AFP Melbourne

ndy Murray sets out today to end a record run of Australian Open fi nal defeats as his great rival Novak Djokovic vies toA become the tournament’s greatest champion of all-time. World number one Murray is looking to avoid becoming the fi rst man in the post-1968 Open era to lose six Grand Slam fi nals at the same major. His coach Ivan Lendl lost fi ve fi nals at the US Open before he broke through in New York in 1985. Murray, who opens his campaign with a match against Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko on Rod Laver Arena, says he’s in a better position this time to fi nally break through for his maiden for a seventh time in Melbourne. in the fourth round, powerful Aus- Australian Open. The Serb is currently tied with Aus- trian eighth seed Dominic Thiem in “I obviously feel pretty confi dent tralia’s Roy Emerson on six Australian the quarters and Canada’s big-serving after the way the last season fi nished,” titles. third seed Milos Raonic in the semi- Murray said. “One of the reasons I’m here is to fi nals. “I do love it here. I love the condi- try to win every match that I play, and Outside the top two, the main hopes tions. I have played really well here eventually the title,” Djokovic said. rest with reigning US Open champion over the years, and I just haven’t man- Djokovic faces a potential banana- Stan Wawrinka, who won in Mel- aged to get over the fi nal hurdle. skin in the fi rst round against experi- bourne in 2014, Raonic and Japanese “But I think I’m in a decent position enced Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. hope Kei Nishikori. to do it. I think I have a chance to win Andy Murray (L) and Novak Djokovic train for the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. Verdasco, ranked 40, has beaten Grand Slam warriors Federer and here.” Djokovic four times in their 13 en- Nadal should also be in the mix, but Murray is coming off a magnifi cent winner Wawrinka in the semis. Novak and Roger (Federer) and Stan need to keep working hard.” counters and the Serb had to save fi ve they lack match time and their rank- 2016 which included a second Wim- He has Lendl back in his team and is (Wawrinka) and Rafa (Nadal) and all Murray knows that Djokovic will match points in beating him earlier this ings have slipped. bledon crown, a successful Olympic conscious he has to keep improving to the guys at the top are still going to be be gunning for him in the year’s fi rst month in the semi-fi nals in Doha. Seventeen-time Grand Slam great title defence and knocking Djokovic off keep his rivals at bay to hold on to the wanting to get there,” he said. Grand Slam where he has a fantastic Last year, Verdasco knocked out Federer, who at 17 is out of the top 10 the top spot to become world number world’s top ranking. “So that’s why having someone like record of six fi nals and six victories go- compatriot Rafael Nadal in a fi ve-set- for the fi rst time since late 2002, is one for the fi rst time. “The reality is, in sport, that things Ivan on my team who has been in that ing back to 2008. ter fi rst round thriller in Melbourne. easing his way back after six months Murray is drawn to meet Japanese keep moving on, the game will get bet- position before and knows what that’s The 12-time Grand Slam champion Should Djokovic get off to a win- out with a knee injury, while 14-time fi fth seed Nishikori or Swiss legend ter. I’ll obviously get older, the young like has been important. can take outright ownership of the ning start he is seeded to face Brisbane Grand Slam winner Nadal is coming off Roger Federer in the quarters and 2014 guys will continue to improve, and also “I need to continue to improve. I record for Australian titles if he wins International winner Grigor Dimitrov another injury-hit season.

DAY ONE ACTION SPOTLIGHT Konta keeping it all Federer, Kerber in the spotlight in perspective Reuters and half a year out of the game combined slam crown, against Slovakia’s Mar- Melbourne with the tricky draw that comes with the tin Klizan, while Japan’s fi fth seed Kei lowly ranking, makes a fi fth crown a bit Nishikori renews his crusade to give Asia of a long shot, even for the Swiss Master. its fi rst men’s champion against Andrey oger Federer takes the spot- Andy Murray embarks on his fi rst Kuznetsov. light on his return to grand slam grand slam campaign as world number Women’s top seed Angelique Ker- tennis on the opening day of one with much stronger title creden- ber opens the night session on the main the Australian Open today but tials, even if he has lost fi ve fi nals at Mel- showcourt as she begins her a fi rst grand thoseR looking for title contenders might bourne Park, four of them to the man he slam title defence against Ukraine’s Lesia be wise to cast their gaze elsewhere. usurped in the rankings, Novak Djokovic. Tsurenko, who pulled out of a warm-up Seeded 17th after six months away The British top seed takes on Ilya tournament in Hobart last week with a from the sport nursing a knee injury, Marchenko in the last match of the af- virus. Federer’s fi rst round match against Aus- ternoon session on Rod Laver Arena and Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza and trian qualifi er Juergen Melzer has never- will have to contend with temperatures Svetlana Kuznetsova are the other top 10 theless been awarded the prime spot of in excess of 30 degrees Celsius as well as women’s seeds in action on day one and the fi nal match on Rod Laver Arena. the Ukrainian. they will be glad to be early starters with The 35-year-old won the last of his Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, temperatures forecast to soar when the Reuters Open back in 1972 and her 1977 four titles at Melbourne Park in 2010 also begins his quest for a third grand bottom half of the draw plays tomorrow. Melbourne Wimbledon triumph remains the last in a grand slam by a British woman. BOTTOMLINE ohanna Konta did her “It’s always been my dream to best to downplay expecta- be at the top of the game,” Konta tions yesterday but there added when asked about wheth- was no quieting the chat- er she could keep her career on an terJ around Melbourne Park that, upward trajectory. for the fi rst time in decades, “As a possibility, of course. Britain has a genuine contender But I think there’s a lot of work Kerber lurks as Serena looks to for the Australian Open women’s to be done between reality and crown. dreams. I think there’s work to be Having been born and raised done there.” until her early teens in Sydney The work starts again on Tues- has clearly helped the 25-year- day in a fi rst round tie against pass Graf’s Grand Slam mark old to a higher profi le in a host Kirsten Flipkens, who beat Konta AFP of fi nding her best form over the next fort- nation desperate for local suc- in their one previous meeting Melbourne night. cess, even by proxy, but there are and reached the Wimbledon “For me, I’m expecting the same as I good reasons why the ninth seed semi-fi nals in 2013. was expecting the years before — going out is attracting such attention. “I’m looking forward to the erena Williams has vowed to make there trying my best, fi ghting till the last A surprise run to the semi- challenge, the opportunity to life diffi cult for top seed Angelique point,” she said. fi nals at last year’s tournament play her again. She’s a great Kerber and a host of dangerous “This is always how I’m playing, how I was followed by a season where player,” Konta said. “She’s been players out to derail her at the Aus- am. This will not be changing.” Konta won her maiden title at around the tour for a long time. tralianS Open, warning she is in Melbourne Aside from Kerber, Polish world number Stanford and moved into the top That’s by no accident.” to win. three Agnieszka Radwanska, who lost to 10 for the fi rst time, just missing Konta split with coach Esteban The American gets her quest for an Williams in last year’s semi-fi nals, Ro- out on a spot at the season-end- Carril last December soon af- Open-era record 23rd Grand Slam title manian pocket-rocket Simona Halep and ing WTA Finals. ter her sports psychologist Juan underway in a diffi cult fi rst-round clash Spain’s Garbine Muguruza all pose a threat. The chatter reached fever Coto, a friend of the Spaniard, against ’s Belinda Bencic in The form players are British ninth seed pitch last Friday, however, when died suddenly at the age of 47. forecast sweltering heat tomorrow. Konta and Brisbane International winner Konta simply demolished world Belgian Wim Fissette, a former It will be one the few matches she has Karolina Pliskova, ranked fi ve. number three Agnieszka Rad- mentor of grand slam champion played after a four-month lay-off . Konta, who made the semis last year wanska in the city of her birth to Kim Clijsters, has taken up the But the 35-year-old, seeded two, is in and was named the WTA’s most improved claim her second tour title. coaching reins and Konta was fi ghting mood despite being bundled out player for 2016, has blossomed and is en- Konta’s huge improvement pleased with how the relation- in the second round of her only warm-up couraged by winning in Sydney. over the last year has come on ship was going. tournament, the Auckland Classic. “I’m defi nitely very pleased with the lev- the back of intensive work on the “I guess we’re doing well to- “I didn’t come here to lose in the fi rst el I played,” she said. “But we all know that mental side of her game, so it was gether,” she laughed. “I think round, or the second round, or at all,” she it’s not a given. It doesn’t decide how you no surprise that she was not buy- he’s a very calm individual, but said on Saturday. “If I can play the way I’ve will do in the next event.” ing into talk of grand slam titles he’s also quite funny. So far we’re been practising, it will be fi ne. ’s Pliskova is another yesterday. having a good time.” “I’ve been spending so much time on the Title favourites: Kerber and Williams dangerous fl oater but like Konta is taking “I’m defi nitely very pleased Having a good time is clearly court. It feels really good to be back, just nothing for granted despite her stellar early with the level I played,” she said important to a player like Konta, hitting on Rod Laver (Arena), hitting on newly-engaged Williams looks to better the semi-fi nals and has barely played since. season eff orts. of the Sydney International fi nal. who struggled to deal with the all the stadiums, it’s a good feeling. I love it Steffi Graf’s 22 Grand Slam singles titles by Kerber gets her campaign started against “I would defi nitely not take me as a fa- “But we all know that it’s not a pressures of the game before she here.” winning her seventh Australian crown. Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko on a Monday vourite of this tournament,” said the tall given. It doesn’t decide how you embarked on her meteoric rise. If she gets past Bencic, Williams could Kerber stunned the tennis great at Mel- evening centre court clash. 24-year-old, who won the girl’s singles ti- will do in the next event. I’m tak- “I am extremely grateful and then encounter either in-form Briton Jo- bourne Park last year, upsetting her in the But she has not had a good start to 2017, tle at Melbourne Park in 2010. ing it as a positive from the week really am enjoying what I do,” she hanna Konta, who won this week’s Sydney decider for her fi rst major title before later falling to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the Several notable players are missing, in- itself, but I’m looking to, again, said. “I really love playing. I love International, or sixth seed Dominika Ci- replacing her as the world number one. Brisbane International quarter-fi nals, then cluding two-time Wimbledon champion work hard here and really try to learning. I just try to make the bulkova in the quarter-fi nals. That win sparked a memorable season slumping out in round two of the Sydney Petra Kvitova who was injured by a knife- do the best that I can here.” most out of every single day, and And then there’s Germany’s Kerber, who for Kerber, who followed it up by claiming International to Russian teenager Darya wielding intruder at her home in the Czech Virginia Wade was the last therefore really just maximise is scheduled to meet her in the fi nal as the the US Open, where Williams crashed in Kasatkina. Despite this, she is confi dent Republic last month. Briton to win the Australian the career that I have.” Gulf Times Monday, January 16, 2017 7 SPORT

NFL NHL Patriots topple Bad second period dooms Texans, Falcons Blue Jackets

By Aaron Portzline clear path down the slot before he sent The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio (TNS) a wrist shot over goaltender James Re- imer’s shoulder for his 21st goal of the season. ven in the midst of their 16- The second period was all Panthers, game winning streak, the Blue though. outgun Seahawks Jackets weren’t playing well The Blue Jackets’ lead was gone at enough to gift-wrap goals. 8:24 when Vincent Trocheck fi red from TheyE certainly don’t have that margin deep in the corner on the goal line ex- ‘We didn’t play particularly well but we hung in there’ for error now. tended. The puck found a sliver of On Saturday, the Blue Jackets turned space between Korpisalo’s left shoul- AFP sloppy in the second period, allowing der and the post, trickling into the net Los Angeles the Florida Panthers to grab control to make it 2-2. on the way to a 4-3 win before an an- The Blue Jackets played a big role nounced crowd of 14,795 at the BB&T in the Panthers’ go-ahead goal, too. he New England Patriots ad- Center. Defenseman Markus Nutivaara par- vanced to the AFC title game Scott Hartnell, Cam Atkinson and tially whiff ed on an attempt to pass the for a record sixth straight time Boone Jenner scored for the Blue Jack- puck across the ice to his partner, Ryan as Dion Lewis scored touch- ets, who lost two of three on this trip Murray. Panthers forward Jonathan Tdowns three diff erent ways in a 34-16 and have dropped four of six since their Marchessault pounced on the puck and win over the Houston Texans on Sat- out-of-nowhere streak ended January raced in and wide on Korpisalo before urday. 5. beating him for a 3-2 lead. Lewis became the fi rst player in Na- Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, sub- The third period started in much tional Football League history to score bing for a sick Sergei Bobrovsky, had the same way for the Jackets. At 1:27, on a kickoff return, pass and run in a 28 saves. But he’ll take to his pillow the Jaromir Jagr scored to make it 4-2 by playoff game to help set up a confer- goal that Florida scored at 8:24 of the sweeping home a loose puck near Ko- ence title showdown against either the second, erasing a 2-1 Blue Jackets lead. rpisalo, who seemed momentarily rat- Kansas City Chiefs or the Pittsburgh The Blue Jackets fell to 0-1-1 against tled by getting smacked in the head by Steelers. the Panthers after a shootout loss here a stick during the scramble. “You gotta give these guys a lot of in November. It was Jagr’s 757th career goal, third- credit. We didn’t play particularly This game appeared to be in the Blue most on the NHL’s all-time list. He now well but we hung in there and ended Jackets’ grasp until the second period. is second all-time in points, with 1,895. up making enough plays to win,” said The Blue Jackets fell behind 1-0 at The Blue Jackets pulled to 4-3 at 6:17 coach Bill Belichick. 8:22 of the fi rst period when Panthers of the third when Jenner scored on a In the other playoff game Satur- defenseman Aaron Eklbad made a bril- wrister from the high slot off the rush. day, Matt Ryan carried high-powered liant pass from the half-wall to the far It was Jenner’s eighth goal of the sea- Atlanta to the NFC title game as the doorstep past Korpisalo. It allowed son, and his second in two games. Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks Shawn Thornton to score a tap-in, his 36-20. fi rst goal in 51 games. RESULTS Lewis scored on a 98-yard kickoff Only 2 1/2 minutes later, the Blue St. Louis 4 San Jose 0 return, caught a 13-yard touchdown Jackets leaned on the power play to Los Angeles 3 Winnipeg 2 (OT) pass from Tom Brady and ran for a draw even. Hartnell redirected a wrist Edmonton 2 Calgary 1 (SO) one-yard touchdown in the fi nal quar- shot by Ryan Murray at 10:57 to make Minnesota 5 Dallas 4 ter. it 1-1. Anaheim 3 Arizona 0 Lewis’s kickoff return score was the The Jackets took a 2-1 lead at 18:10 of Carolina 7 NY Islanders 4 fi rst in Patriot’s playoff history. He was the fi rst, thanks to a turnover by former Montreal 5 NY Rangers 4 also guilty of fumbling away a kickoff , Jackets centre Derek MacKenzie, who Toronto 4 Ottawa 2 leading to a Houston touchdown, and lost the puck when he was checked by Detroit 6 Pittsburgh 3 he fumbled on a running play in the Brandon Dubinsky. Florida 4 Columbus 3 fourth quarter. The puck shot to the middle of the Nashville 3 Colorado 2 The only other players to score on a Panthers’ zone, allowing Atkinson a Boston 6 Philadelphia 3 kickoff return, run and pass are Chi- cago Bear’s legend Gale Sayers (1965) and Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill, who did it earlier this season. Brady fi nished 18-of-38 for 287 yards with two interceptions, for the Patriots who are seeking their fi fth Super Bowl championship in franchise history. Brady said the games are going to get more diffi cult going forward. New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (right) celebrates with teammate Julian Edelman after scoring a touchdown “We got to learn from this game,” he against Houston Texans during the AFC Divisional playoff game in Foxborough, MA, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) said. “This team did a good job playing against us. You add our poor execution off games against the Seahawks but either Dallas or Green Bay on January Seattle was unable to run the ball and the interceptions on top of that. is winless in four postseason starts 22 for a berth in the Super Bowl. against the Falcons as Thomas Rawls “It doesn’t feel great because we against other NFL teams. Saturday’s win earned the Falcons rushed for just 34 yards after gaining worked pretty hard to play a lot bet- He completed 25-of-36 passes for their fourth NFC Championship game 161 against Detroit a week earlier. ter than we played. We got to fi x some 334 yards and went without an in- in franchise history and equaled a sec- “They do a lot of things well,” Seat- of the things we saw tonight and play terception for the fi fth straight game ond round win over Seattle in 2012 tle cornerback Richard Sherman said better next week.” while engineering drives that pro- that served as Ryan’s only previous of a Falcons off ense. “The quarterback Julian Edelman caught eight passes duced points on fi ve of the team’s fi rst postseason win. gets the ball out quick and he doesn’t for 137 yards. six possessions at the Georgia Dome Julio Jones caught six passes for 67 turn it over. That will do it.” Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler stadium. yards and a touchdown before sitting Ryan’s three-yard touchdown pass fi nished 23-of-40 for 198 yards and out most of the fourth quarter after to Mohamed Sanu clinched the vic- had a touchdown pass to C.J. Fiedoro- RYAN LEADS AERIAL ATTACK re-injuring his foot. tory with less than four minutes re- wicz. “He was on it like he has been all year,” Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson maining. In Atlanta, Ryan led the off ense by Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of his completed 17-of-30 passes for 225 Wilson was intercepted by Deion throwing for three touchdowns as the quarterback. yards and two touchdowns, but was Jones and the Falcons took a knee at Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (left) celebrates his game-winning goal Falcons outgunned the Seahawks. The Falcons, who had lost 26-24 at sacked three times and intercepted the one-yard line to run out the clock against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period of their NHL game at BB&T Ryan has now won both his play- Seattle in the regular season, will play twice. and end the contest. Center in Sunrise, Florida, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NBA Clippers get their revenge, Suns rally past Spurs

AFP The Clippers, who improved to 28- three seconds left to keep San Antonio Los Angeles 14 on the season, got off to a quick from shooting a three-pointer to have start Saturday. a chance to tie the game but Gasol The Clippers re-asserted their missed both free throws and Dragan he Los Angeles Clippers dominance by going on an 11-0 run Bender grabbed the rebound for the avenged a Christmas Day loss late in the fi rst quarter and built a Suns. with a 113-97 rout of the Los 19-point lead 58-39 at halftime. Angeles Lakers in Saturday’s Clippers centre DeAndre Jordan had PUT ON A SHOW Trematch at Staples Center arena. a double-double by halftime (12 points Devin Booker posted his second The Lakers beat the undermanned and 10 rebounds) on his way to fi nish- straight game with 39 points. Clippers 111-102 three weeks ago as ing with a game-high 24 points and 21 “We took a loss earlier in the week, injuries forced Chris Paul, JJ Redick rebounds. and from that we knew we had things and Blake Griffi n to watch from the After a slow shooting start, Paul to work on to be able to stay with the sidelines. tallied 20 points and 13 assists for the Spurs,” Booker said. It was one of just two wins the Lak- Clippers. Austin Rivers and Raymond “I just wanted to give the people of ers had in the month of December and Felton fi nished with 15 points each for City a show — they deserve it halted the Clippers’ 11-game win the Clippers who stretched their Janu- that for all the support they give our streak. The lowly Lakers have gone 3-4 ary win streak to six games. team — and I think we did.” in January after losing 14 or 16 games Jordan Clarkson came off the bench In Chicago, Jimmy Butler scored in December. to outscore all the starters and lead the 28 points and Dwyane Wade had 17 of The Clippers dominated in every Lakers with 21 points. his 22 in the fourth quarter as Chicago facet in the return engagement as Elsewhere, P.J. Tucker hit two free snapped a three-game losing streak Paul has returned to the lineup and throws with four seconds to play as with a 107-99 win over the New Orle- JJ Redick is back at full strength after the Phoenix Suns rallied to beat the ans Pelicans. suff ering a hamstring injury in the San Antonio Spurs 108-105 at Mexico Taj Gibson added 15 points and 16 Laker contest. City Arena as part of the NBA Global rebounds and Michael Carter-Wil- “We came out today. We played and Games series. liams had 11 points for the Bulls. we won. It’s not a big deal,” said Paul. Danny Green missed a three- “We’re just trying to pile up wins. pointer with seven seconds remain- RESULTS That’s our single focus.” ing that would have given the Spurs Utah 114 Orlando 107 Griffi n is still out with another in a the lead and Tucker calmly sank two Washington 109 Philadelphia 93 long list of injuries but the Clippers free throws to push the Phoenix lead Phoenix 108 San Antonio 105 have shown they can have success to 108-105. Chicago 107 New Orleans 99 Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (right) shoots against LA Clippers centre DeAndre Jordan (centre) in the first half of their without him in the lineup. Phoenix fouled Pau Gasol with LA Clippers 113 LA Lakers 97 NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 16, 2017 SPORT

BOXING RUGBY Clermont enter Euro quarter-fi nals DeGale battles to a as Saracens draw

AFP handed Saracens the oppor- Paris tunity they needed. Winger Nathan Earle scored the English side’s fi rst lermont edged Bor- try thanks to fi ne offl oad- draw with Jack in deaux-Begles to ing skills from full-back Alex qualify for the Eu- Lowzowski. ropean Champions Dan Jones kept the pen- CupC quarter-fi nals yesterday alties ticking over for a 9-5 as defending champions Sa- halftime lead for Scarlets, racens left it late to snatch a stretching that with his fourth thrilling draw with Scarlets. early in the second half. France fl y-half Camille But Lowzowski again unifi cation fi ght Lopez kicked three penal- turned provider, his break ties for Clermont in an error- and inside pass seeing Ashton strewn game in which they scoot through for his fi rst try. ‘I thought I won the fight. I finished stronger. His knockdown was a flash knockdown’ were reduced to 13 men early Scott Williams hit straight on. Irish counterpart Ian Ma- back, lining up a long, fl at pass digan booted two of his own from scrum-half Aled Davies penalties as the visitors ran to cross under the posts. out 9-6 victors in western Farrell and Jones traded France. penalties before the England Clermont, with 21 points in fl y-half made a crucial break Pool 5, joined Irish provinces and found the ubiqitious Ash- Munster and Leinster, from ton on his shoulder to break Pools 1 and 4 respectively, in Scarlets’ hearts. the last eight. Saracens, on 20 points, But there was no auto- now top Pool 3, with second- matic qualifi cation for Sara- placed Toulon playing Sale cens, who were chasing a 14th later. There’s still all to play Champions Cup win in a row. for in Pool 2, headed by Con- They had to rely on an in- nacht (18 pts) but with Wasps jury-time try from England (17) in the driving seat with a winger Chris Ashton, con- fi nal group match at hapless verted by Owen Farrell, to Zebre who have lost all fi ve snatch a 22-22 draw in Llanel- games, shipping 290 points. li. Scarlets had dominated Connacht have to travel to much of the game and looked four-time champions Tou- set for a memorable victory louse where both sides will over the champions. still be in contention to make But a turnover at the death the last-eight.

Henriques sets fi rst women’s 50km race walk record ’s Ines Henriques yesterday set a first-ever world record in the newly-recognised women’s 50km race walking event. Henriques, who finished 12th in the 20km race walk at last year’s Rio Olympics, covered the 50km in 4hr 8min 25sec during the Portuguese road walking championships. Athletics’ world governing body the IAAF said it would recog- nise the women’s 50km race walk as an event from Janu- ary 1, until then reserved just for men. Before the event was recognised by the IAAF, the best time set over the distance was 4:10.59 by Sweden’s Monica Svensson in 2007.

Troubled former French champion Coulibaly sentenced Former French 400m indoor champion Toumany Coulibaly was sentenced to three years in prison for the latest of a spate James DeGale (R) and Badou Jack in action during their super-middleweight world championship unification boxing match in New York. (Reuters) of burglaries. Coulibaly, a serial off ender, turned up in court for the sentencing — 20 months of which were suspended — AFP terwards that they had won the I fi nished stronger. His knock- “I was kind of hurt. I am will- “James DeGale is a hell of a wearing a French athletics’ team shirt. New York fi ght at the Barclays Center are- down was a fl ash knockdown.” ing to do it again,” DeGale said. fi ghter, but tonight he didn’t The 29-year-old, who won the 2015 French indoor title, na. World Boxing Council cham- International Boxing Federa- ‘ win. At the end of the day, I don’t pleaded guilty at a court in Evry, south of Paris. Hid latest pion Jack was knocked down in tion champ DeGale was stand- Bad for boxing’ know what the judges are look- run-in with police came after a raid on a jewellers and an at- adou Jack knocked the opening round when he got ing next to Jack and had heard One of the strangest moments ing at. This is bad for boxing.” tempted break in at a phone store at a shopping centre in the out a tooth and almost hit by a left hand. enough. in a brutal, but thrilling, fi ght Mayweather may win out in Essonne region. With several accomplices he made his escape knocked out the referee It was the third time he had “Don’t listen to this rubbish. took place at the end the fi fth the end as the two will probably in a stolen car which crashed into a police car. but he couldn’t con- been knocked down in his ca- I threw the cleanest shots,” said round, when Jack accidentally have to set up a rematch to deter- Although he fled on foot he was arrested one month later vinceB the judges on Saturday reer, but he gained a measure of DeGale, who is the fi rst Briton punched Arthur Mercanti Jr., mine who is the best 168-pound after his DNA was detected on the getaway car’s airbag. that he did enough against James revenge by knocking out one of to win both Olympic gold and a sending the referee staggering fi ghter in the world. As well as prison time the one-time Rio Olympics hopeful has DeGale to become the unifi ed DeGale’s teeth in the 10th round. professional world title. across the ring. On the undercard, Gervonta been ordered to see a psychiatrist. super-middleweight champ. DeGale barely survived the fi - “I got huge respect for this Mercanti shook it off , took a Davis knocked out Jose Pedraza The presiding judge told him: “It’s desperate coming from a Both boxing champions suf- nal round when he was knocked man. He is tough, he’s durable, couple of sips of water, and re- in the seventh round to capture boy with so much talent in his legs. It’s almost self-destruc- fered knockdowns in the action- down by a right uppercut on the he’s skilful. You are the man. I turned to action for the sixth the IBF junior lightweight title. tion.” An expert psychiatrist told the court that “he (Coulibaly) packed title fi ght which ended in chin. He managed to get up but won that fi ght.” round. Jack’s promoter Floyd The 22-year-old Davis won his sabotages his own performances.” a draw after two judges scored it threw very few punches during DeGale said he felt those Mayweather also complained 17th straight fi ght with no losses The repeated burglaries were a source of “adrenalin”, the 113-113 and the other had it 114- the rest of the 12th round. punches from Jack in the 12th. about the scoring. with a dominating performance expert witness suggested, with the wayward athlete “testing 112 in favour of DeGale. “I thought I won the fi ght,” He managed to gather his senses “This is the second time in a against the Puerto Rican, who his limits and “putting himself in danger to feel in control and The fi ghters retained their said Sweden’s Jack inside the ring and buy some time by getting row Badou has gotten a bad de- was making the third defence of all-powerful”. belts and each complained af- immediately following the fi ght. into a clinch. cision,” Mayweather said. his title.

CYCLING Wilson wins 5th round of Royal Air Maroc League

By Sports Reporter his lead in the standings. Doha Men C race was a 50km long race. Ronald Alan Alfonso of Pinoy Roadies defeated the se- rial winner of the C category Ahmed al-Subey of at Wilson outclassed Ahmed El- Lusail team and Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi of Lu- bourdainy to win the Men’s A cat- sail team, who is still leading in the RAM league egory’s 90km-long fi fth round at the standings. Royal Air Maroc Cycling League. Geraldine Diaz of Giant RBS won the Women B MDukhan was the venue of the leg on January category, while second place went to Bettina Za- 13. The area around Dukhan, the venue of the leg bat of 1507-RF-JAMP, who took over the scarlet on January 13, is the only place in country where jersey of RAM league leader. the roads are not fl at. However, the GO Sport QCF technical secretary Andrej Filip ex- race was again accompanied by moderate wind, pressed his satisfaction over the league races. which was besides the rolling hills very impor- “I am very satisfi ed with the course of our cy- tant factor in the race. cling league so far. With fi ve races done out of 10 The start of the race was among the oil fi elds we are on half of it and it have been very excit- area. The riders had to tackle the route in direc- ing. We have seen diff erent riders on the podium, tion to Umm Bab and back to Dukhan where de- many changes on the league standings and dif- pending on the category, there were one or two ferent routes every time. more laps around Dukhan. “It has become very popular within cycling Qatar national team rider Ahmed Elbourdainy community and I am sure it will only get better and Mat Wilson of Saber Performance made an in the future,” Filip said. attack in the fi rst part of the Men’s A catego- ry race. Attack was decisive since the peloton RESULTS couldn’t real the co-operative duo back. Men A (89 km) Wilson won in front of Elbourdainy. Kha- 1. Mat Wilson (Saber Performance) 2h19:06 led Elbourdainy of Qatar national team got the 2. Ahmed Elbourdainy (Qatar Team) +0 sprint of the peloton for third place. Farhan Far- 3. Khaled Elbourdainy (Qatar Team) +1:09 izi of Qatar junior national team was fourth and Men B (68,75 km) Marouane Znagui of QCR came fi fth. 1. Nehad Kadry 2h02:18 The extra point meant that Farizi is taking over 2. Shane Guinan (Rasen Velostar) +0 the lead in RAM league standing which is a great 3. Ben Keane (Giant RBS) +0 achievement for the young rider. Men C (48,5 km) Race in Man B was always the most exciting 1. Ronald Alan Alfonso (Pinoy Roadies) 1h38:32 with large participation and similar quality of 2. Ahmed al-Subaey (Lusial) +0 the riders. 3. Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi (Lusail) +0 The winner was decided after 70 km of racing Women B (48,5 km) by a sprint of 15 riders group. 1. Geraldine DIAZ (Giant RBS) 1h57:50 Nehad Kadry was the fastest and is extending 2. Bettina ZABAT (1507-RF-JAMP) +2:06 Winners celebrate on the podium after the fifth round of the Royal Air Maroc Cycling League. Gulf Times Monday, January 16, 2017 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS My priority is to win Chinese Super Abu Issa delivers an League title: Oscar hen Brazil- was also looking to come back ian midfi elder for the second FIFA World Oscar walks off Cup in Asia in six years’ time. the pitch at As- “I think the people here in Wpire Academy in Qatar after a Qatar are excited, because the outstanding fi nish training session with his new World Cup is one of the big- club, a host of selfi e requests gest events in the world,” he await the Shanghai SIPG said. record signing. “In Brazil it was an out- He handles these with the standing experience, and here same natural confi dence as he I believe it can be the same. displays when talking about his “It is great that everything new challenge in bringing for- is within a short distance here at Dakar Rally 2017 ward the development of Asian in Qatar, in Brazil there is a football. “I am one of the pio- very big country with some- neers, along with those players times two hours of fl ight time. ‘The support given to us by the entire X-Raid team was incredible’ who went before me, and I’m Here it is a small country with coming to China to help the no travel which gives us play- league and help more players ers more time to recover.” get to know this league,” Oscar “I hope that I will be here in told www.sc.qa in Qatar. 2022, playing for Brazil. I am “It is good for football that trying my best to come back to the game grows in new areas of the Brazil national team, and if the world. China has invested I am in good form I will try to a lot of money in the league make the Brazil team in Qatar. and every team now has good “My fi rst impression of players. This will help raise Qatar is amazing, the hotel is the level of the league and fantastic and the pitches are football in the country.” ideal for playing football. Not He continued: “I haven’t just me but the club really love stayed there a long time yet, to do the pre-season here.” just two days in Shanghai, but The skillful midfi elder the impressions were great, signed off by saying that he the buildings are amazing and still watches his former team, it is a very nice city. My prior- as they lead the race for the ity is to win the Chinese Super 2016/17 English title. “My League title this season.” focus is on China but I still On his fi rst visit to Doha as watch the Premier League the Chinese side prepare for sometimes,” he explained. the season ahead, the former “Of course I support Chelsea.” Chelsea midfi elder said he (SC.qa)

Qatar’s Mohamed Abu Issa and his co-driver Xavier Panseri celebrate with Qatar flag during their Dakar Rally 2017 campaign.

By Sports Reporter punishing circuit that pushed the limits of learning curve for me was steep. But as al- much coveted car division. Doha sheer skill and extreme endurance. ways, the hunger to not just fi nish the race He praised the eff orts of the X-Raid Racing on a course with 7 selective sec- but to fi nish it well was raging within me. Team saying, “The support given to us tions over 400 kilometres and one of more “I wanted to do well for Mini, for Red by the entire X-Raid team was incredible. atari rally driver Mohamed Abu than 500 kilometres the X-Raid duo also Bull and particularly for my country Qa- They poured in their experience, expertise Issa surpassed expectations and spent 6 days at more than 3,000m racing tar! So through all the bumps and the and a lot of heart into this and I am happy fi nished his debut in the car cat- above sea level. Such conditions proved curves, the weather and terrain challenges that we have been able to bring back a egory of the Dakar Rally 2017, beyond doubt that in addition to their rac- we had to keep our cool and drive a relent- strong race result for them.” Al-Mohannadi emerges champion deliveringQ an impressive 10th place fi nish. ing prowess, Abu Issa and his teammate less race. He thanked his sponsors Mini X Raid, Qatari racer Khaled al-Mohannadi, leader of Mohanadi Rally, was As a cross discipline off -road racer who also survived some of the most physically “There was no chance for error. We had Red Bull, OX Fitness Lab, making special crowned champion in the category of T-3 Rally Sharjah,the first moved from quad bikes to cars as recently exacting conditions in their quest to fi n- to evolve our game plan to accommodate mention of the State of Qatar and the Qa- round of the UAE Rally Championship 2017. Al-Mohanadi came as September 2016, Abu Issa’s ranking is ish the race while delivering a signifi cant all the uncertainties. And here we are tar Motor & Motorcycle Federation who first place in his category, traversing rally distance along with particularly impressive, given that this result. bringing home an amazing Top 10 fi nish unreservedly backed his bid to secure a Noor Rahman Ahmed on board his car (Polaris), recording a time year’s edition took place on one of the Expressing his joy at his achievement for Qatar and for my team. I am absolutely top spot at Dakar as a fi rst time car cat- of 35 minutes and 43 seconds, while the Emirati Aref al-Zarouni harshest courses in the history of the race. Abu Issa said, “We set out with a goal thrilled.” egory contender. came second, with the rest of other cars pulled out of the final Having tackled the massive challenge of fi nishing within the top 15. To have Abu Issa appreciatively acknowledged Adding a touch of national pride and stage due to various technical failures. Racers participated in from behind the wheel of an X-Raid Mini crossed the fi nish line in 10th place was an the support he has received from many as saluting local talent Abu Issa opted to several categories, including T-1 class (n) and the category (s) and All4, Abu Issa and his co-driver Xavier absolute delight. he made this crucial transition from be- have his car design and kit designed by T-3 category and category (FWD) This is a new achievement by Panseri overcame a fl ood of challenges “I was keenly aware that this was my ing a Quad bike rider to an off -road racer’s The Creative Union and Qatari artist Noor the Qatari champion al-Mohannadi in 2017, outside Qatar. (QNA) ranging from unforgiving weather to a fi rst outing as a driver at Dakar and the ultimate goal, which is to compete in the Abu Issa.

HORSE SHOW Mountaser Laff an, Deema Al Nasser are champs

By Sports Reporter Doha

ountaser Laff an and Deema Al Nasser were adjudged as Gold Champions Min Senior Stallions and Senior Mares category respectively on the second and fi nal day of the 2nd Qatar National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show for Individ- ual Owners 2017 at Qatar Foun- dation on Saturday. Both the horses had made it to the Championship round af- ter topping their respective cat- egories. Jassim Kayed al-Muhannadi- owned Mountaser Laff an had won Class 10 for 4-6-year-old Stallions earlier on the second day of the event, while Mesfer Mohamed al-Hajri’s Deema Al Sheikh Saood bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani presents the trophy after Deema Al Nasser was adjudged Senior Nasser had topped the Class 7A Champion Mare at the 2nd Qatar National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners 2017. QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (left) presents mementos to judges. PICTURES: Juhaim for 4-6-year-old Mares, to se- cure their spots in the champi- barak Ibrahim al-Moadadi, for Stallions. In the qualifying rounds, Rb bin Ali al-Mohannadi, hav- Al Waab won gold in the Cham- the Championship round. onship round. won the merged Class 11-12 for The top two mares in Class Ghaliah, owned by Moham- ing amassed 91.4 points, while pionship round for Junior Fillies Among the colts too, Nebras Bashir Al Rayyan, whose one- 7-10-year-old and 11-year- 8-9 for 7-10-year-old and ed Ali al-Kuwari, and Jassim Ghyd Bu Thaila (90.8) and Al and Colts respectively. Al Waab, who had fi nished run- point loss in Moves pushed him old and over Stallions, it was 11-year-old and over (merged) Kayed al-Muhannadi-owned Jameelah Bj (90.5) completed Fareeda Elalya had topped ner-up in Class 6 for 3-year-old to third in the Class 10 quali- second-placed Medan Elalya, — Dahma Al Nasser, owned by Monsoura Laff an completed the top three in the category. Class 2B for 2-year-old Fillies Colts on opening day, beat cat- fying round after a tie at 90.6 owned by Mohamed Ali al-Ku- Majed Saad Ibrahim al-Mo- the top three in Class 7A be- Asayel Juhayna Stud’s Ba- on the fi rst day on Friday. egory winner Safi r Umm Alud- points with Shaklan Bu Thaila, wari, who notched the bronze in hannadi, and Df Yasirah, owned hind Mares champion Deema Al dahit Al Naif was third in Class Majeda Al Rowdha, who ham for gold. was the Silver Champion among the Championship round in the by Hamad Mohamed Fadgham Nasser. 8-9 for Mares. fi nished second in Class 3 for Runner up in Class 5 for Senior Stallions. evening. Amer al-Hajri — took the silver Class 7B for 4-6-year-old Saef Mohamed Salem Mo- 3-year-old Fillies on Friday, 2-year-old Colts, Waset Al While Daghsh Al Shaqab, Al Marroona Stud’s Dwa and bronze medals respectively Mares was topped by Wardat hamed al-Hajri’s Fareeda Elalya beat the category winner Rb Shaqab, picked up bronze owned by Abdul Aziz Mu- Shaihin was third in Class 11-12 behind Deema Al Nasser. Elkhaleej, owned by Ghanim and Al Marroona Stud’s Nebras Ghazalah for the second spot in among the colts. Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 16, 2017 CRICKET

FIRST TEST Late Bangladesh collapse gives NZ sniff of win AFP in the last fi ve overs yesterday. Despite the pace barrage, it was part- H Nicholls c M Hasan b S Al Hasan ...... 53 Wellington Bangladesh had been hoping to de- time spinner who broke C de Grandhomme c I Kayes b S Roy ...... 14 clare today in time to give New Zealand through the Watling-Santner partner- B Watling c I Kayes b Mahmudullah ...... 49 a challenging target, but Taskin said ship. The pair put on 73 after Latham’s M Santner b Subashis Roy ...... 73 ew Zealand stormed back into that may change. “It depends on the dismissal to reach 471 for six when T Southee lbw Mahmudullah ...... 1 the fi rst Test against Bang- situation. Obviously we are looking for Mahmudullah came into the attack and N Wagner c I Kayes b K Islam...... 18 ladesh yesterday, with three a win but it depends. It’s a pretty fl at the innings was all over 68 runs later. T Boult () ...... 4 quick wickets to back up a Tom and when the batsmen get set Mahmudullah’s fi rst ball was short- Extras (b10, lb3, w16, nb1) ...... 30 LathamN century and set the stage for an it’s easy to score.” pitched and well off -line which Watling Total (all out, 148.2 overs) ...... 539 intriguing fi nal day in Wellington. A short-pitched barrage by the went to smack to the boundary only to Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Raval), 2-131 (Williamson), After being on the back foot for most Bangladesh quicks and poor shot selec- scoop it into the hands of wicketkeeper 3-205 (Taylor), 4-347 (Nicholls), 5-366 (de Grand- of the fi rst four days, New Zealand were tion against part-time spinner Mah- Imrul down the leg side. With his fi fth homme), 6-398 (Latham), 7-471 (Watling), 8-473 boosted by reducing Bangladesh to 66-3 mudullah stopped the New Zealand ball, Mahmudullah had Tim Southee (Southee), 9-504 (Wagner), 10-539 (Santner) in their second innings, at 122 by stumps. fi rst innings at 539. trapped in front for one. : Mehedi 37-5-116-0 (1w), Subashis “Funny things can happen on that The tourists built on the 56-run lead Wagner was caught behind trying to 26.2-6-89-2 (1nb), Taskin 29-4-141-1 (2w), Kamrul last day as it did against Pakistan in that to be 66 for three at stumps in their sec- hook his way out of Kamrul’s bouncer 26-4-87-3 (1w), Shakib 27-2-78-2, Mahmudullah last series,” Latham said, referring to the ond innings with Mominul Haque not onslaught to give Imrul his fi fth catch, 3-0-15-2 dramatic fi nish to the November Test out on 10 and Tamim Iqbal out for 25. a Test record for a substitute wicket- Bangladesh (2nd innings) when New Zealand took nine wickets in After New Zealand resumed the fourth keeper. Tamim Iqbal b Santner ...... 25 the fi nal session to beat Pakistan. day at 292 for three, opener Latham bat- Latham, who spent 463 minutes at Imrul Kayes (retired) ...... 24 Bangladesh were also sweating over ted on to 177 to ensure the follow-on the crease, was trapped in front for 177 Mominul Haque (batting) ...... 10 Imrul Kayes, who was injured on 24 and mark was comfortably passed. Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes retired hurt while batting on 24 during Day 4 of the by Shakib Al Hasan. Mahmudullah c Watling b Wagner ...... 5 taken to hospital for hip x-rays. Captain BJ Watling (49) and Mitchell Sant- first Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) Scoreboard Mehedi Hasan (run out) ...... 1 Mushfi qur Rahim, unable to fi eld be- ner (73) reduced the defi cit to less than Shakib Al Hasan (batting) ...... 0 cause of an injured hand, was confi rmed 100, with Santner and Trent Boult (4 ous best 71 against India at Kanpur four three times by Kamrul Islam, drawing Bangladesh (1st inns) ...... 595-8 decl Extras (nb1) ...... 1 as being available to bat if required. not out) frustrating Bangladesh with a months ago. blood from his chin. New Zealand (1st inngs; overnight 292-3) Total (3 wickets, 18.3 overs) ...... 66 Bangladesh have never beaten New 35-run partnership for the fi nal wicket. Bangladesh tried to rattle the New Wagner, New Zealand’s short-ball J Raval c I Kayes b K Islam ...... 27 Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Tamim), 2-63 (Mahmudul- Zealand and pace bowler Taskin Ahmed Santner lofted Shakib Al Hasan over Zealand tail with short balls. Santner specialist, passed a concussion test and T Latham lbw S Al Hasan ...... 177 lah), 3-66 (Mehedi) said their chances of a breakthrough vic- the long-on boundary for six, his third took one fi erce blow to the head from replaced his helmet after the third blow K Williamson c I Kayes b T Ahmed ...... 53 Bowling: Boult 4-0-21-0, Southee 3-1-12-0, Sant- tory were damaged with the loss of three of the innings, to overtake his previ- Taskin Ahmed and Neil Wagner was hit only to be dismissed two balls later for 18. R Taylor c Mahmudullah b K Islam ...... 40 ner 6-0-19-1, Wagner 5.3-1-14-1 (1nb)

SECOND ODI FOCUS Worst loss of my captaincy Hafeez, Shoaib help career, says Mathews aft er Pak to six-wicket win SA whitewash AFP ‘We wanted to get a total on the board that we were comfortable with because the ball wasn’t Johannesburg coming onto the bat. The bowlers took wickets at the right time and kept the pressure on’ ri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said after his team crashed to an innings de- Agencies feat inside three days that their 3-0 se- Melbourne ries whitewash by was the Marsh ruled out of worstS loss of his captaincy career. Sri Lanka lost 16 wickets in a day as South akistan’s stand-in captain Mohamed Pakistan ODIs with Africa’s fast bowlers sealed victory by an Hafeez hit a fi ghting fi fty to set up a innings and 118 runs on the third day of the comprehensive six-wicket victory shoulder injury third and fi nal Test at the Wanderers Stadium against Australia in the second one-day ustralia’s pace bowling all-rounder on Saturday. Pinternational yesterday that levelled the fi ve- The tourists were bowled out for 131 and 177 Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out match series 1-1. of the remainder of the ODI series as South Africa’s four fast bowlers provided a Pakistan, who were whitewashed in the pre- against Pakistan with a shoulder relentless challenge on a pace-friendly pitch. ceding Test series and lost the fi rst ODI in Bris- injury.A The 25-year-old Marsh has been named “I have been part of many defeats, but bane, reached their target with 14 balls to spare in Australia’s 16-man squad for the four-Test as a captain it is certainly the worst defeat,” after their bowlers had bundled out the hosts for series in India and will hope to recover in time said Mathews. 220 in the penultimate over of their innings. for the tour starting next month. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, mean- It was the fi rst win for Pakistan against Aus- Marsh has had problems with his right while, hailed a dominant performance and said tralia in Australia across all formats since their shoulder, which has restricted his bowling his long-term goal was to take South Africa victory in an ODI at the WACA in January 2005. ability, and he pulled up sore after Australia’s back to the number one ranking in . Mohamed Amir was the most successful six-wicket loss against Pakistan in yesterday’s The series victory lifted them from fourth Pakistan bowler with three wickets for 47 runs second ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. to third. after left-arm colleague Junaid “Mitchell has had an ongoing shoulder injury Mathews said that he could not blame poor Khan, playing his fi rst ODI in over 19 months, which we have been managing but it is now at preparation for their failure to cope with fast, put Australia on the backfoot by sending back a point where he is unable to function at the grassy pitches. the openers cheaply. level required,” Cricket Australia physio David “We did our best by preparing pitches in Sri Pakistan’s spinners, led by left-armer Imad Beakley said in a statement. “He now requires Lanka with lots of grass but unfortunately we Wasim (2-37), then bowled tightly on a sluggish a period of rest and rehabilitation in order to couldn’t handle it. We also prepared by practic- Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch to keep Aus- return to full fitness.” ing on bouncy surfaces.” tralia shackled. Australia captain Steve Smith Cricket Australia did not name a replacement The Sri Lanka captain said he had no quibble top-scored for his side with 60 but a number for Marsh but added batsman Peter Hands- with home teams preparing pitches that suited of other batsmen got out after promising starts. comb to the Australia ODI squad with Chris them. “All teams want to win so you use home Hafeez, who was not part of the original ODI Lynn ruled out of the third ODI in Perth due to advantage to win games. squad and arrived in Australia as a late addition, an ongoing neck injury. Lynn, who also missed “Teams come to the sub-continent and they was handed the captaincy after regular skipper yesterday’s match, will travel to Brisbane to con- struggle. We beat Australia 3-0 but we need to Azhar Ali was ruled out with a hamstring injury. sult with a specialist. “Following that consulta- fi nd a way to win overseas as well. The right-handed opener struggled against Aus- tion and seeing how he responds to treatment “Maybe we need to play with more grass on tralia’s pacemen initially and Smith dropped him we will be able to determine whether or not he our wickets at home.” on nought in the slips off Mitchell Starc. can take part in the remaining two matches in Mathews pointed out that it was a young and Hafeez, who survived again on 55, batted Sydney and Adelaide,” Beakley said. inexperienced team. fl uently after his initial troubles and set up the Handscomb, 25, has scored two centuries “Only three of our guys have played in South chase with an opening stand of 68 with Sharjeel and two fifties in four Tests for Australia since Africa before. We need to give these young Khan (29) before a second-wicket partnership making his Test debut against South Africa in players a chance. It is not easy to play in these of 72 with Babar Azam (34). November. Fast bowling spearhead Mitchell conditions against four seamers of this calibre,” Experienced , who was given Starc has also been rested for the Perth match he added. out caught behind off Pat Cummins on 10 but to manage his workload. Du Plessis said South Africa had produced successfully overturned the decision on review, “Mitchell has had a very big six months consistent cricket throughout the series. “You took over the responsibility of getting Pakistan and played a significant amount of cricket,” expect in these conditions to be on top of Sri home after they lost Hafeez and Azam in suc- interim chief selector Trevor Hohns added. Lanka at times. For me is was about making cessive overs. Malik remained unbeaten on 42 “We needed to find an opportunity to give him sure that 90 or 95% of the time we can string after adding a crucial 53 for the fourth wicket a break and with his schedule in the comings together consistent performances and we did with Asad Shafi q (13). months we believe now is the appropriate that with our batting, bowling and fi elding.” The win was also Pakistan’s fi rst ODI victory time to give him a match off .” Du Plessis was unapologetic for asking at the MCG since 1985. The five-match ODI series between Australia for lively pitches. “Especially when you play After Australian captain Smith chose to bat and Pakistan is tied at 1-1. The third match of against sub-continent teams you want to make fi rst on a fl at-looking wicket, Pakistan’s opening the series will be played in Perth on Thursday. it uncomfortable for them because when you go fast bowling pair Amir and Junaid (2-40) bowled there, like the tour of India (in 2015) there was superbly to help restrict the home side. They not a lot of grass on those wickets,” he said. were backed up by left-arm spinner Wasim, Pakistan opener and stand-in skipper Mohamed Hafeez struck a patient 72 to guide his side to their first ODI victory at the MCG since 1985. (AFP) “We wanted to take them out of their comfort whose 10-over spell in the middle of the innings zone. But they are a very young batting unit and tied the batsmen down and slowed the scoring. Amir and set the tone early with Pakistan needing only 221 to level the series. Extras (lb-7, w-11) ...... 18 they will learn from this and hopefully become The modest total never looked enough once their impressive opening spells. Junaid, brought Smith said the Australians had paid the price Total (all out, 48.2 overs) ...... 220 better players,” the South Africa skipper added. Hafeez and fellow opener Sharjeel had put on into the team in place of Wahab Riaz, induced for attacking too early and losing key wickets Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Warner), 2-40 (Khawaja), Looking ahead to a year which includes away 68 for the fi rst wicket. Azam chipped in with an edge from the dangerous David Warner (16) before the spinners came on to bowl. 3-41 (Marsh), 4-86 (Head), 5-128 (Maxwell), 6-193 series in New Zealand and England, followed by 34 before Malik and Umar Akmal (18 not out) to leave the Australians on 31-1. “We were probably about 40 runs too short... (Smith), 7-199 (Wade), 8-207 (Starc), 9-212 (Cum- home fi xtures against Bangladesh and India, Du guided the visitors home with 2.2 overs to spare. Junaid soon added the scalp of Usman Kha- I think the bowlers did a pretty good job of try- mins), 10-220 (Faulkner) Plessis said: “We have clear goals. We have been “I think the bowlers did a great job for us,” said waja when he edged to fi rst slip Sharjeel Khan, ing to contain them, but we just weren’t good Bowling: Amir 9.2-0-47-3 (1w), Junaid 8-0-40-2 goal-driven in the last six months and it has Hafeez, who was also named man-of-the-match. who took a fi ne catch low to his left. enough today,” he said. (3w), Imad 10-0-37-2 (2w), Hasan 7-0-29-1, Hafeez been very eff ective. “We wanted to get a total on the board that we Australia promoted all-rounder Mitchell 10-0-45-0 (1w), Malik 4-0-15-1 “We take it series by series, setting out our were comfortable with because the ball wasn’t Marsh up the order but the experiment failed PAKISTAN challenges and goals for specifi c series. We coming onto the bat. The bowlers took wickets at as he scooped the fi rst ball he faced from Amir Scoreboard Sharjeel Khan c Wade b Faulkner ...... 29 want to get back to number one, although it the right time and kept the pressure on.” to Imad at cover to leave the home side 41 for AUSTRALIA Md Hafeez c Hazelwood b Faulkner ...... 72 could take a bit of time with the number of Australia went into the match without a three. Head then joined Smith in the middle and U Khawaja c Sharjeel b Junaid ...... 17 Babar Azam c Hazelwood b Starc ...... 34 games India are playing there.” recognised spinner and were made to pay the hit fi ve boundaries on his way to 29 before he D Warner c Rizwan b Junaid ...... 16 Asad Shafiq c Wade b Starc ...... 13 In a dismal day for the tourists, Sri Lanka price on a two-paced wicket that favoured the edged Hasan Ali to Mohamed Rizwan with Aus- S Smith b Imad ...... 60 Shoaib Malik (not out) ...... 42 were able to add only 51 runs to their over- slower bowlers. Their seam attack did its best tralia on 86 for four. M Marsh c Imad b Amir ...... 0 Umar Akmal (not out) ...... 18 night fi rst innings total of 80 for four and sel- to restrict the Pakistan batting, with Josh Ha- Smith (60) brought up a hard-fought 50 from T Head c Rizwan b Hasan ...... 29 Extras (lb-6, w-7) ...... 13 dom looked like providing sustained resistance zelwood (0-32) the most impressive despite not 91 balls with only two boundaries and no sixes, G Maxwell b Imad ...... 23 Total (4 wickets, 47.4 overs) ...... 221 in the second innings, despite a fi ghting 50 by taking a wicket, and James Faulkner (2-35) ef- but with eight overs to go he got an inside edge M Wade b Malik ...... 35 Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Sharjeel), 2-140 (Babar), opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne. fective with his changes of pace. onto his pads and then stumps to give Imad his J Faulkner c Asad b Amir...... 19 3-142 (Hafeez), 4-195 (Shafiq) South Africa new cap Duanne Olivier took But the other bowlers were ineff ective and second wicket. M Starc (run out) ...... 3 Bowling: Starc 10-1-45-2 (2w), Hazelwood 10-2- fi ve wickets for 57 runs in the match, while left- expensive, with off -spinner Travis Head going There was a steady procession of wickets un- P Cummins c Rizwan b Amir ...... 0 32-0 (1w), Cummins 10-1-48-0 (1w), Faulkner 9-0- armer Wayne Parnell, in his fi rst Test in three for 23 runs off his 2.4 overs. til Faulkner skied a ball to point off Amir to leave J Hazelwood (not out) ...... 0 35-2, Head 2.4-0-23-0 (1w), Marsh 6-0-32-0 (2w) years, took six for 89. Gulf Times Monday, January 16, 2017 11 CRICKET

FIRST ODI Kohli, Jadhav tons help India chase down big England total Kohli (122) and Jadhav (120) put on 200 runs for the fifth wicket as India achieve the 351-run target with 11 balls to spare

Kedar Jadhav (right) celebrates with captain Virat Kohli after reaching his century in the first ODI against England at the MCA Stadium in Pune yesterday. (AFP)

AFP their highest-ever ODI total against the his 27th ODI hundred with a six off three-match series. Scoreboard Singh 2-0-14-0 Pune hosts in India, 350-7, with Jason Roy Chris Woakes, batted with purpose to In the England innings, Stokes’ 40- India (73), (78) and Ben Stokes (62) bring alive a capacity crowd at the Ma- ball 62 propelled his team to a formi- England L Rahul b Willey 8 scoring half-centuries. harashtra Cricket Association (MCA) dable total. After being put in, England J Roy st Dhoni b Jadeja 73 S Dhawan c Ali b Willey 1 kipper Virat Kohli and Kedar In their reply, India were tottering stadium. lost Alex Hales early on. But opener Roy A Hales (run out) 9 V Kohli c Willey b Stokes 122 Jadhav hit blistering centuries at 63 for four when Kohli and man-of- However, it was the lesser known and Root added 69 for the second wick- J Root c Pandya b Bumrah 78 Y Singh c Buttler b Stokes 15 to help India chase down 350 the-match Jadhav combined forces for Jadhav, who was the aggressor in the et to lay a solid foundation for others to E Morgan c Dhoni b Pandya 28 MS Dhoni c Willey b Ball 6 and stun England by three wick- a blazing counter attack that caught the partnership, putting the England attack build on. J Buttler c Dhawan b Pandya 31 K Jadhav c Stokes b Ball 120 etsS in the fi rst one-day international in Eoin Morgan-led side unawares. to the sword. Local boy Jadhav, who re- Root, who joined the side on Thurs- B Stokes c Yadav b Bumrah 62 H Pandya (not out) 40 Pune yesterday. Comeback man Yuvraj Singh (15), corded his second ODI ton in just his day after the birth of his son last week, M Ali b Yadav 28 R Jadeja c Rashid b Ball 13 Kohli (122), leading the limited-overs who returned to the ODI team after a 13th game, hit 12 fours and 4 sixes in his piloted the innings and got support C Woakes (not out) 9 R Ashwin (not out) 15 side for the fi rst time, and Jadhav (120) three-year gap, and Mahendra Singh 76-ball knock. from Jos Buttler (31) and then Stokes. D Willey (not out) 10 Extras (b-1, lb-4, w-11) 16 put on 200 runs for the fi fth wicket as Dhoni (6), playing his fi rst match after The match took an interesting turn Root’s stay was cut short after a slower Extras (b-1, lb-11, nb-4, w-6) 22 Total (7 wickets, 48.1 overs) 356 India achieved the target with 11 balls to relinquishing his limited-overs cap- after both the centurions got out with ball from Jasprit Bumrah got the bats- Total (7 wickets, 50 overs) 350 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-24, 3-56, 4-63, spare. taincy, failed to fi re. India still needing over 50 runs. man caught at long on. Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-108, 3-157, 4-220, 5-263, 6-291, 7-318 Allrounder Hardik Pandya kept his But the 28-year-old skipper lived Kohli was out to seam bowler Ben Stokes, who hit two fours and fi ve 5-244, 6-317, 7-336 Bowling: C Woakes 8-0-44-0 (w-2); D nerves to take India home with his un- up to his epithet of ‘King Kohli’ as he Stokes while Jadhav succumbed to sixes, then took charge to smash his Bowling: U Yadav 7-0-63-1 (nb-1, w-3); Willey 6-0-47-2 (w-3); J Ball 10-0-67-3 beaten 40 off 37 deliveries, hitting a smashed 8 fours and 5 sixes during his paceman Jake Ball, who ended up with fi fty in just 33 balls, as England added H Pandya 9-0-46-2; J Bumrah 10-0-79-2 (w-4); B Stokes 10-0-73-2 (w-2); A Rashid huge six to fi nish off the match in style. 105-ball stay at the crease. three wickets. But Pandya’s blitz en- 105 runs in the last eight overs of the (nb-3, w-1); R Jadeja 10-0-50-1; R Ashwin 5-0-50-0; M Ali 6.1-0-48-0; J Root 3-0- Earlier, put in to bat, England posted The star batsman, who brought up sured that India took a 1-0 lead in the innings. 8-0-63-0 (w-2); K Jadhav 4-0-23-0; Y 22-0

SPOTLIGHT Australia look to spin, versatility to turn India tide

Reuters well over there in the last 10 years or pace and two-spin bowling attack it Melbourne more, but somehow, some way, some- is important to have that third seam Queenslander Mitchell Swepson one has to turn the tide,” Hohns added. bowling option,” Hohns added. is the surprise inclusion in the Leg-spinner Swepson and left-arm Opener Matt Renshaw and Peter Australian Test squad for next ustralia have included un- orthodox spinner Agar, who played Handscomb, who both impressed after month’s India tour. The 23-year-old capped Mitchell Swepson two Tests in England in 2013, will act making their debuts in the home sum- leg-spinner gets the call-up after and recalled Ashton Agar in a as back-up to off spinner Nathan Lyon mer, were also included, the latter of- just 14 first-class games. four-man spin-bowling unit and left-armer Steve O’Keefe. fering back-up to the single specialist forA next month’s Test tour of India, part Swepson, who has played 14 fi rst- wicket-keeper, Matt Wade. of a versatile squad they hope can turn class matches, won out over Adam The fi rst Test starts in Pune on Feb- the tide of their recent results in the Zampa because he is the more attacking ruary 23 and is followed by matches in country. of the two spinners, Hohns said. Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala. The Australians, who have lost their “He is an exciting young leg spinner, Australia have not won a Test match last nine series in India, also recalled he gives the ball a very good rip, he’s a in India since 2004, and the four-Test all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Glenn wicket-taking leg-spinner,” he added. February-March series is expected to be Maxwell to allow fl exibility to deal “Given the opportunity, we think he a supreme test for skipper Steve Smith whatever conditions they face in the could play a part over there. If he doesn’t, and his team. four Tests starting next month. he’ll gain a lot from being there.” Queenslander Swepson, 23, the ma- Top order batsman Shaun Marsh, Hohns described Agar, who scored 98 jor surprise of the touring party, has Mitchell’s brother, was also recalled with the bat on debut in the 2013 Ashes, got the call-up after just 14 fi rst-class after losing his place in the side for the as a “good all round package” who of- games. He joins lead spinner Lyon, Agar series against South Africa and Paki- fered yet more versatility to the squad. and O’Keefe. “To be honest, I didn’t re- stan through injury. Mitchell Marsh edged out all-round- ally know how to take it. I was just so Jackson Bird was included in the er Hilton Cartwright, who made his de- shocked,” Swepson said. 16-man squad as a third pace option but in the Pakistan series, because of his The Queensland leg-spinner ad- along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitch- superior bowling, Hohns said. mitted he thought he had no chance of ell Starc, despite being dropped for the Maxwell, a fast-scoring batsman earning his fi rst international call-up, fi nal test against Pakistan to allow two who has been largely restricted to the despite the endorsement of spin leg- spinners to play in Sydney. shorter forms for his country, played end Shane Warne. “It’s awesome to get The Australians will review their the last of his three Tests two years ago. that sort of feedback from the best leg- fast-bowling resources after the second “Glenn is very experienced in Indian spinner we’ve ever seen play the game,” Test in Bangalore. conditions, he’s generally regarded as a Swepson said. “We don’t know what pitch condi- good player of spin bowling, he’s a good Some of the squad will head to Du- tions we will come up against in each of fi elder and his off -spin is handy,” said bai on January 29 to train, while the rest the venues but wanted to make sure we Hohns. “Shaun (Marsh) is proven in will follow after the Chappell-Hadlee have plenty of options available to us,” sub-continent conditions and is com- Series in New Zealand. head selector Trevor Hohns said. ing off a hundred in his last Test match Squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warn- “We know India is an incredibly in Sri Lanka. He is a very versatile bats- er, Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Peter tough place to tour and to succeed in, man who can slot in at the top or the Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman but we have a squad here which we be- middle of the order.” Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, lieve can perform well enough in those Hohns said selectors considered Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve conditions to give a good account of it- Mitchell Marsh as a bowling all-round- O’Keefe, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell self. No country has performed all that er. “Should we decide to play a two- Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade