SPORT Sunday 9 December 2018 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10 India take control Al Sulaiti, Jassim with wickets, steal the show runs on day three with double wins in Adelaide in first round Qatar to flag off FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies next year

RIZWAN REHMAT The eight-stop championship will visit THE 2019 FIA WORLD CUP FOR THE PENINSULA the UAE, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Poland, CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES Jordan and Portugal where the series will CALENDAR: The 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country conclude on October 26. Rallies will start in Qatar next year, the Qatar will also serve as the starting point February 21-26: Manateq Qatar world governing body has confirmed. for the FIA Middle East Rally Championship Cross-Country Rally, Qatar The five-stop championship will start (MERC) in March next year. March 30 - April 04: Abu Dhabi with the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally The Qatar International Rally will be Desert Challenge, the UAE from Feb 21 to 26, according to details held from March 14 to 16, according to the May 05-11: Turkmen Desert Race, posted on the FIA website. FIA list of events posted on the official Turkmenistan In recent years, the Qatar leg of the website. Mat 26 - June 01: Rally hugely popular series was held in April as Two-time Dakar Rally champion Nasser Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan the fourth round of the championship - by Saleh Al Attiyah is expected to headline both October 04-08: Rallye du Maroc, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation events in Qatar - the Manateq Qatar Cross- Morocco (QMMF). Country Rally and the Qatar International The calendar has been finalised at the Rally. THE 2019 FIA WORLD CUP during the FIA Council Meetings in Saint- Jordan will host the second round (April FOR CROSS-COUNTRY BAJAS Petersburg, Russia, over the week. 25-27) while the championship moves to The week-long FIA General Assembly Lebanon for the third round (August CALENDAR: meetings were attended by QMMF Pres- 30-September 01). February 14-17: Baja Russia- ident Abdulrahman Al Mannai and QMMF Cyprus (September 27-29) and Kuwait Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Northern Forest Russia Secretary General Abdul Razzaq Al (October 31-November 2) will be the hosts Mannai (left) and QMMF Secretary General Abdul Razzaq Al Kuwari (right) pose March 07-09: Dubai Baja, UAE Kuwari. of the last two rounds of the five-stop for a photograph with FIA President Jean Todt during the FIA Council Meeting June 20-23: Italian Baja, Italy “The meetings were very good,” Al championship. held in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Mannai, who returned from Russia yes- July 25-28: Baja España Aragón, terday, said. Al Mannai met with FIA Pres- Spain The Annual General Assembly is the largest ident Jean Todt and members of the mot- August 08-11: Hungarian Baja, and most important gathering in the orsport family. Hungary “We look forward to the opening round FIA’s calendar, the Assembly being the August 29 - September 01: Baja in Qatar. Our goal is to organise a top event Federation’s supreme body. Bringing Poland, Poland as usual,” he added. together the FIA President and Vice- September 19-21: Jordan Baja, Presidents with representatives of all “We will see how this event develops Jordan FIA regions, as well as delegates from further in the future. I think that there are October 24-26: Baja Portalegre across the Federation’s member clubs, more countries that will enter the champi- 500, Portugal onship in the future,” he said. the week-long programme of meetings is where key decisions affecting every The second round of the championship THE 2019 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY region are taken. will be held in the UAE from March 30 to CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR: April 4. The third round will be staged in Turk- Aside from approving reports and hearing of recent developments within March 14-16: Qatar International menistan (May 5-11) while the second-last Rally, Qatar round will move to Kazakhstan (May the FIQ, the Annual General Assembly April 25-27: Jordan Rally, Jordan 26-June 1). also hosts meetings of the World Council August 30 - September 01: Rally The fifth in final round will be held in for Automobile, Mobility and Tourism, to of Lebanon, Lebanon Morocco with the Rallye du Maroc (Oct 4-8). deal with non-sporting activities, and September 27-29: The Cyprus The FIA also announced the 2019 FIA the World Motor Sport Council, which Qatar's rally star Nasser World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. rules on all sporting matters, including Rally, Cyprus Saleh Al Attiyah in action in The 2019 championship will kick off In the ratification of international sporting October 31 - November 02: Russia with the Baja Russia-Northern Forest calendars. this file photo. Kuwait International Rally, Kuwait event from February 14-17. Al Balooshi shines for Al Arabi as Tiberkanine brace helps Al Sailiya

THE PENINSULA DOHA the area and nipped in between two defenders to tuck a header inside the near Qatari striker Fahad Al post. Balooshi scored twice (27, 36) Abdulqadir Ilyas nearly before Mohammed Salah El added another just before the Neel netted a third (53) as Al Al Arabi’s Qatari break, but his athletic volley Arabi stormed to a 3-0 win striker Fahad struck the post. over Umm Salal in their QNB Al Balooshi Within minutes of restart, Qatar Football Association (QFA) Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari Stars League (QSL) match (left) celebrates Tiberkanine was quick to (left) submitting the documents for the candidacy of Saud Al Mohannadi, yesterday. after scoring double Al Sailiya’s lead, Vice-President of AFC and QFA, for the AFC elections. At the Al Gharafa Stadium, his second goal thanks to his natural pred- the deadlock was broken against Umm atory instinct. With the ball midway through the first half Salal during falling inside the box after a QFA submits Al Mohannadi’s with a quick counter-attack the QNB Stars scramble, he reacted quickest that caught Umm Salal off League match to poke it home with his right guard. Some slick play played at the Al boot from eight yards. Al Khor candidature for AFC elections between Franco Hurtado and Gharafa Stadium grew into the game immedi- El Neel resulted in a perfectly- yesterday. ately and had multiple THE PENINSULA weighted through ball for the chances denied by some last- KUALA LUMPUR onrushing Al Balooshi to gasp heroics from opposition smash home from the edge of Jawad Ahnash saw his Tiberkanine scored in the goalkeeper Saoud Al Khater. Qatar Football Association (QFA) Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari the penalty area. poorly-executed back pass 14th and 48th minutes before Following some heavy yesterday presented the candidature of Saud Al Mohannadi, Vice-Pres- Ten minutes later, they being intercepted by El Neel, Al Khor grabbed a consolation pressing, Al Khor were pro- ident of AFC and QFA, for the AFC elections to be held next year. increased their advantage who rounded the goalkeeper penalty goal through Wagner vided with a lifeline after a After submitting the papers, Al Ansari held a meeting with Dato’ when Diego Jardel whipped to send the ball into an empty Ferreira in the 79th. penalty was awarded when Windsor John, Secretary General of AFC, and discussed matters of mutual in a corner from the left and net and seal all three points With a rapid start to the Mostafa Hamid wrestled interest to develop the game around Asia. Al Balooshi outjumped his for Al Arabi. game from both sides, it was Diogo to the ground. Wagner During the meeting, Al Ansari also discussed issues relating to Qatar’s marker at the near post to Earlier, at the Al Khor inevitable that an early goal stepped up to drive his penalty participation at next month’s Asian Cup to be held in the UAE. power home. Stadium yesterday, a brilliant was on the cards and Al hard into the top right-hand Matters relating to Qatari delegations - that includes media and fans The game was effectively brace by Moroccan star Sailiya made the perfect start, corner. - heading to the UAE for the January 5-February 1 event were also over not long after the second Rachid Tiberkanine helped Al thanks to talisman While applying further discussed. half started when following a Sailiya clinch an entertaining Tiberkanine. pressure Al Khor’s hopes were Qatar are in Group E with Lebanon, North Korea and Saudi Arabia. double whammy of defensive 2-1 away win against the He responded well to a in vain, with Al Sailiya holding errors. hosts. looped cross from the left of on to win all three points. 08 SPORT SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2018

SCOREBOARD India (I innings) ...... 250 Australia (I innings) A Finch b Sharma ...... 0 M Harris c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 26 India take control with wickets, U Khawaja c Pant b Ashwin ...... 28 S Marsh b Ashwin ...... 2 P Handscomb c Pant b Bumrah ...... 34 T Head c Pant b Shami ...... 72 T Paine c Pant b Sharma ...... 5 P Cummins lbw b Bumrah ...... 10 runs on day three in Adelaide M Starc c Pant b Bumrah ...... 15 N Lyon not out ...... 24 J Hazlewood c Pant b Shami ...... 0 Extras (LB10, B6, NB2, W1)...... 19 Total: (10 wkts) ...... 235 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-45, 3-59, 4-87, 5-120, 6-127, 7-177, 8-204, 9-235, 10-235 Bowling: Sharma 20-6-47-2, Bumrah 24-9- 47-3, Shami 16.4-6-58-2, Ashwin 34-9-57-3, Vijay 4-1-10-0 India (II innings) K L Rahul c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 44 M Vijay c Handscomb b Starc ...... 18 C Pujara not out ...... 40 V Kohli c Finch b Lyon ...... 34 A Rahane not out ...... 1 Extras (B2, LB12) ...... 14 Total: (3 wkts) ...... 151 To bat: Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravi Ash- win, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jas- prit Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-76, 3-147 Bowling: Starc 10-3-18-1, Hazlewood 16-9- 25-1, Cummins 11-4-33-0, Lyon 22-3-48-1, Head 2-0-13-0

Langer rebuffs Tendulkar’s Australia’s batsman Nathan Lyon avoids a bouncer from India’s fast bowler criticism of Rohit Sharma during day three of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval yesterday. defensive

AFP favour,” said Indian paceman of wickets and put them under a big edge and he was caught a quick end, with the final wicket batting ADELAIDE Jasprit Bumrah. pressure. I think the bowlers did behind for 44 by Tim Paine. falling next ball. “The late wicket was a good a wonderful job to contain and The unflappable Pujara cru- After two days of stifling hot AFP India built a 166-run lead over thing for them and the first continue to put pressure on them cially survived two decisions by weather, play began 45 minutes ADELAIDE Australia on the third day of an session tomorrow will be very tonight.” the umpire giving him out, with late in gloomy conditions, with absorbing opening Test in important. If we capitalise on India got off to a solid start, both reversed on review in a the Adelaide Oval lights on. Coach Justin Langer yesterday Adelaide yesterday with dan- that it will leave us in a very good with KL Rahul and Murali Vijay cruel blow to Australia. It only lasted 3.4 overs before rebuffed criticism from Sachin german Cheteshwar Pujara not place in this match.” enjoying a 63-run partnership. In the first, he was initially the drizzle began again and the Tendulkar that Australia’s out 40, although the late wicket He added that Pujara was Both failed to fire in the first dismissed caught behind off umpires called them off after batting was too defensive, and of master batsman Virat Kohli key. innings and are battling for one Lyon on eight, and in the second Starc was caught behind for 15 complained that if his team cel- gave the home team a glimmer “He’s showed a lot of opener’s spot once the injured was adjudged out lbw, also to by Rishabh Pant, getting an edge ebrated like Virat Kohli they of hope. patience and that is the key Prithvi Shaw is fit again. Lyon, on 17. to a Bumrah delivery. would be seen as “the worst At stumps, the visitors were element in Test cricket. A great On a difficult batting track, The prolific Kohli, who Play resumed after an hour blokes in the world”. 151-3, adding to their first innings knock and hopefully he con- Josh Hazlewood bowled four emerged to boos from a section with Lyon accompanying Head, Australia ended day two of total of 250. Ajinkya Rahane was tinues tomorrow.” straight maidens to keep them of the crowd, shunned his who looked on track to better his the opening Test against India not out one, alongside Pujara Australia were dismissed for contained before they began trademark flamboyance to grind previous best Test score against in Adelaide on Friday 191-7, with who scored a gritty first innings 235 just before lunch, with Travis finding their range. Rahul hit a out runs before jabbing at a short Pakistan in October before only Travis Head offering some century. Head top scoring on 72 on a day big six off Pat Cummins as the ball from Lyon and Aaron Finch prodding at a Mohammed Shami serious resistence. It was looking ominous for hit by rain delays, leaving them pair grew in confidence and they took an easy catch. On the way, ball. Superstar Tendulkar Australia with Kohli and Pujara 15 runs adrift. were racing along before he reached another milestone, Hazlewood padded up but tweeted that “the defensive compiling a 71-run third-wicket Batting in front of his home Mitchell Starc enticed Vijay into joining a select few Indians -- was gone for a golden duck, mindset by the Australian partnership, but spinner Nathan crowd, Head said he was disap- nicking an attempted drive to including Sachin Tendulkar and again to the Shami-Pant combi- batsmen at home is something Lyon got a massive breakthrough pointed to not add more runs but Peter Handscomb in the slips and Rahul Dravid -- to score 1,000 nation, leaving Lyon unbeaten I’ve not seen before in my when he snared the Indian believed the game was “evenly he was out for 18. Test runs in Australia. on 24. experience”. skipper for 34 near the close of poised”. Rahul played some auda- Earlier, Australia added just For India, Ravichandran Langer told his players not play. “It’ll be a big first hour cious strokes before a loose shot 44 runs to their overnight 191-7 Ashwin finished with 3-57 and to let the sledge get under their “I think it’s slightly in our tomorrow, if we can get a couple to a Josh Hazlewood ball found with Head’s dismissal signalling Bumrah had 3-47. skin, and said it was a different era when Tendulkar played against Australia, who then boosted a far more experienced West Indies seek to end ODI line-up. “The teams that Sachin India’s wicket- would have played against keeper series drought in Bangladesh started with Allan Border and Rishabh David Boon, and Steve Waugh Pant is about and Mark Waugh, and Ricky to dismiss AFP 2014 when they beat Bangladesh 3-0 at home. Ponting,” he told Fox Sports. Australia’s DHAKA They have since lost 11 series and drew against “Guys that had great Test batsman Josh minnows Afghanistan last year. match experience and they Hazlewood The West Indies are looking to end their four-year The streak includes a 2-1 loss to Bangladesh knew their game, were com- in Adelaide wait for a one-day international series win when in July at home and a 3-1 loss to India in October. fortable in their own skin and yesterday. they take on hosts Bangladesh starting today. Powell, who will be leading the side in the they knew what to expect,” Stand-in skipper Rovman Powell said winning absence of the injured Jason Holder, said the Test Langer said. the three-match series in Bangladesh would give defeats to Bangladesh are in the past. “Whereas we’ve got a team his side the perfect boost ahead of the World Cup “We are focused on white-ball cricket. (The) at the moment who are very next year, for which they had to qualify after failing guys are motivated and upbeat and hopefully we inexperienced in Test match to secure one of the eight automatic berths. can get best possible result,” he said. cricket, particularly our batting “We haven’t won an ODI series in a long time,” “Both teams have good spinners, fast bowlers side.” Powell told reporters yestreday ahead of the first and batters. It will be a very competitive series.” He added that his team was game in Dhaka. Bangladesh have been boosted by the return “fighting their backsides off”. “The guys are upbeat and raring to go. No of batsman Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib “We have to be patient with better opportunity to change it in Bangladesh.” Al Hasan, who both missed the ODI series against them. You can’t give these guys “It will be good to get the series win under our Zimbabwe in October because of injury. 30 or 50 matches of Test match belt” before the World Cup, Powell added. Shakib played in the Tests against the West experience. They have to earn The West Indies were humiliated by Bang- Indies and was named man-of-the-series, while it.” ladesh in the preceding Test series, with the home Tamim showcased his abilities with a blistering In the wake of a scathing side wrapping up both matches inside three days. 107 off 73 balls in Thursday’s 51-run warm-up review into the ball-tampering The Caribbean side last won an ODI series in match win over the visitors. this year, which slammed the team for its win-at-all-costs culture, Australia is also con- scious that it needs to tone its infamous abrasive attitude on Stokes, Hales available for England after court case the field of play. Langer conceded their AP fined £17,500 ($22,250), of which £10,000 after the players, Stokes made his first for the incident outside the nightclub and behaviour was under scrutiny LONDON ($12,700) was suspended. public apology for his role in the fight. another two for filming what the ECB in Adelaide, where combative The pair was involved in a street brawl “I regret the incident ever happened described as an “inappropriate video” on and vocal Indian skipper Virat Ben Stokes and Alex Hales remain eligible outside a Bristol nightclub in September and I apologize to England supporters and social media. Kohli has enthusiastically cele- for selection for England’s cricket team 2017, hours after a one-day international to the public for bringing the game into Hales, an opening batsman, was with brated Australian wickets. after receiving sanctions on Friday for against the West Indies. disrepute,” he said. “I want to say thank Stokes at the time of the incident in Bristol. He said there was a fine line bringing the game into disrepute following Stokes, one of the world’s most high- you to everyone who has supported me “There is no doubt I fell below the high between celebration and going their involvement in a brawl outside a profile players and arguably its best all- throughout this process. standards expected of an international over the top and if his team nightclub last year. rounder, denied a charge of affray, saying “This incident has been a huge burden sportsman,” Hales said. acted like Kohli in the current Stokes was handed a backdated eight- he was acting in self-defense when he for the last 15 months. I am relieved to get “...and that was the reason for my environment “we’d be the worst match England ban, and all of those games knocked out two men. back to playing the game that I love decision to admit the charges and accept blokes in the world”. are deemed to have been served. He was He was cleared following a seven-day without this hanging over me. Although the punishment handed down. “It’s a fine line, isn’t it? also fined £30,000 ($38,000). trial at Bristol Crown Court last month. the disciplinary process is over, I have “I sincerely apologize for putting That’s the truth of it,” Langer Hales was banned for six matches in Hales was not charged. learned lessons that will stay with me for myself in a position which allowed these told reporters. white-ball cricket, with two already Soon after the England and Wales much longer.” very regrettable incidents to happen,” he “But I love seeing the served and four suspended. He was also Cricket Board announced the sanctions Stokes received a ban of six matches added. passion,” said Langer. SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

ACTION AROUND THE WORLD Arthur calls on beaten December 8-31 Today CRICKET: Australia vs India at Adelaide, 1st Test, Bangladesh vs West Indies at Dhaka, 1st ODI Pakistan to toughen up GOLF: EPGA at South African Open, Johannesburg; USPGA at Naples, Florida RUGBY UNION: European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, pool AFP all 10 wickets on the final day six Pakistani matches ABU DHABI times since Arthur joined in May FIGURE SKATING: Grand Prix of Figure skating final in Vancouver captain 2016. ALPINE SKIING: Men’s World Cup at Val d’Isere; Women’s World Sarfraz Disgruntled coach Mickey Arthur Apart from the three occa- Cup at St. Moritz Ahmed reacts demanded his players toughen sions in Abu Dhabi -- against Sri FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India as he leaves up and seize key moments in Lanka last year and twice against the pitch after Test matches after sloppy batting New Zealand in this series -- Monday, December 10 his dismissal handed New Zealand an away they also collapsed at Bir- CRICKET: Australia vs India at Adelaide, 1st Test during the series win over Pakistan for the minghm, Hamilton and Mel- GOLF: EPGA at South African Open, Johannesburg last day of first time in 49 years. bourne -- all in 2016. the third and New Zealand pulled off a Arthur said he backs his Tuesday, December 11 final Test come-from-behind 123-run players, especially under-fire FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League group stages, matchday six against New victory in the third and final Test senior batsmen Azhar Ali and CRICKET: Bangladesh vs West Indies at Dhaka, 2nd ODI Zealand at the in Abu Dhabi on Friday to end Asad Shafiq. SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), Sheikh Zayed their long wait for a 2-1 series “The quality is there as they Hangzhou, China International win. are the best players in Pakistan FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India Cricket Pakistan had dismissed the who are working very very hard Stadium in Kiwis for 153 in the first innings and I back them to the hilt,” said Wednesday, December 12 Abu Dhabi on of the first Test in Abu Dhabi Arthur. “But we need to be FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League group stages, matchday six; Friday. only to lose by a narrow four- tougher in the crucial moments FIFA Club World Cup first round, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates run margin. and that comes to us grabbing SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), Pakistan bounced back by moments and being tough and Hangzhou, China winning the second Test in we could not do this in this series FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India Dubai by an innings and four which is disappointing.” runs but again failed to build a He added: “I will defend Thursday, December 13 sizeable lead in the first innings Asad and Azhar to the hilt. Asad FOOTBALL: UEFA Europa League group stages, matchday six of the third Test, a fact Arthur is a wonderful player. I rate him GOLF: PGA European Tour, Alfred Dunhill Championships, Leopard believes cost them the series. very highly and I still feel his best Creek, South Africa “We missed opportunities days are ahead of him.” SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), and despite winning most of the Arthur now hopes Pakistan Hangzhou, China sessions in the two losses we can do well in South Africa, a FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India could not grab the moments to country where they have won force a win,” Pakistan coach only two Tests and were Friday, December 14 Arthur said. “It was our series to thrashed 3-0 on their last tour CRICKET: Australia vs India at Perth, 2nd Test; New Zealand v Sri Lanka win but we ended up as the in 2013. at Wellington, 1st Test, Bangladesh v West Indies at Sylhet, 3rd ODI losing side and that’s highly “I reckon we can go to South GOLF: PGA European Tour, Alfred Dunhill Championships, Leopard disappointing.” Africa and do well,” said Arthur. Creek, South Africa Arthur said Pakistan not “I believe and trust in these SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), gaining big leads in the first and players, we have got some very Hangzhou, China third Tests was crucial. talented cricketers and some FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India “We have to have a look at good young players. We need to CYCLING: UCI Track Cycling World Cup, London, England our batting on the last day and nail down our good positions that is tough in the UAE,” said which we are not doing and Saturday, December 15 Arthur. Pakistan lost all 10 that’s the problem area.” CRICKET: Australia vs India at Perth, 2nd Test, New Zealand v Sri wickets on the final day in both The first of three Tests starts Lanka at Wellington, 1st Test the defeats. They have now lost in Centurion from December 26. GOLF: PGA European Tour, Alfred Dunhill Championships, Leopard Creek, South Africa SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), Hangzhou, China SLC board FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India The ability to bounce back CYCLING: UCI Track Cycling World Cup, London, England appoints Rixon as new Sunday, December 16 ‘key for NZ going forward’ CRICKET: Australia vs India at Perth, 2nd Test, New Zealand vs Sri fielding coach Lanka at Wellington, 1st Test GOLF: PGA European Tour, Alfred Dunhill Championships, Leopard REUTERS inexperienced players who “I was so emotional after the Creek, South Africa WELLINGTON really stepped up... is something game because it’s been such a AFP SWIMMING: FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), we’ll look back on and be really long road,” the 34-year-old said COLOMBO Hangzhou, China New Zealand’s fightback from proud of, and hopefully that yesterday. FIELD HOCKEY: Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar, India a demoralising second Test helps our progression.” “I can’t wait to see the kids Struggling Sri Lanka yes- CYCLING: UCI Track Cycling World Cup, London, England defeat to clinch the third match, Williamson’s side arrived in and give the wife a hug and all terday announced the and first away series victory the UAE for the tour, which was of that stuff, because the sacri- appointment of former Aus- Monday, December 17 over Pakistan in almost 50 also coach Gary Stead’s first in fices they have made for me tralian cricketer Steve Rixon CRICKET: Australia vs India at Perth, 2nd Test, New Zealand vs Sri years, will help the team charge, with an untested look have been amazing and I’m as their fielding coach, in a Lanka at Wellington, 1st Test, Bangladesh vs West Indies at Sylhet, progress, captain Kane Wil- about their slow bowlers, with extremely grateful. bid to boost preparations for 1st T20I liamson has said. left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel and “It still feels like a dream, I’m the World Cup next year. New Zealand beat Pakistan late call-up offspinner Will still pinching myself, I’m just so The 64-year-old will Tuesday, December 18 by 123 runs in Abu Dhabi on Somerville both uncapped at test incredibly proud.” begin his new assignment CRICKET: Australia vs India at Perth, 2nd Test, New Zealand vs Sri Friday to clinch a 2-1 series level. Williamson singled out the later this month and join the Lanka at Wellington, 1st Test victory, their first away to The 30-year-old Patel made two slow bowlers for praise, team in New Zealand where, Pakistan since 1969, just days his debut in the first Test and despite the fact his own second- starting December 15, Sri Wednesday, December 19 after they had been hammered finished man of the match with innings century enabled New Lanka are scheduled to play CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Wellington, 1st Test in the second match in Dubai by second-innings figures of five Zealand to set a victory target two Tests, three one-day an innings and 16 runs. for 59 that helped his side win of 280 on the final day in Abu internationals and one Thursday, December 20 “To bounce back (and) to put the game by four runs. Dhabi. Twenty20. CRICKET: Bangladesh vs West Indies at Dhaka, 2nd ODI out a performance that we’re Somerville, who was “For those guys to come They will later play two very much proud of... to come working as an accountant in over here and show their expe- Tests in Australia from Saturday, December 22 away with the win against a very Sydney before he decided to rience and perform the way they January 24. FOOTBALL: Final of Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi strong side like Pakistan, is a give his cricket career another did was massive for us getting “We are happy to CRICKET: Bangladesh vs West Indies at Dhaka, 3rd T20I (day/night) great game that guys will shot, moved back to New across the line,” he said. welcome Steve into the remember forever,” Williamson Zealand earlier this year. Williamson’s side arrive team,” Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Wednesday, December 26 said. He made his debut in the back in New Zealand today Ashley de Silva said. “I am CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Christchurch, 2nd Test; Aus- “(But) to stay with it... third game in the UAE this week ahead of two Tests against Sri sure he will be able to help tralia v India at Melbourne, 3rd Test; South Africa vs Pakistan at Cen- throughout the three weeks, where he had match figures of Lanka, the first starting in Wel- the team moving forward, turion, 1st Test with some relatively seven for 127. lington on December 15. with his expertise in the area RACING: King George VI Chase at Kempton of fielding which is a vital New Zealand captain Kane component of the game.” Thursday, December 27 Williamson (right) greets De Silva said Rixon will CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Christchurch, 2nd Test; Aus- Henry Nicholls as they leave work with the national team tralia vs India at Melbourne, 3rd Test; South Africa vs Pakistan at the pitch at the Sheikh Zayed until the end of the 2019 Centurion, 1st Test International Cricket Stadium World Cup. in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Sri Lanka have been Friday, December 28 struggling for form recently, CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Christchurch, 2nd Test; Aus- losing the home ODI and Test tralia vs India at Melbourne, 3rd Test; South Africa vs Pakistan at series to England. Centurion, 1st Test They have also been hit by crisis off the field. Saturday, December 29 Bowling coach Nuwan CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Christchurch, 2nd Test; Aus- Zoysa was suspended by the tralia vs India at Melbourne, 3rd Test; South Africa vs Pakistan at Cen- International Cricket Council turion, 1st Test in October after he was TENNIS: Hopman Cup men and women team event, Perth accused of match-fixing and other “corrupt conduct”. Sunday, December 30 Earlier that month, CRICKET: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Christchurch, 2nd Test (ends); former captain Sanath Jayas- Australia vs India at Melbourne, 3rd Test; South Africa vs Pakistan at uriya was charged for failing Centurion, 1st Test to cooperate with a match- TENNIS: Hopman Cup men and women team event, Perth; WTA at fixing probe and concealing Shenzhen information. The country recently sought help from Monday, December 31 neighbouring India to draft TENNIS: Hopman Cup men and women team event, Perth; ATP at laws to combat cheating in Doha, Brisbane and Pune; WTA at Shenzhen, Auckland and Brisbane the game. 10 SPORT SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2018 River Plate fan starts 15-hour

Minister of Culture trek, instead of and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem short drive Al Ali poses for a photograph AFP with the podium DOHA winners of the Qatar Superstock If Qatar’s bid to host the rescheduled Copa 600, Race 1, Libertadores final had been successful, River Qatari riders Plate fanatic Javier Maluf would have had a Saeed Al Sulaiti gentle 10-minute drive to see his heroes play. (second, left), Instead, last evening, he and his family will Mishal Al Naimi begin a 14,200-kilometre, 15-hour round trip and Hungarian dash to Madrid -- and stay there for just 24 rider Balint Kovacs hours -- as well as spend around $2,500 just to (right) during see his side face bitter local rivals Boca Juniors. the presentation “It is worth it,” insisted Maluf. “It is worth it ceremony at the to go 24 hours to see a match.” Losail International He will travel with wife, Gabriela Marchetto, Circuit yesterday. son Nicolas and meet his London-based daughter Mariana in the Spanish capital. The Malufs will be just a small part of an army of thousands of Argentinian fans expected to descend on Madrid this weekend. “We are planning to leave tonight, arrive Al Sulaiti, Jassim steal the show there about 7.30 in the morning. “I am going to meet a friend of mine, who was my boss in Argentina, who is a River Plate fan. The second leg of the Copa Libertadores, with double wins in first round the most prestigious prize in South American club football, has been switched to Real Madrid’s THE PENINSULA the third lap in turn 10, bike before the start of the maintain a good gap with was very good and the prep- Santiago Bernabeu stadium following the violent DOHA managed to rejoin the race race. the group behind, so I aration in the off season is scenes which marred the sides’ 2-2 first leg and finished in sixth place. Al Qubaisi took the lead decided not to push too working very well. I did my draw in Argentina last month. Qatari rider Saeed Al Sulaiti In the QSTK Trophy, of the second race during the much and stay in the bike best lap time today, 2.07.9 After Boca’s bus was attacked with “pepper produced an incredible Jassim Al Thani, who finished first fourth laps with Al Naimi and finish the race.” and that is very good. In the spray, sticks and stones”, by River fans on the performance at the opening fourth overall, took the in his back. But in the fifth “Before the second race, first race I was battling in the way to the stadium Boca players were hospi- round of the Qatar Super- victory in his category. Al lap, Al Sulaiti overtook them during the sighting lap, I front with the QSTK riders talised as the biggest game in South American stock 600, winning both Thani, who started in fifth and stayed in the front until noticed I didn’t have enough and finished fourth overall club football history descended into disgrace. races of the weekend at the place on the grid, had a great the end of the race. Al grip and I lost the rear and and in the second race, I was Maluf, 52, describes the violence as “very Losail International Circuit performance and for some Qubaisi came second and Al did a highside. It was a big a bit tired but managed to embarrassing”. yesterday. laps, he was in third place in Naimi third in the podium. crash, I hurt my toe and create a gap and also finish In the immediate aftermath, South American In the first race, Al Sulaiti, the front. Kuwaiti riders Al Thani once again came back to the pit to fix my first in my category.” football federation CONMEBOL ruled the match who started in the polo Mohammed Al Zaidan and secured the win in QSTK bike. The Losail Circuit The winners’ trophies would take place outside Argentina. position, managed to take Ali Abdulhussain finished Trophy category with Sports Club (LCSC) were presented by Ambas- At one point, World Cup 2022 host Qatar’s the lead after the first lap and second and third in the QSTK Mohammed Al Zaidan in mechanics who did a great sador of the State of Kuwait Khalifa International Stadium -- just five kilo- maintained the same until Trophy category second place as in race 1. This job within a short time and I to Qatar, H E Hafeez metres from the Maluf home - seemed to be the end of the race. Al Sulaiti respectively. time, Qatar’s Hassan Al Man- could started the race from Mohammed Al Ajmi, Adviser the most likely, if improbable, location for the crossed the checkered flag In a dramatic second soori completed the QSTK the back of the grid. Many to the Minister of Sports, rescheduled match. with a gap of 30.581 ahead race of the first round, Al Trophy podium. thanks to my team, LCSC Abdulrahman Musallam Al Its state-owned airline, Qatar Airways, is of Mishal Al Naimi who fin- Sulaiti had to start from the At the end of the round, mechanics, Qatar Motor and Dosari and LCSC Vice Pres- the shirt sponsor of Boca Juniors, as well as ished second. back of the grid following a Al Sulaiti said he was Motorcycle Federation ident and General Manager, recently announcing itself as the “official global Al Naimi had a battle crash which occurred during extremely happy with his (QMMF) and Ooredoo for Khalid Al Remaihi. airline partner” of CONMEBOL. with the Hungarian rider sighting lap. His front tyre results. “I am really happy their support,” Al Sulaiti said. The second round of The Gulf emirate also enjoys increasingly Balint Kovacs who came was damaged, but managed to start the season with a Al Thani, who won a Qatar Superstock Champi- warm relations with South American countries, third in the podium. Abdullah to make it to the pit and the double win. In the first double in the QSTK Trophy, onship will be held on including Argentina, and its national team will Al Qubaisi who crashed in mechanics had time to fix his race, I managed to said: “Overall, the weekend December 14 and 15. play in next year’s Copa America. “It was like a fantasy, I was very excited,” said Maluf about the prospect of the teams playing in Doha, although he admitted Qatari rider Saeed concerns. Al Sulaiti (left), The 52-year-old Maluf is no ordinary football Hungarian rider fan. Balint Kovacs In an upstairs bedroom in his Doha home, (centre) and Mishal Maluf has a vast collection of football memora- Al Naimi in action bilia, including some 800 shirts, many of them during the Qatar original players’ jerseys from high-profile games. Superstock 600, Among them is a Diego Maradona shirt worn Race 1, held at the by the legendary player when Argentina took Losail International on England at Wembley in 1980. Circuit yesterday. Also in his collection is 1947 River Plate shirt worn by great, Alfredo Di Stefano. Pride of place though, says Maluf, is a blood- stained Mario Kempes shirt from Argentina’s 1978 World Cup finals win over France. His oldest River Plate shirt dates back to 1931, and was worn by Carlos Peucelle, who played in the first ever World Cup a year earlier. Somewhere among the collection, which also includes original World Cup footballs, is a Leo Messi Argentinian national jersey. Champion Hamilton eager for more

REUTERS championships was his ultimate Mercedes team boss Toto ST PETERSBURG goal, Hamilton said he had never Wolff was presented with the con- set that as a target. structors’ trophy by moustachioed Lewis Hamilton looked forward to He made clear, however, that Next year’s going to be Formula One chief executive Chase more success with Mercedes after he would be around long enough so tough, the seasons are Carey -- the team’s fifth in a row. collecting his fifth Formula One to give it a try. getting longer and longer. Wolff and his team’s non-exec- world champion’s trophy at the “I’ve just signed for another utive chairman Niki Lauda were also governing FIA’s gala awards on two years...so I’m excited about the I don’t know how long I’m recipients of the FIA president’s Friday. next couple of years,” said the going to go, currently two special award, with the triple world Britain’s most successful champion, who won 11 races out years sounds good for champion absent as he recovers racing driver, and only the third of 21 this year. “But right now I’m me: Hamilton from a lung transplant. man to win at least five titles, also happy that the racing’s over. “He sends his regards, he is Formula one won a media vote for personality “Next year’s going to be so recovering very well,” said Wolff. driver Lewis of the year -- denying Red Bull rival tough, the seasons are getting the Russian visa process, had “Next time he’s going to be here.” Hamilton, Max Verstappen a fourth in a row. longer and longer. I don’t know earlier been a no-show at an Charles Leclerc, Vettel’s team holding his fifth “It does feel incredible,” the how long I’m going to go, currently official news conference. mate at Ferrari next year, was the Formula One 33-year-old told the audience two years sounds good for me. Ferrari’s runner-up Sebastian rookie of the year for the second world champion’s gathered in the Grand Hall of the “But I still love racing so Vettel and third-placed Finnish successive season after winning trophy, poses for St Petersburg Philarmonia, after maybe I’ll be going a lot longer. team mate Kimi Raikkonen were the Formula Two title in 2017. a photograph FIA president Jean Todt had Who knows?” also on stage, the latter earlier The Action of the Year, voted with FIA President handed him his trophy. Hamilton, who said also that seen brandishing a cigar and by fans worldwide, went to Finnish Jean Todt during Asked whether matching his parents had wanted to be looking like he was enjoying the rally driver Teemu Suninen for a the FIA Awards Michael Schumacher’s record seven present but had a problem with party. massive slide on his home event. in St Petersburg, Russia on Friday. SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 11 Salah lifts Liverpool as United finally hit form

AFP Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) takes the LONDON ball around Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the build-up to scoring his third Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick goal, yesterday. fired Liverpool to the top of Milan focused the Premier League with an Al Mohannadi impressive 4-0 win at on CL spot not Bournemouth, while Manchester United also to vie for AFC finally hit some free-scoring Inter: Gattuso form with a 4-1 win over presidency Fulham at Old Trafford, REUTERS yesterday. MILAN Arsenal extended their REUTERS KUALA LUMPUR unbeaten run to 21 games, AC Milan head coach Gennaro but left it late to beat Hud- Gattuso (pictured, above) has dersfield 1-0 thanks to Lucas Asian Football Confederation insisted that finishing the Serie A Torreira’s overhead kick (AFC) President Sheikh Salman season ahead of rivals Inter is not an seven minutes from time. bin Khalifa faces a challenge as objective for his team as he targets a Champions Manchester the head of the continent’s ruling return to the Champions League. City was scheduled to play soccer body with two candidates Inter fell to a 1-0 Serie A defeat Chelsea late last night, putting themselves forward for at Juventus on Friday, giving fourth- eyeing win to reclaim top next April’s election. placed Milan the chance to move spot. Liverpool took full AFC Vice President Saoud A within a point of their city neighbours advantage of kicking off first Firmino’s long-range shot PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS Aboubakar Kamara’s Aziz Al Mohannadi (pictured, with victory at home to Torino today. on the south coast to start a Salah’s follow-up effort was penalty pulled a goal back above) of Qatar and Executive “I’m not thinking about that,” big week in the best possible allowed to stand despite him Arsenal 1 (Torreira 83) Hudders- for Fulham, but any hope of Committee member Mohamed Gattuso told a news conference. fashion by moving a point appearing to be marginally field 0 a fightback from the visitors Khalfan Matar Saeed Alromaithi “I’m thinking about tomorrow’s ahead of their title rivals. offside. Salah made the game Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 4 was ended by a red card for from the United Arab Emirates game. Inter are strong and are Salah had been rested safe by showing determi- (Salah 25, 48, 77, Cook 68-og) Andre-Frank Zambo had lodged their candidacies to showing that in the Champions from the start for Wednes- nation to stay on his feet Burnley 1 (Tarkowski 40) Brighton Anguissa and Marcus challenge Sheikh Salman, the League as well. day’s 3-1 win at Burnley that despite being fouled before 0 Rashford added a fourth for AFC said yesterday. “Being attached to them is an kept Jurgen Klopp’s men on finding the bottom corner Cardiff 1 (Paterson 74) Southamp- the hosts. An expected challenge from extra incentive but finishing ahead City’s coat-tails, and the early in the second-half. ton 0 Arsenal are still yet to Saudi Arabia Football Federa- of them isn’t an objective. Egyptian looked to have Steve Cook’s own goal lead a Premier League game tion’s former President Adel Manchester United 4 (Young 13, “I’m only thinking about benefited from a break as he then made it 3-0 before at half-time this season, but Ezzat did not materialise. Ezzat improving my players and finishing looked more like the player Salah sealed his hat-trick by Mata 28, Lukaku 42, Rashford 82) again came good late on had said in 2017 he would stand in the Champions League places.” who netted 44 goals in an remaining remarkably cool Fulham 1 (Kamara 67-pen) when Torreira met Pierre- against Sheikh Salman in the Inter will qualify for the last 16 if they incredible debut season at to dribble past Begovic twice West Ham 3 (Snodgrass 48, Hern- Emerick Aubameyang’s 2019 elections.

get more points at home to PSV Eind- Anfield. before prodding home. andez 62, Anderson 65) Crystal cross acrobatically to lift the Ezzat’s hopes of a building a hoven on Tuesday than second- The visitors were slightly “What Mo did around his Palace 2 (McArthur 6, Schlupp 76) Gunners above north power base were apparently hurt placed Tottenham Hotspur manage fortunate to take the lead on two goals in the second half London rivals Tottenham in October by the decision of at Group B winners Barcelona. 25 minutes when Asmir was just exceptional,” said into third. members of the South Asian Torino are unbeaten on their Begovic fumbled Roberto Klopp. “I don’t know at the Ralph Hasenhüttl’s start Football Federation to withdraw travels this season and head to San moment a lot of players who to life as Southampton from the Saudi-created South Siro on Sunday in sixth place, four Manchester United’s would have scored these two manager got off to a terrible West Asian Football Federation. points behind Milan. “It’s not a coin- players celebrate their goals.” start as Callum Paterson Sheikh Salman said in October cidence that Torino have such a fourth goal against United took advantage scored the winner in a 1-0 he would be seeking a third term strong away record,” Gattuso said. Fulham, yesterday. of Bournemouth’s defeat victory to move Cardiff up in office. “They have physicality and tech- and Everton not being in to 14th and three points clear nical quality, are always well- action till tomorrow to rise of the bottom three. organised by a prepared coach up to sixth by ending a Burnley also moved out (Walter Mazzarri). It’s going to be very four-game winless run in of the drop zone courtesy of tough for us.” the league. a first win in nine games as Guardiola Jose Mourinho again James Tarkowski scored the rang the changes, but con- only goal to beat Brighton confident City tinued to leave Paul Pogba 1-0. CAS rejects on the bench. West Ham recorded a will not face And it was three of those third straight win to move Boca appeal introduced to the side from into the top half by coming Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with from behind to beat Crystal League ban to suspend Arsenal that scored in the Palace 3-2 thanks to second- first-half with Ashley Young, half goals from Robert REUTERS Juan Mata and Romelu Snodgrass, Javier Hernandez LONDON Madrid final Lukaku on target. and Felipe Anderson. Manchester City manager Pep Guar- REUTERS diola says he has received assurances BUENOS AIRES from the club’s hierarchy that they will not be banned from the Cham- Boca Juniors’ last-minute attempt to pions League over allegations of a suspend today’s Copa Libertadores Atletico down Alaves to go 2nd breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play final against River Plate was rejected (FFP) rules. by the Court of Arbitration for Sport European football’s governing (CAS) yesterday, clearing the way for REUTERS body are investigating allegations the decisive match to take place in MADRID made in German publication Der Madrid. Spiegel last month that City’s Abu Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates Boca filed their appeal to sport’s Atletico Madrid moved into provisional Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship after scoring a goal against Alaves in Madrid, yesterday. highest court on Friday after the second place in La Liga with a 3-0 win agreements in order to comply with South American Football Confeder- over fourth-placed Alaves yesterday to FFP requirements. ation (CONMEBOL) rejected their join leaders Barcelona on 28 points. In response, Premier League claim that River Plate should be dis- Nikola Kalinic, Antoine Griezmann champions City said information had qualified from the continent’s equiv- and Rodri struck for Atletico in a tight been “hacked” and that they were alent of Europe’s Champions League. battle against the high-flying Basques, victims of an “organised and clear” “The Court of Arbitration for with Diego Simeone’s side simply more attempt to damage the club’s Sport (CAS) has dismissed an urgent clinical in front of goal. reputation. request for provisional measures filed Croatian striker Kalinic opened the Punishment for clubs found guilty yesterday by CA Boca Juniors in scoring in the 24th minute, bundling of breaking the rules could extend to which it sought to suspend the second the ball home with his stomach from being excluded from the Champions leg of the final of the Copa Liberta- Santiago Arias’s cross for his first league League. Guardiola, appointed with dores,” CAS said in a statement. goal since a close-season switch from the task of trying to win Europe’s The organisation said it would AC Milan. biggest club prize, said he was calm nevertheless hear the merits of Boca’s Atletico suffered a blow when about the situation. appeal at an undisclosed later date. defender Lucas Hernandez had to go “We will not be banned, no. That’s Boca and River drew 2-2 in the off with a knee injury but keeper Jan what I think because I trust in my first leg of the final on November 11 Oblak had little to do in the first half chairman (Khaldoon al-Mubarak), but the second leg at River’s Monu- with Alaves struggling to create with my CEO (Ferran Soriano), what mental stadium was postponed after chances. Defender Jose Gimenez came they have explained to me. I trust in Boca players were hurt when their close to doubling Atletico’s lead when them,” the Spaniard was quoted as coach was attacked by River fans as he hit the post with a header from saying by British media. he approached the ground. Thomas Lemar’s corner, while Alaves “If it happens, because UEFA forward Jonathan Calleri nodded wide. decide that, we will accept it and Boca and River drew 2-2 Griezmann wrapped up the points move forward.” in the first leg of the final on in the final stages when he broke Der Spiegel’s report, based on November 11 but the second through and tapped home after his first documents received by the whistle leg at River’s Monumental effort came back off the post, with Rodri blower platform Football Leaks and stadium was postponed after slamming in a third to give Atletico an reviewed by Reuters, in partnership Boca players were hurt when advantage which flattered them. with European Investigative Collab- Alaves remain fourth on 24 points, orations, a network of international their coach was attacked by a place and a point ahead of Real media, alleged that some of City’s Abu River fans as he approached Madrid who are away at bottom club Dhabi sponsorships were three times the ground. Huesca. more lucrative than independent experts deemed they were worth. SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 07 To bounce back and to put out a performance that we’re very much New Zealand captain CRICKET proud of ... to come away with the Kane Williamson hopes FOOTBALL win against a very strong side like his team will progress La Liga: Huesca vs Real First Test: Australia vs Pakistan, is a great game that guys after Test series win. Madrid; Eibar vs Levante India, day 4 in Adelaide ACTION

will remember forever. TODAY’S Warriors down Bucks as Nets shock Raptors

AFP LOS ANGELES Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) takes a shot during Friday’s match against Milwaukee Bucks Stephen Curry and Klay in Milwaukee. Thompson combined for 40 points as the Golden State Warriors avenged a November Edmonton Oilers’ players celebrate a first period goal against loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with Minnesota Wild in Edmonton, Alberta, on Friday. a 105-95 victory on Friday. Thompson and Curry each scored 20 points as the visiting NHL: Draisaitl and Warriors put on a shooting clinic down the stretch against Mil- waukee, the NBA’s highest McDavid help Oilers scoring team. The same teams met on November 8 with the Bucks pound Wild 7-2 coming out on top 134-111. Andre Iguodala chipped in a AP Justin Williams also scored season-high 15 points for Golden EDMONTON, ALBERTA in the third period and Petr State, who wrapped up a five- Mrazek made 18 saves in his first game road trip with their third Leon Draisaitl scored twice and victory since October 26 as the consecutive win. Connor McDavid had a goal and Canes won in Anaheim for just “We have guys who can three assists, leading the the second time in nine years. knock down shots, and our Edmonton Oilers to a 7-2 Clark Bishop scored his first superstars put us in position to victory over the Minnesota Wild NHL goal and Sebastian Aho make shots tonight,” Iguodala on Friday night. added an empty-netter as said. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Carolina salvaged one win from The Warriors pulled away in Zack Kassian, Alex Chiasson its three-game California trip the second half with a burst of and Darnell Nurse also scored despite the injury absences of three pointers. The Warriors The Bucks couldn’t match opportune time to snap its from the field. Spencer Din- for the Oilers (15-12-2), who top goal-scorer Micheal went six of nine from beyond the that shooting, making just seven 12-game slide against Toronto. widdie scored 17 points for won for the fifth time in six Ferland, veteran forward arc in a six-minute stretch to of 39 (18 percent) from three- Jarrett Allen made the go- Brooklyn while Jonas Valan- games. Draisaitl also had an Jordan Staal and starting goalie build an 11-point lead. Golden point territory. ahead basket for the Nets with ciunas added 24 points for the assist on Nurse’s goal in the Curtis McElhinney. State shot 41 percent (19 of 46) The Warriors led 57-51 at the a little more than a minute left, Raptors. third period. Blues 1, Jets 0 from long distance. half, hitting nine of 20 from their only basket in overtime not Brooklyn led by seven Cam Talbot made 31 saves Jake Allen made 26 saves in three-point range and getting 18 made by Russell. points with five minutes left in to earn back-to-back victories his first shutout of the season, NBA RESULTS assists on 22 field goals. Toronto tried but failed to the fourth quarter but then Van- after dropping his six previous helping St. Louis to the road Milwaukee 95, Golden State 105 Elsewhere, D’Angelo Russell get the ball to Kawhi Leonard on Vleet drained a three and starts. win. Colton Parayko scored for San Antonio 133, LA Lakers 120 scored 29 points as the Brooklyn its final possession and had to Leonard scored six straight to The Wild (15-12-2) lost for the Blues during a second- Nets beat the Toronto Raptors settle for Fred VanVleet’s three- give the Raptors a 96-94 lead the fifth time in six games. period power play. The Jets Brooklyn 106, Toronto 105 for the first time in more than pointer that just missed. Leonard with two and a half minutes Marcus Foligno and Nino Nied- managed just six shots on goal Cleveland 110, Sacramento 129 three years with a 106-105 finished with 32 points. remaining. erreiter scored, and Alex in the third period. Phoenix 98, Miami 115 overtime win. “I know everybody would With seven seconds to go, Stalock made 22 stops in relief Allen’s last shutout was a Chicago 114, Oklahoma City 112 Russell carried the host Nets have probably liked Kawhi or Leonard blocked Dinwiddie’s of an ineffective Devan Dubnyk. 3-0 victory over Dallas on New Orleans 103, Memphis 107 on his back in overtime, scoring Kyle (Lowry) to take that shot, shot to force overtime. Hurricanes 4, Ducks 1 December 7, 2017. He’s 8-7-4 Charlotte 113, Denver 107 all but two of his team’s points the last shot, including me, but Russell had the first two Brett Pesce scored the tie- in 21 games this season. as they snapped an eight game they both made great plays,” said baskets in the extra session,

breaking goal early in the third Connor Hellebuyck made Detroit 111, Philadelphia 117 losing skid. He finished with six VanVleet. Leonard made the next two, and period, and Carolina stopped a 25 saves for Jets, who had won Orlando 90, Indiana 112 points in overtime. Lowry finished with 11 the Nets eventually prevailed in three-game slide. four in a row. Brooklyn picked an assists but was just one of eight a close contest.

NFL: Ravens out to stymie prolific Chiefs Washington Nationals

AFP “They always seem to owner not counting on LOS ANGELES Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (right) play well when they play us recovers a fumble during a match against Atlanta down there,” said Patriots All-Star’s Harper The Chiefs’ high-octane Falcons in Atlanta in this December 2, 2018 file photo. quarterback Tom Brady, offense comes up against who needs one touchdown the NFL’s top-ranked pass to break a tie with REUTERS defense today when the Peyton Manning (579) for WASHINGTON Baltimore Ravens visit most in NFL history, playoffs Kansas City with an NFL and regular-season If there were doubts about whether All-Star play-off berth at stake. combined. outfielder Bryce Harper would return to the It’s just one game with The Patriots are 3-3 on Nationals, team owner Mark Lerner on Friday play-off implications this the road this season, suf- didn’t give fans any reason to be optimistic. week, with the New England fering double-digit defeats “I really don’t expect him to come back at Patriots and New Orleans at Jacksonville, Detroit and this point,” Lerner said on 106.7 The Fan, Saints out to clinch division Tennessee. The Dolphins, making his first substantial comments on the titles with victories. meanwhile, are 5-1 at home matter. “I think they’ve (Harper and agent Scott The Los Angeles this season and still trying Boras) decided to move on. There’s just too much Chargers need a win, and a to unseat the Ravens for the money out there that he’d be leaving on the table. few more results to fall their final AFC play-off berth. That’s just not Mr. Boras’ M.O. to leave money way, to secure a post-season The New Orleans Saints on the table.” spot and the murky NFC also travel to Florida, aiming In September, Harper reportedly rejected a East should become clearer to bounce back from a sur- 10-year contract from the Nationals worth as leaders Dallas take on prise loss to the Dallas around $300m division rivals Cowboys when they visit the “When we met with them and we gave them Philadelphia. with New Orleans’ Drew “We can make things Tampa Bay Buccaneers. the offer, we told them, ‘This is the best we can The Chiefs, averaging a Brees the next best with 30. tough on them. We can New Orleans were held do.’ We went right to the finish line very quickly,” league-leading 37 points per Veteran quarterback Joe create turnovers. We can to a season low in points in Lerner added. game with 23-year-old Flacco continues to progress hold them in the red zone. a 13-10 loss to the Cowboys “And we said, ‘If this is of interest to you, quarterback Patrick The Ravens are in his return from a hip So, those things are areas that ended their 10 game please come back to us and we’ll see whether Mahomes at the helm, can looking for a injury, the Ravens are that we can do, and if we do winning streak and left them we can finish it up.’ But we just couldn’t afford punch their post-season expected to stick with rookie that, we’ll be successful.” a game behind the Los to put more than that in and still be able to put ticket with a victory over win that would Lamar Jackson, who has In Miami, the Dolphins Angeles Rams for home field a team together that had a chance to win the Baltimore. strengthen their rushed for 265 yards and will be out to delay the advantage in the NFC. (National League) East or go farther than that.” The Ravens are looking hold on the sixth two touchdowns in his three Patriots’ progress to a 10th NFC North leaders The Nationals officially agreed to terms on for a win that would and final play-off starts. But it’s the Ravens straight AFC East division Chicago, aiming to bounce a six-year, $140m contract with All-Star left- strengthen their hold on the defense, allowing a league title. back from an overtime loss handed pitcher Patrick Corbin and unveiled him sixth and final play-off spot spot in the AFC. low 17.7 points per game and The Patriots routed the to the New York Giants, at a press conference. in the AFC. a stingy 281.7 total yards, Dolphins 38-7 earlier this hope to have quarterback “We’ve always said that starting pitching is Baltimore held the that will be key. season, but they have found Mitch Trubisky back from a the driver. As the top free agent pitcher on the Atlanta Falcons to 131 yards Mahomes, who has emerged “We have to go out and the going tough in recent two-game injury absence market this offseason, we targeted Patrick from total offense in a 26-16 as a full-fledged star in his play great to have a chance years in Florida, where the when they host the 11-1 the onset,” Nationals President of baseball oper- victory last week. But they’ll first season as a starter. to win this game, let alone Dolphins have won four of Rams -- who can secure a ations and general manager Mike Rizzo in a face an even tougher chal- Mahomes leads the NFL stop them,” Ravens safety their last five home first-round bye with a win statement. lenge in trying to contain with 41 touchdown passes, Eric Weddle. meetings against the Pats. over the Bears.