SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 25 We have to sort out our defence. We have con- SEA GAMES CRICKET ceded two goals in every Mourinho says Spurs Multi-sports events in India v West Indies, match, we are conceding must fix leaky defence. the Philippines till 2nd T20 at cheap goals. We have to

ACTION December 11 Thiruvananthapuram work on it, but it is hard. TODAY’S Capitals extend Russia braces for four-year win streak to 6

REUTERS Olympic ban over doping MIAMI Jakub Vrana scored the game-winning goal and REUTERS also had an assist, and Braden Holtby made 27 MOSCOW saves to lead the visiting Washington Capitals to their sixth straight victory, a 3-2 decision over Russia could be hit with a four-year the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Olympic ban on Monday for flouting Evgeny Kuznetsov and Travis Boyd also anti-doping rules, a punishment local scored goals and John Carlson added his 32nd officials have said would be unfair The problem is that assist for Washington, which swept the three Cal- and part of a malicious Western we have four years ifornia teams on a road trip for the first time in attempt to destroy sport in the ahead of us and franchise history. The Capitals also improved their country. NHL best road record to 14-2-1. Russia, which has tried to for now, judging Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and an assist, and showcase itself as a global sports by the reaction of Adam Henrique also scored for Anaheim. Ryan power, has been embroiled in doping the current sports Miller finished with 33 saves. scandals since a 2015 report commis- authorities, I don’t Blackhawks 2, Devils 1 sioned by the World Anti-Doping Rookie Kirby Dach, appearing in an NHL Agency (WADA) found evidence of see any prospect shootout for the first time, scored the decisive mass doping in Russian athletics. of resolving these goal in the fifth round as visiting Chicago edged Its doping woes have snowballed issues: Ganus New Jersey. Dach’s goal capped an entertaining since, with many of its athletes side- shootout in which both teams scored in the first lined from the past two Olympics and two rounds. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane the country stripped of its flag alto- tallied for the Blackhawks while Nikita Gusev gether at last year’s Pyeongchang and Jesper Boqvist were successful for the Devils Winter Games as punishment for before Chicago goalie Corey Crawford and New state-sponsored doping cover-ups at Jersey goalie Mackenzie Blackwood turned back the 2014 Sochi Games. the next two shots apiece. Russian sport could enter four Penguins 2, Coyotes 0 more years of gloom on Monday Evgeni Malkin snapped a goaltending duel when WADA’s executive committee with a third-period goal, and Brandon Tanev Head of Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) Yuri Ganus listens to a question during an interview at his office convenes in Lausanne to rule on added an empty-netter Friday to back the 33-save in Moscow, Russia on December 5. whether to ban the country from performance of Tristan Jarry in Pittsburgh’s win hosting major sporting events and to over visiting Arizona. force its clean athletes to compete their anti-Russian argument,” Foreign “The problem is that we have four find those guilty in other countries Jarry, facing the Coyotes for the first time in without their flag or anthem for four Minister Sergei Lavrov complained years ahead of us and for now, and say that the main source of evil his career, picked up his fourth career shutout years. last week. judging by the reaction of the current is the West or the East, or anyone and second not only this season but in a row. He WADA has accused Moscow of International sports bodies and sports authorities, I don’t see any else,” he said. was coming off a 28-save performance on tampering with laboratory data by officials have heavily criticised prospect of resolving these issues,” “That’s nonsense. The main Wednesday in a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Blues, planting fake evidence and deleting Russia over its latest doping Ganus said. problem is our culture, the culture and he has a personal scoreless streak of 144:51. files linked to positive doping tests offences, alleging that the country RUSADA is set to be stripped of inside the sports world.” Oilers 2, Kings 1 that could have helped identify drug has once again violated the ethos its accreditation for the second time Ganus said he hoped President Leon Draisaitl and Alex Chiasson both col- cheats. of sport. in four years as part of the same Vladimir Putin, who has yet to lected one goal and one assist to pace Edmonton Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov “Russia has not learned, and is not doping sanctions. comment on WADA’s recommenda- to a home victory over slumping Los Angeles. last month attributed the discrep- prepared to learn, from its serious Ganus pointed to what he said tions to punish Russia, would order Goaltender Mikko Koskinen stopped 35 shots ancies in the laboratory data to tech- indiscretions,” the Institute of was an unhealthy culture among Rus- serious reform of the country’s sports for the Oilers, who vaulted the Coyotes to reclaim nical issues. Other senior officials National Anti-Doping Organizations sia’s sporting authorities which he administration. the top spot in the Pacific Division. have likened the proposed pun- (iNADO) said in a statement this said was resistant to change. “In our country with these tradi- A pair of first-period power-play goals by ishment to broader attempts by week. Officials had used destructive tions, autocratic and bureaucratic, Draisaitl and Chiasson provided more than Western countries to hold Russia Yuri Ganus, the head of Russian methods to handle a crisis that could the presidential level is needed to enough offense for the Oilers. Michael Amadio back. anti-doping agency RUSADA, has have been resolved by honestly make decisions to change,” he said. gave the Kings a comeback chance when he put “The more these types of deci- been one of the few critical voices addressing issues, he said. “I really hope that the time has come them on the board with 6:28 left in the third sions are made, the better it is... for inside Russia. “I don’t think we need to... try to for serious changes.” period.

Hamilton and MotoGP great Davis, James power Lakers in rout of Blazers

Rossi preparing REUTERS NBA Results lead at the break. Davis had 15 MIAMI for ride swap Results from the NBA points in the first quarter as the games on Friday: Lakers took a 39-34 advantage. Anthony Davis delivered 39 Boston 108, Denver 95 Los Angeles later rattled off 15 REUTERS points, nine rebounds and three Miami 112, Washington 103 straight points behind four LONDON blocked shots as the Los Angeles Portland 113, LA Lakers 136 3-pointers -- two from Rajon Lakers rolled to a 136-113 victory Milwaukee 119, LA Clippers 91 Rondo and one each from James Six-time Formula One world over the host Portland Trail San Antonio 105, Sacramento and Kuzma -- to open up a champion Lewis Hamilton and Blazers on Friday night. 104 58-39 lead with 7:14 remaining. MotoGP great Valentino Rossi LeBron James made four Chicago 98, Golden State 100 Meanwhile, Giannis Antetok- are preparing for a ride swap 3-pointers while recording 31 ounmpo scored 27 points and Oklahoma City 139, Minnesota in Spain tomorrow, with the points, eight assists and seven grabbed 11 rebounds on his 25th 127 Briton “super excited” at the rebounds as the Lakers birthday as the Milwaukee Bucks Charlotte 104, Brooklyn 111 prospect. improved their record to 20-3, extended their NBA-best Cleveland 87, Orlando 93 Hamilton, who collected his tied with the Milwaukee Bucks winning streak to 14 games with Detroit 108, Indiana 101 F1 champion’s trophy at an FIA for best in the NBA. Kyle Kuzma a 119-91 victory on Friday over gala in Paris on Friday, will scored 15 off the bench and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. head to Valencia’s Ricardo JaVale McGee added 13 points from 3-point range, while Khris Middleton scored 17 Tormo circuit for the closed on 6-of-7 shooting as Los notching a season high for points points while Pat Connaughton event organised by mutual Angeles completed a 3-0 road and improving to 11-1 on the and Ersan Ilyasova added 13 sponsor Monster. trip that began with games road. Kent Bazemore scored 10 each as the Bucks improved to “I think me and @Lewi- against the Denver Nuggets and points for Portland, which con- 10-1 at home to become the sHamilton will have some fun Utah Jazz. nected on 45.3 percent of its second team in the Eastern Con- soon,” Rossi teased on his Damian Lillard registered 29 shots and was 10 of 34 from ference with double-digit home Instagram feed next to a picture points, eight assists and seven behind the arc. victories after the Philadelphia of him sitting in a Mercedes F1 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers trailed 76ers. car. The 40-year-old Italian, a Hassan Whiteside added 17 81-70 after Lillard’s 3-pointer Kawhi Leonard scored 17 nine times world champion points, 10 rebounds and three with 10:02 left in the third points for the Clippers in his first with seven of those coming in steals and Carmelo Anthony, CJ quarter. James responded by game at Milwaukee since the the top MotoGP class, will drive McCollum and Anfernee Simons making three 3-pointers over an Toronto Raptors earned a victory a 2017 Mercedes while Ham- added 15 points apiece. 80-second span to give Los there in Game 5 of last season’s ilton gets to ride Rossi’s Portland’s Rodney Hood suf- Angeles a 95-77 advantage and Eastern Conference finals to take Yamaha. Rossi has driven a fered a torn left Achilles tendon the lead reached 20 on Davis’ a 3-2 series lead. Leonard’s Formula One car before, several during the first quarter. Hood dunk to make it 101-81 with 3:59 Raptors went on to win the series times with Ferrari between collected a rebound and fell to remaining. in six games on the way to the 2004 and 2010 when there was the floor after landing and The Lakers led 110-93 NBA title. speculation he could follow in immediately grabbed for the entering the final stanza. The Paul George added 13 points the tracks of the late Britons lower portion of his left leg with lead reached 121-100 when for the Clippers, who lost for just John Surtees and Mike 3:27 left in the stanza. He was James slammed home a lob from the second time in their past 11 Hailwood and switch from two scoreless in the contest. Alex Caruso with 7:16 left and the games. wheels to four. The Lakers have won three advantage topped out at 27 as The victory was never in Four times 500cc world of the past four meetings with Portland never mounted a late doubt as the Bucks led 30-15 champion Surtees remains the the Trail Blazers after losing the charge. after one quarter and 52-43 at Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers hits a three point shot only man to win the Formula previous 15. Davis scored 25 and Los halftime, though they shot just One title (in 1964) as well as top during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles shot 54.1 percent Angeles posted a season-high for 37.5 percent from the field in the motorcycling honours. at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on Friday. from the field, including 17 of 36 first-half points as it held a 77-62 opening two quarters. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2019

Australian Open Pakistan recall Alam third round scores

Sydney: Leading third round after gap of 10 years scores at the Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Syd- AP “The retention of ISLAMABAD ney yesterday (par 71, AUS unless the 14 players also stated, *denotes amateur): reflects the trust and Pakistan has recalled faith we have in 200 - Matt Jones 67-65-68 34-year-old middle-order these players, who 203 - Cameron Tringale (USA) batsman Fawad Alam for the have the ability and first time in 10 years for the Test talent to turn things 69-65-69 series against Sri Lanka. around. 204 - *Takumi Kanaya (JPN) 65- Chief selector and head “The Australia 69-70, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) coach Misbah-ul-Haq said yes- tour was well below 68-66-70, Paul Casey (ENG) 68- terday that the lefthanded our expectations and 65-71 batsman was selected because has affected our of his recent prolific scoring in pride. We prepared 205 - Jamie Arnold 70-71-64, domestic cricket. as best as we possibly Denzel Ieremia (NZL) 69-65-71 The series, which is part of could but just Englishman Paul Casey tees off on day three of the Australian 206 - Marc Leishman 69-67-70, ICC’s World Test Championship, couldn’t convert Open at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney yesterday. Aaron Pike 71-66-69, Brett Rum- starts at Rawalpindi next those preparations ford 69-67-70, Blake Windred Wednesday. into on-field per- Karachi will host the second formances. We are 68-68-70, Shae Wools-Cobb 69- Test from Dec. 19-23. now seeing Australia Jones increases 65-72 Alam last played a Test as a huge learning 207 - Richard Green 72-67-68, match against New Zealand at experience and will David Bransdon 71-66-70, Jason Dunedin in 2009, eight months make all out efforts to Australian Open Scrivener 68-71-68 after a terrorist attack on the Sri overcome the weak- Lanka team bus at Lahore that nesses that have been 208 - Dimitrios Papadatos 67- shut the doors of international identified.” lead to 3 strokes 66-75 cricket on Pakistan. Misbah was given 209 - Daniel Gale 68-72-69, KJ Alam scored a century in his three responsibilities Choi (KOR) 69-71-69, Cory Craw- AP debut Test against Sri Lanka in - chief selector, head ford 71-69-69, Greg Chalmers July 2009 and has scored over Fawad Alam is seen in action during a Quaid- coach and batting SYDNEY 71-68-70, Ryan Chisnall (NZL) 71- 12,222 runs in a 16-year first e-Azam Trophy match in this October file coach -when the class career at a healthy average photo. Alam, 34, has been recalled to the Pakistan Cricket Matt Jones coped best with difficult afternoon conditions yesterday 67-71, Nathan Green 70-69-70, of 56.84. Pakistan Test squad after a gap of 10 years. Board removed head at the Australian Open for a 3-under 68 to take a three-stroke lead Peter Lonard 69-69-71, Rod Alam is one of the two coach Mickey Arthur into the final round. Pampling 69-70-70, Aaron changes Pakistan selectors have he has been part of the Pakistan and batting coach Jones, who led by one stroke after the second round, had a three- Wilkin 71-68-70, Mark Brown made from the 16-man squad cricket team set-up for the past Grant Flower after the World Cup round total of 13-under 200 at The Australian Golf Club. American (NZL) 71-65-73, *Lukas Michel that lost the two-Test matches few years, which is backed up while chief selector Inzamam- Cameron Tringale was in second after a 69. Jones said he had no 68-67-74, *Yu Chun-an (TPE) 65- against Australia. with his fitness, form and ability ul-Haq stepped down. idea what score t would take to win today. 70-74 Alam has replaced Iftikhar to bowl long spells at a good “The perspective is that it’s “It depends on what the conditions are like; just try not to make Ahmed while leftarm fast bowler pace, which was evident during a one-man show,” Misbah said a double and a triple on the front nine like I did last time and make 210 - James Antiss (NZL) 69-71- Usman Shinwari comes in place the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. I am yesterday. “I think there should it a little easier,” he said. 70, Cameron Smith 68-72-70, of young fast bowler Mohammad sure he will make up a good be a clarity on this, there are six Japanese amateur Takumi Kayana and Louis Oosthuizen, who Scott Strange 71-69-70, Christo- Musa. combination with Imran Khan, selectors who closely watch both shot 70, and Paul Casey, who had a 71, were tied for third at pher Wood 71-69-70, *Hayden Chief selector and head Mohammad Abbas, Naseem players in domestic cricket and 9-under, four strokes behind. Hopewell 68-68-74, Stephen Al- coach Misbah said: “I want to Shah and Shaheen Afridi. also do work with the players on Casey fell out of the lead with a double-bogey six on the par-4 lan 70-68-72, Scott Arnold 68- congratulate Fawad Alam on his “Mohammad Musa will not their technique. They know all ninth after hitting into a green-side bunker and with a difficult lie 67-75, Ben Eccles 68-68-74 selection for the Sri Lanka Tests. be part of the squad, but he will the minus and plus of these to exit. 211 - Rick Kulacz 74-66-71, Jar- It is a reward for his continued remain with the side so that he players very well and my prime “Ït was a flat day, I just never really got going, not much to really ryd Felton 71-70-70, Darren Beck hard work, perseverance and can continue to work on his job is the head coach.” say,” Casey said. “When I had opportunities, I didn’t capitalize and dedication to the game. His bowling with Waqar Younis. Pakistan Squad: Azhar Ali there was obviously a couple of errors in there. But how do you get 71-69-71, Matthew Cheung (HKG) selection is not only a lesson to “We have retained 14 of the (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, around this course without making errors? 74-65-72, Jordan Zunic 70-70- the emerging cricketers but also 16 players who went to Australia. Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Marc Leishman shot 70 and was tied for eighth, six behind Jones, 71, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 72-66- a testament of the selectors’ This indicates our consistency Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran the 2015 Australian Open winner. 73, *Louis Dobbelaar 72-67-72, policy of valuing domestic and continuity as we believe in Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad “Tough greens, you really fought your way around today,” Ryan Fox (NZL) 71-68-72, Michael cricket and rewarding consistent first picking the best available Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Leishman said. “It was a tricky wind and I didn’t get off to the best Hendry (NZL) 70-69-72, Deyen performers.” players and then providing them Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, start, a couple over through 10 but fought pretty hard, made a couple Lawson 72-65-74, Wade Ormsby He added: “Usman Shinwari sufficient opportunities to justify Shan Masood, Yasir Shah, Usman of putts there on the back nine. I think the course is getting firmer 68-69-74 has been drafted into the side as their talent. Shinwari. and tougher, especially if the wind stays like this.”

Embattled CSA appoint Faul Kohli would rather Woodland grabs the lead as action CEO finish than entertain at Hero World Challenge REUTERS AP NASSAU REUTERS/NEW DELHI JOHANNESBURG BAHAMAS India’s captain Virat Kohli says his priority is to help India win Cricket South Africa (CSA) have matches than just play ‘slam-bang cricket’ for the sake of enter- Two big birdies from Gary appointed administrator taining the crowd in the Twenty20 game. Woodland gave him the lead in Jacques Faul as acting chief Kohli produced a batting masterclass in Friday’s Twenty20 the Hero World Challenge. A executive and hope to conclude match against West Indies, smashing a career-best 94 not out closing birdie on a hole that has negotiations with former Test to help India chase a 200-plus target with eight balls to spare. vexed Tiger Woods put him in captain Graeme Smith to take The elegant right-hander, who clobbered six sixes, went run- range of a third victory this year. over as director of cricket next a-ball in his first 20 deliveries before exploding to plunder 74 Patrick Reed fully expected to week, the governing body said off the last 30. be right there until watching video on Saturday. “I’m not someone who comes to the stadium wanting to of his club moving sand away The CSA decided to appoint entertain people hitting the ball in the air. I want to get the job from his golf ball in a waste area, Faul at a special board meeting done,” Kohli told broadcaster Star Sports after India won the leading to a two-shot penalty in a yesterday after a chaotic week series opener in Hyderabad by six wickets. round that didn’t go all that well in which they suspended CEO “Within that, if I get an opportunity to hit sixes, I will. But the in the first place. Thabang Moroe over gov- aim is not to play slam-bang cricket. The end of an entertaining ernance concerns, had three “I think my role in this team is to bat long. Myself or Rohit round Friday in this holiday event board members resign and lost (Sharma), one of the guys has to play till the end because our in the tropics set up what figures key sponsor Standard Bank, strength is usually striking in the later half of the innings, and to be a lively conclusion. Wood- Gary Woodland of the US lines up a putt on the third hole during who will not renew their con- our strike rate goes up.” land’s final two birdies gave him the third round of the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas. tract when it ends in April 2020. Kohli relies more on his timing than muscle power to hit a 4-under 68 and a one-shot lead “Jacques Faul did not hes- those sixes and the 31-year-old sees no reason to try and overhaul over Henrik Stenson. about where I’m at itate for a moment when I his technique. Six players were separated by World Challenge scores and I look forward to asked him to be acting CEO,” “The basic funda is that I don’t want to change my game too three shots. That includes Woods, tomorrow.” CSA president Chris Nenzani much because I play all three formats and I want to contribute who hasn’t won his event since it 203 - Gary Woodland 66-69-68 The next two told a news conference. in all three formats. I don’t want to be a format was in California in 2011. With one 204 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 69-67-68 weeks cap off a mem- “He has been acting CEO in specialist. eye on being a playing captain at 205 - Tiger Woods 72-66-67, Justin Thomas 69-69- orable year for the past and said he would “It’s about contributing to your team and the Presidents Cup next week in 67, Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-66-69 Woodland, who won come in to lend his support and making the team win.” Australia, Woods focused on 206 - Patrick Reed 66-66-74 his first major at put his shoulder to the wheel Kohli’s knock was an innings of two halves birdies instead of potential 210 - Chez Reavie 68-73-69, Rickie Fowler 69-69-72, Pebble Beach in the for (the) country.” with the right-hander trying to hit too hard ini- pairings at Royal Melbourne and Justin Rose (ENG) 69-70-71 US Open, and then his tially before rediscovering the sublime timing was two shots off the lead. 211 - Matt Kuchar 71-70-70, Kevin Kisner 71-70-70 wife had twins. England squad for which makes him the top ranked batsman both The final round is today, so the 212 - Webb Simpson 73-68-71 This is the first in tests and one-dayers. American team - 11 are in the tour- 213 - Xander Schauffele 73-70-70 time traveling with Test series in SA “I thought I’m not a guy who slogs the ball. nament, Dustin Johnson is coming 214 - Jordan Spieth 75-70-69 the entire family - Joe Root (captain), James Anderson, I’m more of a timer, so I’m going to to the Bahamas to join them on three kids under 2 - 216 - Tony Finau 79-68-69, Bubba Watson 72-73-71 Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart rely on my timing. And the charter - can get an early start and they couldn’t fit Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak then the pitch was good across the globe. all the car seats and Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack enough for me to go “I just have to focus on going the par-5 15th, and then finished strollers on the plane. Leach, Matt Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dom through the line of the out there and making birdies,” in style. First, he holed a 30-foot It was a forgettable day for Sibley, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark ball and just play my shots.” Woods said. “And then I have 23 putt on the par-3 17th. Then, with Reed in so many ways. Wood hours on a plane to recover.” the wind at his back, he hit wedge Staked to a three-shot lead, he ** The 4-match series will be Eng- Woodland makes his Presi- to 3 feet for another birdie. didn’t make a birdie until the 14th dents Cup debut next week, and On Thursday, he ended his hole, a short par 4 that can be land’s first away in the World Test he appears to be in good form. He round with three straight birdies. reached off the tee. He added two Championship. dropped only one shot, gave “It was a nice finish, same as more down the stretch, only to lose another way by failing to birdie yesterday,” he said. “So excited two strokes in the scoring room. SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 27

Match officials attend seminar in Qatar ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

Hani Balan, Chairman of the Qatar Referees Committee and Vice-Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee and Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees’ Commission during the FIFA Referee Seminar in Qatar. RIGHT: Balan and Massimo Busacca (centre), Head of Refereeing Development with FIFA during the Seminar, which will end on December 10. Qatar will host the FIFA Club World Cup which kicks off from December 11. BOTTOM: Referees attending the Seminar in Doha.

Serie A: Inter held Liverpool go 11 points clear by Roma leaving Juve to eye top spot as Tottenham run riot AFP MILAN AFP LONDON Inter Milan were held to a goalless draw by Roma at the San Siro on Friday, leaving the way open for Rampant Liverpool beat Bourne- Italian champions Juventus to reclaim top spot in mouth 3-0 to lock down the Serie A this weekend. Christmas number one spot ahead Antonio Conte’s side have a two-point as Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham blitzed advantage on Juventus who play Lazio at the Stadio Bournemouth goalkeeper Burnley 5-0 to climb to fifth in table. Olimpico on Saturday. Aaron Ramsdale dives as a Interim boss Duncan Ferguson The match in the San Siro had been over- free kick goes wide of the lifted Everton’s spirits, condemning shadowed by a racism storm after Italian sports post during the English Chelsea to their third Premier League daily Corriere dello Sport’s controversial “Black defeat in four matches while bottom Premier League match against Friday” headline. club Watford battled to a goalless Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium The front-page headline accompanied an article draw against Crystal Palace. in Bournemouth, southern about the first Serie A meeting between former Liverpool took advantage of England, yesterday. Manchester United teammates Romelu Lukaku and playing before their closest rivals to Chris Smalling. widen the gulf at the top of the table On the pitch, defender Smalling and Gianluca to 11 points, meaning they cannot be Mancini stifled Inter’s prolific strike duo Lukaku caught by December 25. and Lautaro Martinez, who between them have Jurgen Klopp, mindful of a fixture scored 18 of their team’s goals in 15 league games pile-up for his side, made seven this season. changes from the 5-2 midweek Conte’s side proved toothless in attack against victory against Everton, with Sadio a well-organised Roma, failing to find the net for Mane dropping to the bench and the first time this season, days before their Cham- Alisson Becker back in goal following pions League clash against Barcelona. suspension. “The great merit of Roma is having stopped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Lautaro-Lukaku,” said coach Paulo Fonseca. opened the scoring for the European poking home Jordan Henderson’s goalmouth scramble. Son Heung-min under-21 international Dominic “Inter’s main chances came from our mistakes, champions in the 35th minute after long ball, moments after Bourne- added a third with a brilliant solo Calvert-Lewin. but we always played the ball with courage and mouth defender Nathan Ake left the effort shortly after the half-hour, Mateo Kovacic scored his first that’s what I want for the team. English Premier League pitch injured. running from deep in his own half Premier League goal to pull the score “We did well defensively. Smalling and Mancini English Premier League Results yesterday: Liverpool made it 2-0 just before before slotting past goalkeeper Nick back to 2-1 but the Toffees wrapped had a good game like the whole team, it’s certainly Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 3 (Oxlade-Chamberlain the break when Naby Keita played Pope. up victory six minutes from time, not easy against Inter.” 35, Keita 44, Salah 54) a fine one-two with Mohamed Salah Kane made it 4-0 in the 54th Calvert-Lewin latching on to a loose Lukaku, Marcelo Brozovic and Matias Vecino Everton 3 (Richarlison 5, Calvert-Lewin 49, and finished from close range, with minute with his second goal of the ball in the box to finish underneath all missed chances for the hosts as Roma snatched 84) Chelsea 1 (Kovacic 52) Keita turning provider for Salah in game and turned provider for Kepa Arrizabalaga. a precious point to move fourth and into the Cham- Tottenham 5 (Kane 4, 54, Moura 9, Son 32, the 54th minute. Moussa Sissoko to score Spurs’ fifth. Former Everton player Ferguson, pions League places. Sissoko 74) Burnley 0 Spurs lost their first match under Spurs are still six points behind who celebrated the goals wildly, Inter were lacking in midfield with Stefano Watford 0 Crystal Palace 0 new boss Mourinho at Old Trafford fourth-placed Chelsea but will fancy refused to talk up his chances of Sensi, Nicolo Barella and Roberto Gagliardini all Playing Today (1400 GMT unless stated) in midweek but flew out of the blocks their chances of closing the gap on getting the job full-time despite the out with Roma missing goalkeeper Pau Lopez while at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium their London rivals, who are stum- win, telling BT Sport: “I’m here for Edin Dzeko started on the bench after flu, but came Aston Villa vs Leicester, Newcastle vs yesterday. bling after a six-game winning run Everton. I’m here for as long as they on for the final 25 minutes. Southampton, Norwich vs Sheffield United, Harry Kane put them ahead with earlier in the season. want me here. Midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo took Dzeko’s place Brighton vs Wolves (1630) his 14th goal of the season in the Everton made it a miserable day “I’m sure they’re out there up front with Roma dominating the first half hour, On Monday fourth minute and Spurs doubled for Frank Lampard thanks to an early looking for other candidates, and although Inter had the best chances with Antonio West Ham vs Arsenal their lead when Lucas Moura tapped strike from Brazil forward Richar- rightly so. We want the best guys in Mirante denying Lukaku after a blundering Jordan home at the far post following a lison and two goals from England the world managing our football club. Veretout back-pass.

La Liga Benzema delivers again as Real cruise to win Spanish La Liga results yesterday: AFP the city. Victory means Zinedine Benzema display will at least be the Clasico will spend the on the left. Vinicius’ last start Real Madrid 2 (Varane 37, Benzema MADRID Zidane’s side move to the top of of some consolation, after he Christmas break first in the table, came in the defeat to Mallorca 79) Espanyol 0 the table, for a few hours at least, teed up Raphael Varane before with the top two pulling away on October 19 and the 19-year- Granada 3 (Fernandez Luna 48, Real Madrid were without Eden before Barcelona play later at scoring his 15th goal this term to from the likes of Atletico Madrid, old, who has been out of favour Soldado 58-pen, Herrera 77) Alaves 0 Hazard and Gareth Bale home to Real Mallorca. Espanyol, put Espanyol out of sight. who drew away at Villarreal. under Zidane, impressed with Today’s Matches yesterday but Karim Benzema who have not won in six league “We’re talking about Karim Sevilla, in third, are four a daring and dynamic Eibar vs Getafe (1100), Real Betis vs stepped up again to ensure they games, stay 19th. a lot recently, in a good way,” points behind Zidane’s side performance. Athletic Bilbao (1300), Real Valladolid beat struggling Espanyol in La An ankle injury is likely to said Zidane. before they travel to Osasuna Vinicius may now be given vs Real Sociedad (1500), Leganes Liga. rule Hazard out of the season’s “None of us are perfect. But today. another outing against Club vs Celta Vigo (1730), Osasuna vs Benzema scored one and set first Clasico on December 18 he’s asked to chase and he does The absence of Hazard and Brugge in the Champions League Sevilla (2000) up another in a 2-0 win at the San- while Bale has a thigh problem it. He’s asked to score and he Bale meant Rodrygo came in on Wednesday, when Madrid are Played on Friday tiago Bernabeu, where Real wore and is also a concern ahead of does it. I can’t ask for more, only on the right of the front three likely to rest key players given Villarreal 0 Atletico Madrid 0 an all-green kit to show support that crunch game at Camp Nou. that he keeps doing it.” Increas- while Vinicius Junior was given their qualification as runners-up for this week’s Climate Summit in But another excellent ingly it looks like the winner of a rare chance to stake a claim is already guaranteed. SPORT PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 Davis, James power Indian captain Los Angeles Lakers Kohli would in rout of Trail rather finish than Blazers entertain

Sunday 8 December 2019 Khalifa Stadium to host FIFA Club World Cup final

QNA operational at present and has In addition to the DOHA hosted large crowds during the double-header on ongoing Arabian Gulf Cup. It is December 17 - the Khalifa International Stadium also just a short walk from the fifth-place play-off and will host three additional nearest Doha Metro station, the semi-final involving matches during the FIFA Club making it easy for fans to get to CONMEBOL Libertadores World Cup 2019 after the official and from the venue. opening of Education City Construction at Education winners CR Flamengo Stadium was postponed until City Stadium is complete and the - Khalifa International early 2020. venue is now operational. Stadium will also host In addition to the double- However, the necessary certifi- the second semi-final, header of games on December cation process took longer than involving UEFA Champions 17, the fifth-place play-off and expected and therefore the League winners Liverpool the semi-final involving CON- stadium was unable to host the MEBOL Libertadores winners CR required test events prior to the FC, on December 18, Flamengo, Khalifa International semi-final and final of the FIFA along with the final and Stadium will also host the second Club World Cup at full capacity. third-place play-off on semi-final, involving UEFA The priority is to ensure an December 21. Champions League winners Liv- enjoyable experience for all fans erpool FC, on December 18, so it was decided to open the along with the final and third- stadium at a later date. remain as previously indicated place play-off on December 21. In 2020, the stunning venue, in the match schedule. Khalifa International which is scheduled to host In due course, all successful A view of Khalifa International Stadium. Stadium has a capacity of 45,416 matches up to and including the ticket applicants will receive a and reopened in May 2017 fol- quarter-finals of the FIFA World dedicated email with further lowing a successful redevel- Cup will become the third tour- information, including details of opment to prepare it for the FIFA nament-ready venue ahead of applied for tickets to match 6 impacted all their tickets will be seats will be allocated within the how and when to download the World Cup Qatar 2022 . 2022. and the double-header of automatically issued to Khalifa same price category. The date tickets from their account on The stadium is fully Fans, who successfully matches 7 and 8 will not be International Stadium, and their and time of those matches will FIFA.com/tickets. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain eye Gulf Cup glory

FAWAD HUSSAIN Saudi Arabia’s coach Herve Renard Bahrain coach’s Helio Sousa THE PENINSULA Saudi Arabia’s coach Herve Renard Saudi Arabia and Bahrain will be aiming to go all-out to have their hands on the coveted Gulf Cup Bahrain is a strong team and showed a good trophy as they clash in the final level. We must focus and fight until the last of the eight-team event at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium minute to achieve this goal (of winning the today. title) that will please all Saudi people. The title-match will kick off at 7pm. Both the teams, who were placed in Group B in the prelim- inaryinary ststage,age, reached the final Bahrain’s coach Helio Sousa afterafter hard-hard- foughtfought We hope to win the match within the 90 minutes without going again for the additional time where it will be difficult, but in the end we are ready for any scenario.

victoriesvictorie in the semi-finals occasions. Saudi Arabia, who also Saudi Arabia are boosted by matches at any time, as what presented in this tournament,” he onon TThursday.hur defeated Bahrain 2-0 in group eight players from Al Hilal – the happened against Kuwait and added. BahrBahrain - coached by stage last week, continued to play AFC Champions League winners Iraq,” Sousa said. Prior to the semi-final against PortuguesePortugue Helio Sousa with different strategies during – and for coach Renard, the “This is football. Pressure Iraq, Bahrain’s football associ- underunder wwhomho ‘The Reds’ won the tournament. In matches fol- group remains the key for his should be present because you ation flew in two planeloads of theirtheir mamaidenide WAFF Champi- lowing their 1-3 loss to Kuwait in side. are required to accomplish a task Bahraini fans to Doha and Sousa onshiponship titletitle last August – the opener, they were offensive “Saudi Arabia remains a from every match, and such pres- said the presence of support will toppledtoppled GroupGrou A winners Iraq against Oman and Bahrain while strong team in any tournament, sures are good for the players. I be good for his side. 5-35-3 in a penaltypenalty shootout after an in the Qatar semi-final they and their (eight players) presence am satisfied with all the technical “We will have our fans. This epicepic battlebattle in the first focused on defending. in the final is the evidence for and professional work that we motivates us,” he said. semi-final.semi-final. “We deal with each match that,” Renard said while warning FrenchmanFrenchma Herve Renard’s with a special strategy and also his players to remain focused ‘Green‘Green Falcons’Falco displayed a look at the shortcomings of the against ‘The Reds’. stubbornstubborn defdefensiveen performance opponents. We are very happy to “Bahrain is a strong team and to kkeepeep AsianAsian champions Qatar reach the final after a good showed a good level. We must silentsilent after a first half goal by victory in the semi-final,” Renard focus and fight until the last 20-year-old20-year-old strikerst Abdullah Al said at the pre-final press con- minute to achieve this goal (of HHamdanamdan fforor a 1-0 victory in the ference yesterday. winning the title) that will please secosecondnd semi-final.semi-f “I think that we deserved to all Saudi people,” he added. WhileWhile SaudiSa Arabia are be present in this big final. This Bahrain coach Sousa, who in gunninggunning for thetheir fourth regional was our goal from the beginning, his first press conference in Qatar title,title, BaBahrainhrain aare hoping to con- not only to participate, so we said his team will fight to win tinuetinue ttheirheir winningw form and must be ready for it,” the maiden Gulf Cup title, was con- clinch the mmaidenai Gulf Cup title Frenchman added. fident yesterday ahead of the today.today. tough final. CoacCoachh RRenard’sen Saudi Arabia Mabkhout top scorer “We hope to win the match willw enterenter the Al Duhail’s within the 90 minutes without stadstadiumium turturf with a better going again for the additional recordrecord againstaga their neigh- time where it will be difficult, but bours.bours. IInn all,a both the teams 44 in the end we are ready for any have squaredsqu off 18 times Is the number of total goals scenario,” the Portuguese coach inin tthehe regionalreg tournament scored at the 24th Arabian said on the eve of the final. withwith theth Saudis winning Gulf Cup, prior to the final. “It is important to start ini 1010 matches, and Ali Mabkhout of the UAE is so scoring in this match and it would BahrainBahra victorious four far the top scorer in the be special if we are able to score times.timet s Both the teams early. We will try to attack as we tournament with five goals. The Saudi national team will wear the full white, while the Bahraini ssharedhare points on four did in previous games, and we are team will sport their usual red colour. a team capable of returning in