EEQUESTRIANQUESTRIAN | Page 4 | Page 7 Double delight Gritty for Jassim Williamson lift s al-Kuwari at NZ aft er early Hathab strikes

Sunday, December 27, 2020 Jumada I 12, 1442 AH FOOTBALL GULF TIMES Arsenal sweep aside Chelsea to ease pressure on Arteta SPORT Page 3

HORSE RACING Sanna, Noor Al Hawa shine on Sheikh Mohamed day Jockey rides AJS Moaddie to Jaafer Cup victory before he guides Noor Al Hawa to QR1mn Group 2 finale

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

l Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa retained AHis Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Kha- lifa Al Thani Trophy (QA Group 2) with a fantastic run on the straight under Alberto Sanna, who also guided Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Moaddie to Jaafer Cup at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Georges Mikhalides’ ward, Noor Al Hawa, started wide in a packed race, stayed midfi eld for the bulk of the 2,000m run, and then upped his pace coming on to the business end. The 2016 Qatar Derby winner took the lead in- side the last 200m and then held His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani (right) presents off a late challenge by Soufi ane His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani (fourth from right) with the winners of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al Thani the owner’s trophy to an Al Jeryan Stud representative after AJS Saadi-ridden Pazeer to win by a Trophy (QA Group 2) after Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa won the 2,000m feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Moaddie won the Jaafer Cup yesterday. length-and-a-half. In the proc- ess, the seven-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred Conditions with below) (Distance: 1,600m) Thomas), 4. Forgehill Chiraz (JP Time: 1:24.79. Owner: Abdulatif completed a hat-trick of wins for two lengths to spare. 1. Al Mikdam (Rashid Ali al-Marri), Guillambert). Won by: 1 ¾, 4 ¼, ¾. Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Bader the season. De Mieulle too completed a 2. Al Haitham (Alberto Sanna), 3. Time: 1:33.89. Owner: Injaaz Stud. al-Balushi. In the penultimate race of the double later yesterday when Ali Izzer (Marco Casamento), 4. More Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Race 8: HARRAN LOCAL day, Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani- Khalid al-Mosallam, in the col- Than A Dream (Faleh Bughanaim). Race 5: MARED AL SAHRA PUREBRED ARABIAN schooled AJS Moaddie edged out ours of Patrice Nicolet, rode Won by: Hd, 1, ¼. Time: 1:35.60. PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN CONDITIONS (Far Bend) Umm Qarn’s Sealine by a neck Barra to the horse’s fi rst win in Owner: Saeed Mohamed al-Shafi. PLATE (Far Bend) (Distance: (Distance: 1,400m) to win the Jaafer Cup, going one almost two years. The win Har- Trainer: Saeed Mohamed al-Shafi. 2,000m) 1. Barra (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 2. better than his last outing in the ran Local Purebred Arabian Con- Race 2: ASRAA MIN ALBARQ 1. Dawi (Francois Herholdt), 2. Abahat (Ronan Thomas), 3. Hazm event a year ago. His Highness ditions was the seven-year-old’s PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP Bin Al Tair (Soufiane Saadi), 3. Al Sulaimi (Saleh Salem al-Marri), Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- fi rst over seven-furlongs, and in (70-90) (Distance: 1,600m) Al Malhouf (Michael Forest), 4. 4. AJS Al Moheeb (Meteb Ali al- Thani’s Khatafaynee fi nished a the process also led a one-two 1. Goldamer (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Tayeel (Saleh Salem al-Marri). Won Marri). Won by: 5 ¼, Nk, 3 ¼. Time: close third. for Frenchman De Mieulle with Winne Taouy (Ronan Thomas), by: 1 ¼, ¾, 1. Time: 2:17.02. Owner: 1:32.77. Owner: Patrice Nicolet. Mohamed bin Fahad al-Atti- Ronan Thomas guiding Abahat to 3. Al Junood (Meteb Ali al-Marri), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. yah’s Goldamer shed his maiden a second place, a little more than 4. Haddaj Dukhan (Rashid Ali bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Race 9: JAAFER CUP (Far Bend) status with a victory in his fi rst fi ve lengths behind the winner. al-Marri). Won by: 5, Hd, Hd. Time: Smart. (Local PA) (Distance: 2,000m) handicap outing, with the Alban His Highness Sheikh Moham- Alberto Sanna rides Noor Al Hawa to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed 1:43.46. Owner: Mohamed bin Race 6: DJENDEL LOCAL 1. AJS Moaddie (Alberto Sanna), de Mieulle ward landing the As- ed bin Khalifa al-Thani had two Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy (QA Group 2) victory yesterday. Fahad al-Attiyah. Trainer: Alban de PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE 2. Sealine (Ronan Thomas), 3. raa Min Albarq Purebred Arabian winners yesterday with young Mieulle. PLATE (Far Bend) (Distance: Khatafaynee (Tomas Lukasek), Handicap in scintillating fashion. debutant Dawi making a winning saddled by Jassim Mohamed Ali Yousuf al-Kubaisi-trained Race 3: ASSY THOROUGHBREDS 1,400m) 4. Aaley Al Magam (Marco Soufi ane Saadi helmed the son of start to his career and Ghali Al Ghazali, who won the Aziz ASF Festive, ridden by Ronan Tho- (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 4) 1. Ghali Al Athman (Tomas Casamento). Won by: Nk, 1, 4. Amer in the mile-long race, and Athman landing his second vic- Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate mas in the colours of Khalifa bin (Distance: 1,850m) Lukasek), 2. Muthhil (Marco Time: 2:13.92. Owner: Al Jeryan the duo went past the post fi ve tory of the season. under Marco Casamento. Sheail al-Kuwari, went one bet- 1. Festive (Ronan Thomas), 2. Casamento), 3. Wardan Al Hashm Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al- lengths ahead of the competi- Julian Smart’s wards won in The card opened with the ter than her last start start ear- Cruella Dovil (Rashid Ali al- (Alberto Sanna), 4. AJS Ezz (JP Ramzani. tion. fi ne fashion with similar margins, ninth win of the season for Qa- lier this month to bag the Assy Marri), 3. Make A Wish (Marco Guillambert). Won by: 1 ¼, 3, 1 ¾. Race 10: HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH This was Saadi’s fi rst of two a little more than a length, as tari apprentice jockey Rashid Thoroughbreds race for fi llies Casamento), 4. Mahaarat Time: 1:33.18. Owner: His Highness MOHAMED BIN KHALIFA AL wins yesterday as the rider re- Dawi landed the Mared Al Sahra Ali al-Marri, who guided Saeed and mares comfortably. The (Alexander Reznikov). Won by: Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- THANI TROPHY (QA GR2) (Far turned to the winner’s circle in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Mohamed al-Shafi ’s Al Mikdam mare lined up for the 1,850m race 3 ¾, ¾, 1 ¼. Time: 1:56.05. Owner: Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Bend) (TB 3-year-old & older) colours of Abdulatif Hussain al- under Francois Herholdt and to a handicap win. The mile- for the third straight year, having Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Race 7: GAZWAN LOCAL (Distance: 2,000m) Emadi, guiding Bader al-Balushi- Ghali Al Athman was ridden to long race, Ebraz Thoroughbred fi nished third and fourth last two Trainer: Ali Yousuf al-Kubaisi. THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS 1. Noor Al Hawa (Alberto Sanna), trained Black Pearl to the gelding’s victory by Tomas Lukasek in the Handicap for horses rated 80 and times, and won by almost four Race 4: AZIZ ASF PUREBRED (Far Bend) (Distance: 1,400m) 2. Pazeer (Soufiane Saadi), 3. The outstanding seventh career win. Djendel Local Purebred Arabian below, saw Al Mikdam and Al- lengths at the post. ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far 1. Black Pearl (Soufiane Saadi), Blue Eye (Jason Watson), 4. Top The four-year-old has an impres- Novice Plate. berto Sanna-ridden Al Haitham Bend) (Distance: 1,400m) 2. Shaman Bu Thaila (Tomas Max (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 1 sive record in local Thoroughbred Another Arabian to shed his in a duel at the post. Al Mikdam RESULTS 1. Fahd De Faust (Marco Lukasek), 3. Al Faisaliya (Ronan ½, 1 ¼, 1. Time: 2:01.61. Owner: Al races as the black gelding won maiden status yesterday was edged out his rival by a head for a Race 1: EBRAZ THOROUGHBRED Casamento), 2. Rammah (Alberto Thomas), 4. Abha (Faleh Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: Georges the seven-furlong Gazwan Local Injaaz Stud’s Fahd De Faust, thrilling win. HANDICAP (CLASS 4) (80 & Sanna), 3. Al Arabie (Ronan Bughanaim). Won by: 2, 2, 4 ¼. Mikhalides.

FOCUS Minister of Culture and Sports opens beach tournament at Sealine

QNA sociation and Qatar Shooting Club. teams in beach football reached 10 Doha President of QSFA Abdulrahman al- teams, in addition to the participa- Dosari explained that the beach tour- tion of 15 players in shooting com- nament, organised by QSFA for the fi rst petitions, which will be open to reg- E the Minister of Culture and time, aims to providing the youth with istration on an ongoing basis to allow Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin good activities and exploiting their en- community members to participate HNasser al-Ali inaugurated the ergies, especially as it is held simulta- and compete. beach tournament for families neously with the spring vacation, for The president of QSFA stated that the at Sealine Beach, organised by the Qatar the benefi t of all members of society, tournament continues for four weeks, Sports for All Association (QSFA), amid as participation is not limited to youth and it will be held every Friday after Asr wide participation from the public. only, but the invitation is for all mem- prayer until 9pm. He explained that the The minister made an inspection bers of the society to compete in three organisers implement the precaution- tour of the beach football fi eld and the sports, including beach football, beach ary measures in all activities and events beach volleyball court, and joined the volleyball, and shooting. in co-ordination with the Ministry of public in a shooting competition. QSFA emphasises the importance of Public Health. On this occasion, HE the minister practising sport and its positive eff ects “Within the framework of our com- praised the good organisation of the on health through its continuous ac- mitment to all instructions and pre- tournament under the auspices and tivities and events throughout the year, cautionary measures, we decided to organisation of QSFA, and the bodies the last of which was the running race hold the tournament activities in the supporting the tournament, including on Friday, al-Dosari added. open air to achieve the maximum ben- the Ministry of Municipality and En- He expressed his happiness at the efi t and to maintain social distancing,” vironment represented by the Natural great turnout and the wonderful re- he explained. He added that the QSFA Reserves Department, the Qatar Vol- sponse to participating in the tourna- will participate in the activities of the HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali made an inspection tour of the beach football field, leyball Association, Qatar Football As- ment, as the number of participating National Sport Day. the beach volleyball court, and the shooting competition area. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 27, 2020 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Ahli face tough test against rejuvenated Al Duhail Al Ahli’s coach Nebojsa Jovovic admitted that his team was low on confidence after their loss to Qatar SC

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Ahli host Al Duhail today with both teams eyeing sec- Aond place in the QNB Stars League. Ahli were the once leaders before Al Sadd steamrolled them and other rivals, with the latter now leading by a comfortable seven points. While Gharafa are second, Ahli and Duhail can both climb to second in the standings. Only two points separate Ahli and Gharafa, and one point is the diff erence between Ahli and Duhail. Reigning champions Duhail stormed into the top four with 18 points after beating Al Khor last week. The Red Knights are tied with Qatar SC on 18 points and goal diff erence (+8), but are placed fourth having scored more number of goals. Al Ahli will be looking to regain sec- ond place in the standings, which they lost to Gharafa following their loss (1-4) to Qatar SC in Week 10. Yesterday, Ahli’s coach Nebojsa Jovovic admitted that his team was low on confi dence after their loss to Qatar SC. “We suff ered a loss of confi dence after our game against Qa- tar SC. We needed to pause, rethink and then move forward as we have learned the lessons of defeat,” he said. Al Duhail and Al Ahli (right) players train on the eve of their QNB Stars League match. “It is necessary in football that a player always looks forward and works stronger with their support in order Kharaitiyat 3-1 in Week 10. The Dream elevate us on the points table. So, yes, I I hope that our motivation is greater next match against Al Khor. Wins will with all his energy for the best. At the to achieve victory and celebrate with Team thus put behind the disappoint- would say it is a very important match,” than that of Al Arabi and we are able to give the team new identity and person- same time, I would tell my players that them. I will be happy if Al Ahli fans ment of suff ering a 1-2 defeat at the said Hallgrimsson. win,” Trabelsi added. ality. There is no doubt that last week whoever cannot play with all strength came to the stadium and encouraged hands of Al Sadd in the Amir Cup fi nal Meanwhile. Sami Trabelsi’s Sailiya Elsewhere, Laurent Blanc will be we played against a side that is a good is better for him to stay at home. Al the team,” said Jovovic. played at the newly-inaugurated Ah- are having a roller-coaster ride this hoping for his fi rst victory as Al Rayyan team and also has a good coach. Xavi is Duhail are a strong team and it will be Duhail, meanwhile, are on the path of mad Bin Ali Stadium. season. They had recorded an upset 2-1 manager as they take on Al Khor to- a coach who was able to make eff ective a diffi cult game for us. I respect them a recovery after initial fumble with coach Hallgrimsson said his players must victory over holders Al Duhail in Week day. Rayyan put on a fi ghting perform- changes, but for Al Rayyan, we made lot, also their bench strength, and they still searching for the build on recent good performances. 8, but then crashed to a 1-3 loss to Qatar ance against Al Sadd in the last round, only one change when the midfi elders are the title holders,” he said. right balance. But with Eduardo Rod- “We performed well in the Al Kharaiti- SC and played out a 1-1 draw with Umm before going to leaders. And with Al felt tired,” said Blanc. Jovovic, however, expected his play- riguez (Dudu) and Paulo Edmilson in yat match and scored three goals in Salal in the last round. Khor, who are 11th with seven points, “Our preparation for the Al Khor ers to bounce back. “I have trust in the Duhail’s ranks, Lamouchi should fancy what was an important victory. We Trabelsi said the busy playing sched- having sacked Frederic Hantz on the match is the same way that we we capabilities of my players to provide his team’s chances against Ahli. hope that we will use this good form in ule has taken a toll on his team. “There match eve, Rayyan should be able to sail prepared for the last match against Al a distinguished level, a performance In another match today, Al Sailiya the next match and take advantage of was not enough time to prepare, there through their opponents. Sadd. So all matches are equally impor- that keeps Al Ahli in their current po- play Al Arabi at the Al Ahli Stadium. Al the opportunities that we get to win. is a match every four or fi ve days, and Blanc said he was still hurting from tant. The players should know this, that sition. I expect the players to present a Sailiya are seventh with 12 points, while It is always important to win, espe- our focus is currently on working to re- the defeat to Al Sadd. “There is no doubt all preparations must be very high and distinguished level and provide every- Al Arabi are placed ninth with nine cially in a clash involving Al Sailiya as store physical fi tness, and we are work- that I am sad about the loss against Al we have a lot to do in order to be able thing they have in the match. We need points. this match will give us a high morale. A ing on the off ensive aspects as we miss Sadd. It was also a diffi cult loss for our to perform well. The performance was our fans at the stadium to support us, Heimir Hallgrimsson-coached Al win would also relieve the pressure on many scoring opportunities,” he said. players and fans. That is why we are good against Al Sadd,” the French coach especially when we lose and come back Arabi are on a high after defeating Al the players to give their best and it will “I believe Al Arabi is a good team, and working to get wins starting with our added.

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Liverpool would not force Salah ‘He has to slow down’: Guardiola to stay against his will, says Klopp calls for composure from Foden By David Hytner By Andy Hunter The Guardian The Guardian ep Guardiola says that urgen Klopp has told Mohamed Salah Phil Foden must play the only reason to leave Liverpool is Pthe game at diff erent Jthe weather but conceded the club speeds to maximise his cannot force a player to stay against enormous potential, slowing his will. down during decisive moments Salah did not rule out a future move to close to goal. Barcelona or Real when he gave a rare The Manchester City manager interview last week to the Spanish sports off ered rare insight into where daily AS and expressed disappointment at he feels Foden must improve as not being named for Liverpool’s he discussed the 20-year-old’s Champions League group fi nale at Midtjyl- boundless energy, his desire to land. On the fl ipside the Egypt internation- operate at full throttle all the al, who became the club’s leading goalscorer time or, to borrow the phrase that in the Champions League in that game, also he used, to “eat the world”. stated he wanted to break “every record in Foden scored his fi fth City goal the club” and his immediate aim was win- of the season in Tuesday’s 4-1 [moments]. He plays football can trust and rely on him all the ning the and Europe’s elite Carabao Cup quarter-fi nal win in the same rhythm and foot- time.” competition again with Liverpool. at Arsenal and he created another ball must be played in diff erent City have scored 19 goals in 13 Klopp said the interview did not indicate for Aymeric Laporte with a per- rhythms. Sometimes you have league games – an unusually low internal problems between Liverpool and fect cross. to walk, sometimes you have to return – and Guardiola talked their leading goalscorer, who is under con- Guardiola, whose team were have rhythm and sometimes you about the need for a reset. “We tract at Anfi eld until 2023. hosting Newcastle late last have to change the rhythm. have to play better. Our game The Liverpool manager said: “The only night, has not counted regularly “In the fi nal third, especially in has to come back and we have to reason to leave Liverpool at the moment is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah Salah did not rule out a future move to Barcelona or Real on Foden in his Premier League the box, the top, top players have restart in the way we play. The the weather. What other reason could there Madrid when he gave a rare interview last week to the Spanish sports daily AS. (Reuters) starting lineup. But he has no patience. They have this second goals don’t come from a present be? This is one of the biggest clubs in the doubt that the timing will come of time or half-second of time to from Santa Claus. They come world. We pay good money, maybe not the good way”. He said: “Footballers need to be Wijnaldum. These are pretty much the four for a player he says has “eve- be disposed to take a decision.” from the way we have to play. most in the world but we pay good, we have a extremely confi dent so they can play their captains. If they all cannot play, usually it rything to become something Guardiola was asked how “Sometimes you need to re- sensational stadium with outstanding sup- best football. Being extremely confi dent is the guy who is longest in the club. And unique and special”. many goals Foden could score if fresh the principles. There are porters, we have a fanbase all around the makes you a special person but not always that, how I saw it, was Trent. I don’t mean “Phil has an incredible energy his composure improves. “A lot,” things you have to readjust about world and our colours are red, which is the the easiest to deal with every day. That’s my youth career, but in his professional career. but in the fi nal decision, the fi nal he replied. “Sometimes the last the behaviours, about the real- nicest colour anyway. job. To deal with it. So far there has been no Then somebody told me that on that basis pass, he has to slow down a little part of the last action is a little bit ity of who we are as a team and “You cannot force people to stay but that problem. I do not see there being a problem it should have been Divock Origi. So it was bit,” Guardiola said. “He needs … But it’s normal at his age. He sometimes you need more time is it. We never did by the way. It is all about in the future.” my fault. experience to be calm in some will get it, no doubts. I know we than you expect.” timing, the right moment. We make changes The Liverpool manager conceded, how- “Afterwards I spoke to Mo about it. Then and bring players in and if a player wants to ever, that he erred when appointing Trent I realised it did not work out that well so I go then we cannot, probably not hold him Alexander-Arnold captain of his boyhood clarifi ed it. Obviously he gave the interview. back; it’s just that I would not understand club for the fi rst time against Midtjylland. That is not a problem for me. Obviously he why somebody would want to go. Salah told AS that he was expecting to be was disappointed. I did not do it on purpose, Real’s Rodrygo sidelined with hamstring injury “When Mo answered the question it was captain that night in the absence of Jordan and if I made a mistake then it was not mak- Madrid: Real Madrid forward injury aff ecting the tendon in his period, they were made to sweat that these clubs might be interested and he Henderson, James Milner, Virgil van Dijk ing Divock Origi captain that day.” Rodrygo sustained a hamstring right biceps femoris hamstring on to their slim lead until Karim didn’t rule that out. If you ask any player in and Georginio Wijnaldum. Liverpool are top of the table with 31 injury in Wednesday’s 2-0 win muscle,” Real said in a state- Benzema clinched victory in the world who is not playing for Barcelona or “I was captain for a long time in my career points from 14 games, three clear of second- against Granada and is set for ment. Real are level on points added time. Real Madrid if he can imagine playing there and I always thought: ‘what a job this is’ be- placed Leicester City. They face West Brom- a spell on the sidelines, the with Atletico Madrid at the top “It was a really hard fought one day and he said: ‘No, Spanish football cause there are not a lot of benefi ts and there wich Albion, who are second from bottom, Spanish champions said. Real of but have played two game. We said before that it was is not for me,’ why should he say that? The is a lot of work,” Klopp said. “I didn’t feel, or today. Klopp said he hoped his players would did not provide a time frame for games more. going to be very uncomfortable only thing he said was we shall see and it is do not feel, the importance of being captain. build on their lead over their rivals. The the Brazilian’s return but local Meanwhile, Zidane praised for us and it was,” Zidane said. in the club’s hands. It is 100% true and it is Before the game I did not realise how impor- Reds have a hectic schedule over the festive media reported that the issue his side for overcoming a “They came to press us very about having talks about the future. It is re- tant that can be for players and I didn’t real- period with a home game with Newcastle might keep him out of action for gruelling test against Granada. high up the pitch and they did it ally all fi ne. Mo is a very important player for ise how big a story it was for Trent. next Wednesday and Southampton the fol- at least three months. Madrid survived a couple of very well and the first half was me obviously but this story around is not.” “The rule here is we have a players’ com- lowing Monday. “All the boys were in a good “Following tests carried early scares in the first half and very tough. But we were better Klopp said it can be “challenging” man- mittee. The committee is Jordan Hender- moment, that is why we have the points we out on Rodrygo... he has been although Casemiro headed in the second and we deserved aging players of Salah’s level albeit “in a son, James Milner, Virgil van Dijk and Gini have so far,” he said. diagnosed with a muscular them in front in the second the victory.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 27, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal sweep aside Chelsea to ease pressure on Arteta Leicester City came back twice to end Manchester United's away winning streak with a 2-2 draw

AFP Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers. London A share of the spoils between the sides in second and third gives Everton the chance to move into second behind rsenal eased fears of being Merseyside rivals Liverpool when they dragged into a relegation bat- visit winless Sheffi eld United today. Atle with a stunning 3-1 win Aston Villa are another unlikely over Chelsea yesterday, as challenger for the top four as they eased Manchester United’s Premier League past Crystal Palace 3-0 despite play- title challenge stumbled after they ing the full second half a man down conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at after Tryone Mings’ red card. Bertrand Leicester. Traore gave Villa the perfect start by Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to win the turning in the rebound after Vicente FA Cup the last time they faced Chelsea Guaita saved Ollie Watkins’s fi rst eff ort. in August, but less than fi ve months on A tussle between Mings and Wilfried the Spaniard was under intense pres- Zaha resulted in a yellow card for both. sure after a run of one win in 10 league Moments later Mings blocked off Zaha games. Arteta had bemoaned his side’s and the England international was dis- fortune in recent weeks, but the Gun- missed in fi rst-half stoppage time. ners’ luck turned on a night when he However, Villa soaked up the pres- gave youngsters Gabriel Martinelli and sure and the 10 men extended their lead Emile Smith Rowe the chance to shine when Kortney Hause forced the ball in the absence of more experienced home from close range after Watkins’s fi gures such as David Luiz, Willian and header came off the bar. Watkins also Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. played a part in the third as he teed up Kieran Tierney won a soft penalty for Anwar El Ghazi to fi re in off the far post a push by Reece James and Alexandre for his fourth goal in four games. Lacazette slotted home the spot-kick to Fulham edged to within a point of open the scoring on 34 minutes. Granit safety with a 0-0 draw at home with Xhaka then answered his critics after Southampton. Twice the visitors were being stupidly sent off in a 1-0 defeat to denied a late winner as Shane Long and Burnley earlier this month with a bril- Theo Walcott had eff orts ruled out for liant free-kick to double Arsenal’s lead off side. just before half-time. A third consecu- Manchester City were in action late tive away defeat for Chelsea further last night at home to Newcastle, with damages their chances of competing Pep Guardiola’s side badly needing a for the title and there was no way back win to keep their title hopes alive as for Frank Lampard’s men once Bukayo they trail Liverpool by eight points with Saka chipped in off the inside of the a game in hand. post 11 minutes after the break. Tammy Abraham did pull a goal back PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS fi ve minutes from time and Chelsea Leicester 2 (Barnes 31, Tuanzebe 85-og) could have set up a grandstand fi nish in Manchester United 2 (Rashford 23, stoppage time, but Jorginho’s penalty Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Chelsea in the Premier League in London yesterday. (AFP) Fernandes 79); Aston Villa 3 (Traore 5, was saved by Bernd Leno. Victory lifts Arsenal up to 14th, six points clear of sea’s fl agging spirits before they are Gunnar Solskjaer’s men had come from we are disappointed we didn’t get away movement in the box as the veteran Hause 66, El Ghazi 76) Crystal Palace the relegation zone, while Chelsea drop back in action against Aston Villa to- behind in each of their previous away with three,” said Solskjaer. “We had striker latched onto Ayoze Perez’s cross 0; Fulham 0 Southampton 0; Arsenal 3 down to sixth on goal diff erence. morrow. league games this season, but twice loads of big chances and we could’ve and saw his shot defl ect in off the un- (Lacazette 34-pen, Xhaka 44, Saka 56) Lacklustre in attack, short of drive In earlier Boxing Day action, Man- went in front at the King Power Stadi- fi nished it off . They are a very danger- fortunate Axel Tuanzebe. “It’s im- Chelsea 1 (Abraham 85) in midfi eld and bereft of a cutting edge chester United missed out on equalling um through Marcus Rashford midway ous side.” portant for the development of us as a Playing today (all times GMT): Leeds up front, Chelsea’s £200mn ($267mn) a Premier League record of 11 straight through the fi rst half and Bruno Fern- Harvey Barnes’s blistering strike lev- team and as a squad that we can come v Burnley (1200), West Ham v Brighton pre-season overhaul is yet to pay off . away wins as for once this season they andes 11 minutes from time. elled for Leicester before half-time and from behind against a really, really good (1415), Liverpool v West Brom (1630), Lampard has only 48 hours to lift Chel- paid for not fi nishing strongly. Ole “One point is not the worst result but United were undone by Jamie Vardy’s side, a top side, and get the result,” said Wolves v Tottenham (1915)

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP ROUND-UP Hagi extends Rangers run, Arsenal defender Gabriel out for three Celtic turnaround continues games due to close Covid-19 contact rsenal defender Gabriel WOLVES BANS PLAYERS FOR Magalhaes will miss their next SUPERMARKETS VISIT Athree games because he is self- Premier League club Wolves have banned isolating after coming into close their players from shopping amid fears they contact with someone who tested positive could catch coronavirus with infections ris- for Covid-19, the Premier League club said. ing across England. Testing on players and Gabriel, who joined Arsenal this season, staff in England’s top-fl ight is to double to was not named in yesterday’s squad for twice a week in areas of the country under their game at home against London rivals tier four restrictions. Chelsea, which they won 3-1. “Gabriel was The latest round of testing in the Premier in touch with someone. It is what it is – it League revealed seven positive cases from comes at a bad time for us ahead of such a 1,569 tests on Monday. However, since then big game,” manager Mikel Arteta said. Manchester City have confi rmed another The Brazilian centre back will also miss four positive tests for Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Tuesday’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion Walker and two staff members. and Saturday’s visit to West Bromwich “We have staff to go shopping and to the Albion in the Premier League. Arsenal supermarkets for them,” Wolves boss Nuno added that defender David Luiz and winger Espirito Santo said ahead of his side’s clash Willian had both tested negative for the “He is on another level, he’s playing with Tottenham today. novel coronavirus, but were unwell to play wonderful football,” Smith said as Villa beat “We have to avoid any kind of risk be- Rangers’ Ianis Hagi celebrates after scoring against Hibernian yesterday. against Chelsea. Crystal Palace 3-0 yesterday. Grealish was cause we have a small squad and we have at his best against West Bromwich Albion in problems with some players out. We cannot Hallberg’s swerving shot to hold Aberdeen moved above Hibs GREALISH ON ANOTHER LEVEL, last Sunday’s 3-0 win, said Smith. aff ord to lose any player, we tell them on a AFP SAYS VILLA MANAGER SMITH Glasgow out for 16th clean sheet in 20 into third by coming from behind “At West Brom it looked like he was play- daily basis ‘don’t relax and try to be more league games this season. to beat St Johnstone 2-1. Living- Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has taken ing in the playground with his mates. His careful’.” “If you don’t get that sec- ston’s unbeaten run since David his performances to a whole new level this performance was fantastic... and we need to Wolves also told players to avoid super- anis Hagi fi red Rangers to a ond goal you’re going to get a Martindale took charge extended season but there are still elements of his keep pushing him and squeezing even more markets during the fi rst three-month lock- 1-0 victory over Hibernian few nervy moments towards the to six games with a 2-1 win at Kil- game he can improve, manager Dean Smith out of him where he can. He’s a joy to watch down between March and May this year. Iyesterday as the Scottish end,” said Gerrard. “But it’s a big marnock, while St Mirren beat said. The England midfi elder, who had been at the moment,” he added. “Our kitchen staff puts together a big box of Premiership leaders ex- win, clean sheet and 12 on the nine-man Ross County 2-0. linked with a move to Manchester United While he usually plays wide on the left, the basic things that we need,” added Nuno. tended their winning streak to spin now, so I’m really happy.” Nicky Clark’s late equaliser before committing his long-term future Grealish has been deployed in a more cen- “During the high moment of the pan- 12 games. ’s side Celtic’s far leakier defence salvaged a 1-1 draw for Dundee to Villa in September, has scored fi ve goals tral role for Villa in recent weeks and Smith demic everybody had it. When the situation have not dropped points since has been the diff erence between United at home to Motherwell, and provided seven assists in the Premier has been pleased with the response. “He improved we said to players ‘you are free they last faced Hibernian in Sep- the sides so far this campaign, who slipped down the table to League this season. has done really well as a No. 10,” Smith said. to go and do your own shopping’. But now tember to maintain a 16-point but Neil Lennon’s men still have ninth after appeals against for- His performances have helped Villa climb “But there are still improvements. Some- as the levels are increasing so high, and we lead over Celtic, who were 3-0 three games in hand to haul feit wins over Kilmarnock and St to sixth on 25 points, one behind fourth- times he picks the ball up a little bit too have this new mutation that everyone is so winners at Hamilton. themselves back into title con- Mirren were lodged yesterday. placed Everton but having played one deep. He wants to be involved in the game worried about, we start putting this togeth- Bidding to stop Celtic winning tention should the win the Old Motherwell had been awarded games less than the Merseyside club. all the time.” er again. It’s about protecting ourselves.” 10 Scottish league titles in a row, Firm derby next weekend. 3-0 victories over both after Rangers are in pole position as The Scottish champions made games were postponed due to the new year looms, with the two it three straight league wins on coronavirus infections. Hamil- sides set to meet at Ibrox on Jan- top of lifting the Scottish Cup ton were also awarded a 3-0 win SWANSEA CLIMB TO SECOND IN CHAMPIONSHIP uary 2. The hosts were made to last weekend to bounce back over St Mirren, but the points work hard by fourth-placed Hibs from a disastrous run of results from all three games have now London: Swansea moved into second place Famara Diedhiou came off the bench snatch a 1-0 victory at Pride Park. Alan to keep their hot streak going. that had fans protesting outside been rescinded until the appeal in the Championship with a 2-0 win at to fire a spectacular late winner as Bristol Browne curled in a superb finish to shatter Rangers quickly dominated Celtic Park for Lennon to go ear- process is completed. struggling QPR yesterday. Goals from Andre City beat bottom of the table Wycombe Derby, who had played for 70 minutes with possession and threatened when lier this month. Ayew and Jamal Lowe lifted Steve Cooper’s 2-1 at Ashton Gate. City took a 23rd-minute 10 men after striker Martyn Waghorn was met James Tav- In horrendous weather con- side into the automatic promotion places lead through Chris Martin’s downward shown a straight red for a dangerous tackle ernier’s corner with a header ditions as wind and rain lashed RESULTS as the race to reach the Premier League header. on the Preston skipper. that went straight at Hibs goal- over New Douglas Park, Celtic Rangers 1 (Hagi 33) Hibernian 0; heats up. Garath McCleary equalised on 68 min- Fourth-placed Brentford consolidated keeper Dillon Barnes. Hagi made had to be patient against second- QPR have now gone eight matches utes with a shot that took a wicked deflec- their promotion push with a 3-2 win at Aberdeen 2 (Cosgrove 45+2, Tay- the breakthrough on 33 minutes bottom Hamilton. However, the without a win and boss is tion off City Adrian Mariappa. Cardiff , while Barnsley beat Yorkshire rivals lor 54) St Johnstone 1 (Gordon when he was quickest to react to fl oodgates opened after Odsonne under increasing pressure. Having done so twice before this season, Huddersfield 2-1. Stoke recorded a fourth 38); Dundee Utd 1 (Clark 90+2) ’s cross. Edouard opened the scoring from and Aitor Karanka faced their former clubs Diedhiou then proved the match-winner as successive Championship clean sheet in a Hibs had a penalty appeal the penalty spot as the French Motherwell 1 (Watt 9); Hamilton in a 0-0 draw between Nottingham Forest a replacement when blasting an unstoppa- 0-0 draw at Coventry, while Blackburn drew turned down when Hagi’s high under-21 international then teed 0 Celtic 3 (Edouard 49-pen, Grif- and Birmingham at the . ble right-footed shot past Ryan Allsop with 1-1 with second-bottom Sheff ield Wednes- boot brushed Joe Newell’s face up Leigh Griffi ths for his third fiths 54, Turnbull 74); Kilmarnock It was Hughton’s Forest who often looked three minutes remaining. day. Reading moved into fifth place after as the Rangers player tried to goal in as many games. 1 (Burke 48-pen) Livingston 2 the more likely to snatch three points but Derby’s unbeaten run under interim defeating Luton 2-1. Leaders Norwich, four clear a bouncing ball in the box, David Turnbull then tapped (Emmanuel-Thomas 51, Robinson they found themselves up against a goal- manager Wayne Rooney was ended when points clear of Swansea, host sixth-placed and Allan McGregor produced an home the third after Edouard’s 90+2); Ross County 0 St Mirren 2 keeper in good form in Neil Etheridge. Preston scored deep in stoppage time to Watford later last night. important late save from Melker header came off the post. (Fraser 76, Dennis 85) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 27, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Double delight for Jassim al-Kuwari at Longines Hathab ‘Dressage has been attracting a lot of young riders and the number has been increasing in each round of Hathab’

Jassim al-Jaham al-Kuwari was unstoppable during the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour supported by the Social and Level 2 winner Jassim al-Jaham al-Kuwari, runner-up Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt and third-placed Saoud Ahmed al-Boinin Sport Contribution Fund at the Qatar Equestrian Tour’s indoor arena yesterday. pose with the off icials yesterday.

(Level 2) Test 2C competition on his tion and the competition was chal- Director of Longines Hathab, praised working hard to encourage the culture Horse: Monopoly; Score: 66.71; By Sports Reporter Prize:QR4,950 Doha mount Sandro girl and later returned to lenging,” he said. “Dressage (an Olym- the performing levels of the riders in of the dressage riding by organising the arena to steal the show in the Me- pic event) has been attracting a lot of the dressage competition, which has many tours, increasing the prize-mon- 2. Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt; Rythm; dium (Level 1) Test 1C event with Mo- young riders and the number has been attracted large participation. He said: ey and providing the technical staff ca- 65.781; QR3,975 assim al-Jaham al-Kuwari ex- nopoly registering a score of 66.71. increasing in each round of Longines “While participation is open to all rid- pable of training the riders.” celled to top in both Level 1 and Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt on Hathab,” he added. ers in dressage and riders are also al- He also informed that trainer Michel 3. Saoud Ahmed al-Boinin; Drum JLevel 2 events of the third dres- Rhythm (65.781) fi nished as the run- He also explained that great attention lowed to take part in both showjumping Jerimes is working continuously to help Mousse; 65.781; QR2,700 sage competition of the fourth ner-up, while Saoud Ahmed al-Boinin is being given to the dressage competi- and dressage, they must have a specifi c riders prepare well as she has a vast ex- edition (2020-21) of Longines Hathab on Drum Mousse (65.781) was third. tion which will defi nitely have a great horse for each competition.” perience. He revealed that one of the Dressage | Prelim (Level 2) | Test 2C | Qatar Equestrian Tour, organised by the In Level 2, Asmaa Yasser Mohamed impact on the development of Qatari He added: “Dressage includes the most important championships that Prize-Money: QR10,000 Qatar Equestrian Federation in part- riding Quatro Junior (69.250) had to riders and help in preparing them well basics of equestrian education for will be held this year for dressage will nership with Al Shaqab, member Qa- settle for the second spot, and Maryam for international events. Longines young riders and there is a great devel- be for the HH The Amir’s Sword in Feb- 1. Jassim al-Jaham al-Kuwari; Sandro tar Foundation, and supported by the Ahmed al-Semaitt on Special Edition Hathab is being held behind closed opment in the level of the champion- ruary 2021. Girl; 69.750; QR2,500 Social and Sport Contribution Fund, 19 (66.250) third. door with all precautionary health and ship year on year. Now, it is enjoying a 2. Asmaa Yasser Mohamed; Quatro which was held at QEF’s indoor arena Al-Kuwari expressed delight on win- safety measures against Covid-19 of large participation due to the nature of Dressage | Medium (Level 1) | Test 1C | Junior; 69.250; QR2,000 yesterday. ning the two dressage events. “It was the Ministry of Public Health. the competition. The Qatar Equestrian Prize-Money: QR15,000 3. Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt; Special Al-Kuwari fi rst topped the Prelim tough since there was large participa- Meanwhile, Ali al-Rumaihi, Event and Modern Pentathlon Federation is 1. Rider: Jassim al-Jaham al-Kuwari; Edition 19; 66.250; QR1,500.

TRIBUTE FOCUS Naples plans statues, museum to honour Maradona Anderson and Reid By Lorenzo Tondo demand review into The Guardian

month since the death of Diego football and dementia Armando Maradona and the The Guardian headers thereafter. We welcome Asouthern Italian city of Naples is London these measures but believe they looking more like a Maradona- do not go far enough.” land each day. After renaming Napoli The letter concluded by urging football club’s San Paolo Stadium and a eter Reid and Viv Ander- Dowden to ask parliament “to train station in his honour this month, son are among a group of review the links between neuro- local authorities are planning a large mu- Pformer footballers who logical diseases and heading the seum, commissioning statues and dedi- have teamed up with ball and whether the guidelines cating an entire square to the Argentinian parliamentarians to demand an are adequate to protect players at who took the city’s football team to glory urgent review into the possible every level of the game”. and is regarded as one of the greatest link between heading the ball and The letter is co-ordinated by players of all time. dementia. the former Charlton and Chel- From the minutes after the news of the The group’s letter to Oliver sea player Mickey Ambrose and, former footballer’s death was announced Dowden, the Secretary of State besides Reid and Anderson, it is on 25 November, the city’s two large mu- for Digital, Culture, Media and also signed by Clive Wilson, Dean rals depicting Maradona have become Sport, has emerged two days af- Wilkins, Vinny Samways, Mark genuine pilgrimage sites, attracting hun- ter the family of the 1966 World McCammon, Darren Moore and dreds of tourists, visitors and fans each Cup winner Nobby Stiles said Phil Brown. day. Beneath the images of the Argentin- they had been told by experts his The League Managers As- ian hero, people place fl owers, footballs, brain was severely damaged by sociation chief executive Rich- SSC Napoli jerseys, photographs, neck- repeatedly heading the ball. ard Bevan said Dowden and the laces and other memorabilia that will one In the letter, the group refer- government must recognise the day be displayed in the stadium museum, enced the publication last year severity of dementia in football local authorities told the Guardian. of the Field study, which sought and help in the eff ort to combat “We’re already working on a project to determine if there was a link the condition. to decorate the area in front of the mural between heading the ball and an Bevan, a board member for in the Spanish Quarters with plants and increase risk of diseases such as the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Sport benches,” said Luigi Felaco, the head of dementia. United Against Dementia’ ini- urban decor in Naples. It said: “While the report said tiative, said: “A letter was sent “The mural was painted by the artist there was no defi nitive link, it to the Secretary of State, Oliver Mauro Filardi in 1990 to celebrate Na- confi rmed that players were Dowden. Despite his reputation poli’s second championship. We three and a half times more likely in football of not answering let- now intend to name the square in Ma- to die of dementia and other ters, let’s hope the government radona’s honour, given that hundreds A Diego Maradona mural is seen in the city’s Spanish Quarters of Naples. neurological diseases than the really understands the impor- of people have been fl ocking to the area general population. Following tance of calling for more research every day since his death.” the Argentinian champion, and for which Christmas, a new attraction has found its depressants, an anti-psychotic drug and the study’s publication, the FA and the recognition of dementia The other mural, completed in 2017 by the footballer never requested royalties, way into the scene: a fi gurine of Marado- various other medication to treat ulcers, in parallel with UEFA’s medi- as an industrial condition.” the street artist Jorit, is a giant blow-up as Emir Kusturica chronicled in his docu- na with angel’s wings. convulsions, dependencies and diffi cul- cal committee published new The DCMS had no offi cial on a building on Taverna del Ferro street mentary on the player. Maradona was suff ering from liver, ties in expelling waste. Maradona had guidelines that apply to all young comment to make when contact- in the suburban San Giovanni a Teduccio “To a lot of people this all seems ab- kidney and cardiovascular disorders but battled cocaine and alcohol addictions players. ed by PA about Bevan’s remarks quarter. Both artworks will be spotlighted surd,. If you’re not Neapolitan or from there were no signs of alcohol or narcot- during his life. “Measures included a com- although it says the contents during the festive season. the south, I realise it’s diffi cult to com- ics consumption in his autopsy. World Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and plete prohibition of header train- of the letter will be considered, El Diego, who led Napoli to two Serie A prehend what Maradona meant for this Cup winning captain from Mexico ’86, heart surgeon Leopoldo Luque are under ing for children below the age with a response issued in due titles and a UEFA Cup victory, was vener- city,” Felaco said. Maradona died of a heart-attack on No- investigation as they were treating Mara- of 12 and a graduated process to course. ated like a demigod in the city, compara- “Diego’s story and life are intertwined vember 25 at the age of 60. dona before his death. ble only to its patron saint, San Gennaro. with the city of Naples. Maradona came The public prosecutor in San Isidro, Maradona was widely regarded as one And like every saint, Maradona will have from the world’s south, and he fought for a northern suburb of the capital Buenos of the greatest footballers of all time. He his statues: Felaco says more than 14 art- people from the south. Naples is the cap- Aires, published the results of Marado- is a legend in his homeland having been ists have presented proposals for the Ma- ital of southern Italy and, for a city like na’s autopsy after it was ordered as part instrumental in guiding them to World radona statue. “We’re evaluating them ours, having had a player like him repre- of an investigation into his death to see if Cup glory in 1986 and then again to the Viv Anderson all,” Felaco said. “We are committed to sented a redemption not only for Naples, there was any negligence or recklessness fi nal in Italy four years later. He had much erecting statues of Diego, but we are also but for all southern people.” in the healthcare he was provided. less success as a coach, taking Argentina considering where to place them, given Meanwhile, Via San Gregorio Armeno At the end of his life he was suff ering to the World Cup quarter-fi nals in South that dozens of quarters would like to have is buzzing as people buy handcrafted from a variety of illnesses including cir- Africa in 2010 before embarking on a no- a statue in their midst.” mangers and terracotta fi gurines for their rhosis, heart disease and kidney failure. madic journey that took him to the United Maradona’s arrival in Naples, in 1984, nativity scenes at home. Traditionally, it The toxicology analysis showed there Arab Emirates and Mexico. He was the gave rise to a thriving informal economy was a shepherd or an animal that would was no alcohol or narcotics in his blood coach of Argentine Primera Division side based on gadgets, T-shirts and photos of join baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, but this or urine but Maradona was taking anti- Gimnasia at the time of his death. Gulf Times Sunday, December 27, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA RACING First woman winner Frost gives Nicholls Lakers rout Mavs 12th King George

AFP Cyrname, who vied for favour- London, United Kingdom itism with Clan des Obeaux, ran a dreadful race and was pulled up in the fi nishing straight, as was ryony Frost became the another Nicholls runner, Real while Nets, Bucks fi rst woman jockey to Steel. Bwin the King George VI The aptly named Waiting Pa- Chase after riding a sub- tiently came like a train under lime tactical race on Frodon to champion jockey Brian Hughes give trainer Paul Nicholls a 12th after the last of the 18 fences but success in the race yesterday. Frost and Frodon managed to The 25-year-old led from start hold on winning by 2 1/4 lengths. to fi nish on the 20/1 outsider Nicholls watched the race and Heat roll with whom she also enjoyed a from the Royal Box – empty of landmark Grade One success at its usual occupants, who like the the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. rest of the usual 20,000 crowd at Irving scores 37 points, hitting 7-of-10 3-point attempts, as the Nets ripped Celtics “I have just won the King Kempton Park had to stay away George!” said a tearful Frost. “I due to coronavirus protocols – AFP had absolutely the best time on and pumped his fi st in celebra- RESULTS Los Angeles, United States him. tion. “He has just smashed every- He had commented ahead Miami 111-98 New one’s expectations. I don’t argue of the race that he did not see nthony Davis scored Orleans with him too much as he is his Frodon as a contender but con- 28 points while Le- Milwaukee 138-99 Golden own personality. ceded after his unexpected vic- ABron James added 22 State “I cannot stress how much this tory that the horse was a quirky as the defending NBA Brooklyn 123-95 Boston horse means to me – he is my life. character. champion Los Angeles Lakers You dream as a little girl to ride a “I wasn’t expecting that al- routed Dallas 138-115 in Friday’s LA Lakers 138-115 Dallas horse like this.” though he’s a very good horse on feature game of a record-setting LA Clippers 121-108 Denver Success in the race – worth his day and loves it round here,” Christmas slate. £113,000 ($150,000) to the win- Nicholls told broadcaster ITV. James had a game-high 10 as- away in the fourth quarter. ner and considered second only “I said to Bryony ‘go as quick sists and seven rebounds in 31 The Nets became the fi rst club to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in as you can and just keep gallop- minutes, while Davis contrib- since the 2008-09 Lakers to win terms of prestige – also makes ing, you know he’s tough and uted eight rebounds, fi ve as- their fi rst two games by 20 or Frost the most successful female brave’.” sists and two steals and reserve more points. jockey over jumps. The 58-year-old Englishman Montrezl Harrell had 22 points “We can’t exceed our own “I talked to my brother in the said Clan des Obeaux had run for the Lakers, who played on expectations,” Irving said. “We United States last night and I “fl at”. As for Cyrname, Nicholls the holiday for a 22nd consecu- know this is a long journey ahead.” said I was one away from being believed the horse had gone into tive year. As for his return to Boston, the woman jockey with the most a sulk when he did not get his “We have a lot of off ensive Irving said, “I went to war with winners over jumps. way. fi repower,” Lakers coach Frank those guys. We’re going to con- “He said ‘how cool would it be “Cyrname seemed to spit the Vogel said. tinue to lean on each other as to do it in the King George?’.” dummy out when he got dropped James, who turns 36 on brothers off the fl oor and com- Frodon was the least fancied of in behind and probably likes to Wednesday, rose to second on pete on it.” Nicholls’ four runners with Clan des dominate but this horse (Frodon) the NBA’s all-time Christmas Obeaux, bidding for a third succes- keeps going a gallop and never points list with 383, passing NO BUTLER, NO PROBLEM sive win in the race, fi nishing third. knows when he’s beat,” he said. Oscar Robertson by six to pull Goran Dragic came off Miami’s within 12 of matching the late bench to score 18 points, and Kobe Bryant’s career record. Bam Adebayo added 17 for the FOCUS It was the 10th Christmas vic- Heat, whose NBA-best Christ- tory in 15 holiday appearances by mas record is 11-2 despite Jimmy James, who equalled former Mi- Butler missing the second half ami teammate Dwyane Wade for with right ankle stiff ness. Washington’s QB the most career Christmas NBA “When he goes down, it’s up wins. to us to pick it up for him,” Rob- Vogel wants to ease the work- inson said. “I thought we did a Smith practices, load on James after the shortest good job of sticking with it and off -season break in NBA history getting a good win today.” but James is confi dent he can Zion Williamson scored 32 doubtful vs Panthers handle whatever comes. points and grabbed 14 rebounds “I train my body for whatever. to lead the Pelicans. I’m not your typical guy in his At Milwaukee, two-time 18th season,” James said. “If you reigning NBA Most Valuable stay ready you never have to get Player Giannis Antetokounmpo ready.” scored 15 points and grabbed 13 Slovakian star guard Luka rebounds to spark the Bucks, Doncic scored 27 points for Dal- while two-time MVP Stephen las, but the Mavericks were out- Curry had a team-best 19 points. scored in every quarter and out- The Los Angeles Clippers beat rebounded 53-27. host Denver 121-108 despite an “We got a really good team,” injury to Kawhi Leonard midway Davis said. into the fourth quarter when Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving and teammate Serge Ibaka struck Miami’s Duncan Robinson each him in the face going for a re- matched an NBA Christmas bound, leaving him bleeding and record with seven 3-pointers, sprawled on the court. the Heat stretching their holiday Paul George scored 23 points win streak to eight games. Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (second from right) shoots a hook shot during the third quarter and passed off nine assists for Irving scored 37 points, hit- against the Boston Celtics in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) the Clippers while Leonard had ting 7-of-10 3-point attempts 21 points, seven assis ts, fi ve re- in his return to Boston, as the points, hitting 7-of-13 from be- trying to build on it.” thanks to a 72-43 Bucks edge in bounds and four steals. Nets ripped his former Celtics yond the arc, in leading 2020 Also rolling to a holiday tri- the second half. Denver’s Nikola Jokic barely teammates 123-95. “I’m glad we NBA runner-up Miami over vis- umph were the Milwaukee “We just wanted to put on a missed being the fi rst player could put on a performance for iting New Orleans 111-98. Bucks, who had a game-high 31 show,” Middleton said. since Magic Johnson in 1982 to everybody,” Irving said. “We’re “Getting more and more points from Khris Middleton to At Boston, Brooklyn’s Kevin open a season with back-to- defi nitely going to continue to comfortable every day,” Robin- beat Golden State 138-99 – the Durant scored 16 of his 29 in the back triple-doubles, producing progress every day.” son said. “Last year was a great second-most lopsided blowout third quarter and the Nets seized 24 points, 10 assists and nine Robinson fi nished with 23 learning experience. We’re just in NBA Christmas history – an 86-77 edge before pulling rebounds.

LOSS SPOTLIGHT

Reuters questionable to face the Pan- New York, United States thers, wide receiver Terry Celtics legend KC Jones dead at 88 Ryan, Giants agree McLaurin is considered doubtful after missing his third straight Reuters ashington Football practice on Friday with an ankle Los Angeles, United States to 3-year contract Team quarterback injury. WAlex Smith was Running back Antonio Gibson Reuters but interceptions (fi ve in listed as a full par- is listed as questionable after C Jones, one of the most New York, United States 2013). He made $10mn in ticipant in practice on Friday. missing the last two games with dominant forces in bas- 2019 in the fi nal year of a The designation is seen as a toe injury. Kketball history who won three-year, $30mn con- progress for Smith, who has been Washington holds a one- eight NBA champions as ogan Ryan shared tract with Tennessee. sidelined since injuring his right game lead in the NFC East over a player and four as a coach, died his Christmas This season, Ryan has calf in Washington’s 23-15 vic- the New York Giants and Dallas on Friday. He was 88. Lpresent with the provided a veteran pres- tory over San Francisco on De- Cowboys. In NBA history, only his Boston world on Friday, ence to an improving Gi- cember 13. Celtics teammates Bill Russell and announcing he’s agreed to ants defense, which is 12th It is not known whether Smith COLTS PLACE RT SMITH ON Sam Jones have more champion- a deal to remain a member in the league in total yards or Dwayne Haskins will be un- RESERVE/COVID-19 LIST ship rings during their playing ca- of the New York Giants. (346.4) and ninth in points der center for Washington (6-8) The Indianapolis Colts placed reers. “A Christmas Morn- surrendered (22.2). on Sunday against the visiting Braden Smith on the reserve/ Jones, a playmaking guard and ing we’ll never forget,” he In 14 games (13 starts), Carolina Panthers (4-10). Covid-19 list Friday, which defensive specialist, is one of only tweeted. “The @giants Ryan has nine passes de- Smith, 36, is 4-1 since tak- means the standout right tackle seven players to achieve basket- and I just agreed to a new fensed, three forced fum- ing over as the starter in Week will not be able to play today ball’s ‘Triple Crown’ – winning 3 year deal. IM HERE TO bles, one interception, one 10. After missing all of 2019 re- when the Colts visit the Pitts- an NCAA championship, an NBA STAY!! “Merry Christmas! sack and 83 tackles. covering from a leg injury and a burgh Steelers for a key AFC championship and an Olympic #TheMostVersatile #To- In early November, Ryan life-threatening infection, he has clash. gold medal. getherBlue” praised the team’s medi- completed 66.4% of his passes What’s more, left tackle An- The Taylor, Texas, native was NFL Network reported cal staff for off ering guid- for 1,420 yards with four touch- thony Castonzo is listed as ques- inducted into the Hall of Fame in A moment of silence was observed to recognise KC Jones, who passed the deal is worth $31mn, ance that potentially saved downs and six picks in seven ap- tionable (knee, ankle). Without 1989 and his number 25 has hung away at the age of 88, prior to the game between the Brooklyn Nets and with $20mn guaranteed. his wife’s life. After his pearances this season. one or both of their tackles, the from the rafters at Boston’s TD Boston Celtics on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) The Giants had signed wife, who was pregnant, Haskins, the No. 15 overall pick Colts’ normally stout pass pro- Garden since 1967. Ryan to a one-year, $5.05mn told Ryan by phone of her in the 2019 NFL Draft, complet- tection could be particularly “I just received a call letting me Friends for life.” “He made his teammates bet- deal, plus incentives, after symptoms, he consulted ed 38 of 55 passes for 295 yards vulnerable against the Steel- know my x-roommate/teammate Jones won 11 of this 12 NBA ti- ter, and he got the most out of the the Tennessee Titans opted with a trainer about her with one touchdown and two ers’ ferocious pass rush. Pitts- and most of all friend, the great tles with the Celtics, which said he players he coached. Never one to not to retain the 29-year- condition. The trainer, interceptions in the 20-15 home burgh (11-3) leads the NFL with K.C. Jones, passed this morning,” remained humble despite his stag- seek credit, his glory was found in old defensive back. Justin Maher, advised her loss to Seattle. 47 sacks this season, led by T.J. Russell wrote on Twitter next to a gering on-court success. the most fundamental of basket- Ryan had four intercep- to seek immediate treat- In six games (fi ve starts) this Watt’s 13. Indianapolis has al- photo of the pair smiling around a “K.C. demonstrated that one ball ideals – being part of a win- tions, 18 pass breakups, ment, and she had surgery season, Haskins has completed lowed the second-fewest in the table. could be both a fi erce competitor ning team. four forced fumbles, 4.5 for an ectopic pregnancy. 62.9 % of his passes for 1,285 league (16). “Prayers to his family. We have and a gentleman in every sense “The Celtics family mourns his sacks and 113 tackles last “That’s the type of or- yards with fi ve TDs and fi ve The Colts (10-4) will start been friends for almost 60 years, of the word,” the Celtics said in a loss, as we celebrate his remark- season, setting career ganisation we have here,” picks. Le’Raven Clark or Chaz Green in this our last photo together. statement. able career and life.” highs in every category Ryan said at the time. While Smith was listed as Smith’s place. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 27, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS India Expats win Qatar National Day cricket tournament ndia Expats defeated Bangladesh Expats by 37 runs to win the Qatar ICricket Association (QCA) organ- ised Asian Communities T10 event at the Asian Town Stadium on Friday. The four-team tournament was held to celebrate Qatar National Day. fi rst, India Expats scored 144 in 10 overs before restricting their rivals to 107 in the fi nal. Earlier, India Expats beat Pakistan Expats and Bangladesh Expats ac- counted for Sri Lanka Expats. A wom- en’s match was played in which Team Pink defeated Team Yellow by 7 wick- ets. The event was held under strict Cov- id-19 protocols. Meanwhile, Ambassador of Bangla- desh in Qatar Mohamed Jashim Uddin congratulated the Bangladeshi team for their excellent show. Ambassador Jashim Uddin was present at the opening ceremony of the tournament along with President of Qatar Cricket Association Yousuf Jehem al-Kuwari, Bangladesh Team Manager Mohamed Aminul Islam and coach Bulbul Ahmed. India Expats players pose with the winners’ trophy after their win in the Qatar National Day tournament. Bangladesh Expats finished runners-up in the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA)-organised T10 event.

NFL RESPONSE Capacity crowd for Saints’ Kamara men’s 3x3 basketball scores six TDs at QOC Beach Games in Vikings rout Running back ties record for the most rushing TDs in a game

Ben Goessling Star Tribune (TNS)

here will be plenty of time to parse through Tthe obvious qualifi ca- tions: the season-end- ing injuries to Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr, the pandem- ic that led nose tackle Michael Pierce to opt out for health rea- sons and wiped out the Vikings’ off season chances to work with Sights from the sixth day of QOC Beach Games at Aspire Park. their 15-player draft class, the calf injury that truncated an- By Sports Reporter other All-Pro season from line- Doha backer Eric Kendricks. But at the end of a week that extinguished the Vikings’ play- he ongoing inaugural off chances, they left the Super- QOC Beach Games at dome fi eld with their defense Tthe Aspire Park in Doha stripped bare. has continued to gener- The Saints’ 52-33 win over ate encouraging interests from the Vikings will be remembered the populace with Friday’s men’s – and rued by Minnesota fans beach basketball 3X3 recording – for its superlatives. Alvin Ka- the highest footfall so far. mara’s six rushing touchdowns New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (centre) jumps into the end zone between defenders Besides men’s beach basket- tied a NFL record for the most Minnesota Vikings Anthony Harris (left) and Eric Wilson (right) in the second half at the Mercedes Benz ball 3X3, there was action in in a game, as the running back Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) men’s beach handball and the joined Ernie Nevers, who did it women’s beach volleyball. in 1929. New Orleans’ 52 points work really hard to give up 52,” touchdowns — a 40-yard romp the hands of Hardy Nicker- A total of 12 matches were tied the Bears’ output in 1961 he said. from Kamara and a one-yard son Jr. But the Saints wouldn’t played in the four groups of the for the second-most against the Asked about preseason com- score from the running back. The be stopped again, as Kamara men’s 3X3 basketball with each Vikings, and their 267 rushing ments that he had never had a Vikings, who did not force a punt got his fi fth touchdown of the team involved in two games each. yards were the most the Vikings bad defense, he said, “This is a after a game-opening three- game early in the fourth quarter Al Waab, Al Ahlam, Al Dafna and had allowed since 1991. bad defense. Worst one I ever and-out against the Bears on and Taysom Hill added another Um Al Aff ai teams recorded vic- The Vikings’ third consecutive had.” Sunday, did not force one at all rushing touchdown. tories in their games. loss dropped them to 6-9 – their The Vikings started the day against the Saints. The only New “They just mashed us up- Al Waab defeated Al Shammal fi rst losing record since coach with just one linebacker (Eric Orleans possessions that didn’t front,” Zimmer said. 15-12 and The Cure 21-12 respec- Mike Zimmer’s fi rst season in Wilson) who’d played more than result in points were a pair of in- After the Saints got the ball tively in Group A while Al Ahlam 2014 – and offi cially eliminated 100 snaps this season, as the rib terceptions from Drew Brees. back and drove to the Vikings’ secured victories against Al Khor them from the race for the NFC’s injury Todd Davis sustained on The Vikings kept the game goal line late in the game, coach and Qatar Elite. seventh playoff spot. They will Sunday put him on the inactive close until early in the third Sean Payton put Kamara back in Al Dafna edged Al Hilal 16-12 fi nish the season in Detroit on list with Eric Kendricks. A group quarter, when Kirk Cousins the game to give him a chance to before beating Future Stars 17- Jan. 3 in a game that will matter that gave up 199 rushing yards hit Irv Smith Jr. for the fi rst of tie the NFL touchdown record. 15 in their Group C games. Um only for the statistics. to the Bears on Sunday had no their two touchdown connec- He did so by barreling into the Al Aff ai got their wins against Coach Mike Zimmer used answer for the Saints’ ground tions to pull Minnesota within Vikings’ end zone from fi ve Al Gharafa (12-6) and Al Wakrah various forms of the word dis- game from the very start. four after Brees’ second inter- yards out, carrying defenders (14-12) respectively in Group D. appointing in his postgame New Orleans’ fi rst 13 off ensive ception bounced off the hands with him as he reached for the In the men’s beach handball, news conference. “You have to plays went for 136 yards and two of Emmanuel Sanders and into goal line. Al Khafj i hammered Al Hazm 2-1 in Group B while the other Group B encounter between Al Ruwais SPOTLIGHT and Al Nomor also ended 2-1 in favour of Al Nomor. In Group A, Al Soqour defeated Al Nosour 2-1 while Al Edaid won Bravo Cricket Academy to launch app on Jan. 1 2-0 against Al Fohoud. Meanwhile, in the women’s By Sports Reporter its own app. BCA off ers various booking and player boarding. cerned coaches will have the re- beach volleyball, Al Maha se- Doha levels of coaching for diff erent “This mobile application has quited data available to him.” cured their semi-fi nals berth age groups-starting from the age been launched in order to give The Bravo Cricket Academy with a 2-0 defeat of the Al Ma- of 5 to 18 years and also seniors, our players an enhanced expe- was set up in the year 2018. The haba team. At the same time, Al ricket coaching is evolv- including women cricketers. rience by letting them follow academy has two branches, Al Amal also triumphed over Qatar ing and in keep up with The app off ers several fea- their performance from training Wukair and Qatar Foundation. Academy with a straight-sets Cthe changing times, tures which will help the players to practice matches and tour- “With the use of technology, victory. Bravo Cricket Academy to keep track of their career de- naments,” said BCA Operations innovative coaching, physical, Meanwhile, enthralling ac- (BCA) has launched its own app tails over a period of time rang- manager Sunil Alexander. tactical, mental and lifestyle tions were witnessed in Thurs- in tune with the digital age. ing from ‘performance monitor, BCA CEO Christopher added: program we aim to produce day’s men’s beach football event Bravo Cricket Academy App batsman wagon wheel, digital “The parents can also keep track rounded disciplined individu- with a penalty shootout deciding is a digital facility to help its report card and live streaming’. of their children’s report card. als with the support of all staff the winners between Doha Team players develop and keep track The other striking elements Also, the app will have all the across the departments within and Al Shahaniya after the game In the other encounters, Al favour. of their career with long-term of the app are League manage- data of the players from bowling the academy, preparing the play- had ended 3-3 draw in regulation Raheeb won 3-0 against Al Jasra In the men’s beach volleyball, goals in mind. ment, player profi les, player to batting style, his strong and ers for life inside and outside of time. In the end, Doha scored all while Al Ennabi walloped Al Wu- Lusail defeated Al Jazeera 2-0 With its offi cial launch on Jan- statistics, practice session scor- weak areas, so when any of player cricket,” said Christopher, who their three penalties compared to kair 7-0. However, the Al Ettihad in Group B while Al Adaam also uary 1, BCA will become the fi rst ing, bowler pitch map, facility moves out of Qatar and goes to a played in Oman for 10 years be- Al Shahaniya’s single goal to ad- versus Madinat Khalifa game posted a straight-sets victory cricket academy in Qatar to have management, nets and ground new coaching facility the con- fore moving to Qatar in 2016. vance in the tournament. ended 6-3 in Madinat Khalifa’s against Zekreet. Gulf Times Sunday, December 27, 2020 7 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT India’s Siraj Gritty Williamson savours lift s NZ aft er early emotional Test debut Reuters sound one, as Ashwin took two Melbourne to leave Australia shaky Pakistan strikes at 65 for three at lunch. Siraj was fi nally thrown the In a 120-run stand, filled with determination and concentration in diff icult ndia paceman Mohamed ball after lunch and made his Siraj was urged by his captain presence felt with a that conditions, Williamson and Ross Taylor pulled New Zealand back into the game IVirat Kohli and his mother to struck Marnus Labuschagne on stay in Australia and push for the helmet. selection in the Test side rather Though wicketless from his than head home to grieve with fi rst spell, Siraj returned to re- his family following the death of move danger man Labuschagne his father last month. for 48, helped by fellow debu- Yesterday, at a sun-bathed tant Shubman Gill’s fi ne catch at Melbourne Cricket Ground, backward square leg. Siraj was rewarded for his tough Siraj then trapped Cameron decision as he took two wickets Green lbw for 12 with a ball on an emotional debut to help that nipped back in after lull- India bowl Australia out for 195 ing the young all-rounder with a on day one of the Boxing Day number of deliveries that moved Test. away. Prior to Mohamed Shami’s in- With Ishant Sharma and Sha- jury, Hyderabad native Siraj had mi sidelined, there were fears in no assurances he would feature India that pacemen Jasprit Bum- at all in the four-Test series but rah and Umesh Yadav would have he hit the pitch hard in the tour to shoulder too big a burden over matches to put himself at the the remainder of the series but front of the queue. Siraj’s special day renewed hope The door opened when Shami the tourists might have the re- suff ered an arm fracture in the sources to claw their way back in series opener, and Siraj found Melbourne. himself thrust into a much- After India went to stumps at changed team needing to re- 36 for one, Bumrah, who led In- spond to the eight- hu- dia’s bowling with four wickets, miliation within three days at praised Siraj for his impressive . support role. Siraj had to bide his time yes- “Playing his fi rst international terday, as stand-in skipper Ra- (Test) match, he bowled really hane Ajinkya opted for spinner well and he showed confi dence Ravichandran Ashwin as fi rst of using all his skills,” he said. change bowler on a moist wicket “That’s a very heartening sign in the morning. for us and hopefully he continues The captain’s call proved a to play like this.”

New Zealand’s plays a forward defensive shot against Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday.

AFP “When the ball was 50 overs old it Mount Maunganui, New Zealand MOUNT MAUNGANUI SCORECARD was still swinging and he could pick and choose when he used it and he’s got a slip- New Zealand 1st innings 3-133 (Taylor) Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, pery bumper. He’s only going to get better n unbeaten 94 by a gritty Kane T. Latham c Azhar b Afridi 4 To bat: BJ Watling, Mitchell Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, and Pakistan are going to see a very good Williamson had New Zealand T. Blundell c Yasir b Afridi 5 Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Mohamed Rizwan (capt), bowler in years to come,” Taylor said. at 222 for three in the face of K. Williamson not out 94 Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, Afridi’s opening onslaught had New a concerted Pakistan attack R. Taylor c Rizwan b Afridi 70 Boult Mohamed Abbas, Shaheen Zealand at two for 13 before Williamson Aat stumps on day one of the fi rst Test in H. Nicholls not out 42 Bowling: Afridi 20-5-55-3, Afridi, Naseem Shah and Taylor combined in a century part- Mount Maunganui yesterday. Extras: (lb3, nb4) 7 Abbas 21-11-25-0, Ashraf 13-5- Toss: Pakistan nership, their 10th together. Henry Nicholls was the other not out Total: (three wickets; 87 30-0, Naseem Shah 15-1-51-0, Umpires: Chris Gaff aney By stumps, Williamson had faced 243 batsman on 42 as New Zealand recovered overs)222 Yasir Shah 16-2-56-0, Shan (NZL), Wayne Knights (NZL) deliveries after being in the middle for from being 13 for two after Pakistan’s Fall of wickets: 1-4 Masood 2-1-2-0 TV Umpire: Chris Brown all but the fi rst three balls before Latham baby-faced destroyer Shaheen Afridi (Latham), 2-13 (Blundell), Pakistan: Abid Ali, (NZL) was dismissed. removed openers Tom Latham and Tom The closest Pakistan came to dismiss- Blundell cheaply on a green, seaming ing the New Zealand captain came before wicket. defi nitely fl attened out and it’s probably a But he succeeded only in feathering lunch with Williamson on 18 when Shan In a 120-run stand, fi lled with deter- little bit two-paced at times and I’m sure the ball to Mohamed Rizwan behind the Masood spilled a diffi cult one-handed mination and concentration in diffi cult it’s only going to get more uneven over the stumps. chance low to his left. conditions, Williamson and Ross Taylor next couple of days.” The 20-year-old Afridi, standing Naseem Shah was the unfortunate pulled New Zealand back into the game. After Afridi split the pair with a mas- 1.99 metres (6ft 6in) tall, also removed bowler and the teenaged quick was to Taylor hit 10 fours and a six as he at- terful piece of bowling to remove Taylor Latham for four and Blundell for fi ve to suff er again when he tempted Nicholls, tacked the bowling while Williamson for 70, Williamson and Henry Nicholls end the day with three for 55. on six, to hook a short ball only for Mo- took a more conservative approach. added a further 89. Mohamed Abbas, while not taking a hamed Abbas, waiting for the catch at “Obviously we’re happy with where Taylor was set up to fall by Afridi who wicket, kept the batsmen pinned down long leg, to drop the regulation chance. we’re at,” Taylor said. “You had to try and bowled full, short then a bouncer in suc- and conceded only 25 runs off his 21 overs. It was a continuation of the good for- take them on or just try and get through cessive deliveries and followed with a Taylor, in his 104th Test, could not help tune going Nicholls’ way after he was it. good-length, rising ball that Taylor could but be impressed with Afridi playing his dropped fi ve times on his way to 174 in his India’s Mohamed Siraj celebrates with Ajinkya Rahane after “You expect that on a day one wicket. It not resist slashing at. 12th. last innings against the West Indies. dismissing Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne in Melbourne.

FOCUS Shadab out of NZ tour, to miss S Africa DEAN JONES TRIBUTE series too Aussie Summers to play in Pakistan’s domestic cricket

Reuters Summers played for Kara- Lahore chi Kings in the 2019 Paki- stan Super League competition and has also ast bowler Aaron played for Hobart Hurricanes Summers will become in the Big Bash League in the first Australian to Australia. F play domestic cricket Players from Afghanistan in Pakistan next month af- and Zimbabwe have featured ter signing up for Southern in Pakistan’s domestic cricket Punjab, the Pakistan Cricket in the past. Pakistan all-rounder Shadab it is a fresh injury and not the Board (PCB) said yesterday. “We are aspiring to make Khan will miss the ongoing Test one that had sidelined him from The PCB allows domestic our domestic structure ro- series in New Zealand, as well as the Zimbabwe series last month,” sides to pick one foreigner bust, tough and challenging the home series against South team doctor Sohail Saleem said in and the 24-year-old Tasma- that can not only benefit our Africa beginning next month, due a statement. nian will be seen in action at cricketers but also attract to a thigh injury, the team said “Shadab will undergo a six-week the Pakistan Cup one-day foreign cricketers...” PCB yesterday. rehabilitation programme during tournament, which begins in high performance director The 22-year-old spin bowling which he will have weekly ultra- from Jan 8. Nadeem Khan said. all-rounder sustained the injury sound scans. “Pakistan is a breeding “I am hopeful Aaron’s par- during Tuesday’s final Twenty20 “After the competition of the six- ground for the fast bowlers ticipation will also attract match in Napier and was ini- week period, the medical panel and while I look forward to other foreign cricketers. tially ruled out of the opening test will access and evaluate the injury developing as a quality fast “It will also help our local against New Zealand, which got before making a call on Shadab’s bowler, I am equally keen players interact and integrate underway at Mount Maunganui return to competitive cricket.” Jane Jones, wife of late Australian cricketer Dean Jones, and their daughters Augusta and to help my side perform- with players from other envi- earlier yesterday. South Africa will tour Pakistan Phoebe at a ceremony in his honour during the tea break on day one of the second Test match ance strongly in the Pakistan ronments and enhance their Scans showed he would be side- next month for the first time in 13 between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. Cup...” Summers was quoted understating of different cul- lined for several weeks. years to play two Tests and three as saying in a PCB statement. tures.” “The MRI reports have confirmed Twenty20 Internationals.

Sunday, December 27, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Chandimal, Bumrah, Ashwin De Silva shine as Aussies put Lanka on top Reuters broadcaster SuperSport at the Pretoria close. shot out for 195 “But we have confi dence after today’s play and we look inesh Chandimal forward to putting them under Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 48 but that was as good as it got for the hosts and Dhananjaya de pressure tomorrow with an- DSilva scored fl uent other 30 to 40 runs and some half-centuries as Sri early wickets. Lanka took advantage of some “De Silva told me he thinks lacklustre South Africa bowl- it is a strain and he can’t play ing to post 340 for six at the for two to three weeks, but we close of day one of the fi rst test will see after the scan.” at Centurion Park yesterday. South Africa bowled poorly Dasun Shanaka (25 not out) in the fi rst hour, but still man- and Kasun Rajitha (seven not aged to reduce the visitors to out) will resume on the sec- 54 for three as Sri Lanka gave ond day having come through their wickets away with inju- a diffi cult spell late in the dicious stroke-play. evening session against the Captain Dimuth Karu- new ball, though South Africa naratne raced to 22 from 20 aided them by not attacking balls before he played the ball the stumps enough. onto his own stumps off Lun- The tourists won the toss gi Ngidi (1-54), while Kusal and elected to bat, recover- Mendis tried to pull Anrich ing from a poor start that was Nortje (1-60), but was beaten largely self-infl icted to seize for pace and looped a catch to the initiative on a wicket with Ngidi at mid-on. plenty of bounce that is likely Kusal Perera then chased a to become uneven as they Test ball that was far too wide from goes on. Mulder and was caught by Chandimal’s bright innings wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock of 85 came to an end when for 16. home seamer Wiaan Mulder But Sri Lanka eff ectively (3-68) got the ball to leap added another 230 runs before spitefully off a length, clipping losing another wicket when his glove and fl ying to Faf du Chandimal fell, and Mulder Plessis in a second slip posi- then removed Dickwella for tion. a well played 49, and seamer He had put on 99 with Niro- Lutho Sipamla (1-68) bowled shan Dickwella, and was in- fellow debutant Wanindu volved in a stand of 131 runs in Hasaranga (18). just 34.1 overs with the excel- “The guys aren’t happy lent De Silva, who retired hurt with the performance, we are on 79 from 105 balls having a young team and they are punished the home side’s in- coming together as we go. We consistent line. improved as the day went on,” De Silva was in complete Mulder said. control at the crease but suf- “Tomorrow will be a mas- fered a hip injury as he jogged sive day for us in this test through for a comfortable sin- match and we will have to gle, dropping to the fl oor at the come out fi ghting. end of the run in obvious dis- “There was a lot in the wick- comfort. et up front and the talk was to India’s Jasprit Bumrah (L) appeals successfully “We were thinking 280 plus hit the top of off -stump, but for the wicket of Australia’s (R) on the as a score in the fi rst innings, we bowled too short and didn’t first day of the second Test match at the MCG in so 340 is surprising everyone execute (our plans) and they Melbourne yesterday. in our team,” Chandimal told got away from us.”

AFP MELBOURNE SCORECARD 12 before he too fell to Siraj, then an excel- CENTURION SCORECARD lent catch by Hanuma Vihari off Ashwin Melbourne Sri Lanka, first innings (2w), Mulder 18-3-68-3 (3nb), India first innings C. Green lbw b Siraj ...... 12 accounted for Paine (13). D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 22 Maharaj 19-3-74-0 M. Agarwal lbw b Starc ...... 0 T. Paine c Vihari b Ashwin ...... 13 hit a cameo 20 but Aus- K. Perera c De Kock b Mulder .....16 To bat: V. Fernando, L. Kumara resilient India bounced back S. Gill not out ...... 28 M. Starc c Siraj b Bumrah ...... 7 tralia’s tail otherwise failed to wag. K. Mendis c Ngidi b Nortje ...... 12 from their embarrassing fi rst C. Pujara not out ...... 7 P. Cummins c Siraj b Jadeja ...... 9 “We had probably three innocuous dis- D. Chandimal c Du Plessis b South Africa: Q. de Kock, D. Elgar, Test debacle to bundle out Aus- Extras (nb1) 1 N. Lyon lbw b Bumrah ...... 20 missals that we probably didn’t need to, Mulder ...... 85 A. Markram, H. van der Dussen, F. A D. de Silva retired hurt ...... 79 du Plessis, T. Bavuma, W. Mulder, tralia for just 195 and take a grip Total (one wicket, 11 overs) 36 J. Hazlewood not out ...... 4 frustrating dismissals and they were guys N. Dickwella lbw b Mulder ...... 49 K. Maharaj, A. Nortje, L. Sipamla, on the second Test in Melbourne after a To bat: Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Extras (b10, nb3, w1) 14 who were set and in,” said Labuschagne. D. Shanaka not out ...... 25 L. Ngidi riveting opening day yesterday. , Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Total (10 wickets, 72.3 overs) 195 “Just need to be better there ... that W. Hasaranga b Sipamla ...... 18 After their horror show in Adelaide last Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Burns), 2-35 (Wade), whoever gets in on the day, whether my- K. Rajitha not out ...... 7 Match situation: Sri Lanka are week, where they lost by eight wickets af- Jasprit Bumrah 3-38 (Smith), 4-124 (Head), 5-134 (La- self or anyone else in the top order, we Extras (b8, lb8, nb5, w6) 27 340 for six wickets in the first ter being skittled for 36 in their second in- Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal) buschagne), 6-155 (Green). 7-155 (Paine), make sure we get big scores.” Total (6 wkts, 85 overs) 340 innings nings, the tourists were desperate to start Bowling: Starc 4-2-14-1, Cummins 4-1-14-0, 8-164 (Starc), 9-191 (Lyon), 10-195 (Cum- But he added: “I think we’re (still) in the Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Karu- Toss: Sri Lanka well. Hazlewood 2-0-2-0, Lyon 1-0-6-0 mins) game.” naratne), 2-54 (Mendis), 3-54 Umpires: Marais Erasmus, Adrian (Perera), 4-284 (Chandimal), 5-296 Holdstock (both RSA) And they delivered after Australian Australia first innings Bowling: Bumrah 16-4-56-4, Yadev 12-2- With still injured, the (Dickwella), 6-320 (Hasaranga) TV umpire: Allahudien Paleker captain won the toss and chose J. Burns c Pant b Bumrah ...... 0 39-0, Ashwin 24-7-35-3, Jadeja 5.3-1-15-1, hosts went into the clash unchanged, with Bowling: Ngidi 16-2-54-1, Sipamla (RSA) to bat in front of 27,615 socially-distanced M. Wade c Jadeja b Ashwin ...... 30 Siraj 15-4-40-2 Burns opening alongside Wade. 14-1-68-1 (2nb), Nortje 18-3-60-1 Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zim) fans, just short of the maximum allowed M. Labuschagne c Gill b Siraj ...... 48 Toss: Australia Burns hit an unbeaten 51 in Adelaide under coronavirus restrictions at the Mel- S. Smith c Pujara b Ashwin ...... 0 Umpires: Paul Reiff el (AUS), Bruce Oxen- to relieve some pressure after a long lean bourne Cricket Ground. T. Head c Rahane b Bumrah ...... 38 ford (AUS spell, but his performance yesterday will On a pitch off ering turn and bounce, the once more raise questions over his place hosts found it hard going against a high- in the team. quality attack led by Jasprit Bumrah (4- buschagne but otherwise looked comfort- With Ajinkya Rahane captaining the He looked tentative against Bumrah and 56), Ravi Ashwin (3-35) and the impressive able, smacking fi ve boundaries to reach 28 side in place of , who has re- got a nick to a he should have left. Mohamed Siraj (2-40), making his debut and help steer India to 36 for one at close turned home for the birth of his fi rst child, At the other end, Wade had an escape for the injured Mohamed Shami. with the experienced India got off to a perfect start, getting on four but started fi nding the gaps before Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with unbeaten on seven. Burns (0), (30) and Smith attempting a big hit off Ashwin, which 48 but that was as good as it got. “In the fi rst session we were just trying (0) before lunch. proved his downfall for 30. It left Indian openers Shubman Gill, to bowl in the rights areas,” said Bumrah, It left Australia in trouble but La- Ravindra Jadeja took the catch, but only also on debut, and Mayank Agarwal need- who praised Siraj for “bowling his heart buschagne rode his luck, surviving two re- just with Gill also underneath it. The pair ing to negotiate 40 minutes at the end of out”. He added that the plan was for the view decisions, to lead a recovery, putting collided but Jadeja managed to hang on. the day. batsmen to be positive, rather than con- on 86 with (38). Labuschagne Ashwin then claimed the crucial scalp Agarwal was not up to the task, trapped servative. looked set for a ninth half-century but a of Smith, who was undone by an off -break lbw by a inswinger in the “We’re just looking to control the con- brilliant catch by Gill ended his vigil and with Pujara holding a catch at leg slip after fi rst over. trollables, not being reckless but being handed Siraj his fi rst Test wicket. the world’s top batsman faced just eight Gill was dropped on fi ve by La- confi dent.” Allrounder Cameron Green ground out balls.

BOTTOMLINE S African cricketers raise fi sts in anti-racism gesture

AFP continuing to fi ght for equality, justice and Centurion, South Africa freedom, while also honouring the religious and cultural responsibilities of every mem- ber of our team.” outh African players raised their The statement noted that the raised fi st fi sts yesterday in an anti-racism had a long history within the Civil Rights Sgesture at the start of their two-Test movement, which included the gesture series against Sri Lanka at Super- by American sprinters Tommie Smith and Sport Park in Centurion, in support of the John Carlos during a medal ceremony at the Black Lives Matter movement. 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. The team issued a statement that said the “We recognise the historical and political players had on multiple occasions declared connotations of the raised fi st as a gesture their support for the campaign against of George Floyd in the United States earlier our own history, as expressed in the iconic of ongoing solidarity in the fi ght for racial racial injustice and “wanted to own our in the year. The statement said the decision images of Nelson and Winnie Mandela on justice and anti-racism work. So, we stand journey”. The players were criticised for to show a raised fi st was reached “through a Mandela’s release from prison in 1990. In together and raise our fi sts as a gesture of not “taking a knee” ahead of a recent se- process of deep democracy” to be appropri- this context it was a powerful gesture of solidarity and commitment to continuing ries against England as had been done by ate in a South African context. triumph, an acknowledgment of the strug- the work of pursuing racial justice in our Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella (L) and Dinesh Chandimal (R) other sporting teams following the death “The raised fi st is a powerful gesture in gle against apartheid, and a commitment to lifetimes.” during a drinks break at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday.