BBASKETBALLASKETBALL | Page 5 GGOLFOLF | Page 6 Curry is India’s Shiv red-hot in Kapoor wins return for 3rd Asian title Warriors of the year

Monday, January 1, 2018 Rabia II 14, 1439 AH Friends Kohli and GULF TIMES De Villiers face off in India-SA series SPORT Page 3 TENNIS/ QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN New hope in the new season That has been pretty much the case The shadows of Rafael Nadal, time and of the sport.” Czech Republic’s over the past few years, and as the new Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic Berdych, who made the Wimbledon Berdych says 2018 Tournament Director Karim tennis season gets underway, things are and Andy Murray loom larger fi nal in 2010 where he lost to Nadal, how- Alami (C) poses with top seed Dominic not too diff erent. than ever for the ‘young guns’ ever is still hopeful of winning a Grand will be a “very Thiem of Austria (L) and third seeded The shadows of Rafael Nadal, Roger and some of the underachieving Slam. Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Mur- older players hoping to make a “I think that’s the beauty of our sport interesting year” as ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. ray loom larger than ever for the ‘young splash on the world scene that no matter where you are, you still guns’ and some of the underachieving have a big chance. It’s about that particu- Djokovic and Nadal older players hoping to make a splash on year” as Czech veteran Tomas Berdych lar day, and from that one day you can battle injuries the world scene. put it during his interaction with report- create a great week. From one great week, There is some early promise, though. ers in Doha yesterday. you can make it two and that’s what you Djokovic has pulled out of the Qatar Exx- Berdych, 32, who has won 13 singles ti- are looking for. To be honest, that’s the on Mobil Open with an injury and Nadal tles since turning pro in 2002, will be one only reason why I’m still around.” By Anil John has skipped Brisbane with a knee issue. of the players hoping to cash in on Djoko- Berdych is a two-time semi-fi nalist in Doha Murray, on the other hand, is feel- vic’s absence in Doha, along with 31 other Doha where Djokovic’s absence means ing refreshed after a season hampered players in the draw. the tournament is wide open, unlike in by a hip injury and Federer just keeps on But the Czech star wouldn’t commit previous years. appy New Year! It’s time improving. He is still referred to as ‘Fed- fully to a question if the top quartet had With world number fi ve Dominic to cast your fears away, re- Express’, especially in his native Switzer- had their time and it was time for the Thiem handed the pride of place in the new your commitment to all land, for the way he used to steamroller others to gatecrash the scene. seedings, and with only one previous things good, stay fi t and hope opponents. At 36, he shows no signs “It’s hard to say right now. But yes, I winner, Richard Gasquet (2013) among Hfor an exciting next 12 months during of slowing down – in fact he is gliding think it’s very possible,” said Berdych, the contenders, the tournament could which fame and prosperity beckon. across the court with eff ortless ease, not who is seeded third in Doha and will open well have a new winner. Also, if you happen to be a tennis pro- like any random high speed train, but like against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff . And that is surely something to look fessional, wish for the ‘Big Four’ to some- a Maglev. “I’m not saying that it’s over, but I forward to in a week’s time. how fade into the sunset. All that makes for a “very interesting think it’s the nature of the process of the (See Page 2 for order of play) Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 1, 2018 TENNIS

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT Will new faces Qatar Airways and QDF back challenge the ATP tourney in Doha legends in 2018? By Sports Reporter Live on beIN Doha

ATP World Tour looks at what could happen in the new season atar Airways and Qatar Duty beIN will cover live the Qatar Exxon- Free (QDF) will celebrate the Mobil Open beginning in Doha today opening of the highly-an- at the Khalifa International Tennis and Qticipated Qatar ExxonMobil Squash Complex. Open Men’s Tennis Tournament 2018, Andy Kerr and Nicky Crosby will be as the Offi cial Airline and Retail Spon- joined by former tennis star Prakash sors. Amritraj to preview and recap the World number-fi ve Dominic Thiem day’s play on beIN SPORTS HD12. of Austria leads the lineup of com- Coverage gets underway at 3pm petitors at this year’s championship, everyday throughout the tournament, which will host 32 singles players and with Arabic coverage also available on 16 doubles teams during the exciting beIN SPORTS HD9. six-day event, where all eyes will be on the world’s top players to see who will take home this year’s winning title. The tournament will be held at the state-of- is thrilled to participate in this fantastic the-art Khalifa International Tennis and event and welcomes visitors of all ages to Squash Complex in Doha from 1-6 Janu- watch the competition. We will ensure ary 2018. that spectators are able to sample Qa- Qatar Airways Senior Vice President tar’s world-famous hospitality and are Marketing and Corporate Communica- warmly welcomed by Qatar Duty Free. tions, Salam “Special prizes are available at our Qatar al-Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways is Duty Free booth, and four lucky win- thrilled to once again be the offi cial air- ners will walk away with amazing gifts line partner of the ExxonMobil Open signed by the tournament’s top players.” Men’s Tennis Tournament in Qatar. Both Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Together we have attracted the world’s Free will mark their presence at the most talented tennis players to Qatar to event by hosting special booths at the compete in this fantastic championship. sponsors’ village, off ering tennis fans “This annual competition has become a taste of their world-class hospitality. a major highlight on Qatar’s sporting Qatar Duty Free will also display unique calendar, drawing thousands of interna- gifts signed by the players, providing tional and local fans alike to watch some four lucky fans with the chance to win of the best players in the world compete. them. Spectators can be certain the event will Qatar Airways, the Offi cial Airline serve up some amazing matches dur- partner of FIFA, is a leading supporter of ing the course of the competition. Qatar major global sporting events, including Airways believes in the power of sport the 2018 FIFA Russia and the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal show no signs of slowing down despite their advancing years. bringing people together, and is proud to FIFA Club World Cup. support Qatar’s emergence as a world- The award-winning airline received he 2016 battle for pulled out of the Brisbane Bulgarian offi cially arrived as ters 1000 crown at the Coupe of The Championships, Wim- class sports and entertainment destina- a number of accolades in 2017, includ- No 1 fi nished in a International presented by a Top 5 player this season. He Rogers in Montreal. Surely, bledon, and just how well is tion.” ing ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestig- sprint, with Andy Suncorp because he needs won his maiden Masters 1000 as Zverev bulks up in the off - his right elbow, which forced Senior Vice President Qatar Duty ious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, TMurray winning 24 more time to recuperate from title in Cincinnati and backed season and gains more experi- him to miss the second half of Free, Luis Gasset, said: “Qatar Duty Free which was held at the Paris Air Show. consecutive matches and fi ve his right-knee injury, which it up by going unbeaten in his ence in fi ve-set matches, his the 2017 season and had both- consecutive titles to edge No- forced him to participate in debut at the Nitto ATP Finals success at all tournaments, ered him for 18 months? vak Djokovic. The 2017 sea- but eventually withdraw from to win the biggest title of his including Grand Slams, will Do not, however, underesti- son also featured a two-man the fi nal two tournaments of life. On paper, he is a clear come. mate two things about Djoko- TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY race, as Rafael Nadal beat out 2017 – the Rolex Paris Masters contender to compete for the vic’s comeback: He has had six Roger Federer to fi nish atop and the Nitto ATP Finals. year-end No 1 spot in 2018. 5) NO 9 STAN WAWRINKA months to rest his mind and the Emirates ATP Rankings Dimitrov fi nished 2017 at No 3 Climbing to No 1 is one body, a tactic that seemed to 3.30pm: Centre Court: Cedrik-Marcel (QAT) on Court 1; Filip Krajinovic (SRB) for the fourth time, and, at 31, 2) NO 2 ROGER FEDERER in the year-end Emirates ATP of the bullet points missing work out well for Federer, and Stebe (GER) vs Andrey Rublev (RUS); & Viktor Troicki (SRB) vs Borna Coric become the oldest year-end It’s hard to imagine Fed- Rankings, a career high. from Wawrinka’s Hall of Fame Djokovic appears to have his Court 1: 7-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs (CRO) & jan-Lennard Struff (GER) on No 1. erer, who will turn 37 in Au- But he’s never been in this resume, which includes three team set. After splitting with Dudi Sela (ISR) Court 2. But the 2018 battle for the gust, having a better season position before, having to de- Grand Slam titles and a Mas- long-time coach Marian Va- 3.30pm; Court 2: Pablo Carreno Later: Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) vs top spot hardly looks as if it in 2018 than he did in 2017. fend so many Emirates ATP ters 1000 trophy (2014 Rolex jda in May 2017, Djokovic has Busta (ESP) & Guillermo Garcia-Lopez Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) on Centre will be a mano-a-mano con- To refresh: He played in 12 Rankings points and having to Monte-Carlo Masters, d. Fed- brought on former World No. (ESP) vs Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) & Albert Court; 1-Jamie Murray (GBR) & Bruno test. Rather, next year’s fi ght tournaments and won seven back up a Top 5 season. How erer). Wawrinka was No 3 be- 1 Andre Agassi and the recent- Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 3.30pm. Soares (BRA) vs Marcin Matkowski for No 1 in the Emirates ATP of them, including two Grand will he respond? Then again, fore he had to end his season ly-retired Radek Stepanek. Not before 5.30pm: 1-Dominic Thiem (POL) & Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi (PAK) Rankings looks as wide open Slams – the Australian Open Dimitrov had never played in after an early Wimbledon exit (AUT) vs Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) on on Court 1. as any in recent memory. The and Wimbledon – and three the season-ending fi nale in (knee injury). 7) NO 16 ANDY MURRAY Centre Court; 3-Feliciano Lopez (ESP) Followed by: Florian Mayer (GER) vs seven men who could fi nish on ATP World Tour Masters 1000 London before, either, and he Wawrinka and coach Mag- The Scot surely would & Rajeev Ram (USA) vs (WC) Malek Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) on Centre top: events – the BNP Paribas had no trouble fi nishing his nus Norman have split, but have preferred a more fruit- Jaziri (TUN) & Mousa Shanan Zayed Court. Open, Miami Open present- year on a perfect note at The the 32-year-old Swiss still ful stay at No 1. Murray, who 1) NO 1 RAFAEL NADAL ed by Itau and the Shanghai O2. has someone else very im- ascended to the top place in Nadal could very well back Rolex Masters. Before 2017, portant on his side: Pierre November 2016, fell from No his 2017 and fi nish atop the Federer hadn’t won a Grand 4) NO 4 ALEXANDER Paganini, the trainer he shares 1 in August after eight months Emirates ATP Rankings for a Slam in fi ve years – the last ZVEREV with Roger Federer. Paganini of not playing his best ten- HOPMAN CUP fi fth time. Spoiler alert: The coming at 2012 Wimbledon – The Grand Slam fanat- guided Federer during his nis. In 2016, Murray fi nished Spaniard will again likely pick and he hadn’t captured a Mas- ics will point to his record in delicate recovery and come- 78-9, including his 24-match up thousands of Emirates ATP ters 1000 since August 2015 Slams, something Zverev has back in 2017, and he’ll try to do win streak to end the year. In Rankings points on the Euro- (Western & Southern Open in been reminded of often. The the same with Wawrinka next his injury-shortened 2017, the Gavrilova wins as pean red clay. He will be going Cincinnati). 20-year-old has never made season. Brit went 25-10, calling it a for his 11th title at each of the Federer’s masterful manag- it past the fourth round of a campaign because of his lin- following tournaments: Mon- ing of his 2017 schedule was Grand Slam, and he’s reached 6) NO 12 NOVAK gering hip injury after a Wim- hosts make a fast start te-Carlo, Barcelona and at one of the keys to his success that stage only once, at 2017 DJOKOVIC bledon quarter-fi nal loss to Roland Garros. Not to be over- – he played in only 12 tourna- Wimbledon. But look no fur- The top Emirates ATP American Sam Querrey. AFP But Garcia began to struggle with her But if Murray is healthy, looked, though, Nadal’s game ments, and did so after a six- ther than his record in fi nals Ranking spot was Djokovic’s Perth service game and Cornet stuck back to on hard courts in 2017 was as month break in 2016. Before as a potential rebuttal: In 2017, home for 223 weeks, including why not expect the Brit to take the second by the same score. good as anyone’s. The Span- the 2018 season, however, the Zverev was 5-1 in title match- four year-end No. 1 fi nishes once again beat the very best Garcia then called for the trainer and iard won two of his six titles on Swiss right-hander will have es, and two of those wins came (2011-12, 2014-15). And Djok- in men’s tennis? In 2017, osts Australia made a strong had extensive treatment for a lower the surface, including his third only a six-week break. How against two of the best players ovic was there as recently as 31 neither Federer nor Nadal start to the mixed teams back problem. US Open crown, which was his will his back and left knee hold in the world. October 2016, before Murray matched Murray’s 24-match Hopman Cup in Perth yes- She returned to the court but after 16th Grand Slam trophy. up with such little time to re- Zverev beat Novak Djokovic took over the top place at the win streak, and the three-time terday, beating Canada 2-1. one serve retired in tears, handing 2017 Grand Slam champion and H But can Nadal’s body – cover after his 2017? to win his fi rst Masters 1000 Rolex Paris Masters. World number 25 Daria Gavrilova runner-up Cornet a ticket to the sec- namely his left wrist and his title at the the Internazionali But the 30-year-old Ser- 14-time Masters 1000 titlist gave the home team the initial ascend- ond round. right knee – withstand an- 3) NO 3 GRIGOR DIMITROV BNL d’Italia in Rome, and the bian hasn’t played a match relishes facing a doubting au- ancy with a straight-sets win over a “I always had some issues with my other full season on the ATP Say what you want about 6’6” German defeated Fed- since retiring against Tomas dience. (www.atpworldtour. disappointing Eugenie Bouchard. back,” Garcia said later. World Tour? He’s already Dimitrov before 2017, but the erer to win his second Mas- Berdych in the quarter-fi nals com) Injury-plagued Australian young- “At the beginning of the match I felt ster Thanasi Kokkinakis then secured a pain in my lower back and it was dif- the tie with a three-sets win over Vasek ferent than it is normally. BOTTOMLINE Pospisil. “It was getting worse and worse and The dead mixed doubles rubber was in the end I couldn’t really move.” claimed by the Canadians. She said she was uncertain how Gavrilova came out fi ring against the injury would aff ect her Australian Refreshed Murray ready for 2018 assault Bouchard, who has been ranked as high Open plans. as fi fth in the world but has slipped to “I will take some rest and with the AFP that is any concern. The rest of my ther injury. With Rafael Nadal (knee) 83rd on the back of a couple of lean physio I will improve as fast as I can,” Brisbane body feels really good.” and Novak Djokovic (elbow) in doubt years. she said. “But right now I don’t know Murray admitted he wasn’t heading for the Australian Open, the 30-year- The Australian was cruising to a rare much.” into this tournament or the Australian old Scot said other players should fol- straight-sets win, until a glut of double Cornet will meet Croatian Mirjana ormer world number one Open with great expectations. low his example. faults opened the door for the Canadi- Lucic-Baroni in the second round after Andy Murray said yesterday “Just because I’ve not played for “Certainly, when you miss a period, an to fi ght her way back into the second the 35-year-old downed German Tat- he was desperate to get back such a long time,” he said. you realise how lucky you are to be do- set. jana Maria 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. into competitive tennis after a “And also I just want to enjoy play- ing this as a job,” he said. Gavrilova steadied and a timely net Former US Open fi nalist Samantha fiF ve-month absence due to a debilitat- ing again. I’ve really missed it the last “Giving yourself breaks, especially cord sealed the deal 6-1, 6-4 in 78 min- Stosur continued her miserable run in ing hip injury. six months or so. as you start to get older, I think, is utes. her home tournament when she was Murray, who is in Queensland for “I don’t mind if it’s 30 in the world very important and something that I’ll Brisbane: Fourth-seeded French- bundled out by Latvia’s seventh seed the season-opening Brisbane Inter- level. I would love it to be number certainly be looking to do for however woman Caroline Garcia was forced Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-3. national, has not played on the ATP one in the world level, but I just want long I keep playing. to retire with a back injury during her Stosur has now failed to get past the tour since losing a tough fi ve-setter to to play.” Murray spent 41 weeks at “For tennis as a sport, it’s not good match against compatriot Alize Cornet second round in eight attempts in Bris- American Sam Querrey in the quarter- “I don’t feel like there’s many miles number one, losing that ranking in when so many of the top players are in the fi rst round of the Brisbane Inter- bane. fi nals at Wimbledon. in my legs, which, you know, was cer- August during his injury-enforced ab- injured and for extended periods,” he national yesterday. There was a minor upset in the men’s He said despite some lingering tainly the case at the beginning of 2017, sence. added. Garcia, who enjoyed a breakthrough draw when former Brisbane fi nal- problems with his hip, his body was where most days I was quite sore kind He is now ranked 16th in the world “I certainly think it’s something that season in 2017 when she reached a ca- ist Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine feeling much better than at the same of all over,” he said. and said he had adjusted his schedule should be looked at and to understand reer-high world ranking of eight, took downed sixth seeded Argentine Diego stage last year. “Right now the hip is the only thing to play less in 2018 in a bid to avoid fur- why, what the reason for that is.” the fi rst set 6-3 with relative ease. Schwartzman 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). Gulf Times Monday, January 1, 2018 3 CRICKET

INDIA’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA WEST INDIES TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND NZ wary of Gayle star revival as series sweep beckons

AFP game and can take the game away friends Kohli, De at any time,” Williamson said on Wellington his return to the New Zealand squad after sitting out the last ew Zealand were yes- three games. terday wary of Chris “If he gets away on you in 10 Gayle coming into form overs or so he can change a game in the second Twen- and that’s what it’s about. Nty20 as they eyed a series sweep “We know in this format the Villiers face off against the West Indies. West Indies T20 side are one of The home side have already the best sides in the world and ‘When you’re playing against each other it’s just about wanting to get AB out’ tucked away victories in the two we know that at any time they Tests, three one-dayers and the can turn it on.” AFP fi rst of three matches. Williamson said New Zealand Cape Town New Zealand captain Kane could only focus on building on Williamson said “it would be their performances, with an un- great” to pull off a series sweep in beaten run in six games so far irat Kohli’s rivalry with fellow the Twenty20 in Mount Maun- against the West Indies. batting star AB de Villiers is ganui on Monday, but the Gayle In the fi rst Twenty20 they un- likely to provide a compelling factor was lurking in the back- earthed two new stars in rookies side-show in the three-Test ground. Glenn Phillips and Seth Rance. Vseries between South Africa and India The West Indies talisman Phillips, in only his fourth in- starting at Newlands on Friday. was in devastating form in early ternational, scored a half-cen- “It’s not like only two guys are playing December when he smashed a tury with the bat and pulled off in this series,” said Kohli, playing things record 18 sixes in an unbeaten two stunning catches behind the down when asked about De Villiers, his innings of 146 off 69 balls in the stumps, including have to turn Royal Challengers teammate in Bangladesh league. and run nearly 30 metres to dis- the . But he has failed to fi re so far miss Gayle off debutant Rance. “AB is a great friend of mine, I respect in New Zealand, with scores of Seamer Rance removed Chad- the way he plays the game and I’ve always 22 and four in the two ODIs he wick Walton with his next de- respected him as a person as well,” Kohli played and 12 in the fi rst Twen- livery and fi nished with the im- said at India’s arrival press conference. ty20. pressive fi gures of three for 30 “But when you’re playing against each “He’s a fantastic player, prob- from his four overs as New Zea- other it’s just about wanting to get AB out ably the best T20 record in the land cruised to a 47-run victory. and I’m sure the opposition would want the same when I play or (Ajinkya) Ra- hane plays or (Cheteshwar) Pujara plays as well.” While Rahane and Pujara may be high- quality players — in the same way that Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla are for South Africa — no player on either side can match the aura created by Kohli and De Villiers, whose thrilling stroke play can change the course of a match. Kohli is India’s most glamorous and best-performing batsman since while De Villiers has the rare distinction for a foreigner of having star appeal in India. When South Africa toured India two seasons ago, crowds put aside their pas- sionate support for the home side and chanted “ABD, ABD” whenever De Vil- West Indies cricketer talks to teammates ahead of the first liers walked out to bat. Twenty20 international match against New Zealand in Nelson, New It could even be argued that De Villiers Zealand, on Friday. (AFP) contributed to South Africa’s downfall in the Test matches which followed a one-day series dominated by his dazzling batting. SPOTLIGHT De Villiers slammed three centuries in fi ve matches, leading South Africa to a series victory which had Ravi Shastri, India’s team director (now coach), grum- India captain (left) and South Africa captain AB de Villiers (right) are teammates in the Indian Premier League outfit Royal Former Windies bling about conditions which suited the Challengers Bangalore. visitors. It seemed no coincidence that the against South Africa, when India toured Africa’s fastest Test , off 75 balls, about being back on the big stage. Kohli, all-rounder Simmons four Test matches were played on spin- in 2013/14, but showed his ability to han- in Centurion in 2010/11. in speaking of the hunger in the Indian friendly dust bowls and were dominated dle the pace and bounce of South African Kohli is coming off a spectacular 2017, team, noted that he couldn’t speak for the by Indian spin bowlers Ravichandran pitches by making 119 and 96 in the fi rst during which he hit three double cen- opposition and that “AB hasn’t played is Afghanistan coach Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Test in Johannesburg. turies in compiling 1059 Test runs at an much since he played against It brought De Villiers down to earth, De Villiers has played 17 Tests against average of 75.64, while because of injury us, and he’s coming back after a while.” AFP although he was still South Africa’s best India and his average of 40.10 against followed by a break from Test cricket De What seems certain when the world’s Kabul batsman, scoring 258 runs at an average them is modest compared to his career Villiers has only played in one Test — two top-ranked Test teams square up is of 36.85. Even Kohli struggled in the con- average of 50.47. But he has enjoyed some scoring 53 in the two-day rout of Zimba- that there will be extra excitement and ditions, restricted to 200 runs at 33.33. big successes — 217 in an innings bwe — since January 2016. anticipation every time Kohli and De Vil- ormer West Indies all- Kohli has only played in two other Tests win in Ahmedabad in 2007-08 and South De Villiers professed his excitement liers walk out to bat. rounder Phil Simmons has been appointed coach of Afghanistan as Fthe country prepares for its fi rst Test match, it was announced Vidarbha take 233-run lead over in Ranji fi nal yesterday. The war-torn nation IANS for 4 at the overnight, saw two overnight the score of 46, Sarwate got a life when Shorey forced an edge off Wadkar was awarded Test status in June, Indore, India batsmen — Wasim Jaff er (78) and Akshay failed to react in time but Nitish couldn’t hold it at first slip, along with Ireland. Wakhare (17) — leave them at 246 for 6, to a cut against spinner Vikas Mishra. allowing the batsman to hammer them The appointment was an- both perishing against medium pacer That took him to 50. further. nounced on Twitter by the Af- date has yet to be announced. kshay Wadkar spearheaded Navdeep Saini. After scoring 50, though he showed pa- At the other end, Neral, at his personal ghanistan Cricket Board. They are seen as having a Vidarbha’s rearguard action as While nightwatchman Wakhare was tience, Sarwate got two more chances, score of 34, was reprieved after being The former opening batsman promising future with a talented Athey reached 528 for seven in caught by -keeper Rishabh Pant, at the score of 63 and 67. caught at fine leg off the third bouncer and medium-fast bowler, who attack led by 19-year- their first innings, taking a commanding Jaff er was dismissed by a LBW verdict. He was finally dismissed by of an over from Kulwant Khejroliya. retired in 2002, had previous old Rashid Khan. 233-run lead over Delhi on the third day But Wadkar and Sarwate stitched to- after Pant caught an outside edge, Neral continued his streak of big shots. coaching spells with Zimbabwe, Khan has produced eye-catch- of their cricket final at the gether an important partnership of 169 bringing an end to the seventh-wicket In his unbeaten score of 56, Neral hit Ireland and the West Indies. ing performances in the world’s Holkar Stadium here yesterday. which helped Vidarbha overhaul Delhi’s stand. four sixes and as many fours. Simmons will now join the top T20 leagues, most recently Wicketkeeper-batsman Wadkar re- first innings score of 295 all out. Then, Wadkar was joined in the middle Afghanistan squad in Dubai as it with a man-of-the-match dis- mained unbeaten on 133 - his maiden Sarwate’s aggressive and free-spirited by Neral, who took up Sarwate’s role of BRIEF SCORES: Delhi 295 all out in first prepares for a limited-overs se- play on his Big Bash debut for the first class century - and was involved batting helped Wadkar settle into going for the big shots, while the former innings vs Vidarbha 528 for 7 (Akshay ries against Zimbabwe in Sharjah Adelaide Strikers. in two crucial partnerships with Aditya rhythm without any pressure. Wadkar was intent on stabilising the innings. Wadkar 133 batting, Aditya Sarwate 79, in February. “I play cricket to bring victo- Sarwate (79) and Siddhesh Neral (56 put emphasis on his defence while Sar- Wadkar then completed his century. Wasim Jaff er 78, Faiz Fazal 67, Siddhesh Afghanistan will play their ries for my country and to make batting). wate took the Delhi bowlers head on. After this, Wadkar also decided to cut Neral 56 batting; Navdeep Saini 3 for 126, fi rst Test match against India, Afghanistan proud on the world Maiden finalists Vidarbha, who were 206 He scored 50 from just 62 deliveries. At loose, going after the bowlers. Dhruv Akash Sudan 2 for 102) where they play the majority of stage,” he told AFP in an inter- their home games, although a view in October.

ASHES Agar ready for another spin tilt at England in Sydney

AFP ting at number 11 against England at better walking out onto the SCG made his stunning Ashes debut in for Test cricket. Sydney Trent Bridge in July 2013. now.” 2013. “We’ve worked on my action a lit- However Agar, 24, has played only Skipper Steve Smith said he was tle bit a few years ago. It’s just been a three Tests since then after he man- unsure what to expect from the SCG ‘I’VE GROWN UP’ lot of bowling and self-confi dence,” shton Agar said yesterday aged just two at 124 in two pitch following Saturday’s attri- “I don’t look back on that (Trent Agar said. he was ready for another matches in that series more than tional fourth Test draw on a lifeless Bridge) too much. They are great “All you’ve got is yourself out crack at England after be- four years ago. Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch. memories but I’ve defi nitely moved there and it’s certainly grown.” ing called into Australia’s He played in both Tests against The hosts have already clinched forward since then and I feel like I’ve Smith, who hit an unbeaten 102 squadA as the second spinning op- Bangladesh this year and said he the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 improved as a player,” Agar said. to play out a draw against England tion for this week’s fi nal Ashes Test was ready to take on England if he lead in the series ahead of the fi nal “I was a kid. I was 19... I’m cer- in Melbourne, said he did not know in Sydney. got his chance in Thursday’s Sydney Test in Sydney. tainly better for the experience. I’ve what to expect in Sydney. Whether Agar plays alongside Test. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, grown up a lot since then. Life expe- “We’ll turn up there and see what fi rst-choice spinner Nathan Lyon “I feel better coming into a Test who missed the Melbourne Test with rience and cricket experience. the wicket is,” Smith said after Sat- depends on the state of the Sydney match now. It doesn’t feel too fresh a bruised heel, was bidding to play in “I’m still reasonably young, but urday’s Test draw. Cricket Ground pitch, which in the or too out of the blue,” Agar told re- Sydney and it was likely either Agar the time is now so I’m just going to “You don’t know what you’re go- past has earned a reputation as a porters. or Starc would replace Jackson Bird in give it a good crack.” ing to get in Sydney. One day it could turning wicket. “Playing the one-dayers in India the fi nal Australia XI. Agar has worked with mentor be green, one day it could spin a bit. Agar shot to Test fame when he (this year) was a pretty whirlwind Agar insisted he was a far more John Davison and Indian spin guru “We’ve got all options there. made a record score of 98 while bat- experience. So I certainly feel a lot consistent bowler than the one who Sridharan Sriram to prepare better We’ll wait and see how we go.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 1, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS Ooredoo congratulates Hejen committee on successful event

By Sports Reporter National Day on December 19 – 29. The Hejen festival is one of the most Doha Talking about the event, al-Sayed popular camel racing competitions in said: “Ooredoo is a major supporter of the region, and is widely participated in Qatari culture, and the Hejen Racing by sport lovers from across Qatar. atar Olympic Committee Festival is among the most important Ooredoo’s support for the Hejen president His Excellency events in Qatar’s cultural calendar. This Racing Festival is in line with the com- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- event is not only a shining example of pany’s corporate social responsibility Thani has honoured Ooredoo Qatar’s heritage and traditions, but strategy of promoting Qatar’s national withQ a ‘Golden Gun’ at the fi nal round boosts Qatar’s sporting tourism and heritage through activities such as of the Hejen festival recently. brings competitors from across the re- camel racing. As an event, camel rac- The award, which was given to thank gion to take place. ing promotes the key values of herit- the company for its continued spon- “I would like to congratulate the He- age, honour, and competitiveness, and sorship and support of the event, was jen Championship Organising Com- celebrates the history and traditions of received by Ooredoo Qatar chief execu- mittee for another amazing event, and the region. tive offi cer Waleed al-Sayed. His Excellency Sheikh Joaan for hon- Al-Sayed also thanked Sheikh Joaan ouring us with this award.” Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and congratulated the Organising This year’s event was held at the Al president His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Committee on the success of the tour- Shahaniya track and featured a host of bin Hamad al-Thani (centre) presents nament. prized camels. As part of its sponsor- the ‘Golden Gun’ to Ooredoo Qatar Ooredoo was a sponsor of the Festi- ship, Ooredoo gifted three luxury cars chief executive off icer Waleed al-Sayed val of the Founder Hejen Championship as prizes for the winners of the top at the final round of the Hejen festival which this year took place around Qatar three races. recently.

YEARENDER / CRICKET BOXING Joshua eyes bout Pakistan warm with WBO champ hearts, Australia and Parker in March India shine at home 2017 saw return of international cricket to Pakistan after gap of eight years

Reuters New Delhi

teve Smith helmed Australia’s successful Ashes mission and India proved impregnable at home but it was cricket exiles PakistanS who had the most memora- ble year in 2017. Top teams have shunned the South Asian country since gunmen in La- hore attacked a bus carrying the visit- ing Sri Lankan side in 2009, killing eight locals and wounding six players and a British coach. In this April 29, 2017, picture, Britain's Anthony Joshua celebrates with trainer Eight years on from that fateful Robert McCracken after winning the bout against Wladimir Klitschko at the Wem- incident, the redemption-seeking bley Stadium in London, England. (Reuters) eastern city was converted into a veri- table fortress to host a rag-tag World AFP championship of the world.” XI led by South African Faf du Plessis London “I think we’re 95 percent of the way in September. there with completing with Joseph “It has been a long and tough Parker,” he added. journey as the Pakistan Cricket Board, nthony Joshua said yesterday When asked when a fi ght with the Pakistan players and fans have been that talks over a March fi ght New Zealander would take place and if starved of the opportunity to stage, with Joseph Parker are 95 per it would be on British soil, Joshua add- play and watch international cricket cent complete as the British ed: “End of March, I would say. in their own country,” the Interna- boxerA bids to become the undisputed “It has to be (in this country), the tional Cricket Council (ICC) chairman heavyweight champion of the world. British support, what we’re achieving Shashank Manohar said in a state- The 28-year-old currently holds here is phenomenal.” ment at the time. three of the fi ve heavyweight titles, Should he defeat Parker, Joshua “I am hopeful that today marks the having this year added the WBA and would then need to take on and beat start of the safe and steady return of IBO belts to the IBF belt he won in 2016. undefeated WBC champion Deontay international cricket to Pakistan.” He aspires to become the fi rst box- Wilder to realise his ambition. From Pakistan’s point of view, the er in history to hold all fi ve titles and He also suggested he would be willing outcome did not really matter but the thinks a deal to fi ght WBO champion to fi ght fellow British boxer Tyson Fury. hosts prevailed 2-1 in the three-match In this September 11, 2017, picture, Pakistani cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmad (right) and International World XI captain Faf Parker in the next few months is close. “Of course, he’s a lively opponent Twenty20 series, which paved way for du Plessis hold the Independence Cup trophy during a press conference at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. (AFP) “What I think can be a reality is, I when he’s fi t,” Joshua said about Fury. Sri Lanka’s visit to play a one-off T20 want to fi ght for the other champion- “He has his own battles and demons match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to cement their place atop the Test the urn with successive victories in his mark in the longer format. ship belts,” Joshua told BBC Five Live to face and, once he’s got over them, next month. rankings. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. “The target is — I should play Test when asked what his ambitions were he’s more than welcome to enter a ring The boardroom victory was pre- Smith led by example, smashing cricket for my country,” Khan told for 2018. with me. It’s something that we should ceded by on-fi eld success for arguably INDIA ON SONG a century in Brisbane and a double Reuters in an interview in April. “There’s only two left, I have three. be focusing on in 2018.” the most mercurial side in the game. A prolifi c Virat Kohli and his men century in Perth before registering an “That’s my main target, to be called There’s fi ve on the table and I have Fury has not fought since his shock Sarfraz Ahmed and his men clocked up their ninth consecutive unbeaten hundred in the drawn fourth a Test cricketer.” three of them, I want to fi ght for the win against Wladimir Klitschko in No- dethroned arch-rivals India in the 50- series victory, joining England and Test in Melbourne to deny England a Afghanistan, who play their home fourth one, the WBO heavyweight vember 2015. over fi nal at the Oval to clinch their Australia in an elite club, before head- consolation victory. games at Greater Noida on the out- maiden Champions Trophy in June. ing to South Africa hoping to set a The game’s governing body also skirts of Delhi, will play their fi rst ever It was a reassuring triumph at the new benchmark. expanded the Test club, accommo- Test in India though the board are yet SPOTLIGHT eight-team event for Pakistan’s pas- Australia were the only team to dating Ireland and Afghanistan as full to fi nalise the dates and venue of the sionate fans, who were still coming to beat India in a Test match in 2017 but members. contest. terms with the retirements of batting Smith’s men were fi rst embroiled in an The ICC decision came as a mas- The ICC also took an important stalwarts Misbah-ul-Haq and fellow ugly pay dispute with their board which sive boost for someone like exciting decision to reverse their 2014 decision former captain Younis Khan in May. threatened their Ashes participation. Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, who has which had eff ectively put India, Eng- Hamilton Instagram Across the border, India reaped a A peace deal was brokered in time impressed in Twenty20 leagues in In- land and Australia in control of the rich harvest in a bumper home season and they ended the year reclaiming dia and Australia and is keen to make game’s fi nances and administration. account emptied

AFP London

ewis Hamilton’s Instagram account has been completely emptied as the fall out over his lapse of judgement when re- Lcently lambasting a nephew for wear- ing a princess dress continues. Four-time Formula One world champion Hamilton had shared a video with his 5.7mn followers mocking his nephew sporting a blue and pink dress and waving a pink heart-shaped furry wand over the Christmas holidays. In the video, which has since been some of the replies to his Twitter post, taken down, Hamilton shouts: “Boys one of which said he had no need to don’t wear princess dresses” which led apologise to the “PC brigade”. to the youngster covering his ears with ‘’Yesterday I was playing around his hands. with my nephew and realised that my The 32-year-old’s actions drew crit- words were inappropriate so I removed icism on social media from users who the post,” Hamilton wrote in his Twit- felt his nephew should be free to wear ter apology. whatever he wanted. Now all that remains on the photo Hamilton took down the Instagram sharing site on Hamilton’s offi cial page Australia’s captain Steve Smith (left) acknowledges the crowd after scoring his post and later tweeted an apology, is the message ‘Dare to be the greatest. fifty as England’s Stuart Broad (right) looks down on the final day of the fourth In this December 3, 2017, picture, India captain Virat Kohli raises his bat after he which has also now been deleted. Inspire, spread love, and live every day Ashes Test in Melbourne on Saturday. (AFP) completes his double century in the third Test against Sri Lanka in Delhi. (AFP) He was further criticised for liking to the fullest.’ Gulf Times Monday, January 1, 2018 5 SPORT

NHL Panthers defeat Canadiens for 5th consecutive win By Matthew DeFranks Price came up big in the fi rst adjustment by Panthers coach and preaching a fresh approach Sun Sentinel period for the Canadiens (16-19- Bob Boughner. During the second that involved more movement 4, 36 points), keeping the game period, he dropped winger Evge- from defensemen in the off ensive goalless as both teams traded nii Dadonov to the third line. He zone. It didn’t matter. s the odor of despera- chances. elevated Brickley to the second With the win, the Panthers tion puff ed from the But Brickley’s quick shot from one. Brickley’s forechecking and gained two points on the New visitor’s bench on the left dot changed that. After net-front presence earned him York Islanders for the second Saturday night at the Mark Pysyk fi red a shot from the a spot on the second line earlier wild card spot in the Eastern BB&TA Center, the scent of confi - point that hit Brickley in front of this season. His promotion was Conference, now sitting fi ve dence emanated from the Florida the net, he gathered the puck and timely Saturday. points back. The defi cit in the Panthers’ dressing room. swung it on Price. “Price is the best goalie in the Atlantic Division remained nine The stench of a three-game It beat Price short side, send- league,” Boughner said before the points with Boston’s win on Sat- losing streak followed the Mon- ing Brickley into a celebration game. urday night. treal Canadiens. The perfume of that matched his fourth goal “You got to fi nd ways to solve Even on a fi ve-game winning a four-game winning streak hov- of the season. He turned to the him early. Got to keep the puck streak, the Panthers have a lot of ered over the Panthers. Florida bench and dropped on to away from him on our dumps, on work left to be considered playoff Two teams going opposite di- his left knee. He wound his left our forecheck. We got to make contenders. Consider this: after rections met on the ice. With a arm and brushed the ice before sure we get someone in his eyes. games on December 12, Florida 2-0 Panthers win, the separation his teammates joined him. That’s the key to this game to- sat three points out of playoff widened. Brickley’s goal underscored night is trying to break down spot. Florida continued its push to what’s been going right for the Carey Price a little bit and a ton Entering Saturday, the Pan- re-enter the playoff picture in the Panthers during their winning of shot attempts and a lot of thers were 4-2-0 since and lost Eastern Conference with its fi fth streak. traffi c.” six points on their quest for the straight win. Montreal’s tumble They’ve gotten contribu- With Price leading the Ca- postseason. On Saturday night, down the Atlantic Division wors- tions up and down the lineup; nadiens once again, Reimer’s one team exited closer to the ened. And for the fi rst time since not enough to infl ate scores, but brilliance continued in his 11th hunt. One team remained cloud- the season’s third game, the Pan- enough to cover the team when straight start in place of the in- ed by desperation. thers (17-16-5, 39 points) rose its top stars can’t carry the club. jured Roberto Luongo. “Team is just as desperate as above .500. This month, Brickley has ro- Though his shutout streak of we are for points and there’s no Connor Brickley’s goal in the tated in and out of the Panthers 141:54 was snapped last game easy games,” Boughner said. second period gave the Panthers lineup, an injection of energy against Philadelphia, he started a “We’re in no position to take a lead, and James Reimer made when he’s in, but sometimes new one Saturday night. anybody likely. It’s a division sure Florida kept it. Brickley’s scratched in favor of players with He made 13 saves in the fi rst game, four-point game.” goal was his second in four games, more off ensive upside. period, and nine more in the sec- and punctured the barrier named His goalless streak stretched ond to keep the Canadiens frus- RESULTS Carey Price. 18 games by the time he scored trated on off ense. Montreal en- Capitals ...... 5 Devils ...... 2 Vincent Trocheck added a goal against Minnesota on December tered Saturday having scored just Bruins ...... 5 Senators ...... 0 at 11:49 of the third period to ex- 22. one goal in each of the last three Predators ...... 3 Wild ...... 0 tend the Panthers’ lead. That goal was off a rebound. games. Blues ...... 3 Hurricanes ...... 2 It was Reimer’s second shutout Saturday’s was too. Brickley’s Canadiens coach Claude Julien Kings ...... 4 Canucks ...... 3 Florida Panthers centre Connor Brickley celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the second in his last three games. goal came on the heels of a slight responded by tweaking his lineup Panthers ...... 2 Canadiens ...... 0 period at BB&T Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA SPOTLIGHT Heat, NBA facing key personnel dates Curry red-hot in over next six weeks

By Ira Winderman sibly to fortify roster depth. Sun Sentinel Among the players cut around the NBA at last season’s guar- antee deadline were Anthony ometimes life can come Bennett, John Lucas III, Pierre return for Warriors at you fast in the NBA. Jackson, Alonzo Gee, John In that respect, the Jenkins, Ryan Kelly, Hollis ‘When I woke up this morning, I knew I was going to play. That’s a great feeling to have’ next six weeks repre- Thompson, Aaron Harrison sentS the league at its transition and Reggie Williams. fi nest, loaded with key dates January 15: This is the fi nal on the personnel calendar. day that players can be signed While December 15 marked to two-way contracts for 2017- the fi rst day that players signed 18. This is where it gets curi- in the off season as free agents ous with the 45-day limit that could be dealt, the silence was two-way players are allowed to deafening, many teams either spend in the NBA. That 45-day yet to establish an identity or limit is pro-rated, so a player already had forged with one signed at the January 15 dead- entering the season. line would be allowed about 23 But now come deadlines days of NBA service the bal- and start dates for more subtle ance of the season. manoeuvring that could have With this the fi rst season of plenty of secondary talent be- two-way contracts, it will be ing transitioned. interesting to see the approach January 5: This is the fi rst teams take with two-way date that teams can sign play- players close to the expiration ers to 10-day contracts. of their NBA service days. Do For many teams it is an op- they willingly keep them in portunity to test drive op- the G League for the balance of tions without a signifi cant the season? Convert them to commitment, provided they standard NBA deals by open- have an available spot on their ing a spot on the 15-man ros- 15-player NBA roster. While ter? Or replace them with an- the Heat have used the mecha- other two-way player? nism in recent years to work For example, the Heat could with the likes of Tyler Johnson be out of NBA days with Der- in 2015 and Okaro White last rick Walton Jr. by then. Do they January, they currently do not then make a move for a diff er- have an available roster spot. ent two-way player (teams can The most likely avenue to carry up to two at a time) to get opening a 10-day slot for the more available days in advance Heat would be the release of of the Feb. 8 trading deadline? centre AJ Hammons, who has February 8: The dynamic spent the entire season with has changed, with the trade the developmental-league deadline moved up two weeks, Sioux Falls Skyforce, without a to aff ord players and teams sniff of the Heat roster during the ability to better transition the regular season (remem- around the February 16-18 All- ber how he was sent to the Star break. The Heat were idle G League to make up for the at last year’s trading deadline, training camp he lacked with but made tax-clearing moves Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (No 30) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during their NBA game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the Heat?). with Chris Andersen and Jar- The downside of such a nell Stokes at the 2016 dead- AFP the third quarter. in the third he equalled Portland thwarted a Cleveland comeback four NBA seasons and became a move with Hammons, who line and acquired Goran Dragic Los Angeles But Warriors coach Steve Kerr guard Damian Lillard’s previous bid that saw the Cavs pull with- regular starter for the Pistons in appears to have no future on at the 2015 deadline. sent him back in late in the fourth NBA season high of nine. in one point three times in the early December, scored a career- the Heat’s NBA roster, would This also could be a time and he drained a three-pointer His brief return to the game in fourth quarter after trailing by high 22 points. be losing the ability utilise his when the Heat move on from wo-time NBA Most Valu- that gave Golden State a 137-119 the fourth quarter yielded one double digits in the third. He was also a key contributor salary in a trade this season, Hammons to open a roster able Player Stephen Curry advantage with 2:50 to play. more, giving Curry a ninth career “I’m just treating the last two in a strong defensive display by a plus having to eat the guaran- spot, or include his remaining returned with a vengeance Klay Thompson added 21 game with 10 or more. minutes as if it’s the same as the Pistons team again playing with- teed $1.5 million he has on his salary in a trade. on Saturday, draining 10 points, Kevin Durant scored 20 “Most guys, you would say fi rst two,” Mitchell said. out injured point guard Reggie contract for 2018-19. Teams Tthree-pointers in the Golden State and Zaza Pachulia chipped in 13 - when they come back, they “You’ve just got to go out Jackson and shooting guard are allowed to sign a player for Warriors’ 141-128 victory over the making all six of his shots and all might struggle,” Warriors coach there. If you over-think it, that’s Avery Bradley and with top re- up to two 10-day contracts, Memphis Grizzlies. fi ve of his free throws. Steve Kerr said of Curry, whose the fi rst mistake right there.” serve Stanley Johnson also after which they either must Curry’s 10 from beyond the The off ensive fi reworks meant 38 points were one shy of his Late free throws from Thabo sidelined. sign the player for the balance arc were the most by a player in the Warriors didn’t miss Dray- season-high. “You don’t say that Sefolosha and Derrick Favors fi - “I’m just trying to do it all to of the season or release him. a single game this season. He mond Green, who was ejected in about Steph.” nally sealed the win for Utah. help my team with players down January 10: This is when scored 38 points in less than 26 the second quarter after picking Spanish big man Marc Gasol James scored 29 points and and it’s working out for me,” Bul- all contracts become guaran- minutes on the fl oor, showing no up two technical fouls for arguing led the Grizzlies with 27 points, added eight rebounds – eclipsing lock said. Kawhi Leonard led the teed for the season, other than sign of trouble from the right an- about foul calls. one of six Memphis players to 8,000 rebounds for his career. San Antonio with 18 points - half those players signed to 10-day kle injury that sidelined him for The Warriors bounced back score in double fi gures. The four-time NBA Most Val- of them coming from the foul contracts. 11 games. from an ugly 11-point loss to uable Player was impressed by line. LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 The lone player on the Heat “I was excited,” said Curry, Charlotte on Friday, notching Jazz top Cavs what he saw from Mitchell. for the Spurs, who scored a sea- payroll this applies to is Ham- who shot 13-of-17, pulled down the fi fth win of an 11-day, seven- In Salt Lake City, Utah rookie “Kid’s got a lot of game,” James son-low in points. mons, because of the mini- four rebounds and handed out game home stand. Donovan Mitchell scored 29 said. ‘he’s not afraid of the mo- mal diff erential between the three assists. “Felt like the fi rst Curry was on fi re from the points to lead the Jazz to a 104- ment. He just goes out there and RESULTS contract he signed while with day of school again. start, nailing a layup off an assist 101 victory over the Cleveland plays ball.” Atlanta ...... 104 Portland ...... 89 the Dallas Mavericks and the “When I woke up this morn- from Green in his second minute Cavaliers – denying LeBron Reggie Bullock’s big night Denver ...... 102 Philadelphia ...107 new salary minimums in the ing, I knew I was going to play back. He drained a three-pointer James the victory he wanted for pushed the Detroit Pistons to a Detroit ...... 93 San Antonio .....79 current collective-bargaining basketball. That’s a great feeling a minute later as the Warriors his 33rd birthday. 93-79 home victory over peren- Orlando ...... 111 Miami...... 117 agreement. to have.” took a 10-0 lead just 2:08 into the Mitchell slashed his way nial Western Conference power Utah ...... 104 Cleveland ...... 101 This could, however, be a Curry departed the fl oor to a contest. With four three point- past James for a layup with 35.4 San Antonio. Bullock, who start- New Orleans 103 New York ...... 105 time when intriguing names standing ovation with 2:55 left in ers in the second and four more seconds remaining as the Jazz ed in just seven games in his fi rst Golden State .141 Memphis ...... 128 shake free elsewhere, pos- AJ Hammons Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 1, 2018 SPORT

GOLF QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Al Arabi and Wakrah register victories Shiv claims 3rd Asian 21 points. Qatar international By Sports Reporter Doha Khalid Suliman Abdi was off colour today as he contributed only three points. icholas Stover poured Al Arabi were 29-11 up at in 26 points as Al Ara- the end of the fi rst quarter and bi defeated Al Khor they more or less maintained 78-63 in the Qatar the same tempo throughout Tour title of the year NBasketball League at the Al before closing out the match. Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. For Al Khor, Khobi Ibrahim ‘It’s always great to win three times on Tour during the season. On top of that, it’s a Al Arabi led throughout, Williamson also scored 26 hardly allowing their rivals points, while Darrell Maurice special feeling to have my daughter here on the 18th green celebrating my win’ to break free – expect in the Blackmon Jr. and Ja’wan Davis second quarter when Khor added 15 and 12 points respec- trimmed the lead to six points – tively. as they posted a fl uent victory, In the second match of chiefl y due to Stover’s eff orts. the day, Al Wakrah defeated He played for 34 minutes to Al Sadd 94-70 with Marcus score 26 points, six rebounds Johnson tallying 27 points. and fi ve assists, while Wil- Darrius Shabazz Oldham con- liam Byrd contributed with tributed 21 points for Al Sadd.

Shiv Kapur of India posing with the winner’s trophy after his victory at the Royal Cup at the Phoenix Gold and Country Club in Pattaya. (AFP) Al Arabi (in red) and Al Khor players in action during their Qatar IANS great format. It has a lot of histo- The Indian bounced back re- ing on my success. After three hole) against a bogey. He totalled Basketball League match yesterday. Pattaya, Thailand ry and I’m glad to join the illus- markably with two consecutive weeks of rest and relaxation, I’ll 11-under 273 over the four days. trious list of winners,” he added. birdies and it was back to a dead- be back competing on the Asian “I had a good tournament. I “It’s always great to win three lock. With Meesawat bogeying Tour,” he said. didn’t prepare much as I came ndian golfer times on Tour during the season. the 17th, the door was left open Meesawat, who has fi nished straight from my wedding. To- scored a four-under 67 to On top of that, it’s a special feel- for Shiv to win the Royal Cup, top-10 twice in his last three day was particularly good. I defeat overnight leader ing to have my daughter here on and he did. tournament also lauded Shiv’s holed a lot of good putts and gave of Thailand the 18th green celebrating my Meesawat nearly forced a eff orts. myself good opportunities,” Iby a stroke, while Gaganjeet Bh- win.” playoff as he narrowly missed “It was a good battle with Bhullar said. ullar fi nished third after a 66 in Meesawat lost his advantage a birdie putt at the last hole of Shiv. He was playing well and I “I played well but obviously the fourth and fi nal round of the early at the second hole of the the tournament. He fi nished the simply made more mistakes. He these guys (Shiv and Meesawat) $500,000 Royal Cup here yes- Phoenix Gold Golf and Country fourth round with a 70. deserved to win,” Meesawat said. played better than me.” terday. Club. After pulling to the left, “At the 18th, I thought he was “It was disappointing for Bhullar, India’s number one Shiv was two shots behind Prom had to settle for a bogey at a bit unlucky. Prom is a steely sure. I thought I made the putt amateur in 2004 and 2006, Meesawat on Saturday but man- the par-three hole, while Shiv competitor and I’m lucky to for birdie to force a playoff at claimed a silver medal in the aged to pull ahead of the Thai knocked in a birdie. come out on top,” Shiv said. the 18th. Anyway, it was a good team event at the 2006 Asian who scored a 70 that gave him a Meesawat’s further bogeys on “A lot of people were tak- tournament for me. It is always Games in Doha. four-day total of 13-under 270 – the fi fth and ninth holes hand- ing the week off . In hindsight, good to end the year with a sec- Thai legend Prayad Marksaeng one behind the Indian. ed Shiv the lead. The 33-year- sometimes, good things happen. ond-place fi nish. and Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih- It was 35-year-old Shiv’s third old Thai managed to shake off If I had made the EurAsia Cup “For next year, I’ll continue to chang, who won on the same golf title on the this year. nerves after the turn and it was team, I wouldn’t be here. It’s work hard and try to win a tour- course last year, shared fourth He earlier won at the Yeangder all square again following con- always great to win three times nament. I’ll take two weeks off place. Heritage, India. secutive birdies on the 11th and on Tour during the season. On before starting on the new Khalin Joshi, moved up three “It was a see-saw battle in- 12th. top of that, it’s a special feeling season. places to be sixth following a 67, deed. I had to come out fi ghting Shiv did himself no favours to have my daughter here on the India’s Bhullar carded a 66 to taking his total to eight-under straight out of the blocks,” Shiv when he bogeyed the 13th and 18th green celebrating my win. cement third place after a late 276. Veteran Jyoti Randhawa was said in an Asian Tour release. 14th and in the process, handed “If 2018 can come anywhere charge. He scored four bird- tied 41st on a three-over 287 to- “I think the tournament has a Meesawat a two-shot lead again. close, I’ll be happy. I’ll be build- ies and an eagle (par-fi ve sixth tal after carding a 72 on the day. Action from Al Wakrah-Al Sadd match.

TENNIS FOCUS Hunt’s career put on Anderson wins exhibition event hold aft er drugs bust AFP this is a good start towards that. I can Abu Dhabi defi nitely take the confi dence from AFP tated and very upset”. here to my next few tournaments. Sydney “He is not in a good way “I worked very hard during the pre- emotionally,” Magill told the evin Anderson won the 10th season and it was good to put that to Australian Broadcasting Cor- edition of the Mubadala test here. I was very pleased with the allabies and poration. “The penny is start- World Tennis Championship way I served and with my movements Queensland Reds ing to drop and he is just com- on Saturday, joining a roll of on the court.” star Karmichael ing to terms with what is in Khonour that includes Rafael Nadal, No- The 31-year-old Anderson, who had Hunt has stood jeopardy.” vak Djokovic and Andy Murray as its lost to Bautista Agut in their only pre- Wdown voluntarily from all Hunt re-signed with the only previous winners. vious head-to-head, started strongly contractual rugby obligations Queensland Reds last month The South African world number 14 by breaking the 29-year-old Spaniard after he was charged with drug for another two years. was in imperious form once again, beat- in the opening game. possession, his lawyer said It is not the fi rst time Hunt ing Spain’s world number 20 Roberto He then held on to his extremely re- yesterday. had been in trouble with the Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the fi nal. liable serve to close the fi rst set in 37 Hunt, a former rugby league law. Anderson played three matches in minutes. The second set was closely international who made his He was banned for six the six-man exhibition tournament contested for just over an hour, with Wallabies debut this year, was weeks and fi ned Aus$30,000 and won all of them in straight sets, in- Bautista Agut showing real intention detained along with another (US$23,500) by the Reds in cluding wins against two players ranked by breaking Anderson in the second man in Brisbane early on Sat- 2015 after pleading guilty to higher than him – world number fi ve game to go 2-0 up. urday morning during a “ran- four charges of cocaine pos- Dominic Thiem and number 10 Pablo However, the 2017 US Open runner- dom street stop”. session. Carreno Busta. up broke right back and the set went He was allegedly caught As well as his club fi ne, “It feels great to win a tournament with serve thereafter. with a white powder, which he was stripped of the Reds’ that has been played for 10 years and In the tie-breaker, Anderson just local media said was cocaine. vice-captaincy and ordered to has such great champions in the past,” proved too strong and closed it without Rugby Australia and the pay Aus$2,500 by magistrates said Anderson, who heads to Pune in losing a point. Queensland Rugby Union said on Queensland’s Gold Coast. India for the Open before Bautista Agut, who had beaten Andy they were awaiting informa- Despite the setback, he fl ying down to Melbourne for the Aus- Murray in a one-set match on Fri- tion from the Queensland Po- managed to re-establish him- tralian Open. day after would-be opponent Novak lice about the circumstances self at the Reds, and made “I am very happy with the way I Djokovic withdrew injured, said: “I am of the recent allegations be- his Wallabies debut this year, played and I am very excited about the happy with the way I played my three fore any next steps or return to becoming one of the stars of next few weeks and obviously, the rest matches and I am very happy with the rugby activities would be con- Australia’s home Tests in June. of 2018. tournament, but Kevin served very well South Africa’s Kevin Anderson poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the Mubadala templated. His lawyer Adam Hunt is due to appear in “I have set big goals for myself and today and played very aggressive.” World Tennis Championship. (AFP) Magill said Hunt was “devas- court on January 29. Gulf Times Monday, January 1, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Oussama set to join Umm Salal Dybala scores brace as Doha: Tunisian Oussama Darragi is to undergo a medi- cal examination at Qatar’s or- thopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar before signing for Umm Salal. The midfielder is to be signed as replacement Juve, Napoli pull clear for Moroccan Youssef Sekour, who parted ways with Umm Salal by mutual consent. Oussama has great creden- Napoli top the table halfway through the season with 48 points from 19 games tials especially with home side Esperance, where he had two AFP stints. He last represented Club Milan Africain. Meanwhile, Umm Salal are joins the training regimen. continuing their preparations Al Sadd’s Portuguese coach aulo Dybala scored a brace as for the QNB Stars League’s Jesualdo Ferreira would hope champions Juventus won 3-1 at second phase under Egyp- Baghdad recovers from his Verona to keep pace with Napoli tian coach Mahmoud Jaber. injury sooner rather than later as Serie A’s leading duo pulled Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo as they bid for a 14th league Pclear of pursuing Inter Milan, Roma and has joined the squad, while title. The Wolves are two points Lazio on Saturday night. Maher Yousef, who was sick, is behind leaders Al Duhail and as Napoli had won 1-0 at Crotone on Fri- expected to soon hit his straps. many ahead of third-placed Al day to secure the symbolic title of winter Umm Salal are scheduled to Rayyan. champions as they top the table halfway play a friendly against Qatar SC Al Sadd play host to bottom through the season with 48 points from 19 today, The Orange Fortress will side Al Markhiya in the 12th games, one more than six-time defending also be up against Al Khor on round of QNB Stars League champions Juventus. But behind them 5th January in another friendly. on 13th January. Meanwhile, Inter, Roma and Lazio all failed to win. Umm Salal are placed fifth with players on national duty were Blaise Matuidi had put Juventus ahead 16 points after 11 matches. They absent from the training ses- after just six minutes but it took Dybala to will play Al Kharaitiyat at the Al sions. unlock the victory after the hosts hit back Khor Stadium on 11th January Qatar internationals Saad Al through former Juventus player Martin in the 12th round. Dossari, Hassan al-Haydous, Caceres on 59 minutes. Dybala pulled the Musaab Khader and Pedro Turin giants level on 72 minutes and fi ve AL SADD TRAIN Miguel, who represented Qatar minutes later sealed the win — both goals WITHOUT BOUNEDJAH at the Gulf Cup in Kuwait, are with his weaker right foot — to give him Al Sadd resumed their training likely to join the squad on 6th 14 league goals for the campaign. at the Aspire Academy on Sat- January. Also, Qatar Olympic “We all know it was not a good per- urday without striker Baghdad team members, such as Meshal formance,” said Juventus coach Mas- Bounedjah. The Algerian spear- Barshim, Meshal al-Shammari, similiano Allegri. “We put the victory head, Al Sadd’s top scorer in Hashim al-Abdullatif, Ahmed at risk after a strong start, because we the QNB Stars League with six Sohail and Salem al-Hajri, who slowed down, made far too many mis- goals, is still recuperating from are gearing up for in the AFC takes, lost the ball repeatedly, and we an injury and is to undergo Under-23 Championship in need to improve on that.” a medical examination to deter- China, could not make it to Allegri said Dybala should avoid wor- mine his condition before he training. rying about comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he wants Juventus’ Paulo Dybala celebrates to become the best player in the world. after scoring against Verona on The 24-year-old Argentine — linked Saturday night. (Reuters) SPOTLIGHT with a possible move to Manchester United — has not hit the heights of last season despite scoring 14 goals in 19 Serie A games including a double on Saturday. Dybala had been on the bench in the Pogba urges Man previous three games but started on Sat- urday and ensured the six-time defend- ing Serie A champions won for the fi rst time in Verona since 2001. “It’s impor- Utd to ‘wake up’ tant that Paulo found the net again,” said player in the world. Today there are Messi Despite being dangerous in the fi rst won’t get the result. I try to give my play- Allegri. “After the goal, he started to play and Ronaldo and it is diffi cult, but his half, with Ivan Perisic denied by a stun- ers confi dence in themselves. We have AFP better, as he was in a delicate moment path is that he has to improve physically, ning Thomas Strakosha save and a Borja 41 points and I’d be more than happy to London where things weren’t quite going his way. technically and mentally.” Valero header hitting the post, Inter could notch up 41 in the second half of the sea- Psychology is everything in football and Third-placed Inter are seven points not fi nd a way past fi fth-placed Lazio. son too.” confi dence is key. You have to be focused off the top after they were held to a goal- “When you lose two or three games Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini scored aul Pogba has called on and determined. I think the only advice less draw by Lazio at San Siro, as Roma, and go out of the Coppa Italia, it’s natural against his old club Sassuolo just after Manchester United to for Paulo is to think just about his foot- in fourth, drew 1-1 against Sassuolo in that those who wish you ill or hope that the half-hour only for Simone Missiroli “wake up” after a third ball and his journey, not worrying about the capital. Inter’s draw saw them end a you’ll go back to old ways of previous to level after 78 minutes at the Stadio straight draw over the comparisons with players like Leo Messi run of three straight defeats in all com- years will come out of the woodwork,” Olimpico. AC Milan remain in 11th — 23 PChristmas period saw them slip or Cristiano Ronaldo. petitions, but after a storming start to the said Spalletti. points behind Napoli — despite a 1-1 draw behind Chelsea in the Premier “In the next three years he will be, to- season Luciano Spalletti’s side have taken “I’m not an optimist as such, but I at Fiorentina secured thanks to a Hakan League table. Draws against gether with Neymar, the most important just two points in four games. know that if you’re pessimistic, then you Calhanoglu equaliser. Leicester and Burnley either side of Christmas severely under- mined United’s status as chal- ROUND-UP lengers to Manchester City and Saturday night’s 0-0 stalemate Lukaku, Pogba said: “When we at home to Southampton means have Romelu, he makes it dif- they are now third in the stand- fi cult for defenders and creates ings, 14 points adrift of City. so much space as well. He’s a big Nike advertise Coutinho Barcelona shirt The problems are mounting miss for us but we have the team for manager Jose Mourinho, with to fi ll the gap of Romelu.’’ n apparent gaff e by Nike has When contacted, FIFA said they had cases of doping in football with Russia Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knee prob- Medical staff took every pre- fi red speculation that Philippe tried to get hold of Rodchenkov via set to host the World Cup in June and lem keeping him out for a month caution in treating a potentially Coutinho could leave Liverpool WADA before November 22 this year, July. However, FIFA president Gianni and Romelu Lukaku taken off on concerning head injury, placing for Barcelona in the January only to be told he was not available. Now Infantino insisted earlier this month that a stretcher after a nasty clash of the Belgian on a stretcher and transferA window. The sportswear giant, FIFA are waiting for WADA’s reanalysis all tests carried out thus far had come heads with Wesley Hoedt. The fi tting an oxygen mask. By full- who manufacture Barcelona’s kit, adver- of doping tests, which they expect to back negative. “If you would have a seri- Football Association has also de- time Mourinho was confi dent tised a Barca shirt on their website with begin in mid-January. ous doping issue in football this would be cided to take action against Ash- the worst-case scenarios had the Brazilian midfi elder’s name on it. “The process is ongoing and FIFA will known by now, whether in Russia or any ley Young after footage emerged been ruled out and was instead Headlined “Where the magic hap- contact Dr Rodchenkov via the agreed other country of the world,” Infantino of the player apparently elbow- predicting a two-match lay-off pens”, the page, which has since been channel when the time is right,” world said in Moscow prior to the draw for the ing Dusan Tadic in the stomach for the forward. taken down, continued with the mes- football’s governing body said. Rod- World Cup on December 1. during the Southampton match. But, of arguably greater con- sage: “Philippe Coutinho is ready to light chenkov is the former director of the Everton are United’s next op- cern, Mourinho also revealed up Camp Nou.” Coutinho is sponsored by Moscow anti-doping laboratory. NOTTINGHAM FOREST ponents at Goodison Park on New that veteran forward Ibrahi- Nike and wears their boots. He fl ed to the United States in 2016 SACK WARBURTON Year’s Day and Pogba has de- movic has suff ered a knee in- He handed in a transfer request in saying he feared for his life after the sud- English Championship side Notting- manded better from his side, de- jury which will sideline him for August after Barcelona had a bid for the den death of two senior offi cials in the ham Forest announced yesterday they spite the short turnaround. “We at least a month — the problem Brazilian rejected, but the Reds then tions of doping in Russian football and Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA). had sacked manager Mark Warburton didn’t lose but we have to wake compounded by reports that he turned down a further two off ers includ- will do so again after samples have been He then provided information which led after less than nine months in charge up, bounce back and get back to has suff ered damage to the same ing £100mn ($135mn) one. The 25-year- re-tested by the World Anti-Doping to an investigation of doping at the Sochi at the City Ground. Forest are 14th in winning,’’ the Frenchman said. knee in which he tore ligaments old missed the start of the season with a Agency (WADA), world football’s gov- Winter Games in 2014. the Championship — the second tier of “We drew again. Three draws, at the end of last season. back problem but has been in outstand- erning body said. Since then, Russian athletes have been English football — and have won just one we have to win, something has to “It is the same, a massive ing form recently, scoring seven goals in In an interview, Rodchenkov’s lawyer banned from the Rio Olympics in 2016 of their past seven league matches. change and we have to change to problem. He is a 37-year-old his last eight games. said his client had information that could and Russia has been barred from partici- Academy boss Gary Brazil has been win. It’s only one day and then with a bad knee. Zlatan is one be of interest but claimed FIFA had not pating at February’s Winter Olympics appointed caretaker manager. The we have to play against Everton month out,” said Mourinho of the FIFA CLAIMS ATTEMPT TO made any attempt to contact the man in Pyeongchang, South Korea, though former European champions (1979, 1980) — that’s football. Tomorrow’s veteran Swede. The United man- CONTACT DOPING WHISTLEBLOWER who was the source of revelations about athletes who are deemed “clean” can have lost 14 times this season — the joint another day and we have to go ager claimed to be happy with FIFA tried to contact Russian whistle- state-sponsored doping in the host na- compete under the Olympic fl ag. second-highest number of losses in the out there and win.’’ Anthony Martial and Marcus blower Grigory Rodchenkov over accusa- tion of the 2018 World Cup. The spotlight has turned to possible division. On the injury to topscorer Rashford as replacements.

FOCUS Atletico Madrid pin their hopes on Costa’s second coming Reuters ber for 57mn pounds ($77mn), nearly Wednesday, with his fi rst league ap- leading marksman with fi ve league Madrid double the price he left for more than pearance set for Saturday at home to goals but Costa will have to prove his three years ago. Getafe. fi tness as his last competitive game He was offi cially presented along- Atletico are second in the league was for Spain in a World Cup qualifi er iego Costa is eager to begin side fellow Spain teammate Vitolo but Costa’s return cannot come soon against Macedonia on June 11. Since his second spell at Atletico — who signed from Sevilla in July for enough for Diego Simeone’s side who Costa departed for London in 2014, Madrid after spending the 40mn euros — before an open train- are nine points adrift of leaders Barce- Atletico have spent 144.5mn euros last three months confi ned ing session at the Wanda Metropoli- lona and had their confi dence rocked trying to replace him. toD the club’s training ground, shack- tano stadium, which local media said by elimination from the Champions However, Mario Mandzukic, Griez- led by the club’s ban on registering 20,000 supporters attended. League group stage. mann, Jackson Martinez, Luciano new players, the striker said yester- “I’m in much better shape than Their defence is as resolute as ever, Vietto, Kevin Gameiro, Angel Correa day. “I’ve waited a long time for this when I arrived, I’ve prepared well conceding just eight goals in 17 games, and Fernando Torres have all failed day, I’ve been working hard and train- and worked hard and I’m ready to but they have had serious diffi culties to top his 27 league goals in 2013/14 ing hard but there’s nothing else to do, help the team and score goals,” Costa creating and converting chances, which helped Atletico to break Barca’s I need to play, I’m tired of training,” said. Atletico’s ban on registering scoring fewer goals (25) than the other and Real Madrid’s nine-year strangle- Costa told a news conference. Costa, new players due to the illegal trans- teams in the top four. It may not take hold on the title. who fi red Atletico to a fi rst league ti- fer of minors expires today, meaning the 29-year-old Costa long to catch Costa also won two UEFA Su- Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa signs a ball as the crowd cheers him on at Wanda tle in 18 years in 2014, agreed a return Costa could make his debut against up with his new teammates. per Cups with Atletico and the 2013 Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) to the club from Chelsea in Septem- Lleida Esportiu in the King’s Cup on Antoine Griezmann is Atletico’s King’s Cup.

Monday, January 1, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Man City winning run ends in draw at Crystal Palace Wenger’s record-breaking day as Arsenal manager ended in frustration as his side were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom

AFP minutes earlier after a defl ected Alexis London Sanchez free-kick found its way into the West Brom net via a defl ection off James McClean. The Gunners had been derson’s last-gasp penalty he- frustrated for much of the game by a roics saved Manchester City resolute Albion. from defeat but a 0-0 stalemate Arsenal made the brighter start but at Crystal Palace yesterday might have found themselves trail- broughtE the Premier League leaders’ ing to the fi rst chance of the game on record-breaking 18-match winning run six minutes. A weaving run down the to an end. Luka Milivojevic was pre- right fl ank by Matt Phillips ended with sented with the chance to seal a memo- a cross for Rodriguez, who leapt high- rable victory for Roy Hodgson’s rele- est but headed too close to Petr Cech gation-threatened side when Wilfried and the Arsenal goalkeeper made a solid Zaha was brought down by Raheem save, diving to his left. Sterling in injury time. Cech handed the Baggies another But the Palace midfi elder struck his chance moments later when he spilled a spot-kick too close to Ederson, allow- high cross by Kieran Gibbs at the feet of ing the City goalkeeper to preserve his Hal Robson-Kanu. The Wales striker’s side’s 21-game unbeaten start to the eff ort was blocked and Arsenal then league campaign. City’s failure to score snuff ed out Jake Livermore’s eff ort to in a league game for the fi rst time since keep the move alive. That sparked an last April meant they fell short in their Arsenal counter-attack as the Gunners bid to equal Bayern Munich 19-game worked the ball to the edge of the area, winning run of four years ago, the long- where Alexandre Lacazette hit a shot est in Europe’s fi ve major leagues, set that defl ected wide. And on 16 min- under their current boss Pep Guardiola. utes a neat pass by Sanchez found Alex And City’s afternoon was further Iwobi, who wriggled away from Jonny soured when Kevin De Bruyne was Evans and bent a shot just past the angle stretchered off immediately after the of post and crossbar. spot-kick following an ugly challenge Arsenal had increasingly run out of by Palace substitute Jason Puncheon. ideas and an ambitious, long-range shot Guardiola, who also said forward from Iwobi that Foster held easily was a Gabriel Jesus was likely to be out for sure sign of the visitors’ frustration. up to two months after an injury early The hosts threatened when Liver- in the game, called for referees to take more arrived at the near post to meet a fi rm action. “Please, referees, they have Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus (left) is fouled cross by substitute McClean but his ef- to protect players,” he said. “We were by Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend during fort was blocked by Cech. And Cech was lucky against Tottenham and against the Premier League match at Selhurst Park in then forced to beat away a shot from Newcastle. Today we were not lucky. London yesterday. (Reuters) distance by Rodriguez. Referees have to protect. We know But with seven minutes remaining how strong physically it is England but the Gunners claimed the lead when teams miss big players, not just Man- Sanchez won the decisive free-kick. chester City. The replay speaks for it- minute and City striker Jesus follow- other end, Wilfried Zaha was a constant Bruyne as City struggled to fi nd open- record-breaking day as Arsenal man- He was tripped on the edge of the 18- self. We have to protect players.” ing shortly afterwards. The subsequent threat down the Palace left, frequently ings in a well-drilled Palace backline. ager ended in frustration as his dis- yard box by a combination of Gareth There was an early sign the visi- reshuffl e appeared to aff ect the visitors getting the better of City right-back And they should have entered the fi nal jointed side were held to a controver- Barry and Craig Dawson. The Chilean tors might not be at their best when a more, with Palace growing more into Kyle Walker. An animated conversa- 14 minutes of the game needing a goal sial 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion. let fl y with an eff ort that struck Mc- breakdown in communication between the game the longer the half went on. tion between De Bruyne and Leroy Sane to get back on level terms after Andros The Frenchman took charge of his 811th Clean’s leg and defeated Foster. Eliaquim Mangala and Ederson led to Sergio Aguero, Jesus’s replacement, confi rmed the sense that City were Townsend missed the home side’s best Gunners league game, taking him past But just minutes later Albion were the goalkeeper directing an attempted struck the post in the 28th minute with growing increasingly uncomfortable. chance of the half before Milivojevic Alex Ferguson’s Premier League record level as Chambers was punished harshly clearance against his centre-back, pre- a defl ected shot from the edge of the Palace found it far harder to be as ex- was handed his late opportunity to of 810. for blocking a Kieran Gibbs cross with senting Christian Benteke with an op- penalty area but that proved to be a rare pansive after the restart, when City fi - clinch the points. But his side were denied victory by his arm and Rodriguez drilled the re- portunity that he could not take. moment of concern for home goalkeep- nally began to move through the gears. Jay Rodriguez’s 89th-minute penalty, sulting penalty low past Cech. Wenger Both sides were forced into early er Wayne Hennessey. But Hennessey proved equal to the IN 811TH GAME, WENGER awarded for handball against Calum lost his cool on the touchline and was changes, with Palace captain Scott And while Palace were unable to task, blocking Leroy Sane’s close-range BREAKS LEAGUE RECORD Chambers to the fury of Wenger and his subjected to a lengthy lecture from the Dann being stretchered off in the 19th carve out many clear chances at the volley at the far post and denying De In another match, Arsene Wenger’s players. Arsenal had taken the lead six referee.

TRANSFER MARKET SPOTLIGHT Clubs ready for January sales No stopping Liverpool goal AFP London Manchester City manager machine Salah, says Klopp Pep Guardiola could go back ith the January transfer window in for long-term target Alexis opening on New Year’s Day, the Sanchez, who has refused Premier League’s superpowers to sign a new contract at are ready to fl ex their fi nancial Arsenal. (Reuters) Wmuscles in a frenzy of spending. Liverpool set the tone before the market had even offi - cially begun when they splashed out a world record fee for a defender, paying £75mn ($100mn) for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk. Manchester City might be running away with the Premier League title race, but the leaders can aff ord to add a piece or two from a position of strength, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham prepare to spend, spend, spend in a bid to catch their rivals:

MANCHESTER CITY Their record 18-match winning streak in the with his reduced role on several occasions. the out-of-favour England striker. league came to an end when Crystal Palace Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Borussia Dort- held them to draw yesterday. But what was mund’s Julian Weigl and Bordeaux’s Mal- ARSENAL worse for Pep Guardiola was striker Gabriel colm are possible candidates to bolster Amid mounting speculation that Arsenal Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne was injured. United’s midfi eld. United’s Henrikh Mkhi- players and coaches are sick of a reported Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah has netted 23 times for Liverpool in all competitions this season. (AFP) Guardiola confi rmed Jesus was likely to taryan and Daley Blind could be sold after lack of commitment from Sanchez, Gun- be out for up to two months, De Bruyne was falling out of favour. ners boss Arsene Wenger must decide what AFP ($100mn) move from Southampton will be for- stretchered off immediately after following to do with the unsettled former Barcelona Liverpool mally completed when the transfer window opens an ugly challenge by Palace substitute Ja- CHELSEA forward. on January 1, today. The Dutch defender will not son Puncheon. With two key players suff er- Blues boss Antonio Conte has spent much of Sanchez has refused to extend a contract be eligible to feature against Burnley which means ing injuries, Guardiola could go back in for the season grumbling about his squad’s lack due to expire at the end of the season, leav- iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Klopp will again select from Joel Matip, Ragnar Kla- long-term target Alexis Sanchez if he thinks of depth after Chelsea failed to land his top ing Wenger to either cash in now or lose winger Mohamed Salah can maintain his in- van and Dejan Lovren. Klopp does not think the ar- he can land the Chile forward on the cheap targets in the summer. Lagging well behind him for nothing in June. City came close to credible goalscoring form for the rest of the rival of Van Dijk will create nervousness among his in the fi nal six months of his Arsenal con- City in the title race, Chelsea can ill-aff ord signing Sanchez in August and remain in- season. The Egypt international has netted existing centre-back contingent, even though their tract. West Bromwich Albion centre-back to waste this chance to upgrade Conte’s op- terested, while Paris Saint Germain and Real L23 times for Liverpool in all competitions, equalling places will be under threat. “That’s part of profes- Jonny Evans, who City made two bids for in tions. Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Ferreira Madrid are also potential suitors. a club record set by Roger Hunt in 1961/62 for most sional football with a new player,” Klopp said. the summer window, is still on Guardiola’s Carrasco and Napoli’s Dries Mertens have Wenger will also receive off ers for Ozil, goals in a campaign before the turn of the year. “The really good players will always say the chal- wish-list as defensive cover for injury- been linked as Conte searches for a forward with United and Barcelona interested in the Salah will hope to continue his hot streak against lenge of a player in your position will help you. prone Vincent Kompany. who can off er better back-up to Alvaro Mor- German midfi elder, who is approaching the Burnley at Turf Moor on New Year’s Day, although That’s how it is. I don’t think the boys were nerv- ata than the underwhelming Michy Batsh- fi nal months of his contract. It was reported Klopp revealed he will fi rst be checked by Liverpool’s ous against Leicester. I couldn’t see anything of that MANCHESTER UNITED uayi Bayern Munich midfi elder Arturo Vi- Wenger could move for Crystal Palace Wil- medical staff to assess a minor injury. The 25-year- and they don’t have any reason to be because I am Frustrated by United’s failure to keep pace dal, who worked with Conte at Juventus, is fried Zaha, but the winger ruled out a Janu- old was substituted seven minutes from time in happy about the development of these players. with City at the top, Jose Mourinho has al- another player who interests the champions. ary move yesterday. Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday “The most important thing against Leicester was ready made it clear his side must big spend having scored twice to help the Reds fi ght back from the defensive performances. I am happy with the to have any chance of bridging the gap. Top LIVERPOOL TOTTENHAM a goal down and secure the points. “He was limping, concentration in all defending moments. They were of Mourinho’s shopping list are a left-back Having broken the bank to bring Neth- After a frustrating fi rst half of the season in and that is not a good sign,” Klopp said. aggressive in a legal way. The yellow cards showed and a winger. erlands centre-back Van Dijk to Anfi eld, the league, Tottenham manager Mauricio “I don’t know what is wrong. We will have to see the desire of the boys in this moment, that we want- Juventus’s Alex Sandro and Tottenham’s Reds boss Jurgen Klopp might fi nd himself Pochettino will look to spark his side with a what the problem was for the next game. But Mo ed to turn this game.” Danny Rose would fi t the bill for the defen- most preoccupied with trying to hold onto major move in midfi eld. Everton’s Ross Bar- can keep that standard for sure. It’s not just about The Premier League title will almost certainly be sive berth, while fast-rising Fulham young- Philippe Coutinho. Brazil forward Coutinho kley is admired by Pochettino and although scoring only, it’s about other situations. He is so beyond Klopp’s side this season given Manchester ster Ryan Sessegnon could be signed with has been in superb form of late and Barce- he rejected a last-minute move to Chelsea in important for us. He knows and I know he could not City’s form but they have the potential of runs in one eye on next season. Long linked with a lona are likely to return with another off er August, the England international might be score without support of the other boys. But yes I both the FA Cup and Champions League. “We can- move to United, Rose is the most likely sign- after having bids of over £100mn rejected in persuaded to accept an off er from Totten- think he can keep the standard.” not go the season with two centre-halves and hope ing as he may have worn out his welcome August. Daniel Sturridge is a much stronger ham, who could land him for a bargain price Liverpool’s win over Leicester was watched by nothing happens. The third one is logical and if you at Tottenham after expressing unhappiness bet to leave, with Southampton interested in as he has just six months left on his contract. new record signing Virgil van Dijk, whose £75mn have a fourth one it’s even better,” he said.