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Wednesday 13 December 2017 PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31P PAGE | 32-33 Real Madrid Horn wants to showhow Cook has no eye fifth prize Pacquiao win wasas plans for of 2017 no fluke retirement Sheikh Joaan hails Qatar’s achievements ahead of National Day

Doha witnessed many Qatari sporting (IAAF) male athlete of the year. of Qatar National Vision 2030. QNA achievements in different for- Sheikh Joaan added that He added that the current eign events, which was the result World Athletics Championships year saw QOC make a remark- atar Olympic Committee of the great support given to the held in London also witnessed able effort regarding the future (QOC) President H E sport sector by H H the Emir. the excellence of the runner phase as the Qatari athletes’ QSheikh Joaan bin Hamad Sheikh Joaan said that Qatar Abdalelah Haroun who won the development pathway project Al Thani said that National Day participated in the Asian Indoor bronze medal in 400 meters. “Be An Athlete” was announced celebration embodies many con- and Martial Arts Games, which The QOC President also to be complete. The project aims cepts and values as it is a were held in Turkmenistan’s pointed out that the promising to prepare new generations of commemoration of the Founder capital of Ashgabat, and man- Qatari weightlifter Fares Ibra- Qatari athletes in various sports Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed aged to land 11 different medals; him accomplished various through sport federations as a bin Thani who laid the founda- four gold, four silver and three achievements in 2017, most joint project between QOC and tions of the modern State of bronze. Additionally, Qatar par- notably two gold and one silver the Ministry of Education and Qatar. ticipated in the Islamic Solidarity medals at the Junior World Higher Education. Sheikh Joaan said that Games in Azerbaijan’s capital of Championships in and Sheikh Joaan said the project National Day celebration is an Baku and won 12 different med- two gold and one silver medals aims to spread the culture of occasion that shows the cohe- als; two gold, three silver and at the Asian Youth Champion- sport in all sectors of the society sion between the wise leadership seven bronze medals. ships in Nepal. Additionally, starting with youth and to prac- and the people and residents of “Other outstanding accom- Fares won a 94 kg silver at the tice sports until retirement. The Qatar, adding that everyone liv- plishments were the World Weightlifting Champion- beginning will be at schools to ing on this land is proud of the achievements of the special ships in Anaheim, California in instill the spirit of sport in the National Day due to the devel- needs team who won two gold, early December. future generation, reach a high Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin opment the country is witnessing two silver and one bronze med- In his interview with QNA, level of awareness of sports, and in various fields. als at the Special Olympics World Hamad Al Thani poses for a photograph with champion Sheikh Joaan spoke about the discover talent in schools. He also added that the slo- Winter Games 2017 in Ramsau, high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim after the latter won the events and tournaments hosted He also explained that Qatari gan of this year’s National Day Austria. Furthermore, the spe- ‘World Athlete of the Year 2017’ trophy at the IAAF Awards by the State of Qatar this year, athletes’ development pathway celebration, “Promise of Pros- cial needs team won a gold and in Monaco in this November 24 file photo. which reached more than 80 project has placed a special perity and Glory,” has many a silver medal at the World Para local, continental and interna- framework for skills and abili- meanings, especially as this Athletics Championships in Lon- Asian championship in Thailand, League after winning the first tional competitions in different ties of talented individuals and statement was made by the Emir don,” Sheikh Joaan added. qualified for the 2018 World place in the five rounds (Doha, games, which confirms the great how to retain them and train, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Sheikh Joaan also noted that Championship in Russia and Shanghai, Oslo, Birmingham and position Qatar has reached as a compete and achieve sports Al Thani to serve as a reassuring the beach volleyball team won achieved the bronze medal at the Zurich). capital for sports in the world. excellence during all stages of message from the leadership to four out of five Asian champion- 10th World Games in Wroclaw, Additionally, Sheikh Joaan Sheikh Joaan pointed out individual growth, which is the people about the prosperous ships in 2017: Bara Master in Poland. noted that Barshim won the that QOC launched a new iden- divided into five different stages. future that awaits Qatar and its Satun in Thailand, Qatar Masters He also highlighted the 2017 Best Athlete of Asia tity and strategy this year, which Sheikh Joaan bconcluded by citizens despite the current in Doha, Grand Osaka in Japan achievements by Qatari athletes, Award, presented by the Asso- marks the beginning of a new stressing on the important role exceptional circumstances, and South Sumatra in Indone- most notably the Olympic silver ciation of National Olympic phase in the history of sport and of QOC in following up the prep- which increased everyone’s sia. He also said that the team medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim Committees (ANOC), pointing Olympic movement in Qatar, arations and readiness of the commitment to the country and won the 26th edition of the Arab who emerged high jump world out that all these achievements adding that the new identity and different Qatari teams for par- loyalty to the leadership. championship in Oman, point- champion at the London 2017 resulted in Barshim being strategy seek to realise more ticipation in future competitions The QOC President pointed ing out that the beach handball Games. He also was the cham- named International Associa- achievements in the field of and qualifying for the 2020 out that the current year team won the sixth pion of the 2017 Diamond tion of Athletics Federations’ sport, which is one of the pillars Olympic Games in Tokyo. Squash Worlds: Umm Salal crush Al Markhiya Gaultier storms and march into QSL Cup semis into quarters Armstrong Vas The Peninsula The Peninsula QSL CUP mm Salal yesterday orld No.1 Gregory Gaultier ended home crushed Al Markhiya YESTERDAY’S RESULTS hope Declan James’s run at the PSA 3-0 at Al Arabi Stadium Umm Salal 3 - 0 Al Markhiya WWorld Championships in Manchester to set up a mouth- yesterday, overpowering the Englishman in Al Arabi 0 - 0 Al Rayyan watering semi-final straight games to progress to the quarter-finals U clash against football giants Al Al Ahli 3 - 2 Al Sadd while three-time World Champion Nick Math- Gharafa in the QSL Cup. ew’s match against Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi was Also yesterday, Al Arabi held FIXTURES OF SEMI-FINALS suspended with the Englishman leading 2-0. Group B points leaders Al Rayyan December 16 Matthew seemed on course of wrapping the to a goalless draw while a spirited Umm Salal players Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal match in straight games after having won the first Al Ahli edged past Al Sadd 3-2 in in action during At Al Wakrah Stadium (4.00pm) two at 11-4, 11-8 and leading 8-6 in the third when their fifth and final-round QSL Cup their QSL Cup play was temporarily stopped due to an issue with matches. match against Al Al Rayyan vs Al Kharaitiyat the court floor. In Group B, both Umm Salal and Markhiya at Al At Al Shamal Stadium (6.30pm) Earlier, Gaultier, the 2015 World Champion Al Ahli finished on eight points, but made little work of dispatching World No.28 Arabi Stadium. the former advanced on better goal James, claiming an 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 victory in 40 difference (+3 as against Al Ahli’s 0). minutes. In the second semi-final, Al own goal when he accidentally against a determined Al Arabi side. In a solo effort, Al Sadd equal- Gaultier had not dropped a game heading into Rayyan will face Al Kharaitiyat. Both clipped the ball past his own Also yesterday, Al Ahli posted a ised in the 24th minute. Palang the match, having made little work of his round semi-finals will be played on goalmouth. 3-2 win over Doha giants Al Sadd waited for goalkeeper to move out one and two competitors Todd Harrity and Tsz Saturday. One-time feared striker, Khal- at Al Shamal Stadium. of his spot before calmly slotting the Fung Yip. In an all-round display of fan Ibrahim misfired from close A double by U-23 star Fadhl ball into the net with consummate It was a different story for James though, who attacking football Umm Salal yes- range when he just had Al Rayyan Omar Said (21 penalty, and 68) was ease. heroically fought back from two games down and terday easily beat Al Markhiya for goalkeeper to beat but he hit the ball the match-winning effort for Al Ahli The following minute, Al Ahli match ball down against No.15 seed Cesar Sala- a 3-0 win. straight at Saoud Mubarak Al Khater who also benefited from an own could have taken the lead but Fahad zar on Monday. Abdulaziz Al Yahri (31), Mah- in the 15th minute. goal by Al Sadd’s Hassan Kamal (26). Ali misfired with his first-time vol- In another match, Kiwi World No.8 Paul Coll moud Al Mawas (74) and Sagbo (76) In the 19th minute Yousef Ram- For Al Sadd, Hassan Palang also ley on an indirect free kick. Seconds became the men’s player from New Zealand scored the goals for Umm Salal who adan of Al Arabi produced a scored two goals (24 and 74) in a later Kamal of Al Sadd sent the ball since Ross Norman in 1991 to reach the quar- dominated the proceedings. It was powerful shot that was blocked by lost cause. into his own net with a poorly ter-finals of the Worlds after he came through Umm Salal’s second win of the QSL goalkeeper Al Khater. Close to the In the 4th minute, Farid Ibra- directed header that beat his own a gruelling 82-minute matchup with England’s Cup helping them finished behind half-hour mark, Al Arabi’s Abdul him of Al Ahli unleashed a powerful goalkeeper to give a 2-1 cushion to Daryl Selby. Al Rayyan with 8 points in Group B. Rehman Mansoor unleashed a pow- shot at Al Sadd goalmouth but the Al Ahli. The pair were meeting for the third time on In a tense start at Qatar SC Sta- erful shot that narrowly flew above curling ball narrowly missed the In the 68th minute, Said scored the PSA World Tour – with Coll winning their two dium, Al Arabi Talal Ali went the Al Rayyan crossbar. target. his second goal of the match when previous encounters – but veteran Selby, appear- down after a rough tackle by Younus In the 65th minute, Al Rayyan In the 20th minute, 19 brought he drive a powerful shot past goal- ing at his 11th World Championships – took the Yaqoob of Al Rayyan prompting a coach Michael Laudrup benched down 39 resulting a penalty. Al keeper Barshim from a shot taken opener 11-8 after working Coll around the court stoppage in play for a few minutes. Mohtesin Ali and brought in star Ahli’s Said easily converted the pen- inside the Al Sadd box. Six minutes well. In the 9th minute, Al Rayyan striker Rodrigo Tabata. Despite alty kick by opting to go left of Al later, Palang produced a near-per- Thereafter, Coll took over to win the next three striker Mohammed Kasola, who was the presence of Tabata, Al Rayyan Sadd goalkeeper Meshal Issa fect snap-header for his side’s games 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 in 82 minutes to book place on the backline, nearly scored an still struggled to make inroads Barshim. second goal. in the last eight stage of the tournament. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 Real Madrid eye fifth prize of 2017

Madrid However, if the Spanish AFP duo are to keep their places then the French coach has to eal Madrid can round bench two of his preferred off the most success- midfield diamond of Casem- ful year in the club’s iro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric already glorious his- and Isco. tory by claiming a After missing out at the Rfifth trophy in 2017 at the Club weekend, Casemiro and Isco World Cup in Abu Dhabi this are expected to feature on week. Wednesday when Real take on They won La Liga, the Cham- local side Al Jazira, who have pions League, UEFA and Spanish already dealt with Oceania’s Super Cup in a thrilling fashion Auckland City and Asian cham- after hitting top form in a four- pions to month spell between April and reach the last four. August, but since then the Euro- “We don’t just play as Jazira pean champions have faded, now, we play for the UAE,” Al understandably fatigued by a Jazira coach Ali Mabkhout told heavy schedule. FIFA.com. Madrid trail Barca by eight “We know Real Madrid are points at the top of La Liga and one of the best teams in the finished second to Tottenham world and this is incentive for all Hotspur in their Champions the players.” League group, which proved Yet, after the scare of falling costly as they were paired with behind to in last free-spending Paris Saint-Ger- year’s final before a Ronaldo hat- main in a blockbuster last 16 tie trick won the competition in on Monday. extra-time, Zidane warned However, traces of the against complacency and think- Madrid that swept aside the likes ing ahead to a potential final with of Bayern Munich, Juventus, Brazilian giants Gremio on Atletico Madrid, Manchester Saturday. Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during a training session two days prior to his team’s United and Barcelona in the The newly crowned South spring and summer were back FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Stadium on Monday. American champions take on as Real hit five past Sevilla before Mexican side Pachuca in the half-time in a 5-0 rout on made just one brief appearance plenty of chances.” Ronaldo week is done. “It is a reward just we are very motivated and our other semi-final on Friday. Saturday. as a substitute since scored twice at the weekend to to be here,” said Madrid captain confidence is very high.” “Everyone thinks the game Until then Madrid had lacked September. celebrate picking up his fifth Bal- Sergio Ramos. Real’s return to form coin- on Wednesday will be easy, but the same killer instinct as last “We are improving in every lon d’Or in style and his return “We have the opportunity to cided with a change of tactics it won’t,” added Zidane. season with Cristiano Ronaldo sense,” said Zidane after thrash- to form is timely, as Madrid face defend our title. from Zidane as the pace of Marco “We need to think about and Karim Benzema scoring a ing Sevilla. Barcelona in their final game of “We are preparing with Asensio and Lucas Vazquez on Wednesday and doing things combined total of just six times “If you play well, you will the year on December 23 once plenty of desire and excitement. the wings produced an instant right to try and win this trophy in La Liga, while Gareth Bale has create more chances. We created their work in the Middle East this After a great game against Sevilla impact. once again.”

New Shanghai SIPG boss Japan, South Korea set Pereira vows to go one better up East Asian showdown Shanghai AFP Tokyo four points. “It was a wonderful game the title they won in 2015. Reuters and it was a wonderful win for my “Japan are playing at home, but itor Pereira wants to go team,” said Halilhodzic. South Korea have very strong players one better than pred- n own goal from Ri Yong-chol “In the second half we had some and we want to show our strength Vecessor Andre gave South Korea victory over problems and China could create because both teams are going to the Villas-Boas by winning a title ANorth Korea, while Japan chances to score, but after that the World Cup,” said Shin. after being named coach of downed China 2-1 to set up a show- quality of play was really good. “The best thing would be if both big-spending Chinese Super down between the World Cup-bound “We showed really good football teams do their best and play to win League side Shanghai SIPG nations for this year’s East Asian and the combinations, especially up and then everyone can be happy. yesterday. Championship. front, were really good. We had some We are preparing ourselves for The 49-year-old, who Japan’s Gen Shoji scored with an very good chances to score but the ball that.” was once assistant to Villas- effort from the edge of the centre cir- didn’t go in.” North Korea coach Joern Andersen Boas at Porto, has been out of cle three minutes from time to double South Korea picked up their first has seen his side narrowly lose both football since leaving 1860 his side’s lead after Yu Kobayashi had win of the competition after Ri of their opening games in the compe- Munich following relegation put Vahid Halilhodzic’s side ahead just deflected a cross from Kim Min-woo tition and the Norwegian claimed his to the German third tier in three minutes earlier. into his own goal under pressure from players were overawed against the May. A penalty in stoppage time from the opposition. Japanese. Pereira, who had notori- China’s Yu Dabao could not deny the The win follows on from their 2-2 “It was a special game for us, for Chinese defender Gao Zhunyi (left) battles for ously poor relations with hosts, who move to the top of the draw with the Chinese on Saturday to the players and the country, and I Dutch striker Robin van Per- the ball with Japanese forward Yu Kobayashi standings with six points having keep the pressure on Japan. A victory think in the first 30 minutes they were sie before being sacked by during the men’s football match of the EAFF E-1 already defeated North Korea on Sat- for Shin Tae-yong’s team at the week- nervous and not as free as in the game Turkish giants Fenerbahce in football championship in Tokyo yesterday. urday, with South Korea second on end will see them successfully defend against Japan,” he said. August 2016, is tasked with breaking Guangzhou Ever- grande’s stranglehold on the Chinese Super League (CSL). Villas-Boas left SIPG two weeks ago after a turbulent Celtic are still sharp, says Dembele season failed to yield a tro- phy despite reaching the last four of the Asian Champions Glasgow prepares to shut down for a Interim manager Graeme League, the final of the Chi- AFP three-week winter break. Murty says his players must nese FA Cup and coming Dembele is confident Celtic continue to show the resil- second behind Guangzhou in eltic striker Moussa Dem- can shrug off any despondency ience and character they the CSL. bele says his side’s focus from the weekend and return to produced in coming from “The Chinese league is a Cremains on winning with winning ways. behind to beat County at the big challenge at the moment, Hamilton due to visit today “I’m expecting a tough weekend. a lot of (foreign) coaches despite dropping points in two game,” said Dembele. “You can’t always flow, come here, a lot of good play- of their past three Scottish Pre- “I think they’ll come to Celtic dominate and dictate in the way ers come to this league at this miership outings. Park and try. we want to -- and I don’t think moment,” said Pereira, who The champions extended “The busy fixture schedule we did against Ross County,” plans to speak to his fellow their record-breaking domes- was the same for us last sea- Murty said. Portuguese and “friend” Vil- tic unbeaten run to 68 games son as well. We are all fit and “Sometimes you have to las-Boas about the job. with a 2-2 draw with Hibernian ready to compete in any game. scrap and grind a win out. “I will do my best to help on Sunday but came close to “Every team wants to beat “Things aren’t always going the club to fight to achieve seeing it end as Hibs came close us, but they always have and we to go our way, and we have to our goals. I know what the to a late winner after battling are still unbeaten so we must show a bit of resilience, which I club wants and I know what back from two goals down. have done something good.” think we did. I want for my career, and Celtic’s fifth draw of the sea- Rangers remain without a “We have to be strong both of us want to win titles,” son means they have already manager but closed to within enough to stand up and accept he told a press conference at dropped more points than they five points of their bitter city mistakes, but I want players who his unveiling. did in the whole of the last cam- rivals with a 2-1 win against are brave and go and get on the “This is the main reason paign when they sealed a Ross County on Saturday. ball even if the last thing they why I decided to come here historic treble. It was the first time they had did didn’t work.” to China, to Shanghai. Brendan Rodgers’ side face won three games in a row in Elsewhere, third-placed Together, for sure, we will a hectic festive schedule with six 2017 and they will look to extend Aberdeen will attempt to keep Celtic striker Moussa Dembele celebrates after scoring a goal reach our targets at the end games over the next 17 days as that run when they travel to take pace with Rangers when they of the season.” the Scottish Premiership on Hibs today. take on St Johnstone. in this file picture. WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 ICSS establishes first dedicated Sport Integrity Hotline

The Peninsula In line with its overall mis- against corruption,” he said. area of interest for many in the sion to help safeguard sport, the “As we begin an interna- ethics and compliance sector he Special Investigations ICSS and its SIU has set up a spe- tional roll out of this new and at Whistleblower Security; Unit (SIU) of the Interna- cialised and multi-lingual Sport hotline, the ICSS is delighted to we appreciate the opportunity Ttional Centre for Sport Integrity Hotline to help ath- offer this dedicated and inde- to align ourselves with commit- Security (ICSS) - an interna- letes, coaches, administrators pendent Sport Integrity Hotline ted and leading international tional non-profit organisation and members of the public to our local and international organisations, like the ICSS, who working in the field of sport around the world anonymously partners and stakeholders to are dedicated to ensuring integ- safety, security and integrity - report integrity issues in sport. help support their work in the rity and ethics for their has announced the Managed by a specialist eth- field of sport integrity, as well workplaces and within their establishment of an Interna- ics and case-management as strengthen and enhance the industry.” tional Sport Integrity Hotline to third-party provider, Whistle- ongoing work of our dedicated Led by a team of interna- help strengthen and protect the Blower Security, the Sport Special Investigations Unit and tional law-enforcement, integrity of sport around the Integrity Hotline will be availa- experienced sport integrity anti-corruption experts and world. ble to receive confidential reports experts at the ICSS.” sport-integrity investigators 24 hours a day / 365 days a week Shannon Walker, President with over 60 years’ combined SPORT INTEGRITY HOTLINE via phone, email or online. WhistleBlower Security Inc. experience, the SIU offers con- Reports and allegations added: “WhistleBlower Security fidential investigation services, The newly-established Sport Integrity made to the hotline will be man- is excited to partner with the specialised training and inde- This file photo shows ICSS President Mohammed Hanzab of Hotline can be contacted in confidence aged through a secure and ICSS to provide the support and pendent integrity advice to Qatar and Michael Hershman, ICSS Group CEO. through one of the following plat- encrypted case management tools to introduce the Sport support governing bodies, law forms: system to protect the identity of Integrity Hotline, which is aimed enforcement, athletes and the reporter. be shared with appropriate important step forward in the at providing a dedicated whis- organisations across the sports Phone: +974 4430 8010 Once a report is submitted, authorities or relevant bodies – ICSS’s ongoing efforts to help tle blowing platform to help industry. Email: sportintegrityhotline@integrit- an alert will immediately be sent including law enforcement safeguard sport from the grow- protect the integrity of sport glo- More information about the ycounts.ca to an experienced sport integ- agencies. Speaking of the new ing global integrity threats sport bally and encourage more Sport Integrity Hotline and the

Website: www.integritycounts.ca/ rity expert at the SIU, who will Sport Integrity Hotline, Michael faces, as well as aiming to pro- athletes and members of the ICSS Special Investigations Unit

analyze the case and review any Hershman, ICSS Group CEO, actively support Qatar’s public to come forward and can be obtained by visiting www. sportintegrityhotline evidence submitted. said: “The launch of a new Sport position, and ongoing initiatives, report integrity issues in sport.” theicss.org or from info@theicss. Details of the case will then Integrity Hotline is an as a leading nation in the fight “Indeed, sport is a growing org.

IOC bans six Russian ice Russia’s Olympic body to back hockey players for life its neutral athletes at Games Lausanne Reuters

Moscow Russian athletes with a clean Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) President he International Olym- Reuters history of non-doping to be Alexander Zhukov (right) and Vitaly Smirnov, head of pic Committee (IOC) has invited to compete as neutrals the national Anti Doping Commission, attend a news Tbanned six Russian ussia’s Olympic Com- under an Olympic flag, not a conference following a meeting on the country’s female ice hockey players mittee agreed Russian one. participation at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter from the Olympics for life yesterday to support President Vladimir Putin said over doping allegations Olympics, in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. its athletes who last week Russia would not pre- linked to the 2014 Sochi choose to compete in vent its athletes from competing, Games, the ruling body said R next year’s Winter Games in dismissing calls by some for a yesterday. South Korea as neutrals follow- boycott, and an ROC official said The decision came a week ing a ban on the Russian national on Monday most Russian ath- after the IOC banned Russia team. letes still wanted to attend. from next year’s Pyeongchang The International Olympic The Russian committee Winter Olympics for what it Committee (IOC) last week (ROC) agreed its position at a called “unprecedented sys- banned Russia from the Games, meeting yesterday attended by tematic manipulation” of the due to take place in Pyeongchang sporting figures including the anti-doping system. in February, for what it called national men’s hockey team, fig- The IOC, however, left the “unprecedented systematic ure skaters, speed skaters and door open for Russian ath- manipulation” of the anti-dop- the presidents of winter sports letes with a clean history of ing system. federations. non-doping to be invited to But it left the door open for ROC President Alexander compete in Pyeongchang as Zhukov said: “All the partici- neutrals. pants were of the same opinion The banned ice hockey - our sportsmen need to go to players are Inna Dyubanok, Korea, need to compete, who had decided not to compete international sports bodies to and our conscience,” he added. Ekaterina Lebedeva, Ekater- All the participants achieve victory for the glory of in Pyeongchang. Senior Russian counter the use of banned per- Kovalchuk, one of the first to ina Pashkevich, Anna Russia, for the glory of our Olympic official Vitaly Smirnov, formance-enhancing drugs. call for athletes to compete in Shibanova, Ekaterina Smo- were of the same motherland.” who heads Russia’s state-backed Russia’s athletics federation, Pyeongchang after the IOC ban, lentseva and Galina Skiba. opinion - our Zhukov said Russia would do anti-doping commission, said paralympic committee and anti- thanked authorities for taking “The Russian Team is its best to support Russian ath- the country had made the “right doping agency RUSADA remain the opinions of athletes into disqualified from the Wom- sportsmen need to letes competing under a neutral decision” not to boycott. suspended over doping consideration. en’s Ice Hockey Event and go to Korea, need flag and hold serious talks with “A boycott is not a solution,” scandals. “Thank you for having heard the International Ice Hockey the IOC in the near future to dis- Smirnov said. Sitting in the front row of the us, for having believed us,” Federation is requested to to compete, cuss the problems and “That (would mean) new Russian Olympic Committee Kovalchuk said. modify the results of the achieve victory for practicalities of the sanctions and problems for our auditorium ahead of the meet- “I think that every athlete event accordingly,” the IOC arrangement. athletes.” ing, hockey star Ilya Kovalchuk who takes part in the Olympic said in a statement on its the glory of Russia, He did not say what form this In the weeks leading up to said he would not mind compet- Games in Pyeonchang will do website. for the glory of our support would take. the IOC ban, more than 20 Rus- ing at the Games as an “Olympic everything possible.” The Russian women’s motherland: ROC “Russian sportsmen have sian athletes who competed at Athlete from Russia,” the term Olympic fencer Sofya hockey team finished sixth at stated their readiness to take part the 2014 Sochi Games were the IOC uses to designate the Velikaya, chair of the ROC’s ath- the 2014 Sochi Games. President in the Olympic Games, despite banned for life from the Olym- Russians who will go to letes commission, called on the The IOC decision Alexander Zhukov the difficult conditions and deci- pics for allegedly breaching Pyeongchang. Russian public to respect ath- increased the number of Rus- sion of the IOC, which is anti-doping rules. “We are athletes from Rus- letes’ decisions to go to sian athletes banned for life undoubtedly unfair in many Russian authorities have sia, after all,” Kovalchuk told Pyeongchang amid concerns that from the Olympics over ways,” he said. vehemently denied any state reporters. some could be branded traitors alleged doping violations at Zhukov added that Russia support for doping and have “They took the flag away but for agreeing to compete without the Sochi Games to more than would also support the athletes pledged to co-operate with they can’t take away our honour the country’s flag. 30. Horn wants to show Pacquiao win was no fluke

Brisbane July. If he gets his way, it could set giving it their all to see who will go The Australian former school- AP him up for a big 2018. ahead as part of these major pro- teacher was written off before Top Rank promoter Bob Arum grams that will take place next year.” taking on Pacquiao (59-7-2), but eff Horn’s reward for a success- attended yesterday’s weigh-in and Horn, now unbeaten in 18 pressured the eight-division cham- ful first title defense since a said a win here “will lead to mas- bouts, knows what it’s like to be pion for 12 rounds in an upset that Jcontentious win over Manny sive fights coming next year.” given no chance of beating the changed the trajectory of his Pacquiao could be a bout with Ter- “I think Pacquiao is going to champion, so he is trying to think career. ence Crawford. return to the ring. Terence Craw- only about Corcoran at the Bris- Pacquiao’s camp disputed the A failure could send him back ford will be the mandatory for this bane Convention Centre. unanimous decision, which was into boxing obscurity. fight. The biggest building in Las That’s not far from where he widely panned by critics but later Horn wants to use his WBO wel- Vegas is on hold for this fight,” beat Pacquiao in front of more confirmed after further scrutiny terweight title defense against Gary Arum said. than 51,000 fans in an outdoor by the World Boxing Organization. Corcoran today to dispel any notion “Going to have a tremendous bout at a regular rugby venue. Pacquiao had a rematch clause for Manny Pacquiao (left) of the Philippines and Australia’s that he got a hometown decision year in the welterweight division “I’ve got until after this fight to the Horn fight, but so far hasn’t Jeff Horn’s file photo. against Pacquiao in Brisbane last and these two participants ... will be start having discussions,” he said. committed to a date or venue. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 33

This file photo taken on November 22, Neil Wagner of New Zealand (left) celebrates with team-mates after taking the of the West Indies Shai Hope during day 2015 shows the four of the second Test match at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. WACA ground as play continues on the final day of a cricket tour match between New Zealand and Western Australia in Perth. The WACA ground is hosting its 44th and final Test match before future games are switched to the swanky new 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium across the Swan River. England look to keep Ashes hopes alive at WACA farewell

Perth, Australia in a brawl outside a Bristol Tests in Perth, all by hefty bowlers we had in the last THIRD ASHES TEST AFP nightclub in September and margins. match went pretty well,” said Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt It is little wonder England Bayliss, referring to veterans WHERE? Craig Overton, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris ngland, battered greeting for Australia Test teams do not relish playing in Anderson and Stuart Broad, WACA, Perth - Capacity: 18,000 Woakes, Trevor Bayliss (Coach) from their latest off- opener Cameron Bancroft in the unrelenting heat of the all-rounder Chris Woakes The WACA (Western Australian Cricket Associa- field scandal, will Perth in late October. baking venue, which is being and debutant Craig tion) Ground hosts its 14th and final Ashes Test HISTORY Wagner the destroyer as England’s try to cling on to the “As professionals - with used for the last time before Overton. before giving up major cricket events to the new Previous Australia v England Tests in Perth Alastair Cook Ashes urn at a the young kids watching and future games are switched to “As I said after the last Test 60,000-seat Perth Stadium across the Matches: 13 - Australia wins: 9 - England wins: 1 Evenue where they haven’t hearing all the news - it’s very the new Perth Stadium. our batters have all showed Swan River. Built on a swamp and home to sport- 1970 Match drawn won since 1978 in tomorrow’s important we are on our best Australia fast-bowling they can all actually play at ing events since the 1890s, the WACA is 1974 Australia 9 third Test. behaviour,” England’s teeto- great Glenn McGrath said Eng- this level but we’ve just got to traditionally a pace bowler’s paradise. 1978 England 166 runs 1979 Australia 138 runs New Zealand clinch series England’s chaotic tour tal spinner Moeen Ali said. land have two areas they do it for longer. Making 20s, Although the hard track has slowed over the years, reaches the point of no return “Off-field behaviour desperately need to sort out 30s, 40s, 50s at this level is not the late afternoon breeze - the Fremantle Doctor 1982 Match drawn Cook has no as Australia, 2-0 up in the needs to improve and we all for the WACA showdown to good enough.” - still aids seamers and spinners, making life hard 1986 Match drawn Hamilton (the bowlers) were able to execute SCOREBOARD five-match series, look for an know that.” avoid further humiliation. Australia are likely to for batsmen. 1991 Australia 9 wickets AFP plans was outstanding.” Ashes-clinching victory in the It is against this backdrop “Firstly, whether they make a change with recalled Australia have dominated England at the small- 1995 Australia 329 runs Wagner, who tormented the New Zealand (I innings) ...... 373 K Roach b Santner ...... 32 1998 Australia 7 wickets West Indies (I innings) ...... 221 M Cummins c Boult b Santner ...... 9 last ever Test to be played at that England must somehow have the firepower to take 20 all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in est of the five Ashes venues since their first ew Zealand congratulated West Indies throughout the series S Gabriel () ...... 0 2002 Australia inns & 48 runs New Zealand (II innings) ...... 291-8 dec plans for the WACA Ground in Perth. prevent Australia from sweep- wickets on good decks, and line to come into the side for meeting here in 1971, with nine wins to the visit- themselves on a smart plan with his aggressive short balls, West Indies (II innings) Extras: (LB5, W1) ...... 6 Joe Root’s tourists were ing to another victory amid then whether their top order struggling batsman Peter ing side’s lone success in 1978. 2006 Australia 206 runs as they decimated the West took three for 42 while new-ball K Brathwaite c Williamson b Boult ...... 20 Total: (for 9 wkts) ...... 203 2010 Australia 267 runs N K Powell c Southee b Boult ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-27, 3-43, 4-68, 4-80, 5-80, rocked last weekend by a predictions of a 5-0 series can score enough runs to put Handscomb. WHEN? Indies with a day to spare in the pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult S Hetmyer c Wagner b Southee ...... 15 6-158, 7-166, 8-203, 9-203 third alcohol-related incident whitewash. Australia under pressure,” “Other people might be Dec. 14-18. Play starts at 1030 local time 2013 Australia 150 runs second Test to sweep the series grabbed two wickets apiece, as did S Hope c de Grandhomme b Wagner ...... 23 Bowling: Southee 19-3-71-2, Boult 16-1-52-2, Wagner retirement in as many months after Eng- The tourists could not find McGrath said. unlucky to miss out but Mitch- AUSTRALIA SQUAD: David Warner, Cameron 2-0 yesterday. spinner Mitchell Santner. R Chase c de Grandhomme b Wagner ...... 64 15-5-42-3 (1w), de Grandhomme 9-5-20-0, Santner S Ambris retired hurt ...... 5 4.5-0-13-2 land Lions batsman Ben a more inhospitable setting for England have to decide ell fills the role we need for Bancroft, Steve Smith (captain), Jackson Bird, CURRENT TOUR The tourists struggled to cope The victory improved New S Dowrich c Nicholls b Wagner ...... 0 Result: New Zealand won by 240 runs Duckett was suspended from their must-not-lose encoun- whether to call up Mark Wood this particular Test match,” Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazle- First test: Gabba, Brisbane - Australia won by 10 in their second innings against Zealand’s home record to 13 wins, R Reifer c Williamson b Southee ...... 29 Series: New Zealand won 2-0 a two-day tour match for ter with Steve Smith’s flying to inject some much-needed Australia coach Darren Leh- wood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell wickets New Zealand’s three-pronged fast three losses and seven draws in Sydney pouring a drink on the head Australians after heavy pace into the bowling attack, mann said. Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Second Test: - Australian won by bowling attack in Hamilton, par- their last 10 home series. Reuters of senior player James Ander- defeats in Brisbane and although coach Trevor Bayl- “As a batter he was in Darren Lehmann (Coach) 120 runs ticularly against a barrage of While Wagner was the chief son following a heated Adelaide. iss has indicated he was happy some good form. But we ENGLAND SQUAD: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Remaining Tests: bouncers from Neil Wagner. destroyer, Williamson said the two during a blistering spell by Wag- fending a Wagner bouncer to lastair Cook has “no idea” when he will be retiring argument. England have not won at with the four pacemen who needed his bowling as well. Ali, Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Fourth Test: Dec. 26-30 (2330) Melbourne A brutal spell from Wagner significant factors were Boult and ner. It ended a tough Test baptism Henry Nicholls at short leg. and is completely focused on beating Australia in The Duckett incident fol- the WACA for 39 years and played in Adelaide. Now he’s bowling, we can Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Cricket Ground produced three wickets and a bro- Southee’s 61-run stand at the tail for Ambris who made unwanted Roston Chase and Raymon Ahis 150th Test this week to keep the Ashes series lows Ben Stokes’ involvement have lost their last seven “I thought the four pace consider him.” Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, , Fifth Test: Jan. 4-8 (2330) Sydney Cricket Ground ken arm as the hosts romped to a of the first innings and Ross Tay- history in the opening Test when Reifer manufactured a solid alive, the former England captain said yesterday. 240-run victory. lor’s unbeaten 107 in the second. he became the first person to be 78-run partnership until Chase, on Cook, England’s most prolific Test run scorer, has The West Indies, set a target of West Indies captain Kraigg out for a golden duck in his debut 64, went in similar fashion to made 62 runs in four innings as the tourists have gone 444 to win after losing the first Test Brathwaite laid the blame on his innings by stepping on his wicket. Hope, pulling a Wagner bouncer 2-0 down in the five-match series and some former play- by an innings, folded at nine for batsmen for failing to learn from In the first innings of the sec- to the safe hands of de Grand- ers turned pundits have suggested he might be about to 203 with the injured Sunil Ambris the first Test when Wagner took ond Test, his misfortune continued homme. Reifer was out soon after call time on his career. unable to continue . nine wickets. when he became the first person for 29 as the tail folded with the “I haven’t made any decision on anything. All my focus “The way we were able to keep “We didn’t bat well. The key to step on his stumps in consecu- last three wickets adding 45. is on this game, the biggest of our lives coming up,” Cook putting pressure on them with the was to take it over by over, session tive Tests. The series now moves to three said in Perth. All-rounder Marsh eyes ball and bat was a credit to the way by session. Obviously it didn’t work Shai Hope, on 23, was also hit one-day internationals and three Cook captained England on their last Ashes tour Down we executed our plans,” said cap- out that way,” he said. on the forearm by a rising Wag- Twenty20s with the tourists to be Under when spinner Graeme Swann retired mid-series tain Kane Williamson. “It’s key to have your plans ner . When play resumed reinforced with the inclusion of with the tourists 3-0 down and headed for a 5-0 “Here the bounce became a lit- worked out and be very decisive after medical treatment, he tried Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels whitewash. Test return in Perth tle bit variable which is great in a in your shot selection.” to take on Wagner only to be for all six matches, while Andre Former Australian paceman and Test match. You want to see the Ambris was taken to hospital caught at long leg. Shane Dowrich Fletcher, Sunil Narine and Kieron England batsman Kevin Pietersen have suggested that surface age a little bit and the way after a vicious blow to the forearm lasted two balls after Ambris left, Pollard will play the Twenty20s. Cook had the look of a man who might be ready to hang up his bat. SydneySSyydndney It was a huge honour,” he added with “For the people who are saying that, they’ve had no ReRReutersuuters a laugh. contact time with me,” Cook, who is 33 later this month, While Marsh’s improved batting had said. ustraliaustralliia aall-rounderlll-r Mitchell Marsh no doubt put him back in the frame, the “They wouldn’t know the extra nets I’ve been doing (pictured)(pictuurredd) ssaid he was ready to go all-rounder said his reconstructed shoul- behind closed doors. Aifi hhisis iimprovedmmppro batting in domes- der was holding up well to the rigours India aim to bounce back “I was with (my batting coach) yesterday for an hour- ticttic ccrcricketriicket eeaearnedrned him the nod for the of bowling. and-a-half in the morning, desperate to keep working thirdthhird AsAAsheshees tetestest against England that “Shoulder’s feeling really good, on my game. startssttarts iinn PePPerthrth tottomorrow.m body’s feeling really good, got through Mohali Hardik Pandya, who once again leaked runs “That’s probably not a guy who’s given in. To be hon- ThThehe 2626-year-old6--yeaar- underwent shoul- the last two Shield games bowling, ready IANS TEAMS: when the hosts were defending a paltry score. est with you, I have no idea (when I’ll retire). And I’ve said derddeer susurgeryurgerry eaearlierrlie this year and faced to go if I get the chance,” he said. INDIA: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dha- Considering cantered to victory that since I gave up the captaincy.” ninenniinee mmonthsonnthhs on the sidelines but “I know I’m in great form at the till licking their wounds after the humil- wan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Manish in 20.4 overs, the spin duo of Yuzvendra Cha- The opener said retirement might not end up being returnedrereturnnede fforoor WWesternest Australia in Octo- moment, I probably didn’t expect to get iation in Dharamsala, India will be aiming Pandey, , Dinesh Karthik, hal and Kuldeep Yadav did not get to bowl his own choice if he continued to fail to make runs and berbber anandnd scscoredcoreed 66808 runs in all forms of back in so soon after my injury. I’ve Sto roar back when they face a rejuvenated Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar and would be itching to get back into action said becoming the first England player to play 150 Tests crccricketicckek t at aann avaverageer of 68. worked hard over the last nine months Sri Lanka in the do-or-die second One-day Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit after a month’s gap. was “quite special”, especially as the last 147 have been HeHe hhasaass sscoredccore two centuries, a 95 to get my body back into shape. International (ODI) at the Punjab Cricket Asso- Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul. Sri Lanka, on the other hand will have a consecutive. andannd 80 iinn hhihisis 11414 iinningsn and is expected “If I get an opportunity to play, I’ll ciation’s I S Bindra Stadium here today. golden opportunity to seal the series after end- Cook has enjoyed an Ashes triumph in Australia in tot bbee inn ccompetitionoommppeetitit with Peter Hands- bowl as many overs as Smudger (cap- The embarrassing seven-wicket loss in SRI LANKA: (Captain), Upul Tha- ing a 12-match losing streak on Sunday. 2010-11 as well as the 2013-14 debacle and said the cur- combcoc mb fforor a ppositionossi in the third test tain Steve Smith) needs me to bowl. Sunday’s opener of the three-match rubber ranga, , , The visitors will, however, need to revisit rent party would not fail for want of trying. lineup.lil neup. “Rhythm-wise, the ball’s coming out was not only an eye-opener for the Men-in- , Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dick- their top order batting after opener Danushka “I will say this about this England side, I’ve never seen If sselected,elected,d eelderl brother Shaun is really well, pace-wise I think I’m up Blue, who are expected to face similar wella (WK), , Akila Dananjaya, Gunathilaka and one-drop Lahiru Thirimanne a side a work as hard as this side,” he said. likelylilikekelyl ttoo momoveovee tto number five with where I was 18 months ago.” conditions when they land in South Africa later , , Sadeera Sama- failed to click in the first match. “Win, lose or draw, whether we play well or we play MitchellMiMitccheh lll sslottinglolottinng in at six, where his Marsh added that his possible test this month. rawickrama, , Dushmantha The Sri Lankans will take a lot of heart rubbish, the effort from the guys is unbelievable. There’s medium-pacemmeediiuumm-ppace bob bowlingow will complement return on his home ground, which was While Mohali may not be as cold as Dhar- Chameera, Sachith Pathirana, . from the performance of their experienced a group of men in there, 16 or 17 of them, desperate to do thethhe alall-outll-l oout pappacece trio of Mitchell Starc, hard and generating good pace, would amsala, the pacers could still have a say in the all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who not only well.” JoshJosh HHazlewoodaza lelewwood aand Pat Cummins. be special if he gets to play with his second match, considering it is another came good with the ball picking the crucial “I aam renowned as the brother, but the job was to wrap up the 11.30am start to the day-night affair. without regular skipper Virat Kohli, also raised wicket of Dhawan but also guided the visitors I haven’t made any ‘glue’‘glue of the series with two tests remaining. In such a scenario, Rohit Sharma’s men questions on the team management’s strat- home with an unbeaten 25. cartel,”carte Marsh told report- “It’d nice to be back playing for Aus- will need to pull up their socks and learn from egy in the opening game. The tourists will also be expecting another decision on anything. All ersere s in Perth yesterday. tralia and playing with Shaun again, it’s the mistakes of the first match, where the top India went in with a relatively inexperi- brilliant show from their bowling unit led by my focus is on this game, “I did a bit of suck- always special,” he said. order fell like ninepins. enced middle order, comprising debutant pacer Suranga Lakmal, who returned with fig- inging up and I’m back in “But we’re playing an Ashes test and It was once again the old war-horse Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey and Dinesh ures of 4/13 along with Mathews and Nuwan the biggest of our lives theirtheir WWhatsApp group. The we have an opportunity to win the series Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who stood tall with a Karthik, who failed to cash on the opportu- Pradeep. coming up: Alastair Cook cartelcartel aarer happy to have me so all I’m focused on, if I get an oppor- patient half century to lift the team’s total to nity after the hosts lost the opening duo of The spin combo of Akila Dananjaya and back.bbackk. I gogott ininvitednvitee to dinner last night. tunity, is doing my job for the team.” 112 after being down 29/7. Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. Sachith Pathirana, complimented the pacers Moreover, the exclusion of the experienced In the bowling department, the worry for beautifully despite getting little help from the Ajinkya Rahane in the playing XI India will be the performance of all-rounder pitch at Dharamsala. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 35

New York Yankees confirm slugger Warriors and Rockets Stanton as new ‘Bronx Bomber’

New York Reuters roll on as Celtics crash lugger Giancarlo Stanton is offi- cially a New York Yankee, with Sthe Major League Baseball team Los Angeles confirming on Monday that they had AFP obtained the reigning National League Golden State Warriors NBA RESULTS most valuable player in a trade with he Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (right) Golden State 111 Portland 104 the Miami Marlins. shrugged off the absence shoots the basketball against LA Clippers 96 Toronto 91 The Yankees introduced their of Stephen Curry to edge Portland Trail Blazers centre Chicago 108 Boston 85 prize signing at the MLB Winter Meet- past the Portland Trail Meyers Leonard during the Houston 130 New Orleans 123 ings in Orlando on Monday, Stanton Blazers on Monday as a second quarter of their NBA Miami 107 Memphis 82 saying it was time to move on and Tdepleted Boston Celtics crashed to game at Oracle Arena on grab a chance at winning a champi- Charlotte 116 Oklahoma City 103 defeat against the Chicago Bulls. Monday. onship, while the Marlins undertake The injured Curry and Dray- another round of rebuilding in Miami. mond Green were both missing from “It’s going to be a great new chap- the Warriors line-up in Oakland but ter in my life and my career,’ Stanton Kevin Durant stepped up with 28 said after donning a pinstriped No. 27 points as the NBA champions jersey. “I’m very excited to be here claimed a 111-104 win at the Oracle and to be a part of the Yankees, and Arena. I’m just looking forward to stepping Klay Thompson also grabbed 24 up and being with this winning envi- points for the Warriors, who remain ronment and winning culture.” second in the Western Conference Stanton, who led the Majors in standings with a 22-6 record behind home runs (59), runs batted in (132) and first place Houston. slugging percentage (.631), joins a Yan- The Warriors recorded their sev- kees team already boasting power at enth straight victory after the plate with American League rookie overcoming a virtuoso performance of the year Aaron Judge, who slammed from Portland’s Damian Lillard, who 52 homers last season. finished with 39 points. The 28-year-old Stanton’s 59 home The Rockets head the standings runs were the highest total in the Majors in the Eastern Conference after van- since 2001, when San Francisco Giants’ quishing the New Orleans Pelicans Barry Bonds hit 73 and Sammy Sosa of 130-123 at the Toyota Center. your shots.’ He made some big after teaming up to inspire the Chi- we are bringing that energy that the the Chicago Cubs 64. The Rockets had a late scoring threes, got to the basket a couple cago Bulls’ victory over the Boston team needs,” Mirotic said. New Yankees manager Aaron spree from guards James Harden times, and gave us some momen- Celtics. Boston fell to 23-6 with the Boone smiled broadly at the prospect and Chris Paul to thank for the win, tum offensively. And then Mirotic and Portis came to blows defeat but remain secure on top of of adding the home run king to his which saw them overturn a 13-point defensively we got stops.” before the season started in a clash the Eastern Conference table with potent lineup. Judge and Stanton will third quarter deficit to claim a 10th New Orleans were without tal- that left Mirotic with multiple facial Toronto (17-8) their nearest rivals. become only the second pair of team straight victory. isman Anthony Davis, struggling fractures and a concussion. “Sometimes, you get your butt mates to have each hit at least 50 Harden scored 26 points -- 12 of with a left adductor strain. Pelicans However the two Bulls players kicked -- it’s as simple as that,” Celt- home runs in the previous season, them in the fourth quarter -- while coach Alvin Gentry was left provided the bulk of the scoring -- ics coach Brad Stevens said. joining the 1962 world champion Yan- also notching a career-high 17 impressed by Houston. Mirotic with 24 and Portis with 23 “Chicago dictated the whole kees who featured Roger Maris and assists. “You can see why they have the -- as the Bulls recorded a blowout game, they played harder than we Mickey Mantle. Paul also left his scoring late, best record in the league,” Gentry 108-85 win over the Celtics, who did, they played with more presence The trade also marks the second with 16 of 20 points in the fourth. said of the Rockets. “I thought we were badly missing the injured Kyrie than we did, they played more com- time in MLB history that a reigning Harden later revealed he had did everything we had to do to try Irving and forward Marcus Morris. petitive than we did, they played MVP has been acquired via trade prior urged Paul to raise the tempo in the and put ourselves in a position to try The Bulls have not lost since with more authority than we did. to the start of the following season. fourth quarter. “I told him to be to win it.” Mirotic returned last Friday after Meanwhile the Toronto Raptors In exchange for Stanton, who will aggressive. He was passive through- Elsewhere on Monday, Nikola recovering from the injuries sus- missed the chance to close the gap earn $295m over the next 10 years, the out the entire game,” Harden said Mirotic and Bobby Portis provided tained in his fight with Portis. on Boston in the Eastern Conference Yankees sent second baseman Starlin of Paul. further proof that their violent alter- “Bobby and I, we are playing after being pipped 96-91 by the Clip- Castro, minor league right-handed “I told him, ‘Be aggressive, take cation in October had been forgotten good, we are finding each other and pers in Los Angeles. pitcher Jorge Guzman and minor league infielder Jose Devers to the Marlins. Cutler, Dolphins snap Patriots’ eight-game winning streak

New York Reuters

ay Cutler threw three touch- down passes as the Jdouble-digit underdog Miami Jaroslav Halak (left) of the New York Islanders makes the Dolphins upset the New England second period save on Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Patriots 27-20 on Monday night Capitals during their NHL game at the Barclays Center on at Hard Rock Stadium. Monday in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Jarvis Landry caught two of Cutler’s TD throws. After his sec- ond touchdown grab, he Halak and Islanders end celebrated by pretending to inflate the football -- perhaps mocking New England quarter- Miami Dolphins skid with win over Caps back Tom Brady’s “Deflategate” quarterback Jay issues. Cutler (left) in Cutler completed 25 of 38 action at Hard New York NHL RESULTS passes for 263 yards. Kenyan Rock Stadium, AP Drake led Miami’s ground game Miami Gardens Anaheim 3 Carolina 2 with 114 yards on 25 carries. It on Monday. aroslav Halak made 31 saves Winnipeg 5 Vancouver 1 was the second straight 100- after getting a vote of confi- Florida 2 Detroit 1 yard game for Drake, who also Jdence from his coach, and NY Islanders 3 Washington 1 had five receptions for 79 yards. the New York Islanders beat the Dallas 2 NY Rangers 1 The Patriots (10-3), who visit Washington Capitals 3-1 on Colorado 2 Pittsburgh 1 the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night to snap a three- Sunday in what was looking like just four interceptions all season 7-6 lead on a 3-yard run by Rex leaping, 25-yard touchdown game winless streak. a battle for home-field advan- and never more than one in a Burkhead. catch, crashing to the turf in the Brock Nelson, Andrew Halak’s strong performance tage throughout the AFC game. On the next possession, end zone. Ladd and John Tavares scored came after coach Doug Weight play-offs, may have been caught Miami (6-7) compiled an Miami drove 80 yards in seven The Dolphins closed the goals for the Islanders, who sternly defended his goaltend- looking ahead. Their eight-game impressive 123-2 yardage advan- plays and took a 13-7 lead on a third-quarter scoring with Lan- built a 3-0 lead early in the ers following the team’s skate win streak was snapped. tage after one quarter but led just 5-yard touchdown pass from dry’s 4-yard reception for a second period and ended Monday morning. New York Brady got off to a poor start, 6-0. The Dolphins scored on field Cutler to Landry. 27-10 lead. Washington’s four-game win- was 1-3-1 over its last five missing all four of his first-quar- goals of 30 and 44 yards by Cody New England closed its def- New England crept closer as ning streak. games. ter passes. He completed 24 of Parkey. The first field goal was the icit to 13-10 on a 46-yard field Brady’s 3-yard touchdown pass It was the second time this Braden Holtby made nine 43 passes for 233 yards and one result of a 13-play, 69-yard dive. goal by Stephen Gostkowski with to James White cut the deficit to season that Halak held an saves for the Capitals before touchdown, but he was inter- The second was set up by an inter- two seconds left in the first half. 27-17 with 13:05 to play. opponent to a single goal and being pulled after the Islanders cepted twice, both times by ception by Howard. Miami extended its advan- Trailing 27-20, New England the third time New York has scored their third goal 1:34 into cornerback Xavien Howard. New England got untracked tage to 20-10 when Jakeem failed to recover an onside kick, allowed one goal as a team. the second period. Before Monday, Brady had in the second quarter, taking a Grant made a spectacular, sealing the win for Miami. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2018 promos launched

The Peninsula for each other and an unwaver- in Souq Waqif, the MIA park, Saleh Al Mana, ing commitment to supporting and Doha Festival City. Those xxonMobil Qatar and its Vice President Qatar, as it works towards the interested in participating can partner Qatar Tennis Fed- and Director of goals of the Qatar National win fantastic prizes that will Eeration (QTF) have Government and Vision 2030.” be presented by ExxonMobil kick-started a series of promo- Public Affairs for In tandem with joint activ- Qatar. tional activities ahead of the ExxonMobil Qatar; ities leading up to the The first competition will Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2018, Tareq Zeinal, tournament, ExxonMobil Qatar run from December 12 to Janu- which will take place at the Secretary General will launch a corporate social ary 1 and will invite followers to Khalifa International Tennis and Assistant of Qatar responsibility campaign, which guess the number of tennis balls Squash Complex from January Tennis Federation will run for three weeks start- in the installations and post their 1-6 next year. and Karim Alami, ing December 13. The campaign answer using the hashtag Saleh Al Mana, Vice Presi- Tournament Director will highlight ExxonMobil’s con- #EMQ_tennis26. Three follow- dent and Director of pose for a picture, tribution to building human ers with the closest answers will Government and Public Affairs after kick starting a capacity in Qatar. It will include win an exclusive prize. for ExxonMobil Qatar; Tareq several messages that feature The second competition series of promotional Zeinal, Secretary General Assist- facts and figures related to Exx- invites followers to take a selfie activities ahead ant of QTF; and Karim Alami, onMobil Qatar’s national with one of the installations Tournament Director inaugu- of the Qatar outreach activities, particularly between December 12 and Jan- rated an installation of the ExxonMobil Open in educational development. uary 1, and then post them on number “26” made entirely out 2018, at Museum Over the years, ExxonMobil Twitter or Instagram using the of tennis balls – which repre- of Islamic Art has rolled out several corporate hashtag #EMQ_Winner and sents the tournament’s 26 years (MIA) Park in Doha social responsibility programs encourage their friends to like and the partnership -- in the yesterday. in Qatar that support the Qatar it. Three weekly followers with heart of Museum of Islamic Art National Vision 2030, but based the highest number of likes on (MIA) Park. on feedback from various stake- their posts will win a prize – a The inauguration was 2018 today. We want all resi- General Coordinator said: together with Qatar ExxonMo- holders that include total of 12 lucky winners. attended by ExxonMobil Qatar dents of Qatar and those visiting “Qatar ExxonMobil Open has bil and I believe this year’s government, and education and The third competition is a and QTF representatives and to know about this annual always been one of the signa- tournament will be bigger and industry partners, most of the trivia one. Every week between marks the official launch of the world-class sporting event that ture events in Qatar’s sporting greater.” company’s resources are very December 10 and January 7, tournament’s promotional is taking place in Doha next calendar. With this promotional Karim Alalmi, QTF Board much focused on educational ExxonMobil Qatar will post activities. Two other similar week, and encourage them to activity, we are once again reit- Member and Tournament and human development. information about the tourna- [ZN1]installations have been be a part of it,” said Saleh Al erating our commitment to Director commented: “The part- As part of the campaign, ment, and the company’s local placed at the, Souq Waqif and Mana, Vice President Public and promoting tennis as much as nership between Qatar Tennis ExxonMobil Qatar has planned education-focused community Doha Festival City. Government Affairs for Exxon- possible as well as creating a Federation and ExxonMobil is three competitions for its programs. At the end of each “We had an exciting launch Mobil Qatar. fun-filled atmosphere ahead of an example of what can be social media followers on week, followers will be asked of our promotional activities for Tareq Zeinal, QTF Secretary the tournament. We are proud accomplished when two organ- Twitter and Instagram around a question, the answers of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open General and Tournament of what we’ve been able to do izations share a mutual respect the three installations located which are in the weekly posts.

Bayern winger City eye record against Swansea Ribery taken Manchester lose a league match at some substitute on Sunday, after to court by AFP point this season but few peo- Gabriel Jesus played in a front ple would expect that to happen three against United alongside ex-agent anchester City look at second-from-bottom Raheem Sterling and Leroy unstoppable in their Swansea. Sane. Berlin Mrelentless surge towards David Silva is in dazzling Swansea striker Wilfried AFP the Premier League title, and form, with goals in each of his Bony may feel he has a point to only have lowly Swansea stand- past two appearances and a prove against his former club. ayern Munich star ing in the way of Pep Guardiola’s man-of-the-match display on Bony had a disappointing Franck Ribery briefly men setting a new record of Sunday but the Premier League’s year-and-a-half in a City shirt, Bappeared in court in consecutive wins today. leading scorers have an array of scoring just 10 goals in 46 Germany yesterday over City are 11 points clear at the talent supporting him. appearances after joining them claims he owes 3.5m euros top of the Premier League and However there could be from Swansea in January 2015. ($4.1m) to his ex-agent before the managers of Manchester consequences on and off the An uninspiring season on the case was adjourned until United and Chelsea both effec- field following derby victory. loan at Stoke failed to rebuild January. tively conceded defeat in the Captain Vincent Kompany was his reputation and the Ivory The 34-year-old is con- title race at the weekend. substituted after an hour with Coast forward is now back at the testing claims over unpaid Their victory against Jose what appeared to be the latest Liberty Stadium for a second commission from his 2007 Mourinho’s United on Sunday in a sequence of muscle spell. transfer from Marseille to was their 14th straight win in the injuries. After failing to score in his Bayern, which cost 25m Premier League -- a single sea- With John Stones out until first eight games back at Swan- euros. son record that also equalled the early January with a hamstring sea, Bony has now found the net A decision by Munich’s best-ever run Arsenal estab- injury, it means Guardiola has in each of his past two. He struck district court has been post- lished over two seasons in 2002. just two fit senior centre-backs on Saturday as they beat West poned until January 16 Yet despite their frightening -- Nicolas Otamendi and Eli- Brom 1-0, climbing off the bot- because Ribery’s former form, City defender Kyle Walker aquim Mangala. tom of the Premier League and agent, Bruno Heiderscheid is urging caution. And the Football Association easing some of the pressure on from Luxembourg, was una- “We have to keep our feet has demanded answers from manager Paul Clement. ble to appear after his flight on the floor and keep working both United and City following “We have to go into our next from Brussels was hard, preparing physically and reports of an ugly fracas in the game with no fear,” said winger cancelled. mentally,” he said. Old Trafford tunnel after the Nathan Dyer. Heiderscheid claims the “We have another important match that reportedly left City “Manchester City are doing pair made a verbal agreement one on Wednesday against assistant coach Mikel Arteta very well so we will have to a decade ago, which was later Swansea. We have to keep get- bloodied. ensure we are concentrating for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates at the put in writing. ting three points.” Guardiola must decide the full game and then take the end of the English Premier League match against Manchester The document, signed by Guardiola has declared whether to recall striker Sergio chances we create.” United on Sunday. the footballer, was presented repeatedly that his team will Aguero, who was an unused to the court, but Ribery claims Heiderscheid forged his sig- nature which experts will try to clarify. “I have never seen this document before,” Ribery told the German news agency Mata gives rallying call after defeat DPA, adding that he had “never had a discussion on Manchester United’s Juan Manchester time for mourning and we have sending-off at Arsenal on Crystal Palace at the weekend this topic with Mr Mata reacts during the AFP to focus on what’s next. December 2. Pogba’s influence left Eddie Howe’s side three Heiderscheid”. match against Manchester “The list of fixtures is very was undoubtedly missed during points clear of the bottom three. Ribery’s lawyer said he City at Old Trafford on anchester United play- demanding this month so it’s Sunday’s derby, although The Cherries had Jermain has already had the document Sunday. ers will have to motivate important to get to each game Bournemouth should be far less Defoe to thank for claiming a analysed and is confident it is Mthemselves at home to in the best condition possible. of a test for Nemanja Matic and point with the veteran scoring a forgery, however, Heider- Bournemouth today after man- “I think we have the ability Ander Herrera than Manchester twice and offering signs he is scheid is equally confident it ager Jose Mourinho suggested to do it, even though we know City were. returning to his best form after is genuine. their Premier League title chal- these are the toughest weeks of Herrera still needs to watch an inconsistent start to the “I am very calm about the lenge was probably over. the season. his step, though, as he is one season. decision which will be made. The 2-1 defeat at home to “We are Manchester United booking away from a one-match “Hopefully it’s a start for He (Ribery) will have to deal Manchester City on Sunday and we have experience in play- suspension, as is wing-back Ash- him, he had a few niggles early with all the consequences,” leaves United second in the table ing every few days.” ley Young. on in the season so he was set Heiderscheid told AFP. but a daunting 11 points behind United’s fixture list is indeed Mourinho has given every back a little,” said Howe. This is not the first time their city rivals. a hectic one -- Wednesday’s indication so far that he intends “Now he’s getting back to Heiderscheid has taken the However, United’s Spanish match is the fourth of nine to persist with , where he wants to be and that footballer to court. forward Juan Mata issued a stir- games they face during despite the Belgium striker’s will give us a big lift.” In December 2015, Lux- ring rallying call in the wake of December. poor run of form in front of goal. “I have picked up little nig- embourg’s Court of Appeal the defeat. It does not help that they will Having scored 11 goals in his gles and it’s been a bit ordered the Bayern forward “We must carry on, know- once again be without France first 10 United games, Lukaku stop-start,” said the 35-year-old to pay Heiderscheid 1.6 mil- ing there’s still a long way to go,” midfielder Paul Pogba, who has hit just two in 14 appear- England international. lion euros, plus legal fees, for said Mata. serves the second game of a ances since. “I thought once I get a run of a breach of contract over the “The calendar gives you no three-match ban incurred for his Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw at games and the chances come 2007 deal.