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Wednesday, December 6, 2017 CRICKET Rabia I 18, 1439 AH India scent win as GULF TIMES pollution makes more players sick in Delhi SPORT Page 3 CRICKET England keep hopes alive as Anderson, Root excel England need 178 runs for victory with six wickets in hand SCORECARD AFP Adelaide

kipper Joe Root led a spirited Eng- lish fi ghtback to frustrate Australia and raise hopes of a miracle victory in the gripping second Ashes Test inS Adelaide yesterday. After three days of Australian domi- nance, Root took up the challenge of a record run chase with a fi ghting unbeaten half-century as the momentum began to shift towards England, roared on by their bellowing Barmy Army supporters. In contrast, his counterpart Steve Smith, who attracted criticism for not enforcing the follow-on despite a 215-run Australia first innings 442-8 Bowling: Anderson 22-7-43- fi rst innings lead, burned two reviews in declared (S. Marsh 126 not out, T. 5 (1w), Broad 13-6-26-0 (1w), the space of three balls and put down a Paine 57; C. Overton 3-105) Overton 2-0-11-1, Woakes 16-3-36- tough catch. 4, Moeen 5-0-20-0 At the close of an absorbing fourth day England first innings 227 (C. in the fi rst day-night Ashes Test, England Overton 41 not out; N. Lyon 4-60) England second innings were 176 for four with Root unconquered A. Cook lbw b Lyon ...... 16 on 67 and nightwatchman Chris Woakes Australia second innings M. Stoneman c Khawaja not out on fi ve — 178 runs from victory (overnight 53-4) b Starc ...... 36 with six wickets in hand heading into C. Bancroft c Bairstow J. Vince c Handscomb Wednesday’s fi nal day. b Anderson ...... 4 b Starc...... 15 The highest winning fourth innings at England captain Joe Root plays a shot on D. Warner c Root b Woakes ...... 14 J. Root not out ...... 67 the Adelaide Oval is 315 for six by Aus- the fourth day of the second Ashes Test in U. Khawaja lbw b Anderson ...... 20 D. Malan b Cummins ...... 29 tralia against England in 1902. Adelaide yesterday. S. Smith lbw b Woakes ...... 6 C. Woakes not out ...... 5 “A win would be huge for us, both in P. Handscomb c Malan Extras (b3, lb5) ...... 8 terms of what it would do for our con- gone over the stumps. and Joe’s innings has made that pos- England lost openers Alastair Cook b Anderson ...... 12 Total (4 wickets; 62 overs) 176 fi dence as a team and we would be all Australia then lost their second and sible,” he added. “But if we can get his and Mark Stoneman before the dinner N. Lyon c Broad b Anderson ...... 14 Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Cook), 2-54 square in the series,” England paceman last review in the 43rd over when Dawid wicket in the morning I think the game break. S. Marsh b Woakes ...... 19 (Stoneman), 3-91 (Vince), 4-169 James Anderson said. Malan survived an lbw challenge on three changes quite quickly.” Lyon won a successful lbw review T. Paine c Overton b Woakes ...... 11 (Malan) “It would also have a potential eff ect off Josh Hazlewood, with the ball again After the chaos of the previous night’s to remove Cook (16), ending a 53-run M. Starc C Moeen b Anderson 20 Bowling: Starc 14-2-65-2, on them (Australia) for a team to be in tracked as going over the stumps. session when Australia lost four wickets, opening stand with Stoneman, who was P. Cummins not out ...... 11 Hazlewood 14-5-37-0, Cummins such a commanding position to then lose Adding to Smith’s anxiety, he also England had a much better time under snapped up in the gully for 36. J. Hazlewood c Malan b Overton ..3 14-5-29-1, Lyon 20-5-37-1 that,” he added. dropped Malan on eight in a sharp one- the lights. They only lost the wickets of The Australians were knocked over for Extras (lb2, w2) ...... 4 Toss: England “It’s very rare that a team declares and handed attempted catch at slip off Lyon. James Vince and Malan and otherwise 138 off 58 overs at tea but, bolstered by Total (all out; 58 overs) ...... 138 Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), loses a game so if we can get a result to- “We’re still reasonably confi dent,” the scored freely. their 215-run innings lead, this left Eng- Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Bancroft), 2-39 Chris Gaff aney (NZL) morrow it would be huge for a number of Australia team bowling coach David Sak- Vince was beaten by a pitched-up land with a record chase. (Khawaja), 3-41 (Warner), 4-50 (Smith), TV umpire: Marais Erasmus reasons.” Root had a leg before wicket er told reporters. Mitchell Starc delivery, getting a big nick England’s all-time leading wicket-taker 5-71 (Lyon), 6-75 (Handscomb), 7-90 (RSA) decision on 32 off Nathan Lyon over- “Obviously, the last two days haven’t to Peter Handscomb at slip for 15. Malan Anderson took fi ve for 43 — his fi rst fi ve- (Paine), 8-122 (Marsh), 9-128 (Starc), 10- Match referee: Richie turned on review, with the ‘Hawk-Eye’ gone to plan... we’re still in front of the put on 78 with Root before he was bowled wicket haul in Australia — while fellow 138 (Hazlewood) Richardson (WIS) tracker indicating the ball would have game but it’s getting closer and closer by Pat Cummins for 29. paceman Woakes captured four for 36.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Minister of Culture Russia banned from Winter and Sports meets Olympics in Pyeongchang French counterpart QNA Paris Reuters participation of Russians in Brazil. Lausanne While all the track and fi eld athletes bar one and the entire weightlifting team E the Minister of were banned from Rio, about 70% of Culture and Sports ussia has been banned from the Russia’s original 387-strong squad took Salah bin Ghanem 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Ol- part at those Games. Hbin Nasser al-Ali ympics after evidence emerged Bach said yesterday, however, that the met with the Minister of Sports Rof an “unprecedented system- situation was diff erent now. of France Laura Flessel on the atic manipulation” of the anti-doping “(Ahead of Rio) there was no opportu- sidelines the Major Interna- system, the International Olympic Com- nity to hear the Russian side and at the time tional Sporting Events (MISE) mittee (IOC) said yesterday. of Rio it was mainly about the failure in the conference in Paris. Some of the country’s athletes will be Moscow lab. Now it’s about the manipula- During the meeting, they allowed to compete under the tag of “Ol- tion of an Olympic lab. The conditions then talked about sports, the impor- ympic Athlete of Russia”, if they satisfy Samuel Schmid, Chair of the IOC Disciplinary Commission, and Thomas Bach, and now are totally diff erent.” tance of strengthening it and strict conditions that show they have a President of the International Olympic Committee, attend a news conference in The Schmid report said the IOC had the methods followed in France, doping-free background. Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. not found any documented, independ- in addition to the tournaments The IOC also decided to suspend Rus- ent and impartial evidence confi rming that France is preparing to host. sian Olympic Committee (ROC) presi- based only on (Russia’s former anti-dop- express themselves. In this meeting this the support or the knowledge of this (an- The Minister spoke about HE the Minister of Culture and dent Alexander Zhukov as an IOC mem- ing chief-turned-whistleblower) Gri- afternoon the president of ROC has apol- ti-doping manipulation) system by the the Academic Bridge Program Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin ber given that his membership is linked goory Rodchenkov’s testimony. There is ogised.” Many Russian sporting fi gures highest State authority. and its eff ective role and pro- Nasser al-Ali to his position as chief of the ROC, which scientifi c evidence, witness statements were outraged by the decision, with Al- Alexei Kravtsov, president of the Russian grammes such as marketing, viser to the Minister of Sports has been suspended from next year’s documents and correspondence. exander Zubkov, president of the Russian Skating Union, told R-Sport agency: “The sponsorship and organisation of Abdulrahman Musallam al- Games in South Korea. “The facts are that in Russia there was bobsleigh federation, telling Reuters by IOC decision is off ensive and insulting. It is sporting events. Dosari presented an address Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly systemic manipulation of doping and telephone: “I am simply shocked by what completely unjustifi ed. I consider that this The Minister stressed that entitled “Achievements and Mutko was also banned from any future the anti-doping system... that also took is happening and what happened and by decision will deal a great blow to the whole France and Qatar enjoy excellent Sports Facilities in the State of participation at the Olympic Games. place at Sochi 2014 (Winter Olympics).” Thomas Bach’s decision regarding our Olympic movement.” relations, pointing out the im- Qatar”. The IOC told a news conference that IOC President Thomas Bach said: “As country and our athletes.” Alexei Kurashov, president of the Rus- portance of benefi ting from the Several countries includ- the Schmid report confi rmed “the sys- a former athlete I am feeling very sorry The IOC’s decision comes 18 months sian freestyle wrestling federation, add- French experience in organis- ing Qatar, Germany, the United tematic manipulation of the anti-doping for all the clean athletes who are suff er- after it had refused an outright ban of ed: “I can’t say that the decision shocked ing major events, not only with States of America, Ivory Coast, rules and system in Russia.” ing from this manipulation. Russian athletes at the 2016 Rio de Janei- me. The Olympic movement has discred- 2022 World Cup in mind but Morocco, India, China, Japan, Samuel Schmid, author of the report, “We had a Russian delegation today ro Olympics and told international sports ited itself and there will be fundamental also other events in the future. Mexico and Argentina are taking told journalists: “The results are not and gave them again the opportunity to federations to decide individually on the consequences to this. During the conference, Ad- part in the MISE event. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 6, 2017 CRICKET

THIRD TEST India scent win as pollution makes bowlers vomit Fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Mohammed Shami threw up as pollution levels soared at the Feroz Shah Kotla

AFP 9-343 (Gamage), 10-373 (Chandimal) New Delhi Bowling: Shami 26-6-85-2 (nb1), I. Sharma 29.3-7-98- 3, Jadeja 45-13-86-2 (nb1), Ashwin 35-8-90-3

ri Lanka coach Nic Pothas praised his INDIA II INNINGS team’s perseverance yesterday against M. Vijay c Dickwella b Lakmal 9 a formidable India despite severe pol- S. Dhawan st Dickwella b Sandakan 67 lution which made players from both A. Rahane c Sandakan b Perera 10 sidesS vomit during the third Test in smogbound C. Pujara c Mathews b De Silva 49 New Delhi. Fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and V. Kohli c Lakmal b Gamage 50 Mohammed Shami threw up as pollution levels R. Sharma not out 50 soared at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, and Sri R. Jadeja not out 4 Lankan fi elders again turned to face masks to Extras (b1, lb2, nb3, w1) 7 combat the foul air. Sri Lanka were reeling on Total (5 wkts; 52.2 overs dec) 246 31-3 at stumps, chasing a daunting 410-run vic- Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Vijay), 2-29 (Rahane), 3-106 tory target. Dhanajaya de Silva on 13 and Angelo (Pujara), 4-144 (Dhawan), 5-234 (Kohli) Mathews were batting when bad light stopped Did not bat: R. Ashwin, W. Saha, I. Sharma, M. Shami play on the fourth day. Bowling: Lakmal 14-3-60-1, Gamage 12.2-1-48-1 Pothas told reporters his men played ‘bril- (nb3), Perera 11-0-54-1, De Silva 5-0-31-1, Sandakan liantly’ despite being ill from the smog, which 10-0-50-1 hit levels 15 times the World Health Organiza- tion’s safe limit. “I thought the guys did superb- SRI LANKA II INNINGS (TARGET 410): ly well, great attitude. We are professionals and D. Karunaratne c Saha b Jadeja 13 said, ‘That situation is a situation, let’s get on S. Samarawickrama c Rahane b Shami 5 with it’,” Pothas said. D. de Silva not out 13 “Our people are in discomfort, I think it S. Lakmal b Jadeja 0 speaks for itself. The rest we cannot control. The A. Mathews not out 0 guys did brilliantly today,” the South African Extras 0 added. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja struck Total (3 wickets; 16 overs) 31 twice in an over to rattle the visitors, who must Fall of wicket: 1-14 (Samarawickrama), 2-31 (Karu- bat out three more sessions to save the match naratne), 3-31 (Lakmal) and draw the series against top-ranked India. Still to bat: D. Perera, D. Chandimal, R. Silva, N. Shami dismissed opener Sadeera Samara- Dickwella, L. Gamage, L. Sandakan wickrama off a roaring bouncer but stopped in Bowling: I. Sharma 3-0-6-0, Shami 3-1-8-1, Ashwin mid-over to vomit, crouching down and then 5-2-12-0, Jadeja 5-2-5-2 gulping water. He went on to complete the over Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva fields as Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan (left) looks on during the fourth day of the third Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla Sri Lanka require 379 runs with 7 wickets remaining but left the fi eld after umpires thought it inad- Cricket Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) visable to have a paceman bowling in poor light. “Not ideal to lose three wickets, it can be frus- 2003, when the West Indies defeated Australia late Monday that New Delhi could be dropped trating,” said Pothas. after making 418 runs. Opener Shikhar Dhawan as a venue during winter, when pollution across In the morning session it was Sri Lankan top-scored in India’s second innings with 67 on the region spikes. BCCI secretary Amitabh paceman Suranga Lakmal who threw up twice. an easy-paced wicket. Choudhary said venues would be reconsidered He went to the dressing room briefl y but re- Apart from Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage, Dilru- “in view of the situation which was encountered turned to the fi eld, bowling 14 overs and taking wan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan and Dhananjaya in the last two to three days”. “The BCCI has one wicket. Groundsmen rushed on to cover de Silva took a wicket each. Earlier, Sri Lanka been sensitive on the smog and fog matter over the spot with sand and sawdust as smog in the were dismissed for 373, conceding a 163-run the years,” he added. heavily polluted Indian capital took centre stage fi rst-innings lead to India who had declared on for a fourth day in a row. “He (Lakmal) obviously 536 for seven. “I enjoyed playing that way (scor- SCOREBOARD didn’t feel very well,” Pothas said. “It’s not easy, ing quick runs). We would be trying hard to fi n- INDIA I INNINGS 536-7 dec (V. Kohli 243, M. Vijay it’s pretty obvious...there is no more to say about ish it tomorrow as we are in good situation with 155; L. Sandakan 4-167) it. We just want to get on with the cricket.” three wickets down,” said Dhawan. SRI LANKA I INNINGS (overnight 356-9): A doctor at the stadium examined three Sri He conceded the ground was polluted and the D. Chandimal c Dhawan b I. Sharma 164 Lankan players and said their vital signs were team had to “adjust accordingly”. “I would never L. Sandakan not out 0 normal. Skipper Virat Kohli, who made 50, de- say that there is no pollution in Delhi. Of course Extras (b4, lb5, nb2, penalty 5) 16 clared India’s second innings on 246-5 after Ro- there is pollution, but during the winters there Total (all out; 135.3 overs) 373 hit Sharma reached his half-century in the fi nal is a lot of smog,” Dhawan said. “When you are Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Karunaratne), 2-14 (De Silva), session, setting the visitors a formidable victory playing for country, you have to do your job.” 3-75 (Perera), 4-256 (Mathews), 5-317 (Samarawickra- target. No Test team has chased down 410 since The Board of Control for Cricket in India said ma), 6-318 (Silva), 7-322 (Dickwella), 8-331 (Lakmal), Sri Lankan fielders again turned to face masks to combat the foul air.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS De Villiers, Steyn set for Test return Sri Lanka recall Perera, AFP Johannesburg Gunaratne to ODI squad

B de Villiers and Dale Steyn will both Reuters Chandimal did not get a place in ma, in the fi rst match on Sun- have a dress rehearsal for an expect- Colombo the touring party led by Thisara day in Dharamsala. The other ed return to Test cricket when they Perera, who takes over the reins two matches are in Mohali and play for a South African Invitation from Upul Tharanga. Visakhapatnam. The visi- XIA against Zimbabwe later this month. The ri Lanka batsman Kusal Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep tors are also scheduled to play teams will meet in a day-night match in Paarl Perera and all-rounder was included after the board three Twenty20 internationals from December 20 to 22 in Zimbabwe’s only Asela Gunaratne have preferred not to play him in against India starting on Dec. warm-up match before South Africa stages returned to the one- the ongoing Test series against 20 in Cuttack. its fi rst day-night Test, a one-off match in dayS international squad for the India to manage his workload. SQUAD: Thisara Perera (cap- Port Elizabeth from December 26 to 29. three-match series against In- Chandimal, who was last man tain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Batsman De Villiers and fast bowler Steyn dia, the country’s cricket board out for 164 in Sri Lanka’s fi rst Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, have both been out of Test action for more said yesterday. Perera has not innings in New Delhi on Tues- Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, than a year. De Villiers has not played in a played international cricket day, is the major victim of the Niroshan Dickwella (wicket- Test since captaining South Africa against since suff ering a hamstring in- latest changes made to rejuve- keeper), Chaturanga de Silva, England in January 2016, fi rstly because of an jury in this year’s Champions nate the national fortunes. Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, elbow injury and then because he decided to Trophy and Gunaratne was in- Sri Lanka have lost 21 one- Nuwan Pradeep, Sadeera Sama- take a break from the fi ve-day format. cluded in the 16-man squad af- dayers in the calendar year and rawickrama, Dhananjaya De Silva, During his extended break he gave up the ter recovering from thumb sur- won only four matches. They Dushmantha Chameera, Sachith captaincy, which is now held by Faf du Ples- gery in July. Test skipper Dinesh face India, led by Rohit Shar- Pathirana, Kusal Perera. sis. He has only appeared in one fi rst-class match during the current season. Steyn suf- fered a broken shoulder in a Test in Australia ROUND-UP in November 2016 and only started playing again in November. He has shown impressive form in four T20 matches for his franchise, the Titans, taking six wickets at an average of 13.50 and conced- Windies' Holder suspended ing only 5.78 runs an over. He has not played est Indies captain match fee while his teammates innings and 67-run victory in in a fi rst-class match since his injury. South African stalwarts AB de Villiers (left) and Dale Steyn. Jason Holder has incurred a 30 % fi ne after West the fi rst Test in Wellington. Two other Test players, all-rounder Chris been suspended Indies were charged with the The modest gloveman, who Morris and batsman Temba Bavuma, were Association. Although fi gures were not re- Acting chief executive Thabang Moroe said for one Test after over-rate off ence following lives in Wellington, then walked also included in the Invitation team, which vealed in a statement issued by CSA, it is re- the negotiations with the players’ body had Whis team were found guilty of their innings and 67 runs defeat home in his whites, clutching otherwise consists of fringe franchise or sec- liably understood that South African players been “amicable” and in the best interests of maintaining a slow over rate in Wellington. The all-rounder a wicket rather than take the ond-tier fi rst-class players. Like Steyn, Mor- will be paid 60% of their contract amounts, South African cricket. “The settlement will during their defeat to New was previously found guilty of offi cial transport to the team ris is returning from injury while Bavuma has while foreign players will get 50%. The total help bridge the gap between player expec- Zealand in the fi rst Test, the the same off ence during the hotel, according to the team. been short of runs in domestic matches. compensation bill is expected to cost CSA tation and the disappointment of having to International Cricket Council Jamaica test against Pakistan “What do you do after scoring SA INVITATION XI SQUAD: Dominic Hendricks about US$5mn. Payment will be made in postpone the league,” Moroe said. “This was (ICC) said yesterday. in April and was therefore a century on debut to help win (bizhub Highveld Lions, capt), Temba Bavuma three instalments between December 2017 an issue aff ecting 138 South African and for- Holder, 26, will miss the suspended as the Wellington a Test for your country? Walk (WSB Cape Cobras), Tladi Bokako (Warriors), and April 2018. In what was a costly embar- eign players and we are happy that we have second Test in Hamilton and match was his second off ence home in your whites carrying Michael Cohen (WSB Cape Cobras), AB de Villiers rassment for the South African controlling been able to resolve it for all of them,” said has also been fi ned 60% of his in a 12-month period. The sec- a match stump & get caught (Multiply Titans), Isaac Dikgale (NW), Leus du body, the league was cancelled in October, Tony Irish, chief executive of SACA. “The ond and fi nal Test of the series by the team van...of course.@ Plooy (VKB Knights), Zubayr Hamza (WSB Cape just over three weeks before it was due to settlement is both fair and responsible and will begin on Saturday. TomBlundellNZ you’re a Cobras), Chris Morris (Multiply Titans), Kagiso start, to avoid heavy losses in the absence of a has been well received by the players.” beaut,” New Zealand Cricket Rapulana (NW), Kelly Smuts (Warriors), Dale television deal and a title sponsorship. The diff erential between the payments to BLUNDELL RETAINS SPOT tweeted with pictures. Bowling Steyn (Multiply Titans), Ricardo Vasconcelos CSA had already spent about 100mn rand local and foreign players is understood to be FOR NEXT WINDIES TEST spearhead Tim Southee, who (Boland), Shaun von Berg (Multiply Titans), Lizaad ($7.5mn) in setting up the league as well as because local players are committed to play- Big-scoring New Zealand was unavailable for the fi rst Williams (WSB Cape Cobras) committing to extensive stadium upgrades ing for their franchises in a domestic T20 wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has Test due to the birth of his over a three-year period. The postponement league currently being played, while foreign retained his spot for the second child, will return to the squad PLAYERS TO BE PAID AFTER happened soon after the departure from CSA players had the opportunity to fi nd alterna- Test against the West Indies and is likely to replace Matt T20 POSTPONEMENT of chief executive and lead negotiator Haroon tive employment. The circumstances lead- starting on Saturday, with BJ Henry in the starting line up. Players contracted to the aborted T20 Global Lorgat, who had been responsible for setting ing to the postponement are the subject of an Watling still sidelined by injury. Watling has not taken the League will be compensated, Cricket South up the league, which was due to feature eight investigation set up by Cricket South Africa, Blundell scored an unbeaten gloves for the past fi ve rounds Africa announced yesterday, following ne- city-based franchise teams, including seven who remain committed to staging the league 107 in his maiden Test innings of domestic cricket in New gotiations with the South African Cricketers’ with foreign owners. in November 2018. to set New Zealand up for an Zealand. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 6, 2017 3 CRICKET

ASHES Bairstow given late father’s England must show gloves belief to win: Anderson Anderson sparks England’s remarkable rally with his first five-wicket haul Down Under

Reuters land manage to pull off the win bowling as well as I ever have, Adelaide today, Anderson believes the body’s in as good a shape as it’s tourists have proved they can ever been.” Adelaide: England’s Jonny compete with Australia. But After a northern summer Bairstow has received an ngland need to turn up a victory to even up the fi ve- spent rattling through the West emotional gift of his late with belief on the fi nal match series at 1-1 with three to Indies and South Africa bat- father’s wicketkeeping gloves day of the second Ashes play might have a big impact on ting line-ups on home soil, it from an Australian fan at Test if they are to stage the destination of the Ashes. was the Australians’ turn to feel the second Ashes Test in aE stunning comeback victory to “It would be huge for us, both the heat. Taking the wickets of Adelaide. He took possession level the series, James Ander- in terms of what it would do for Cameron Bancroft and Usman of them before the start of the son said yesterday. The tour- our confi dence as a team and Khawaja with an impressive third day’s play on Monday ists were apparently dead and what it would potentially mean spell during which he swung and said it was a “fantastic buried after being dismissed for for them,” he said. “It’s very rare the pink ball like a boomerang gesture.” 227 in reply to Australia’s 442 for a team to declare and go on under the fl oodlights, Anderson His dad, David, a former for eight declared on Monday, to lose, so if we get a result to- was no less dangerous under England Test wicketkeeper, but seamer Anderson sparked morrow, it would be huge for a bright afternoon sunshine on took his own life when his son a remarkable rally with his fi rst number of reasons.” the fourth day. was eight. “I’ve had them for fi ve-wicket haul Down Under, Anderson said he still has The right-hander from 39 years. My mum and dad after 15 matches over four tours. wickets left in him and is not Burnley had Peter Handscomb took me to an Adelaide shop- England fi nished day four on about to call it quits. England’s caught at third slip for 12, and ping centre and the English 176 for four and need another all-time leading Test wicket- sent nightwatchman Nathan cricket team were there to 178 runs to win. The highest taker has now taken 514 wickets Lyon (14) and Mitchell Starc meet,” fan Andrew Johns told successful fourth-innings run in his 131st Test for England, but (20) packing to fi nish with fi ve ABC radio yesterday. chase at Adelaide Oval was the the 35-year-old paceman says for 43. The performance, com- “They had a little quiz — 315 England tallied in 1902, he has no plans on calling time ing off the back of a disappoint- they asked who the reserve however, and Anderson con- on his fabulous career. ing fi rst-innings haul of 1-74 wicketkeeper was for England ceded there was plenty of hard “I feel like I am bowling as during which he tended to bowl and I shot my hand up, and work to do yet. well as I ever have, feel like my too short, showed that Ander- said David Bairstow, and they “We’re going to turn up to- body is in as good shape as it ever son can adapt to foreign condi- gave them a pair of gloves morrow with the same sort has been,” Anderson said. “And tions. Even more heartening, he and he signed them. I’ve had of attitude we had today,” he people keep telling me that I am said, was the fact he did it at a them sitting in a box for the said. “With the hunger, the real about to fi nish and retire, so I time when England were on the last 39 years.” fi ght to get back in the series want to show them that I can ropes. “Very pleasing, especial- Johns said he made contact and see where it gets us. Hope- keep going. I’ve still got wick- ly considering the state of the with Jonny Bairstow and fully, it can get us somewhere ets in me, wicket-taking balls game when the team needed it,” arranged to meet him at the near. There’s no gremlins in the which I have shown this week, he said. Adelaide Oval. “I came in, pitch, it’s pretty good to bat on. and hopefully that can continue While Anderson does not I brought the gloves with There’s nothing to fear in terms for the rest of this trip.” quite have the pace of an out- me and sent him a message of the pitch deteriorating.It’s Anderson, England’s big and-out fast man, mostly saying: ‘I’m here’,” Jones just a case tomorrow of com- bowling hope in the fi ve-Test bowling between 130 and 140 recounted. “He came out two ing out tomorrow with belief. series, professed his love for the kilometres-per-hour, he still minutes later, and we had a We’ve got to believe we can do game and the urge to keep on off ers a stern test for any bats- good half an hour together it and we’ve go the players in playing. “I don’t want to think man when combined with his which was wonderful. He was the dressing-room that can do about the future too much. I’m ability to swing the ball. quite emotional to receive the it. Obviously, we’ll need a bit loving playing cricket, I’m lov- Anderson, who has taken gloves. It was really lovely.” of luck along the way but we’ll ing playing with this group of 514 Test wickets at an average Bairstow said the “fantas- give it a good go.” blokes,” he said. “As long as I am of a shade over 27, has often tic gesture” meant a lot to Anderson said the tourists, bowling well and doing myself revelled in home Tests but has him. “It’s something that is beaten by 10 wickets in the se- justice on the fi eld I am going not always been as comfort- always very special. I’ve been ries opener in Brisbane, had to keep playing, absolutely love able in hot and dusty foreign fortunate enough to go all been desperate to put on a good this game. I’ve been very for- climates, where conditions are over the world, and all over show after their early disap- tunate to play it for a long time not always conducive to swing the world people have some pointments in Adelaide. “We and I’m not planning on stop- and seam bowling. In 14 previ- fond stories of dad,” he told were really annoyed with the ping any time soon. So if I keep ous tests in Australia, Anderson the broadcaster. way we played the fi rst couple bowling well and keep myself in had never had better than four- Bairstow has been in the of days,” he added. good shape then hopefully I can wicket hauls, three of them on headlines for the wrong “We didn’t do ourselves jus- carry on for a while.” the 2010-11 tour when England reasons over a head-butting tice in those fi rst two innings Anderson is having possibly won 3-2. incident with Australia Test with the ball and the bat. We the best year of his career, hav- He entered the current Ashes opener Cameron Bancroft in wanted to show that we do ing picked up 47 Test wickets at series with 43 wickets in Aus- a Perth bar early on England’s have good character in our team a miserly average of just over 15. tralia at an average of more than tour. He insisted there was no and can get back into games by “Everything’s sort of clicked,” 38, in danger of ending his ca- malice intended and it had At 35, England paceman James Anderson is having possibly the best year of his career, having picked up fi ghting hard and playing well.” he said. “I’ve felt in good reer with a small blot on a gen- been blown out of proportion. 47 Test wickets at a miserly average of just over 15. Regardless of whether Eng- rhythm throughout the year, erally impeccable copy book.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Afghan teen Mujeeb Aussie captain Smith’s turn to feel stars in Ireland rout AFP 2016 and their previous heaviest Sharjah, United Arab Emirates defeat against Afghanistan was Ashes heat aft er questionable calls by 71 runs in Dublin in 2015. Rising star Rashid Khan, 19, Ali Martin in Adelaide drive to a wide one from Mitchell Starc, ff -spinner Mujeeb Za- took 3-28 with his leg-spin, hav- The Guardian a snick and a cerise gift for the otherwise dran became the fi rst ing also struck a 49-ball 48. Af- embattled Peter Handscomb at second international male ghanistan, sent in to bat, made slip – this was a case of Vince and repeat. cricketer born in the 238-9 with Nasir Jamal scoring he twilight zone. Though 24 From his 12 dismissals to seamers at 21stO century as his four wick- 53 and Rahmat Shah an even 50. hours later than many expected, Test level, there have been nine held be- ets helped Afghanistan thrash The big-hitting Shafi qullah England got their moment un- tween keeper and gully. “Nick city” was Ireland by 138 runs in the fi rst Shafi q smashed a 23-ball 36 with der lights on the fourth evening how the likeable Kerry O’Keefe, on the one-day international in Sharjah three sixes after coming in at Tin Adelaide and through Joe Root, Dawid matey-blokey TripleM radio commen- yesterday. number nine. Malan and some pyromaniacal reviews by tary, described the right-hander’s open Born on March 28, 2001, the Boyd Rankin (4-44) and Tim Steve Smith, somehow the tourists re- bat face in his fi rst innings just seconds 16-year-old’s 4-24 were the Murtagh (3-28) were the pick of mained in the hunt. before Josh Hazlewood exploited this ex- joint-best fi gures for an Af- the Ireland attack, while Kevin Whatever the result on the fi nal day, act glitch via a tame punch to a ball. ghanistan bowler on ODI debut O’Brien took 1-50 to become the this was the kind of session for which But what to do? England have select- as Ireland were bowled out for fi rst Irish bowler to reach 100 day-night Test cricket was designed. A ed Vince in the hope the right-hander’s only 100 in pursuit of 239. Af- ODI wickets. hooping pink ball, a straining attack and game can transfer to Australia’s surface ghanistan’s biggest win over Ire- batsmen battling hard to get just shy of in the way his supposed clone, Michael land gives them a 1-0 lead in the BRIEF SCORES halfway in their pursuit of 354 – Ashes Vaughan, managed 15 years ago. In his three-match series, with the re- Afghanistan 238 for nine in 50 cricket might not need the format to sell fi rst innings 83 at Brisbane, you could see maining matches also in Sharjah overs (Rahmat Shah 50, Nasir out grounds but the glow of the outfi eld, why the punt was taken. on December 7 and 10. Jamal 53, Rashid Khan 48, the fl ash of the pink ball and the changing In reserve sits Gary Ballance, currently Ireland women’s all-rounder Shafiqullah Shafiq 36; Murtagh night sky worked a treat. mixing the drinks – isotonic, not gin and Gaby Lewis became the fi rst in- 3-28, Rankin 4-44) bt Ireland 100 This was two and half hours of creep- tonic – on his second successive tour, be- ternational cricketer born this all out in 31.4 overs (W. Porterfield ing optimism for those England fans on tween which was a brief third spell in the millennium when she made her 35, S. Poynter not out 27; Dawlat the hill – defl ated slightly late on by Pat Australia’s captain Steve Smith, standing in front of a billboard, rues a decision as Test side last summer in which he got set Twenty20 international debut 2-13, Mujeeb 4-24, Rashid 3-28) Cummins – as Root and Malan nudged, England’s batsmen dug in on day four of the second Ashes Test. (Reuters) in three of his four innings without ever against South Africa at Solihull, nurdled and generally repelled Australia. kicking on. Remember, it was only his England in 2014. Smith, having gone too big, too early in Cameron Bancroft when the England it would move like it did [on the third broken fi nger that opened the door for Mujeeb, brought into the Af- trying to overturn marginal calls, became captain was on 60. But somehow, through evening] and it was tough. Jimmy Ander- the since-discarded Tom Westley. ghanistan side for this series a target for the Barmy Army, who off ered a typically frisky innings and the eff orts son was magnifi cent and Chris Woakes Ballance will likely get his chance in the after taking 20 wickets in fi ve sozzled review signs for every appeal of his bowlers, the pressure of his deci- was very good. Given those conditions, two-day tour match at Perth this week- matches to help his country win thereafter. Though his bails were lit up sion to bowl at the toss has fl ipped back we could have done a similar job.” end but counting against him – beyond the Under-19 Asia Cup in Kuala late on by Cummins, Malan showed grit on to Smith, whose third-day call not to On the delight the England fans took at the doubts about the Yorkshireman at No Lumpur last month, made an for his 29 having been struck in the face enforce the follow-on has dominated the Smith burning reviews and then seeing 3 and the fact Root is wedded to No 4 – early impact. He equalled fast by the brawny quick before surviving a local narrative. decisions go against him, Saker said: “I would be the throwing of yet another top bowler Shapoor Zadran’s 4-24 drop at slip by Smith off Nathan Lyon. After stumps it continued, with David was on the other side for fi ve years and I six left-hander to Lyon. The former Ad- against the Netherlands at Am- Root, who reached the close unbeaten on Saker – the Australia assistant coach who did enjoy the Barmy Army – it was wear- elaide groundsman has gone from sewing stelveen in 2009. 67 and was joined by the ever-dependa- was once of the England camp – ruing ing a bit thin today but they are part of the seeds to sewing serious doubts. The Lyon Skipper William Porterfi eld ble Chris Woakes as the nightwatchman, the fact his side been denied the luxury beauty of Ashes cricket.” factor, plus credit from Brisbane, will like- (35), Stuart Poynter (27 not out) was deeply impressive. of using a new ball under lights, such as The surge of hope had begun from a ly prompt another chance for Vince albeit and George Dockrell (ten) were Yes there were brushes with disaster, the tourists had the night before. It was low point as, only six overs after the din- on the bounciest of the Australian pitches. the only batsmen to reach double such as Root surviving a review on 32 pointed out Smith had in fact eschewed it. ner break and under the developing violet But when Root and Malan were battling it fi gures in Ireland’s lowest total Off -spinner Mujeeb Zadran on when given out lbw to Lyon or the cover “In hindsight it probably is [a regret],” sky, James Vince trudged off with 15 to his out in the twilight zone, his latest off ering against Afghanistan. Their pre- debut took four wickets for drive that burst through the hands of Saker said. “We probably didn’t think name and the score 91 for three. A wafty was made to look all the more fl aky. vious lowest was 150 at Belfast in Afghanistan. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 6, 2017 SPORT

GOLF QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Big wins for Gharafa, Qatar Sports Club Tiger seems healthy ers for an overall accuracy of By Sports Reporter Doha 69.2%, and helped his team record an uninterrupted scor- ing run of 15 points at one stage dward Justice, Ab- during the match. dulrahman Saad and For Al Sadd, Darrius Oldham Mychal Ammons all top-scored with 21 points, scored 20 or more which included three three- again, but too early to pointsE as Al Gharafa eased past pointers, while Julius Coles Al Sadd in the Qatar Basketball had 15 and Mozer Hiue 13. League yesterday. In another match, Qatar Justice’s 23 was the highest Sports Club thrashed Al Ahli individual score for either side, 108-76 with Baden Jaxen top- while Saad (21) and Ammons scoring with 30 and Branden (20) were not too far behind in Kearney contributing 24. the match that saw Al Gharafa Qatar Sports Club encoun- predict future glory notch up a 83-66 win. tered little resistance as they Al Gharafa led 22-19 after led 54-34 at the halfway stage ‘If you compared facially between last year and this year, the pain on his face, he looked the fi rst quarter and although before wrapping up the match. Al Sadd put up a fi ght in the Jaxen scored thrice from five years younger for a start but I think we do have to be careful with the comparisons second, there was no stop- the three-point mark and also ping Al Gharafa who went on provided seven assists. from years gone by because he soon will be 42 years of age’ consolidating their advantage, For Al Ahli, Nenad Zivche- scoring a whopping 26 points vikk scored 25, while Ndoye Reuters in the fi nal 10 minutes. Seydou had 14. Albany, Bahamas Justice scored nine times Today Al Shamal face Al from 13 fi eld goal attempts, in- Khor at 5.30pm while Al Arabi cluding a trio of three-point- meet Al Rayyan at 7.30pm. hen Tiger Woods tees up next year he will be at an age at which few have Wdominated, but that will not stop the PGA Tour hype machine and others from promoting his ap- pearance with an implied sug- gestion Tiger 2.0 will be as good as the previous version which won 14 major championships between 1997 and 2008. Amid overwhelmingly posi- tive reviews of Woods’ per- formance at the Hero World Challenge that might lead some to believe that he is destined to recapture his old greatness, a word of caution might be in order. Woods certainly looked healthy in the Bahamas, and wielded his driver with the free- dom and power of yesteryear, but one tournament does not a successful comeback make. The ever secretive Woods has revealed few specifi cs of his back operations or his rehabilitation, but his most recent spinal fu- sion surgery seems to have been successful, judging by his move- ment and swing patterns. He fi nished equal ninth out of 18 competitors on Sunday, 10 shots behind winner Rickie Fowler, his best result in four years and certainly most re- spectable for a man who had not played a competitive round for 10 months. Even more positively, his swing Al Gharafa and Al Sadd players in action during their Qatar seemed more powerful and remi- Basketball League match yesterday. niscent of the old Tiger on Sun- Tiger Woods reacts during the third round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, Bahamas in Nassau, Bahamas. (Getty Images/AFP) day than it did on Thursday, sug- gesting he was not disguising any Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club to host 2018 World Cup England’s Itoje suff ers fractured jaw pain or function issues. But his chipping was medio- Melbourne will host the World Cup of Golf “The World Cup of Golf has been a cel- Soren Kjeldsen and Thorbjorn Olesen sealed England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje suff ered a broken jaw in cre, and he did fi nish only mid- for the third consecutive time with the 59th ebrated and valued tradition in the game Denmark’s maiden World Cup of Golf title in a weekend Premiership clash, his club announced yesterday, pack, so let’s not expect mira- edition of the event to be held at the Met- for decades,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay 2016 while Australia’s Adam Scott and Jason meaning he faces a race against time to be fit for the Six cles in 2018 from a man nearly ropolitan Golf Club from November 21-25, Monahan said. “The International Federation Day triumphed at the Royal Melbourne Golf Nations. The British and Irish Lions player was injured in a colli- 10 years removed from his most 2018, tournament organisers said yesterday. of PGA Tours is proud to see that tradition Club in 2013. “It is a true thrill to bring this sion with Mike Brown as Saracens, third in the Premiership, lost recent major championship vic- The tournament features two-man teams continue in 2018 with the best players from unique, global team-event back to Mel- 20-19 to fierce rivals Harlequins in Sunday’s match at The Stoop. tory, and four-plus years from from 28 nations and is one of the only around the globe convening at The Metro- bourne and the Sandbelt region,” Executive Saracens have confirmed Itoje’s injury is a fractured jaw and the any victory. competitions, outside the Olympics, where politan Golf Club.” Director of the Melbourne World Cup of 23-year-old will now undergo further testing to determine his “Time waits for no man” said players can represent their countries on “Golf in the Sandbelt region speaks for itself, Golf Robyn Cooper said. “We appreciate recovery period. England launch their Six Nations title defence former PGA Tour player Frank an international level. The 2018 edition will and we appreciate The Metropolitan Golf the strong cooperation of all involved to against Italy in Rome on February 4, giving Itoje two months to Nobilo, who along with most allow the highest-ranked player from each Club opening its doors for this historic team ensure Australia’s golf fans would be able to be fit to contest selection for Eddie Jones’ side. everyone else was impressed country to pick their playing partner and fol- event.” Australia has hosted the event on enjoy this spirited team competition in the “Scans have confirmed that Saracens forward Maro Itoje with Woods’ performance in the lows the same format as the 2016 event with five previous occasions with Melbourne Sandbelt region.” The 2019 Presidents Cup fractured his jaw in Sunday’s round 10 Aviva Premiership clash Bahamas, without losing sight of teams playing four rounds of ‘best ball’ and hosting the prestigious competition in 2013 will also be hosted in Melbourne at the Royal against Harlequins,” said a Saracens statement. “The 23-year-old the big picture. ‘alternate shot’. and 2016. Melbourne Golf Club. England forward left the field in the 48th minute of Saracens’ “If you compared facially be- 20-19 defeat at the Twickenham Stoop and was taken to hospital tween last year and this year, where scans confirmed the fracture. Itoje will now see a second the pain on his face, he looked two early season PGA Tour stops ters in April, where Woods is tunity to become the most win- appeared glad to be back in his specialist later this week to confirm his return to play schedule.” fi ve years younger for a start but in southern California - at Tor- likely to play his fi rst major since ning player in PGA Tour history. outdoor offi ce. The second row will miss Saracens’ upcoming European Cham- I think we do have to be careful rey Pines, where he has won the 2015 PGA Championship. Woods stands on 79 victories, “When I was struggling with pions Cup clashes, with the double reigning champions next with the comparisons from years eight times, and Riviera - loom Woods needs to win four more three behind Sam Snead. my back, the world seemed very facing French side Clermont in back-to-back fixtures. gone by because he soon will be as likely candidates, along with majors to match Jack Nicklaus’s Simple mathematics - 15-odd small,” he said. Itoje was nominated for World rugby’s world player of the year 42 years of age,” Nobilo said. the hometown Honda Classic in record of 18 victories, which even chances a year to add to his tally, Added Nobilo: “If this is any for 2017 after a stunning calendar year that comprised Eng- Woods was guarded as ever south Florida. his most optimistic fans must as opposed to four in the majors indication 2018 should be very land’s Six Nations win, Saracens’ second European triumph and on Sunday when asked about All roads, of course, will lead acknowledge is out of reach. - suggest that is far more achiev- colourful. Orange is very much the Lions’ drawn series with world champions New Zealand. his early 2018 schedule, but the towards Augusta and the Mas- More realistic is the oppor- able, but fi rst things fi rst. Woods in and red appears to be back.”

MOTORSPORT Williams to have further talks with Kubica, Sirotkin Reuters Sirotkin, a 22-year-old develop- No detailed data was made avail- Malaysia wins London ment driver for the Renault team, has able, although Williams technical MotoGP’s best Grand been backed by Russian billionaire head Paddy Lowe said at the time Prix of 2017 Boris Rotenberg and enhanced his that he had done a “fantastic job.” ormula One comeback hope- credentials with a strong showing at A recent BBC analysis indicated, Malaysia’s motorcycle Grand ful Robert Kubica and young Yas Marina. however, that the performance was Prix was named by the Russian Sergey Sirotkin will Kubica, 33 next Thursday, was inconclusive with Sirotkin appar- sport’s governing body both be at the Williams fac- tipped as a future champion before ently faster in hotter, and therefore yesterday as the best race of toryF this week as the former cham- a 2011 rally accident partially sev- slower, conditions and on harder the 2017 MotoGP champion- pions continue to assess their driver ered his right arm and stalled his F1 tyres. ship. options for 2018. career. Speaking at the Autosport “Of course it’s not the same driv- Italian Andrea Dovizioso won Both tested for the team in Abu Awards on Sunday, the Pole said he ing an F1 car as it has been in the past the rainy race at Sepang in Dhabi last week and are in the frame was amazed by how far he had come but still my limitations are much less October in a Ducati one-two to replace Brazilian Felipe Massa this year already. than it looks like,” Kubica said on finish with Spanish team alongside Canadian teenager Lance “I think this year has been great Sunday. mate Jorge Lorenzo. Stroll. for me although I haven’t raced,” Ku- “Ninety percent of my driving is The circuit has been a fixture “Robert was always scheduled to bica, a Canadian Grand Prix winner exactly the same as it was in the old on the calendar since 1999 visit Grove this week to conduct a with BMW-Sauber in 2008, told the days. I’m actually in better shape fi t- and is also used for pre- post-test review and Sergey will be audience. ness wise than I was, I was a lazy guy season testing. doing the same,” a team spokeswom- “What I achieved and how I pro- in the past and now I have to work While the country’s MotoGP an said on Monday when asked about gressed has been amazing.” much harder. race was sold out this year, further simulator tests. Kubica, whose arm is noticeably “All in all, the brain makes a big Malaysia said farewell to The team said no inference should thin and twisted when he off ers a diff erence and it’s incredible how Formula One after declining be made from previously arranged handshake, was able to complete 100 big a potential the brain has and how ticket sales and dwindling discussions and planned follow-up laps – nearly two race distances – on quickly you can adapt to diff erent visitor numbers. work after the end of season tyre test. the fi rst day of the Abu Dhabi test. conditions.” Formula One comeback hopeful Robert Kubica. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5 SPORT

NFL Steelers sink Bengals on last-second fi eld goal The Sports Xchange and running back Joe Mixon to a total yards on 16 plays. New York concussion in the fi rst half. Late Brown, who was questionable in the fourth quarter, Bengals coming into Monday’s game, linebacker Vontaze Burfi ct sus- caught a 20-yard pass on his fi rst hris Boswell’s 38-yard tained a head injury on a block target. fi eld goal as time expired by receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, However, Jones made a diving lifted the Pittsburgh who was fl agged for unsports- interception of a Roethlisberger Steelers to a 23-20 vic- manlike conduct and taunting pass three plays later, helping set toryC over the Cincinnati Bengals, on the play. up a 35-yard fi eld goal by Randy capping an injury- and penalty- Bullock to put Cincinnati ahead ridden Monday night matchup at The Steelers lost linebacker 3-0. Jones injured his groin on Paul Brown Stadium. and leading tackler Ryan the play and did not return. The Steelers lost linebacker Shazier to a back injury in The Bengals then drove 85 and leading tackler Ryan Shazier the fi rst quarter yards on 12 plays on their next to a back injury in the fi rst quar- possession, and a 9-yard TD ter. He was taken to a local hos- The Steelers captured some pass from Dalton to Green in- pital, reportedly with no feeling momentum with a fi eld goal creased their lead to 10-0. below his waist. just before halftime. Then on Coty Sensabaugh, who was Antonio Brown had eight their fi rst possession of the third starting at left cornerback in catches for 101 yards and a quarter, Le’Veon Bell caught a place of Joe Haden, was beaten touchdown, and Ben Roethlis- short pass and tiptoed the side- on the play. Green again beat berger passed for 290 yards and line past Bengals corner William Sensabaugh for a 15-yard TD two TDs in helping Pittsburgh Jackson III for a 35-yard touch- pass to Green with 31 seconds re- (10-2) rally from a 17-0 second- down to make the score 17-10. maining in the fi rst half. Cincin- quarter defi cit for its seventh Bell rushed for 76 yards on 18 nati led 17-3 at the end of an straight victory. carries. Dalton had a 61-yard injury-riddled fi rst half. Cincinnati (5-7) had a fran- touchdown pass to AJ Green ne- Dalton was 16 of 23 for 173 chise-record 173 penalty yards, gated by a holding penalty, and yards and two touchdowns in including an off side penalty that Martavis Bryant had a 96-yard the fi rst half. Both of his scoring gave Boswell 5 extra yards on his kickoff return touchdown called passes came on third down. game-winner. back, also due to a hold. A pass interference call on Andy Dalton passed for 234 Cincinnati led 20-13 with Darqueze Dennard gave the yards and two touchdowns for eight minutes left, but Roeth- Steelers a fi rst down at the 12- the Bengals (5-7), who also sus- lisberger’s 6-yard TD pass to yard line with fi ve seconds left tained several key injuries. Brown tied the score with 3:51 in the half. Boswell hit a 30-yard Cincinnati lost cornerback remaining. The Bengals domi- fi eld goal for Pittsburgh’s fi rst Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (No 9) reacts to kicking the game-winning field goal with teammates against the Cincinnati Bengals in Adam Jones to a groin injury nated the fi rst quarter with 112 points. the second-half of their NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA NHL Flyers end 10-game losing streak as Elliott Curry exits Warriors’ makes 43 saves

By Sam Carchidi Laughton made it 5-2 by The Philadelphia Inquirer scoring on a rebound with 18:09 left in regulation. The Flyers were 0-5-5 in he Philadelphia Flyers their previous 10 games. win with ankle injury; ended nearly a month “Through this stretch, the of frustration and hidden thing is we’ve played halted a 10-game los- a lot of really good hockey,” Ting streak Monday night at the coach Dave Hakstol said be- Scotiabank Saddledome. fore the game. “You have to Scott Laughton, Michael really remain confi dent. You Raffl and Wayne Simmonds have to remain together, and scored second-period goals 71 on a day like today, when we’ve Celtics, Cavs roll on seconds apart as the Flyers de- had a day and a half in between feated the Calgary Flames, 5-2, (games), just come back to the ‘I sprained my ankle and I’ll see how it feels tomorrow and kind of go from there’ and registered their fi rst win rink with a real purpose. Al- since Nov. 9 against Chicago. most a sense of simplicity in AFP Using four new lines in an how we want to approach our Los Angele attempt to energise their of- game.” fence, the Flyers avenged last Hakstol said his players month’s 5-4 overtime loss need to “trust each other and tephen Curry sparked a to the Flames. In that game, know your linemate and team- second-half comeback to Calgary had three power play mate is going to do his job very inspire the Golden State goals. well, and make sure you go out Warriors to victory over Former Flame Brian Elliott and do your job very well and theS New Orleans Pelicans on made 43 saves for the Flyers, things will be fi ne.” Monday, but suff ered a late ankle who were outshot, 45-21. Captain Claude Giroux said injury to take the shine off a dra- “First and foremost, Moose the losing streak had left the matic win. played great,” said Simmonds, Flyers feeling unsure about Curry rolled badly on his right referring to Elliott by his nick- themselves. ankle in the fi nal minute of the name. “When we get that confi - Warriors 125-115 win in New Or- Simmonds scored on a pow- dence and that swagger back, leans, limping off the court and er play, tapping in a slick pass we’re going to be a good team later leaving the Smoothie King from Sean Couturier, giving again,” he said before the Fly- Center on crutches. the Flyers a 4-1 cushion with ers scored more goals in any X-rays taken after the game 11:18 left in the second. game since a 5-1 win over Flor- however indicated no serious Laughton, who had two ida on Oct. 17. “... At the end of damage although Curry was tak- goals, and Raffl had scored the day, we do believe we’re a ing nothing for granted having 25 seconds apart before Sim- good team. We believe we can already suff ered an injury to his monds notched just his second fi ght for a playoff spot. Now we right ankle earlier in his career. goal in the last 19 games. All just have to prove it on the ice.” “I sprained my ankle and I’ll three goals were scored from in As he was doing an inter- see how it feels tomorrow and front as the Flyers did a great view earlier in the day, a smil- kind of go from there,” said Cur- job crashing the net. ing (but annoyed) Giroux said: ry, who scored 31 points in the Val Filppula knocked in a re- “I can’t focus with that music win. bound with 44 seconds to go right now.” “Wannabe” by the “Obviously, it’s the second in the opening period, knot- Spice Girls was blaring in the situation, but... this is more on ting the score at 1-all. Filppula background, and a Calgary the concerned side. I’ve been was part of a physical, new- reporter asked Giroux that, if through this before on this an- look second line that included the Flyers won Monday, the kle, and knowing the surgical Raffl , who also took a whack at group’s music would be adopt- repairs from like fi ve or six years the rebound, and Jake Voracek ed by the team. ago are fi ne, I should be able to (three assists). “We might have to do it bounce back.” Voracek who was replaced more often,” he said. Earlier, the reigning NBA by Simmonds on the top line, Somewhere, Kate Smith champions had overturned a now has 26 assists. He moved isn’t happy. 69-49 half-time defi cit to grab into a tie for No. 2 in the NHL a victory which improved their pending Monday’s other re- RESULTS record to 19-6. sults. Flyers ...... 5 Flames ...... 2 It was the second time this In the fi rst 40 minutes, the Islanders ...... 5 Panthers ..4 (SO) season that the Warriors had Flyers held a 4-2 lead despite Capitals ...... 4 Sharks ...... 1 come back from 20 points down Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives past New Orleans Pelicans centre Omer Asik (No 3) during the second quarter of their NBA being outshot, 35-15. Predators ...... 5 Bruins ...... 3 or more to claim victory. No oth- game at the Smoothie King Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports er team in modern NBA history has posted 20-point halftime evident in an ugly confrontation performance from the Milwau- Happy returns for Wade “We had about a fi ve-minute comebacks in the same season. between Warriors star Kevin kee Bucks’ Giannis Antetok- In Chicago meanwhile, the stretch in the fi rst half when we Warriors coach Steve Kerr Durant and Pelicans DeMar- ounmpo to score a 111-100 win. Cleveland Cavaliers notched just lost our minds,” Hoiberg however was unimpressed that cus Cousins. Both players were The Celtics, who also had 20 a 12th straight win in a 113-91 said. his team had once again been re- ejected after facing off in the points from Al Horford, im- blowout over the hapless Bulls. “It’s those stretches that we quired to dig themselves out of a closing minutes of the game. proved to 21-4. The Celtics have Dwyane Wade and Kevin Love have to fi nd a way to eliminate. hole of their own making. Durant, who scored 19 points, now won 11 of their last 12 home scored 24 points apiece while When we’re not making shots, “It’s absolutely too much,” later reproached himself for his games. LeBron James added 23 as the we have to continue to guard.” Kerr said. “We’re not composed loss of control. Irving, who joined Boston Cavs improved to 17-7 in the out there. We’re a championship “I can’t get involved with that from Cleveland earlier this year, Eastern Conference. RESULTS team. We’ve got to be poised and type of stuff ,” Durant said. “I’ve paid tribute to his burgeoning It was a satisfying return to Dallas ...... 122 Denver...... 105 we’ve got to execute. just got to stay locked in and stay understanding with Horford. Chicago for Wade, who played San Antonio ....96 Detroit ...... 93 “We’re getting way too emo- focused on the game. “When you’ve got guys who for the Bulls last year before Atlanta ...... 90 Brooklyn ...... 110 tional, myself included. We’ve “I’m not going to fi ght no- are willing to be as selfl ess as we joining Cleveland. Boston ...... 111 Milwaukee ...100 got to show some poise when body. I don’t want to get injured. are, then it makes everything in “I’m just in a good groove and Utah ...... 116 Washington ..69 things aren’t going our way and I don’t want to get suspended. I terms of our system work,” Irv- I’m just taking my opportunities Chicago ...... 91 Cleveland ...... 113 stop worrying about everything love to play. I love making money ing said. as they come,” Wade said. Memphis ...... 95 Minnesota ...... 92 else and just worry about the for my family, so I’m not trying “Me and Al, we’re pretty self- Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg New Orleans ...115 Golden State 125 game.” to get suspended.” less guys, but we understand meanwhile lamented a loss of Charlotte ...... 104 Orlando ...... 94 Elsewhere Monday, Kyrie Irv- when we’ve got to make our concentration in the fi rst half Indiana ...... 115 New York ...... 97 Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Elliott makes a save against the Lack of composure ing scored 32 points as the Bos- mark in the game and if we do which allowed Cleveland to pull Philadelphia ....101 Phoenix ...... 115 Calgary Flames during the first period of their NHL game on That lack of composure was ton Celtics overcame a 40-point that, whatever’s needed we do.” away. Monday. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 6, 2017 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Satisfi ed with Kharaitiyat win a performance, morale-booster: not results, says Gharafa’s al-Yahri

By Sports Reporter mented in their real sense, so some re- Doha sults didn’t go our way even though we had put up a strong showing. And we Qatar SC’s Khalfan weren’t lucky in some games either. thman al-Yahri is one of “Vladimir Weiss’ absence through the key players of Al Gharafa. injury will be felt. He’s a big star with 'Despite creating scoring opportunities, we didn’t get the deserved results' The midfi elder has proved special abilities and we’ll miss him it time and again, the latest badly. However, the team is not just occasionO being their 3-1 victory over about one or two players,” said al-Yahri. Al Arabi in Week 10 of the QNB Stars He said he had much more to off er League. He had a good game, making the side, especially in the second phase a foray of raids into the rival territory, of the league which will be tougher. even though he could not get into the Al-Yahri said the team’s interest was scoring act. above all and that victories were their Al Gharafa are seventh in the table priorities. He stressed that the match with 10 points, from two wins and four against Qatar SC would be tough as The draws. Kings are a rejuvenated lot under new “Winning two matches isn’t enough coach Abdullah Mubarak. Their morale for our team, the club management and is also high. fans. We’re satisfi ed with our perform- According to him, the team that ance, but we aren’t happy with our re- makes the least number of mistakes sults. The team is improving in terms of and stays focused would emerge as the performance, but results aren’t match- winners. ing that,” al-Yahri told QSL Online. On his goals and ambition this season, “There were many changes in the al-Yahri said, “The league is still long. We team this season. Some new players believe we can achieve a creditable fi nish, came in and the youngsters need time probably a top-four, and can compete in to fully adapt. the Qatar Cup. I’m sure we can win more “Changes take time to be imple- matches in the second phase.”

AFC Champions League Qatar SC's Mohamed Tayebi (second from right) celebrates his goal against Al Kharaitiyat during the QNB Stars League match last week. group-stage draw today By Sports Reporter in the fi rst phase of the tournament Qatar SC showed character to pull off After a long slump, the club man- Doha and we want to make up for the set- an important victory. agement brought back Qatari coach The group-stage draw ceremony of while Mohamed Gholam, Ahmad backs. We hope we beat Al Gharafa,” “Al Gharafa have very good players, Abdullah Mubarak, replacing Argen- the 2018 AFC Champions League will al-Ansari and Abdullah al-Berik com- Qatar SC striker Fahad Khalfan told both professional and nationals, in all tinian Gabriel Calderon. The team be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, prise the Al Sadd delegation. atar SC tasted victory only QSL online. departments of the game. The absence met with instant success as they put it today. Mathker al-Shafi will represent Al for a second time in this “The victory over Al Kharaitiyat of Slovakian attacking midfi elder across Al Kharaitiyat. While three Qatari clubs —Al Duhail, Rayyan. Al Gharafa’s representatives season’s QNB Stars League was a big morale-booster for us. How- Vladimir Weiss (who will undergo a Abdullah was the coach when Qatar Al Sadd and Al Rayyan — have are Saad al-Shammari and Taha al- by beating Al Kharaitiyat ever, we’re expecting a tough encoun- cruciate ligament knee surgery at Qa- SC got promoted from the second di- already qualified for the tournament, Muhaiza. 3-2Q last week. The fi rst time they did ter against Al Gharafa, who did well tar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine vision before Calderon took charge at Al Gharafa will play in the qualifying The 32 teams will be drawn into eight so was in Week 2, against promoted during their victory over Al Arabi in hospital Aspetar on 12th December) the start of this season. round for the group stage. groups of four sides — four groups Al Markhiya, on September 22. Their the last round,” he said. will aff ect their performance and may Fahad praised Abdullah’s work, say- League champions Al Duhail and each in the West Region (Groups A-D) only other positive result was a 1-1 It may be recalled that the win go to our advantage,” he said. ing he had succeeded in instilling con- Emir’s Cup winners Al Sadd were and East Region (Groups E-H). Teams draw with Umm Salal in Week 9. helped Qatar SC jump to 10th position “We were unlucky in many match- fi dence in the players. to originally represent Qatar, but Al from the same association cannot be Qatar SC face Al Gharafa in a key with seven points from the very bot- es. Despite putting up good displays “We’ve the potential to be in the top Rayyan too received a direct berth drawn into one group. clash on Friday. tom. and creating scoring opportunities, half of the table. Our goal is to score as after the AFC decided to increase the The group stage will be played on a “The match against Al Gharafa is The forward pointed out that the we didn’t get the deserved results. At many points as possible, so our posi- country’s direct slots to three. home-and-away round-robin basis. The just like other fi xtures. We approach team’s overall level was good against times, we also suff ered from changes tion will improve,” Fahad said, adding Ismail Ahmed and Mohamed Bashir winners and runners-up of each group every fi xture as if we’re playing the fi - Al Kharaitiyat, who are a strong side made in the team composition and a he was longing to represent Qatar’s will represent Al Duhail at the draw, advance to the knockout stage. nal. We lost a lot of games and points with some quality players. However, lack of consistency.” senior national team.

BOTTOMLINE Save the Dream unites leaders to foster dialogue in Mediterranean

By A Correspondent tional Political Studies) involving 800 for Children, AC Milan, the Italian social innovation across the Mediterra- Rome, Italy leaders in Business, Politics and Cul- National Olympic Committee, the Na- nean region. ture, 80 Think Tanks and International tional Olympic Committee of Portu- “To achieve this and to truly harness Institutions and over 56 Countries. gal, the Italian Government Offi ce for the power that sport has in developing eading fi gures from the world of During the opening of the Forum, Sport, the Italian Football Association, skills and encouraging sustainable and sport, international organisa- Mario Pescante, the Permanent Ob- the World Ethnosport Confederation, inclusive growth, a collective approach tions, business and civil soci- server of the International Olympic the European Platform for Sport In- involving sport, business, academia, ety united at the special ‘Sport Committee to the United Nations, novation and Universities such the “La cities and civil society, including youth LNostrum’ Forum, organised by Save the called on all countries and organisa- Sapienza” of Rome and the Catholic organisations, is vital. Dream recently, and took an important tions attending the Forum to observe University of Milan. “On behalf of Save the Dream, to- step forward in identifying a strategic the recently adopted UN Resolution on Speaking about the Forum, Massi- day’s Sport Nostrum, which took place roadmap to use sport to foster dialogue the Olympic Truce and use it as a global miliano Montanari, Executive Director on the sidelines of the MED forum, has and social innovation across the Medi- instrument to promote peace and mu- of Save the Dream, said: an important step forward to enhance terranean region. tual understanding across and beyond “Sport is a unique and powerful in- eff orts to achieve this aim.” The ‘Sport Nostrum’ Forum was or- the Mediterranean region. strument to restore normality in the life Raff aele Chiulli, President of the ganised by Save the Dream jointly with In addition, Fiona May (Head of the of asylum seekers, facilitate integration Association of International Sports its partners for the Mediterranean re- Integration Commission, FIGC) and into society and promote inter-cultural Federations recognized by the Inter- gion — the TASEM coalition — and the Honey Thalijeh (Save the Dream and and inter-faith dialogue. Sport also plays national Olympic Committee, con- support of the UN Alliance of Civili- Corporate Communications Manager, an important and vital role within com- cluded: “I was delighted to contribute zations to promote the role of sport in FIFA) spoke at the forum alongside munities and helps to break down stereo- to the Forum’s objectives and take note empowering young people and build a senior representatives during the panel types and narratives in society that incite of a common vision within participat- coalition that uses sport to foster great- discussion to emphasise the role sport hatred, exclusion and fuel extremism. ing organisations on the role sport can er dialogue and social innovation across has in bridging communities, as well as “Today’s Sport Nostrum Forum has play to make a change in the Mediter- the Mediterranean region. how it supports social integration and been an important stepping stone in ranean and on the importance of devel- ‘Sport Nostrum’ took place in the the fi ght against discrimination. promoting the positive impact sport oping a regional coalition to contribute, context of MED 2017 – Mediterranean The Forum brought together high- can have on young people from across through sport, to sustainable develop- Dialogues – the high-level event organ- level representatives from a range of the region, as well as moving forward ment goals, engage countries in dia- ised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign organisations including the Interna- Save the Dream’s ongoing eff orts to logue, facilitates post-confl ict transi- Mario Pescante, the Permanent Observer of the International Olympic Committee to Aff airs and International Cooperation tional Olympic Truce Center (IOTC), establish a multisectoral platform that tions and off er opportunities to young the United Nations, speaks at the Save the Dream ‘Sport Nostrum’ Forum in Rome. and ISPI (Italian Institute for Interna- UNHCR, UNICRI, UEFA Foundation uses sport to foster greater dialogue and generations.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 6, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT FA Cup hots up with Liverpool-Everton derby Australia sets AFP League next Sunday. who has brought in former Liverpool potentially tricky home tie with Burnley. London Everton have had a torrid time in midfi elder and coach Sammy Lee onto Arsenal are not the only Premier the Premier League so far this season his staff — well in his new job. League giants to face second tier oppo- February deadline and failed to progress to the knockout Liverpool have beaten Everton on sition with Manchester United at home iverpool will host city rivals stages in the Europa League, although both the occasions they have met in to Derby County and last season’s beat- Everton for the second time they have the survival specialist Sam the fi nal in 1986 and 1989. en fi nalists Chelsea away at Norwich. inside a month when they Allardyce now installed as manager. Their overall head to head FA Cup Several Premier League sides could for new coach face-off in the third round of Adding extra spice is a tense rela- record has seen them clash on 23 oc- fall prey to giant killing exploits. Lthe FA Cup in early January after the tionship between Liverpool manager casions, with Liverpool winning 10, Inconsistent Southampton travel to panel and engaged a consulting fi rm to draw was made on Monday. Jurgen Klopp and Allardyce, with the Everton seven, and six draws. Fulham, and struggling West Ham and assess candidates to take Australia to Liverpool — who beat Everton latter making disparaging remarks Elsewhere, holders Arsenal’s fi rst Swansea are away at third tier high- the World Cup in Russia and beyond. in the 2012 semi-final, their last about the German in the past. challenge is an away trip to second fl yers Shrewsbury and Championship Postecoglou announced his resigna- FA Cup meeting — also host their Klopp, though, off ered an olive tier Nottingham Forest while Premier leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers tion last week after four years in the struggling neighbours in the Premier branch last week, wishing Allardyce — League leaders Manchester City face a respectively. role, having recently secured Austral- ia’s qualifi cation to a fourth successive World Cup. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FFA chief executive David Gal- lop said last week that the governing body’s preference was for another Aus- tralian coach but yesterday said they were keeping their options open. “As things stand, no-one is ruled in or out,” he said in a statement. “We are open minded about whether the coach is Australian or someone Leipzig’s Werner from overseas but they must live in Australia, embrace the progress on and off the fi eld that has been achieved ‘There was a with national teams over the past four years... and be prepared to be an am- lot of pressure, bassador for our sport here and abroad. “FFA’s starting point is to appoint a my first coach for the long term but we will be out to purge advised on this and other matters by Champions our expert panel.” A number of high-profi le interna- League match, tional coaches have been linked with the role but Eriksson became the fi rst to and I just didn’t Reuters declare his interest publicly, according Melbourne to a report in Melbourne’s Herald-Sun feel good’ newspaper yesterday. Besiktas pain “Yes of course I’m interested. It’s a big ustralia will decide on a suc- job, a big football country, you’re play- AFP Bayern Munich by six points but ahead cessor for Socceroos coach ing in the World Cup — again. You more Leipzig, Germany of Germany’s other heavyweights. Ange Postecoglou by mid- or less always play in the World Cup,” the “We weren’t good enough going February, the country’s foot- paper quoted the Swede as saying. forward or at the back and we have to ballA association said yesterday, as Slavoljub Muslin, who was axed af- ermany striker Timo Werner tick the defeat off ,” said Werner. former England boss Sven-Goran ter successfully guiding Serbia through hopes to purge painful mem- The 21-year-old is Germany’s fi rst- Eriksson emerged as a surprise can- Russia qualifying, was also reported to ories of Istanbul with a win choice striker after netting three goals didate. be a candidate last week, with Graham over Turkish champions Be- in the national team’s Confederations Football Federation Australia said Arnold and Tony Popovic seen as the Gsiktas today that would fi re RB Leipzig Cup triumph in July. yesterday it had formed a nine-person strongest local contenders. into the Champions League’s last 16. After scoring 21 goals last season, When the teams last met in Sep- he has hit 11 more in 2017/18 and com- tember Werner had to leave the fi eld, bined that with three assists. feeling dizzy and in clear distress, af- Barca face Celta once more in Cup last 16 ter only 32 minutes of his side’s 2-0 DIVING JEERS defeat at Besiktas’ Vodafone Park. His prowess has led to rumours in Holders Barcelona will face Celta Vigo in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey as La His dizziness was the result of Spain that Real Madrid want the fl eet- Liga’s top five were kept apart in yesterday’s draw. Celta, coached by former blocked neck muscles, which kept him footed forward, who is under contract Barca goalkeeper and assistant manager Juan Carlos Unzue, became the first out for the next three weeks. until 2020. side to take league points from Barca at the Camp Nou for a year on Saturday “My body had just reached a point “In every league, there are two in an entertaining 2-2 draw. The Galicians also shocked Real Madrid on their where it said, ‘enough is enough’, I felt or three big names everyone wants way to the semi-finals last season, but Barca, who haven’t been eliminated by dizzy, there was a lot of pressure on to play for and who could win the any side other than Real in the Cup since 2010, remain strong favourites to the game, my fi rst Champions League Champions League,” said Werner on make the quarter-finals once more with the second leg to come at the Camp match, and I just didn’t feel good,” he his future. “I have a contract in Leip- Nou. Real Madrid also have the security of the second leg at home against told broadcaster ZDF. zig — let’s see what the future brings,” second division Numancia, who eliminated top-flight opposition in Malaga in “It was my fi rst serious injury and he replied when directly asked about the last 32. Third tier Lleida Esportiu are rewarded for their remarkable come- not a pleasant experience.” joining Bayern Munich. back from 3-0 down on aggregate to beat Real Sociedad on away goals with Werner scored twice in Leipzig’s 4-1 Leipzig’s director of sport Ralf a matchup against Atletico Madrid. The other side from Spain’s regional third win battering of Monaco a fortnight Rangnick insists Werner is going no- tier left in the draw, Formentera, face last season’s finalists Alaves. Sevilla ago to keep their hopes of reaching the where, “not this winter nor next sum- were handed an Andalusian derby at Cadiz, whilst high flying Valencia face a knock-out stage alive, while Besiktas mer”, as they try to tie him to a long- trip to the Canary Islands to take on Las Palmas. are already through as group winners. term contract. Leipzig are third in Group G, level Werner has endured a tough 12 Wendell gets three-match ban for tackle with Porto on seven points, and the months, having to win over German Germans must pick up more points fans after diving to win a penalty in a 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell was yesterday handed a three-match against Besiktas than Porto do at win against Schalke in December 2016. ban for the horror tackle on Gonzalo Castro which tore the ankle ligaments home to eliminated Monaco if they are Leipzig’s Timo Werner (right) and teammate Konrad Laimer arrive for a training The incident led to him being booed of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Brazilian left-back Wendell was shown to snatch second spot and reach the session in Leipzig, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) and whistled at Bundesliga stadiums a straight red for his crunching tackle on Castro’s right ankle in the first-half last 16 in their fi rst Champions League whenever Leipzig visited. of Dortmund’s 1-1 draw at Leverkusen last Saturday. The Germany interna- campaign. the likes of Barcelona or Manchester Besiktas are unbeaten and won both “A lot of questions were asked about tional had to be helped off following the foul and is expected to be out for United or Real (Madrid). their away matches so far — 3-1 at my character, I have always said I am several weeks, while Wendell was sent for an early shower. The German FA BIG NAME DREAMS “We have to beat Besiktas and hope Porto and 2-1 at Monaco. sorry for it and I didn’t do it intention- (DFB) have banned Wendell for the next three league games with an extra “As long as the chance remains, we Monaco get a good result at Porto.” Leipzig crashed 4-0 at Hoff enheim ally,” said Werner. one-match ban to come into eff ect should he appear before the disciplinary will do everything. We still have hope,” Leipzig are also hoping centre- on Saturday, the club’s heaviest defeat “It aff ected me, I had to deal with a board before December 31, 2018. It means he will not play in the Bundesliga said Werner. backs Willi Orban and Dayot Upame- in their two years in the Bundesliga lot more pressure than other players, again until after the winter break, which starts on December 17. Wendell has “This is our chance to go further cano will recover in time from thigh and a rare black mark in a season that but on the other hand it toughened me yet to make an appearance for the Selecao but was called up for World Cup in the competition, to be able to play problems. has them second the league, trailing up and I learnt from it.” qualifiers last year. Algeria’s Ghoulam renews Napoli deal Ibai hat-trick sees Alaves beat Girona aft er trailing 2-0 Algerian international defender Faouzi Ghoulam has renewed his contract with Serie A side Napoli until 2022, the Italian club confirmed yesterday. DPA including the winner with the last had other ideas. buried a shot under the dive of Bono The 26-year-old’s current deal had been due to expire on June 30 next year. Barcelona kick of the game. First on 72 minutes he followed in to win the match. Ghoulam is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury picked up in Girona took the lead on 59 minutes his own shot that Girona keeper “We feel terrible having been 2-0 up,” last month’s Champions League loss to Manchester City. And amid specula- when Christian Stuani opened the Bono had saved and scored from the said Girona’s Aday Benitez. tion that Maurizio Sarri’s side were stalling on a new deal, the club took to late Ibai Gomez hat-trick scoring. rebound. Alaves remain in the bottom three Twitter to dispel any doubts. “With regard to the ‘freeze on the renewal of the earned Alaves a dramatic 3-2 Juanpe Ramirez headed in the He then equalised from the but Gomez said: “It was heart that contract’. Renewed until June 30, 2022,” the club said on Twitter with a pic- A win at Girona in Spain’s La Liga second goal three minutes later and penalty spot on 87 minutes after the enabled us to get the points. ture of the defender putting pen to paper alongside club chairman Aurelio De on Monday. it seemed that Abelardo Fernan- keeper had brought down Alfonso “This team has to give everything Laurentiis. “Proud and happy to be part of this great project,” Ghoulam wrote The visitors were 2-0 down with 20 dez’ first game in charge of Alaves Pedraza. in every game. This gives us a lot of on his Twitter feed. “To represent this beautiful city and its colours. Proud to minutes left but Gomez scored three would end in defeat — but Gomez And with the last kick of the game he confidence going forward.” be Neapolitan. Come on Napoli forever.” France-born Ghoulam joined Napoli from French Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne in 2014 and has made 151 appear- ances for the club.

FOCUS PSG and Bayern fans clash in Munich German police broke up a mass brawl after around 60 supporters of Bayern Munich and rivals Paris Saint-Germain clashed at Munich’s main railway sta- tion ahead of yesterday’s Champions League match. One French fan had to US soccer chief Gulati to step down be treated for a head injury after the brawl broke out late on Monday night and supporters wearing masks had to be separated by police with batons. Around 30 PSG fans were questioned by Munich police, while three Bay- AFP the job.” Mexico bid for the 2026 World Cup. ern fans were found to be carrying weapons and were arrested on assault Los Angeles Football in the United States is Gulati told ESPN he planned to con- charges. Around 4,000 PSG fans are expected at the match which was al- still reeling from the country’s shock tinue in that role. ready flagged up by authorities as at risk of violence. Both clubs are through World Cup qualifying exit, when “I’m going to spend a lot of time to the last 16 and will meet at Munich’s Allianz Arena with Bayern needing to nited States Soccer Federa- Bruce Arena’s side lost to Trinidad and over the next six months trying to win win at least 4-0 in order to finish as group winners after losing 3-0 in Paris last tion chief Sunil Gulati said Tobago in their fi nal game to miss out an election — and that election is to September. Monday he will not seek on Russia 2018. Arena quit immedi- bring the 2026 World Cup here,” Gu- re-election next year as the ately after the World Cup failure. lati said. FIFA will award the World WCup tickets on sale again aft er group draw falloutU from the USA’s failure to qual- Gulati, who almost certainly would Cup at a June 13 vote. ify for the World Cup claimed another have sought re-election if the USA So far seven candidates have con- The second ticket sales stage for next year’s football World Cup in Russia victim. had qualifi ed, indicated that the World fi rmed their plans to run for the USSF started yesterday. Fans can obtain tickets for individual games (except the Gulati told ESPN in an interview Cup debacle had infl uenced his deci- presidency — former US national team opening match and final), venues and teams, with a random draw to be held that he had decided not to enter the sion to step aside. players Kyle Martino, Eric Wynalda if applications exceed the number of tickets off ered. The first phase runs until battle for the presidency of the USSF, “The loss to Trinidad was painful, and Paul Caligiuri, Boston attorney January 31, followed by a second phase on a first come, first serve basis. All which has seen several candidates en- regrettable and led to a lot of strong Steve Gans, soccer administrator Paul tickets must be ordered via the off icial website of the ruling body FIFA. The ter the running. “I spent a lot of time emotions. And to be honest, I think at Lapointe, Mike Winograd and USSF second sales stage comes after Friday’s group draw in Moscow. FIFA has thinking about it, and talking about this point, that’s overshadowed a lot of vice president Carlos Cordeiro. said that 742,760 tickets were sold in the first sales stage which ended in late it with people in many diff erent po- other things that are important. So fair Kathy Carter, the head of the USSF’s November. Most applications came from Russia but international sales rose to sitions — many of whom told me I or not, I accept that and think it’s time marketing partner Soccer United 47 per cent, with biggest demand coming from countries including the United should run,” Gulati told ESPN. for a new person,” Gulati said. Marketing (SUM) is also reported to be States, Brazil, Germany and China. International prices for the June 14-July “But in the end, I think the best Gulati, an economist who remains a mulling a run. 15 tournament in 11 Russian cities start at 105 dollars while Russians can buy thing for me personally, and for the member of the FIFA council, is also the Gulati did not tell ESPN which of tickets from 1,280 roubles (22 dollars) onwards. federation, is to see someone new in chairman of the joint USA/Canada/ the candidates he would endorse.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Sterling bounces Klopp urges Liverpool to back from City brink fi nish the job Sterling has flipped the script and is firmly established as one of Guardiola’s key men AFP through but that’s not life, it is London not ‘if’ and ‘when’, it is about the AFP moment. London “Spartak could say the same iverpool boss Jurgen as they gave away four points Klopp is desperate to against Maribor so they would be rom the “hated one” to the hero of avoid any slip-ups from in a diff erent situation.” Manchester City’s record-setting his side as he targets a Klopp says he will play his run, Raheem Sterling has come a Lplace in the Champions League strongest team despite Sunday’s long way in the last 18 months. knockout stages with the odds derby at home to an Everton side FWhen Sterling arrived for pre-season heavily stacked in their favour. buoyed by the appointment of training with City, the England winger A draw at home to Spartak new permanent manager Sam faced an uncertain future amid talk Ar- Moscow in their fi nal group Allardyce. senal wanted to sign him as part of a deal match would put Liverpool The starting team is likely to that would send Alexis Sanchez to Man- through while a win would en- include playmaker Coutinho, chester. sure they top Group E but Klopp who continues to be the subject Being mooted as a makeweight in a deal is taking nothing for granted of speculation over a renewed bid that eventually fell through was hardly an after his side let slip a 3-0 lead from Barcelona after the Catalan encouraging sign for Sterling, who had against Sevilla in the last round club’s failure to sign him in the struggled to live up to the hype after his of matches. summer. £45mn ($60mn) move from Liverpool in Three years ago the fi ve-time Klopp was asked what made 2015. European champions needed to him so sure Coutinho would still But Sterling has fl ipped the script so win at home to Basel to progress be at the club in February but he eff ectively that he is now fi rmly estab- but a draw dropped Brendan dismissed the question. lished as one of City’s key men as they Rodgers’ side into the Europa “Nothing — but I don’t think chase Premier League and Champions League. about it, I think about the Mos- League glory. “All good and bad things that cow game,” he added. Sterling has become so essential to happened in the Champions “Not one second have I City’s success that when his team face League — mostly good — has thought about that so far. I am Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions brought us to this situation and not unsure, I am not sure, I don’t League today, he could fi nd himself in the if we win we are through and that think about it.” privileged position of being rested by Pep is cool,” said Klopp, whose Liver- Klopp is also optimistic of Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s crunch der- pool side are bidding to reach the having Ragnar Klavan and Joe by clash at title rivals Manchester United. knockout stages for the fi rst time Gomez back to bolster his de- City are already guaranteed to fi nish since 2009. fence. Forward Sadio Mane is as winners of Group F and with an eight- “I know a lot of people might expected to return after being point lead over United in the league, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (right) in action during the English Premier League match against West Ham in Manchester, think we should be already rested at the weekend. Guardiola is likely to prioritise the Man- England, on Sunday. (AFP) chester derby. Few would criticise Guardiola for England fans after an embarrassing Euro wrapping Sterling in cotton wool after his Man City’s current form no guarantee of 2016 defeat against Iceland, and he even incredible form helped City win a record- branded himself the “hated one”. equalling 13 successive league games and success, says Guardiola Guardiola’s troubled trophy-less fi rst establish an all-competitions unbeaten season at City was a further burden as run of 28 matches. Manchester City’s stunning form does trip to Manchester United will give Sterling battled to make his mark in a The 22-year-old’s last-gasp winner not guarantee them success at the end them a chance to open an 11-point squad packed with world-class attacking against Southampton last week was his of the season, manager Pep Guardiola advantage at the top of the table, Guar- talent. 13th goal of the campaign, taking him said yesterday. diola wants his players to focus on the He emerged from that torrid period past his total for last season in just under City head into today’s final European task at hand on Wednesday. thanks to a a helping hand from Guardio- four months. group stage fixture against Shakhtar “We are happy to be in the last 16 la, who insisted the youngster must limit That goal was his third late decid- Donetsk on a 20-match winning run already but it is going to be a tough his social media presence and focus on his ing goal in as many games after winning with top spot in Group F already game in Ukraine,” he said. “They make a career instead. matches against Feyenoord and Hudders- secured. perfect defensive structure.” “He’s a nice guy, loved in the locker fi eld with similar strikes. “We are playing well but it does not City will be without midfielder David room, stable, less into social media, more Aware that Real Madrid have been mean we will go on to win the com- Silva, who picked up an injury after his focused on football and his private life. linked with Sterling in the past, City are petition. We will try to be there (in the late winner against West Ham United on That’s good,” Guardiola said recently. determined to ensure he remains at East- final),” Guardiola, who failed to win a Sunday, while Kevin De Bruyne is serving Yet Guardiola refuses to take credit for lands. trophy with City in his first season, told a one-match suspension in Europe. Sterling’s resurgence, praising the player reporters yesterday. Phil Foden, 17, was included in the trav- for knuckling down and maximising the REVERSAL OF FORTUNE “I assure you, sooner or later we will elling squad and could make only his potential he showed with Liverpool. Sterling has two years left on the lose, but the next day we will recover.” second appearance for City this season “I didn’t discover Raheem. He did that FOCUS £180,000-per-week deal he signed in 2015. While their weekend Premier League at the Metalist Stadium. at Liverpool, he played amazing. That’s But owners are reported to be lining why City paid a lot of money,” he said. up a £300,000-per-week contract that “I don’t feel guilty if he’s not playing would make him the Premier League’s complete a remarkable reversal of fortune parture from Liverpool and again follow- good and at the same time I don’t feel re- highest paid player. for a player who became a target for social ing England’s Euro 2016 exit. sponsibility for Raheem playing good. All Alli bids to recover Should Sterling sign that deal, it would media abuse during his acrimonious de- Sterling found himself targeted by the credit goes to him.” form in weakened BOTTOMLINE Tottenham team Critics should be careful with Ronaldo: Real manager Zidane

AFP Madrid

eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- dane warned Cristiano Ronal- do’s critics not to write-off the Portuguese, who is expected to pickR up his fi fth Ballon d’Or this week. Ronaldo has scored just twice in 10 La Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli addresses a press conference at the Liga matches this season as a stumbling team’s Enfield Training Centre in London yesterday. (AFP) start by Madrid has left them eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona. AFP and if it’s not going well for me. However, Ronaldo leads the goalscor- London It’s important that I keep work- ing charts in the Champions League with ing hard and trying every day to eight in fi ve games and Zidane expects learn and improve as a player.” that form to soon return on league duty. ele Alli will start Tot- “Obviously I would like to be “He is so good that when things don’t tenham’s Champions at my highest level in every single go as he is used to then people start to talk League dead rubber game and every training session about him,” Zidane said yesterday ahead against Apoel Nicosia but I don’t think that’s possible,” of Real’s Champions League dead rubber asD he bids to play his way back said the England midfi elder. against Borussia Dortmund. into form even though a clutch of “So I think it’s been a good op- “He will keep trying until the goals other top players will be rested. portunity for me to learn more come. Not long ago, only last year, he had Harry Kane will be among fi ve about myself as a player and as a phenomenal season. key men rested for the match at a person, so I’m looking forward “There is a long way to go, we are only Wembley along with Christian to it and I’ve got to keep enjoy- nearly halfway though the season. Be Eriksen, Eric Dier, Kieran Trip- ing it.” careful with Cristiano.” pier and Hugo Lloris. The club’s exploits in the With Karim Benzema also failing to Spurs have already secured Champions League – including fi nd the net regularly, a lack of goals has fi rst place in Group H, meaning a 3-1 home win against European blighted Real’s season so far. the likes of Fernando Llorente, champions Real Madrid – are in Until September, Zidane’s men had Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and sharp contrast to their struggles scored in 73 straight games. Juan Foyth are expected to be in the Premier League, where However, they have now drawn blanks given a chance. they are have fallen 18 points be- in three of their last nine La Liga outings Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo takes part in a training session in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) However, Alli, who missed the hind leaders Manchester City. against Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and on fi rst three group games through “It’s not unusual for a team to Saturday in a 0-0 stalemate at Athletic and Pepe in the off -season. ter what people on the outside say, pos- tate his side against Dortmund ahead of a suspension, will play as the at- have a dip in form,” said Alli. Bilbao. “It is true that we need to score more sibly they aren’t seeing what I am. busy end to the year for Real. tacking midfi elder bids to recov- “There’s nothing to worry Zidane, though, rejected widespread goals because, being eight points behind “We also can’t forget what this team The European champions host Sevilla er form and confi dence following about for us. We’ve got a great suggestions, most recently from Valencia in La Liga, the situation isn’t ideal,” added has achieved. I certainly haven’t.” on Saturday before jetting off to Abu recent struggles. team, a great manager, great coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, that Ma- Zidane. With Madrid already assured of sec- Dhabi for the Club World Cup and then “I think I am my own biggest staff , so we’re looking forward drid’s squad is poorer this season for the “But I am calm because I know that ond place in Group H behind Tottenham face Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu critic,” Alli said. “Every time I to getting into the next game and loss of Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez sooner or later that will change. No mat- Hotspur, Zidane is expected to heavily ro- on December 23. know when I’m not playing well getting going.”