TTENNISENNIS | Page 7 Djokovic motivated to surpass Federer’s mark

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada I 23, 1440 AH Clinical Japan GULF TIMES stun Iran to reach Asian Cup fi nal SPORT Page 2 ASIAN CUP SEMI-FINAL: QATAR VS UAE, 5PM QATAR TIME TODAY Pressure, what pressure? Qatar aim to make history ‘The players are aware that there’s pressure but they’re dealing with it very well. We are more confident under pressure’

AFP/AFC Abu Dhabi Team spirit and atar coach Felix Sanchez is happy for technical superiority his team to be labelled favourites in today’s will help Qatar beat AsianQ Cup semi-fi nal against host the United Arab Emirates — and has backed his players to si- UAE, says al-Ansari lence the haters once more. Qa- tar’s run to their fi rst Asian Cup semi-fi nal is all the more re- markable given the abuse hurled at them by local crowds, but Sanchez insisted the 2022 World Cup hosts would welcome the pressure in a politically charged clash. “The players are aware that there’s pressure but they’re dealing with it very well,” the Spaniard said yesterday. “We are more confi dent under pressure.” The Saudi-led blockade of Qatar has robbed Sanchez’s team of travelling support. Even several Omanis who have bravely turned up to cheer Qatar on are likely to fi nd all of the tickets for the semi-fi nal have been dis- By Anil John nis were against Qatar, but we tributed to local fans. Sports Editor still beat them. It motivated the “Up to this point it has been team further and they showed very demanding for us,” admit- a great fighting spirit. Hope- ted Sanchez, whose side stunned atar Football As- fully that will be also the case Son Heung-min’s South Korea sociation General- tomorrow.” 1-0 in the quarter-fi nals. “But Secretary Mansoor He said the players are kept this group of players are men- al-Ansari left little motivated all the time and in tally strong,” added the 43-year- Q to doubt about his thoughts top mental condition. old, who took over as head coach on today’s Asian Cup semi-final “They have a great leader- 18 months ago but has been in- Members of the Qatar squad are all smiles as they are led by Abdelkarim Hassan during a training session in Abu Dhabi yesterday. against the UAE, saying the ship. The technical team, the volved with the current crop of hosts cannot match the team head coach, the QFA President players since 2006. [even further] in the competi- full house at Abu Dhabi’s Mo- spirit, technical excellence and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin “They’ve proven they can tion. hamed bin Zayed Stadium. “As never-say-die attitude of Fe- Ahmad al-Thani who makes it compete against the best teams “The players are looking for- I have said previously it is nor- lix Sanchez’s exciting young a point to meet the players and in Asia and they’re still ambi- ward to the game, and their re- mal to be missing players at this charges. talk to them at practice. They tious — they want to keep go- sults up until now show that this stage of a competition,” he said. In perhaps the most an- all contribute to the mental ing.” The winners will take on group are mentally very strong. “The key point for us is that ticipated football match in the conditioning of the players.” Japan, who defeated Iran 3-0 in My squad is ambitious, and they everyone is ready and waiting to region’s history for a very long The core of Qatar’s team is the fi rst semi-fi nal yesterday. want to keep going. It has not play and to help the team in the time, the two nations will clash made of players who were part The fi nal will be played on Feb- been easy to keep getting the process. in Abu Dhabi today for the of the squad that won the 2014 ruary 1. results we have done game after Meanwhile, UAE coach Al- right to meet Japan in the final U19 Asian Cup in Myanmar; “The team, I believe, has game, but hopefully in the semi- berto Zaccheroni also praised of the continental showpiece in fact, Almoez Ali and Akram coped very well with the situ- fi nal we can perform well again Qatar. “They are an outstand- on Friday. Japan yesterday Afif, the stars for the country ation so far. Of course, all of us and reach the fi nal.” ing side who haven’t conceded thrashed Iran 3-0 in the first in that event, have also taken know there is added pressure Qatar will be missing Ab- a goal yet,” said the Italian, who semi-final. the senior tournament in the because it is the semi-fi nal, delaziz Hatim and Bassam al- steered Japan to a record fourth Today’s contest will be played UAE by storm. Almoez has but I think we are feeling con- Rawi through suspension, but Asian Cup title in 2011. in Abu Dhabi in front of a already scored seven goals in fi dent rather than under pres- have Abdelkarim Hassan and “Their results, even before stadium packed with UAE the UAE and is one shy of Ira- sure ahead of the match,” added Assim Madibo available once the Asian Cup, were excellent. supporters who have already nian legend Ali Daei’s all-time Sanchez. again after the duo served a one- They are solid in all departments earned notoriety for ratcheting Asian Cup record. Afif has also “It is a very big game for us, match ban during the quarter- but they have some dangerous up tensions by bringing poli- proven a thorn in the flesh for and we are very pleased to be in fi nal win over Korea Republic. individuals too. “They’ve been tics into sport with their overly rival defences. the semi-fi nals of this very im- While wary of the threat the together for many years,” noted aggressive attitude towards “These players have always portant tournament. Hopefully UAE will pose, Sanchez is ada- the former AC Milan and Lazio Qatar coach Felix the Qataris during Al Annabi’s handled pressure well. For the against the UAE we are going mant that his players are fully boss. Sanchez says his team previous matches. last six years they have been to play to our strengths and try prepared for what is sure to be “And that stability is a source relishes pressure. It’s a situation that would un- doing well. My message to to do our very best to continue another stern test in front of a of great strength for them.” nerve even battle-hardened them is simple: ‘be focused veterans, but according to al- and do your best.’” Ansari that could well turn out Al-Ansari touched upon the to be advantageous for Qatar. UAE’s shenanigans in the lead- “For the first time ever, Qatar up to the tournament, which Hosts go to ridiculous lengths to keep Qatar supporters away has qualified for the semi-finals included denying entry to of the Asian Cup. That in itself five Qatar-based journalists to Agencies high-tension Asian Cup semi- pacity Mohamed Bin Zayed sta- via Qatar’s subscription-only will have too many problems, it’s is a historic achievement,” al- cover the Asian Cup. Abu Dhabi fi nal today. dium will be fi lled up with only beIN Sports, which isn’t availa- far too much trouble for us.” Ansari said. “We are firm believers in the In a telling turn of events, the Emirati fans Saudis and not only ble even in offi cial, tournament- He added: “If we win we are “But considering the way we ethics and values of sport. We Abu Dhabi Sports Council has a sell-out, but also nearly unani- approved hotels. going to cry. We want to show played in our five previous don’t mix politics with sports. ver since Saudi Arabia snapped up all remaining tickets mously behind Alberto Zacch- Qatari fans will, of course, be the UAE that you blockaded us, matches in the tournament, We do things professionally. and its allies triggered off to give away to “loyal UAE fans”, eroni’s white-clad team. watching from afar. Qataris need you gave us too many problems, the kind of performance, team The host nation has certain the Gulf crisis with their it said in a tweet. Losing to Qatar in a home prior permission to visit UAE, but you will never stop us.” spirit and technical level the responsibilities and commit- illegal blockade of Qatar, Long queues formed as sup- semi-fi nal would be embarrass- and with transport links cut they Many others have also been players displayed, I really be- ments. But sadly we faced theE UAE has been at the forefront porters waited for their free tick- ing for UAE. Seeing Qatar cel- also need to travel via another put off by the cumbersome proc- lieve we will win,” he added. issues. We have taken this of mixing politics with sports ets, but only people holding Emi- ebrating under their national fl ag country, complicating the jour- ess to get UAE visas. Even after Al-Ansari added that the par- matter to the AFC.” with the aim of inconveniencing rati identifi cation were eligible. in Abu Dhabi would be hard to ney. all the paperwork, there’s no tisan UAE crowd can play into Al-Ansari also praised the Qatari sportsmen during tourna- The move is clearly aimed at stomach for the hosts, and would “It’s not only me who wants to guarantee fans would be allowed Qatar’s hands. Omani football fans who have ments. preventing a repeat of Qatar’s raise the thorny of question of travel to the match, thousands of into the UAE, who even barred “There is a disadvantage play- been supporting Qatar all the In yet another example, the last-16 game with Saudi Arabia whether to let senior offi cials Qatari people want to watch the several Qatar-based journalists ing away, but there’s also an way. Asian Cup hosts have gone to when Omani fans turned up to from the two countries attend. team,” Qatar fan Abdulrahman, from covering the tournament advantage. The competitive “They have been great, always ridiculous to make sure no pro- cheer the Qataris. The regional rivalry has per- a 25-year-old IT engineer, told despite them having valid visas, edge will increase. Against the supporting Qatar. It was a very Qatar supporters sneak in when As a result of UAE’s latest meated the tournament, which AFP in Doha. return tickets and hotel book- Saudis (in the round of 16), the heart-warming feeling to see Qatar and the UAE clash in a move, Abu Dhabi’s 42,000-ca- is only available to watch in UAE “Of course, I won’t go. If I go I ings. whole crowd except the Oma- them cheer for Qatar.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 29, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Sanchez shows Qatar the benefi ts of continuity at Asian Cup

Reuters der-19 championships, has progressed in the competition.” Abu Dhabi with his players through the age-group A 1-0 win over second string Swit- Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (right) teams to the senior side. Among the zerland last November indicated they and one of his assistants keep an early 20-somethings are the highly tal- were on the right path, while at the close eye on the players during atar have reaped rich rewards ented forward Akram Afi f and striker Asian Cup they have beaten three- the training session in Abu Dhabi. for a long-term investment Almoez Ali, who has scored seven goals times Asian champions Saudi Arabia, in coach Felix Sanchez and already in the tournament. “He knows 2007 title winners Iraq as well as pre- the Spaniard has repaid the what we don’t like, what we like,” de- tournament favourites South Korea. faithQ of the Qatar Football Association fender Bassam al-Rawi told Reuters af- Qatar will further test their progress (QFA) by leading his team to the Asian ter the quarter-fi nal victory over South as a guest team at this year’s Copa Cup semi-fi nals. The Qataris had never Korea. “We know what he wants from America. As might be expected of a been past the quarter-fi nals in nine us, so it’s very nice. He’s like a father.” team that know each other so well, the previous attempts but today they will Of course, while winning the Asian Qataris have a very disciplined struc- take on hosts the United Arab Emirates Cup would be a huge boost, the main ture and have yet to concede a goal in for the right to play Japan for the conti- focus at the QFA is ensuring they have their fi ve victories so far. nental championship title. a team that will not embarrass them in That does not mean, however, that Sanchez only got the top job in July three years’ time when they host the they are tactically rigid and Sanchez 2017 but his work with some of the World Cup, a tournament they have started with fi ve at the back to eff ec- bright young talents that have helped never qualifi ed for. tively nullify Korean’s wide threat in get Qatar to the last four goes back to “We came here and we were talk- the quarter-fi nal. Al-Rawi and mid- when they were nine or 10 years old at ing many times with the players that fi elder Abdulaziz Hatim, who scored Qatar’s Aspire Academy. we need to show that we can compete the winner against the Koreans, are A former Barcelona youth coach, with the best teams in Asia,” Sanchez suspended after picking up two yellow the 43-year-old moved to the Gulf to told reporters last week. “I think at the cards but Assim Madibo and fullback work at the academy in 2006 and after moment they have shown that they can Abdelkarim Hassan will be available guiding Qatar to the 2013 Asian un- compete, perform well and get results after one-match bans.

ASIA CUP FOCUS Qatar eager for more Clinical Japan stun success: al-Haydos AFC very diffi cult with many obsta- Abu Dhabi cles, but we have progressed, and we are looking to improve even further against the UAE and atar captain Hassan al- reach the fi nal. Haydos insists his side With over 100 caps to his Iran to reach fi nal are eyeing yet further name, al-Haydos has added a glory as they prepare healthy dose of footballing kno- forQ today’s eagerly anticipated whow to a Qatar squad which Queiroz steps down after nearly eight-year run as Iran coach AFC Asian Cup semi-fi nal tussle contains a subtle blend of youth with the United Arab Emirates. and experience. Now appearing The Al Sadd midfi elder has shone in his third AFC Asian Cup, al- brightly throughout the tourna- Haydos believes the country’s ment, one which has seen Qatar current generation have formed scale new heights at the Conti- an impressive team spirit – one nent’s premier event thanks to a that he hopes will serve them run of fi ve successive victories. well against the UAE. Despite already going further “I can tell you for sure that I in the competition than any am not worried about myself as previous Qatari side had done, what really matters is that the al-Haydos is adamant that Fe- team wins one game after game. lix Sanchez’s charges are still I think everyone can see the [ex- hungry for more. “Of course, we cellent] atmosphere among the hope we will qualify for the fi nal, players. Indeed, the 23 players but nothing will be easy,” said the plus all the technical staff are one 28-year-old who made his inter- big family and that is something national debut in 2007. which refl ects positively on the “We have been enjoying pitch. We are confi dent and have the tournament since the fi rst prepared well for the match. We minute, and we are all focused on to be exactly where we are now, trying to do our very best for the and we are looking forward to team. Our path so far has been doing even better.”

Japan’s forward Yuya Osako (centre) takes off on a celebratory run after scoring against Iran during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters tournament but their dreams of a end- happy the players showed that fi ghting Queiroz. “It was an emotional breakdown Al Ain, United Arab Emirates ing a 43-year wait for a fourth continen- spirit and really went for the win.” from my players and after that there was tal title were left in tatters by the clinical While Iran might have had a case that only one team on the pitch.” Samurai Blue. Carlos Queiroz announced Morteza Pouraliganji’s arm blocked Ta- It was the fi rst goal Iran had conced- erder Bremen striker Yuya in the post-match news conference that kumi Minamino’s cross accidentally for ed in six games at the tournament but Osako scored twice in 11 his nearly eight-year run as Iran coach, the penalty, the opening goal was down winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh came close second-half minutes to help which took in two World Cups, was over. to the sort of lapse of concentration that to equalising fi ve minutes later with a free four-times champions Japan “I think the simplest thing to do is to Queiroz has warned his team against. kick that forced a good save out of Shuichi Winto the fi nal of the Asian Cup with a 3-0 copy the old song: ‘and now, the end is Minamino had made a break down Gonda. The second blow landed soon af- victory over tournament favourites Iran here’,” the Portuguese said, misquoting the left and crumpled to the fl oor on the terwards when the referee pointed to the yesterday. the song Frank Sinatra made famous. “I’m edge of the area looking for a free kick spot after the ball had struck Pouraliganji Osako headed the fi rst home in the happy and proud to say I did it my way.” or penalty. None was forthcoming but on the arm, confi rming his decision fol- 56th minute and added his second from Roared on by a noisy majority of the while defender Ehsan Hajsafi was asking lowing a look at the TV pictures on the the penalty spot to help set up a date with crowd, the Iranians had enjoyed the bet- the referee to book the striker for a dive, sideline. either hosts the United Arab Emirates or ter of a competitive, if goalless, fi rst half Minamino raced to retrieve the ball and Osako sent goalkeeper Alireza Beiran- Qatar in Friday’s fi nal in Abu Dhabi. Gen- but were completely defl ated by Osako’s crossed it from the corner fl ag for Osako vand the wrong way from the spot and a ki Haraguchi put a gloss to the scoreline twin strikes and never looked like fi ghting to head home unchallenged. fi fth fi nal in the last eight versions of the with a powerful run and shot in stoppage their way back into the match. “It was very competitive, quite bal- continental championship look assured, time at the end of the match but the con- “We knew it was going to be tough but anced game, until one error by my team, a Haraguchi helping to wrap up their fi rst test was already long decided. the players showed great fi ghting spirit,” naive error. We were all expecting action win by a margin of more than one goal at Iran had been the form team of the said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu. “I’m from the referee over the simulation,” said the tournament. Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos is appearing in his third Asian Cup.

Iraq footballers in BOTTOMLINE probe over night out Former Qatar forward Lami issues Al Annabi rallying cry Baghdad: Iraq’s football federation said yes- terday it was investigating whether national AFC there are a lot of players who shed tears shot and forced myself to play on. team players in Abu Dhabi for the Asian Cup Abu Dhabi hoping that they would be able to wear this “I completed the tournament like this this month snuck out of their hotel to party at a jersey. with the painkiller, but after it got over, I nightclub. Media reports have alleged that after “So you have been handed this opportu- was ruled out for almost 18 months due to their draw last week against Iran in the final ormer Qatar forward Adel Lami has nity and your role now is to represent the the injury and the painkiller. “But that’s group-stage match, some Iraqi players travelled urged the side’s current generation people. The same is true for other countries alright. Why? Because you’re represent- to nearby Dubai for a night out. to embrace the responsibility of as well,” said Lami, seen below in his Qa- ing the country, because for us, the players, “We have decided to form a fact-finding com- representing the nation in their fi rst tar national team days. Expanding further representing Qatar and playing well was the everF AFC Asian Cup semi-fi nal, against on his own personal commitment to the biggest concern.” mittee over what was reported by diff erent me- dia and have invited all relevant parties to take host nation UAE today. Five successive wins Qatari cause, Lami recalled the 2007 AFC The Qatari class of 2019 enter the semi- part,” the federation said in a statement. If the have the West Asian nation on the brink of Asian Cup in Southeast Asia, where he ap- fi nals with the confi dence created by what allegations prove to be correct, the federation history, and potentially two good perform- peared in all three of his side’s group stage remains a perfect campaign, including would consider legal action for “defamation” ances away from becoming the ninth nation matches. three wins in a row against Saudi Arabia, and harming Iraq’s reputation, its media head to claim the Continental title. Then 21 years old, he sustained an injury Iraq and Korea Republic, all of whom are Mohammad Khalaf said. Lami, who won 21 caps for Al Annabi which would ultimately keep him out of former champions. Lami believes Felix Iraq were knocked out of the tournament from 2005 to 2014, spoke passionately top-level football for over a year, but even Sanchez’s side is rich in talent, but main- with a 1-0 defeat to Qatar in the last 16. Last about his pride for the national shirt, call- now, Lami says that extraordinarily hefty tains their real strength lies in their collec- year, Iraqi national teams were embroiled in a ing on Felix Sanchez’s players not to take price was one worth paying. “We played tive mentality. string of age-fraud scandals. Adult players were their opportunities for granted. well in this (2007) tournament, especially “The current team has some excellent found to have falsified ages on their passports “For me, every player who wears Qatar’s in the game against Japan,” he recalled. “We players,” he declared. “What’s great about to play on the under-16 squad, and the under-23 crest on his chest, is excellent and deserv- drew that game and it was one of the best this current generation is that whichever team also dropped out of the Asian Games ing,” he said. “Every player who wears it will matches I have ever played at the interna- Asian team they play against, regardless of tournament amid similar allegations of lying. It be capable of carrying that responsibility.” tional level.” their strength, they go into the game know- came as FIFA allowed Iraq to host international “At the same time, my message to them “After the game against Japan, I got in- ing that they are capable of defeating this matches for the first time in three decades. is: If you wear that crest, you should know jured. The doctor said I couldn’t play and team. “They have the maturity to deal with your responsibility. You should know that had to return home, (but) I took a painkiller the big and important games.” Adel Lami won 21 caps for Qatar from 2005 to 2014. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 29, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Willian double helps Sala remembered Chelsea to Cup win on Higuain debut

Reuters awarded a penalty in the 22nd London minute after Chelsea midfi elder Ethan Ampadu appeared to bring down the advancing Joey Pelu- as Liverpool, City helsea’s Willian struck pessy, only for the video assist- twice and Callum Hud- ant referee (VAR) to overturn the son-Odoi was also on original decision. target as the FA Cup The referee pointed to the spot Cholders enjoyed a 3-0 win over at the other end two minutes Sheffi eld Wednesday to reach the later as Chelsea skipper Cesar fi fth round on Sunday night with Azpilicueta was taken out by Sam new signing Gonzalo Higuain Hutchinson, with VAR confi rm- resume title fi ght making his debut. ing that the defender was fouled. Brazil international Willian After a chat with Higuain, who struck with a delightful side- joined Chelsea on loan from Ju- footed volley from distance seven ventus this week, Brazilain Wil- A minute’s silence will be held before all Premier League games this week minutes from time to double his lian sent Wednesday’s Keiren tally after converting a fi rst-half Westwood the wrong way to give penalty. Hudson-Odoi, a re- Chelsea the lead after 26 minutes ported transfer target of German and added his second goal late on giants Bayern Munich, had ear- after Hudson-Odoi scored in the lier collected a long pass from the 64th. left and cut in beautifully to slot The 31-year-old Higuain home in the second half. looked sharp with some intel- “I thought we did well,” Hud- ligent runs before coming off son-Odoi said. “It was a great for Olivier Giroud with 10 min- team performance. We did very utes to go. “We’re pleased with well in training and worked re- Higuain’s performance, he was ally hard. That’s one of my trying to fi nd the space and get highlights. It was nice to top it on the ball. It wasn’t easy as they off with a goal.” Asked if it was had a lot of players around him,” his last game for Chelsea, with Chelsea assistant manager Gian- the transfer window closing on franco Zola said of the Argentina Thursday, the 18-year-old add- striker’s contribution. ed: “I don’t know, I can’t say. I’ll “It’s a good result, we’re very keep working hard and you never happy. We know how diffi cult know what will happen.” these cup ties can be. Everyone Sheffi eld Wednesday had been made a really good eff ort.”

Manchester City players observe a minute’s silence for Emiliano Sala before their FA Cup fourth round match against Burnley on Saturday. (Reuters)

AFP Nantes for a club record fee, struggling a fourth straight season. With Harry Kane Higuain, and must now hope the Argen- London Cardiff hoped his goals could keep them and Dele Alli sidelined until March, a kind tine’s fi repower keeps his side in the top in the Premier League. Now they must run of fi xtures that sees Watford, New- four. Higuain failed to fi nd the net in Sun- somehow try to achieve survival on the castle and Leicester visit Wembley before day’s 3-0 Cup win over Sheffi eld Wednes- iverpool and Manchester City will fi eld while dealing with tragedy off it. A a trip to Burnley over the next month is day to get up to speed and will likely resume their fi ght for Premier minute’s silence will be held before all just what Pochettino needs. make his Premier League debut away to League supremacy in a midweek Premier League games this week in hon- Meanwhile, United’s caretaker boss Bournemouth tomorrow. A 2-1 win over Chelsea’s Willian (left) vies for the ball with Sheff ield Wednesday’s round of fi xtures clouded by the our of Sala and the plane’s pilot David Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged he Spurs to reach the League Cup fi nal last Liam Palmer during the FA Cup fourth round match. (Reuters) Lsuspected death of Cardiff striker Emil- Ibbotson after the authorities called off is “loving” his role and can do no wrong, week suggests Sarri’s side are a diff erent iano Sala. The Bluebirds are in action for their active search for the aircraft. with a run of eight straight wins putting prospect when Eden Hazard is restored to the fi rst time since the plane carrying the Once the action gets under way, though, the Red Devils right back in top-four con- his favoured position on the left of a front Argentine disappeared over the Channel Arsenal have to be ruthless in the fi ght for tention and into the last 16 of the FA Cup. three. Higuain’s presence should allow Gharafa in QSL Cup fi nal aft er Islands a week ago. They visit Arsenal Champions League qualifi cation — vic- More of the same will be expected when the Belgian to shine as he comes with a in what could have been Sala’s debut for tory would take them level on points with Burnley visit Old Traff ord today fresh prolifi c record in club football. Kharaitiyat violate rules the club. In the title race, City have been fourth-placed Chelsea, who visit Bourne- from being thrashed 5-0 on the other side forced to play catch-up since cutting mouth tomorrow. Tottenham boss Mau- of Manchester by City in the FA Cup at the FIXTURES Doha: The Qatar Football Asso- had breached the rules of the Liverpool’s advantage at the top to four ricio Pochettino will under pressure after weekend. United’s 3-1 win in the Cup at (kick-off s 1945 GMT unless stated) ciation’s disciplinary committee number of resident players points by infl icting the Reds only league crashing out of two cup competitions in Arsenal on Friday was just as impressive has awarded QSL Cup semi-final who were on the startlist. The defeat of the season on January 3. This four days. Despite doing a remarkable job and leaves Solskjaer spoiled for choice. Today: Arsenal v Cardiff , Fulham v win to Al Gharafa after their committee also levied a fine week City can apply pressure by cutting to turn Tottenham into top-four regulars, Alexis Sanchez scored and Romelu Lu- Brighton, Huddersfield v Everton, Wolves opponents Al Kharaitiyat had of QR2000 on Kharaitiyat on the gap to a solitary point as they travel to Pochettino is yet to win in a trophy in his kaku provided two assists to make their v West Ham, Manchester United v Burnley fielded six resident players in the basis of Article (55/1) of the struggling Newcastle 24 hours before Liv- fi ve seasons at Spurs. case for a more regular start, but Solsk- (2000), Newcastle v Manchester City the last-four encounter last Regulations of Discipline for the erpool host Leicester. And by downplaying the importance jaer is expected to keep faith with in-form (2000) Saturday. 2018-19 season. Now Gharafa “He’s going to be remembered as the of silverware, the Argentine has piled the Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, Tomorrow: Bournemouth v Chelsea, Al Kharaitiyat had won the will play Al Duhail in the final on best player we never had,” one Cardiff pressure on his injury-ravaged side to who came off the bench to score at the Southampton v Crystal Palace, Liverpool contest 3-0 but the disciplinary Thursday, 31st January at the Al fan said when asked how to put Sala’s hold onto their place in the top four to en- Emirates. Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri fi - v Leicester (2000), Tottenham v Watford committee ruled that the club Duhail Stadium. disappearance into words. Signed from sure Champions League qualifi cation for nally has the striker he wanted in Gonzalo (2000)

SPOTLIGHT RESCUE MISSION Kimmich and Xavi join forces to inspire Underwater search for missing Generation Amazing children footballer Sala to start on Sunday AFP Guernsey as part of the search. moved from French club Nantes London Guernsey police suspended the earlier this month. “We have offi cial search on Thursday after managed with the funds we have the plane went missing on Janu- raised to resume the searches,” shipwreck hunter hired ary 21 with Cardiff City striker Mearns said at a press confer- by the family of missing Sala and pilot Dave Ibbotson on ence in Guernsey airport that was footballer Emiliano Sala board. But there have been calls shown by British broadcasters. to look for his missing for the search to continue. Mearns said a survey vessel planeA said he was planning to be- Top players were among the equipped with sonar and a re- gin an underwater search on Sun- more than 4,500 contributors motely operated vehicle was be- day. David Mearns of Bluewater to a crowdfunding page which ing readied in the port of South- Recoveries said yesterday that has raised over 300,000 euros ampton to begin the underwater two fi shing boats were search- ($343,000) to look for Ibbotson, search “on the weekend, most ing the sea around the island of 59, and 28-year-old Sala, who probably on Sunday”.

BOTTOMLINE African Super Cup to take

Al Sadd star Xavi Hernandez and Bayern Munich defender Joshua Kimmich with the children from the Generation Amazing programme. place in Qatar on March 29 IFA World Cup winner Xavi Hernan- – and has reached more than 250,000 ben- this is a great opportunity for the programme Reuters winners Esperance of Tunisia Super Cup has not been staged in dez teamed up with Bayern Munich efi ciaries to date thanks to pitch launches to grow further.” Cairo face Confederation Cup holders France since 2008, with host na- star Joshua Kimmich to deliver an and other programmes. As for 23-year-old defender Kimmich, Raja Casablanca from Morocco at tions including Canada, the Unit- unforgettable training session for Supreme Committee for Delivery & Leg- the session was a chance to speak to young a stadium in Doha which has not ed States, China and Gabon. childrenF from the Generation Amazing pro- acy ambassador Xavi was full of praise for people about the importance of positive role he African Super Cup yet been announced. Juventus beat AC Milan in the gramme in Qatar. Organised during Bayern’s the initiative. “Generation Amazing helps models. “I really enjoyed the Generation will be played outside The UEFA Super Cup has al- Italian Super Cup this month recent winter training camp at Aspire Zone, young people to have fun and learn through Amazing activity. For me, the most impor- the continent for the ways been held in Europe while in Saudi Arabia, a controversial Doha, the hour-long session included edu- football,” said Xavi. “It was a pleasure to tant thing in football is to enjoy the sport fi rst time when it takes the South American version has choice of venue following the cational activities and a dedicated passing meet Joshua Kimmich, who is one of the and have fun. Xavi was a big role model for placeT in Doha, Qatar on March been staged on three occasions murder of dissident Saudi jour- section. best young players in the world. Everybody me – he is a great player and it’s a dream 29, the Confederation of African in the United States. European nalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Launched during Qatar’s bid to host the enjoyed the session a lot, myself included. It come true to meet him.” Football (CAF) said yesterday. Super Cup matches, clashes be- fact that a limited number of 2022 FIFA World Cup, Generation Amaz- was a big honour.” At the end of the activity Xavi handed The switch of venue to the 2022 tween a country’s league champi- female fans were allowed to en- ing is aiming to positively impact the lives of Xavi continued: “When players like Kim- Kimmich a Qatar shirt with the number 22 World Cup hosts was fi rst moot- ons and Cup winners, have been ter the stadium in Jeddah. The more than 1mn people through football for mich, who is a big star, give their time to help on the back. And with Germany likely to ed last month and has now been staged in diff erent continents. African Super Cup has been development outreach. It’s currently active Generation Amazing, I think it is fantastic for qualify for the next FIFA World Cup, Gen- rubber-stamped by CAF’s Emer- Barcelona played Sevilla in this played annually since 1993, with in seven countries – Qatar, Nepal, Pakistan, everyone involved. With so many top teams eration Amazing participants may well have gency Committee. year’s Spanish Super Cup in Tan- Egyptian side Al Ahly claiming a Jordan, Lebanon, the Philippines and India doing their winter training camps in Doha, met one of the stars of the next tournament. African Champions League gier, Morocco, while the French record six titles. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 29, 2019 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 LA LIGA Bale back with a PSG cruise to victory bang as Madrid beat Espanyol as Neymar set to miss form of before, like during the AFP Girona, Spain Club World Cup when he scored three goals. This is the Gareth we want to see, with that hunger to areth Bale needed just score goals.” two minutes to mark his Benzema now has 15 goals this return from injury with season and his fi rst was a sim- Man United clash a goal as 10-man Real ple fi nish in the third minute, as GMadrid held on for a 4-2 victory he pounced on a rebound from over Espanyol on Sunday night. Luka Modric’s shot. Ramos is Neymar suff ered a recurrence of a metatarsal injury during the French Cup Bale had been out since January their second top scorer with 10, 3 with a calf strain but made an his excellent header looping into instant impact off the bench at the far corner, before Baptistao the RCDE Stadium, where Karim gave Espanyol a lifeline with an Benzema continued his own rich emphatic shot from the edge of vein of form by scoring twice. the area. Sergio Ramos was also on tar- But Benzema added a third on get with a brilliant header before the stroke of half-time and when Leo Baptistao kept Espanyol in Bale, after replacing Vinicius sight. Bale and Benzema seemed Junior, made it four, it looked like to have wrapped things up but the game was up. Instead, Varane Raphael Varane was sent off with was sent off for bringing down 18 minutes left and substitute Pablo Piatti as the last man and Roberto Rosales drove in to set Rosales set Madrid’s nerves jan- up a nervy fi nish. gling by chesting and volleying Madrid, however, survived for past Thibaut Courtois with nine their fi fth win in sixth matches, minutes left. even if it was only enough to re- Benzema’s surge, and Bale’s store the 10-point diff erence be- fi tness, could yet prove key to hind Barcelona, who had earlier their second half of the season, seen off Girona 2-0, with Lionel particularly in Europe, in La Liga Messi scoring a sublime chip. it is Messi, and Barca who lead Barca, fi ve points ahead of the way. Messi’s brilliant chip, Atletico Madrid, keep winning his ninth goal in as many games, but Real are gaining momen- came after Nelson Semedo had tum, with the resumption of the given them an early lead, before Champions League just around Bernardo Espinosa’s red card the corner. Bale’s return will be consigned Girona to 39 minutes particularly welcome for coach with 10 men. Santiago Solari. “Gareth is hap- The home fans were left in- py,” Solari said. “He came on and censed by that decision, as well scored straight away, which is as Messi’s reaction they believed great for him and his confi dence. caused it, but the Argentinian’s Little by little he has to regain the goal off ered the perfect riposte.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani (left) celebrates with teammate Angel Di Maria after scoring against Rennes during the French Ligue 1 match in Paris. (AFP)

AFP in time for the Champions League last- a rather fl at atmosphere, with one end of the German coach Tuchel. Paris 16, fi rst leg at Old Traff ord on February 12. the stadium partially closed as a punish- Earlier, Lyon strengthened their grip “It is still too early to talk about a re- ment following incidents during a game on a Champions League position after turn date because we need to wait and late last year. Cavani’s headed opener was defender Jason Denayer’s headed goal dinson Cavani scored twice as see how ‘Ney’ reacts to treatment to be cancelled out by Mbaye Niang just before handed them a 1-0 win at Amiens. With Paris Saint-Germain beat Rennes more precise,” he said. Brazil team doc- the half-hour, and Rennes were arguably their Champions League last-16 fi rst leg 4-1 on Sunday night, a victory tor Rodrigo Lasmar is expected to visit the better side in the fi rst half. against Barcelona looming on the hori- overshadowed by coach Thomas the world’s most expensive player today, However, Tuchel was raging after zon, Lyon remain third in Ligue 1, three Tuchel’sE admission that Neymar is set with the Selecao thinking ahead to the Niang escaped with a yellow card for a points behind second-placed Lille. to miss next month’s Champions League Copa America, which they will host in dangerous challenge on Thilo Kehrer. The Lille won 2-1 at Marseille on Friday, showdown with Manchester United. June and July. referee upheld his decision even after a while struggling Monaco slumped to a Neymar was missing against Rennes Brazil coach Tite and national team co- VAR review. 2-0 defeat at relegation rivals Dijon on after suff ering a recurrence of a metatar- ordinator Edu were in attendance at the Nevertheless, PSG ran away with the Saturday in their fi rst game since Thierry sal injury in a French Cup win over Stras- Parc des Princes at the start of a European game after the break, going back in front Henry was sacked as coach. bourg in midweek. Without him, Cavani tour to check on the form of some of their on the hour mark when Thiago Silva sent Henry lasted just three months in scored twice either side of goals from An- key players, but it is unclear what they Di Maria through to clip a delightful fi n- charge before being replaced by his pred- Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale scores against Espanyol in La liga. (AFP) gel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe as PSG will have taken from PSG’s victory. ish over goalkeeper Tomas Koubek. ecessor Leonardo Jardim, who watched stayed unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and While Neymar was absent, his compa- When Clement Grenier was caught Saturday’s game in the stands in Dijon. went 13 points clear again from second- triots Marquinhos and Daniel Alves were in possession, Julian Draxler released Monaco remain three points from out- placed Lille with two games in hand. played out of position in central midfi eld Mbappe to score his 18th league goal right safety. Atletico Madrid complete loan Neymar missed the last three months due to a lack of other options available to of the campaign and make it 3-1. PSG of last season after suff ering a fracture in Tuchel. PSG are hoping to complete a deal completed the scoring in the 71st minute FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS signing of Morata from Chelsea the same foot last February. to sign the Argentine midfi elder Leandro when Mbappe squared for Cavani to grab Montpellier 2 (Laborde 51, Baysse 59-og) Le Parisien reported on Sunday evening Paredes from Zenit Saint Petersburg, and his second of the evening and 16th league Madrid: Atletico Madrid have After an impressive start Caen 0; Amiens 0 Lyon 1 (Denayer 50); that he had now suff ered another “hair- have also been linked with a move for goal of the season, making it 15 goals in reached an agreement with at Chelsea, Morata lost form Toulouse 0 Angers 0; Paris Saint-Germain line” fracture. Tuchel said he could not Everton’s Idrissa Gueye before the Janu- three home wins for Paris in nine days. Chelsea for the loan signing of and confidence. He scored 24 confi rm that, but accepted it would be ary transfer window closes. “We reacted well after a very diffi cult 4 (Cavani 8, 72, Di Maria 61, Mbappe 67) Alvaro Morata until the end of goals in 74 appearances for the “super diffi cult” for Neymar to be ready On the fi eld, PSG won a game played in fi rst half against a very brave side,” said Rennes 1 (Niang 28) next season, the two clubs said English club since signing for yesterday. The striker, who had Chelsea from Real Madrid the a disappointing time at Stam- summer of 2017. Morata will SPOTLIGHT ford Bridge, passed his medical bolster Simeone’s options up on Sunday, the Spanish side, his front, which already include the first club, said in a statement. in-form Antoine Griezmann and Morata, 26, played in Atleti- Diego Costa, another signing Henry can still become top coach, claims Fabregas co’s youth ranks as a teenager from Chelsea, who is expected but later joined their city rivals back from injury next month. AFP sure of it,” Fabregas said yesterday of Henry was appointed as coach in October, the principality club, being replaced by Real Madrid in 2008, where he Croatia’s Nikola Kalinic, who Ploufragan, France Henry, with whom he played at Arsenal breaking out on his own in management his predecessor Leonardo Jardim. Fabre- enjoyed two separate spells joined Atletico in August, could earlier in his career. for the fi rst time. Fabregas, who shares gas could be forgiven for wondering what either side of a move to Juven- be allowed to leave. Atletico “Football doesn’t wait and maybe it the same agent as Henry, left Chelsea to he has let himself in for, with the 2017 tus. Some of Atleti’s fans have Madrid, who are second in the esc Fabregas believes Thierry was not the right moment or he didn’t team up with the former France striker French champions currently in the Ligue not forgotten the player’s links Spanish league, have already Henry will still become “a top have the time to fulfi l all his plans and when he signed a three-and-a-half-year 1 relegation zone. to Real, with a minority even allowed Portuguese winger coach” despite lasting just three everything he wanted to do. That is life, deal for an undisclosed fee on January 11. “One of the main reasons for me com- chanting against his arrival dur- Gelson Martins, 23, to join Ligue months in charge at struggling it happens.” The Spain star had played just three ing to Monaco is that Thierry called me,” ing the team’s La Liga victory 1 Monaco on loan until the end Monaco.C “We are sad for ‘Titi’ because Having previously worked as an assist- games under Henry before the latter was added the 31-year-old. “He wanted me to over Getafe on Saturday. of the season. I really think he will be a top coach, I am ant coach with the Belgian national team, sacked last week in a stunning move by play every game, every minute.”

SERIE A Ronaldo late winner pulls ‘worst’ Juventus 11 points clear

AFP been the kitman’s fault, giving us ten shirts A solo run by Bernardeschi down the left Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to Milan of diff erent colours because we couldn’t pass set up the equaliser which Cancelo fi red in score a penalty against Lazio. (AFP) the ball to each other,” said Allegri. off a rebound after Lazio goalkeeper Thomas “For sixty minutes it was the worst Juven- Strakosha had initially cleared a Paulo Dybala ristiano Ronaldo converted a pen- tus of the year,” continued captain Giorgio shot. Ronaldo — whose penalty was saved last alty to seal a hard-fought 2-1 win for Chiellini. “Paradoxically after the goal dis- week against Chievo — fi nished off to score in Juventus against Lazio in Rome on advantage we found the motivation to win it. his eighth consecutive away match to bring Sunday night to pull 11 points clear “We’ve got players who make the diff erence. his league tally to 15 goals. inC Serie A. Juventus had trailed after an Emre (Goalkeeper Wojciech) Szczesny kept us on Inter Milan fell at Torino with defender Can own-goal after an hour before substitute our feet, we were lethal in the end.” Armando Izzo scoring the only goal, as Roma Joao Cancelo pulled the champions level and The champions had struggled for the fi rst threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 then earned the penalty which Ronaldo slot- hour in the Stadio Olimpico as Lazio piled on against Atalanta. ted in with two minutes to go. the pressure. Daniele Rugani pulled off a goal- Roma could have overtaken AC Milan in An eighth straight Serie A title beckons for line clearance, after Joaquin Correa dribbled fourth but Colombian forward Duvan Zapata Massimiliano Allegri’s side who soar clear past Can and Leonardo Bonucci, with Szcz- continued his goal-scoring streak to snatch a of second-placed Napoli who were held to a esny denying Luis Alberto and Marco Parolo. point. goalless draw at AC Milan on Saturday. Inter German midfi elder Can’s woes were com- Roma had been three goals up following an Milan are 19 points behind the leaders after pounded just before the hour mark when he Edin Dzeko brace, with Stephan El Shaarawy losing 1-0 at Torino earlier on Sunday. ducked down and instead defl ected the ball adding a third fi ve minutes prior to the break, Lazio drop to eighth place — three points into his own net off a corner. But Allegri’s side before the Romans faded under the driving off the Champions League spots — after their could count on the depth of their bench with rain in northern Italy. second defeat in a row after losing to Napoli second half substitutes Cancelo and Federico Atalanta are now seventh, three points off by the same score last weekend. “It must have Bernardeschi proving pivotal. the elite European places. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 29, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Rockets rally to Doncic’s superb win Paul’s return, show not Thunder triumph enough for Harden keyed their rally, scoring seven straight Rockets points in the Mavericks final 2:12 of the contest starting with a basket that put Houston up 95-93

Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) in action against the To- ronto Raptors on Sunday. PICTURE: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) cel- TCA/DPA sank a 26-foot 3-pointer in the ebrates a basket against the Orlando Magic Dallas fi nal minute, after a large chunk during the fourth quarter of their game on Sunday. of the crowd streamed toward the PICTURE: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports exits. Even though he admitted it he way things unfolded, was one of the top performances Sunday night was shap- of his young NBA career, he wasn’t ing up to be the most in a celebratory mood after the AFP said. “That was awesome — that was re- Luka Doncic in a 123-120 victory over the tant moving forward that we learn how memorable performance game. ally good defense.” Mavericks. to play down the stretch, we learn how Tof Luka Doncic’s young career. “It would have been more spe- Los Angeles Paul George led the way in Oklahoma Pascal Siakam converted a three-point to execute, how to defensively get the The more he scored, tossed alley- cial if we would have gotten a win, City, scored 36 points and pulling down play with 3:56 remaining to break a 108- stops that we need,” Cavaliers head coach oops to teammates and increased for sure,” Doncic said. But as the hris Paul returned from injury, 13 rebounds in the Thunder’s 118-112 vic- 108 tie as the Raptors erased a seven- Larry Drew said. “Certainly any time you the buzz around the American Mavs are starting to see a poten- but it was James Harden’s 40 tory over the league-leading Milwaukee point fourth-quarter defi cit. do that on the road it makes it that much Airlines Center [in Dallas], the tial end to the rebuilding proc- points that fuelled the Houston Bucks. Danny Green stretched Toronto’s lead sweeter.” rookie guard was on the verge of ess with Doncic’s emergence, the Rockets’ 103-98 come-from- Russell Westbrook notched his 16th to 116-112 with 1:34 to play, and after Dal- In New York, the Miami Heat climbed leading the Mavericks to a win outcomes aren’t necessarily as behindC victory over the Orlando Magic in triple-double of the season with 13 las’ Harrison Barnes missed a pair of free back to.500 with a 106-97 victory over against one of the league’s best important as what they signal for the NBA on Sunday. points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and the throws Leonard scored on a driving layup. the Knicks. Miami guard Wayne Elling- teams. the future. In the fi rst half, Dallas Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Thunder put the brakes on Milwaukee’s Mavs prodigy Doncic, 19, scored 35 ton scored all 19 of his points in the sec- Toronto had other plans. was at-risk of getting rolled by the Harden extended his streak of games with Most Valuable Player candidate Giannis points with 12 rebounds and 10 assists to ond half, including a pair of three point- The Raptors rode a late-game leaders in the Atlantic Division. at least 30 points to 23. He chipped in 11 Antetokounmpo to post a fi fth straight become the fi rst to post two triple-dou- ers that pushed the Heat’s lead to 100-92 surge to a 123-120 victory over the The Raptors knocked down 11 of rebounds, six assists and three blocked win.Oklahoma City led by as many as 19 bles in the NBA while still a teenager. with 1:08 remaining. Mavericks to snap Dallas’s mod- their 20 3-pointers in the fi rst half shots — including one in the last 30 sec- points in the third quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent Veteran Dwyane Wade added 15 points est two-game winning streak. and led 70-58 at the break. Behind onds to help the Rockets seal the win. Milwaukee closed to within three with Toronto from improving to 37-15 to pull off the bench for Miami in his penul- But once again, the 19-year-old Doncic and second-year guard Paul, who missed 17 games with a left 1:09 left in the game, but George an- into a virtual tie atop the East with the timate appearance at Madison Square made rookie displayed the tre- Dennis Smith Jr, the Mavs kept hamstring injury, fi nished with 12 points, swered Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe’s three- 35-13 Bucks. Garden before he retires at the end of the mendous potential he had. Don- that from happening. Smith went six assists and fi ve steals. pointer with his own from beyond the Elsewhere, the NBA-worst Cleveland season. cic had to settle for 12 rebounds, on a personal 5-0 run in the third Houston trailed by as many as 15 in the arc to push the Thunder’s lead back to Cavaliers snapped a six-game skid with 10 assists and a season-high 35 quarter to put them ahead for the third quarter, never taking the lead until 113-107 and contributed two of the free a 104-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls. RESULTS points, his second triple-double fi rst time since the beginning of there were less than fi ve minutes remain- throws that Oklahoma City used to seal The game came down to the fi nal pos- New York ...... 97 Miami ...... 106 of his NBA career. Even in a loss, the game. ing. the game. session, with Bulls guard Zach LaVine’s Houston...... 103 Orlando ...... 98 he showed why there’s so much He scored 13 points in his third Harden keyed their rally, scoring seven Antetokounmpo fi nished with 27 three-point attempt over Cedi Osman Dallas ...... 120 Toronto ...... 123 optimism around his role in the game since he missed six games straight Rockets points in the fi nal 2:12 of points and 18 rebounds and Khris Mid- bouncing off the rim at the buzzer. Minnesota ...... 111 Utah...... 125 team’s future. for various reasons amid trade the contest starting with a basket that put dleton added 22 points for the Bucks, who The Cavs limited the Bulls to one bas- San Antonio ...... 132 Washington ...... 119 “He played well,” Mavs coach speculation. When asked about Houston up 95-93. saw their six-game winning streak end. ket from the fi eld in the fi nal 3:50 as they Oklahoma City...... 118 Milwaukee ...... 112 Rick Carlisle said in perhaps the meshing with Luka during the “They kept digging it and digging it In Dallas, Toronto star Kawhi Leonard clung on for the win. Chicago ...... 101 Cleveland ...... 104 understatement of the year. Car- Mavs’ three-game home stand, and fi nally we held them to 37 in the sec- scored 33 points and the Raptors with- “We haven’t been in that situation of- LA Clippers ...... 122 Sacramento ...... 108 lisle’s muted response probably Smith said the issue was over- ond half,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni stood a triple-double from Dallas rookie ten, but when we do get there, it’s impor- LA Lakers ...... 116 Phoenix ...... 102 stemmed from the fact the Mavs blown. “That’s my dog, man,” (22-27) had a chance to extend Smith said. “All the speculation, I their winning streak to three think it needs to stop. I don’t even FOCUS games at the expense of the Rap- like answering questions about it.” World champion Chen wins tors, one of the best teams in the After Doncic’s big dunk in the Eastern Conference. fourth quarter, Smith was waiting third US fi gure skating crown After trailing by 12 at half-time, on the bench to give his backcourt Patriots, Rams arrive the Mavericks led by as many as mate a celebratory chest-bump. Washington: Reigning world second-placed Jason Brown seven points in the fourth quarter The two combined for an alley- champion Nathan Chen won his after the short programme, before Toronto (37-15) took con- oop earlier in the game that was third straight men’s title at the seized second place with in Atlanta for Super Bowl trol. The Raptors went on a 10-2 one of the Mavs’ biggest highlights US Figure Skating Champion- an ambitious free skate that run in the middle of a quarter that of the second half. But in the clos- ships on Sunday with a dazzling included an attempt at four Reuters the crowd before tossing the microphone was fuelled by forward Kawhi ing minutes, Dallas went through free skate that featured four quads. Atlanta aside. Leonard, who scored nine of his Doncic, hoping to exhaust any re- quadruple jumps. He fell on one and was charged In Los Angeles, throngs of Rams fans team-high 33 in the fi nal 12 min- maining magic he had planned for Chen, leading after the short with under-rotating two, but showed up for a rally at the site of the team’s utes. the evening. programme, scored a massive he did enough to tally 183.76 he Los Angeles Rams and New England future stadium in Inglewood. But even as the Raptors closed While his dominance could only 228.80 points for a total of points for a total of 284.01 and Patriots have touched down in Atlanta “I’ve been here for three years and seeing the game and eventually took the carry the Mavs so far against the 342.22 — 58.21 points ahead of surpass Brown, who didn’t after enthusiastic send-off s from their us go from 4-12 three years ago to going to lead, they had to contend with one Raptors, he showed why he’s gar- silver medallist Vincent Zhou. attempt a quadruple jump fans ahead of their Super Bowl clash on the Super Bowl now is amazing,” said Rams of Doncic’s best performances of nered so much attention for the TSunday. quarterback Jared Goff. the season. There was one stretch upcoming All-Star Game. Doncic “That whole program went and earned 172.56 points for a exactly as I wanted it to,” total of 273.08 and the bronze An estimated 35,000 Patriots fans packed “We appreciate all the support and we’re when he accounted for eight of the said he hopes his big performance Chen said after a free skate of medal. Chen, a 19-year-old into Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to cheer ready to bring a Lombardi Trophy back to team’s 10 points, including an em- will sway the coaches in the West- elegance and eff ortless power from Salt Lake City who is in on the team, which is looking to avenge their LA.” phatic breakaway dunk with 9:30 ern Conference when they select that saw him land one of his his first year at Yale University, loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in last year’s Rams running back Todd Gurley also told left to ignite an otherwise docile the reserves for the upcoming All- quads in combination late in won Grand Prix events at Skate championship game. fans to expect the team to return from Atlan- crowd. Star game. the program. America and in France ahead of “This is the biggest sendoff we’ve ever ta with some new hardware. The lone exception during that Before the game, Raptors coach “I’m lost for words right now,” his second consecutive Grand had,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who “We going to go back to the A and bring a run was an alley-oop from Don- Nick Nurse listed his criteria for said Chen, who also nailed a Prix Final triumph last month at has been at the helm for all five of the fran- chip back to LA,” he said. cic to forward Dwight Powell. But how a rookie should perform to triple Axel. Vancouver. chise’s Super Bowl victories. The Rams’ lone Super Bowl victory came Doncic fi nally slowed down. To- receive the mid-season honour. With the victory in Detroit, It was another strong perform- “Appreciate your support all year... hope in 2000 during the two decade period of time ward the end, as the Raptors went By the end of the night, Doncic Michigan, Chen matched 2004- ance from Chen as he prepares to see you in Atlanta.” when the team was located in St Louis. on a 10-4 run after the game was had lived up to the billing, even in 2006 champion Johnny Weir to defend his world title March Quarterback Tom Brady took a shot at the The team returned to Southern California tied at 108 with 4:27 left, scor- a losing eff ort. “Any young player with the longest US men’s title 18-24, but the American said he team’s detractors, who thought this might be in 2016 and are set to begin playing in their ing became a bit more diffi cult for has to be really spectacular,” Nurse streak since 1980s star Brian wouldn’t get ahead of himself the year that the 41-year-old started to falter new, $4bn stadium in 2020. Doncic. said before the Mavs guard turned Boitano. as he looks toward the season and the team’s unprecedented run of success Players and coaches from both teams are The guard’s lone jumper in the in another strong performance. Zhou — less than a point behind finale at Saitama, Japan. would finally come to an end. scheduled to meet with the media all week fi nal six minutes was when Doncic “And he has been really spectacu- “We’re still here,” an animated Brady told ahead of the game on Feb 3. double-clutched in mid-air and lar.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 29, 2019 SPORT

GOLF MOTORSPORT Alonso sparks winning eff ort at 24 Rose holds off Scott Hours of Daytona

AFP kept his composure and stayed Miami in front until the race was halted, never to restart after an unprecedented second red fl ag wo-time Formula One for rain. to claim Farmers world champion Fern- At 2:25pm (1925 GMT), 10 ando Alonso sparked minutes early due to the soggy his team to victory conditions, the checkered fl ag TSunday in the rain-hit 24 fl ew and Alonso could cel- Hours of Daytona. ebrate being a Le Mans and The 37-year-old added the Daytona endurance king. epic US endurance event to a South African car owner list of career achievements that Taylor knew it was time to stop Insurance Open includes 32 F1 race wins and when he heard Alonso on the world titles in 2005 and 2006. radio trying to hang on. ‘I haven’t won in January since about 2002, so this feels great’ “Amazing. Just an amazing “Fernando Alonso is prob- experience from the test and ably one of the greatest guys perfect execution for the race,” I’ve ever known,” Taylor said. Alonso said. “We were com- “When he came on the radio petitive in everything – dry, and was talking in fear, I real- wet, night, day.” ised they were doing the right Alonso got his fi rst taste of thing (to stop racing).” endurance racing last year at Taylor enjoyed his US sons Daytona, struggling with me- each making the podium, Jor- chanical problems to fi nish dan for the winners and Ricky 38th overall, but he went on to in third. win last year’s 24 Hours of Le “Normally I’d be in a bad Mans. mood about this (rain) but I’m This year, Alonso drove the trying to be in a positive mood. winning car into Daytona’s To have both my kids in the top Victory Lane, celebrated with three is pretty amazing,” Taylor a Spanish fl ag draped over his said. shoulders and pondered where Hours of early morning rain the victory fi ts among his ca- spelled doom for the hopes of reer highlights. Alonso’s nearest rivals. “I think it will rank very high,” Alonso said. “To win endurance ‘THIS IS SURVIVAL’ races in iconic places like Dayto- The race was halted with Alon- na is great. I haven’t been doing so’s car ahead of US racer Eric this very long. I’ve been in the Curran and Brazilian drivers right place at the right moment Nasr and Pipo Derani. so I’m happy for that.” “This is the worst racing Alonso spent this weekend conditions ever. This is not in the No. 10 Cadillac DPi- racing anymore. This is sur- V.R. for Wayne Taylor Racing vival,” Curran said. that started sixth on Saturday “I don’t want to see a bunch afternoon with co-drivers Ka- of cars get wrecked and any- mui Kobayashi, American Jor- body get hurt. It’s miserable. dan Taylor and Renger van der You’re focused on keeping the Zande. “I’m really happy for car on the track instead of rac- these guys,” he said. ing.” Alonso will try to join Brit- “I’ve never seen a race like ain’s Graham Hill as the only this,” said octogenarian race racers to win the Triple Crown team owner Roger Penske, of the Monaco Grand Prix, 24 whose Acura car sat in third, Hours of Le Mans and Indiana- with Indianapolis 500 winners polis 500 when he competes in Helio Castroneves and Alex- the latter on May 26. ander Rossi and Taylor’s son The Spaniard helped move Ricky behind the wheel. the Taylor car to the front Alonso’s remaining 2019 early and Kobayashi’s over- schedule includes the 1,000 night work helped keep it in miles of Sebring on March 15 front when rains struck early and the 6 Hours of Spa on May Sunday, leaving cars skidding 4 before his bid to win the Indy Justin Rose of England poses with the trophy after winning the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) and spraying water in unsafe 500. conditions. The key pass came He will close the campaign AFP in the wake of spinal fusion surgery. when Brazil’s Felipe Nasr skid- in June at Le Mans, the 2018-19 Los Angeles LEADING FOURTH ROUND SCORES Woods narrowly made the cut, but ded out of the lead on a turn in World Endurance Champion- surged on the fi nal day with fi ve birdies in the morning rain and Alonso ship season fi nale. 267-Justin Rose (ENG) 63-66-69-69 68-68-70 his fi nal eight holes to get into the top 20. orld No. 1 Justin Rose added 269-Adam Scott (AUS) 70-66-65-68 277-Ryan Palmer 67-67-75-68, Bud Woods shot a fi ve-under 67, including a to his impressive hardware 272-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 66-66-73- Cauley 66-70-74-67, Matt Jones (AUS) 31 on his back nine, to fi nish in tie for 20th collection on Sunday, shoot- 67, Talor Gooch 69-68-67-68 67-74-69-67, Sepp Straka (AUT) 69-67- with four others at 10-under 278. He tied ing a three-under par 69 to 274-Jason Day (AUS) 67-71-69-67, Rory 71-70, Tony Finau 69-69-69-70, Patrick for 23rd last year. Woods said things are Wwin the Farmers Insurance Open by two diff erent this year as he has a better un- McIlroy (NIR) 71-65-69-69, Jon Rahm Reed 69-69-69-70, Michael Thompson strokes. (ESP) 62-72-68-72 68-69-69-71 derstanding of his fi tness and focus. England’s Rose captured his 10th US 275-Billy Horschel 66-68-71-70 278-Jason Kokrak 71-69-69-69, Tiger PGA Tour title as he held off a hard-charg- 276-Gary Woodland 71-70-69-66, Woods 70-70-71-67, Kang Sung (KOR) SHAKE OFF RUST ing Adam Scott down the stretch and se- Cameron Smith (AUS) 71-69-71-65, Joel 71-70-66-71, Charles Howell 66-70-75-67, “Well it was nice to shake off some rust,” cured the victory with a 21-under par total Dahmen 68-67-70-71, Scott Brown 70- Doug Ghim 63-73-67-75. the 14-time major winner said. of 267. Australia’s Scott closed with four This was Woods’ fi rst offi cial tourna- straight birdies in his four-under par 68 status quo and changed everything up in “Even when he was a little off , he kept it ment since winning the Tour Champion- on the Torrey Pines South Course in La the search to try and get better,” said Rose, together.” ship last year. Jolla, California. who switched to a diff erent brand of clubs Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama tied for third “Each day I got a little better, which is “I haven’t won in January since about at the end of last year. with Talor Gooch at 16-under 272 after nice” he added. “I was a little bit sharper 2002, so this feels great,” said the 2013 US “I felt comfortable with the way I drove fi ring a fi ve-under 67. American Gooch each and every day. Open champion Rose. the ball this week on a tough test. shot a 68. “My driver started coming around The 38-year-old Rose, leading by three “A whole new look for me. But I don’t First-round leader Jon Rahm, four time which is nice. My iron game wasn’t quite to start the day, got off to a rough and mind it, if it is going to produce this golf.” major winner Rory McIlroy and defending as sharp. I’ve been hitting good putts and tumble start with three bogeys in his fi rst This is Rose’s fi rst win since the Turk- champ Jason Day fi nished in a three-way fi nally they started going in.” fi ve holes, but got back on track with a ish Airlines Open on the European Tour tie for fi fth, seven strokes back of Rose. His next event will be in a couple of birdie on the par-four seventh. in November. He came into the event af- Day shot 67, McIlroy had 69, while Rahm weeks at the Genesis Open in his home- He made back-to-back birdies around ter fi nishing in a tie for 34th at the Desert closed with a 72. town of Los Angeles. the turn and then held on for the win with Classic in La Quinta, California. McIlroy surged into contention with Woods says he no longer has to worry his sixth and fi nal birdie of the day on 18. He also won with new caddie Gareth three birdies in four holes on the front about what stage his game is at when he Rose, who surpassed $50 million in PGA Lord on his bag for just the second time. nine but failed to keep pace on the back. returns from a long break. Tour earnings, said he is relieved to see Rose’s regular caddie Mark Fulcher is re- Tiger Woods made his 2019 debut and “I am at a place where I can take time off that changes he made in his equipment covering from heart surgery. his tournament was almost a mirror image and know what I am going to have when Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso. and his game are paying off . “He’s the number one player in the of how he performed last year — when the I come back. (Before) I am often looking “I am really happy. I challenged the world, and he’s showing why,” Scott said. tournament marked his return to the tour and searching for something,” he said. Next WADA chief must lead reforms, RUGBY says German Olympic supremo Germany’s Olympic sport because many “questionable chief wants the next head decisions” in international England must beat Ireland to reassert dominance: Itoje of the World Anti-Doping sport were becoming “more Agency (Wada) to carry out diff icult to explain and sell Reuters land have been the number one clash at Murrayfi eld. fl ankers Hamish Watson and ity of Dan Biggar, Gareth Dav- clear reforms of the body, internally in the DOSB.” London team in the northern hemi- The trio replace loose-for- John Barclay, lock Richie Gray ies, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and which has been criticised Hoermann had last week crit- sphere,” the lock told British ward Matt Smith, centre Alex and both fi rst-choice hookers Ross Moriarty, who were all on over its handling of the Rus- icized Wada’s latest decision media. Dunbar and lock Rob Harley, Brown and George Turner. the British and Irish Lions tour sian doping aff air. on Russia following a missed ngland must beat Ire- “The only way to rectify that who have all been released back to New Zealand 18 months ago. Alfons Hoermann, president deadline on retrieving data land in their Six Nations is to beat Ireland. to their club Glasgow Warriors, Halfpenny out but it’s mostly “When we selected a larger of the German Olympic from its former Moscow opener on Saturday if “We can defi nitely beat them, having been added to the squad good news for Wales than normal squad (39 players) it Sports Confederation anti-doping laboratory. they are to regain their I have no doubt in my mind last week. Leigh Halfpenny will miss was to cover,” he said. DOSB, said yesterday that The Wada executive commit- statusE as Europe’s dominant about that. It’s a great way to McDowall, 20, a former Scot- the start of the Six Nations as “It has been good to welcome Wada’s next president must tee decided on January 22 force ahead of this year’s Rugby start and will be a great way to land Under-20 international, Wales confi rmed he is not fi t to quite a few faces back today.” be someone “that not to declare Russia’s anti- World Cup in Japan, Maro Itoje kick off what will hopefully be a signed his fi rst professional con- play against France in the tour- Davies had been a doubt af- finally cleans up the Wada doping agency RUSADA non- has said. very successful year for us.” tract with Glasgow Warriors last nament opener in Paris on ter suff ering a thigh muscle shop in a clear fashion.” compliant again although it Ireland proved a class apart in month. Friday. injury playing for the Scarlets Wada will vote on a new failed to meet a December 2018 after winning the Six Na- Scotland add uncapped centre Wing Lee Jones is a doubt Leon Brown, Rhys Patchell this month. Halfpenny’s par- president in November, with 31 deadline to give Wada tions Grand Slam, earning a test McDowall to squad with a knee injury and his fi t- and Scott Williams have also ticipation – for the opening two Briton Craig Reedie stepping experts access to the lab da- series victory in Australia and Scotland have made three ness will be assessed this week, been ruled out, Wales forwards rounds at least – was always in down at the end of his sec- tabase. Russia must now also beating world champions New changes to their squad for the Six while prop Zander Fagerson and coach Robin McBryde told a doubt after being told by a spe- ond term in off ice. produce retests of suspicious Zealand in Dublin, and are seek- Nations opener at home to Italy hooker Fraser Brown will con- news conference yesterday. cialist he needed more time to Norwegian politician Linda samples from the Moscow ing back-to-back titles for the on Saturday, including a call- tinue their rehabilitation with But there was a boost for the get over the symptoms of con- Helleland is so far the only lab by June 30 to avoid new second time in six years. up for uncapped centre Staff ord the squad. team with fi ve regulars being cussion suff ered against Aus- candidate for the post. sanctions. England have not recorded a McDowall. Townsend has had to cast his declared fi t after being rated tralia in November. Hoermann said in Frankfurt RUSADA became non-com- victory in Dublin since 2013 but Coach Gregor Townsend has also net wide for the Six Nations after doubtful. Wales have won their last nine the DOSB would take an pliant in November 2015 over Itoje said they were ready for the called on Glasgow Warriors wing 19 players initially under con- “It’s not as lengthy an injury Tests and victory over France active role and a clear posi- wide-ranging doping challenge. Rory Hughes and Edinburgh sideration were unavailable for list as last week,” McBryde said would equal their longest un- tion in the reform of Wada practices in the country. “Over the last year or so, Ire- scrum-half Henry Pyrgos for the selection, including experienced as he confi rmed the availabil- beaten run since 1999. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 29, 2019 7 TENNIS

FOCUS Nadal takes positives out of Australian Open loss AFP level),” said Nadal. tion for what is coming.” to keep playing and stay healthy. Melbourne “Five months without com- Nadal had not played a main “I need matches, but I can’t go peting, having that big challenge tour event since a knee problem crazy to play matches,” he added. in front of me, I needed some- forced him to retire during his “I have my age. I have my cal- afael Nadal said he took thing else. That something else US Open semi-fi nal against Juan endar. I have my priorities. My a lot of positives out of probably today, I don’t have it Martin del Potro in September. priority now is come back home, the Australian Open on yet. The 32-year-old had surgery have some rest.” his return from injury, “That’s my feeling, to com- on his ankle in November to He is targeting his next tour- despiteR being thrashed in the fi - pete at this super high level.” remove a loose intra-articular nament at Acapulco at the end of nal Sunday by Novak Djokovic. Despite the rout, Nadal said body and only resumed train- February and then Indian Wells The Spanish second seed had he was content with being able ing in December. He played the in early March. “Then we see, played an outstanding level of to reach the fi nal given the injury opening round at an exhibition depend how things go, I keep go- tennis at the tournament with- problems that prevented him event in Abu Dhabi to start his ing or I take a rest before I play on out dropping a set until he met playing any matches after the US season, where he lost to South clay,” he said. his arch-rival on Rod Laver Open until he got to Melbourne. African Kevin Anderson, and Despite not being at his best in Arena. And he had no answer to “I have been going through withdraw from the warm-up Melbourne Nadal nevertheless the world number one’s boom- tough moments in the last year. Brisbane International. shattered the dreams of three of ing groundstrokes and precision (I have played) only nine events “The only thing probably that the hottest new stars – 19-year- serve to limp out of Melbourne and since the US Open I was not I need is time and more match- old Alex de Minaur, 21-year-old Park 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. able to play until the fi rst round es,” he said of getting to a suffi - Frances Tiafoe, and Stefanos Nadal said he still wasn’t at here,” he said. “Even if tonight cient level to challenge Djokovic Tsitsipas, 20 – en route to the his best after his injury-plagued was not my night it’s so impor- at his imperious best. fi nal. And the Spaniard, with 17 2018. “Was unbelievable the way tant for me to be where I am “I need work, and I need more Grand Slam titles to his name, that he played, no doubt about coming back from injury. weeks like this one. That’s really vowed there was more to come. that. But at the same time it is “I really believe I played a the only thing that I hope – to “I’m going to keep fi ghting true that probably physically I great two weeks of tennis, there’s have the chance to keep practis- hard to be a better player,” he Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during a press conference after his defeat to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the was not able (to compete at that a good energy and good inspira- ing well and to have the chance said. final of the Australian Open in Melbourne. (AFP)

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Djokovic tightens grip on top of rankings; Djokovic motivated Federer slides

AFP 10 in 12th place. Paris LATEST ATP RANKINGS: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 ovak Djokovic pts to surpass Federer’s strengthened his 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,320 grip at the top of the 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) men’s ATP tennis 6,475 (+1) Nranking yesterday following his 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) destruction of Rafael Nadal in 5,060 (+1) the Australian Open fi nal. 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,845 An outclassed Nadal, beaten (+1) in straight sets in just over two 6. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 20 Grand Slam titles hours, held on to second spot (-3) in the rankings while Roger Fe- 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,110 (+2) ‘I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special. Of derer slipped from third to six 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,960 place. Federer, the defending 9. John Isner (USA) 3,155 (+1) course, it motivates me. Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority’ champion, was eliminated in 10. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,140 (-3) the round of 16 by Greek giant- 11. Karen Khachanov (RUS) killer Stefanos Tsitsipas. 2,880 Alexander Zverev replaces 12. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) Federer in third position ahead 2,805 (+3) of Juan Martin Del Potro, 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,605 (-1) fourth, who missed the Aus- 14. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,250 tralian Open. Despite his early (+3) elimination in Melbourne, 15. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,225 South African Kevin Anderson, (-2) a Wimbledon fi nalist last year, 16. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) moved up a spot into fi fth. 2,000 (+3) Japan’s Kei Nishikori, mean- 17. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1,955 while, rises two places to sev- (+14) enth after reaching the quar- 18. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) ter-fi nals in Melbourne. 1,955 (+6) Tsitsipas, eliminated by 19. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) Nadal in the semi-fi nals, 1,870 (-1) jumped three places and is 20. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) knocking on the door of the top 1,835 (-4)

Australian Open winner Osaka leaps to No. 1

Japan’s Naomi Osaka poses with the Australian Open trophy at the Brighton Beach in Melbourne. (AFP)

Naomi Osaka, winner of the Australian Open, has jumped to the top of women’s tennis with her beaten opponent Petra Kvitova rising to second in yesterday’s WTA rankings. Osaka climbed Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the championship trophy at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne yesterday, a day after his victory against Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the final three places after beating the Czech in Melbourne on Saturday. of the Australian Open. (AFP) Kvitova moved up four places. The 21-year-old Japanese player has only won three career titles, but those include the last two AFP is something special. Of course, tually getting closer to Roger’s The numbers were scarcely career. majors, after she won the US Open in September. Romanian Melbourne it motivates me,” he told report- record,” Djokovic said. believable considering the duo But Roland Garros is where former number one Simona Halep, knocked out by Serena ers after celebrating the demoli- Djokovic has already ripped had battled for almost six hours the “King of Clay” Nadal rules, Williams in the round of 16 in Melbourne, fell two spots to tion of his greatest rival in their one record from Federer’s grasp in their previous Australian having won 11 French Opens in 13 third. Dane Caroline Wozniacki, whose defence of her Austral- ovak Djokovic has de- 53rd meeting. – lifting the Norman Brookes Open fi nal in 2012 – the longest years. Djokovic would love to de- ian Open title ended in the third round, fell six places to ninth. signs on Roger Fed- “Playing Grand Slams, biggest trophy for a seventh time put fi nal in Grand Slam history. throne the Spaniard there after The biggest rise of the week was by the 25-year-old American erer’s 20 Grand Slam ATP events, is my utmost prior- him clear of the Swiss maestro humiliating him in Melbourne. Danielle Collins who leaped 12 places to 23rd after her run to crowns after complet- ity,” Djokovic added. and Roy Emerson, who both won ‘IT’S AMAZING’ “Obviously I have to work on the semi-finals. The other semi-finalist, Czech Karolina Pliskova, Ning a record-breaking Australian It was the manner of victory six Australian Open men’s sin- “Under the circumstances, play- my game, my clay court game, a who saved four match points against Williams in their quarter- Open victory. that had many, including Djok- gles titles. ing against Nadal, such an im- bit more, more specifi cally than I final, also advanced, gaining three places to fifth in the world. Djokovic won a record seventh ovic, believing he can go on to The Serb’s victory was simply portant match, yeah, I mean, it’s have,” said Djokovic. Williams, who fell to 491 after her maternity break last year, Melbourne crown, 15th Grand match or possibly overtake Fe- magnifi cent as he embarrassed amazing,” said Djokovic. “I need to play better than I continued her rise, gaining five places to 11th. Slam title and third in a row af- derer. At 31 years old, six years Nadal in 124 minutes of spell- “Obviously back-to-back have last season. I am already ter Wimbledon and the US Open younger than Federer, he has binding dominance. semi-fi nals and fi nals, I think I playing better. But, I mean, clay WTA RANKINGS: when he swatted aside Rafael time on his side. The Spaniard had not dropped made 15 unforced errors in total specifi cally in order to have a 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts (+3) Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in a two- his remodelled serve since the in two matches. At this level, as I chance and shot at the title. 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 (+4) hour exhibition of tennis perfec- ‘IT’S STILL FAR’ fi rst round at Melbourne Park 13 said, under the circumstances, it “The ultimate challenge there 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2) tion on Sunday. “I do want to defi nitely focus days earlier. was truly a perfect match.” is to win against Nadal. Then you 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 (+1) The Serbian world number myself on continuing to improve But so dominant was Djokovic Djokovic will go to Paris in have (Dominic) Thiem and (Al- 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 (+3) one said he was motivated to my game and maintaining the that he broke the world number May for the French Open seeking exander) Zverev, Roger is prob- 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4) “have a shot” at Federer’s record overall well-being that I have two not once, but twice in each to become the only man in the ably going to play,” he added. 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940 but conceded that it was “still – mental, physical, emotional – of the three sets, lost only 13 Open Era to win all four majors “I’m obviously fi rst going to 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 (+1) far” away. so I would be able to compete at points on his own serve while twice, and with victory would enjoy this victory and share it 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6) “I am aware that making his- such a high level for the years to delivering eight aces and com- hold all four majors at the same with my family and friends, then 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 (+1) tory of the sport that I truly love come, and have a shot at even- mitted just nine unforced errors. time for the second time in his take it from there.”

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

THIRD ODI SELECTION New Zealand recall Neesham, Astle Kohli bows out with to face India

AFP NEW ZEALAND SQUAD: Mount Maunganui, New Zealand Kane Williamson (pact), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin De Grandhomme, Lockie Fergu- ew Zealand have son, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, India undefeated brought in all-round- Tom Latham, Colin Munro, er Jimmy Neesham Jimmy Neesham, Henry and leg-spinner Todd Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim NAstle for the remaining two Southee, Ross Taylor. one-day internationals against India, after losing a third suc- Lanka call up Karunaratne cessive game in Mount Maun- as Kumara replacement ganui yesterday. Sri Lanka have called up right- in New Zealand However, they have de- arm fast bowler Chamika Kar- cided to persevere with open- unaratne to replace the injured ‘They are teaching us a lesson and we’re required to rise to the challenge’ ers Martin Guptill and Colin Lahiru Kumara for the second Monro, who have both strug- test against Australia and con- AFP gled for runs. fi rmed on Monday that fellow Wellington India took an unbeatable quick Dushmantha Chameera 3-0 lead in the series when had also been ruled out due to they beat New Zealand by sev- injury. irat Kohli bowed out of en wickets with seven overs to Kumara suff ered a torn ham- the New Zealand tour spare in the third match. string on the second day of the with India in an un- Guptill and Monro put on fi rst test in Brisbane, which Sri beatable position after 10 for the fi rst wicket follow- Lanka lost by an innings and Va dominant seven-wicket win in ing partnerships of 23 and fi ve 40 runs, while Chameera has the third one-day international in the two matches before that. injured his left ankle. in Mount Maunganui yesterday. Neesham returns to the side Both injured players will It put India 3-0 up and world to replace all-rounder Doug return to Sri Lanka on Tues- player of the year Kohli said with Bracewell, while Astle comes day, selectors said in a brief the series wrapped up early it was in for Ish Sodhi as the leg- statement. The second and fi - time for him to step aside for the spinner. nal test of the series begins in remaining two matches and the Astle, who has recovered Canberra on Friday. following Twenty20 series. from a knee injury which Meanwhile Australia’s “I couldn’t have asked for a forced him out of New Zea- three-day demolition of Sri better performance after the fi rst land’s series against Pakistan Lanka and the promising per- two clinical performances and in November, is also a capable formances of some of their less just the relentlessness of the side lower order batsman in a side experienced players has helped is something that really pleases struggling for runs. the side build depth ahead of me,” he said after India easily Neesham starred with bat the Ashes series later this year, chased down New Zealand’s 243 and ball against Sri Lanka ear- captain Tim Paine has said. with seven overs to spare. lier this month but was side- Fast bowler Jhye Richard- “I haven’t had a break for a lined from the start of the India son also made his debut in long time. It’s been a very hectic series by a hamstring strain. Brisbane and impressed with Australian tour and now I go on a “It’s great to welcome back his pace, while uncapped all- break very happy, 3-0 up, sealing the all-round skills of Jimmy rounder Marcus Stoinis has the series and I can relax and en- and Todd and we’re looking been called into the squad for joy my break.” forward to seeing what they the second test in Canberra Kohli’s 60 off 74 deliveries can bring to the series,” selec- starting on February 1. and a 113-run partnership with tor Gavin Larsen said, as New “There’s no doubt you have Rohit Sharma formed the back- Zealand works towards fi nalis- to have options to adapt to bone of India’s run chase. It gave ing its World Cup squad. diff erent conditions but what the tourists back-to-back series “We’re still looking to keep we are seeing over the last 12 wins against Australia and New our options open with selec- months is that we have devel- Zealand and ensured they will be tions at this stage and ensure oped depth in all our areas be- a force to be reckoned with in the we continue to learn as much fore we go to England,” Paine World Cup later this year. Shar- New Zealand’s Tom Latham (left) is dismissed as India’s Virat Kohli (centre) and Yuzvendra Chahal (right) celebrate during the third one day as we can about our players.” told reporters. ma top-scored with 62 while international at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. (AFP) Ambati Rayudu was unbeaten on 40 and Dinesh Karthik on 38. Tom Latham (51) gave the innings Henry Nicholls. Boult proved credibility but proved no chal- the most economical of the New Scorecard Bayliss wants England batsmen to lenge for the visitors. Sharma’s Zealand bowlers with two for 40. ‘TEACHING US A LESSON’ NEW ZEALAND Shami 9-0-41-3 (1w), Chahal show ‘guts’ against West Indies While Rayudu was steering India fi rst wicket partnership of 39 9-0-51-2, Pandya 10-0-45-2 home, the International Cricket ended when Shikhar Dhawan DISASTROUS START M. Guptill c Karthik b Kumar 13 (4w), Yadav 8-0-39-0, Jadhav England’s batsmen lacked “guts and determination” in their Council announced he had been edged Trent Boult to the lone slip Mohamed Shami had earlier C. Munro c Sharma b Shami 7 3-0-17-0 (1w). heavy defeat against West Indies in the first test in Barbados suspended from international Taylor to be gone for 28. Kohli taken three for 41 while Bhuv- K. Williamson c Pandya b Chahal and they must learn to build partnerships when they lose quick bowling. The part-time spin- then joined Sharma and the pair neshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya 28 wickets, coach Trevor Bayliss has said. ner was cited for a suspect ac- swatted the attack around the and Yuzvendra Chahal took two INDIA England collapsed for 77 runs in the first innings, where no R. Taylor c Karthik b Shami 93 tion after the fi rst ODI against ground in their century stand for wickets apiece as India shared R. Sharma std Latham b Santner player scored more than 17 runs, before being bowled out Australia two weeks ago. He has the second wicket. around the bowling honours in T. Latham c Rayudu b Chahal 51 62 for 246 in the second innings to lose the first test by 381 runs not bowled since on tour as In- New Zealand, taking a leaf the New Zealand innings. H. Nicholls c Karthik b Pandya 6 inside four days. dia’s recognised bowlers proved from the India playbook, brought Only Taylor, and for a time S. Dhawan c Taylor b Boult 28 “It’s down to guts and determination to get through tough too much for Australia and New two spinners into the match after Latham, off ered any real resist- M. Santner c Karthik b Pandya 3 V. Kohli c Nicholls b Boult 60 periods,” Bayliss told reporters as he bemoaned his batsmen’s Zealand. “They are teaching us a the tourists’ spin twins Kuldeep ance after another disastrous D. Bracewell run out (Kohli) 15 A. Rayudu not out 40 lack of application. lesson and we’re required to rise Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal start by the top order. Both open- I. Sodhi c Kohli b Shami 12 “Every time we lose a wicket it’s the beginning of a collapse. to the challenge,” New Zealand took the bulk of the wickets in ers were gone and New Zealand D. Karthik not out 38 We have to work out what’s the diff erence between when we T. Boult c Shami b Kumar 2 captain Kane Williamson said. the fi rst two matches. were two for 26 when Taylor went Extras: (b 1, wd 16) 17 put on a partnership after losing a wicket and losing eight or “The quality they brought Ish Sodhi proved expensive to the middle and Latham arrived L. Ferguson not out 2 Total: (for 3 wickets; 43 overs) 245 nine quick ones.” with the ball, in particular their but Mitchell Santner was tight at three for 59 with the dismissal Bayliss said he was worried about Keaton Jennings’s poor form Extras (lb 4, wd 7) 11 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Dhawan), consistency in what they’ve and fi nished with one for 45 after of Kane Williamson (28). Taylor after the opener was baited into nicking the ball to the slips in Total (all out; 49 overs) 243 2-152 (Sharma), 3-168 (Kohli) tried to do, they haven’t given he cleverly deceived Sharma in and Latham mounted a rescue both innings, scoring 17 and 14 respectively. you much and they’ve forced the air and the India opener was mission with a 119-run stand for Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Munro), Bowling: Boult 10-1-40-2, “Keaton is struggling a bit, I’d be lying if I said we’re not worried some mistakes.” New Zealand, stumped. Kohli, who averages a the fourth wicket. 2-26 (Guptill), 3-59 (William- Bracewell 6-0-49-0 (2w), Fergu- about it and if I said he hadn’t been thinking about it,” Bayliss batting fi rst, posted their high- century every 5.6 innings, was But after Latham was dis- son), 4-178 (Latham), 5-191 (Ni- son 10-1-57-0 (4w), Santner 10-0- added. est score and longest innings in due a big knock in New Zealand missed for 51 it ignited a collapse cholls), 6-198 (Santner), 7-222 45-1, Sodhi 7-0-53-0 (1w) “He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve got and he’s going to the three matches so far but they after posting 45 and 43 earlier in which the last six wickets fell (Taylor), 8-239 (Sodhi), 9-239 Results: India won by 7 wickets leave no stone unturned in making it better.” still fell short of 50 overs, their in the series, but his attempt to for only 52 runs. Hamilton hosts (Bracewell), 10-243 (Boult) Series: India lead 3-0. The second match of the three-test series starts on Thursday last wicket falling with six balls drive Boult to the cover bound- the fourth game in the series on Bowlers: Kumar 10-1-46-2 (1w), in Antigua. remaining. Ross Taylor (93) and ary was well caught by a leaping Thursday.

FOCUS History the spur and curse for improving Windies AFP fi eld Sobers, the island’s greatest problems of inter-island rival- cal and we are trying to give the London cricketer, as he struck a majestic ry – the West Indies exists as a players more opportunities in 202 not out in the same match. cricket entity among otherwise fi rst-class cricket, upskill our Nor did unheralded spinner separate independent states – players and improve fi tness but o cricket team have their Roston Chase have to bowl like geography and fi nance which it takes longer in the Caribbean own celebrated past celebrated all-rounder Sobers have long plagued cricket in the because we have to make tough used against them quite as he took a startling eight for Caribbean. choices over our resources.” like the West Indies. 60 in England’s second innings It was in the Telegraph too NThey dominated Test cricket of a match that ended with more ‘PRETTY OFFENSIVE’ that, prior to the series, former for some 15 years from the mid than a day to spare. But Holder, thrust into the cap- England opener Geoff rey Boy- 1970s to the early 1990s and, Admittedly, England began taincy four years ago at the ten- cott labelled the West Indies having even before then been the series third in the world Test der age of 23, has made an im- as “very ordinary, very average viewed as the fi ve-day game’s rankings compared to West In- pressive leader for a youthful cricketers,” comments which, ‘great entertainers’, it has made dies’ eighth, a refl ection of the side forged in adversity. in the light of Saturday’s result, the Caribbean side’s ensuing de- Caribbean side’s recent strug- And with English administra- Grave labelled “borderline dis- cline in the format seem all the gles in New Zealand and Asia, tor Johnny Grave, the CWI chief respectful”. more acute. where they suff ered four defeats. executive, ironing out some of the Arguably nowhere on earth Yet damning the likes of Ke- And yet the warning signs off -fi eld diffi culties, it is clear the has produced so many truly mar Roach as “no Malcolm Mar- were there for Joe Root’s men, West Indies – who in the midst great cricketers per head of pop- shall” miss the point that few with the West Indies winning of everything have still won two ulation as Barbados, with an all- cricketers before or since have the second Test at the Yorkshire- World Twenty20 titles – are time side from the island a match reached the same standard as the man’s Headingley home ground making strides in the Test arena. for any XI. late West Indies fast bowler. two years ago, albeit losing that “We are trying to compete, Many of those stars – Frank Roach, however, didn’t have to series. The emergence of lucra- we can do that better in shorter Worrell, Everton Weekes, Clyde be Marshall or Joel Garner as he tive Twenty20 franchise events formats because it is easier, but Walcott, Gordon Greenidge, ripped through England’s top- such as the Indian Premier people who say we should give Desmond Haynes, Marshall and order with a return of fi ve for 17 in League have proved particularly up on Test cricket I fi nd pretty Garner – have parts of the Ken- a fi rst-innings total of 77 all out enticing for players from de- off ensive,” Grave told Britain’s sington Oval named after them. that set up Saturday’s colossal pressed Caribbean economies. Daily Telegraph newspaper At this rate, Holder, Chase and 381-run win for the West Indies Meanwhile a series of high- shortly before this three-match wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, in the fi rst Test at his Kensington profi le rows involving Cricket series started. who made 116 not out in an un- Oval home ground in Barbados. West Indies president Dave “We are spending a lot of broken partnership of 295 with And West Indies captain Jason Cameron and several once- money on our fi rst-class crick- his captain last week, will take Holder, one of six Bajans in the senior if underperforming Test et and we have a rich heritage. their place in the fabric of the West Indies’ players Roston Chase (left), Kemar Roach (centre) and Jason Holder (right) wave to supporters side, didn’t have to bat like Gar- players have exacerbated the These things tend to be cycli- ground as well. after winning first Test against England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on January 26. (AFP)