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Wednesday 4 January 2017 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 222 Australia run United beatat rampant after 10-man Warner's record ton West Hamm Tsonga bounces back in

Doha Agencies OPEN MEN'S SINGLES ROUND 1 RESULTS

ndy Murray of Great Britain began Nicolas Almagro () beat Paolo Lorenzi () 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-3 his Qatar Exxonmobil Open cam- Novak Djokovic () beat Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany) 7-6(1), 6-3 paign with a straight set 6-0, 7-6 Dustin Brown (Germany) beat Facundo Bagnis (Argentina) 6-1, 6-7(2) ,6-4 victory against 's Jeremy Jiri Vesely (Czech Republic) beat Anil Yueksel (Turkey) 6-2, 6-3 Chardy yesterday while France's Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) beat Illya Marchenko () 7-6(5), 7-6(0) Jo-WilfriedA Tsonga advanced despite a deter- mined fightback from Russia's Andrey Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Andrey Kuznetsov (Russia) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 Kuznetsov. Gerald Melzer (Austria) beat Paul-Henri Mathieu (France) 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-2 At the Khalifa International Com- (Germany) beat (Tunisia) 6-2, 7-6(3) plex, the world no.1 made light work of Karen Khachanov (Russia) beat Mubarak Shannan Zayid (Qatar) 6-1, 6-3 Chardy in the first set keeping him off the (GBR) bt Jérémy Chardy (FRA) 6-0, 7-6 (7/2) scoreboard all together to win 6-0 in just 21 minutes. However, 29-year-old Chardy fought Earlier, France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga struck back in the second set, breaking Tson- back in the second set, breaking Murray in won through to the second round, but only ga's serve in the tenth game to take the match the first game, only to be broken back after seeing off a determined fightback from into a deciding set, a seemingly unlikely sce- promptly. Murray held his serve in the third Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov. The world nario just 30 minutes earlier. game but Chardy broke back again in the number 12 won 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to set up a last Tsonga though, who hit 28 winners, ral- sixth set to even the score once more. 16, second round encounter with Germany's lied in the final set and two breaks of the A challenge during the tie-break went Dustin Brown. Russian's serve meant any chances of an in Murray's favour to see the Brit take a 4-2 Tsonga, who was playing his first match upset were dashed. advantage and there was no going back as in Doha since taking the Qatar Open title in Afterwards, the 31-year-old said his aim Murray fired an ace down the line to reach 2012, breezed through the opening set in just was to break back into the elite of the men's 6-2. Victory was eventually gifted to him 23 minutes and looked on course for an easy game. by an unforced error by Chardy, moments victory. "It's important for me to be in the top ten later. But Kuznetsov, ranked 46 in the world, and be seeded for tournaments," said Tsonga.

Young fans display signs in support of Andy Murray during the Briton's match against France's Jeremy Chardy on the second day of the ATP Qatar Open tennis competition in Doha yesterday.

France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns the ball to Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia on the second day of the ATP Qatar Open tennis competition in Doha yesterday. Tsonga won 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

ExxonMobil Qatar, QTF celebrate 25th anniversary edition

The Peninsula

xxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Tennis Federation hosted E a gala dinner earlier this week to celebrate the tourna- ment’s 25th anniversary and its 2017 edition which is now in progress. The event was attended by Qatari officials, key business and community leaders, and several of the tennis players who will be competing in this year’s tourna- ment, including: World no. 1 Andy Murray, 2016 defending champion Novak Djokovic, Jo- Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych. French tennis player Fance's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga poses for a photograph with a life-size statue of him during a gala dinner, hosted by ExxonMobil Qatar and the Each year, the gala features a variety of unique activities and Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha on Monday. RIGHT: QTF President Nasser Al Khelaifi and the President and General Manager performances by world- of ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Routledge pose for a photograph with World No.1 Andy Murray, the defending champion Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and renowned entertainers. In a Jo-Wilfried Tsonga alongside other special guests during the event. special performance for the tour- nament’s 25th anniversary, and spoke about the history of milestone in a 25-year journey, let’s not lose sight of what the forward to seeing the many more between the energy company famed magician and mentalist the strong partnership their one that began with the sowing Qatar ExxonMobil Open means contributions of the Qatar Exx- ExxonMobil and QTF aimed at Oz Pearlman intrigued the audi- organizations share; and the of some very small but well- for the country and its people. onMobil Open that lie ahead,” taking the sport to higher heights ence with an interactive show. people behind the tournament’s selected seeds a quarter of a It’s one of the many projects Routledge added. and bringing the community of His performance featured a daz- success. century ago. Those seeds took Qatar has created for the world Tariq Zainal, Secretary Gen- Qatar the finest tennis and zling mind-reading routine and “Welcome to the 2017 Qatar root in a relationship between to enjoy, and it has contributed eral of the Qatar Tennis entertainment.” involved the tennis stars to the ExxonMobil Open. This year is a ExxonMobil Qatar and the Qatar significantly to its standing as an Federation, said, “It is a great “As we are about to experi- audience’s amusement. very important one in the life of Tennis Federation that has now international business and privilege to welcome our fans ence another exciting week of Nasser Al Khelaifi, President our tournament – it’s our 25th blossomed into a success story investment hub. It is also a won- once again to Doha in the 25th top-level tennis, I would like to of the Qatar Tennis Federation, Anniversary, and we are thrilled that serves as an example of derful venue for inspiring an anniversary of this world-class appreciate everyone, especially and Alistair Routledge, President that you are here to celebrate what partnerships can achieve.” appreciation for active lifestyles event. The Qatar ExxonMobil the committees that have worked and General Manager for Exxon- with us,” said Routledge. “While we’re all here to in the Qatari community – par- Open is a symbol of the strategic assiduously to ensure a success- Mobil Qatar, welcomed guests “This event marks a major watch some incredible tennis, ticularly among the youth. I look and enduring partnership ful event yet again,” he added. SPORT 4 JANUARY 2017 WEDNESDAY 21

Serena shakes off rust for Australia run rampant comeback win

Auckland AFP

erena Williams over- after Warner's record ton came rust and a Stroublesome wind to launch her comeback from a Sydney four-month lay-off with a Reuters Century in 1st session 6-3, 6-4 win over 69th- Dashing Australian batsman ranked Pauline Parmentier at avid Warner hit a record cen- David Warner reached the the Auckland Classic tury inside one session and his hundred mark from 78 balls in yesterday. fellow opener Matt Renshaw 118 minutes to become the In her first outing since she a maiden hundred over three fifth batsman to notch up a was shocked by Karolina as Australia reached 365 for century before lunch on the Pliskova in the US Open semi- Dthree at close of play on the opening day finals in September, the world first day of a Test. of the third Test against Pakistan number two made a sluggish yesterday. start to a season in which she With the series already secure after As pugnacious as ever, Warner barely is seeking a record 23rd Grand last week's victory in Melbourne, Austral- hit a false note in his 95-ball innings, hit- Slam title. ia's openers gave the hosts the best ting the second ball he faced for four and In her first-round match, possible start to their quest for a 3-0 series not letting up until he had run the three delayed from Monday when sweep. runs that secured his 18th Test century. rain washed out play, Williams Warner, playing on his home ground No batsman had ever hit a century in struggled initially as France's just a few hundred metres from where he the opening session of a Test match in Aus- Australia's David Parmentier broke the Ameri- was born, reached the hundred mark from tralia and only compatriots Victor Warner celebrates can's first service game and 78 balls in 118 minutes to become the fifth Trumper, Charles Macartney and Don after reaching his then held to love. batsman to notch up a century before Bradman as well as Pakistan's Majid Khan century during the The 35-year-old, using lunch on the first day of a Test. had done it elsewhere. first session of the Auckland to warm up for the The left-hander was unable to add to Warner also bettered his own record t hird Test against , only had a his tally of 17 fours before being caught for the fastest Test century at the SCG, hav- Pakistan at the 48 percent success rate with behind off Wahab Riaz for 113 soon after ing taken 82 balls to reach the milestone Sydney Cricket her first serve and double- lunch but Renshaw, playing his fourth test, against West Indies here last year. Ground in Sydney, faulted four times as she had proved more than capable of taking up the Renshaw had scored only 25 runs at Australia yesterday. trouble adjusting to the swirl- mantle. lunch and stuck with his cautious approach ing wind. The 20-year-old, initially circumspect through the second session and into the But Williams -- who where Warner was aggressive, was third, spending seven overs in the 90s shares the Open-era record of knocked to the floor by a sickening blow before a single gave him his century. SCOREBOARD 22 Grand Slams with Steffi to his helmet grille from a Mohammad The crowd gave him the standing ova- Graf, and is two behind Mar- Australia (I innings): Amir bouncer on 91 but got up to complete tion his application deserved and continued M Renshaw (batting) ...... 167 garet Court's all-time record his century from 201 balls with eight fours. to roar their approval at the 10 boundaries D Warner c Sarfraz b Riaz ...... 113 of 24 -- grew steadily stronger When stumps were drawn, Renshaw that followed as the Queenslander finally U Khawaja c Sarfraz b Riaz ...... 13 and finished with her eighth was unbeaten on 167 with Peter Hands- threw off the shackles a little. S Smith c Sarfraz b Shah ...... 24 ace. comb on 40 not out alongside him in a He survived an lbw scare off the P Handscomb (batting) ...... 40 The third and fourth seeds, partnership of 121. bowling of leg-spinner Yasir on 137 - Extras (B-2, LB-1, W-1, NB-4) ...... 8 and Bar- Usman Khawaja (13), Warner and Aus- the technology showed a clear edge off Total (for 3 wkts)...... 365 bora Strycova, both cruised Fall of wickets: 1-151, 2-203, 3-244. tralia skipper Steve Smith (24) all fell to the bat - and received another big ovation Bowling: Amir 16-1-58-0; Imran 17-3-81-0 through their opening catches behind the wickets, the last a spec- as he departed the field unbeaten at close (2nb); Riaz 19-4-63-2 (2nb; 1w); Shah 30-2- matches, with Wozniacki tacular take by Sarfraz Ahmed off spinner of play. 132-1; Azhar 4-0-16-0; Shafiq 2-0-12-0. beating American Nicole Gibbs Yasir Shah. Pakistan paceman Wahab, who took Pakistan: Azhar Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Babar 6-1, 6-2 and Strycova a 6-4, Otherwise, it was a day to forget for 2-63, did not try to put a gloss on a disap- Azam, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6-3 winner over fellow

the tourists as Warner and Renshaw ran pointing day. Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Croatian Barbora Stefkova. rampant on a good wicket after Australia "I think as a bowling unit, we have Shah, Mohammad Amir, Imran Khan. had won the toss and chosen to bat. really let down our team," he said. South Africa tighten Pakistan hope to host grip on Sri Lanka West Indies for T20s Cape Town still to play, South Africa opted AP not to enforce the follow-on. Lahore May-June 2015. But that failed to March 9 would pave the way for Although openers Dimuth AFP convince the bigger teams to a West Indies tour. outh Africa seamers Ver- Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva resume tours. "We have decided to stage non Philander and Kagiso saw out the first 15 overs, reach- akistan yesterday said it Pakistan Cricket Board exec- the final of PSL and once it is SRabada claimed four wick- ing 31-0, their hard work was hoped the West Indies utive committee chief Najam staged successfully that will open ets apiece to bowl Sri Lanka out undone by a spectacular Pwould agree to play two Sethi said he was hopeful the the way for the West Indies tour," for 110 on day two of the second collapse. Twenty20 internationals in the West Indies would tour for two he said. Pakistan were forced to Muguruza Test at Newlands yesterday. South Africa's dominant country in March despite secu- Twenty20 games on March 18 host the inaugural edition of the After Rabada made the position was all the more impres- rity concerns. and 19. PSL in the UAE last year. important breakthroughs in the sive for the fact that it had lost No major team has toured "We have invited West Indies The West Indies Cricket survives scare top order, Philander picked up the toss and been asked to bat in Pakistan since a militant attack for two Twenty20 internation- Board confirmed it was consid- four wickets in just two overs to tricky conditions on the opening on the Sri Lankan team bus in als and their security team is due ering the tour proposal, subject Brisbane end the Sri Lankan innings in day. Dean Elgar's career-best 129 Lahore in March 2009. to visit Pakistan later this month, to a security clearance. AFP just 43 overs. was followed by Quinton de They play their "home" series so we are hopeful of hosting the If it goes ahead there will be Philander recorded figures Kock's third test hundred on the in the United Arab Emirates matches," Sethi told reporters. two reciprocal Twenty20 rench Open champion of 4-27, while Rabada took 4-37 second morning, as his 101 (UAE). Sethi said he believed the matches in Lauderhill in the US Garbine Muguruza (pic- to give South Africa a first- helped the host progress from an Pakistan did host Zimbabwe successful hosting of the final of state of Florida ahead of Paki- Ftured) saved a match innings lead of 282 after it had overnight 297-6. for three Twenty20s and as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stan's tour to the Caribbean in point before seeing off Rus- been dismissed for 392 earlier in De Kock eventually fell to many one-day internationals in a T20 contest, in Lahore on March-April. sia's Daria Kasatkina in the the day. Quinton de Kock regis- 19-year-old fast bowler second round of the Brisbane tered his third test century on the Kumara, who became the sec- International yesterday. second morning, while Lahiru ond youngest Sri Lankan to The 23-year-old Spaniard Kumara picked up his maiden claim a five-wicket haul in test New Zealand in comfortable win won 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) over five-wicket haul, taking 6-122. cricket as he recorded figures the 19-year-old Kasatkina, With more than three days of 6-122. Napier of 141 for eight with his third really seal it until they took 17 who served for the match at SCOREBOARD Reuters Twenty20 international runs from the 16th over bowled 5-4 in the third set, only to be half-century. by Soumya Sarkar. De Grand- broken by the fourth-seeded South Africa (I innings): K Mendis c Duminy b Maharaj ...... 11 ew Zealand captain Kane While Williamson and de homme then ended the game Muguruza. S Cook c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 0 D de Silva lbw Maharaj ...... 16 Williamson stroked his Grandhomme looked in control with a six over extra cover on the Muguruza then kept her D Elgar c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 129 A Mathews c Du Plessis b Rabada ...... 2 sixth international of achieving the target as the final ball of the 18th over to take nerve in the tiebreak, hold- H Amla b Kumara ...... 29 D Chandimal c De Kock b Rabada ...... 4 N Twenty20 half-century to guide overs ticked down, they did not New Zealand to 143 for four. ing on to win in just under J Duminy c Mendis b Kumara ...... 0 U Tharanga (not out) ...... 26 F du Plessis c Mathews b Herath ...... 38 R Herath lbw Philander ...... 1 his side to a nervy six-wicket vic- SCOREBOARD three hours. tory over Bangladesh in the first It was her second three- T Bavuma c Tharanga b Kumara ...... 10 S Lakmal c Amla b Philander ...... 0 BANGLADESH (3w); Ferguson 4-0-32-3 (4w); De Grandhomme 4-0- Q de Kock c Chandimal b Kumara ...... 101 L Kumara b Philander ...... 4 match of their three-game series T Iqbal c Bruce b Wheeler ...... 11 23-1 (2w); Santner 4-0-20-1 (1w). set win in as many days after K Abbott c Chandimal b Herath ...... 16 N Pradeep c Du Plessis b Philander ...... 0 at McLean Park in Napier I Kayes c Ronchi b Henry ...... 0 NEW ZEALAND she edged Australian Saman- V Philander c Chandimal b Kumara ...... 20 Extras (LB-5, NB-1, W-5)...... 11 yesterday. S Rahman c Henry b Ferguson ...... 16 N Broom c S Al Hasan b R Hossain...... 6 tha Stosur on Monday. K Maharaj (not out) ...... 32 Total (all out) ...... 110 Williamson (73 not out) S Al Hasan c Santner b de Grandhomme ...... 14 K Williamson (not out) ...... 73 Third seed Czech Karo- K Rabada c Chandimal b Kumara ...... 8 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-56, 3-56, 4-60, 5-78, 6-78, combined with Colin de Grand- S Sarkar c Anderson b Ferguson ...... 0 C Munro c N Hasan b M Rahman ...... 0 lina Pliskova earlier Extras (LB-3, NB-1, W-5) ...... 9 7-100, 8-100, 9-110, 10-110. Mahmudullah b Ferguson ...... 52 C Anderson c T Iqbal b S Al Hasan...... 13 Total (all out) ...... 392 Bowling: Philander 12-4-27-4 (1nb); Abbott 8-3-9- homme (41 not out) in an 81-run continued her impressive partnership after the hosts had M Hosain c Anderson b Santner ...... 20 T Bruce (run out) ...... 7 form when she stormed past Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-66, 3-66, 4-142, 5-169, 0; Rabada 12-2-37-4 (1w); Maharaj 11-1-32-2. M Mortaza c de Grandhomme b Wheeler ...... 1 C de Grandhomme (not out) ...... 41 6-272, 7-303, 8-336, 9-376, 10-392. South Africa (II innings): been teetering at 62 for four in N Hasan (not out) ...... 7 Extras (LB-1, W-1, NB-1) ...... 3 US qualifier Asia Muhammad Bowling: Lakmal 27-4-93-2; Pradeep 15.4-3-46-0; S Cook (batting) ...... 15 the 11th over, chasing a victory R Hossain (not out) ...... 2 Total (for 4 wkts in four 18 overs) ...... 143 6-1, 6-4. Mathews 17-3-41-0 (1w); Kumara 25-1-122-6 (1nb, D Elgar (batting) ...... 19 target of 142. Extras (W-18) ...... 18 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-28, 3-46, 4-62. However, sixth seed Elina 4w); Herath 23.2-4-57-2; De Silva 8-0-30-0. Extras (W-1) ...... 1 Mahmudullah, who failed to Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 141 Bowling: Shakib 4-0-30-1 ; Mashrafe 3-0-22-0; Ru- Svitolina was pushed hard by

Sri Lanka (I innings): Total (for no loss) ...... 35 fire in the one day series with Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-28, 3-30, 4-30, 5-67, 6-99, bel 4-0-43-1 (1nb); Mustafizur 4-0-21-1 (1w); Mosad- American Shelby Rogers

D Karunaratne c Bavuma b Rabada ...... 24 Bowling: Lakmal 5-1-16-0; Pradeep 2-0-5-0; 7-114, 8-138. dek 2-0-9-0; Soumya 1-0-17-0. K Silva b Rabada ...... 11 Kumara 4-0-14-0 (1w). scores of 0, 1 and 3, held together before winning in three sets the visitors' below-par innings Bowling: Wheeler 4-0-22-2 (4w); Henry 4-0-44-1 Result: New Zealand won by six wickets. 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY 2017

Guardiola can see end of his Mourinho and Wenger managerial career approaching criticise EPL

London next three seasons, maybe more," Fernandinho's dismissal -- for a fixtures AFP said Guardiola. two-footed foul on Johann Berg "I will not be on the bench Gudmundsson -- Guardiola London oaching great Pep Guardi- until I am 60 or 65 years old. I feel responded: "You are the journal- Reuters ola hinted to NBC his the process of my goodbye has ist, not me. Ask the referee." Cpresent post as Manchester already started. When it was put to him that anchester United City manager may be his last, say- "I am arriving at the end of my Fernandinho might have a disci- manager Jose ing he was 'arriving at the end' of coaching career, of this I am sure." plinary problem, Guardiola said, M Mourinho his stellar career. Guardiola, who took a year's "I have to understand the rules repeated his complaints The 45-year-old Spaniard -- sabbatical after he had delivered here in England. I know you're a about the Premier who gave the interview prior to 14 trophies in his four years at the specialist, but I have to under- League's festive fixture Manchester City's 2-1 victory over helm of Barcelona, was in sarcas- stand it." pile-up after his side Burnley on Monday -- added he tic form when he gave an Told that he did not look too laboured to a 2-0 win at would not be leaving City any time interview to the BBC in the imme- happy, Guardiola -- who had con- 10-man West Ham soon. diate aftermath of the Burnley stantly rubbed his nose United on Monday. Manchester City are presently match which had seen City throughout the interview like a "It's very difficult to third in the table seven points reduced to 10 men after Brazilian nervous tic -- forced a smile and play football in these cir- Pep Guardiola adrift of Chelsea having played a Fernandinho was red carded for said, "More than you believe. I'm cumstances within 48 game more. the third time in six matches. so happy, believe me. Happy New hours. It's amazing for "I will be at Manchester for the Asked for his thoughts on Year." the fans around the world, everybody has the Premier League, I'm more than happy to do that but it's very hard for the players," Mourinho told reporters. Avenging Spurs out to halt Chelsea "It's not just hard for the team with 10 (play- ers) but hard for the team Blues vs Spurs with 11. When you have one more player you also Chelsea's victory at need to think well. My Spurs will equal players were too tired to Arsenal's overall think well, we had lots of record of 14 straight bad decisions," Mourinho wins. added. Mourinho again Last season's 2-2 aired his complaints draw between the that league leaders London rivals, which Chelsea have two days ended Spurs' title more to rest before vis- hopes, will be in the iting Tottenham hosts' thoughts. Hotspur, United's rivals for a top-four finish, today. "We go step-by-step, London we try to win our AFP matches. But in relation to Tottenham v Chelsea, ottenham Hotspur will I hope it's an amazing have revenge in mind match, they are two when they tackle great teams with the record-chasing Pre- privilege nobody else has mier League leaders so they are fresh," he TChelsea beneath the White Hart added. Lane floodlights today. On the other side, Chelsea came from behind Arsenal manager Arsene to win 2-1 when the teams last Wenger has criticised the met in November, but it is last Premier League's festive May's 2-2 draw between the fixture list also by calling Tottenhamham Hots Hotspur'spur's Cheslea's player London rivals, which ended Diego Costa the schedule the most Spurs' title hopes, that will be midfielderelder Dele AllAllii "uneven" he has seen in uppermost in the hosts' thoughts. 20 years. With Chelsea seeking to pull "It is, in 20 years, the eight points clear at the summit struggle to repeat last season's three games, and he will not be haunt him after Liverpool's 2-2 doing their level best to treat the most uneven Christmas and pursuing a 14th straight win exploits. satisfied with anything but vic- draw at Sunderland on Monday game like any other. period I have seen on the -- an unprecedented feat within But since then Pochettino's tory against Chelsea. left Chelsea five points clear. Although spared from the fixture front," the a single English top-flight sea- side have rediscovered their "We're in good form and Antonio Conte's side have 48-hour turnarounds imposed on 67-year-old manager, son -- the boot is now on the rhythm, winning five of their last we've got good confidence," the not failed to win since their 3-0 some of their rivals by the fixture who took the Arsenal job other foot. six league games and scoring 18 England midfielder told Spurs loss at Arsenal on September 24. schedulers, both Pochettino and in 1996, told the "Maybe we will feel how goals in the process. club website after the New Year's They racked up win number Conte could elect to rotate their reporters. Leicester felt last season, when They welcome Chelsea to Day victory at Vicarage Road. 13 by overcoming Stoke City 4-2 starting XIs. "The difference of all the teams were with them and north London 10 points behind "It's a good atmosphere in on New Year's Eve, equalling Pedro Rodriguez returns rest periods is absolutely against us," said Spurs manager the leaders, but seeking a fifth the changing room. This is an Arsenal's 2002 record for the from suspension for Chelsea and unbelievable, compared Mauricio Pochettino, citing the successive league victory. important win for us and for our most consecutive wins within the will hope to recover his place to the other teams it is team who pipped his side to Sunday's 4-1 win at Watford, mentality." same Premier League from Willian, while Cesc Fabre- unbelievable." glory last season. which followed a 4-1 success at Jurgen Klopp, manager of campaign. gas's position is under threat "Every game is so "Maybe now we are Southampton, briefly took Spurs second-place Liverpool, has Victory at Spurs will equal from the more defensively difficult in this Premier Leicester." into the top four, only for Man- been doing his utmost to rattle Arsenal's overall record of 14 minded Nemanja Matic. League that we go now Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at chester City to supplant them by Chelsea by claiming it must be successive wins -- set over two Spurs will welcome back into a game in 48 hours' Stamford Bridge in November beating Burnley on Monday. "annoying" that they have not seasons in 2002 -- and leave first-choice defenders Kyle time with a big handicap completed a run of one win in Dele Alli is the Premier been able to shake the Mersey- them one win from claiming the Walker and Jan Vertonghen, both on the fixtures," the 10 matches in all competitions League's form midfielder, hav- side team off. record outright. With history of whom missed the trip to Wat- Frenchman added. that suggested they would ing scored five goals in his last But his words came back to beckoning, Chelsea's players are ford through suspension. United beat 10-man West Ham for 6th successive win

London Despite its numerical West Ham was made to pay of the season from West Ham AP advantage, United struggled to just three minutes later with keeper, Randolph, in the 35th, break down the home side for Mourinho's alterations prov- before Jesse Lingard produced anchester United ben- long spells and required a ing crucial as Rashford beat an equally spectacular miss. Manchester efited from a number of saves from goal- two defenders before setting Antonio Valencia was set up M controversial red card keeper David de Gea to keep up Mata to finish from close at the back post after good United's and an equally debatable goal West Ham out. range. work from Ibrahmovic and striker to beat 10-man West Ham 2-0 Feghouli, making his first United wrapped up the vic- Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but was Zlatan in the English Premier League Premier League start for West tory 12 minutes from time when foiled by the sprawling Ran- Ibrahimovic on Monday, earning a sixth suc- Ham, was sent off after just 15 Ibrahimovic reacted first as the dolph, who prevented the ball cessive victory. minutes in what replays sug- ball bounced off Ander Herrera from crossing his line by the Substitute Juan Mata gave gested was a harsh decision. to fire low and hard past Dar- narrowest of margins. United the lead before Zlatan Manuel Lanzini brought ren Randolph from just inside United remains sixth in the Ibrahimovic secured victory from two strong saves from De Gea the box, with replays showing table, but has now moved what clearly appeared to be an before the break, while Michail the striker had been margin- within five points of second- offside position, after referee Mike Antonio was crucially denied ally offside. place Liverpool, which was Dean had controversially dis- by the Spanish goalkeeper United had struggled to cre- held to a 2-2 draw at Sunder- missed Sofiane Feghouli in the when through one-on-one on ate chances before the break, land earlier on Monday. West opening stages. the hour mark. but did draw one of the saves Ham dropped to 13th. WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23

Qatar to take part in Spain Rayhan to defend Qatar title Handball Armstrong Vas Tough fight The Peninsula Championship A total of 126 golfers ine Qatari golfers are will take part in the among the 126 play- event hoping to win The Peninsula ers who will be seen a berth at this in action in this year's Qatar Masters he Qatari handball week’s Qatar Open team will head for NAmateur Championship, Qatar TSpain today to partic- Golf Association (QGA) officials “Around 90 golfers will fly in ipate in Spain International said yesterday. for the event that will see its 31st Handball Championship to Rayhan Thomas, last year’s edition,” he added. begin on January 6. winner, is among the players “Thirty-six golfers are actu- The event will feature who has confirmed his partici- ally Doha-based players,” Al the participation of four pation and will defend the title Naimi said. teams including Qatar, he won in Qatar. “A total 126 golfers will take Spain, Argentina and The three-day event will be part in the event hoping to win Poland. the first major event ahead of a berth at the Qatar Masters,” he The Qatar handball squad this month’s Qatar Masters, added. is preparing for the upcom- Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, General “The winner of the event will ing IHF 2017 Men’s Handball Secretary, QGA said. get a direct entry into the main World Championships will “We have a list of nine Qatari field of Qatar Masters,” Al Naimi take place from 11-30 golfers who will take part in the said. January, three-day event that will start on “The top two Qatari players According to the champi- January 5,” Al Naimi said. will also get an entry into the onships draw, team Qatar Andreas Pfister (second left), General Manager of InterContinental Doha and Fahad Nasser Al Qatar Masters,” he said. were pooled in group D Individual stroke play is the Naimi, General Secretary of Qatar Golf Association (QGA) exchange documents after signing alongside Denmark, Argen- format of play to be adopted at an agreement at Doha Golf Club yesterday. Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi, Executive Director at tina, Sweden, Egypt and Doha Golf Course, the venue of QGA and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, Deputy General Secretary of QGA are also seen Bahrain. the tournament. during a press conference in Doha. Picture: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula The Qatari squad The top 60 from 127 golfers includes; Kamalaldin Mal- will play the final on January 7, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri “Golf has a rich history in this event,” he added. Al Naimi said: lash, Hussan Awad, Rafael Al Naimi informed. Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, UAE, country where sports is an “I take this opportunity to thank Capote, Abdulrahman Tariq, Prizes will be handed to the USA besides Qatar. important part of the lives of our sponsors Qatar Olympic Mahmoud Zaki, Moustafa Al top 10 golfers, officials said. The draw ceremony will be those living in Qatar.” Committee. Their invaluable Karrad, Abdullah Al Kerbi, Players from Australia, Aus- held tomorrow. He added: “We have been a support is appreciated in every Ahmad Magdi, Amir tria, Bahrain, , Brazil, First tee-off will be held partner for long, some 15 years sense of the word. I give my Nowraddine Denguir, Anis Great Britain, Canada, Denmark, Thursday at 6:50am. now. Our services are well thanks to InterContinental Doha Al Zawawi, Abdulrazaq Egypt, England, Finland, France, The prize distribution cere- respected. We provide the sup- and Al Muftah Rent-A-Car also. Murad, Yousef Badr, Ahmad Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ire- mony will take place on January port that QGA appreciates.” They have been supporting our Abdulhaq, Danijel saric, land, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, 7 at 2:30pm. “We are committed to events for many years.’ Nasreddine Megdich, Bassel Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Andreas Pfister, General extending our assistance in stag- The 2016 Qatar Masters, a Al-Rayes, Omar Al Safadi, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zea- Manager of InterContinental ing another fine event. The European Tour event, will be Ahmad Madadi, Wagdi land, Oman, Pakistan, Doha, said: “We are delighted to location of our hotel suits DGA played at the end of the month. Sanan, Bertrand Roin and Philippines, Poland, South Africa, be part of this fantastic event.” and we look forward to the Yousef bin Ali. Al Rayyan down Shahaniya to kick off 2017 on a flourish

number 7, Ahmed Alaaeldin, converted by Khalfan who was The Peninsula who scored on the 12th minute lurking on the back post. Al with a fine header. After getting Rayyan’s goalkeeper, Oumar l Rayyan helped the Qatar in front of his marker inside Al Barry, somehow managed to get Stars League (QSL) wel- Shahaniya’s 18 yard box, Alaael- down to his left post in time and Acome in the New Year din leapt well to connect with a save it to ensure Al Rayyan went with a 1-0 win over Al Sha- fast cross delivered from the into the halftime break 1-0 up. haniya at the Grand Hamad right wing. It was one way traffic in the Stadium in the first game of 2017 Despite Al Shahaniya’s goal- second half as Al Rayyan set and first in this week’s Round 14 keeper getting a fingertip to the about looking for some addi- Australia’s Bachar Houli Academy trainees and officials with Australian Ambassador to Qatar fixtures. ball, it was too high and had too tional decisive goals. Laudrup’s Al Shahaniya, who are cur- much pace and went in off the men should have finished the Axel Wabenhorst during their three-week training camp at Aspire Academy. rently staring at a relegation underside of the cross bar to game three or four up after a battle with 12 points after reg- give Al Rayyan the lead. glut of chances and Alaaeldin istering just two wins so far Al Shahaniya, who were should have left with a hat trick Bachar Houli Academy hold this season, were hoping to camped in their own half for after missing a handful of easy bounce back from their heav- much of the first half thanks to chances. iest ever defeat after receiving some decent possession play The first of which fell to him a ten goal thumping by from Al Rayyan, had their best on the 67th minute when he week-long camp at Aspire Lekhwiya at the end of 2016 chance of the first half when found himself on the end of a and give their new Head they were awarded a free kick squared cross from Abdulrah- Coach, Croatian Igor Stemac, in a dangerous area after Fahad man Al-Harazi just six yards out The Peninsula training tips from some of the aims to produce sporting cham- a good start to 2017. Khalfan countered and was and one on one with the Academy’s leading experts. The pions by developing the That wasn’t to be though as brought down by Al Rayyan’s goalkeeper. team of six coaches and team was welcomed to Aspire footballing talents of young Al Rayyan dominated from the Gonzalo Viera just outside the He instead hit the ball seven athletes from Aus- Academy by the Australian Muslim athletes between the whistle and bounced back after box. straight at the goalkeeper and it A tralia’s Bachar Houli Ambassador to Qatar, Axel ages of 15-18, who wish to be losing to Al Khor in Round 13 to Instead of shooting, Al Sha- was cleared by an incoming Academy have completed a Wabenhorst, and Aspire Acad- drafted into Australia’s major claim all three points. hania went for what looked like defender. week-long training camp at emy’s Director of Sports Science, league. The Academy was Laudrup’s men got the new a training ground routine and The three points leave Al Aspire Academy, where they Tim Cable. The Bachar Houli founded by Bachar Houli, a year off to a good start thanks flicked it out to the left wing for Rayyan in 4th position in the were able to use the state-of- Academy is an Australian talent Richmond midfielder playing in to an early goal from their a cross which was nearly QSL league with 25 points. the-art facilities and receive development programme that the Australian Football League. Bayern Munich begin winter training in Doha from today

The Peninsula knows the Emirates from last Wednesday morning the Bayern previously received permission year. "I was at a training camp pros will work out under Carlo from the club to leave FC Bay- undesliga leaders Bayern in Dubai last year and the con- Ancelotti's auspices in the first ern after he expressed his desire Munich will kick off their ditions were perfect. I hope it'll training session this year. to take over at Premier League Bwinter training camp in be similar in Doha." Bayern will contest one club Swansea City. Doha from today. 21 of the club's pros and friendly match in Doha, against Bayern's chairman Karl- Some two weeks after the three aspiring youngsters from Belgian top flight outfit KAS Heinz Rummenigge: "Paul has 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the junior team, Raphael Ober- Eupen on Tuesday 10 January. been a professional, loyal and the last fixture of 2016, FC Bay- mair, Marco Friedl and Christian The German record champions capable coach for us. We did not ern have set off for their Früchtl, will lay the foundations return to Munich a day later on want to stand in his way of traditional mid-season training for the second half of the cam- 11 January. becoming a manager in the Pre- camp. paign at Aspire Academy. Meanwhile, Hermann Ger- mier League. We wish him all On Tuesday morning the Nine players (Ribéry, Rob- land (62) has been named the the best for the future." German record champions ben, Neuer, Hummels, immediate successor to Paul Gerland was a coach with boarded a Lufthansa charter to Lewandowski, Vidal, Costa, Clement as FC Bayern the FCB reserves from 2001 to Doha, where Carlo Ancelotti and Rafinha and Thiago) will travel München’s assistant coach. The 2009 before being promoted to his troops will start preparing for to Doha direct from vacation. decision was made together by coach the first team in April the second half of the season. Jérôme Boateng on the other head coach Ancelotti and the FC 2009. In that role he has already Bayern Munich's forward Thomas Mueller (left) and Bayern "I like the time we spend as hand is remaining in Munich to Bayern München board. assisted Ancelotti’s predecessors Munich's midfielder Joshua Kimmich arrive at the airport in a team, focusing on training," continue working on his sports Outgoing FCB assistant Louis van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes southern Germany before the departure of the team to Qatar. commented Mats Hummels, who rehab programme. On coach Paul Clement (44) had and Pep Guardiola.