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Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Rabia II 5, 1440 AH Hope ton helps GULF TIMES West Indies level series SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Sadd break down Al Arabi’s Icelandic Al Duhail’s defence coach says is ‘the to go top of league place to be’ This season Al Duhail had gone unbeaten until yesterday but it was evident for a few weeks that a defeat lurked around the corner

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani (L), President of the Al Arabi Club, poses with Icelandic football coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after a press conference in yesterday.

AFP success for today, this is a long- Doha term project to build up success for the future,” he said. The Icelander is the club’s ormer Iceland boss He- eighteenth managerial appoint- imir Hallgrimsson said ment since 2010. Qatar “was the place to “A lot of people have warned be” as he was offi cially me that this is a hot seat so hope- unveiledF as the coach of club side fully a guy from Iceland can cool Al Arabi in Doha yesterday. it a little. It’s all up in the air: Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydos gets some special treatment from his teammates after the team’s win over Al Duhail. At bottom, fans take a selfie with It is Hallgrimsson’s fi rst job “All the things from the presi- . PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil since leaving the Iceland post dent, from the club, the conver- and guiding his country to their sations, is that they will support By Anil John of the business end of the tour- through by Jung Woo-young but fi rst World Cup fi nals earlier this me and I feel that they really Doha nament, this was it. the Algerian’s eff ort was saved year, and he admitted even he mean it. Al Duhail made an impressive by Al Duhail goalie Khalifa Abu was “surprised” to end up in the “Sacking coaches two times a start to the match, working up Bakr. Gulf. year doesn’t get you anywhere.” s this the turning point that plenty of speed on the fl anks and The teams were locked in a He said he had been in talks His fi rst match in charge will would end Al Duhail’s stran- threatening the Al Sadd defence midfi eld battle in the second with Bundesliga and Major be on December 21, a cup match glehold on the QNB Stars a couple of times inside the fi rst half, although Al Sadd had a League Soccer sides — Stuttgart against current league leaders Al League? Al Sadd would fi ve minutes. few opportunities they failed to and Vancouver Whitecaps — Duhail, also managed by a coach Ibe hoping it certainly is after And sure enough they were make good of. before being approached by Al who was at this year’s World they demolished the defending the ones to take the lead after In the 50th minute, Bounedjah Arabi, but had no regrets about Cup, ’s Nabil Maaloul. champions in their rescheduled Italian referee Daniele Orsato back-heeled the ball to Afi f, but choosing a team from the World Hallgrimsson resigned as Ice- Week 9 clash at the Sheikh Jas- awarded them a after his shot was defl ected away for a Cup 2022 host nation. land manager in July after they sim bin Hamad Stadium yester- blocked Kar- corner. Boualem Khoukhi then “I had some opportunities, were knocked out at the fi rst day to go top of the table with 38 im Boudiaf’s shot with his hand. received a fi ne cross from Has- some discussions with clubs but stage of the World Cup in Russia, points from 15 matches. Moroccan El Arabi, who took the san al-Haydos, but headed over nothing that was more interest- failing to win a game, ending the The 3-1 win was not achieved shot, sent Al Sadd goalkeeper the . ing than this one,” he said. Nordic country’s fairytale rise to in a particularly spectacular way. Saad al-Sheeb the wrong way to Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer- The 51-year-old has signed a the global stage. But it was convincing, nonethe- give his side a 1-0 advantage. reira then introduced Salem one-and-half-year contract. “The reason I decided to stop less. And more so, it came about Al Duhail’s joy didn’t last too al-Hajri for Jung as his fi rst sub- Hallgrimsson added: “This is a with the national team was be- after Al Duhail had taken the long, however, as Al Sadd equal- stitution in the 64th minute. big, big challenge, a big club, that cause I had been seven years lead in the sixth minute through ised four minutes later, through And after a few more wasted had historical success in the past doing the same job as a national a penalty, converted by Youssef an own goal by Lucas Mendes. chances, al-Hajri struck in the and they would like to have that team coach, and my feeling was El Arabi in the sixth minute of Star Al Sadd striker Akram Afi f 89th minute with a powerful past again.” that I was at a standstill,” he said. play. had made considerable ground shot, dribbling past three Al Du- Al Arabi are currently mid- He added: “For me to improve Over the past few years, Al before unleashing a shot at goal hail defenders inside the penalty table in the 12-team Qatar Stars personally, as a coach, this was Duhail, previously known as Le- only for Mendes to defl ect it area. League at the halfway stage. the place to be.” khwiya, had acquired an aura of into the Al Duhail goal while at- Al Duhail had fi ve minutes of Starved of success in recent Hallgrimsson began his invincibility. It was deserved al- ity. But Al Sadd had run them corner, especially after they had tempting a clearance. stoppage time to restore parity, years, the last of Al Arabi’s seven coaching career in 1993 with an right; after all, they had the best close on a couple of occasions, conceded tame draws against Al As half chances went to waste but it was Al Sadd who found Qatari league titles was back in Icelandic women’s team, Hottur. of coaches and the best of play- missing out by a whisker, most Rayyan and Qatar Sports Club. on either side, the match ap- the net again after Bounedjah 1997. Famously a dentist as well as ers who unfailingly did what was notably in 2016-17 when Al Du- The signs were all there and, as peared headed for a draw, caus- exchanged passes with Afi f and Hallgrimsson said he wanted a coach, Hallgrimsson said he expected of them. When you hail won the title by a mere two- expected, it was Al Sadd who ing consternation for Al Sadd struck from close range with the owners to give him time to would be concentrating only on win the league in the very fi rst point margin (63-61). rose to the occasion. coach Jesualdo Ferreira. two minutes remaining. Al Sadd improve the side, in a league football in Qatar. season of your existence, and This season Al Duhail had With that the Wolves laid The prolifi c Baghdad then held fi rm and the referee where coaches are changed regu- “I am so confi dent that we are then add fi ve more titles in the gone unbeaten until yesterday down the marker for the rest of Bounedjah had a fi ne opportu- soon blew the fi nal whistle. larly and ruthlessly. going to stay for a few years that next six years, there can’t be any but it was evident for a few weeks the season. If Al Sadd were look- nity to put Al Sadd ahead in the Even the dour Ferreira man- “They know that this is not I am not going to do any den- question marks about your abil- that a defeat lurked around the ing for a confi dence boost ahead 34th minute after he was put aged a smile. an instant job, this is not buying tistry.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 SPORT

FOOTBALL Guardiola praises Sterling for confronting racism 'He’s an incredible person. It’s tough in the 21st century to still be in this position, to have problems with diversity’

AFP managers, the players, everyone around Manchester, United Kingdom the world,” he said. “But just for the colour of his skin? Believe me, that’s ri- diculous and that’s why everyone has to ep Guardiola has praised Man- protect from that situation.” chester City star Raheem Ster- Sterling’s teammate Leroy Sane also ling for refusing to be intimi- believes the former Liverpool player dated by the menace of racism has shown great dignity in dealing with Pin football. Sterling endured alleged the abuse. “I think it’s sad this happens racial abuse from a Chelsea fan during still. We all support Raheem and are on City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on his side,” Sane said. “He is a strong guy, Saturday. a good guy. He can handle it and he is The 24-year-old was targeted by the not letting it get him down.” supporter while he was standing near fans on the touchline. Sterling appeared CITY DOWN TO 15 PLAYERS FOR to laugh off the shocking incident at the HOFFENHEIM CLASH: GUARDIOLA time, but the abuse has drawn wide- Meanwhile, Injury-hit Manchester spread condemnation amid fears the City have just 15 senior players fi t for sport is being dragged back to the dark today’s Champions League tie against ages of the 1970s and 1980s when rac- Hoff enheim, Guardiola revealed. David ism was rife. Silva and Fernandinho have joined an The England winger later accused injury list at City that already featured the media of fuelling racism in the way Sergio Aguero, , Dani- it reports certain stories about black lo, Benjamin Mendy and Claudio Bravo. players. And former England assistant “We have 15 players available so I coach Gary Neville revealed this week cannot do too much,” Guardiola said that Sterling complained during Euro when asked if he would make changes 2016 of constant criticism from fans against Hoff enheim. City are already that carried racist undertones. through to the Champions League last Speaking for the fi rst time since the 16, but they need at least a point to be Chelsea incident, City manager Guar- sure of fi nishing as Group F winners, diola backed Sterling and hailed his de- which could ensure an easier draw in cision to speak out on the controversy. the fi rst knockout round. “I was concerned with what happened “We are going into a really tough but he made a statement on Instagram game. We are in the next stage and and was quite clear about his thoughts,” that’s important but we want to go Guardiola told reporters yesterday. through fi nishing fi rst. If you fi nish fi rst “He’s an incredible person, an in- or second the last 16 is tough but to play credible human being. It’s tough in the at home (in the second leg) is a small 21st century to still be in this position, advantage.” to have problems with diversity. We Guardiola’s injury problems come have to be better, everyone.” after City suff ered their fi rst Premier Guardiola believes racism is a deep Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (centre) trains with teammates in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters) League defeat of the season at Chel- problem in society, not just football, sea on Saturday, a setback that saw and insisted more must be done to once in our lives our grandfathers were and we have to defend democracy in the It’s the media,” he said. Guardiola, whose side host Hoff en- Liverpool move above them into top combat it. “It’s everywhere, racism is refugees. It’s everywhere. That’s why best way.” The Metropolitan Police have heim in the Champions League today, spot in the table. Spanish midfi elder everywhere. People focus on football we have to fi ght every day. We have to Former Barcelona and Bayern Mu- launched an investigation into the made it clear comments about play- Silva was substituted at Chelsea with but it’s not just in football. You’d think fi ght for human rights to make a better nich boss Guardiola also pointed out Stamford Bridge incident, while Chel- ers should restricted to performances a hamstring injury and Guardiola said in football we’d be safe but racism is society for the future. Today it’s dan- the media has a crucial role to play in sea have suspended four supporters. on the fi eld rather than straying into he faces “a few weeks” out. Argentina everywhere,” he said. gerous, not just in England, all across keeping racism in check. “I appreciate what Chelsea did,” Guar- foul abuse. “Hopefully the criticism is forward Aguero, who has missed three “What happens today — how we Europe. The message for the politicians “Today the real power is the media, diola said. “If it happened in my club we when he plays bad. That would be per- games with a groin problem, could re- treat immigrants and refugees, when is for them to be tough on human rights not politicians, not the governments. should do the same.” fect. Everyone is exposed to that — the turn to face Everton on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS QOC reveals schedule of 2nd edition of Flag Relay SC and Portuguese Security Police sign co-operation agreement Committee, adding it strength- QNA ens relations and partnership Doha between the police services of the two friendly countries in or- der to prepare for the World Cup. he Security Committee He said that Portugal will spare of the Supreme Com- no eff ort in providing all forms of mittee for & support to Qatar national police Legacy (SC) signed a co- and share their expertise in con- Toperation agreement with the ducing sports events. Public Security Police of Portu- Major Fahad Saeed al-Subaie, gal on the organisation of major Director of the Training Depart- sporting events in preparation ment at the Police College and for the 2022 World Cup. Head of the Training Unit of the The agreement was signed Security Committee of the SC, for the Security Committee by said the agreement will ensure Brigadier General Abdulaziz high level of training to offi cers. bin Faisal al-Thani, the Deputy He added that the offi cials Commander of the Lekhwiya from Qatar visited Portugal re- Force and Deputy Chairman of cently to get a fi rst-hand expe- QOC Secretary General Jassim Rashid al-Buainain and Director of QOC Marketing and Communication Sheikha Asma al-Thani at a press conference yesterday. the SC’s Security Committee, rience of the progress made by and for the Portuguese side by Portugal police and was confi - atar Olympic Committee un- International football superstars Wes- entertainment, while also paying tribute The penultimate stop for Flag Relay Luis Manuel Farinha, the head of dent the partnership will help the veiled yesterday the fi nal de- ley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o, who play to our beautiful nature and environment,” 2018 will be Qatar Football Association, the Public Security Police at the Security Committee to organise tails of the second edition of in Qatar, will also be part of Flag Relay, she added. from which fl agbearers will walk to As- Lekhwiya Force building. the World Cup and raise the effi - Flag Relay, which takes place bringing a wealth of inspiration to the Flag Relay 2018 will start at 6 am at pire Park where the fl ag’s journey con- On the occasion, Farinha said ciency and qualifi cation of offi c- tomorrowQ and sees the Qatari fl ag tour young participants and demonstrating the QOC Winter Camp in Sealine before it cludes with a series of fun activities in he was delighted to sign this ers in the management of major the country, carried proudly by hundreds global status of Qatar as a sports pioneer. fl ies on a small plane to Qatar Racing celebration of Qatar National Day. agreement with the Security sports events. of participants. “We are proud of Qatar Cancer So- Club. After that, the fl ag’s journey con- For Majdolina Langi, a cancer survivor Flag Relay aims to share pride, unity ciety’s participation in order to spread tinues through several stops, including who will take part in the second edition and inspiration through the fl ag in cel- awareness of early diagnosis of cancer. Hamad International Airport where fl ag- of Flag Relay, participation is a way to ebration of Qatar’s National Day fi ve days What distinguishes this edition of Flag bearers walk with the fl ag before a Guin- highlight the importance of sport in her later. Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary Relay is the attempts to break two Guin- ness World Record is attempted on the journey. “I can say that cancer gave me a General of Qatar Olympic Committee, ness World Records. We would like to way to Msheireb Properties for the most new lease on life, but sport gave me life. briefed the media during a press confer- thank all sponsors and partners for their people in a cycling relay. Qatar gave me life. I think that is a re- ence in which he outlined the program for support in this national event and we Jogging, cycling and walking are among ally important message. Sport crosses all Flag Relay 2018 that will feature attempts thank everyone for their keenness to ex- the other activities that will continue the boundaries.” to break two Guinness World Records. press their love for Qatar,” al-Buenain maroon fl ag’s trip through Hamad Medi- “I’m really excited about the fl ag relay. Al Buenain said: “Flag Relay is based added. cal Corporation, the Museum of Islamic I was invited by Qatar Olympic Commit- on three main axes: the Qatari fl ag, which Participants will carry the Qatari fl ag Art and Sheraton Park. After that, fl ag- tee to participate,” she said, adding: “I felt represents our national unity, the event across 19 iconic landmarks around the bearers will jog with the maroon fl ag and this is really an interesting moment. I’ll itself including participants, which rep- country, starting from Team Qatar’s make a stop at Qatar Olympic Committee be proud to do it. It is time for me to give resents our multicultural society in re- Winter Camp in Sealine and transporting before carrying on to Katara, the Pearl something back to Qatar.” fl ection of solidarity, unity and under- it towards a grand fi nale at Aspire Zone. and Qatar University via diff erent activi- Asked on the possibility of the Flag standing, and the third element is sport “The idea behind Flag Relay is to ex- ties, including driving, swimming, row- Relay turning into a global event, HE Al through the participation in a number of press pride in the fl ag and what it means ing and sailing. Flagbearers will fl y with Buainain said: “The idea of this event diff erent sports such as running, walking, for the country’s unity and people’s the fl ag over Al Thakhira Mangroves and came from the Olympic torch relay, and swimming, cycling.” solidarity across Qatar,” said Sheikha arrive at Qatar Foundation on a gyrocop- it was linked to the Qatari fl ag as it takes More than 1,000 people will take part Asma al-Thani, Director of Marketing ter. Once at Qatar Foundation, partici- place in Qatar. It will remain in Qatar be- in Flag Relay 2018, including current and and Communications at Qatar Olympic pants which will include Team Qatar ath- cause it represents National Day celebra- former Team Qatar athletes, ambassadors Committee. “We chose the stops careful- letes and the public will attempt to break tions. As for raising the fl ag out of Qatar, and diplomats, nearly 800 schoolchil- ly to include landmarks that refl ect dif- the Guinness World Record for the largest this is the duty of our athletes who always Off icials from the Security Committee of the Supreme Committee for dren, 10 cancer survivors, as well as 200 ferent sides of Qatar’s history and present number of people running 100 meters in strive to make Qatar proud in interna- Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Public Security Police of Portugal pose participants from the public. from education to sport and culture to a 1-hour relay. tional platforms.” after the agreement signing in Doha yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Yaya leaves Olympiakos aft er playing fi ve matches

Former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has left Olympia- kos for a second time, after only playing five times, the Greek Super League club announced yesterday. Toure, 35, joined Bayern Munich head Olympiakos three months after origi- nally making his mark in Europe with the Greek side during the 2005-2006 season. “Uaya is and remains an impor- tant member of the Olympiakos family, who has marked a central part of the history of the club,” Olympiakos said in a statement. A Champions League win- to Ajax for showdown ner with Barcelona in 2009, Toure only started three games since returning to Greece as a free agent in September. Toure was one of Manchester City’s key Bayern need just a point at Ajax to win Group E with the Bavarian giants currently top of the table signings that helped the club win three titles but was released AFP Bayern’s bench has caused problems at the end of last season. Berlin for Kovac’s predecessors and Robben’s imminent return from a thigh injury threatens Serge Gnabry’s place on the Spain introducing VAR in esurgent Bayern Munich head right wing. Copa del Rey, 2nd division to Ajax for today’s Champi- Thiago Alcantara, a second-half ons League group showdown replacement on Saturday who is re- The video assistant referee system will with clear winners and losers turning to fi tness after a knee injury, be used in the Copa del Rey from Janu- amongR the star-studded squad after threatens to break up Kimmich and ary and in second division games next Niko Kovac’s decision to end rotation. Goretzka’s partnership in central mid- season at the latest, the Spanish football “We want to keep going,” said Leon fi eld. (RFEF) association said yesterday. The Goretzka, now a fi rm fi xture in cen- However, Kovac’s decision has RFEF introduced VAR in La Liga at the tral midfi eld alongside Joshua Kim- reaped dividends in attack with striker start of the season. mich with Bayern having won their Robert Lewandowski scoring four “The Board of Directors of the RFEF last three games after Saturday’s 3-0 goals in his last three games, support- today approved the extension of the league home win over Nuremberg. ed by Thomas Mueller who is revelling VAR to further off icial competitions, “Now we travel to Amsterdam and in the attacking midfi eld role. the Copa del Rey and the Segunda want to fi nish fi rst in the group — “At the start (of the season), we Division,” the RFEF said in a statement. that’s important for us.” rotated as the coach tried to fi nd the VAR will be introduced from the round Bayern need just a point at Ajax’s right team,” said director of sport of 16 in this year’s Copa. “Regarding Johan Cruyff Arena to win Group E Hasan Salihamidzic. “Perhaps it was the Segunda Division, video refereeing with the Bavarian giants currently top too much and some players didn’t will start to be implemented during the of the table, two points ahead of their know where they fi tted in. In the last 2019/2020 season, although there is a Dutch rivals, and both teams already few games, Niko hasn’t done that and possibility that it will be used this sea- into the last 16. the team looks good.” son during the playoff s for promotion to A 5-1 thrashing of Benfi ca at the Meanwhile, veteran Dutch winger La Liga,” the statement added. Allianz Arena a fortnight ago, with Robben will play no part in Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Rob- clash at Ajax due to an ongoing knee ben both scoring twice, signifi ed an injury. Robben, 34, has been out in- PSG to face fi ft h-tier end to the poor results of October and jured since scoring twice in a 5-1 win Pontivy in French Cup November which also saw Bayern slide over group rivals Benfi ca last month down the Bundesliga table. and has yet to fully recover. Holders Paris Saint-Germain were Bayern have now clawed their way Robben, who scored Bayern’s win- drawn at Pontivy from the fifth tier in back up to third in the league and ning goal against Dortmund in the 2013 the last 64 of the French Cup. The Paris- coach Kovac has taken a gamble by Champions League fi nal, confi rmed in ians have won their last 42 domestic ditching rotation, risking ruffl ed egos yesterday’s edition of magazine Kicker cup matches, a record stretching back with stars left on the bench. “The that he will quit the Bavarian giants at to February 2014. Elsewhere, the lowest rhythm is there, the boys are in the the end of the season. side left in the competition, Entente fl ow — that’s why we don’t want to Crest-Aouste from the eighth level, will change anything,” explained Kovac. TODAY’S CHAMPIONS welcome Nancy from Ligue 2 if the min- His decision has signifi cant win- LEAGUE FIXTURES nows beat Le Puy in a postponed game ners and losers. World Cup winners from the previous round. GROUP E: Ajax vs Bayern Munich; — Germany defender Mats Hummels, Aiglon du Lamentin are only the third Benfica vs AEK Athens and Spain midfi elder Javi Martinez — Bayern Munich players take part in a training session at the Amsterdam Arena, on the eve of the UEFA Champions club in the history of the competition languished on the bench against Nu- League football match against Ajax in Amsterdam yesterday. (AFP) GROUP F: Manchester City vs 1899 Hof- from the Caribbean island of Martinique remberg alongside Euro 2016 winner fenheim; Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lyon to reach this stage and will become Renato Sanches. a very good understanding of football that’s really fun right now — not only ing through the mixed zone after Sat- GROUP G: Real Madrid vs CSKA Mos- only the second side from an overseas Martinez and Sanches fi nd their and read the game well,” said Kovac, at for those two, but the whole team in urday’s win without a word as Jerome cow; Viktoria Plzen vs Roma territory in almost 30 years to reach the path blocked by Kimmich and Goretz- the helm at Bayern since July. “They the last three games.” Boateng and Niklas Suele are now es- last 32 if they overcome Orleans from ka, both 23, who each hit the wood- get on well off the pitch and are in the However, Hummels looked like he tablished as Kovac’s centre-backs. GROUP H: Valencia vs Manchester Ligue 2. The fixtures will be played on work against Nuremberg. “Both have national team together. It’s an axis was having anything but ‘fun’, storm- Disgruntled stars watching from United; Young Boys vs Juventus the weekend of January 5-6.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Infantino opens FIFA Executive Summit in Doha Malaysia, Vietnam

By Sports Reporter stan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Bangla- During the day’s proceedings at the Doha desh and Iran were also in attendance at Summit, FIFA also discussed the positive draw in Suzuki Cup Sheraton Hotel Doha. A number of im- impact of the European Championship portant seminars and workshops were on the world in general, especially as it he three-day FIFA Executive held to discuss the future of football was a tournament launched by the UEFA fi nal fi rst leg Football Summit opened in Doha around the world. for the fi rst time this season. yesterday with the participation The most important of these were the Apart from FIFA and Asian football AFP into space on the right for Phan of a number of international foot- workshops related to the future of com- workshops, the presence of 18 Asian na- Kuala Lumpur Van Duc whose cross towards ballT personalities including FIFA President petitions and championships. One of the tions at the event, nearly one third of the Duc Huy was cut off by Nazirul Gianni Infantino. QFA President HE Ha- key discussions centred around hosting members of the General Assembly, was Naim but fell nicely for Huy mad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani and of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. A an opportunity to exchange views and alaysia came from Hung to tuck the ball into the Ahmed Ahmed, President of the Confed- separate workshop on the use of video as- talk about the AFC Presidential elections two goals down to net. The home side hardly had eration of African Football (CAF), joined sistant referee (VAR) was also held. The in Malaysia on April 6 and the chances of salvage a 2-2 draw time to recover before Vietnam FIFA Chief on stage yesterday. VAR was successfully launched at the the candidates. QFA Vice President and with Vietnam in the scored again three minutes later. Football representatives from Iraq, 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It will AFC Vice President Saud al-Mohannadi Mfi rst leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup Van Duc was again the pro- Oman, Jordan, Syria, China, Bhutan, In- be again used at the 2019 FIFA Women’s is one of the candidates for the top Asian fi nal at Bukit Jalil National Sta- vider, pulling the ball back for donesia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmeni- World Cup in France. football post. dium yesterday. Duc Huy who slipped as he met Goals by Nguyen Huy Hung the ball with his left foot but saw and Pham Duc Huy midway his eff ort from 25 metres yfl past PREMIER LEAGUE through the fi rst half put the goalkeeper Farizal Marlias. visitors in charge but Shahrul Malaysia cut the defi cit in Saad halved the defi cit before the 36th minute when Syamer Safawi Rasid converted a stun- Kutty Abba’s free kick from the ning free-kick on the hour mark left found Shahrul, who headed Silva has last laugh as Everton escape to restore parity for the home powerfully past Van Lam. side. The home side then got back AFP a cool fi nish past . Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van on level terms on the hour when Liverpool Some players opt not to celebrate when Lam made a fi ne save in stop- they were awarded a free kick they score against their former teams. page time to deny Syafi q Ahmad on the right edge of the box and But in keeping with the fractious mood, and keep the score level ahead of Safawi curled a magnifi cent shot arco Silva had the last laugh Richarlison, who had been targeted by the second leg in Hanoi this Sat- into the far corner of the net. against his former club Wat- some crunching Watford tackles, had no urday. Malaysia exerted much The home side had a fi - ford as Everton defender qualms about sprinting away in jubila- of the early pressure in front of nal chance to win the game in Lucas Digne’s last-gasp tion. Roberto Pereyra squandered a good a capacity crowd of more than stoppage time with a free-kick Mfree-kick rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw at chance to equalise when the Watford for- 87,000 but Vietnam took the by substitute Syafi q that went Goodison Park on Monday night. Everton ward headed wide from ’s cross. lead after 22 minutes following a through the Vietnamese wall manager Silva was facing Watford for the Pereyra curled a free-kick just wide swift counter-attack. but was punched clear by an fi rst time since his acrimonious departure and Deeney saw his strike saved by Jor- Doan Van Hau lofted the ball alert Van Lam. from Vicarage Road in January. dan Pickford after the interval. Watford’s The 41-year-old was sacked by Wat- pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when ford after less than a year in charge, with Pereyra met Kiko Femenia’s cross with a the club’s owners blaming Everton’s in- shot that cannoned off the post and hit BARCELONA BACK OUT OF NEXT terest in the Portuguese coach for dis- Coleman as he tried to control it before MONTH’S LA LIGA MIAMI MATCH tracting him from his job. bouncing into the net. Convinced he treated them disrespect- That self-infl icted wound was fol- Barcelona: La Liga’s plans to celona earmarked to be played fully by showing interest in Everton, the lowed by more defensive chaos as Wat- stage a match in the United on Jan. 26 at the home of the Watford fans who travelled to Goodison ford snatched the lead two minutes later. States next month have been NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Park waved infl atable snakes and directed Pereyra was the catalyst again with a derailed after Barcelona, who The proposal received abusive chants at Silva. With just seconds cross that looped up to Doucoure, who were scheduled to play Girona opposition from the Spanish to go, it seemed Silva would be bitten by Everton’s Lucas Digne (left) celebrates after scoring against Watford. (AFP) rose above Coleman to head home from in Miami, withdrew their sup- FA and football’s world and his old employers. Everton’s Richarlison, close-range. port for the game on Monday European governing bodies, signed from Watford by Silva, put the not important to me.What I can control onto the pitch after Watford Troy The drama wasn’t over and Everton following a board meeting. UEFA and FIFA, and it now hosts ahead in the fi rst half. is my players. It’s a diffi cult match to talk Deeney last week said he would “smash” squandered a chance to equalise when The Spanish league signed appears that Barca’s support is Seamus Coleman’s own goal drew about. We lost our focus completely for Richarlison for leaving the Hornets. ’s foul on Yerry Mina a 15-year agreement with en- also wavering whilst the various Watford level after the break and Abdou- their goals.” Yet it was Richarlison who did the early earned the hosts a 68th-minute penalty. tertainment company Relevent parties involved cannot reach laye Doucoure’s header put them in front Eventually hired by Everton in May, damage as the Brazil forward put Everton Sigurdsson took the spot-kick, but his Sports designed to promote agreement. before Everton midfi elder Gylfi Sigurds- Silva summed up the diffi cult nature of ahead in the 15th minute with his eighth shot was too close to Foster and the Wat- the sport and La Liga in North A source close to the negotia- son had a penalty saved by Ben Foster. his Watford exit last week when he made goal in 14 Premier League appearances — ford keeper saved with his legs. America back in August. The tions downplayed the setback, But Digne came to Silva’s rescue in it clear he was unsentimental about fac- three more than he managed in 38 games But Everton kept pushing and were re- deal included hosting one regu- saying that holding the match the sixth minute of stoppage-time to ing his old club. Watford are still wait- for Watford last season. Watford were left warded in the fi nal seconds of stoppage- lar season Spanish league game next month was probably deny Watford the revenge they so badly ing for the Premier League to settle their frustrated by the goal as they appealed time when Kabasele handled and Digne on American soil per season too aggressive a timeline and wanted. Insisting he didn’t care about complaint against Everton for the alleged in vain for off side against Theo Walcott curled a fi ne free-kick into the top corner — with Girona’s home match adding that it was likely to be silencing the Watford taunts, Silva said: illegal approach for Silva. during a move that ended with Andre for his fi rst goal since his move from Bar- against Catalan neighbours Bar- played sometime next year. “Of course not. I didn’t see anything. It’s And the Silva feud threatened to spill Gomes crossing for Richarlison to stroke celona. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 SPORT

SWIMMING Seto breaks short-course swim record to stun Le Clos AFP bettered it in style. race. Shanghai A distant third was China’s Li Titmus put her head in her Zhuhao. hands when she realised she “I didn’t expect the world had taken gold, powering to the apan’s Daiya Seto record,” Seto was quoted by win with 0.43sec to spare over smashed Chad le Clos’s the Xinhua news agency as say- Comerford. short-course record in ing. Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu, the men’s 200m but- “Now I will focus on the a triple gold medallist at the terflJ y as he grabbed gold at the 400m IM (individual medley) 2016 Rio Olympics, was strong world championships to stun the and I hope I can break the 400m favourite in the women’s 400m South African yesterday. IM world record also.” individual medley - and she The 24-year-old Seto pipped Australian teenager Ariarne did not disappoint. his more famous rival by only Titmus stormed back to win the Dubbed the “Iron Lady”, 0.08sec to make a piece of women’s 200m freestyle gold Hosszu dominated the short history on the fi rst day of ac- and underline her status as a course world championships tion in the Chinese city of rising star of swimming. two years ago in Canada, car- Hangzhou. The 18-year-old, who won rying home seven golds. Seto, who won bronze in the 400m and 800m freestyle gold She wasted no time getting 400m medley at the Rio 2016 at the Commonwealth Games her fi rst victory in Hangzhou, Olympics, recovered from a in her home country earlier this sealing a dominant win in comparatively slow start to hold year, ran down the American 4:21.40, comfortably ahead of off Le Clos down the stretch and Mallory Comerford to seal vic- Melanie Margalis of the United triumph in 1min 48.24sec. tory in a thrilling race. States, who won silver, more It was a disappointing silver Titmus was back in third af- than four seconds back. for the 26-year-old Le Clos, ter 150m, but she burst to the Third was France’s Fantine the reigning long-course and fi nish in a time of 1:51.38 to Lesaff re. Hosts China clinched short-course world champion. relegate Comerford into silver, their fi rst gold medal of the He had also held the short- with Femke Heemskerk of the meeting when Wang Shun took course record of 1:48.56, set in Netherlands taking bronze hav- victory in the men’s 200m in- Singapore in 2013, until Seto ing led for half of a nail-biting dividual medley. Daiya Seto of Japan celebrates after winning the 200m Butterfly race of 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Hangzhou. (Reuters)

HOCKEY WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Accreditation Canada awards Netherlands and Aspetar Diamond Belgium in quarters Level status ‘Argentina are a strong and experienced team and we will have to be at our best to get a result’

spetar, the ortho- infrastructure and adminis- paedic and sports tration. Overall, Aspetar com- medicine hospital, plied with 99.5% of applicable has been awarded standards during the accredi- DiamondA Level Status under tation survey visit. the Qmentum International Commenting on the ac- Accreditation Program – an creditation, Aspetar Director internationally recognised General, Mohamed al-Suwai- system that focuses on qual- di, said: “This accreditation ity and safety throughout all cements the hospital’s excep- aspects of an organisation’s tional commitment to qual- services including governance ity, safety and the delivery of and leadership, direct care and world-class medical care and infrastructure in order to ben- services in accordance with efi t patients, staff and other international standards. It fur- stakeholders. ther reinforces Aspetar’s com- This is the highest level of mitment to providing the high- accreditation award possible est quality clinical outcomes under the program and award- for patients. It also brings As- ed to highly committed and petar a step closer towards our quality-oriented organisations vision of being a “global leader that monitor outcomes, use in sports medicine and exercise evidence and best practice to science by 2020.” improve services. He continued: “This is a The accreditation program milestone to be celebrated, and is administrated by Accredita- I extend my heartfelt thanks to tion Canada. all our staff and our partners After a rigorous process in- across Aspire Zone Foundation cluding an assessment survey that helped contribute to this visit in November 2018, Asp- major milestone.” etar is now the fi rst hospital in The latest achievement fol- the State of Qatar to be award- lows earlier excellence awards ed this coveted Diamond Level in 2017 when Aspetar was of- Status. fi cially recognised by World Belgium’s (second from right) celebrates after scoring a goal as Pakistan’s Ahmed Butt (third left) and others look on during their cross-over match at the 2018 The comprehensive assess- Health Organisation’s Pa- Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar yesterday. (AFP) ment evaluates a range of cri- tient Safety Friendly Hospital teria related to quality, safety, (PSFH) level 3 award and in FIH hockey. appearance for his country and fi eld to smash a blistering fi rst- against Pakistan. We just looked risk management and ethics 2015 received Platinum Level Bhubaneswar opened the scoring with a low the latter being named Odisha time eff ort under the cross-bar, at the statistics and we had about across medical services and accreditation status from the penalty corner before Red Lions Player of the Match for his crea- producing the sort of fi nish that 30 circle penetrations and we support services including fi - Accreditation Canada Inter- captain Thomas Briels completed tivity in midfi eld. most strikers would be proud of. made fi ve goals, so it could be nancial, IT, human resources, national (ACI). elgium and the Neth- the simplest of fi nishes after a Speaking after the game, Van Carter denied the Dutch a more but we should be proud erlands both claimed wonderful run along the backline Aubel said: “I think we played second when he saved a penalty of this result. We’re very happy cross-over play-off from Nicolas de Kerpel. our best game in the tournament stroke from , and we’re confi dent for playing victories at the Odisha Pakistan improved greatly in so far. Winning 5-0 and getting although the Netherlands did the quarter-fi nal against India. Ireland fl yhalf Sexton extends HockeyB Men’s World Cup Bhu- the second quarter and could well into the quarter-fi nals, I think take a 2-0 lead into half-time It’s lovely. My team gets a lot of contract until 2021 baneswar 2018, securing their re- have reduced the defi cit through it’s really good. The whole team when energy in front of this big crowd spective places in the upcoming Ali Shan and Muhammad Irfan Jr, worked really hard to get there, guided home a cross-shot from and this enormous stadium so World Rugby player of the fully being a part of that over quarter-fi nals of the competition who both missed the target when so it’s really positive. We knew . it’s only an advantage for us.” year Johnny Sexton extended the next few years” on another high-quality day of they had a clear sight of goal. we were going to face Germany The Netherlands put some The fi rst two matches of the his contract with the Irish The 33-year-old fly-half has action at the Kalinga Stadium. Those missed opportuni- or the Netherlands in the next clear water between themselves Odisha Hockey Men’sWorld Rugby Football Union (IRFU) won 78 caps, scoring 738 Belgium’s 5-0 victory over ties were punished just before round. It’s Germany. We have to and the Canadians with a solid Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 quarter- yesterday to keep playing in points, and has twice toured four-time world champions half time when Cedric Charlier’s get ready for them. They’re play- display in the third quarter, net- fi nals will take place today 12th his homeland until the end of with the British and Irish Lions. Pakistan sets up a mouth-wa- speculative cross-shot took a ing really well at the moment, so ting twice to take the score to December. Reigning Olympic the 2020/21 season. Sexton had a two-year spell tering all-European quarter- wicked defl ection off the stick I expect a tough game.” 4-0. Van Dam scored the third champions Argentina face Eng- Sexton, 33, was crowned as with Racing Metro in France fi nal against Pool D winners of Pakistan captain Ammad Butt With a quarter-fi nal meet- while Kemperman was the crea- land, cross-over winners against the world’s best player for between 2013 and 2015 before Germany, a match that will take and fl ew into the goal to give Bel- ing against host nation India on tor of the Netherlands’ fourth New Zealand, at 1645IST before 2018 last month after leading returning to Leinster, where he place tomorrow. On the same gium a 3-0 lead at half time. the line, the cross-over match goal, stealing possession and reigning world champions Aus- Ireland to a Six Nations Grand is now expected to finish his day, home favourites India have The team coached by Shane between the Netherlands and dancing through the Canadian tralia play France – who defeated Slam, a Test series victory in career. a quarter-fi nal meeting against McLeod added a fourth goal to Canada produced a fascinating defence before eliminating goal- China in the cross-overs – at Australia and a first ever win His contract was due to expire the Netherlands, who defeated their collection when Sebastien opening fi fteen minutes as the keeper Carter with a perfect 1900. over New Zealand on Irish after next year’s World Cup Canada 5-0 yesterday. Dockier fi nished off a fl owing Pan-American team frustrated pass to , who Assessing his team’s perform- soil, as well as spearheading where Ireland are expected to The World Cup quarter-fi - team move to leave Pakistan with the European champions. walked the ball over the line to ances so far whilst also looking Leinster’s Champions Cup and challenge the All Blacks to win nals begin today 12th December a mountain to climb in the fi nal Canada goalkeeper David eff ectively end the contest with towards the meeting against Ol- Pro14 success at club level. the tournament for the first with Argentina facing England 25 minutes. As they have done Carter – later named Player of quarter to spare. ympic title holders Argentina, “I am delighted to sign a new time in Japan. and top-ranked Australia going throughout the event in Bhu- the Match – bravely charged The scoring was completed in England’s Adam Dixon said: IRFU contract to continue to “Johnny’s hunger and drive head-to-head against France, baneswar, the Green Shirts gave it down a shot from the fourth quarter by Thijs van “We’ve grown into the tourna- play for Leinster and Ireland. It mark him out as a truly world- the lowest ranked of the 16 everything but could not get the that crashed against the shot- Dam, starting and fi nishing a ment and improved game by is where I have always wanted class competitor,” said IRFU competing nations here in Bhu- goal their endeavour deserved, stopper’s helmet, while Mink rapid counter-attack to give the game. Our young players have to play so I am delighted to performance director David baneswar. with completing a 5-0 van der Weerden wasted a pen- Netherlands a 5-0 victory over really stepped up and made extend,” said Sexton in an Nucifora. In the day’s opening cross-over score-line from the penalty spot alty corner eff ort towards the Canada to confi rm a quarter-fi - themselves counted for. Argen- IRFU statement. “He is a model professional match, Belgium had the better of in the fourth quarter. end of the period. The break- nal meeting against India tomor- tina are a strong and experienced “We get looked after ex- and has been at the centre of the fi rst period against Pakistan, It was a special day for Belgium through arrived in the opening row. Speaking after the match, team and we will have to be at our tremely well here and it is an a lot of the success enjoyed by with the Olympic silver medal- duo and Si- moments of the second period Netherlands captain best to get a result. However, we exciting time for Irish Rugby. Irish Rugby over the past few lists from Rio 2016 taking a 2-0 mon Gougnard, with the former when defender Lars Balk found said: “We wanted to play better are full of confi dence and look- I am looking forward to hope- years.” lead against the giants of Asian making his 200thinternational himself at the other end of the against Canada than we played ing forward to the challenge.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Yankees not pursuing free agent Harper James wins fi nal any marketplace, so I think you By Erik Boland Newsday want to ask about something that fi ts more,” Cashman said. “I’ve always said, ‘follow what his much Brian Cash- I say.’ We’re looking for a starter, man made clear on we’re looking for, how do we ad- Day 1 of the winter dress the loss of Didi? At no time meetings: at all, all winter, have I said I’m duel with Wade TThe Yankees will not be pur- looking for an outfi elder. So that suing Bryce Harper. Harper stuff ... I’m surprised They will, however, con- you’re still asking.” tinue to be involved with the Cashman, who also has said other big-ticket item of this he’s looking for a bullpen piece year’s free-agent class: Manny or two, saw two potential rota- Machado. tion targets come off the free- “I’ve had several conversa- agent board last week. Patrick as Lakers roll on tions with Dan Lozano about Corbin, rated by most teams, Manny Machado,” Cashman including the Yankees, as the ‘It’s tough. This is what you play for, playing against one of the greatest players ever’ said of the infi elder’s agent. best pitcher on the market, “So we are defi nitely focused agreed to a six-year, $140-mil- AFP in the marketplace in those areas lion deal with the Nationals. Los Angeles of need and he obviously is avail- Nathan Eovaldi, a former Yan- able and solves that area of need. kee, re-upped with the Red Sox I’m not going to deny we’ve had for four years and $67.5 million. eBron James won the fi nal in- a conversation or two.” The Yankees never made an of- stalment of his long rivalry with A need that arose with the fi cial off er to either player. Dwyane Wade on Monday, scoring end-of-season news that Didi Cashman has had talks with 28 points as the Los Angeles Lak- Gregorius would be missing the agent for left-hander JA Lers held on for a 108-105 victory over the the fi rst two months of the sea- Happ since early November Miami Heat at the Staples Center. son – at least – after undergo- and those discussions will James and Wade, who arrived in the ing Tommy John surgery on his continue in Las Vegas. NBA together as part of a star-studded right elbow. The Yankees will keep look- draft in 2003, have formed one of bas- Interest in Machado, howev- ing at the remaining free-agent ketball’s most famous rivalries and clos- er, does not mean the Yankees pitchers – a group that in- est friendships over the course of their using unlimited means, both cludes Dallas Keuchel, Charlie careers. Former teammates at the Miami in terms of money and years Morton, Lance Lynn and Wade Heat, where the duo won back-to-back committed, to get him. Miley – and Cashman said NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, the “We’re evaluating all op- he’s spoken to Scott Boras, the two faced each other for the last time on portunities that exist in the agent for Yusei Kikuchi, the Monday with Wade retiring after the 2018 marketplace, both high end Japanese lefthander just re- season. The 31st meeting of the two men and low end and see how they cently posted. fi nished with a victory for James, who fi t in our world and if they do,” “We’ve stayed engaged seized control of the contest in the fourth Cashman said. throughout the marketplace quarter to fi nish with 28 points, nine re- And Harper is not a fi t, on trades and free agency and bounds and 12 assists. which Cashman stressed the we have our comfort levels,” most he has all off season. Cashman said. RESULTS In saying that the Yan- “If and whenever we do kees have no room for Harper, match up on the trade or free- Indiana 109-101 Washington Cashman rattled off Aaron gent front, we’ll have some- Philadelphia 116-102 Detroit Judge Giancarlo Stanton, Brett thing to show for it. But there’s Gardner, Clint Frazier, Aaron no guarantee that’ll happen Boston 113-100 New Orleans Hicks and Jacoby Ellsbury as anytime soon. It could happen Sacramento 108-89 Chicago outfi elders he already has on today. We’re very active, but Milwaukee 108-92 Cleveland the roster. at the same time disciplined “We don’t have amount of about what we’re willing to do Oklahoma City 122-113 Utah dollars to be playing with in and we’re not willing to do.” Dallas 101-76 Orlando Denver 105-99 Memphis Clippers 123-119 Phoenix Golden State 116-108 Minnesota Lakers 108-105 Miami

Wade scored 15 points off the bench for Miami, whose top scorer was Justise Winslow with 28 points. The Lakers win means James fi nished with 16 wins to Wade’s 15 in head-to-head meetings be- tween the two players. The two NBA icons LeBron James (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat pose after exchanging their jerseys after a 108-105 embraced at the buzzer before swapping Laker win at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Getty Images/AFP) jerseys in a mutual show of respect. “It’s bitter sweet man,” said James. The win saw the Lakers improve to 17- Utah Jazz. Paul George scored 31 points following Butler’s arrival. Against Detroit “A lot of emotions for me right now, just 10 in the Western Conference and was and Russell Westbrook recorded his sixth on Monday, Butler left the court with a knowing that I’m losing a brother in this another sign that James’s arrival is start- triple double of the season as the Thun- groin strain towards the end of the fi rst game that I’ve had so many wars against, ing to bear fruit. Wade said he is confi dent der bounced back from their upset loss quarter to allow Embiid to carry the off en- so many wars together. James will be able to transform the Lakers against the Chicago Bulls on Friday to im- sive load for the Sixers. The 24-year-old “There’s no better way to end it than into championship contenders. “He can do prove to 17-8. had no diffi culty imposing himself, add- here at the Staples Center. We’re going to anything he wants. He’s shown that, he’s Former NBA MVP Westbrook’s triple ing eight rebounds and three assists in ad- miss him in this league. That’s for sure.” proven that,” he said. “I have no doubt this included 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 dition to his double-digit points tally. Ben Wade paid an emotional tribute to James. team will be in the fi nals at some point.” assists. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid set Simmons had 18 points along with Fur- “It’s tough,” he said. “This is what you Elsewhere Monday, Stephen Curry aside his recent indiff erent form to score kan Korkmaz, who had 18 points from the play for, playing against one of the great- scored 38 points as the Golden State War- 24 points as the 76ers kept up the pres- bench for Philadelphia. Simmons also had est players ever. Whether we were team- riors improved to 19-9 with a 116-108 win sure on Eastern Conference leaders To- 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. mates or whether we were opponents, we over the Minnesota Timberwolves. ronto with a 116-102 win over the Detroit Small forward Luke Kennard led the scor- brought the best out of each other. I’m just Pistons. Cameroon big man Embiid has ing for Detroit with 28 points while An- so grateful to have been drafted at the same TRIPLE FOR WESTBROOK reportedly grown increasingly frustrated dre Drummond had 21. The win saw the time as this guy. “The friendship we have The Oklahoma City Thunder are in fi rst with his form since the acquisition of Jim- Sixers improve to 19-9 to hold onto the is beyond basketball. But I’m going to miss place in the Western Conference, how- my Butler. Last week he voiced unhappi- third place in the Eastern Conference, two the shit out of this.” ever, following their 122-113 win over the ness at his new positional role in the team games back from leaders Toronto.

NHL Stamkos’ hat-trick helps Lightning handle Rangers Reuters for a 4-2 lead. Stamkos capped his hat trick RESULTS New York before Fast scored at 17:34 of the third. Pittsburgh 2-1 Islanders HOWARD STOPS 42 SHOTS teven Stamkos recorded his ninth ca- Detroit 3-1 Los Angeles AS WINGS CLIP KINGS reer hat-trick and fi rst in more than Tampa Bay 6-3 Rangers Jimmy Howard made 42 saves, and Dylan Lar- four years, and the Tampa Bay Light- kin scored an unassisted goal as the host Detroit ning ran their season-high winning fi rst time since breaking his foot last month. Red Wings topped the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on streakS to seven games with a 6-3 victory over Cirelli sealed the win on an empty-netter in Monday. Larkin has two goals and fi ve assists the visiting on Monday. the fi nal minute after New York’s Jesper Fast over the past four games. Dennis Cholowski Stamkos recorded his fi rst hat trick since nearly scored his second goal of the night. and Frans Nielsen also scored for Detroit, which October 13, 2014, by getting a pair of power- scored twice in the fi rst pe- bounced back from a 3-2 home loss to the New play goals in the opening two periods, then riod for the Rangers, who could not overcome York Islanders two nights earlier. adding an even-strength goal in the third. allowing six power plays and fell to 2-5-1 in Anze Kopitar scored the lone goal for the It was the fi rst time he scored two power- their past eight games. New York went ahead struggling Kings, who kept constant pressure play goals since Dec. 26, 2015, and the eighth with 7:41 left in the fi rst period when Ryan on Howard but couldn’t break through until time overall. The second goal made him the Strome made a drop pass to Hayes, whose the third period. Jonathan Quick stopped 18 third player in team history to get reach 700 backhand from the right circle defl ected shots for the Kings, who have lost fi ve of their points, joining Martin St Louis (953) and off McDonagh’s right skate and over Do- past seven games. The teams were awarded Vincent Lecavalier (874). minigue’s stick. just one power play apiece and didn’t score Stamkos has eight goals in Tampa Bay’s Tampa Bay tied the game on Stamkos’ on their opportunity. The Kings had a 10-8 fourth winning streak of at least seven games one-timer from the left circle with 5:51 left in edge in shots on goal in the opening period, in the past three seasons. He fi nished off the the fi rst, but Hayes tapped in a rebound from but the Red Wings scored the only goal. hat trick with 9:19 left in the third period the doorstep 58 seconds later. Tampa Bay tied Christoff er Ehn threaded a pass through with a one-timer from the low slot that sailed the game moments after Domingue made a traffi c to Cholowski, who lifted a shot over past Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. glove save on Hayes during an odd-man rush. Quick’s right shoulder just inside the cross- Anthony Cirelli scored twice and former Stamkos tied the game for a second time bar at the 6:32 mark. That gave the rookie Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh scored when he ripped a rising one-timer from the defenseman fi ve goals this season. Jacob de la the go-ahead goal in the second period as the left circle under the crossbar for his 700th Rose also assisted on the goal. Detroit made Lightning won for the 10th time in 11 games career point. The Lightning move in front on it 2-0 at the 6:06 mark of the second period and scored at least fi ve goals for the eighth McDonagh’s wrist shot from the right circle when Nielsen banged in his own rebound time in that stretch. that trickled under Lundqvist with 7:18 left for his fi fth goal. Andreas Athanasiou and Tampa Bay’s Louis Dominigue made 23 in the second. Cirelli’s takeaway on Rang- Thomas Vanek were credited with assists. saves as he continues to fi ll in for starting ers defenseman Fredrik Claesson led to him Nielsen had gone scoreless into the month centre Steven Stamkos (centre) is congratulated by right wing Nikita Kucherov (no goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who returned sliding the puck through the crease and past of December until he collected his fi rst goal 86), defenseman Victor Hedman, centre Yanni Gourde (right) as he scores a goal against the New York to the ice in practice on Saturday for the Lundqvist midway through the third period against Boston on December 1. Rangers during the second period at Amalie Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Elliott frustrated with offi ciating — and justifi ably so By Mac Engel the best of it. We did a great angles.” And that’s just what we couldn’t Fort Worth Star-Telegram job recovering from penalties No disagreeing that, by defi - confi rm with the angles we had we have, especially late in the nition, Zeke’s play was a penalty. ... so we had to stay with the rul- game.” No argument that implementing ing on the fi eld.” he NFL has a rulebook, With 11:32 remaining in the such a rule will eventually force OK, moving on from that logic which you can read for game, Zeke drew a 15-yard pen- off ensive players to simply keep defying explanation, with 2:55 fun, but just don’t both- alty for lowering his head and their head up, thereby reducing remaining in regulation, Eagles er applying it to an ac- initiating contact to erase a 14- the risk of injury. tight end Dallas Goedert caught Ttual NFL game. yard catch and run. He became The argument is that sort of a pass and turned it into a 75- Despite the league’s best in- the fi rst off ensive player to be hit is routine in an NFL game. yard touchdown. tentions to outline what is and is penalised for such an infraction Speaking of tough plays and The play was overturned when not a penalty, and making a vio- this season. questionable calls, the Eagles offi cials called him for off ensive lent game “safe,” all infractions “I mean when you’re on that began the game with one when pass interference that was ques- are not the same. With increas- sideline, I got to protect myself,” Cowboys returner Jourdan Lewis tionable, at best. And by ques- ing regularity, nothing a ref calls Zeke said. “And if a guy’s go- clearly lost a fumble that the Ea- tionable I mean, horrendous. makes any sense. ing low, I got to go low too. The gles recovered on the opening On the next play, Cowboys de- Starting with the fi rst play of rule is meant for the betterment kickoff . The ruling was that there fensive end Randy Gregory was the game, the Cowboys’ 29-23 of the game. The rule is for our was not a clear recovery. penalised for a roughing the pas- overtime win over the Philadel- safety and if there was illegal “I knew I was down so I was ser that appeared to be anything phia Eagles on Sunday featured helmet-to-helmet contact on not worried about it,” Lewis said but. It was the second time in some of the most bewildering there, that’s something I need after the game. the fourth quarter Gregory was offi ciating from any game this to go look at and work on. That’s Uh yeah ... not sure the Eagles called for roughing the passer. season. I asked Cowboys run- not OK. It’s just a tough play.” agree with that, especially after All in all, the Cowboys were pe- ning back Ezekiel Elliott if the Offi cial Clete Blakeman told a replays show he lost the ball be- nalised 11 times for 111 yards. The players are frustrated with the pool reporter after the game, “It fore his knee was down, and the Eagles were penalised fi ve times “pattern” of calls this season. applies to both off ense and de- Eagles came up with the ball. for 49 yards. “I think a little bit but what we fense. The ruling was basically Blakeman said of that call: Exactly how many of those do here is focus on what we can he lowered his head and initiated “We’ve got to have clear evi- combined 16 penalties were ac- control. We can’t control what the contact against the defender dence that there was a fumble, tual infractions, we may never the refs do,” Zeke said. with the helmet as it’s defi ned which we did. We confi rmed know. You can read the rule “We’ve just got to do our best in the rulebook. ... We feel good there was a fumble in the replay book, but don’t expect those if we’re penalised, we recover about the call. A couple of us had review. The second component regulations to be anything other Philadelphia Eagles Nigel Bradham tries to take down Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott during their take that penalty and try to make it as the same foul from diff erent of it is was there a clear recovery. than selectively enforced. NFl game on Sunday.

NFL FOCUS Falcons failed to meet expectations, Defence dominates says coach Quinn

Reuters work out how you want them to.” New York That is certainly true with the Panthers, but Peppers said the team still has a positive vibe. tlanta Falcons’ Coach “To be honest with you, I as Seahawks beat Dan Quinn isn’t hiding don’t feel like there is a loss of from the fact that the confi dence or anything,” Pep- Falcons (4-9) are one of pers said. “We’re just not putting theA biggest disappointments in a good product on the fi eld.” the NFL. “As we’re sitting here Meanwhile, widedout Devin at Week 15, we have four wins,” Funchess, who is slated for free Quinn told reporters. agency after the season, played “So you’d better believe we’re in just 32 of 72 snaps Sunday in up on Vikings 21-7 evaluating everything and doing Carolina’s loss to the Cleveland anything to get it right.” Atlanta Browns and has just three catch- Seahawks are the only NFC team other than the four division leaders that owns a winning record has dropped its past fi ve games. es over the past three games. Early-season injuries began the Rookie DJ Moore played 66 snaps team’s derailment, but mistakes vs. the Browns and second-year and inconsistent play have con- pro Curtis Samuel played 58. tinued the decline. New Orleans Saints: The of- “As we’re going through it, from fense came to life by scoring 25 players to staff to everything, we points over the fi nal 19-plus want to make sure we look at the minutes Sunday in the Saints’ body of work and get clear, con- 28-14 victory over the Tampa cise evaluations on everybody,” Bay Buccaneers after a slump of Quinn said. “When you’re stand- more than 6 1/2 quarters. New ing where we’re at, it’s not what Orleans scored just 13 points you want to do, but that’s part of during its funk – a stunning de- it and what we’re looking at for velopment for a team that aver- sure. If you’re clearly at four wins aged 41 points over its previous during this time, then we have not fi ve games while scoring at least met expectations.” 30 in each. Carolina Panthers: A once- “A lot of people expect us to promising campaign has disin- come out and be perfect, but tegrated with fi ve consecutive that’s just not reality,” Saints setbacks. Carolina has gone from running back Alvin Kamara told battling the New Orleans Saints reporters. “You know, people for the NFC West lead to being make mistakes. We may start an outsider in the NFC wild-card slow sometimes. But it’s not chase. “Things happen,” veteran when adversity hits, it’s how you defensive end Julius Peppers respond to it. And I think this said. “Your plans don’t always team responds well to adversity.”

BADMINTON Malaysian star Lee reveals tears over Seattle Seahawks Chris Carson dives passed Ben Gedeon (No 42) of the Minnesota Vikings for a touchdown in the fourth quarter in Seattle. (Getty Images/TNS) cancer diagnosis By Bob Condotta playoff spot for the Seahawks, it a fl ag was initially thrown and a behind tight end Kyle Rudolph But once in Hunter’s grasp, The Seattle Times went a long way toward assur- penalty could have been called if with Bradley McDougald get- Wilson fl ung the ball to the AFP in Taiwan – opting for special- ing one, with statistical models he had jumped over the center.) ting his hand in to break up the right side of the fi eld hoping Kuala Lumpur ists there rather than in China, now giving Seattle a 99 percent Seattle’s off ense then finally pass with 9:06 left. for an incompletion to stop the where he feared his story may be t was the kind of game that chance of getting to the posts- broke through thanks to Rus- Seattle, though, couldn’t clock because a sack would have leaked, or Japan or South Korea seemed to deserve a blocked eason. Now 8-5, the Seahawks sell Wilson redeeming what was move it, forced to punt from ended the half. alaysian badminton because of the language barrier. fi eld goal standing as the are the only NFC team other statistically the worst passing its own 2, with a rare Michael Only, the ball went right great Lee Chong Wei Lee, the former long-time most memorable play. than the four division lead- game of his career – he fi nished Dickson mis-hit punt going just to Minnesota linebacker Eric has revealed how he world number one, said he went IThe Seahawks, in their latest ers that owns a winning record. with a career-low 72 yards – to the Seattle 41. Seattle then Kendricks, who (fortunately broke down in tears through 33 sessions of proton and maybe most mind-boggling Minnesota, regarded as a Super with a 40-yard scamper to set went three-and-out, but Wag- for the Seahawks) had trouble Mafter learning he had nose cancer therapy treatment, where beams eff ort at simply fi nding a way Bowl favorite before the season, up a 2-yard touchdown by Chris ner followed with his fi eld goal controlling the ball cleanly and – and detailed the “nightmare” are aimed at the cancer, calling it to win, beat Minnesota, 21-7, fell to 6-6-1. Carson. That put Seattle ahead block that ignited a party. fell down. Otherwise, he might treatment that left him unable to “a nightmare”. on Thursday night in front of Wagner’s block was set up by 14-0 with 2:53 left. The Seahawks dominated the have run it back for a touch- speak or eat. “By the third week, it has 69,007 at CenturyLink Field. a dizzying sequence in which the On Minnesota’s next posses- fi rst half, outgaining the Vikings down. As it was, it turned a long Lee, who is eyeing a return to taken a toll on my throat. I could They did so with their best Vikings were fi rst stopped on a sion, Jacob Martin forced Kirk 175-61, including 136 rushing drive – 13 plays, 59 yards – into action next year, told The Star not speak or eat,” he said. “I’m defensive eff ort of the season. fourth down at their 2. Then, Cousins to fumble and Justin yards on 22 attempts against a nothing. that he was about to leave for a just so glad that the worst is over Ironically, this was overshad- after holding the Seahawks’ of- Coleman picked up the ball and Minnesota defense that came The Seattle defense played training session when his wife now.” owed by a special teams play – fense and forcing a punt, Minne- retuned it 29 yards for a touch- into the night allowing only 99 as well as it has all season in broke the news, after she re- Lee, now down to 15th in the their best defensive player, line- sota got the ball back and moved down with 2:35 left. per game. But Seattle had just the fi rst half, holding Cousins ceived a call from a doctor. world rankings, is expected to backer Bobby Wagner, leaped to the 29. Thus, a game that once ap- a 3-0 lead to show for it, twice to just 4-8 passing for 27 yards. “She came towards me, return to training next month, over the line of scrimmage to The Vikings got one fi rst peared like it might be remem- being stopped on drives inside The play of the Seattle second- hugged me and cried. I knew although he is still waiting for block a fi eld goal with 5:46 left. down to the 30. bered for Seattle’s lost opportu- the Minnesota 20, and with the ary got a lot of attention during it was bad news. It’s nose can- the all-clear from his doctors. That kept the score at 6-0, But the drive stalled there nities became yet another “W” fi rst half ending in disaster. the week after the 49ers threw cer, she broke the news,” the He said his comeback was mo- which was in every way an ac- thanks to consecutive pass in a season surprisingly fi lled Seattle had a fi rst-and goal at for 386 a week ago Sunday. 36-year-old said, according to tivated by the prospect of play- curate portrayal of the way the breakups from Shaquill Griffi n with them. The Vikings threat- the 1 with 16 seconds left after a The Vikings also helped a bit the Malaysian newspaper. “My ing a fi fth Olympics at Tokyo game had been played. on second and third down, fi rst ened to take the lead early in the Wilson scramble. But thanks to by sticking true early to their badminton bag slipped from my 2020, after fi nishing runner-up Seattle, though, then scored against Stefon Diggs and then fourth quarter, driving to the 4 the run Seattle had to take its fi nal stated quest to run the ball more grasp and I started to cry too. I in 2008, 2012 and 2016. “I really two touchdowns in a span of 18 against Adam Theilen. thanks to a 48-yard pass from time out. And that led to disaster. – Minnesota came into the slumped on the sofa crying and want to go for one more Olympics seconds to blow the game open. That set up a 47-yard fi eld Cousins to Diggs. But the Seat- On the next play, Wilson dropped game with the highest percent- asked why it had to be me.” to make it my fi fth consecutive Then, the Vikings then scored goal attempt by Dan Bailey. tle defense – so good of late in back and rolled to the right. But age of passes in the NFL at 67 The three-time Olympic sil- appearance,” said Chong Wei. with 1:10 left to snap Seattle’s Wagner, who once leapt over the red zone – rose up again. with no one open, Wilson then but ran it 11 times on 19 plays in ver medallist said the cancer was “No athlete from Malaysia has fi rst potential shutout since the line to block a fi eld goal A run, an incomplete pass, tried to reverse course and then the fi rst half. The Vikings punt- detected following a check-up in ever competed fi ve times at the 2015. But the Seahawks will take on the road against Arizona and another run gained three slipped. Once that happened, ed at the end of their fi rst fi ve July, after he had been unwell. Olympics and I want to create it, getting their eighth win in in 2016, jumped between the yards and the Vikings decided Minnesota’s Danielle Hunter drives (other than a kneeldown It wasn’t until September that history. It’s not an easy feat to their last 11 games since an 0-2 guard and tackle and blocked to go for it from the 1. broke through and Wilson tried at the end of the fi rst half) and offi cials revealed he had can- make it to fi ve Olympics, that’s start. While it didn’t clinch a the kick. (That is a legal play – From there, Cousins threw to spin out of trouble. didn’t get past their own 41. cer and was having treatment equivalent to 20 years!” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 7 CRICKET

SECOND ODI FOCUS Buoyant India Brilliant Hope ton keen to carry helps West Indies momentum Opener hits unbeaten 146 on to Perth Reuters Kohli’s batsmen got off to a to guide the visitors past Adelaide shaky start and needed man-of- the-match Cheteshwar Pujara’s Bangladesh’s 255-7 in Dhaka glittering 123 to achieve a modest level series aving become the fi rst fi rst innings total of 250. Indian team to win a However, after Australia were Test series-opener on bowled out for 235, they were Australian soil, Virat quick to seize the momentum and HKohli’s side are determined to build valuable partnerships to all keep the momentum rolling into but bat Australia out of the game. the second clash in Perth and Though beaten and vulner- inch closer to a breakthrough se- able, a chastened Australia can ries triumph Down Under. be expected to fi ght back hard on India were made to work a likely to suit their classy harder than expected in the 31- pace attack. run win at Adelaide Oval, and Kohli will hope for more from their bowlers will have only three the recalled opener Murali Vi- days’ rest before taking to the jay, who has struggled to justify fi eld again at Perth Stadium on his place in the side this year. He Friday. managed only 11 and 18 in Ad- Despite the quick turnaround, elaide, undone by Australia’s Kohli suggested the tourists were pace spearhead Mitchell Starc leaping out of their skins to land both times. another blow on Tim Paine’s With sidelined young open- shaky side in the four-match se- er Prithvi Shaw seen limping ries. around Adelaide Oval after his “They are at their peak, all of ankle injury during a tour match, them together and it’s something the veteran Vijay should have an- that we as batsman look at as an other chance to stake his claim. opportunity to put in good per- Kohli, who struck four centu- formances,” Kohli said of his at- ries in the 2014-15 tour of Aus- tack, rated India’s most potent in tralia, is also due a score after be- years. ing dismissed for three and 34 in “We will be, in every Test Adelaide. match, gunning for a result.” The India skipper noted that Compared to his counterpart his team’s tail-end batting was Paine, weighed down by a sore trumped by Australia’s as their index fi nger and a long list of last fi ve could only mus- concerns, Kohli heads to Perth ter 25 runs in the second innings. with a spring in his step. A more determined applica- India’s Ishant Sharma, Jasprit tion could have set Paine’s side Bumrah and Mohammed Shami a higher target than the 323 for enjoyed a stellar debut as a pace victory, while saving India a lot unit in Australia, sharing 14 of of nerves on day fi ve. the 20 wickets at Adelaide Oval, India fi rst toured Australia in bowling with sustained pressure 1947-48 and have yet to win a West Indies’ (right) plays a shot as Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim looks on during the second ODI in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) and limiting the hosts to a single Test series Down Under in 11 pre- 50-run partnership. vious attempts. AFP 62 deliveries while Mushfi qur Dhaka Scorecard and Tamim made 62 and 50 re- spectively after West Indies in- BANGLADESH (Mahmudullah) 5-208 (Sarkar), R. Chase c Iqbal b Rahman 9vited the hosts to bat fi rst. hai Hope smashed a bril- Mushfi qur and Tamim laid the T. Iqbal c Roach b Bishoo 50 6-234 (Das), 7-239 (Shakib) K. Paul 18 liant century as West Bowling: Roach 10-0-39-1(w2, foundation of the innings with a L. Das c Hetmyer b Paul 8 Extras (lb 5, w6, nb1) 12 Indies edged Bangladesh nb1), Thomas 10-0-54-3 (w3, 111-run second wicket stand af- by four wickets in the I. Kayes c Hope b Thomas 0nb2), Chase 3-0-22-0 (w3), Paul Total (six wickets; 49.4 overs) 256 ter Oshane Thomas worked up secondS one-day international to lively pace early in the innings. M. Rahim c Hope b Thomas 62 10-0-68-1 (w1, nb1), Bishoo 10-1- Fall of Wickets: 1-5(Hemraj), level the three-match series 1-1 27-1 (nb1), Powell 7-0-41-1 Thomas, who returned with in Dhaka yesterday. b Roach 65 2-70 (Bravo), 3-132 (Samuels), bowling fi gures of 3-54, forced Opener Hope hit an unbeaten Mahmudullah c Hetmyer c Powell 30 4-155 (Hetmyer), 5-157 (Powell), opener Liton Das to leave the WEST INDIES 6-185 (Chase) 146 off 144 balls, guiding West S. Sarkar c Bishoo b Thomas 6 fi eld with a toe injury before Indies to 256-6 in 49.4 overs C. Hemraj lbw b Hasan 3 Bowling: Shakib 10-0-28-0, handing Imrul Kayes a duck for M. Mortaza not out 6 after the visitors relied on three S. Hope not out 146 Hasan 9-0-39-1(w1), Rahman West Indies’ fi rst breakthrough. wickets from paceman Oshane M. Hasan not out 10 Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo D. Bravo b Hossain 27 10-1-63-2 (w2), Mortaza 10-1-52-1 Thomas to restrict Bangladesh Extras (b1, lb3, w9, nb5) 18 (w2, nb1), Mahmudullah 1.4-0-12- dismissed Tamim, who faced 63 to 255-7 in 50 overs. M. Samuels c Rahim b Rahman 26 balls, to break his partnership Total (seven wickets; 50 overs) 255 0, Hossain 9-0-57-2 (w1) Hope shared 71-run in an un- S. Hetmyer c sub b Hossain 14 with Mushfi qur, who became broken seventh wicket stand with Fall of Wickets: 1-14 (Kayes), RESULT: West Indies won by the second victim of Thomas. R. Powell c Sarkar b Mortaza 1 to help West Indies 2-125 (Iqbal), 3-132 (Rahim), 4-193 four wickets Shakib, who smashed six get their fi rst victory on the tour fours and a six, then guided the and stay alive in the series after hanging in the balance until and knew that as long as I bat 63 runs respectively. lower-order to give Bangladesh they suff ered a fi ve-wicket loss in Hope struck three fours off pace till the end, we will win. I asked Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfi qur a competitive score. the opening match on Sunday. bowler Mustafi zur Rahman in Keemo to bat deep. It wasn’t an Rahim and Tamim Iqbal ear- “It was a 50-50 match in the Paul, who remained unbeaten the penultimate over. easy wicket in the beginning,” lier each scored a half-century end, but we couldn’t hold onto on 18, pushed spinner Mah- Hope, who has now three man of the match Hope said. to steer Bangladesh to a decent the pressure. It was a good match. mudullah towards midwicket to centuries in ODIs, hit 12 fours Rubel Hossain and Mustafi - total at the Sher-e-Bangla Na- Hopefully we’ll come back strong complete the victory. and three sixes in his innings. zur claimed two wickets each for tional Stadium. in the next game,” said Bangla- The fate of the game was “I just kept backing myself Bangladesh giving away 57 and Shakib top-scored with 65 off desh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

SOLUTIONS Indian players celebrate their victory over Australia in the first Test in Adelaide on Monday. (AFP)

Australia look for quick fi x ahead of second Test SPOTLIGHT

AFP with the same line-up although Adelaide there could be further discus- Australia Big Bash sions with coach Justin Langer before Friday’s team is named. ustralia skipper Tim “Justin’s the coach and he’s League swaps coin Paine admitted there got a fair say,” Paine said. “So I was little time to re- imagine if he wants to talk about group after the fi rst it, it will be on the agenda when toss for bat fl ip TestA defeat to India, but said we get to Perth.” he had no doubt under-fi re On what is expected to be AFP much more fi tting with kids.” spearhead Mitch- a bouncy and seam-friendly Sydney Australia’s Twenty20 BBL has ell Starc would bounce back in pitch at the new Perth Stadium, steadily gained traction since Perth. similar to the WACA Ground it it was launched eight years ago The second Test starts on has replaced, spin great Shane ustralia’s high-octane with the fast-paced, family- Friday with India full of confi - Warne said he would like to see Big Bash League (BBL) friendly competition attracting dence after their tense, 31-run all-rounder Marcus Stoinis re- will break with tradi- big crowds and strong television win in Adelaide — their fi rst in place middle-order batsman tion and do away with ratings. Australia in a decade, and fi rst Peter Handscomb. theA coin toss when its new season It has always tried to innovate ever in the opening Test as they “Perth, given what we are starts later this month. and was the tournament that search for a maiden series win hearing, it’s going to be a nice, Instead captains will fl ip a bat, fi rst introduced Zings fl ashing Down Under. fast bouncy pitch, so I would calling “hills” or “fl ats” rather stumps, which light up when the Australia skipper Tim Paine be making one change and that than heads or tails. bails are dislodged. admitted there were shortcom- would be to bring in Marcus “For me it’s a great moment They are now are used in inter- ings in Adelaide, but he was Stoinis who got 85 in the last which refl ects what BBL is national matches. largely happy with how the team (Sheffi eld) Shield match and a about,” Kim McConnie, Cricket McConnie dismissed concerns performed. 60 in the Shield game before,” Australia’s head of the Big Bash over the fairness of the bat-fl ip- “There was a number of rea- Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc (centre) received some criticism for some wayward spells, including said Warne. League said on the competition’s ping process. sons why we lost,” he said. a string of costly byes, in India’s second innings in Adelaide. (AFP) “But mainly it would be for his website. “I’ve got it from great author- “We thought we could have all-round capabilities, just to re- “Some people don’t like ity at our (bat-maker) Kooka- cleaned them up on day one for cluding a string of costly byes, worst,” said Paine. cus Harris scored 26 in each in- lieve a little pressure on Starc who change but I’d also challenge burra friends that this is a tested 200-210 and we let that slip a in India’s second innings in Ad- “And from what I’m seeing, nings and showed enough to war- might be able to bowl one less people to say when was the last and weighted bat to deliver that bit. Clearly we’d like to score elaide. But Paine said the left- that is getting closer and closer rant another crack, but one-day spell and be a little bit better.” time anyone watched the coin equity,” she said. more than 230 in a fi rst innings arm paceman would come good. every day. Was he at his best? specialist Aaron Finch failed both Paine himself is a slight doubt toss or really focused on it to a The new BBL season starts on in Australia. There’s things we “He didn’t set the world on Probably not. But I still thought times, out for a duck and then 11. after being on the right fi nger by great extent? December 19 and runs through do need to tighten up.” fi re but I think, for a long time, he played his role.” Paine acknowledged the top a Mohammed Shami delivery — “Now we are making it much till February 17, featuring eight Starc received some criticism there’s been a really big gap One key area of concern is order must start delivering, but the same fi nger that has required more relevant to families, we teams. Adelaide Strikers are the for some wayward spells, in- between Starcy’s best and his opening batsmen. Debutant Mar- indicated they are likely to stick several operations in the past. are creating a moment which is defending champions.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Qatar and Dutch Big challenges ahead, football associations starting with prepping sign MoU for 2022: QFA president HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani re-elected for four years

QNA only problem facing football in Doha Qatar is the lack of fans, which he said must be addressed swiftly. He said that the techni- atar Football Associa- cal level is somewhat high, but tion (QFA) president the lack of attendance makes HE Sheikh Hamad the matches resemble friendly bin Khalifa bin games, stressing that the next AhmedQ al-Thani stressed on phase requires the solidarity of Monday that the association all to solve this problem. QFA secretary-general Mansoor al-Ansari (right) and KNVB secretary- will embark on a new journey He praised the presence of general Gijs de Jong. fi lled with signifi cant challeng- representatives of all clubs and es awaiting the new Executive their role in enriching the ac- By Sports Reporter Commenting on the occasion, Board, most notably the World tivities of the General Assembly Doha De Jong said, “Cooperation with Cup 2022 in Qatar, the Asian meeting with their important Qatar FA fi ts perfectly in our in- Cup 2019 in the UAE, and the questions and discussions ternational strategy, where we participation in Copa America aimed at developing the reality he Qatar Football As- want to be seen as an open and 2019 in Brazil. of football in Qatar. sociation (QFA) and the innovative association, look- Sheikh Hamad was re-elected After the president’s speech Dutch Royal Football As- ing for impact and working for as the president of the associa- concluded, Qatar, Al Shahaniya sociation (KNVB) signed the future of our football. We tion for the next four years at the and Al Ahli clubs were appointed Ta memorandum of understand- see similarities with QFA, both QFA’s General Assembly at the to review the minutes of the ing at the QFA’s headquarters in being responsible for football Sheraton Hotel, with representa- meeting. Al Arabi, Al Khor and Al Al Bidda Tower yesterday. in smaller countries within the tives of the 17 football clubs and Mesaimeer were appointed as au- QFA secretary-general Man- football family and we can learn a attending. It ditors of the votes. The minutes soor al-Ansari and KNVB secre- lot from each other. Cooperation also led to the election of Ibrahim of the previous general assembly tary-general Gijs de Jong signed in football is important for de- Khalil al-Mohannadi, Sheikh meeting held on December 13, the agreement, which focuses on velopments towards the future, Ahmed bin Ahmed al-Thani, 2017 were also ratifi ed. areas of cooperation between the related to a fair, equal and trans- Ahmed al-Buainain, Saoud Head of the electoral com- two parties. parent game, which is played and al-Mohannadi, Abdulrahman al- mittee Abdullah Hamad The signing ceremony was watched worldwide by millions.” Qahtani, and Hani Talib Ballan. al-Mulla thanked members of also attended by Dr Bahia Tahz- Tahzib-Lie stated: “We are de- QFA president said that it was the general assembly for their ib-Lie, the ambassador of the lighted that Qatar Football Asso- worth noting that the youth team cooperation. Netherlands; Johan van Geijn, ciation and the Royal Dutch Foot- also qualifi ed for the World Cup, At the end of the General As- KNVB’s director of International ball Association signed today a while Qatar clubs have performed sembly, Sheikh Hamad thanked CSR Partnerships/WorldCoach- memorandum of understand- well in the AFC Champions the clubs for their support of es; and Johan Neeskens, former ing (MoU) to enhance bilateral League. He expressed hope that the board. He also congratu- well-known international foot- co-operation. It demonstrates they can go even further next lated the two new members, ball player of the Dutch national the strong commitment of the year, and praised Asia’s best Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al- team. Netherlands to enthusiastically player Abdulkareem Hassan. He Thani (Al Ahli Club) and Abdul The two federations aim to work with Qatar towards a more also said that he hopes the com- He said the team is currently before the World Cup. mented in the next round of the Rahman al-Qahtani (Mesaimeer establish a closer co-operation vibrant and diverse sports sec- ing period will bring even more being prepared well, highlight- As for refereeing, Sheikh QNB Stars League, adding that Club) and wished success to the between themselves and this tor. The development of female achievements as the national ing that that Copa America will Hamad said it was improving the technology was not used former members of the Com- agreement intends to specify football features prominently team gets set to participate in be an important criterion for signifi cantly. He highlighted sooner for technical reasons. mittee Khalifa Khamis al-Sulaiti ways of sharing expertise and in the MoU. This is important Copa America. measuring the level of the team that VAR will also be imple- He acknowledged that the and Ali al-Thawadi. resources, while at the same time as football has huge potential to supporting the development of empower. We are also thrilled football in both nations. that the signing of the MoU takes The memorandum signed will place shortly after Russia handed Khalifa tennis complex gets ready for 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil see both associations invest in over the relay baton for hosting bilateral relations and share ex- the FIFA World Cup 2022 to Qa- With less than three weeks to cessful week-long feast of loved sport as the world’s top pertise and experiences in the tar. It is amazing to see how Qatar go before the 2019 edition of tennis. players compete in Doha yet areas of training of technical per- works hard towards its success Qatar ExxonMobil Open, the Novak Djokovic, the current again. Qatar ExxonMobil Open sonnel, sports science, and youth and overcoming the challenges Khalifa International Tennis Wimbledon and US Open has earned the reputation of development. that lie in its way. The Nether- and Squash Complex in Doha champion, tops the entry list being one of the best organ- Al-Ansari said, “We are proud lands is happy to help create a has started to wear a new look of star players billed to feature ised tournaments on the ATP to sign this cooperation agree- lasting positive legacy.” as the necessary branding at this year’s event. He will be tour and this year won’t be an ment with The KNVB in order to The delegation was also materials are already being joined by the likes Dominic exception. Fans are guaran- develop our existing strong ties present for the opening of the put in place. Thiem, Nikolov Basilashvili, teed the best of entertainment for the development and pro- refresher women WorldCoaches The annual tennis tournament David Goff in, Karen Khachanov as they watch their beloved motion of football in Qatar and program held at the headquar- will be held at the venue from and this year’s French Open stars slug it out on the courts the Netherlands. This is a great ters of the Qatar Women Sports December 31, 2018 to January semifinalist Marco Cecchinato. of the Khalifa International opportunity for us to exchange Committee. 5, 2019. Qatar ExxonMobil Open is one Tennis and Squash Complex.” experiences and expertise in dif- Following the offi cial meeting, As parts of the preparations, of the season-opening events The tickets for the tournament ferent aspects including national Mr. de Jong and his accompany- the courts are getting the on the ATP World Tour. are currently on sale online at teams, grassroots football, youth ing delegation were then given an required facelifts while other Tournament director Karim www.qatartennis.org and at development and player per- exclusive tour of Al Bidda Tower’s facilities are being put in place Alami said, “Tennis fans are set the City Centre, Landmark and formance which will have a di- ‘Legacy Pavilion’ – which brings to ensure another very suc- to witness the best of their be- Villaggio malls. rect positive impact on football to life the plans for the 2022 FIFA ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.” World Cup.

BOTTOMLINE Italian fencing team concludes training camp at Aspire Academy

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Italian national U14 fencing team recently concluded a week-long training camp at Aspire TAcademy. The 12 young fencers travelled to Doha as part of a joint ini- tiative between Aspire Academy, the Italian Fencing Federation, and the Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing Federation. This alliance was formed in December 2017 to develop young Qatari and Italian fencers by providing them with quality training and top competi- fi rms the agreement we entered improved his world ranking to tion opportunities in both Qatar into force with our Qatari part- No 46 and this is a great leap for and Italy. ners and Aspire Academy and fencing in Qatar.” As part of this partnership, we are happy to put into action Meanwhile, Italy’s national Aspire Academy can host an- what we have agreed to last year. team coach Serena Pivotti said, nual training camps for Italy’s We look forward to the continua- “We have trained together on all top young fencers, and the Italian tion of Italian and Qatari fencers weapons including foil, epee and Fencing Federation can mutually travelling and training with each the sabre. I believe that Aspire allow Qatari athletes to be in- other,” he said. Academy’s athletes have a bright cluded in Italian domestic com- Commenting on the benefi ts future and the president of the petitions including the U14, U17, of the training camp to Qatari Italian Fencing Federation is very U20 and the senior circuits, giv- athletes, Qatar national fenc- excited and wants to go further ing them international exposure. ing team and Aspire Academy’s with this collaboration.” The delegation was led by the coach Massimo Omeri said, “The Whilst in Qatar, Aspire Acad- Italian Fencing Federation presi- training camp off ers great ben- emy provided sports science dent Giorgio Scarso, who was ex- efi ts to fencers from Qatar and services for the Italian fencers, cited to be back in Qatar. Italy. The Italian team athletes including strength and condi- “The relationship between are very competitive in Europe, tioning assessments, physiol- Italy and Qatar stretches beyond and it’s a great benefi t for us. ogy, biomechanics, perform- these fencing training camps and Our fencer Ali Turki will join ance analysis, sports psychology, serves as a cultural exchange be- a senior training camp in Italy sports nutrition, physiotherapy tween the two nations and their which is deemed one of the top and medical support in case of people. This training camp con- federations in the world. Ali has injuries. Italy’s national fencing team takes part in a training camp at Aspire Academy.