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Sunday, December 15, 2019 Rabia II 18, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

REPORT Monterrey win a fi ve-goal thriller with Al Sadd Vangioni, Mori, Rodriguez score for the Mexicans, and Bounedjah, Hassan for Wolves; Monterrey face Liverpool next

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

l Sadd were the dark horses going into their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar quarter-fi nal Amatch against Monterrey, and the Qatar giants put on a valiant fi ght before going down 2-3 in a pulsating encounter yesterday. The Mexican side were too good for Sadd in the fi rst half, but the hosts never gave up as they twice reduced a two-goal defi cit in the second half before running out of time at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Monter- rey will now gear up for a mar- quee semi-fi nal showdown with European champions Liverpool on Wednesday at the Khalifa In- ternational stadium, while Sadd will play a fi fth place play-off tie against African champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Tuesday. Sadd started on a positive note but goals from Leonel Vangioni (23rd minute) and Rogelio Funes Mori (45 +1) gave Monterrey the advantage at half time. While Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah (centre) vies for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup match against Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan (right) and Monterrey’s Carlos Rodriguez in action during the FIFA Club World Sadd ignited comeback hopes Monterrey at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Cup match yesterday. (Reuters) with a Baghdad Bounedjah head- er in the 66th minute, Carlos Ro- horse for the clash. While the hosts CACAF Champions League win- parry a shot from Hassan al-Hay- driguez’s strike ten minutes later did put on a much better show ners an early lead in the 23rd dos. While Xavi’s men did enjoy restored Monterrey’s two-goal in the second half, they weren’t minute. The defender picked up a more of the possession, Monter- advantage. Sadd were back in clinical enough in the fi rst even as ball from 35-yards and unleashed rey were always a threat. Captain the contest after a stunner from Monterrey took their chances. a left-footer, which hit the top Dorlan Pabon went close a couple Abdelkarim Hassan in the 89th Unlike against Hienghene of the right-hand post and then of times, but Sadd defenders were minute, but could not force the Sport last Wednesday, where slammed into the net. able to thwart the danger. game into extra time in the six they scraped to a 3-1 extra-time Afi f and Hassan did try their Afi f did have another big op- added minutes. win, Sadd were punished by the luck from outside the box but portunity in the 65th minute, but “I am very disappointed but South American champions for could not fi nd the target before the 23-year-old once again shot proud of the players for what their wasting too many chances. Sadd captain Gabi’s blunder at the wide. A minute later, however, eff ort. We made many mistakes Monterrey did go close after stroke of half time put the hosts Bounedjah gave his side a hope that helped the Mexican team. But just 98 seconds, when Jesus Gal- two goals behind. The Spanish when he bundled in a Khoukhi we deserved more than that and lardo hit the bar, but in the next midfi elder played a back pass to cross. could have taken the game to extra ten minutes Sadd had a chance to Boualem Khoukhi, but could only Monterrey were back in con- time,” Al Sadd coach Xavi Hern- take the lead through Akram Afi f fi nd a lurking Mori, who squared trol though, when Pedro Miguel andez said. “We must learn from and Nam Tae-hee. up Sadd keeper Saad al-Sheeb and lost the ball in the midfi eld to Je- our mistakes. But I am happy with In third minute, Asian best calmly put it into the net. sus Gallardo, who then passed it most of the players and how they player of the year Afi f’s shot was Afi f had enough time in the to Rodriguez to drill into the net. played. But in football the result is blocked by Marcelo Barovero, remaining seconds of fi rst half to When all the hopes seemed to die most important and we committed and the Monterrey goalkeeper pull a goal back but the forward’s down, Hassan’s thunder strike too many mistakes to lose today,” did not do much when South Ko- corner from the left was cleared from 25 yards in the 88th minute he added. ream international Nam whipped by Barovero. gave Sadd a slim of a chance. But On the match eve, Xavi had over the post. Sadd came in with a lot more the Monterrey players were clev- urged his players to play without On the other hand, Vangioni intent in the second half but er in running down the clock as fear and embrace being the dark struck a belter to give the CON- Barovero was again on hand to Sadd players ran out of gas. Al Sadd coach Xavi gestures during the match yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS Flamengo arrive in Qatar fully focused on fi rst game

R Flamengo landed in and is full of diffi cult matches. on the first game. I’m not in- Doha yesterday ahead of Here in Doha, we’ll represent a terested in anything else at the their participation in the nation with over 40 million fans. moment. We have a team to win FIFA Club World Cup We’re very happy to play a FIFA another tournament, but we QatarC 2019 presented by Alibaba Club World Cup and we will try need a lot of concentration and Cloud. to end this special year with an- work here in Doha. That’s how The Brazilian side, who se- other title,” said team captain we won the Libertadores and cured qualifi cation by winning Everton Ribeiro. the Brazilian championship”, CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertado- Should CR Flamengo and said the team’s Portuguese res, will play either Al Hilal in the Liverpool FC both win their coach Jorge Jesus. semi-fi nal on Tuesday at Khalifa semi-fi nal matches, fans could Tickets for the tournament International Stadium. see a repeat of the famous 1981 are currently available via FIFA. CR Flamengo won their sec- Intercontinental Cup, a precur- com/tickets, including to CR ond-ever Copa Libertadores in sor to the FIFA Club World Cup. Flamengo’s debut in the com- November, beating Argentina’s On that occasion, CR Flamengo petition on 17 December. Tick- River Plate 2-1 in the fi nal, and emerged victorious in Tokyo, Ja- ets are affordably priced in the team also recently won the pan, beating Liverpool 3-0. three categories, ranging from Brazilian Serie A title. “We’re happy to represent QR25 for Category 3 tickets to Thousands of Flamengo fans Flamengo and Brazil in a high the first three matchdays, up are expected to make the trip to level tournament here in Qatar. to QR400 for Category 1 tickets Doha. A lot of people are talking about for the double-header compris- “This is a competition that a possible confrontation with ing the third-place play-off and brings club champions together Liverpool, but we need to focus the final. Gulf Times Sunday, December 15, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup 2 Qatar 2019

SPOTLIGHT Gabi, a serial leader from Simeone to Xavi wice he came close to to contribute the experience I of football that is the polar oppo- appearing in the com- have in leading teams. It might site of the game he was used to in petition with Atletico look easy, but it’s not. You can see Madrid. Madrid but, fi nally, at that the boys want to learn and Tthe age of 36, Gabi Fernandez is they watch what you’re doing. I A WHOLE NEW GAME making his FIFA Club World Cup just try to set an example.” So how has he switched from debut. The Al Sadd player smiled cholismo, the brand of football and shrugged his shoulders as COPING WITH EXPECTATIONS espoused by Atleti coach Diego he contemplated the achieve- With the pressure on them as Simeone, to Xavi’s Barça style? ment: “It’s the only tournament tournament hosts, Al Sadd “That’s a good question,” he I hadn’t played in and although I struggled in their opening match said with a smile. “What’s clear perhaps shouldn’t be getting ex- to put away Hienghene Sport of is that I’d picked up some habits cited at my age, the fact is that I New Caledonia, who held them from playing a longer game and am.” to a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes. trying to win second balls, and The Madrid-born midfielder Gabi did his bit to lift his team- that’s not what happens here. is the Qatari side’s captain, mates in the moments before You just pick it up as quickly as continuing what has been vir- extra time, applauding them you can. It’s a wonderful experi- tually a constant theme in a ca- and urging them on. It did the ence. Getting to know and then reer that has seen him skipper trick as they ran out 3-1 winners. play these two diff erent styles of nearly every team he has played “They’re very excited about be- football is a perfect combination, for. The only club where he has ing in this tournament,” he said and not just for now because I’m not pulled on the armband is of his colleagues. “We played well enjoying it a lot, but for the fu- Getafe, where he spent a year but didn’t take all our chances.” ture as well.” early in his career. He first wore The midfi elder is winding his While there is every chance it at Zaragoza, and then as Diego career down in Doha. He misses that he will one day follow in Simeone’s trusted lieutenant in his family, who have stayed on Xavi’s footsteps when he retires, the best Atleti side of all time. It in Madrid, and his Atleti: “It was Gabi is focused on nothing else at is a role he is now repeating in tough to leave it behind after eve- the moment but Club World Cup. Xavi Hernandez’s team. rything I experienced and how I “I think they’re capable of play- “My challenge as the captain felt there.” ing well in games like this,” he here is to show the way we live He is nevertheless motivated said of his team-mates, and I’m and breathe football and to com- by challenges such as the Club here to help them.” pete,” he explained. “I’m trying World Cup and adapting to a type (FIFA.com)

FOCUS Gomis’ terrifi c strike takes Al Hilal to semi-fi nals AFC Champions League top-scorer had only been on the field for eight minutes before his strike against Esperance

By Sports Reporter Doha

afetimbi Gomis came off the bench to score a stunning goal and lead Al Hilal to a 1-0 win over EsperanceB Sportive de Tunis in the quarter-fi nals of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar yesterday. A keenly-contested encoun- ter between the top sides of Asia and Africa was settled when the French striker produced a sub- lime moment of skill and cool fi nish to leave the crowd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium astonished. Saudi Arabia’s Hilal now take on South American champions Flamengo in the semi-fi nals on Tuesday. Gomis, who has had spells at Swansea City, Olympique Lyon- nais and Galatasaray, ran onto a ball between the Esperance de- fence, fl icked it over Mohamed Ali Yacoubi’s sliding challenge and, without letting it touch the ground, fi red into the far corner in the 73rd minute. The Frenchman, who was the top-scorer in the Asian Cham- pions League with 11 goals, had only been on the fi eld for eight minutes before his strike. For Esperance, it was another for- Al Hilal coach Razvan Lucescu reacts during the match yesterday. (Reuters) gettable experience at the Club World Cup, as the Tunisians were knocked out in their fi rst match just like the two other times they have taken part in the competi- tion. Both teams had been evenly matched from the outset in a fre- netic and lively clash. Esperance, backed by a noisy contingent of fans, had the fi rst real chance af- ter the Al Hilal defence lost the ball, but Anice Badri shot wide with the goalkeeper out of his ground. Carlos Eduardo wasted Al Hi- lal’s fi rst opening when he took a heavy fi rst touch after Andre Carillo sent him clear, and his shot was smothered by goal- keeper Moez Ben Cherifi a. Hi- lal’s Syrian striker Omar Khrbin also missed a big chance when his goal-bound shot from inside the box hit a defender. The Asian champions ended the opening period the stronger as Carrillo’s eff ort needed both Charifi a and Yakoubi to keep it out. Hilal continued to be the bet- ter side as Mohamed Kano sent his shot over the bar early in the second half after he was found by Al Hilal’s Bafetimbi Gomis (right) celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup match against Carillo. Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Esperance were nearly gifted a goal though, when Al Hilal’s his own goal and goalkeeper Ab- cautionary measure, Gomis took the last few minutes with 10 men Yasser al-Shahrani slid in to in- dullah al-Mayouf clawed it away just eight minutes to produce a after Mohamed Kanno was given tercept a pass through the middle just in time. magical winner. With the dead- two yellow cards in quick succes- but sent the ball looping towards Having been benched as a pre- lock broken, Hilal had to play sion and sent off . Esperance Sportive de Tunis players applaud fans after the match against Al Hilal yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times FIFA Club World Cup Sunday, December 15, 2019 Qatar 2019 3

Sights from the FIFA Club World Cup PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

Flamengo players (also right) at the match between Al Hilal and Esperance Sportive de Tunis. (Twitter/Flamengo) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 15, 2019 CRICKET

REPORT SELECTION Thakur replaces injured Kumar in Australia take huge India ODI squad

AFP Kumar has been beset by in- New Delhi juries over the last few seasons. He battled a lower-back injury through most of 2018 and was he Indian cricket board sidelined during the round-rob- lead against New yesterday named pace- in stage of the World Cup with a man Shardul Thakur hamstring strain. as replacement for the Earlier this week, Indian Tinjured Bhuvneshwar Kumar in opener Shikhar Dhawan was the upcoming one-day inter- ruled out of the series after national series against the West sustaining a deep cut to his left Indies. knee. Kumar, 29, was rested after India, who won the T20 series Zealand in fi rst Test he complained of pain in his 2-1, will play the fi rst of the three groin following the third and ODIs today in Chennai followed ‘In the grand scheme of the game we’re in a good position and in control of the game’ fi nal Twenty20 international by games on December 18 (Vi- in Mumbai on Wednesday, the sakhapatnam) and December 22 AFP Board of Control for Cricket in (Cuttack). Perth, Australia India (BCCI) said in a statement. “He underwent an ultrasound INDIA SQUAD: Virat Kohli scan conducted by a special- (captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank ustralia was in a com- ist and the BCCI medical team Agarwal, K L Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, manding position found that his hernia symptoms Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, despite a late batting have resurfaced,” it said. Shivam Dube, Kedar Jadhav, collapse on the third A specialist opinion will now Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra dayA of the fi rst Test against New be sought and his management Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Zealand at Perth Stadium yes- plan will be decided accordingly, Chahar, Mohammed Shami, terday. the statement added. Shardul Thakur. Having led by 250 runs on the fi rst innings, the home side were 167 for six at stumps, with Matthew Head on eight and Pat Cummins on one — an overall lead of 417. Cruising at 131 for one when Marnus Labuschagne (50) and Joe Burns (53) were at the crease, the Australians lost fi ve for 29 under lights later in the day against some spirited short-pitched bowling from the Kiwis, with Tim Southee claim- ing 4-63. Burns said the Australians were not too concerned by los- ing the late wickets. “Really happy with where we are at, although it was disap- pointing to lose a few wickets tonight,” he said. In this file photo taken on November 1, 2019 India’s Shardul Thakur “In the grand scheme of the prepares to deliver a ball during a practice session at Arun Jaitley Cricket game we’re in a good position Stadium in New Delhi. (AFP) and in control of the game.” New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said the fi ghtback late in FOCUS the day could prove important, regardless of the result of this match. “There is a still a fair way to Fourth day’s play called go in this Test match,” he said. “But the fi ght we showed Australia’s Joe Burns hits the ball on day three of the first Test against New Zealand at the Perth Stadium in Perth yesterday. (AFP) bodes well for the rest of the off in Rawalpindi Test series.” Labuschagne, dropped on Scorecard Only Taylor off ered mean- AFP ble on day two and 5.2 on the four by Colin de Grandhomme ingful resistance with 80, but he third. AUSTRALIA 1st innings 416 (Burns), 4-154 (Smith), 5-160 M. Santner b Labuschagne 2 Rawalpindi from the bowling of Neil Wag- was caught at slip by Smith off Sri Lanka were 282-6 2nd innings (Head), 6-160 (Paine) ner (2-40), missed the chance T. Southee c sub (Neser) b Lyon 8 the bowling of Nathan Lyon. in their fi rst innings with to join elite company when he D. Warner c Blundell b Southee 19 Bowling: Southee 19-6-63-4 Extras (b1, lb2) 3 Smith took three catches, in- vernight rain and Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten pulled a short ball straight to (3w), de Grandhomme 13-2-26-0 cluding his blinder on the sec- J. Burns c Nicholls b Southee 53 Total (all out; 55.2 overs) 166 poor light continued on 87 and Dilruwan Perera not Mitchell Santner at mid-wicket (1w, 2nb), Wagner 17-2-40-2 (3w, ond day to remove Kane Wil- Labuschagne c Santner b Wagner 50 to mar Pakistan’s out on six. from the same bowler. 3nb), Santner 8-0-35-0. Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Latham), liamson for 34 and end a 76-run fi rst home Test in a For Pakistan, 16-year-old Without a Test century only S. Smith c Raval b Wagner 16 2-1 (Raval), 3-77 (Williamson), third-wicket stand with Taylor. Odecade yesterday, with offi - pacer Naseem Shah (2-83) and NEW ZEALAND 1st inningsJ. a month ago, he was on track M. Wade not out 8 Raval b Hazlewood 1 4-97 (Nicholls), 5-97 (Wagner), His third was contentious, cials calling the fourth day off Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-58) to become just the second Aus- 6-120 (Watling), 7-147 (Taylor), when de Grandhomme (23) was Head c de Grandhomme b Southee 5 T. Latham c and b Starc 0 before play had begun. were the stand-out bowlers. tralian batsman, and fi fth over- 8-155 (de Grandhomme), given out caught behind by Dar Groundsmen wiped wa- There is a clear forecast for all, to score four Test centuries T. Paine b Southee 0K. Williamson c Smith b Starc 34 9-166 (Santner), 10-166 to hand Starc his fi fth scalp. ter from the pitch covers and today but with so many overs in succession. P. Cummins not out 1 R. Taylor not out 66 (Southee). De Grandhomme tried to rolled out a super sopper, but lost over the four days, there is The only Australian to do so Extras (lb3, nb5, w7) 15 H. Nicholls c Paine b Starc 7 Bowling: Starc 18-2-52-5, fend off a rising delivery and overcast conditions and poor little chance of a result in the previously was Jack Fingleton Hazlewood 1.2-1-0-1, Cummins the ball defl ected off his helmet light forced umpires Richard match. Total (six wickets: 57 overs) 167 in 1936. Santner couldn’t get a N. Wagner b Starc 0 14.4-3-46-1, Wade 2-0-8-0, to Smith in slips, with Dar be- Kettleborough and Michael The second Test is in Kara- wicket with his spin, but he was Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Warner), BJ. Watling b Cummins 8Lyon 14.2-2-48-2, M La- lieving it also brushed the bats- Gough to call off play at 12:00 chi from December 19. the centre of attention in the 2-131 (Labuschagne), 3-148 de Grandhomme c Smith b Starc 23 buschagne 5-1-9-1 man’s gloves. local time (0700 GMT). The Test is the fi rst in Pa- fi eld, colliding with Aleem Dar The batsman reviewed and Both the Pakistan and Sri kistan since a militant attack late in the day and leaving the Smith’s relatively lean sum- After the home side made 416 the follow-on given the extreme although replays showed no Lanka teams remained in their on the Sri Lankan team bus umpire with a knee injury. mer continued when he holed the Kiwis were dismissed for heat and the absence of front conclusive evidence of contact hotel in Islamabad. killed eight people in March Dar, umpiring in a record out to a short ball from Wagner only 166 in their fi rst innings line paceman Josh Hazlewood with his gloves, third umpire Sri Lanka had won the toss 2009, leading to the suspen- 129th Test match, spent several for 16, the fi rst time in his en- as Australian paceman Mitchell due to injury. Marais Erasmus said there was and opted to bat on the fi rst sion of international cricket in minutes lying on the ground tire 71-Test career he has gone Starc terrorised their batsmen Starc claimed 5-52 and trou- insuffi cient grounds to overturn day, but play was called off af- the country as foreign teams and needed medical attention three matches without a half- in continued sweltering condi- bled the New Zealanders with the dismissal and Dar’s decision ter 68.1 overs due to bad light. refused to visit over security before returning to his post. century. tions. Australia didn’t enforce his pace and bounce. stood. Only 18.2 overs were possi- fears.

SPOTLIGHT Beware a wounded buff alo, warns new SA coach Boucher AFP was named assistant coach, also with The Test squad will assemble on De- Cape Town a contract until the end of the next cember 18. Cricket World Cup in 2023. Against the background of con- Faf du Plessis was confi rmed as cap- troversy about the administration of ormer Test wicketkeeper Mark tain for the Test series against England South African cricket, with calls for Boucher was yesterday named which starts at Centurion on Decem- the board of CSA to resign, Smith said as South African team head ber 26, while former Test batsman he personally had no contact with the coach until 2023. Ashwell Prince was named coach of board about making what amount to FAn upbeat Boucher said South Afri- South Africa A. long-term decisions. can cricket had been through “trying Smith said he expected to appoint He said he had dealt only with CSA times” but added that he was confi - batting and bowling consultants with- interim chief executive Jacques Faul. dent that the national team could be in the next week. “There’s no relationship (with the successful against England. board) at this stage,” he said. “My “Beware of a wounded buff alo, es- ‘Couple of days’ point of call is Jacques.” pecially in Africa,” he said. Boucher said South Africa had re- He said recent developments had The announcement was made by bounded in the past. been disappointing. Cricket South Africa interim director “I have been involved in sides where “We need to turn around the image. of cricket, former Test captain Graeme we’ve had some very tough times,” said A lot of things still need to shift. My Smith, who only took up his post on Boucher. goal is focused on getting the Proteas Wednesday. “One of the toughest was the Hansie and the structures performing well. Boucher, 43, played in 147 Tests, 290 Cronje (corruption) saga but straight “We know that cricket is a big part one-day internationals and 25 Twen- away after that we beat Australia. of bringing in budgets and a high- ty20 internationals for South Africa “I think we’ve got a very good chance performing Proteas team will go a long before a serious eye injury ended his of turning it around. I’ve been in set- way towards providing some confi - career in 2012. ups where we have turned around in a dence.” He has coached the Titans franchise couple of days.” Although Smith’s interim role is for the past three seasons, winning fi ve Smith said an emergency selec- only for three months, Faul later told of a possible nine trophies. tion committee consisting of Boucher, AFP that he hoped the former captain “I felt that at this stage the Proteas Nkwe, Du Plessis and Linda Zondi, would commit to a long-term posi- (national team) needed a really hard- who was sacked as convener after tion. ened, internationally experienced South Africa’s poor World Cup cam- England start their tour with a two- guy,” said Smith. paign, would announce a squad to- day match against an Invitation XI Enoch Nkwe, who was previously morrow for the fi rst Test as well as a in Benoni on Tuesday, followed by a interim team director and in charge South Africa A team to play against three-day match against South Africa The South African Cricket coach Mark Boucher (right) and assistant coach Enoch Nkwe pose at the Newlands Cricket grounds of the team on a recent tour of India, England. A at the same venue from Friday. in Newlands yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, December 15, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Despite chaotic week, Stars show Davis scores 33 as their strength as one of top teams

By Matthew DeFranks game at 2 with 5:11 left in the The Dallas Morning News third period by defl ecting Lakers cool off Heat Tyler Seguin’s shot from an extreme angle. ost in the upheaval of Dallas fi nishes a back-to- Jim Montgomery’s fi r- back in Nashville on Saturday ing, in the Stars’ 3-2 night. overtime loss Friday Since the Stars’ poor start, Lnight to the Golden Knights they’ve owned impressive and one of the most confusing league-wide numbers. The for 6th straight win weeks in recent franchise his- power play entered Friday tory is a simple fact: the Stars ninth in the league since Oct ‘I had seven turnovers in the first half. The second half I just got back to myself’ are a good hockey team. 19; the penalty kill, fourth. It was an easy fact to ignore Two of the four best goal- given the unexplained dis- tenders in that stretch wear missal of their coach and the Victory Green, including Ben coaching shuffl e it caused, Bishop and his .947 save per- plus the days of murkiness and centage since then. speculation. It was easy to re- The 12-game point streak member the recent four-game that ended in Chicago in losing streak and the embar- November could have been rassment in Winnipeg just viewed as a mirage. Perhaps 10 days prior and dismiss the the hot streak was a simple Stars’ three-game win streak act of the right bounces at entering Friday. the right times. Due to the But in the last two months somewhat random nature of - yes, two months - the Stars hockey, teams go on stretches have been the best team in the like that often. Sometimes, Western Conference. Since they’re fl ukes. The four-game they started the season 1-7- losing streak questioned the 1, the Stars are 17-5-3. Only Stars’ validity. But the bigger one team in the NHL (Wash- picture doesn’t. ington) has more points than “The four-game losing Dallas, and the Stars have streak, that could happen turned a horrendous start into again, doesn’t mean they’re a 100-point season. playing bad,” interim coach On Friday night, the Stars Rick Bowness said. “Some- lost at home for the fi rst time times, you play your best as Max Pacioretty won the games and you lose. There’s a game for Vegas 51 seconds into lot of variables that come into overtime. the game. It’s not a perfect After controlling the fi rst game. Sometimes you play period (15-7 shot advantage poorly and win.” and a 1-0 lead), the Stars The Stars aren’t a perfect struggled in the second. Ve- team, of course. gas outshot the Stars, 16-7, While their defense is elite as both William Karlsson and again, the off ense has lagged Chandler Stephenson scored behind. The power play can be in the period. streaky, and their usual big- Taylor Fedun scored time producers (like Benn, for Dallas, wristing a shot Seguin and John Klingberg) through traffi c with less than aren’t putting up numbers like fi ve minutes left in the fi rst they can. And the Stars reside period. Jamie Benn tied the in the tight Central Division.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP RESULTS “I had seven turnovers in the fi rst half. past seven games. The rest of the NBA has Los Angeles The second half I just got back to myself.” combined for only fi ve 50-plus games this LA Clippers 124-117 Minnesota Jimmy Butler had a team-high 23 points season. Harden’s 54-point night comes Indiana 110-100 Atlanta for the Heat, who had won six of its previ- two nights after he embarrassed the Cleve- nthony Davis scored a game-high ous seven games. land Cavaliers with 55 points. New York 103-101 Sacramento 33 points and delivered a pep talk Miami trailed 112-110 with eight sec- Harden nailed a franchise record 10 to LeBron James as the Los Ange- Utah 114-106 Golden State onds left. But they couldn’t rebound a three-pointers against the Magic. He fi n- les Lakers handed the Miami Heat Chicago 83-73 Charlotte missed free throw by Kentavious Cald- ished 10-for-15 from behind the arc against theirA fi rst loss at home with a 113-110 vic- well-Pope. Orlando. Milwaukee 127-114 Memphis tory on Friday. Butler then missed a three-pointer at the Evan Fournier led Orlando with 27 points James scored 28 points, 12 assists and Houston 130-107 Orlando buzzer that would have forced overtime. for the Magic, who have lost three straight nine rebounds and leading scorer Davis Philadelphia 116-109 New Orleans Elsewhere, James Harden made Orlando after winning four in a row. also had 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who LA Lakers 113-110 Miami pay for covering him one-on-one, deliv- Also, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned extended their winning streak to six games. ering another brilliant 50-point perform- from a one-game absence to post 37 points The matchup between two of the top ance as the Houston Rockets trounced the and 11 rebounds, and the visiting Milwau- teams in the league resulted in a playoff - thinking too much,” Davis said of James. Magic 130-107. Harden pounded Orlando kee Bucks came from behind to post their type feel as the Heat suff ered their rstfi loss “He was playing a little timid for me. from the outside and under the basket by 17th straight win with a 127-114 victory at home after going 11-0 to start the season. “I told him, ‘We are going to ride with scoring 54 points and seven assists. over the Memphis Grizzlies. “It was like a heavyweight bout,” said you whether you go two-for-20 or four- Orlando chose not to double team Hard- Milwaukee now has the second-longest James, who led Miami to two NBA titles for-25, I don’t care. You got to make an im- en in the fi rst half and then half heartedly winning streak in franchise history, behind in 2012 and 2013. “It was like the old days, pact on the game’. attempted to do it in the second, but it was the record of 20 which was set in 1970-71. (George) Foreman and (Muhammad) Ali- “We have great chemistry. Us two are the too late. In Philadelphia, Tobias Harris scored 31 type atmosphere. These are two teams leaders of this team, we are the head of the ONE MAN SHOW points and the 76ers remained unbeaten that play physical and are both playing ex- snake.” James agreed with that critique and “I feel like we lost against just him tonight,” at home following a 116-109 win over the tremely well this season.” said he needed a wake-up call. said Magic guard Evan Fournier. “He’s the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis said he had to reprimand James, “We were down today because of me,” said MVP for a reason. We talked about in pre- Ben Simmons added 24 points and 11 who fi nished with eight turnovers, because James. “I was reckless. I am supposed to be game that he’ll take shots, and we’ll just assists as the Sixers improved to 14-0 at he could see the future Hall of Famer was the quarterback and my teammates got on live with the results. He did not miss.” home. It’s their longest winning streak at Brayden McNabb (left) of the Vegas Golden Knights battles for struggling in the fi rst half. me. “They told me to be myself. Get my head Harden scored 50 or more for the fi fth home to open a season since winning 22 in the puck against Joe Pavelski of the Dallas Stars in the third “I had to get on him tonight, he was out of my ass and just play basketball. time this season and the fourth time in his 1966-67. period at American Airlines Center on Friday. (AFP)

NFL Winston, Bucs try to continue surge vs Lions Reuters interceptions, including his fi fth pick-6 of the fense, giving up 397.4 yards per game. The Li- New York season. “He puts a lot of touchdowns up,” Li- ons are also 24th in scoring defense, giving up ons head coach Matt Patricia said of Winston. an average of 25.8 points per game. “We have to make sure we get that stopped fi rst. However, Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Ar- oday’s tilt between the Tampa Bay Just capitalize on those opportunities if we get ians said the Lions do present problems defen- Buccaneers and Detroit Lions can best them.” sively. “Sometimes statistics lie,” Arians said. be described as a team from the south Winston suff ered a hairline fracture in his “(Cornerback) Darius Slay, he’s a ball hawk, and headed north in the standings going right (throwing) thumb during the win over the he’s going to be jumping routes like he always upT against a team from the north plummeting Colts, but said he intends to play against the has. They’ve got a heck of a pass rush. (Defen- south. Lions. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice. sive end) Trey Flowers is one of the best there Tampa Bay will head to Detroit playing its The Buccaneers won’t have one of their key is.” While the Buccaneers might see an oppor- best football of the year, having won three con- off ensive weapons against the Lions, as wide- tunity to put up more points against the Lions, secutive games and four of its last fi ve following out Mike Evans suff ered a season-ending ham- the same can also be said of Detroit against a 2-6 start. string injury against the Colts. Tampa Bay’s defense. The Buccaneers have been clicking off en- “It’s going to be diff erent from that aspect, The Buccaneers enter 31st in the league in sively the last three weeks, scoring 35 points not having one of the best receivers in the points allowed per game at 29.3 per game, al- against Atlanta, 28 points at Jacksonville and game,” Winston said. “As far as conceptually, though Tampa Bay will get the benefi t this time 38 points in a win at home over Indianapolis on we are going to do what we do. We have some of going up against a third-string quarterback. Sunday. Tampa Bay (6-7) has produced because great guys who have been stepping up for us like For the third straight game, the Lions will of, and also in spite of, erratic quarterback Ja- they did last game. We are going to go out and start rookie David Blough, with starter Mat- meis Winston. execute.” thew Staff ord still nursing a back injury and Winston has completed 61.3 % of his passes However, Winston and Tampa Bay’s other backup Jeff Driskel on injured reserve with a and is second in the NFL in passing yards (4,115) healthy playmakers on off ense have to be lick- hamstring injury. and tied for second in touchdown passes (26). ing their chops. They face a porous Detroit de- Blough has actually put up decent num- But Winston is also turning the ball over at an fense that is the biggest reason why the Lions bers in his fi rst two games, completing 46 of alarming rate, with his 23 interceptions the are in a free fall. 78 passes for 485 yards, three touchdowns and most in the league by seven. Detroit (3-9-1) has lost six games in a row three interceptions. Winston’s inconsistency was on full display and nine of 10, moving into the fi fth spot in the The Lions also will be without a key wideout, last week against the Colts, when he threw for 2020 NFL Draft order. as starter Marvin Jones was placed on injured 456 yards and four touchdowns, but also three The Lions rank 29th in the league in total de- reserve on Tuesday with an ankle injury. File photo of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston. (Reuters) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 15, 2019 SPORT

GOLF ATHLETICS New Zealand Olympic US fi ght back to leave legend Snell dies Reuters Wellington

amed New Zealand Ol- ympic middle distance runner Peter Snell has died in Dallas at age Presidents Cup in 80,F the New Zealand Herald reported yesterday. The newspaper reported United States trails by two heading sports historian and friend Ron Palenski confi rmed Snell into today’s singles, Reed’s caddie had died at his Texas home on Thursday after years of heart involved in altercation with fan problems. Palenski said Snell’s the balance wife Miki had telephoned him to share the news. Peter Snell. (Reuters) Reuters Snell, considered New Zea- Melbourne land’s greatest athlete, won he wanted to play table tennis,” three Olympic gold medals. He Miki told the publication. “He took the 800 metres at the 1960 lay down to watch the news on he United States clawed back Rome Games and won both the TV and fell asleep. into contention at the Presidents 800 and 1,500 metres at the “I tried to wake him up but he Cup yesterday by dominating the 1964 Tokyo Games. wouldn’t move. The paramedics afternoon foursomes, but late He is the only man since 1920 came in about fi ve minutes but Tscrambling by the Internationals secured to have won both events at the they couldn’t wake him.” a 10-8 lead heading into the fi nal day at same Olympics. Royal Melbourne. New Zealand Prime Minister FORMER OLYMPIC HURDLES There were angry scenes earlier when Jacinda Ardern said Snell was CHAMPION YOUNG INJURED Patrick Reed’s caddie clashed with a “a legend, here and around the IN WELSH BUS CRASH spectator after the US golfer, heckled for world. Our thoughts are with Sir Former Olympic 400m hurdles three straight days for his waste bunker Peter’s wife Miki and their fam- gold medallist Kevin Young was penalty in the Bahamas, was beaten in ily.” hospitalised after being involved the morning fourballs with Webb Simp- Under the guidance of famed in a bus crash in Wales, local me- son, their third successive defeat in the coach Arthur Lydiard, Snell be- dia reported. Cup. came one of the most dominant American star Young, 53, who U.S. captain Tiger Woods asked the middle-distance runners in his- set a world record at the Barce- crowd to be “respectful” of his team, say- tory. He set world records in the lona Games in 1992 and won the ing some fans had drunk too much alco- mile and 800 metres and also world title at Stuttgart a year hol and gone too far in their taunting. won dual gold at the 1962 Com- later, was among eight people “Have people said things that have monwealth Games in Perth. injured when the vehicle collided been over the top? Yes. I’ve heard it,” he Snell was preparing to cel- with a bridge in Swansea, south told reporters. “I’ve been in the groups ebrate his 81st birthday on Tues- Wales, the WalesOnline site re- playing when it has happened, and I’ve day. ported. been inside the ropes as a captain today His wife Miki told New Zea- “Tough day trying to get to witnessing it.” land’s Stuff her husband was class, 2 broken ribs and head Internationals captain Ernie Els, how- having a good day on Thursday, trauma,” tweeted the Califor- ever, said the International team had suf- despite a health scare last month nian, who is studying a post- fered worse from the galleries at Liberty when he passed out while driv- graduate degree at the city’s uni- National, New Jersey, two years ago. ing and crashed into several versity. “We shut up and we get on with things. parked vehicles. Young posted images on his That’s what we did in New York,” the “He felt good, he had gone Twitter account showing the bus South African said with a touch of de- and done some activities, and roof severely damaged and deep fi ance. “This Aussie crowd, OK, they was planning on doing more – cuts on the top of his head. got a little bit boisterous this afternoon with a couple of beers, but which crowd doesn’t? You take it and you move on.” Former Roland Garros champion CADDIE EJECTED Schiavone ‘wins’ cancer fi ght Reed’s caddie Kessler Karain, also the golfer’s brother-in-law, will not return Former French Open champion ing in three Fed Cup winning for the Sunday singles, the PGA Tour Francesca Schiavone said on teams with Italy in 2006, 2009 said, meaning someone else will carry the Friday she had defeated cancer, and 2010. American’s bag when he faces Taiwanese defiantly telling fans: “I’m still Her greatest moment came debutant C.T. Pan in the third match on breathing”. when she defeated Australia’s Sunday. The 39-year-old, who became Samantha Stosur in the 2010 With 12 singles matches remaining the first Italian woman to win a Roland Garros final. She went on day four, the fi rst team to reach 15.5 Grand Slam title with victory on to claim her career best points will raise the trophy. at Roland Garros in 2010, world ranking of four in Janu- No team has ever won when trailing af- revealed her diagnosis in a ary 2011. ter the third day but the US tied the 2003 short video on her Instagram Later that year, Schiavone came tournament 17-17 after going into the fi - account. agonisingly close to defending nal Sunday three points behind. “Hi everyone, upon 7-8 months her French Open title but was Woods sat out both the morning four- of silence from social media defeated by China’s Li Na in the ball and afternoon foursomes yester- and from the world, I wish to Paris final. day but will play against the impressive US team captain Tiger Woods (left) embraces Xander Schauff ele after Schauff ele and teammate Patrick Cantlay won their match share with you what happened “When I was 18 years old, I had Mexican debutant Abraham Ancer today during the third day of the Presidents Cup in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) to me,” said Schiavone who two dreams,” Schiavone said as he looks to seize early momentum for appeared in the video with her on her retirement in New York the Americans. Xander Schauff ele and Patrick Cantlay cans a full point. “It’s unacceptable for on 18 to give An a birdie chance from dark hair closely cropped. in 2018. The Internationals stretched their lead then reduced the US defi cit to two points us to get a half a point,” said a crestfallen within seven feet to claim a full point. “A cancer had been diagnosed “The first one was to win Roland to 9-5 after winning the early fourballs with another 2&1 win over Cameron Thomas, who had held a perfect record A massive greenside gallery groaned as to me. I did chemotherapy, I Garros, and the second one was 2.5-1.5, before Woods’s team dug deep to Smith and Im Sung-jae. until that match. An’s putt burned the rim of the cup. fought a tough battle and now to become top 10 in the world. claim the afternoon foursomes 3-1, defy- The margin would have been shaved to “We had our chances, and I mean, fl at Beaten in all three of his matches, Reed I am still breathing. I have won And I completed them, so I’m ing huge crowds that grew increasingly a single point but for a dramatic collapse honest, just didn’t execute. I’m just dis- will again be under huge scrutiny on this fight. And now I am back in very, very happy, and lucky.” hostile as the day wore on. by Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler, appointed in myself for burning that for Sunday. The Internationals’ Adam Had- action.” Schiavone’s health battle drew who blew a fi ve-hole lead after the 10th us on 18.” win, meanwhile, will play after suff ering She did not elaborate on the instant praise. DRAMATIC COLLAPSE against Marc Leishman and Ancer. International rookies Joaquin Nie- from stomach fl u and missing yesterday’s type of cancer which had been “Your strength, your courage, Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland led Under pressure after bogeys at 16 and mann and An Byeong-hun fought back sessions. diagnosed. your roar are always an inspira- the way with a 2&1 victory over the In- 17, Thomas pulled his tee-shot on the last from two holes down in the tense fi nal Els indicated he expects the event to Schiavone retired from tennis tion,” tweeted Inter Milan, one ternationals’ most senior pairing of Louis deep into trees and Leishman pounced match to share a point with Matt Kuchar go down to the wire, putting Adam Scott after the 2018 US Open having of the Serie A football clubs Oosthuizen and Adam Scott in the fi rst with a fi ne approach that landed within and Tony Finau. Chilean Niemann pro- and his most senior players down for the won eight career titles and play- based in her home city. foursomes match. seven feet of the pin to deny the Ameri- duced a brilliant recovery from the rough late matches on Sunday.

RUGBY Kolisi wants to avoid pitfalls of fame, off er inspiration AFP the airport what it meant for the com- as many people as I can and I’m grateful Monaco munity back at home and how huge it they see me as a role model.” was,” he said. Yet he also expressed some ambiva- “We were grateful to see that we are lence about receiving awards. or Siya Kolisi, who led South Af- able to touch a nation, touch the world, “You’re playing a team sport and that rica to World Cup victory, the doing what we love, playing sport. always makes it hard to get individual ac- praise and prizes keep pouring “It was also huge for me to go home colades because there are so many peo- down, but in Monaco on Thurs- and see the people back at home how ple around me that have helped me. dayF to collect a ‘Champion of Peace’ happy they were,” said the 28-year-old “Among my team mates there are so award, he insisted: “I’m still Siya.” Kolisi. many other leaders. I don’t like taking “The more you start seeing yourself “It reminded us that we are able to do all the credit because it’s not just me, the as this amazing hero or amazing person, a lot of things with the power of sports.” coaches, the physios, everybody adds that’s when you stumble over your feet,” “I can feel it changed a lot of things but value to anything the team achieves.” Kolisi told AFP in an interview. I’m still Siya.” Kolisi said that he believes sports stars Kolisi, the fi rst black captain in the Kolisi, who has made his way to the have wider roles. Springboks’ 126-year history led his na- apex of his sport from a deprived town- “I have always been helping the people tion to the world title in Japan at the start ship near Port Elizabeth, was in Monaco back in my community,” he said, saying of November. for the annual awards ceremony for the that he helps his old club play and his “I’m still on a high. Still happy. Enjoy- Sports and Peace organisation. school in Rugby and also “gives the kids ing every moment of this whole experi- iPads they can use to learn maths, Eng- ence,” he said, before adding that he was ‘THEY CAN MAKE IT’ lish and languages.” eager to get back to his job. “I’m ready to “It’s a great honour and a privilege for He launched a Kolisi boot with a South start working and going to training.” me and it’s great to see people recognise African company Freedom of Movement. “Going to training makes me excited people that use their voice and use their It sold out, he said, explaining that the because I want to achieve more, I want to platform and do some work off the fi eld profi ts are now going to build a Rugby do so much more. I need to make sure I as well and it will inspire people to do fi eld. “I’m not competing with anyone. perform come next year.” more. I’m just trying to do the stuff I dream Kolisi said that it was not until the “We’re not just sportsmen. We can do about doing.” team returned home that he appreciate much more off the field.” He said he hopes the Rugby triumph the impact of their 32-12 victory over “I love that the kids now know where I can make South Africa as a whole better. England in the World Cup fi nal on No- come from and that if they struggle, they “We are hoping to carry through this vember 2. can make it,” he said. momentum in other things. We are hop- “We knew as a team as soon as we “I’m still a person that can make mis- ing that this achievement is inspiring stepped foot in South Africa, we saw at takes but I try and do my best to inspire people to do better for the country.” South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi poses with a Champion of Peace award in Monaco. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, December 15, 2019 7 SPORT

FOOTBALL/EPL Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour: Salah stretches Reds Al-Emadi wins Big Tour class lead to 10 points as Leicester stumble Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi astride Colibri 19 won the Big Tour ‘We had to fight, that’s what we did and that’s why we won’ class during the fourth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Al Shaqab arena yesterday. Mohamed AFP Sultan al-Suwaidi (Happy Feet) came second, while Mohamed London Khalifa al-Baker (Verona) finished third. (Below) The dressage event winners celebrate with the trophies.

iverpool tightened their grip on the Premier League title race thanks to two Mohamed Salah Lgoals in a 2-0 win over Watford which extended their lead at the top to 10 points as second- placed Leicester were held 1-1 at home by Norwich. Chelsea were also shocked 1-0 at home by Bournemouth to see their lead over the chasing pack in fourth further cut, while Sheffi eld United moved into fi fth with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. At Anfi eld, Liverpool kept their fi rst clean sheet at home this season but only thanks to Watford’s wastefulness in front of goal as the Hornets showed why they are the lowest scoring side in the league. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Is- maila Sarr both failed to make a proper connection with the goal gaping in the fi rst half and the 40-point gap between the sides in the table was shown only in BUNDESLIGA the diff erence of quality in the fi nishing. Salah struck twice as he rounded off a rapid Liverpool counter-attack from a Watford Coutinho’s hat-trick in corner eight minutes before half-time. The Egyptian then settled the Bayern Munich’s 6-1 home crowd’s nerves a minute from time when he cheek- ily fl icked home Divock Origi’s demolition of Werder mishit shot. “In December and January Reuters rhythm under interim coach especially, you need to show Unich, Germany Hansi Flick, were at risk of losing resilience - that’s the most im- touch with the top spots. portant thing and we showed The Brazilian forward, that,” said coach Jurgen Klopp, ayern Munich’s Philippe brought in on loan from Barce- whose side are seven games into Coutinho scored a lona this season, scored his fi rst a 15-match stretch across fi ve hat-trick and Robert Bundesliga treble with Bayern competitions in 50 days. Lewandowski added playing a dominant second half. “We had to fi ght, that’s what twoB more goals as the champi- However, they fell behind we did and that’s why we won.” ons demolished Werder Bremen in the 24th minute to a Milot 6-1 yesterday to impressively Rashica goal after again miss- LEICESTER LOSE GROUND bounce back from two straight ing golden chances, including by Leicester will be Liverpool’s league defeats. top scorer Lewandowski, as had next opponents in the Premier The Bavarians, missing several been the case in recent weeks. League on Boxing Day after the players through injury, climbed But their wastefulness was not European champions head to to fourth place on 27 points, punished this time as goals from Qatar for the Club World Cup. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah controls the ball during the English Premier League match against Watford in Liverpool yesterday. (AFP) four behind leaders Borussia Coutinho in the 45th minute, The Foxes had the chance to Moenchengladbach who visit and Lewandowski in fi rst-half cut the gap at the top to just fi ve corner was turned into his own Champions League place could Gosling skilfully fl icked a loose some silly goals.” VfL Wolfsburg today. stoppage time, turned the game points ahead of that meeting net by Norwich goalkeeper Tim be down to as little as two points ball over Kepa Arrizabalaga fi ve Sheffi eld United for now are Borussia Dortmund stayed for the hosts. had they beaten Norwich and Krul, but the hosts could not should Manchester United beat minutes from time and VAR the Blues’ closest challengers two points ahead of Bayern in Brazilian Coutinho then Manchester City next weekend. press home their dominance in Everton on Sunday as their poor overturned a wrongly-raised as they moved ahead of United third after a 4-0 win at Mainz 05 chipped a superb David Alaba However, a club record run of the second half. “The players run continued. off side fl ag against the mid- and Tottenham into fi fth as John but Bayer Leverkusen missed a pass over Bremen keeper Jiri eight straight Premier League have been brilliant. When you Frank Lampard’s men have fi elder. Fleck scored twice in the second chance to move into the top Pavlenka for their third goal in wins for Brendan Rodgers’s men are on that winning run you be- now lost four of their last fi ve “Some responsibility is on half to infl ict a 2-0 defeat on four after suff ering a shock the 63rd as Bayern completely came to an end against the Ca- lieve you are going to win every Premier League games and the players to take the ball and Aston Villa, while Jack Greal- 2-0 defeat at strugglers Cologne bossed the game following the naries. Teemu Pukki broke clear game but of course it does not had only themselves to blame as have the balls to excite the fans,” ish missed a late penalty for the and instead dropped to seventh break. and fi nished calmly for his ninth work like that,” said Rodgers. they had 18 shots on goal with- said Lampard after a fi fth home visitors. on 25. Poland forward Lewandowski goal of the season to put the vis- “We were not 100 percent on it. out fi nding a way past Aaron defeat of the season. Burnley were also victors, 1-0 Bayern’s man-of-the-match added a fi fth after 72 minutes itors in front. We need to set the reset button.” Ramsdale. “In front of our home fans it’s over Newcastle, thanks to Chris Coutinho, who also helped set and Thomas Mueller also scored Leicester levelled before Bournemouth had lost fi ve on evident we aren’t playing well Wood’s close-range fi nish in up two more goals, delivered at before Coutinho rounded off a the break when Jamie Vardy’s REALITY CHECK FOR CHELSEA the spin but got their reward for enough. We aren’t taking our a game of few chances at Turf just the right time with the Ba- fi ne performance with another header from James Maddison’s Chelsea’s hold on the fourth staying in the game when Dan chances and we have given away Moor. varians, struggling to fi nd their goal to complete his hat-trick.

32 players reach knockouts at LA LIGA World 9-Ball Championship Barca stumble to draw at Sociedad Reuters tack. Suarez put the Catalans ahead in Madrid the 49th minute, passing a lay-off from Lionel Messi into an empty net. Sociedad levelled shortly after the arcelona’s six-game winning hour mark, as Barca goalkeeper Marc- streak in all competitions Andre ter Stegen failed to properly came to a halt yesterday with punch away a cross from Nacho Mon- a 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad real and Swedish youngster Alexander Bwhich could see the leaders knocked off Isak pounced on the loose ball to smash the top of La Liga by Real Madrid by the it home from close range. end of the weekend ahead of Wednes- Both sides went looking for a win- day’s ‘Clasico’. ner in a frantic fi nale and Barca had a The draw leaves Barca still leading strong penalty appeal waved away in with 35 points from 16 games but Real stoppage time when Gerard Pique was Madrid, on 34, can take their place at tugged by Llorente. the top if they win at Valencia on Sun- “Both teams had our moments and day, perfectly setting up a mouth-wa- our chances and either side could have tering midweek clash between the two scored a third goal,” said Griezmann. giants at the Camp Nou. “It’s a shame we could only draw. Spain international Mikel Oyarza- We gave everything but now we have to bal gave Sociedad the lead in the 12th learn, improve and focus on the Clasi- minute from the penalty spot after co. They made a very good start and we Sergio Busquets was penalised some- got our tactics wrong but in the end we what harshly for tugging the shirt of fi xed it and we created chances to win Ko Ping Chung of Chinese Taipei takes a moment to line up his shot during the World 9-Ball Champion- Diego Llorente while they battled for the game.” ship match against Phone Myint Kyaw (not pictured) of Myanmar at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker an aerial ball. Real Sociedad are fourth in the ta- Federation in Doha yesterday. Ko won the game 9-4. Elsewhere, defending champion Joshua Filler of Antoine Griezmann levelled for Bar- ble on 28 points, three points behind Germany brushed aside a shaky start against Qatar’s Bashar Hussain 9-5 to reach the knockout stage ca in the 38th minute, scoring against third-placed Sevilla.Pique was ada- at World 9-Ball Championship even as his opponent in last year’s final, Carlo Biado of the Philippines, the club where he began his career by mant he deserved a penalty in injury- Real Sociedad’s Swedish forward Alexander Isak suff ered a 3-9 loss at the hands of Enrique Rojas of Chile. Biado will now have another chance from the nonchalantly scooping the ball over time but it seemed he and Llorente (right) is congratulated by teammate Martin Odegaard loser’s bracket. (WPA) Alex Remiro after being played in by were both guilty of pulling each other’s after scoring a goal during the La Liga match against Luis Suarez in a sweeping counter-at- shirt at the back post. Barcelona in San Sebastian. (AFP)

Sunday, December 15, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

Minister of Culture and Sports attends Qatar Superstock and Qatar Touring Car Championship opening ceremony

The Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali attended the opening ceremony for the Qatar Superstock and Qatar Touring Car Championship at the Losail Internernational Circuit yesterday. Director General of Traff ic Headquarters Major General Mohamed Saad al-Kharji, Manateq CEO Engineer Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi, former rally driver Jaber bin Talib bin Afifah, diplomat from Kuwait embassy Abdullatif Alfouzan, QMMF President Abdulraham al-Mannai, LCSC Vice-President and General Manager Khalid al-Remahi and QMMF General Secretary Abdulrazak al-Kuwari also attended the ceremony. The authorities also visited the Qatar Motorsports Academy facilities.

HORSE RACING Unstoppable Al Lusail extends victory run to six Jockey Tomas Lukasek registers a hat-trick of victories; trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali saddles three winners

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Jeryan Stud’s Al Lusail seems to be in unstop- pable form as the fi ve- year-old completed aA hat-trick of feature victories yesterday, even extending his run of victories to six, in the Halul Is- land Cup (National Day Cup) at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park. The mile and a half turf fea- ture for local Thoroughbreds saw Ronan Thomas astride the Footstepsinthesand colt the two were past the post half-a-length ahead of the competition for yet another happy moment for train- er Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani and the rest of the connections. The day also began with Tomas Lukasek registering a hat-trick of wins yesterday. With the QREC testing a new fi nal bend, two Thoroughbred handicap races were run to start the 15th race meeting and Lu- kasek rode a winner each for Ali Yousuf al-Kubaisi and Hossin Ashour — Suprematism and El Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Asian Equestrian Federation President Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (fifth from right) and QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (fourth from right) with the winners of the Halul Patron. Island Cup (National Day Cup) after Al Lusail won the 2400m race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim While Suprematism raced to his third career victory, El Patron brushed aside a disappointing run earlier this month to enter the winner’s circle for the fi rst time in Qatar. Lukasek’s third winner of the day was His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Neearah, who shed her maiden status on her fi fth career outing. The Julian Smart-trained four- year-old had shown promise on her last outing a month ago fi n- ishing in the frame in the Oaks Trial, and did well under Lukasek yesterday to fi nally enter the winner’s circle. Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim bin Thani al-Thani’s Admiral has been in scintillating form com- pleting a hat-trick a little over two weeks ago and the horse only extended that run yesterday putting on display his versatility. Last month, Ibrahim al-Mal- Ronan Thomas rides Al Lusail to Halul Island Cup (National Day Cup) victory yesterday. Action from the Maseela races at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. ki’s ward had won over a mile on turf and twice over 1,700m on Champion trainer Ghazali sad- Mohanad Jassim al-Yaqout’s Lukasek), 2. Geno (Marco Casa- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bentley), 2. Sealine (Ronan Croate (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: dirt. Yesterday, he stepped down dled yet another winner when Ellianka was the 14th winner of mento), 3. Myboyhenry (Ivan bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Thomas), 3. AJS Al Maha (Alex- Hd, 4, 2 ¼. Time: 2:02.50. Owner: to six furlongs under Eduardo Marco Casamento helmed Khali- the season for trainer al-Ram- Rossi), 4. Al Hasnaa (Saleh Salem Julian Smart. ander Reznikov), 4. AJS Al Aredh Al Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban and had little trouble winning by fa bin Sheal al-Kuwari’s Daneyan zani. Ridden by Soufi ane Saadi al-Marri). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, Hd. Race 4: 1. Ellianka (Soufiane (Carlos Henrique). Won by: Hd, de Miuelle. almost a length at the post in the to a close victory in the 2,200m for the fi rst time, the mare won Time: 2:08.88. Owner: Ali Yousuf Saadi), 2. Wadha PY (Ronan 1 ¾, 1 ¼. Time: 1:31.13. Owner: Race 9: 1. Festive (Harry Bentley), Local Thoroughbred Handicap Thoroughbred Handicap race. the six-furlong Purebred Arabian al-Kubaisi. Trainer: Ali Yousuf Thomas), 3. Djumana KB (Tomas Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Mo- 2. Amenable (Luca Maniezzi), 3. event. In the penultimate race of the Claiming Race by two-and-a- al-Kubaisi. Lukasek), 4. Lagham (Ali Khalid hamed al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Qatar Dance (Ryan Curatolo), After notching runner-up day, al-Kuwari’s colours returned half lengths. Race 2: 1. El Patron (Tomas al-Mosallam). Won by: 2 ½, 1, ½. Mohamed Ghazali. 4. Regality (Marco Casamento). fi nishes for three straight out- to the winner’s circle and so did Saadi had later guided Al Lukasek), 2. Ras Mlaejy (Sou- Time: 1:19.28. Owner: Mohanad Race 7: 1. Daneyan (Marco Won by: Shd, 3 ½, 1 ¾. Time: ing, Jassim Mohamed Ghazali- Ghazali and Bentley as Festive Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama to a fiane Saadi), 3. Thierry (Carlos Jassim al-Yaqout. Trainer: Hadi Casamento), 2. Perfect Storm 2:07.28. Owner: Khalifa bin trained AJS Al Moheeb fi nally had registered her second straight thrilling victory in the Purebred Henrique), 4. Moamar (JP Guil- Nasser al-Ramzani. (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Saint Roch Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim a win this season yesterday. victory, topping a 2,000m race Arabian Conditions event, lead- lambert). Won by: 1 ¾, ½, ½. Time: Race 5: 1. Admiral (Eduardo (Ronan Thomas), 4. Off He Goes Mohamed Ghazali. The Amer colt had won in Feb- for fi llies and mares. ing a one-two for trainer Alban 2:05.49. Owner: Khalifa Moham- Pedroza), 2. Qate’e (Marco (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: ¾, Nk, Race 10: 1. Al Lusail (Ronan ruary this year and had fi nished Festive only improved her de Mieulle. Al Naama edged out ed Khalifa Abdullah al-Attiyah. Casamento), 3. Sarat Abha 1 ¼. Time: 2:17.69. Owner: Khalifa Thomas), 2. Abu Samrah (Harry in the frame every outing since strike rate since March this year, Umm Qarn’s Dabaab, ridden by Trainer: Hossin Ashour. (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Khoud (Ryan bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jas- Bentley), 3. Salman Bu Thaila then. Yesterday with Harry Bent- having won four out of fi ve out- Ronan Thomas, by a head to win Race 3: 1. Neearah (Tomas Curatolo). Won by: ¾, 2, ½. Time: sim Mohamed Ghazali. (Luca Maniezzi), 4. Shaman Bu ley in the saddle, the fi ve-year- ings, and yesterday she edged out the 1,850m race. Lukasek), 2. Djamil (Ronan Tho- 1:13.01. Owner: Sheikh Khalid Race 8: 1. Al Naama (Soufi- Thaila (Eduardo Pedroza). Won old did enough to win by a head Luca Maniezzi-ridden Amenable mas), 3. Mourad (Soufiane Saadi), bin Jassim bin Thani al-Thani. ane Saadi), 2. Dabaab (Ronan by: ½, 1 ¼, 1. Time: 2:32.86. Owner: in the seven-furlong Local Pure- by a short head for a thrilling RESULTS 4. Al Addaaj (Jimmy Quinn). Won Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Thomas), 3. Prince Amer (Saleh Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi bred Arabian Handicap event. victory. Race 1: 1. Suprematism (Tomas by: ¾, 1 ¼, ¾. Time: 1:47.49. Owner: Race 6: 1. AJS Al Moheeb (Harry Salem al-Marri), 4. Evolution Du Nasser al-Ramzani.