FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Ronaldo brace seals new record for voracious Juve

Sunday, December 30, 2018 CRICKET Rabia II 23, 1440 AH Cummins wages GULF TIMES lone fight as India close in on win SPORT Page 2 TENNIS/ QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN FOOTBALL Djokovic to open Qatar seek solid 2022 Qatar campaign rehearsal in Asian Cup against Dzumhur Reuters Doha

Swiss star Wawrinka gets tough first round against rising Russian Karen Khachanov n in-form Qatar will be hoping to use the 10th Asian Cup in nearby United Arab Emirates Aas a platform for a successful maiden World Cup campaign as the hosts of soccer’s biggest event in 2022. The Jan. 5-Feb. 1 tournament will be Qatar’s last major com- petition ahead of the next World Cup and the tiny, wealthy Arab state will look to improve on their Asian Cup quarter-fi nal appearances of 2000 and 2011. Comprised largely of play- ers from 2018 AFC Champions League semi-fi nalists — Al Sadd and Al Duhail — the Maroons have been pooled alongside Leb- anon and Saudi Arabia in Group E, with only North Korea below them in the FIFA rankings. However, Felix Sanchez’s year. Despite being just 22, Afi f men will be confi dent of advanc- has already played in Belgium ing deep into the tournament, and Spain, and scored the win- having been boosted by two im- ning goal against Switzerland, pressive displays in international breaking clear and rounding friendlies last month. home keeper Yvon Mvogo to fi n- Qatar pulled off one of the ish with aplomb. most impressive results in their The Qatari midfi elder, who history when they won 1-0 in primarily operates behind the Switzerland and fi ve days later, attack, will look to cement his they fought back to earn a 2-2 status as one of Asia’s top talents draw against 2016 UEFA Euro during his fi rst Asian Cup. Marius Copil, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Robin Hasse and Marco Cecchinatio at the draw ceremony yesterday. quarter-fi nalists Iceland. Qatar have also won two more “The Asian Cup is a very im- recent warmup matches against By Sahan Bidappa French Open semifinalist portant tournament, and we Jordan and Kyrgyzstan, lost Doha Marco Cecchinato. want to give it our best,” Qatar narrowly to Algeria and com- Thiem had a good run in goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb told plete their preparations against Doha last year before he with- sports weekly Doha Stadium a Carlos Queiroz-coached Iran, orld No.1 Novak drew from his semi-fi nal match Plus. the top side in the continent, in Djokovic will open against eventual champion “Our preparations have been Doha tomorrow. his Qatar Exxon- Gael Monfi ls due to a fever. The very good. We played two high- “The four friendly matches Mobil Open cam- Austrian will open this year’s intensity matches in Europe and will be a good opportunity to paignW against 47th ranked Damir campaign against 55th-ranked did well and hopefully, we can prepare the players,” Sanchez Dzumhur, but it is a tough fi rst Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Her- continue in the same way at the told reporters. “I have several round draw for Stan Wawrinka, bert, to whom he lost in the only Asian Cup.” players to choose from the pre- the three-time Grand Slam match they have played each Qatar’s defence will be boost- paratory camp and I will wait till Champion. other two years back in Rotter- ed by the presence of Abdelkar- the friendly matches to decide Switzerland’s Wawrinka, who dam. im Hassan, who was named 2018 on the fi nal squad. is on a comeback trail after suf- Tomas Berdych, who has not AFC Asian Player of the Year af- “Every team goes into any fering a series of injuries in the been competing since June, ter the left back played a pivotal competition eyeing the title. The last couple of years, will take on has received a wild card for role in Al Sadd’s run to the Asian Qatari team’s goal is no diff erent. third seed Karen Khachanov of the event. The Czech, ranked Champions League semi-fi nals “I know Qatari fans have big Russia in the opening round at 71 now, will take on German this season. hopes from the current batch of the Khalifa International Tennis Philipp Kohlschreiber in the fi rst However, Hassan’s club team- players and I hope we can de- and Squash complex. round, the winner of which may mate Akram Afi f is likely to be liver. Having said that we are in In a twist to the tale, Khach- Tournament director Karim Alami with Qatar Tennis Federation Secretary-General Tariq Zainal and face eight seed Fernando Ver- the most recognisable face in a tough group, and all the teams anov is Wawrinka’s doubles other off icials at yesterday’s draw. dasco next. the squad after his breakthrough deserve the respect.” partner this week at the ATP Fourth seed Cecchinato and World Tour 250 series tourna- Paris Masters last year, where sixth seed David Goffi n will ment, which will begin from to- THE DRAW Dzumhur retired hurt after los- await the qualifi ers in their morrow. ing the fi rst set. opening round matches. Last QATAR FACTBOX Former World No. 3 Wawrin- Djokovic is hoping to put on year’s runner-up Andrey Ru- ka missed three months of ac- First Round [6] D. Goff in (BEL) vs. Qualifier/ a strong 2019 campaign after blev, who received a late entry FIFA world ranking: 93 Jan 9 Qatar v Lebanon Al Ain tion last year after additional [1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs. D. Lucky Loser an outstanding 2018 season. after No. 53 Mikhail Kukushkin Ranking in Asia: 13 Jan 13 North Korea v Qatar Al Ain knee problems and dropped out Dzumhur (BIH) D. Lajovic (SRB) vs. A. Manna- The 31-year-old managed to withdrew, will take on Andreas Previous Asian Cups: 9 Jan 17 Saudi Arabia v Qatar Abu from the top-250 for the fi rst M. Fucsovics (HUN) vs. M. Copil rino (FRA) return to his best form dur- Seppi. Best performance: Quarter-finals Dhabi time since 2003. He recovered (ROU) G. Pella (ARG) vs. [WC] C. Ilkel ing the second part of the last Meanwhile, World No 50 (2000, 2011) Qatar arrive in the UAE for their late in the season to fi nish the A. Rublev (RUS) vs. A. Seppi (TUR) season. Most notably, the Serb Robin Haase, who will kick-off 2015: Group stage 10th Asian Cup on the back of year ranked 66. In the New Year, (ITA) Qualifier/Lucky Loser vs. [4] M. won back-to-back Grand Slam his 2019 season against Nicholas Nickname: The Maroons some strong results in international the 33-year-old will be eager to A. Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) vs. [5] N. Cecchinato (ITA) titles at Wimbledon and the US Jarry of Chile, said he was ready Coach: Felix Sanchez Bas friendlies and hoping to make an get back to his best. Wawrinka Basilashvili (GEO) [8] F. Verdasco (ESP) vs. Quali- Open, as well as returned to to start the new season but add- Regular captain: Hassan Al-Haydos impression on the soccer community is in Doha for the fi rst time since [3] K. Khachanov (RUS) vs. S. fier/Lucky Loser the No.1 spot for the fi rst time ed he didn’t want to go with any Player to watch: Abdulkarim ahead of their maiden World Cup 2008, when he lost in the fi nal to Wawrinka (SUI) P. Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. [WC] since 2016. expectations. Hassan appearance in 2022 as hosts. Andy Murray. R. Haase (NED) vs. N. Jarry (CHI) T. Berdych (CZE) Last night, Djokovic “I don’t have any expecta- Recent form: The tournament will be Qatar’s last But Wawrinka won’t have it [WC] M. Zayid (QAT) vs. Quali- Qualifier/Lucky Loser vs. P. showed he is in a good shape tions, because expectations is Oct 16 Uzbekistan 2-0 Qatar before the 2022 World Cup and easy against the 22-year-old fier/Lucky Loser Gojowczyk (GER) after winning an exhibition the mother of all disappoint- Tashkent theywill look to better their best-ever Khachanov, who was one of the M. Berrettini (ITA) vs. [7] R. P. Herbert (FRA) vs. [2] D. Thiem tournament in Abu Dhabi. ments. So I just try to do my Nov 14 Switzerland 0-1 Qatar Asian Cup show of reaching the leading players of last season. Bautista Agut (ESP) (AUT) The 14-time Grand Slam best and work on my game. It’s Lugano quarter-finals. The Russian began 2018 just champion will be the absolute going well with my coach, who Nov 20 Qatar 2-2 Iceland Eupen Felix Sanchez’s men would hope to inside top-50 and fi nished the favourite to win his third title has been with me for two years. Dec 23 Qatar 2-0 Jordan Doha advance deep in the tournament, year just outside top-10. His in Qatar since there are just If you keep pushing the bounda- Dec 25 Qatar 1-0 Kyrgyzstan Doha having been boosted by two stellar breakthrough title came at the 2018, Khachanov will be chasing Doha, in 2016 and 2017, should three other top 20 players in ries and work hard then the re- Dec 27 Qatar 0-1 Algeria Doha performances in recent international Paris Masters, where he toppled bigger goals this year. have no problem in getting past the field: Dominic Thiem is sults will take care of itself,” the Fixtures: friendlies against Switzerland and Djokovic in the fi nal. After three On the other hand, Djokvoic, Dzumhur of Bosnia. The two the second seed, followed by Dutchman said at the draw cer- Group E Iceland. ATP titles and 46 wins in total in who is two-time champion in have faced each other once, at Khachanov and this year’s emony yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 30, 2018 CRICKET

REPORT NZ VS SRI LANKA Cummins wages NZ scent big victory lone fi ght as India as Wagner rocks Lanka AFP after beating the West Indies, Christchurch England and Pakistan earlier this close in on MCG win year. Despite losing both openers in ew Zealand were eye- the fi rst two overs of their second ‘It’s a massive honour to play for Australia and we’re not going to give up lightly’ ing an historic victory innings, Sri Lanka fought to stay as injury and a barrage in the game until Wagner came AFP of Neil Wagner bounc- into the frame. Ners left Sri Lanka in tatters at the Skipper Dinesh Chandimal Melbourne close of day four of the second and Kusal Mendis produced Test in Christchurch yesterday. stubborn resistance for 53 overs ustralia were teetering The conditions were tailor- for the third wicket before on the brink of defeat made for short-ball specialist Mendis went for 67. in the third Test yes- Wagner, New Zealand bowl- They had seen off the swing terday despite a bat- ing coach Shane Jurgensen said, and seam of New Zealand strike tlingA unbeaten half century from as Sri Lanka were 231 for six at bowlers Tim Southee and Trent tailender Pat Cummins after be- stumps. Boult at the start of the day, were ing set a massive 399 to win by At most they have only four untroubled by spinner Ajaz Pa- India. wickets left, but with doubt tel, and initially they dodged After early morning drizzle, whether the injured Angelo the barrage aimed at the ribs by India started an overcast fourth Mathews will return to help them Wagner. day in Melbourne with a 346- survive the fi nal day. But Mendis, who in the course run lead and with fi ve wickets in At the crease were Dilruwan of his innings became only the hand on a wearing pitch becom- Perera on 22 and Suranga Lakmal second player behind India’s Vi- ing increasingly diffi cult to bat on 16 with their 660-run target rat Kohli to score 1,000 Test runs on. out of sight. this year, was frustrated as Wag- Skipper Virat Kohli declared Wagner, who had little suc- ner forced him on to the back foot at 106 for eight, leaving Aus- cess earlier in the series, broke with four successive deliveries. tralia to chase what would be a through stubborn Sri Lankan re- When the next ball was full record fourth innings total at the sistance, with fi gures of three for length, the 23-year-old could Melbourne Cricket Ground. 47 from a marathon 28 overs. not resist going for the drive and The previous biggest success- “I think he showed what he was smartly caught by substitute ful run chase at the ground came could do once he had a little bit fi elder Matt Henry diving to his in 1928, when England made 332 more bounce on off er. I thought left at extra cover. for seven. he bowled with really good pace Angelo Mathews, who in the Despite more batting fail- and really questioned the Sri fi rst three innings of the series ures Australia were still alive at Lankan batsmen,” Jurgensen scored 236 runs and was dis- stumps on 258 for eight, needing said. missed only once, reached 22 another 141 runs with the gutsy “I was commenting in our when he was forced to retire at Cummins not out 61 — only his viewing area saying I think this tea with a hamstring injury after second Test 50 and his highest day is set up for Neil. hobbling between the wickets for ever score. It followed his ca- “He was really licking his lips the last 10 minutes before the in- reer-best 6-27 with the ball. today to have a good crack and he terval. He was accompanied by certainly had that.” Chandimal faced 228 deliver- Nathan Lyon (not out six) in the After rain ensured a drawn fi rst ies before he fell victim to a Wag- rearguard action. Test in Wellington, a win in the ner bouncer that zipped from the “We’re going to go out tomor- Christchurch decider would give gloves to the helmet and into the row and try and win the fi rst ball New Zealand a fourth consecu- hands of close-in fi elder Henry and the fi rst over and show a lot tive series win for the fi rst time Nicholls. of fi ght and a lot of pride going out there to bat for Australia,” said Lyon when asked if Austral- Bittersweet day for prolifi c Mendis ia could still save the game. Christchurch: Sri Lanka’s in this last game.” “That’s all we can do. It’s a young batting maestro Kusal When he was out for 67, caught massive honour to play Test Australia’s unbeaten batting pair Pat Cummins (L) and Nathan Lyon walk back to the pavilion at the end of fourth day’s play of the third Mendis cemented a stellar year at extra cover off Neil Wagner, match cricket for Australia and Test match in Melbourne yesterday. by passing 1,000 runs in 2018 Mendis had 1,023 runs from we’re not going to give up this but the occasion was tempered 23 innings at 46.50. Kohli has Test match lightly.” Cummins dug in. by his untimely dismissal in amassed 1,322 from 24 innings But with a full day left, India MCG SCORECARD Cummins had brought the the second Test against New at 55.08. are now zeroing in on a fi rst-ev- game back to life late Friday by Zealand. “I’m really happy. I did have that er series win Down Under with India 1st innings: 443-7 dec (C. Pujara 106, V. M. Harris c Agwaral b Jadeja ...... 13 grabbing four wickets in a dev- The 23-year-old was torn target in mind,” he said. just the Sydney Test next week Kohli 82, R. Sharma 63 no; P. Cummins 3-72) A. Finch c Kohli b Bumrah ...... 3 astating spell after his team were between celebrating being the “In the first few matches of to go. The series is currently Australia first innings: 151 (M. Harris 22, T. U. Khawaja lbw b Shami ...... 33 skittled for just 151 in reply to In- second player behind India’s the year I didn’t have that in level at 1-1. Paine 22; J. Bumrah 6-33) S. Marsh lbw b Bumrah ...... 44 dia’s fi rst innings 443 for seven run machine Virat Kohli to my head, but later on, after I’d Despite not being able to fi n- India 2nd innings: (overnight 54-5) T. Head b Sharma ...... 34 declared. achieve the 1,000 milestone played a few games this year, ish off the tail, Indian bowl- M. Agarwal b Cummins ...... 42 M. Marsh c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 10 Debutant opener Agarwal, and ruing Sri Lanka’s precarious and scored a few runs, then I ing coach Bharat Arun praised H. Vihari c Khawaja b Cummins ...... 13 T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja ...... 26 who had witnessed the carnage position with a day remaining in became pretty intent on getting his attack.Australia’s task was C. Pujara c Harris b Cummins ...... 0 P. Cummins not out ...... 61 from the other end, showed the series deciding Test. to 1,000 runs.” made harder when Aaron Finch V. Kohli c Harris b Cummins ...... 0 M. Starc b Shami ...... 18 early aggression yesterday when Of reaching 1,000 runs, Mendis However, his dismissal when again fl opped, throwing his role A. Rahane c Paine b Cummins ...... 1 N. Lyon not out ...... 6 they resumed, smacking Lyon said he was “really glad I was Sri Lanka needed a long as a Test opener under ever more R. Sharma c S.Marsh b Hazlewood ...... 5 Extras: (lb6, b2, w2) ...... 10 for two big sixes. able to do it at 23, and I had partnership took the gloss off scrutiny with speculation that R. Pant c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 33 Total : (eight wickets, 85 overs) ...... 258 But he was no match for Cum- challenged myself to get there the day. he either has to drop down the R. Jadeja c Khawaja b Cummins ...... 5 To bat: Josh Hazlewood mins who was again Australia’s order in Sydney or make way for M. Shami not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Finch), 2-33 (Harris), 3063 saviour when a low delivery someone else. Extras (lb1 b5, w1) ...... 7 (Khawaja), 4-114 (S. Marsh), 5-135 (M. Marsh), ricocheted off the bat onto the He played a poor shot to pace Total (eight wickets declared, 37.3 overs) ...... 106 6-157 (Head), 7-176 (Paine), 8-215 (Starc) stumps and he was out for 42. spearhead Jasprit Bumrah — Did not bat: Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah Bowling: Bumrah 17-1-53-2, Sharma 12-0-37-1, It was Cummins’ third fi ve- who snared six wickets in the Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Vihari), 2-28 (Pujara), 3-28 Jadeja 32-6-82-3, Shami 21-2-71-2, Vihari 3-1-7-0 wicket haul in his 17 Tests — and fi rst innings — and was caught (Kohli), 4-32 (Rahane), 5-44 (Sharma), 6-83 (Agar- Toss: India he achieved the feat in just nine by Kohli for three. wal), 7-100 (Jadeja, 8-106 (Pant) Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Ian Gould overs for 14 runs. Fellow opener Marcus Harris Bowling: Starc 3-1-11-0, Hazlewood 10.3-3-22-2, (ENG) Not satisfi ed, he then had followed him back to the pavil- Cummins 11-3-27-6, Lyon 13-1-40-0 TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) Jadeja caught at short point by ion for 13, getting an inside edge Australia 2nd innings Match referee: Paul Wilson (AUS) Khawaja for fi ve to give him ca- from spinner Ravindra Jadeja to reer-best fi gures of 6-27 off 11 Mayank Agarwal close in. overs. Usman Khawaja was the next trapped leg before by Bumrah Australia’s faint survival hopes fore his stumps were knocked When Rishabh Pant fell to to go after a lively 33, trapped for a brisk 44 and his brother were fading fast. over by Ishant Sharma and when Josh Hazlewood for 33, Kohli lbw by Mohamed Shami. Mitch — another candidate for Travis Head put up some re- skipper Tim Paine went for 26 made the declaration. When Shaun Marsh was also the Sydney axe — fell for 10, sistance with a battling 34 be- it appeared all but over — until

TRAGEDY Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis plays a shot as New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls attempts to catch the ball at Hagley Park Oval in Christchurch yesterday. Wife of former England cricket chief Strauss dies Mendis crossed 1,000 runs in 2018 with his knock of 67.

AFP London File photo of Ruth and CHRISTCHURCH SCORECARD Andrew Strauss. New Zealand first innings :178 R. Silva c Watling b Wagner ....18 uth Strauss, whose cancer diag- (T. Southee 68, B. Watling 46; N. Dickwella b Southee ...... 19 nosis prompted her husband An- Lakmal 5-54) D. Perera not out ...... 22 drew Strauss to step down from Sri Lanka first innings 104: S. Lakmal not out ...... 16 his role as England’s director of (A. Mathews 33no; Boult 6-30, Extras: (b 4, lb 2, wd 1) ...... 7 cricket,R has died, her family announced in Southee 3-35) Total: (for 6 wkts, 104 overs) 231 a statement yesterday. New Zealand second innings: Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Karu- The statement said Ruth had died aged 585-4 dec (T. Latham 176, H. Ni- naratne), 2-9 (Gunathilaka), 46 of the rare form of lung cancer she suf- cholls 162no, C. de Grandhomme 3-126 (Mendis), 4-158 (Chandi- fered from in her home country of Aus- 71no, J. Raval 74; Kumara 2-134) mal), 5-181 (Dickwella), 6-208 tralia. Sri Lanka second innings: (Silva) Strauss, a former England cricket cap- (overnight 24-2) Bowling: Boult 27-11-73-1, tain, announced in early October he was D. Gunathilaka c Watling b Southee 27-13-61-2, de Grand- standing down permanently as the na- Southee ...... 4 homme 10-1-23-0 (1w), Wagner tional side’s director of cricket following D. Karunaratne c Watling b Boult 28-10-47-3, Patel 12-9-21-0 a period of compassionate leave. passed away today as a result of her rare tective she was of her family and it gives “Ruth desperately wanted to help those 0 Toss: Sri Lanka Ruth was diagnosed with cancer during lung cancer,” read the statement issued us huge comfort that she was in Australia, aff ected by this terrible disease,” read the D. Chandimal c Nicholls b Wag- Umpires: Richard Illingworth the Ashes in December 2017 and he took by the England and Wales Cricket Board the land of her birth, surrounded by those statement. ner ...... 56 (ENG), Michael Gough (ENG) a break from his position earlier this year (ECB) on behalf of the Strauss family. who love her, in her fi nal moments.” “We will be launching a foundation in K. Mendis c sub (Henry) b Wag- TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) after she began a new course of treatment. “Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly. The Strauss family thanked the medical due course to raise much needed funds to ner ...... 67 Match referee: Richie Richard- “It is with great sadness and immense “Anyone who has met Ruth will know team who had treated her and said they aid research and also to off er support to A. Mathews retired hurt ...... 22 son (WIS) grief that we have to announce that Ruth how loving, caring and passionately pro- would be helping others with the disease. patients and their families.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 30, 2018 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Djokovic equals Nadal with fourth Cook now a knight; Mubadala title

AFP matched Rafael Nadal’s record Abu Dhabi of four titles. “I’m a bit tired. We weren’t expecting to play two hours orld number one and 30 minutes just before Southgate, Kane Novak Djoko- the start of the season,” said vic won a fourth Djokovic who is building to- Mubadala World wards an assault on a possible WTennis Championship title seventh Australian Open title yesterday, coming back from a next month. set down to beat Kevin Ander- Wimbledon and US Open son 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. champion Djokovic now heads Djokovic claimed victory on to neighbouring Doha where also honoured a fi fth match point against his he will be top seed at the Qa- South African opponent who tar Open starting on Monday. Cook has more Test centuries (33) and runs (12,472) than any other England player won the pre-season exhibition He will take on Bosnia’s Damir tournament in 2018. Dzumhur in his tournament The 31-year-old Djokovic opener. previously claimed the three- World number six Anderson day event in the UAE in 2011, is top seed for the Maharashtra 2012 and 2013 and has now Open in Pune, India.

Alastair Cook is the first cricketer to be knighted since legendary all-rounder Ian Botham in 2007. At right, OBE Gareth Southgate.

AFP “It’s a fi tting tribute to a man istrator as that of a guardian, Kate opened the letter.” he told Irish rugby legend Willie John RUGBY London who has led with distinction on driven by a passion to do the very Spurs TV. McBride — like Beaumont a Li- and off the pitch every since he best I can for rugby.” “Normally we’d talk a little ons captain having skippered the made his England debut,” England Football did not miss out, with but she would never call me just combined outfi t’s most success- ormer England crick- and Wales Cricket Board chair- England manager Gareth South- before the match. I had a missed ful side of all time on the brutal et and rugby captains man Colin Graves said in a state- gate and captain Harry Kane call and she texted me ‘could you 1974 tour of South Africa, which Alastair Cook and Bill ment to Press Association Sport. rewarded for the national side’s answer?’. saw them win the four-Test se- Beaumont headlined Beaumont — chairman of the run to this year’s World Cup “I thought something was ries 3-0 with one draw — adds a sportingF personalities in the sport’s governing body, World semi-fi nals. wrong! But Kate was excited and Commander of the Order of the New Years Honours List with Rugby, — skippered England Southgate, whose sartorial told me that we’d had a letter British Empire (CBE) to his MBE. both men receiving knighthoods to the 1980 Five Nations Grand elegance in Russia saw sales of from the Queen saying we’d get McBride’s fellow Northern from Queen Elizabeth II. Slam as well as captaining the waistcoats rocket, received the an MBE.” Irishman former Manchester Cook — who has more Test British and Irish Lions. middle-ranking Offi cer of the Another British sporting suc- United goalkeeper Harry Gregg, centuries (33) and runs (12,472) Following his retirement as a Order of the British Empire cess story of the year Welshman who survived the Munich air crash than any other England player player the 66-year-old became (OBE) whilst Tottenham Hotp- Geraint Thomas received an that killed several of the Busy Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning accrued during a record 161 Test a much loved face on BBC televi- sur sharpshooter Kane garnered OBE after winning road cycling’s Babes in 1958, received an OBE. the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. Djokovic matches — is the fi rst cricketer sion, his avuncular style adapt- the lesser Member of the Order showpiece event, the Tour de Horseracing, was acknowl- won the title for the fourth time, coming back from a set down to to be knighted since legendary ing well to captaining a team in of the British Empire (MBE). France. edged as well with Richard John- beat Kevin Anderson 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. all-rounder Ian Botham in 2007. Question of Sport. Kane, who won the World Beaumont was not the only son, who has been British jumps The 34-year-old opening “I am honoured and humbled Cup Golden Boot for fi nishing rugby personality to be honoured champion jockey the past three batsman fi nished his Test career to receive this accolade from Her top scorer with six goals, said he with former Scotland lock Dod- years after being runner-up on FOCUS in the best possible manner with Majesty the Queen for services learnt of his award from his fi an- die Weir, whose courageous battle 16 occasions to legend AP Mc- a century against India at The to rugby,” Beaumont told World cee Kate just prior to a Premier with motor neurone disease has Coy, receiving an OBE. Oval despite having declared Rugby. League game with Southampton helped to raise its profi le through But, as ever Johnson, has to there “was nothing left in the “I have always viewed my in early December. his ‘My Name’5 Doddie Founda- give second best to his old rival Australia down tank”. work in the sport as an admin- “We got a letter to the house, tion’, being awarded an OBE. as McCoy was knighted in 2016. France in CRICKET BOXING Hopman Cup Bancroft For relaxed Mayweather, Japan fi ght with AFP New Australian Perth Open heat policy to counter oven-like back in Nasukawa is ‘all about entertainment’ conditions ocal favourite Matthew AFP Ebden’s come-from- Melbourne: A new extreme Big Bash Tokyo behind win ensured heat policy that dictates Australia beat France when it is safe to play will be Lon the opening day of the introduced at next month’s aft er ban S boxing legend Floyd mixed teams Hopman Cup in Australian Open to better “Money” Mayweather Perth yesterday deal with frequent oven-like said yesterday his fo- Ebden came from a set down conditions on court. expires cus was on entertain- to beat the higher ranked Lu- The “Heat Stress Scale” will Uing the fans during his New cas Pouille as he and Ashleigh be used for the first time at a Reuters Year’s Eve fi ght with Japanese Barty beat the French duo of Grand Slam to help prevent Melbourne kickboxing prodigy Tenshin Pouille and Alize Cornet 2-1 in players from fainting and Nasukawa near Tokyo. their Group A tie. suff ering exhaustion, relying The 41-year-old unbeaten World number 15 Barty on more weather-measuring ormer Australia open- champion has been tempted had given Australia the early devices at Melbourne Park. ing batsman Cameron out of retirement — again — for ascendancy with a polished Organisers said it followed Bancroft has been rushed a one-off “exhibition” in Saita- straight-sets win over Cornet, “cutting-edge research and back into the Perth ma, north of Tokyo, against a former Hopman Cup winner. testing into the specific ef- Scorchers’F squad in the domestic “Ninja Boy” Nasukawa, a fi ght- Ebden then secured the tie fects of heat stress on tennis ‘Big Bash’ Twenty20 competi- er more than half his age at 20. for the host nation by com- players”. tion following the expiry of his “It is all about entertainment. ing from a set down to beat New rules will allow for a ban for ball-tampering yester- I don’t worry about anything,” Pouille, who went cold after a 10-minute break between day. Mayweather told reporters in a blistering start. Ranked 46th the second and third sets in Bancroft was banned from in- news conference devoid of the in the world, Ebden was play- women’s singles matches ternational, state and Big Bash hyped-up rhetoric that usually ing in front of his hometown when a four – on a scale of cricket for nine months for his accompanies pre-fi ght events. crowd and turned the match one to five – is recorded on part in the Cape Town scandal, Tomorrow’s bout will be held by snaring the second set tie- the HSS prior to or during which also led to 12-month bans under boxing rules over three breaker after looking likely to the first two sets of a match. for former Australia captain Steve three-minute rounds, which be blown away by Pouille early. Men will get a 10-minute Smith and vice-captain David the veteran Mayweather said he Ebden raced to a 6-2 lead in breather after the third set if Warner. could complete “in his sleep.” Floyd Mayweather Jr. (left) of the US and Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa pose in Tokyo. the tiebreaker and then held a four is reached. Bancroft, who was permitted to The exhibition will not have off the 32nd-ranked French- If the heat stress scale goes play for his Perth club Willetton an offi cial winner or loser if that does happen, I mean that’s ing” over the rules of the fi ght, super-hyped boxing match. man to level the match. to five, play can be sus- during his ban, could make his Big it goes the distance, meaning entertainment. That’s all we according to mixed martial arts There are also rumours May- He continued that good pended. Bash return against Hobart Hur- both men can keep their treas- need to see,” said Mayweather. promoter RIZIN. weather could take on reign- form into the third set, claim- ricanes today. ured unbeaten records in the For his part, Nasukawa said RIZIN boss Nobuyuki Sakak- ing UFC lightweight champion ing two breaks of serve to win “Thank you to every person, absence of a knock-out. he did not feel the rules of the ibara fl ew to Los Angeles for Khabib Nurmagomedov, who 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2. doubles rubber in straight sets. group, team and community I Mayweather has also said bout were “unfair,” even though talks with the American boxer said last month any match-up Ebden was delighted to se- Earlier, unheralded Brit have come across over the last 9 there will be no offi cial judges he will be deprived of his kick- and won him round, fi nally would be “twice as interesting” cure the win in front of family Cameron Norrie produced the months. You know who you are,” and the bout will not count on ing skills. agreeing the terms for the as the McGregor fi ght. and friends.“It means so much fi rst shock result of the tour- the 26-year-old Western Aus- the offi cial record of either ath- “All I have to do is to give 100 three-round contest. Nasukawa is considered to be out here playing,” he said. nament by beating star Greek tralian wrote in a post on his In- lete. %... Since Mayweather is ex- Sakakibara has stressed that something of a prodigy in Japa- “There wasn’t much rhythm youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas stagram account. However, the relaxed Ameri- pected to dodge my off ense, I the bout will be far from a spar- nese fi ghting circles and began until the second set, I was able to inspire Britain to a 2-1 vic- Bancroft broke his silence can said he would not even really want to hit him,” said the ring match, adding: “They will learning karate at the age of fi ve. to get a little bit more aggres- tory in the opening tie. on the ball-tampering aff air on be concerned if he were to be 20-year-old. fi ght aiming to knock out.” Like Mayweather, he is un- sive.” Barty is Australia’s top- Norrie secured the biggest Wednesday, casting Warner as fl oored by his Japanese oppo- The fi ght was fi rst announced “Money” Mayweather came beaten, boasting a 28-0 record ranked singles player and had scalp of his career to upset the the instigator of the plot to ma- nent. in early November but May- out of a two-year retirement as a professional kickboxer with too much class for the cagey exciting Tsitsipas in the open- nipulate the ball’s condition with “Me getting knocked out or weather then abruptly called it in 2017 and knocked out mixed 21 wins by knockout. He has Cornet, winning 7-5, 6-3 ing men’s singles to put his a piece of sandpaper during the me getting knocked down... I off following what was later de- martial arts fi ghter Conor Mc- four wins from four matches in against the world number 45. team on the way to victory, test match against South Africa. don’t worry about it at all. If scribed as a “misunderstand- Gregor in the 10th round of a mixed martial arts. France won the dead mixed winning 7-6 (10-8), 6-4. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 30, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Is the NFL targeting Reid with excessive drug testing? Panthers safety says he’s been chosen for random post-game drug tests an extraordinary seven times in 11 weeks

By Oliver Connolly 1. It is random. The chance may be a The Guardian fraction of a percentage. But, you know the saying, you’re telling me there’s a chance. 2. Reid hasn’t been tested seven arolina Panthers safety Eric times. He is lying or is mistaken. 3. Reid Reid has been drug tested sev- has unwittingly outed himself as be- en times in 11 weeks since his ing a part of the NFL’s substance abuse return to the NFL. And he has program, something the league pro- beenC on the receiving end of a number tects with more vigor than Facebook of what we will politely describe as and your personal data. questionable penalties. Reid believes Players who’re already in the NFL’s something nefarious is at play. “It drug program are subject to more rou- doesn’t feel very random,” he told the tine tests. 4. The NFL has gamed the Charlotte Observer after his seventh system, either in concert with the in- post-game test. Questionable penalty dependent tester and the players’ union calls have been accompanied by Reid or above their heads. The goal: to end tweeting: “adding to the fi le”. Reid’s career or mount enough pressure Is Reid really the target of a cam- that he drops his collusion case. paign by the league’s head offi ce, and Option one is plausible but highly by extension team owners, to system- unlikely. Reid has no motive for option atically remove him from the NFL? Or two. That leaves us with the fi nal two. is he truly the victim of bad luck and Reid has publicly denied failing any randomness? The fact we even have to drug test in his career. entertain the question is in and of itself Option four seems better suited for extraordinary. the plot of a terrible Hulu original se- Think about what Reid is suggest- ries than the handiwork of the biggest, ing: that the league is coordinating an baddest sports league in the country. eff ort to circumvent its independent The risks don’t seem worth the reward. drug testing system in order to target Colin Kaepernick has been blackballed an individual for retribution. Tension by the league. between Reid and the league has been It is willing to take that fi ght to court. mounting for years. Reid has lambasted Reid had already fi led against the league Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commission- prior signing in Carolina. Wouldn’t er, and franchise owners for over two Park Avenue take that to court, too, seasons. He was the fi rst of dozens of rather than engaging in a layered con- NFL players to join Colin Kaepernick in spiracy that would leave team owners in either kneeling, sitting or raising a fi st legal jeopardy? during pre-game anthems to protest “I have a collusion case against the police brutality and systemic racism NFL,” Reid said last week. “This is starting in 2016. something that doesn’t surprise me Reid continued to protest throughout from them. It’s supposed to be random. 2017, while Kaepernick was excommu- It’s obviously not. I’m not surprised nicated from the league. Like Kaeper- about it. Even though it seems crazy on nick, Reid spent all of the 2018 off sea- the outside looking in, and it is, I’m not son unsigned, despite being one of the surprised.” league’s better starting safeties. Like It’s time for the Panthers and the NFL Kaepernick, he fi led a collusion case Players Association to take a leadership against the league. Unlike Kaepernick, Eric Reid kneels during the national anthem before a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 9. (USA Today Sports) role. Let’s fi nd out how crazy the idea he was snapped up by the Panthers is. The pair needs to apply public pres- when injuries evaporated their second- program. But it is statistically improb- fessor of mathematics at Fairfi eld Uni- every player in the league. Ten players made a distinctive, out-of-character sure on the NFL to further explain this ary. His collusion case is still ongoing. able. Every player in the league – active versity, said. That would be .195% of a from each team are selected for testing play during a game just so happened to statistical anomaly. Carolina hasn’t It is Reid’s belief that league is look- roster, practice squad – is subject to one chance for those keeping score at home. each week, which can be administered receive the post-game order. You know, even issued a generic press release on ing to mount public pressure on him to mandatory test per league year. Reid It’s important to note here how the at any point during the week, not just like a punter laying one of the biggest the matter. We’re at seven tests and a drop the case. Two things can be true at was not on a roster this off season, so league handles its drug policy, both its post-game. hits of the season. bunch of penalties and counting. As far once: Reid has a persecution complex, it’s easy to deduce that one test was in- performance enhancing and recrea- Players have long had suspicions Reid’s insinuations are diff erent. as the team seems concerned, every- and Reid is being persecuted. When evitable during his fi rst couple of weeks tional drug tests. The testing is over- about the randomness of the league’s They are more insidious. This is about thing with Reid, on and off -the-fi eld, is your livelihood is endangered as Reid’s in Carolina. Being tested six more times seen by an independent administrator: tests. Ex-Colts punter Pat McAfee was payback, not fair play. When asked above board. was, and when you’re under fi re from in resulting weeks, however, feels more Dr John Lombardo. Lombardo is paid by routinely tested after propelling one of whether the seven tests would form They’ve abdicated their responsi- people as powerful as the president of than a little suspect. both the league and the union, and each his 60-yard bombs. He once received a part of his pending grievance case bilities. Right now, Reid is alone on an the United States, it’s reasonable to see “You have about the same probabil- entity has the power to pull the plug on a “random” test after tweeting about against the league, Reid responded, island. He couldn’t hold back a head bogeymen around every corner. ity of fl ipping a heads nine times in a the partnership whenever it sees fi t. 420, a national marijuana holiday. “duly noted.” shake and smile when questioned Being tested seven times in 11 weeks row as he is being tested six times in 11 Players are not tested by name. In- And it has always felt like more than There are four possible reasons Reid about the abnormality of the situation. isn’t impossible under the NFL’s drug weeks,” Nick Kapoor, an adjunct pro- stead, a database houses a unique ID for mere coincidence that a player who has has been tested at such an unlikely rate: “I know what I’m dealing with,” he said.

NFL RAMS RB GURLEY WILL MISS Rams ready for 49ers with bye hanging in balance SECOND STRAIGHT GAME San Francisco: Los Angeles Gurley and Joyner, accord- Reuters Rams running back Todd ing to ESPN.com.”So we want Los Angeles Gurley has been ruled out of to continue to be smart with today’s game against the San that.” Los Angeles needs a win Francisco 49ers because of over the 49ers or a Chicago ne victory from an opening- his sore left knee, the team an- Bears loss to the Minnesota round bye in the playoff s for the nounced on Friday. It will mark Vikings on Sunday to wrap up fi rst time since the end of the the second consecutive missed the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed 2003 season, the Los Angeles game for the star running back. and a first-round bye. RamsO clinch their direct route to the di- He reinjured the knee in visional round with a victory over their Week 15 against the Phila- GRUDEN CONFIRMS longtime rival. delphia Eagles and hasn’t NELSON WILL RETURN IN 2019 The San Francisco 49ers and Rams will practiced since. Rams coach The Oakland Raiders report- meet today on the last weekend of the Sean McVay and Gurley both edly dished out a number regular season, just like last year. This revealed this week that Gurley of roster bonuses for 2019, time, there will be something more than initially injured the knee in including one securing veteran bragging rights at stake. When the 49ers Week 1 against the Oakland wide receiver Jordy Nelson for and Rams met at the Los Angeles Coli- Raiders. Gurley currently leads another season. seum a year ago, the Rams were headed to the NFL with 21 touchdowns — The Raiders moved up the playoff s and the 49ers were about to including 17 rushing — and has the roster bonuses for next begin vacation. 1,831 yards from scrimmage. He season to be paid out this week That same scenario holds for today, but has rushed for 1,251 yards and for several players: Nelson last year, the Rams’ fate in the wild-card has accumulated 580 receiving ($3.6mn), linebackers Tahir round had been sealed and Los Angeles yards on 59 catches. CJ Ander- Whitehead ($3.325mn) and chose to rest its key players. The 49ers son is likely to receive much of Kyle Wilber ($500,000), as well ended up winning the regular season fi - the work against the 49ers. as tight end Lee Smith ($1.1mn). nale and an out-of-sync Rams team lost Anderson rushed for 167 When speaking to reporters on in the following week at home against the yards on 20 carries in his team Friday after the team’s practice Atlanta Falcons. Their season of emer- debut against the Arizona ahead of the Sunday season gence ended abruptly. Cardinals last week. Gurley said finale at Kansas City, Raiders This year, it appears as if the Rams he isn’t sure exactly when he head coach Jon Gruden con- have already moved past their late-sea- reinjured the knee during the firmed that Nelson is strongly son funk. They lost consecutive games 30-23 loss to the Eagles. He did expected to play his 12th NFL against the Chicago Bears and Philadel- miss an off ensive series in the season with the team. phia Eagles, but rebounded in impres- third quarter. “Came back on “Normally when you hand sive fashion last weekend with a far better the sidelines and just you can out a bonus for next year’s performance against the lowly Arizona A victory today means the Rams will have made a clean sweep of their NFC West opponents, something the Rams have not done tell when something doesn’t season, there’s a pretty good Cardinals. since the NFL was divided into four-team divisions in 2002. feel right, you know your chance those guys are com- If there is anything the Rams might body,” Gurley said. “Obviously, ing back,” Gruden said. All of work on against the 49ers, it would be out ready to go.” yards and had his team in the gale late but everywhere,” 49ers head coach Kyle kind of went back in the game the roster bonuses allow the a gameplan to get their passing game A victory today means the Rams will against one of the NFC’s top teams. Shanahan said, said. “Usually you have and played. Did what I could Raiders to spread the expenses off the ground. A passing attack wasn’t have made a clean sweep of their NFC Since taking over on Nov. 1, Mullens to win with backups and you hope to stay do and then just kind of dealt over two seasons in a salary needed against the Cardinals as the Rams West opponents, something the Rams has orchestrated three of the 49ers’ four healthy all of the time, but very rarely with the consequences the cap move. Specifically for the established a running game behind new have not done since the NFL was divided victories, with 10 touchdown passes and does that happen. Backups can be the dif- next day.” former Packers star wideout arrival CJ Anderson, who gained 167 of into four-team divisions in 2002. It has seven interceptions. Since Jimmy Garop- ference in a season.” The Rams (12-3) also will Nelson, 33, the investment the Rams’ 269 rushing yards. only happened four times in the NFC polo will get his job back when he returns For the Rams, a backup in Anderson be without Lamarcus Joyner signals satisfaction by the team A more pass-oriented Rams off ense West since 2002. from injury next season, though, is Sun- might have to be the diff erence Sunday today. The safety sustained an for the veteran’s return from a could be on display for at least portions The 49ers (4-11) might be near the day’s game one last chance for Mullens with Todd Gurley (knee) sitting out for ankle injury last week. “Those knee injury this season. After re- of Sunday’s fi nale against San Francisco. bottom of the NFC, but they have shown to audition for other teams around the the second consecutive week. Safety guys are making progress, but cording just 25 catches for 353 “This is something that we can’t aff ord promise of late behind quarterback Nick league with the 49ers in place to trade Lamarcus Joyner (ankle) also will miss the we don’t feel like it’s going to yards through Week 12, Nelson to take lightly,” Rams head coach Sean Mullens. Last weekend, against a smoth- him this off season? game, while running back Justin Davis be at the point where they’re has 29 receptions for 308 yards McVay said about the game against the ering Chicago Bears defense, Mullens still “I think backups are extremely valu- (shoulder) and defensive lineman Ethan ready to go,” McVay said of over the past four games. 49ers.”It’s very important for us to come managed to go 22-of-38 passing for 241 able, not just at the quarterback position, Westbrooks are questionable. Gulf Times Sunday, December 30, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS NHL suspends Bruins’ Backes for three games Davis pours in 48 as he NHL on Friday sus- pended Boston Bruins forward David Backes three games without Tpay for what the league called “an illegal check to the head” of New Jersey Devils forward Blake Coleman. The hit happened Pelicans edge Mavs during the Devils’ 5-2 victory in Boston on Thursday. With two minutes remain- ing in the game, Backes skated Randle adds 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Holiday scores 18 for the Pelicans from the left circle into the slot and put his shoulder into Cole- man’s face as Coleman cleared the puck. Backes drew a minor penalty on the play. It is Backes’ second three-game suspension in the 2018 calendar year, the fi rst coming in March for a late hit on Detroit’s Frans Nielsen. He will forfeit $219,512.19 dur- ing the suspension. The suspension will also keep Backes out of the NHL’s mar- quee game of the regular season. The Bruins play the Chicago Blackhawks on New Year’s Day in the Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium. The annual outdoor show- case is the second of the three games Backes will miss. Boston plays at Buff alo on Saturday and hosts Calgary on Thursday. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Friday that forward Brad Marchand will likely miss the game against the Sabres after taking a couple of high hits against the Devils. “We’ll have a much better idea on him (Saturday),” Cassidy said. “Doesn’t look likely for him (Saturday), would be my guess. But he’s travelling with us, so that could change.” And the team placed defense- man Charlie McAvoy on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. He will miss the game Saturday but will travel and could play in the Winter Classic.

STARS CEO LITES BLASTS CAPTAIN BENN AND SEGUIN Dallas Stars longtime chief New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (right) attempts to get past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith during the NBA game on Friday night. (USA TODAY Sports) executive Jim Lites levelled his guns at his two stars players on Reuters points, DeMar DeRozan had 15 and Bryn HEAT 118, CAVALIERS 94 the bench, and Indiana won its fourth BULLS 101, WIZARDS 92 Friday, verbally blasting Jamie New Orleans, USA Forbes scored 13 for the Spurs. Justise Winslow led a balanced off ense straight by overwhelming the Detroit Zach LaVine, back in the starting lineup Benn and Tyler Seguin follow- for host Miami, whose defense wore in Indianapolis. Darren Collison also in his second game since missing two ing the NHL club’s 2-0 win over THUNDER 118, SUNS 102 down short-handed Cleveland. Wins- scored 19 points while making all seven weeks with an ankle injury, scored 24 Nashville. Lites said he has the nthony Davis scored a season- Russell Westbrook recorded 40 points, low fi nished with 24 points, 11 rebounds of his fi eld-goal attempts, and he had points to lead fi ve teammates in double backing of team owner Tom high 48 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and eight assists to lead and seven assists. He has had only eight seven assists. fi gures as Chicago won at Washington. Gaglardi when he directed his 17 rebounds as the host New Oklahoma City past host Phoenix. Den- 20-point games in his career, six of Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young Wendell Carter Jr. had 17 points and 13 tirade at the team’s high-priced Orleans Pelicans ended a fi ve- nis Schroder scored 14 of his 20 points them in December. Bam Adebayo add- contributed 17 points apiece, and Doug rebounds, and Lauri Markkanen added Canadian stars, the US media gameA losing streak by beating the Dallas in the fourth quarter as the Thunder ed 18 points on 8-for-8 shooting, plus McDermott and Bojan Bogdanovic 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Bulls, reported. “They are fucking Mavericks 114-112 on Friday night. prevailed without star forward Paul nine boards and fi ve assists. Because of tossed in 12 each. Blake Griffi n had 18 who have won three of four. horseshit, I don’t know how else Julius Randle added 22 points and George (quadriceps).It marked the fi rst injuries, Cleveland had only nine play- points, seven rebounds and fi ve as- Bradley Beal shot 13 of 27 in scor- to put it,” Lites said. 12 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored game George has missed this season. ers available. Jordan Clarkson scored 18 sists for the Pistons but also commit- ing 34 points for the depleted Wizards. Benn and Seguin are under 18 for the Pelicans. Rookie Luka Don- Abdel Nader scored a career-best 18 points and Alec Burks added 17. Miami ted seven turnovers. Luke Kennard had Washington was without starters John long-term contracts with the cic scored 34 points, Harrison Barnes points off the bench for Oklahoma City, has won six of seven while Cleveland 14 points off the bench, Reggie Bul- Wall — who plans to see a specialist Stars. Benn signed an eight- added 21, Dennis Smith Jr. had 14, Dirk which halted a two-game slide. Devin has lost fi ve straight. lock added 13, and Andre Drummond about his sore left heel, according to year, $76 million contract in July Nowitzki 11 and Dwight Powell 10 for Booker contributed 25 points, 10 assists chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds. coach Scott Brooks — and Otto Porter 2016. Seguin inked an eight- the Mavericks, who ended a six-game and seven rebounds for the Suns, who MAGIC 116, RAPTORS 87 Jr., who is working his way back from a year, $78 million contract in losing streak by beating the Pelicans had won fi ve of their previous seven Nikola Vucevic recorded 30 points, 20 HORNETS 100, NETS 87 quad injury. September. “It’s pissed me off ,” 122-119 on Wednesday in Dallas. It was games. rebounds and eight assists to help host Veteran Tony Parker scored 17 of his said American Lites. “What no- Smith’s fi rst game back after missing six Orlando thrash Toronto. DJ Augus- 19 points in the fourth quarter as host HAWKS 123, TIMBERWOLVES 120 body says is what is completely games because of a sprained right wrist. CLIPPERS 118, LAKERS 107 tin added 17 points as Orlando halted a Charlotte exacted revenge on Brooklyn. Kevin Huerter hit a big 3-pointer late in obvious to me: We are getting “We came out in the second half with Lou Williams scored a season-high 36 four-game slide. Kawhi Leonard scored The Nets had pulled out a 134-132 dou- overtime as Atlanta trimmed host Min- terrible play from our top two a lot more energy on the defensive end points off the bench for the Clippers, 21 points for the Raptors, who saw their ble-overtime victory when the teams nesota on Friday night. players.” and were able to come up with the win,” who took over with a 22-0 run that NBA-best record fall to 26-11. met in Brooklyn on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves had a chance to Seguin leads the Stars with said Davis, who had 45 points and 15 re- started late in the third quarter in win- Serge Ibaka added 17 points, eight re- Kemba Walker led the Hornets with tie in the last second, but Josh Okogie 32 points on 11 goals and 21 bounds in the same game for the ninth ning the fi rst meeting this season be- bounds and four blocked shots, while 29 points, sinking 7 of 12 3-point at- missed a 3-point attempt. assists this season. Benn, the time in his NBA career. tween the Los Angeles rivals. Fred VanVleet tallied 11 points for To- tempts. The Hornets also got 19 points Atlanta got 23 points from Kent Baze- Stars’ captain since 2013, is Danilo Gallinari added 19 points for ronto, which played without point from Jeremy Lamb and 14 points and 10 more and 21 points and 10 rebounds close behind with 30 points on NUGGETS 102, SPURS 99 the Clippers. guard Kyle Lowry (back). Vucevic con- rebounds from Cody Zeller. D’Angelo from John Collins, his 10th double- a team-leading 15 goals and 15 Jamal Murray scored 31 points and Gallinari and Tobias Harris each nected on 12 of 17 shots while posting a Russell led the Nets with 33 points. De- double in the past 11 games. assists. Seguin’s 21 assists is tops Nikola Jokic had 21 points, nine re- added 10 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma scored 30-point, 20-rebound performance for Marre Carroll scored 15 and Shabazz Minnesota got 31 points and 19 re- on the team. Lites’ comments bounds and nine assists as host Denver 24 points and Lonzo Ball added 19 for the third time in his career. It also was Napier had 11. bounds from Karl-Anthony Towns, 28 came the day after the Stars beat held on to beat San Antonio. Malik Bea- the Lakers, who were playing without his eighth career 20-rebound contest. Spencer Dinwiddie, who scored a points and seven rebounds from Robert Nashville. “If 14 and 91 don’t sley scored 21 before leaving the game LeBron James (groin injury) and Rajon career-high 37 against the Hornets on Covington, and 25 points and nine as- lead, we will not be successful,” with an undisclosed injury for Den- Rondo (fi nger injury). James is listed as PACERS 125, PISTONS 87 Wednesday night, fi nished with just sists from Derrick Rose. The loss broke said Lites. “I think this is the ver, which snapped a two-game los- day-to-day, while Rondo is expected to Domantas Sabonis led a balanced ef- three points on 1-of-7 shooting from the Timberwolves’ two-game winning most talented and deep team ing streak. LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 miss at least a month. fort with 19 points and 12 rebounds off the fl oor. streak. we’ve had in years here.”

SPOTLIGHT Tavares nets two goals as Leafs cruise past Jackets Reuters to tie the game. Alexander Wennberg Sunrise, Florida. Nicolas Deslauriers, Toronto and Seth Jones earned the assists. Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin Tavares notched his 26th of the sea- also scored for Montreal, and Antti Nie- son at 18:04 of the fi rst period on a wrist mi made 23 saves. Niemi was playing ohn Tavares scored two goals, shot from the left circle to the top right for Carey Price, who missed the game Mitch Marner had a goal and two corner after working a give-and-go due to a lower-body injury. Florida got assists, and the visiting Toronto with Marner. The chance started with a early goals from a pair of 21-year-olds, Maple Leafs defeated the Co- Columbus turnover in the neutral zone. Henrik Borgstrom and Denis Malgin, lumbusJ Blue Jackets 4-2 Friday night. Early in the second period, Zach We- and a late score from veteran defense- Frederik Gauthier also scored for the renski hit the post on a two-on-one for man Keith Yandle. Panthers goalie Maple Leafs, who won their fi fth game Columbus. The Maple Leafs scored the Roberto Luongo made 23 saves. Florida in a row and stopped the fi ve-game only goal of the second period. Marner entered the game having won four of its winning streak by the Blue Jackets. fi nished a two-on-one with Auston previous fi ve games. Nick Foligno and Artemi Panarin Matthews with a shot from the right scored for the Blue Jackets, who were circle for his 13th goal at 9:46, giving ISLANDERS 6, SENATORS 3 playing their second game in two nights Toronto a 3-1 lead. Jake Gardiner also New York scored fi ve unanswered goals while the Maple Leafs were playing earned an assist. to come back for a resounding win over for the fi rst time since Sunday. Garret Toronto’s Kasperi Kapanen and Co- visiting Ottawa. Mathew Barzal scored Sparks, Toronto’s backup goaltender, lumbus’s Scott Harrington were serv- the go-ahead and insurance goals made 27 saves. Blue Jackets goaltender ing roughing penalties when the goal for the Islanders, who have won two Sergei Bobrovsky made 25 saves in de- was scored. Par Lindholm passed from straight and fi ve of six. feat. The teams had split their fi rst behind the goal in front to Gauthier, Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Johnny Boy- two meetings this season. Tavares saw who scored his second goal this season chuk and Casey Cizikas also scored for Nazem Kadri’s defl ection of Marner’s at 13:44 of the third period. Panarin New York. Robin Lehner earned the win shot skitter off his skate and between scored his 12th this season and 100th of by stopping all 10 shots he faced in re- Bobrovsky’s legs on a power play at 2:22 his NHL career at 18:32 of the third. lief of Thomas Greiss, who was pulled of the fi rst period. after giving up three goals on 17 shots. Josh Anderson was serving a trip- CANADIENS 5, PANTHERS 3 Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Cody ping penalty. Foligno snapped his 10th Tomas Tatar scored two goals — includ- Ceci scored for the Senators, who have goal of the season from the right circle ing the go-ahead tally with 11:06 left in lost three straight and four of fi ve. Mike John Tavares (left) of Toronto Maple Leafs and Zach Werenski of Columbus Blue Jackets chase a loose puck during the through the fi ve-hole at 4:47 of the fi rst the third period — as Montreal won in McKenna recorded 33 saves. first period of the NHL game Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday night. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 30, 2018 ASIAN CUP FOOTBALL

FOCUS DREAM India see continental tourney as stepping New-look Australia stone towards WCup Reuters Mumbai

ndia are hoping to use the Asian Cup as a key build- ing block towards realising a dream of qualifying for seek Asian solace the 2026 World Cup fi nals but doubts remain over the quality of the side ahead of next month’s continental Ishowpiece in the United Arab Emirates. India has a population of 1.3 billion but the nation’s ob- session with and success on the cricket pitch has left it a massive underachiever on the football fi eld. The national side is 97th in the FIFA rankings and yet to play at a World Cup, but All India Football Federation aft er Russia failure president Praful Patel is confi dent their fourth Asian Cup appearance will prove to be a vital stepping stone. Arnold expects to win every game, four years after Postecoglou’s side swept to nation’s first Asian triumph “The... dream needs to be achieved by 2026 as there will be eight teams from Asia in the FIFA World Cup,” Patel Reuters told reporters last week, adding the team would just not be Melbourne looking to make it out of the group stage in the UAE. “You just always cannot live a dream and we have to make the Asian dream a reality.” new-look Australia will India’s qualifi cation for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar was seek the consolation of a more a case of coming in through the back door when the successful Asian Cup title country advanced by winning the AFC Challenge Cup, a defence after their disap- tournament for the lowest ranked nations in the continent. pointingA group round exit from the That was their fi rst appearance since 1984 and while they World Cup earlier this year. remain the dominant force in South Asia, India are still a Under former Dutch coach Bert long way behind regional powerhouses Japan, Australia, van Marwijk, the Socceroos bowed South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia. out of Russia winless and with They failed to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup and the only two goals from penalties, un- Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) decision to increase derlining the team’s struggles to the number of fi nalists from 16 teams to 24 has helped the score against quality defences. country return to the tournament. India, managed by Eng- New boss Graham Arnold, in his lish coach Stephen Constantine, have been drawn in Group second stint in charge, has shaken A alongside hosts United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Thai- up the team’s attacking formation, land for the. opting for a trio of interchange- “The Asian Cup is a massive tournament for India and able strikers up front rather than a everyone involved in the sport,” Constantine said. “We traditional centre forward. have three games from Jan. 6-14 and I am focusing on them. The move has paid dividends “We will take one game at a time and we have scouted against lightly regarded sides, with Thailand intensively to the point that we have watched a 4-0 win over world number 158 them three-four times for analysis.” Kuwait and 3-0 defeat of 81st- Sunil Chhetri is the only surviving member of the 2011 ranked Lebanon in recent friendlies. team who lost all three group games in Qatar and his tally Against Asia heavyweights of 65 goals from 103 international matches since his 2005 South Korea, however, the new debut makes him India’s most prolifi c striker. set-up was less eff ective and Aus- Comparing the preparation of the current squad with the tralia needed a scrappy, last-gasp one that played in the tournament eight years ago, Chhetri equaliser from midfi elder Mas- said the 2011 team were together for six months while the simo Luongo to grab a 1-1 draw in current crop have been busy playing for their clubs in do- Brisbane despite dominating play. mestic leagues. Putting aside the reality check, A 28-member squad left India for Abu Dhabi on Dec. Arnold expects to win every game 20 to prepare for the quadrennial tournament and played in the United Arab Emirates, four one friendly against Oman on Thursday, a 0-0 draw, while years after Ange Postecoglou’s other Asian sides have warmed up with a string of matches. side swept to the nation’s fi rst Since their last appearance at the fi nals in 2011, India Asian triumph with a 2-1 win have only played two matches against a top-six Asian side in the fi nal over South Korea on when they were grouped with Iran for the 2018 World Cup home soil. qualifi ers, losing both ties without scoring a goal. Arnold’s determination may “We have two weeks there in Abu Dhabi to get acclima- also be fuelled by a need to erase tised. As far as preparation is concerned, it’s okay,” Con- the stain of the Socceroos’ poor In his second stint as coach, Graham Arnold will have to rely on a modest roster. stantine added. Asian Cup debut in 2007 when he “I think we could have had a few more games but that coached the side to a quarter-fi nal was not for lack of trying. exit at the tournament co-hosted Bento aims to end South Korea’s Asian Cup drought “We sent letters to 25-30 diff erent nations asking for by Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand game. We wanted to play against teams in Asian Cup. We’ve and Malaysia. South Korea are making a habit of replacing Bento, who actually faced South Korea on the South Korea’s task in the group stage has tried the best we can.” Having succeeded Guus Hid- their coach in the run-up to Asian Cup tourna- pitch at the 2002 World Cup when Portugal been made more diff icult due to the absence dink after Australia reached the ments but if Paulo Bento can emulate Uli lost 1-0 to the co-hosts, has been quick to tamp of captain Son Heung-min, who will sit out the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup, Stielike’s performance four years ago then the down expectations for the upcoming tourna- first two games under an agreement with his Arnold had inherited a side laden reward will have been well worth the risk for ment in the United Arab Emirates. club side Tottenham Hotspur. with Europe-based players but the two-times champions. “I can understand that we can have posi- Spurs had agreed to release Son for this year’s they laboured in the Southeast Stielike was appointed manager in September tive expectations for the Asian Cup because Asian Games football tournament, which is not Asian heat before being eliminat- 2014, just four months prior to the region’s top we performed well in the last six matches,” a FIFA-sanctioned event, under the condi- ed by Japan on penalties. international tournament, but still managed to Yonhap News quoted him as saying earlier this tion that he sit out November friendlies and Arnold publicly berated his sen- guide Korea to the final in Australia where they month. “I’m confident that we’ll play well, but the early part of the Asian Cup. However, the ior players during the tournament lost 2-1 in extra time to the hosts. I also know we’re not the only team chasing Koreans should still have enough firepower to and less than six months later was Fast forward to 2018 and South Korea have the title. Other teams will be ready, too. I don’t see them through to the knockout stage, with replaced by Pim Verbeek and de- another new face at the helm with Bento think we’re the top favourites.” Gamba Osaka striker Hwang Ui-jo enjoying moted to an assistant coach. taking over in August after the Korea Football The Koreans, who also face China and Kyr- a rich vein of scoring form under Bento and Compared to the ‘golden gen- Association decided to move on from Shin gyzstan in Group C, won the first two editions Ki Sung-yueng impressing at the heart of the eration’ of Australian players that Tae-yong, who oversaw a first-round exit at of the Asian Cup in 1956 and 1960 when the Newcastle United midfield in recent weeks. failed in 2007, Arnold will have to the World Cup in Russia. Like Stielike, Bento tournament had only four teams vying for If Son can carry his goal-scoring form in the rely on a more modest roster at his has had little time to get to grips with the job the title. They have come up short ever since, Premier League over to the Asian Cup when disposal in the UAE. before the Asian Cup but with the Koreans un- with four runners-up finishes the closest they he eventually links up with the squad ahead Australia lost a wealth of expe- beaten in his six matches in charge, optimism have come to joining Saudi Arabia and Iran as of their final group game against China, the rience with the international re- is building ahead of their opener against the three-time champions. Japan have won the Koreans’ near 60-year wait for another title tirements of the nation’s leading Philippines in Dubai on January 7. tournament a record four times. might soon be over. goal-scorer Tim Cahill and long- serving skipper Mile Jedinak after six players who started in the fi - need to tinker with the backline Josh Risdon and Aziz Behich to be Having omitted tall regular Russia. nal against South Korea, including that Van Marwijk recalibrated for retained as starting fullbacks. striker Tomi Juric, Arnold hopes to Only eight of the 23 in Arnold’s goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Luongo and the World Cup. Aaron Mooy’s knee injury has use pace to overwhelm Asian de- squad shared in the 2015 triumph winger Mathew Leckie. Former midfi elder Mark Milli- robbed Arnold of one of his most fences and will look for a spread of under Postecoglou. Australia’s defence will be gan will captain the side and con- inventive players, putting pressure goals from Leckie, Andrew Nab- The 2015 alumni boast plenty among the strongest at the tour- tinue his partnership with Trent on Celtic midfi elder Tom Rogic to bout, Jamie Maclaren and Scot- of quality, however, and feature nament, and Arnold has seen no Sainsbury in central defence, with be the team’s creative force. land-born Martin Boyle. India coach Stephen Constantine.

SPOTLIGHT Japan eye success with Moriyasu’s attacking spirit Japanese football has been built exiting after the World Cup, around defensive solidity and with three attacking midfield- Philippines bank on Eriksson eff ect organisation in recent years but ers deployed behind a central Reuters lure a coach with Eriksson’s boost earned by hiring Eriksson with new coach Hajime Mori- striker. Moriyasu, however, Hong Kong track record that has made the has increased interest from other yasu removing the shackles and has changed personnel and football world take notice. overseas-born players. adopting a more attacking style asked the trio to attack with “It’s only a short-term con- Younghusband is hoping of play the Samurai Blue hope more commitment and threat. ven-Goran Eriksson’s tract and we don’t know what Eriksson’s arrival will also play to light up the Asian Cup with Behind experienced Werder surprise appointment as will happen after that, whether a role in improving the manage- goals. Bremen forward Yuya Osako, Philippines coach made he will still play a role in Philip- ment of the game in the Philip- Japan will be among the Moriyasu’s preferred three of headlines around the pine football or not,” team cap- pines. favourites at the tournament Ritsu Doan, Shoya Nakajima and world,S and now the basketball- tain Phil Younghusband said. “When you bring in someone in the UAE, where they begin Takumi Minamino have just 18 mad nation is hoping the im- “But I think people are talking with such a big name they’re their campaign for a record- caps between them. Salzburg’s pact of the Swede’s arrival can about the Philippines in a bet- used to certain standards,” he extending fifth continental title Minamino has four goals to his last beyond January’s Asian Cup ter light already, purely because said. in Group F alongside Oman, name since Moriyasu took over fi nals. we’re associated with some- “They’re used to good qual- Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. but it is diminutive 24-year-old The Azkals will play in the one of his stature and with his ity and I think having someone In five friendly games under Nakajima who has caught the continental championship for reputation. That puts Philippine Philippines coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. who has those expectations former international midfielder eye, with his pace and vision the fi rst time, but it was the ap- football on the map. and standards will, when he’s Moriyasu so far, Japan have sure to excite in the UAE. A 4-0 pointment of the former Eng- “We’re going to the Asian Cup reached the semi-fi nals for the struggled until a decade ago. asking for things to be done, compiled four wins and a draw, rout of Kyrgyzstan in their final land manager on a short-term for the fi rst time, we reached the fourth time in fi ve tournaments The arrival of a group of Brit- people in the organisation are scoring 15 goals along the way. tune-up marked a third clean contract in October that grabbed semi-fi nals of the South East before losing to eventual cham- ish-born players – featuring more inclined to do it because The highlight of his short time sheet in five games for Japan’s global attention for Philippine Asian championship and I think, pions Vietnam. brothers Phil and James Youn- it’s coming from someone who in charge was a 4-3 win over defence, which is led by captain football. with everything going forward But it is qualifying for the ghusband and current Cardiff has worked with the best in the Uruguay in October, where Maya Yoshida. Yoshida was the Eriksson’s resume speaks for that way, it’s fi tting that we have Asian Cup, where the Philip- City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge world. Japan’s more expansive style of only man in Moriyasu’s most itself, the 70-year-old winning someone of Sven’s reputation pines face South Korea, China – kick-started an uptick in for- “If you bring that quality then play was there for all to see. recent squad with over 50 caps the Serie A title with Lazio in within the team.” and Kyrgyzstan in the group tunes and there have been addi- that will benefi t Philippine foot- Moriyasu has stuck with the and, along with midfielder Gaku 2000 before guiding England to Eriksson’s fi rst job was to phase, that is the high water tional improvements since. ball, it will benefi t the players, same formation as his predeces- Shibasaki, is one of only two the World Cup quarter-fi nals in lead the squad during the Asean mark for the game in a country Playing at the Asian Cup fi nals it will benefi t the coaching staff sor Akira Nishino, who replaced players to have featured at an 2002 and 2006. Football Federation Champi- where basketball rules supreme will see the Azkals take another around him and you should see Vahid Halilhodzic in April before Asian Cup. It is the country’s ability to onship, where the Philippines and the national football team step forward while the publicity better results.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 30, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A FOCUS Diaz future in his hands not City’s, Ronaldo brace seals says Guardiola

AFP Manchester

anchester City will new record for be unable to do anything to keep highly-regarded Mmidfi elder Brahim Diaz if he decides to join Real Madrid the English champions manager Pep Guardiola said yesterday. The 19-year-old Spain Un- “I was clear last week when voracious Juventus der-21 international has been I spoke about it. We do every- in discussions over a move to thing to keep them (the young ‘The team is doing very well, we had an excellent first-half to the season, now we the European champions, hav- players) but they decide.” ing become frustrated by a lack Guardiola takes his City have to keep working to ensure we keep this form in the second-half of the season’ of fi rst-team opportunities at team to Southampton looking the Etihad Stadium. to end a disappointing run of If the move goes through, it results, with his side dropping would be the second time in to third place in the Premier 18 months that City had lost a League after losing three of talented young player who had their past four matches. become frustrated at not play- The manager said he saw it ing. Jadon Sancho left City for as his responsibility to lead the Borussia Dortmund in 2017, team back to form as they at- and has since gone on to make tempt to catch leaders Liver- 29 Bundesliga appearances and pool, after the disappointment win three full England caps. of consecutive defeats against Guardiola claimed he was Crystal Palace and Leicester. not aware of how far discus- “It is a big challenge for me; I sions had progressed between have to show whether I’m good City and Real over Diaz, but a or not,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I deal is expected to go through like the situation but I know it’s in the coming days for a player common in Football and I like to who is out of contract at the handle it. I will help them and end of the season. assist them to help each other “I don’t have any new infor- and we will come back who we mation on that,” said Guardiola are. We will move forward.” at yesterday’s press confer- Guardiola insists he has no ence on the eve of their match plans to change his mind and with Southampton. “I know buy players in January, repeat- they are in conversation but I ing a statement he made in don’t have any new informa- November. “I think the answer tion about the situation. Today was clear two times,” he said. (Saturday) he trained with us. “It is still the same.”

Guardiola’s intensity has a downside, says Southampton captain Pep Guardiola’s obsessive attention to detail has brought much success but could also be the reason Manchester City have suf- fered a slump in form, claims Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who played under him at Bayern Munich. Hojbjerg will captain Southampton when they host Guardiola’s side today with City arriving on the back of three defeats in four matches leaving the champions in third place, seven points off leaders Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s matches. The 23-year-old Danish international midfielder - who joined Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Italian Serie A match against Sampdoria at the Juventus stadium in Turin yesterday. (AFP) Saints in 2016 for a fee believed to be £12.8million - admires Guardiola but thinks sometimes his analysing of a match is AFP VAR proved decisive in the of the season in the Italian Su- with Quagliarella making no Champions League spot. too intense even for the Spaniard. “He is the most demanding Milan game with Sampdoria coach Mar- perCup on January 16 against AC mistake beating Mattia Perin in “I like VAR a lot because it re- person, not only coach, that I have ever met,” Hojbjerg told The co Giampaolo, dismissing Ron- Milan. the Juventus goal. duces the number of mistakes,” Times. “We sit on the bus after we have won and he sits on the aldo’s penalty as “a gift,” adding The reigning champions have The 35-year-old became the said Ronaldo. bus watching the game and then he is in his off ice with two ristiano Ronaldo scored “that Saponara goal should never dropped points just twice, be- fi rst player to score in nine con- “It’s not easy for the match laptops and a television and he is analysing. Maybe that’s what twice as voracious Ital- have been cancelled”. ing held 1-1 by Genoa at home in secutive Serie A games since offi cials to analyse everything makes him the greatest. But also maybe that is what makes him ian champions Juventus “Juventus are strong, they October and 2-2 against Atalanta David Trezeguet for Juventus in that goes on in a match. We just lose, because it is too much, he drowns. fi nished 2018 on a high consume everything. They are a midweek, and are fi rmly on track 2005. have to let them get on with their “I don’t judge him but he is the greatest teacher I have had.” withC a 2-1 win over Sampdoria to cannibal,” said Giampaolo. for an eighth consecutive Scu- Audero denied Dybala before jobs.” Hojbjerg, who was loaned out twice whilst at Bayern under set a new record of 53 points be- “For me, morally, the game detto. the break with Mario Mandzukic The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or Guardiola, says if the City players have taken their foot off fore the winter break. was 2-2.” missing a chance to fi nish off a winner joined Juventus from the pedal they will soon be knocked into shape by the former Ronaldo curled in the opener Juventus open up a 12-point VAR DECISIVE Ronaldo cross. Real Madrid last summer. Barcelona coach. “He wants many good players to push each after just two minutes in Turin lead at the top of Serie A ahead Ronaldo had come off the bench The Sampdoria goalkeeper “The fi rst half of the season other,” said Hojbjerg. adding a second from the penal- of Napoli who can reduce the gap to score in Bergamo last Wednes- again defl ected over a Ronaldo has gone really well,” said the “They will all fight against each other and the best one will play. ty spot after 66 minutes, putting when they host Bologna later on day but returned to the starting header on the hour but the hosts 33-year-old, “but there’s still a “You would not complain, you just do better on the pitch. He the Portuguese top of Serie A’s Saturday. line-up in the Allianz Stadium. went ahead when the referee long way to go. We must stay fo- keeps players so sharp.” scoring charts on 14 goals. The seven-time reigning And the Portuguese striker pointed to the spot for an Alex cused and keep working away if Hojbjerg, who has battled his way back into the national side Evergreen Sampdoria striker champions also have a record found a way through early, pick- Ferrari handball off a corner after we want to achieve great things.” after an 18 month hiatus which cost him a place at the World Fabio Quagliarella pulled the number of points before the ing up a Paulo Dybala cross to a VAR viewing. Inter Milan, in third, travel to Cup finals, admits he was too young at Bayern to appreciate Genoa outfi t level with a pen- three-week winter break with 53 fi re in past Sampdoria’s on loan Substitute Saponara looked to Tuscany outfi t Empoli on Satur- all of Guardiola’s philosophy. However, Hojbjerg - who admits alty after 33 minutes, with the from 19 games. Juventus goalkeeper Emil Au- have grabbed a point deep into day, without their fans, who are Guardiola transformed him from a man into a boy - says there visitors having a late Riccardo “Records are meaningless, if dero. injury time but VAR ruled he was barred after racism and violence are some things that have stayed with him. “He (Guardiola) Saponara goal ruled off side after not to improve and raise the bar,” Sampdoria pulled level fol- in an off side position as Samp- overshadowed their midweek always told me about controlling the game with or without the consultation with the video as- said coach Massimiliano Allegri, lowing a penalty awarded fol- doria stay fi fth, two points be- game against Napoli in the San ball,” he said. sistant referee. whose team target a fi rst trophy lowing an Emre Can handball hind Lazio who occupy the fi nal Siro.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Gerrard ends Rodgers’ Old Firm dominance AFP outstanding, all over the pitch,” kles together just too late, suc- Glasgow Gerrard told Sky Sports. ceeding only in defl ecting the “We were better to a man, we ball inside the near post. Gordon were the better team, we could came to Celtic’s rescue again teven Gerrard emerged have won it more comfortably. early in the second-half as he got victorious in the Old Firm “Their keeper made some down smartly to deny the im- clash with his former outstanding saves and we hit pressive Kent. Liverpool boss Brendan the woodwork. We played with Belgian centre-back Dedrick RodgersS as Rangers deservedly courage, we played with belief, Boyata had a game to forget, not beat champions and bitter rivals we were brave.” least when he lost possession to Celtic 1-0 yesterday. Rodgers took defeat on the Kent before Gordon saved. The It was Rodgers fi rst experi- chin. defender redeemed himself by ence of defeat in 13 meetings “I thought the best team won,” clearing Scott Arfi eld’s shot off with Rangers and puts Gerrard’s Rodgers told Sky Sports. the line. side level on points with Celtic, “Rangers played well. We Celtic did have the ball in the though the latter stay top cour- had a lot of unforced mistakes net in the 66th minute through tesy of a better goal diff erence. and didn’t create as much as Callum McGregor, only for the Celtic also have a game in we would like so we’ve got no left-back to be ruled off side. hand. Ryan Jack’s defl ected goal excuse.” Rangers withstood a late as- on the half-hour mark proved Sustained early home pres- sault and the hosts’ stout-heart- the diff erence in a match that sure resulted in Celtic goalkeeper ed spirit was refl ected by Andy Rangers largely dominated Craig Gordon saving his side Halliday taking a goal-bound against a strangely out-of-sorts twice in quick succession, fi rst shot by Olivier Ntcham full Celtic. from Daniel Candeias and then in the groin to keep his side The visitors were only sup- brilliantly tipping away Connor ahead. ported by 750 of their fans as Goldson’s point blank header. The normally full-blooded af- Rangers had slashed their usual From the ensuing corner, Brown fair had begun on a sombre and ticket allowance of 7,000. A de- was fortunate his back header respecful note earlier on Satur- lighted Gerrard, whose decision rattled the post and rebounded to day, with directors from Rangers to take the job is bearing fruit safety. and Celtic laying wreaths to the thusfar despite many question- The hosts deservedly took 66 people who lost their lives in ing the wisdom of his choice, the lead after a fi ne piece of skill the Ibrox Disaster on January 2, said the victory was for the fans down the left wing by Ryan Kent 1971. who had endured years of frus- teed up Jack. The crush on an exit stairway tration. He sidefooted the ball straight at the Rangers ground also in- “The players to a man were at Brown, who snapped his an- jured 200. Rangers’ Ryan Jack (right) celebrates with Connor Goldson after scoring against Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match in Glasgow yesterday. (Reuters)

Sunday, December 30, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

EPL Firmino slams hat-trick as Liverpool rout Arsenal 5-1 Wolves stun high-flying Spurs as Fulham and Cardiff grab late wins; Ranieri angry at Kamara for ignoring orders

AFP Liverpool Results Brighton ...... 1 Everton ...... 0 iverpool extended their Fulham ...... 1 Huddersfield ..0 Premier League lead Cardiff ...... 1 Leicester ...... 0 to nine points as Rob- Wolverhampton .3 Hotspur ...... 1 erto Firmino’s hat-trick Watford ...... 1 Newcastle ...... 1 Lhammered Arsenal 5-1 at An- Liverpool ...... 5 Arsenal ...... 1 fi eld, while Tottenham’s title challenge crumbled in a 3-1 home defeat to Wolves. Manchester City could cut Liverpool’s lead to seven points when they look to stop a recent slump at Southampton on Sun- day, but ahead of their trip to the Etihad on January 3, Jurgen Klopp’s men currently look well on course to deliver a fi rst league title since 1989/90. Liverpool even overcame a rare defi cit on home soil as for the fi rst time this season after they trailed in the league at An- fi eld when Ainsley Maitland- Niles swept Arsenal into an 11th minute lead. However, the hosts were level within three minutes and 4-1 up by half-time as Firmino struck twice in two minutes be- fore Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s penalty made the points safe before the break. Salah then passed up the chance to move out in front as the league’s top scorer after drawing level with Pierre-Emer- ick Aubameyang and Harry Kane on 13 as he allowed Firmino to take Liverpool’s second penalty of the evening 25 minutes from time to complete the Brazilian’s hat-trick.

SPURS STUMBLE Tottenham had surged ahead of City into second place after smashing 11 goals past Everton and Bournemouth in the previous six days, but ran out of steam at Wembley as Wolves scored three times in the fi nal 18 minutes. A wonderful moment of indi- vidual skill from Kane put Spurs on course for a sixth straight league when he cut inside onto his weaker left foot, but still pro- duced a powerful drive from 20 yards that beat Rui Patricio mid- way through the fi rst half. However, much has been Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool yesterday. (AFP) made of Tottenham coach Mau- ricio Pochettino’s ability to ex- games. We are not machines.” League goal. vic take a late penalty with the “I want to kill him, that is nor- son’s spot-kick for Leicester. Everton 1-0 thanks to Jurgen Lo- tract the most from a stretched The comeback began when scores still tied a 0-0 and saw his mal when one man takes a ball, And Cardiff snatched a fi rst cadia’s solitary goal. squad and Spurs fi nally looked Willy Boly rose highest to meet ‘I WANT TO KILL HIM’ eff ort saved by Jonas Lossl. only because he scored the last away win of the season in stop- Newcastle are also four points like a side jaded by competing on Joao Moutinho’s corner to Fulham are now just a point “I said to Aboubakar Kamara penalty (against Manchester page time when Victor Camarasa above the drop zone after they four fronts in the fi nal stages. equalise. As the hosts pressed for away from safety after Ale- to leave the ball to Mitrovic, he United). It should be Mitrovic, unleashed a rocket to move the were denied a vital three points “We have had a very good a winner, Wolves broke in num- ksandar Mitrovic saved Abou- is the man who shoots the pen- that is it.” Welsh side four points clear of by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late run in the last few weeks and to bers and Raul Jimenez put the bakar Kamara’s blushes, but not alties,” said Ranieri. “It is unbe- A missed penalty was also the the relegation zone with a 1-0 equaliser for Watford in a 1-1 keep that level is diffi cult,” said visitors in front six minutes from the wrath of manager Claudio lievable, he did not respect me, turning point at the King Power victory. draw at Vicarage Road after Pochettino. “I think we started time before Helder Costa raced Ranieri. The Frenchman ignored the club, the team and crowd. I where Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Brighton also boosted their Salomon Rondon had opened to pay for the eff ort in the other clear to score his fi rst Premier Ranieri’s orders to let Mitro- spoke with him, it is not right. Etheridge saved James Maddi- survival chances by beating the scoring.

HATHAB EQUESTRIAN Al-Emadi emerges champion in Big Tour class By Sports Reporter Doha

halid Mohamed al- Emadi emerged trium- phant in the Big Tour class during the fi fth Kround of the Hathab equestrian series yesterday. At the Qatar Equestrian Fed- eration’s outdoor arena, al- Emadi marshalled his 18-year- old bay Fiji expertly to outclass the fi eld. The pair fi nished their round in 62.61 seconds despite a four-second penalty for clip- ping a bar. Al-Emadi took home QR10,150 for his victory. In second place was Saeed Nasser al-Qadi astride with Daydreamer EC, with the duo coming home in 64.93 seconds, ahead of Mubarak Yousuf al-Ru- maihi and Vivaldi K in 71.61 secs. In the Open Class, Jaber Rashid al-Amri came out on top with nine-year-old gelding Jousts. The pair put in a fl awless routine to fi n- ish ahead of Saeed Nasser al-Qadi and Desperadito. Salman Moham- ed al-Emadi and Best Of Des Forets had to settle for third spot. Hathab in its second season, has Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi rides Fiji to victory during the fifth round of the Hathab equestrian series yesterday. (Right) Young riders pose with their trophies at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. gained in popularity and has at- tracted many local riders. An initia- Federation and Al Shaqab. QR35,000 QR8,050 Comp., Art. 262.3 | 115/125 cm | 2. Salman Mohammed al Emadi; 1. Saoud Abdulla al-Kubaisi; tive of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad 1. Rider: Khalid Mohamed al- 3. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi; Prize-Money QR15,000 Best of Des Forets; 0; 0; 4; Selest; 0; 32.16secs. al-Thani, President of the Qatar RESULTS Emadi Horse: Fiji Time: 62.61secs Vivaldi K; 4; 71.61secs; QR6,300 1. Jaber Rashid al-Amri; Jousts; QR2,625 2. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi; GK Olympic Committee, the QR1mn Big Tour | Table A, One round Faults: 4 Prize: QR10,150 4. Cyrine Cherif; Gerlin VD Wa- 0; 0; 0; QR3,750 Future Riders | Table A, One Aqueena; 0; 33.29secs. Hathab series is held over 12 legs and against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi; terkant; 4; 76.55secs; QR 4,375 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi; Des- round against the clock, Art. 3. Mutlaq Ali al-Hajri; Super Girl; is organised by the Qatar Equestrian | 130/145 cm | Prize-Money Daydreamer EC; 4; 64.93secs; Open Class | Table A, Six Bar peradito; 0; 0; 4; QR2,625 238.2.1 | 85/100 cm 0; 33.46secs.