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Sunday, January 1, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia II 3, 1438 AH Celtic’s Sinclair GULF TIMES condemns Rangers to Old Firm defeat SPORT Page 7

TENNIS/ THE QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Murray, Djokovic add spice to 25th anniversary edition ‘That this edition has attracted Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray is a great privilege for the tournament’

Arise ‘Sir Andy’, ‘Sir Mo’

AFP London

imbledon champion Andy Murray and Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah will each receive a knighthood in the New WYear Honours. Murray’s knighthood caps a dream season for the Scot, who finished as the year-end world number one for the first time after ending Novak Djokovic’s long spell at the top. The 29-year-old clinched a second Wimbledon title in July before successfully defending his Olympic singles crown and then winning a first ATP Tour Finals crown to stop Djokovic regaining first place. Murray, previously honoured with an OBE in 2012, be- ALL SET: Players,and off icials pose during the draw of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha yesterday. came a father for the first time in February and earlier this month was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the By Joe Koraith Qatar yesterday. isation has been increasing every year. Year for a record third time. imagined where I would be today. It’s a dream come Doha “This tournament has risen and We’re learning from our mistakes and “Obviously it is the highest honour you can get in this true. grown in leaps and bounds over the trying to get the bar higher and higher country. But I feel like I’m too young for something like “I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to race for years. It’s great to see the top two play- every year. We have been having great that,” said Murray before the announcement was made my country and win gold medals for the British people, appy New Year everyone! And ers of the world come to Qatar. A hall- names of tennis taking part every edi- on Friday. “When I win any award or am presented with who have been my biggest supporters throughout my wouldn’t it make for a great mark of this tournament is that the tion and this is very important for us,” anything it is nice because it is recognition for what career. start to 2017 when you get to top players of the world want to come said Alami. you have given your life to — up to now anyway. “My successes have only been possible because of see the top two tennis players here,” he added. The conditions here in Doha, in- inH the world in action, right in front of ExxonMobil has been the title spon- cluding the court surface, provided “I am still young and there are still a lot of things that their support and the commitment, sacrifices and love can go wrong. I could still mess up and make mistakes. of my amazing family and the team around me now your eyes? The 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil sor for 23 years and have been asso- the players with the perfect prepara- I am just trying to keep doing what I am doing, working and over the years.” Open, which begins tomorrow, will see ciated with the event for all of its 25 tion for the fi rst Grand Slam of the hard and achieving stuff .” Para-equestrian Lee Pearson is also knighted after world No. 1 Andy Murray and Novak years. QTF Secretary General thanked year – The Australian Open. And this Farah receives his knighthood after he retained his adding gold from the Individual Freestyle grade Ib and Djokovic in action. And everybody will the title sponsors for their continued made the tournament a perfect place 5,000 and 10,000 metres titles at the Rio Olympics, silver in Dressage to his golds in Beijing and London. be hoping for a high-octane fi nal in- support. “I would like to thank Exxon- for the stars to kickstart their season. becoming the first British track and field athlete to win The decorated Paralympian already held the MBE, OBE volving these two gladiators. Mobil for their support. We’re proud “This has always been a very impor- four Olympic gold medals. and CBE for services to equestrianism and to disabled To make matters even more special, of this partnership. They are keen on tant tournament in the calendar. The The 33-year-old Somalia-born athlete is already a CBE sport. this is the 25th anniversary of the tour- developing sport in Qatar and in the European players usually come from following his double gold at London 2012. Damehoods go to heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill and nament. A quarter of a century since region. I would also like to thank other indoor courts training, where it’s very “I’m so happy to be awarded this incredible honour rower Katherine Grainger, who both retired from com- the top tennis players in the world sponsors for their continued support,” cold. And Doha provides the perfect from the country that has been my home since I petitive action following the 2016 Rio Games. started making Qatar their fi rst stop said Zainal yesterday. weather at this time of the year. And moved here at the age of eight,” Farah said. Ennis-Hill, who had returned to compete in Rio after on the calendar. “We’re celebrating “ExxonMobil has so many goals the surface is the same as Australia. It’s “Looking back at the boy who arrived here from Soma- becoming a mother, has been made a Dame for serv- our 25th anniversary this year. Dur- including development of tennis on just the perfect week to practice and lia, not speaking any English, I could never have ices to athletics. ing these years, this Qatar ExxonMobil Qatar. They also support our national get ready for the fi rst Grand Slam of the Open has become one of the best tour- players. This will help develop the na- year,” said Alami. naments in the 250 series. All the top tional community here in Qatar. It will There will be a few tweaks done to players are keen to participate here,” also help increase tourism during the commemorate the occasion of this be- Andy Murray, who will be playing said Tariq Darwish Zainal, QTF Secre- coming years. We hope the partner- ing the 25th anniversary. He wouldn’t the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, has tary General during the press confer- ship lasts for more than three years,” reveal all the details but asked fans to been honoured with a knighthood ence yesterday. he added. come to the tournament and experi- by Great Britain. “That this edition has attracted Having achieved this milestone of ence it yourself. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray is a 25 years is also a momentous occa- “We always make some special great privilege for the tournament. It’s sion for Tournament Director Karim touches every year. We cannot change a great way to celebrate this momen- Alami. The former tennis player holds the whole tournament but we have tous 25th anniversary milestone,” he this tournament dear to his heart. This brought in a few interesting additions added. is where he had shocked the tennis like beach tennis and mini-tennis etc. Title sponsors ExxonMobil an- world by defeat Pete Sampras in the There are a couple of things planned nounced yesterday that they have ex- fi rst round of the 1994 edition – a time for the VIP village too. Overall we are tended their support for three years, when Sampras was at his dominant looking at improving the experience until 2019. “What a better way to cele- best. Now donning the hat of the tour- and comfort for the spectators as well brate the 25th anniversary of this tour- nament director, Alami is proud of the as the players,” he said. nament than to announce that we have current stature of the tournament. The organisers are ready. The spec- signed a new three-year contract, till “We’re very proud to have the 25th tators are excited. Now to hope that the 2019,” said Allistair Routledge, Presi- anniversary. The tournament has been players make it an exciting start to the dent and General Manager ExxonMobil improving steadily. The level of organ- New Year for us in Qatar. Love-all.

BOTTOMLINE Murray handed tougher Qatar draw as compared to Djokovic

By Sports Reporter a final clash with Djokovic. Berdych Djokovic, in the bottom half of the Doha is ranked 10th while Tsonga is 12th. draw, starts off against world no. 63 Murray has defeated Tsonga 14 times Jan-Lennard Struff. Next up could be out of their 16 meetings. However, Marcos Baghdatis, who is currently ndy Murray finished 2016 Novak Djokovic gestures on Berdych is a tougher opponent with ranked 36th. The 6’11” Ivo Karlovic, as world number one and arrival in Doha yesterday. The world the Brit having won 10 matches as ranked 20th, is a possible semi-final will be looking to further number 2 said he is “happy and compared to six in favour of Berdych. opponent. A cement his spot at the top excited” to be playing the first Although it must be mentioned that Karlovic has defeated Djokovic in of the rankings as 2017 kicks off. tournament of the year in Qatar. Murray has won six of their recent the quarter-finals in Doha during the Novak Djokovic is hot on his heels clashes. 2015 edition. Baghdatis, meanwhile and with both of them taking part in Murray will face Frenchman Jer- has never managed to defeat Djoko- the Qatar ExxonMobi Open, a clash emy Chardy in his opening round. vic. All in all, a quick glance would in the final will make it a great start The world no. 1 has a strong record make you believe that the defending to the season. against Chardy (8-1), who is cur- champion Djokovic has an easier half But newly-knighted Murray will rently ranked 69th. If he clears the as compared to Murray. But this is have to overcome the hurdle of either first hurdle he could face world no. the first tournament of the year. So Tomas Berdych or Jo-Wilfried Tson- 32 Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quar- there’s no telling who’s more pre- ga in the semi-final if he is to set up ter-final. pared. We will find out soon enough. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 1, 2017 SPORT

SHOW JUMPING SPOTLIGHT My heart wasn’t in it anymore, Qatar’s Sheikh Ali says Ana Ivanovic steals the show The ace Qatari rider’s victory was so clinical that the runner-up, Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan of Saudi Arabia, finished almost three seconds behind

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

atar’s Sheikh Ali al-Thani and his phenomenal 10-year-old mare Carolina 31 clinched the Qfeature event of the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Champion- ship yesterday. It was a night of dreams for Sheikh Ali, as he lifted his arms in triumph once he crossed the line, even as the home crowd erupted in joy. Under lights at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Main Arena, Sheikh Ali and Carolina 31 were in sync as the pair com- AFP would not classify her career bined to win the 160cm class, which car- London as being one of under-achieve- ried a total prize money of QR650,000. ment. The pair fl ew around the track and “I think it’s hard to say that stopped the clock at an impressive 43.58 ormer women’s ten- someone has overachieved or seconds to the delight of the crowd. nis world number one underachieved,” said Ivanovic, Sheikh Ali was joined by his family on Ana Ivanovic admit- who won the season-ending the podium as the Qatari rider picked up ted yesterday she retired WTA Tournament of Champions QR162,500 for the triumph. Fthis week because she felt both title twice. The victory was so clinical that the physically and mentally unfi t to “Even though I look back and runner-up, Kamal Abdullah Baham- carry on after years of battling think maybe I could have done a dan of Saudi Arabia, fi nished almost injuries. The 29-year-old Ser- little bit more, it all happens for a three seconds behind with his 15-year- bian — whose sole Grand Slam reason.” Ivanovic, who fi rst took old mare Delphi. The duo came home success came in the 2008 French up tennis aged fi ve after watch- in 46.37 seconds as the Saudi rider got Open one of her 15 WTA titles — ing Yugoslavian star Monica Se- richer by QR130,000. added she wanted to retire while les play, conceded she had been The third place went to Athina Onas- she still loved the sport. overwhelmed by the attention sis of Greece in Cinsey, as they stopped “The last few years have been focused not just on her ability the clock in 53.35 seconds. Onassis took a struggle with injury,” Ivanovic but looks. home QR97,500. told The Times newspaper. “I felt quite fl attered,” said Qatar’s Bassem Mohamed put in a “It was always a fi ght coming Ivanovic.”The only thing was splendid show with Argelith Squid but a back and so much work on the that it was very overwhelming pair of faults meant they had to settle for court, off the court, and then for me because I was so young. fourth spot. Another home rider Ali You- not sometimes being in the best “All I had done was play ten- suf al-Rumaihi (Gunder) was fi fth. shape. nis because I loved it so much.To The 160cm two round class saw 20 “For me, the IPTL (Interna- deal with all those responsibili- contenders take on the tough course, tional Premier Tennis League ties was diffi cult, because I was with many top riders picking up faults all who hosted events in Singapore very shy growing up.” over the track. Only six of them made it and India recently) was a last Ivanovic, who married Ger- to the second round. test. “I didn’t have the feeling in man World Cup winning mid- Turkey’s Derin Demirsoy astride Harry my body and in my heart that I fi elder Bastian Schweinsteiger in K had topped the fi eld in the fi rst round should push more. It’s never easy Venice earlier this year, says she with Sheikh Ali a close second. But the Qa- to step back from something you will not return to the circuit even tari switched gears in the second round and love, but I wanted it to remain as a coach. was class above rest of the fi eld. my love rather than something “I do not have ambitions of Earlier, Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani Bisharat that I have to do or end up de- coming back as a coach,” said and his impressive 10-year-old mare spising because it hurt.” Ivanovic. Brown Sugar won the 1.45m class. Only Ivanovic, who also reached the “I’m really happy with the ca- 10 out of 25 competitors made it to the 2007 French Open and the 2008 reer I’ve had. Now it’s time to try jump-off , with many top riders picking Australian Open fi nals, said she diff erent things.” up faults all over the track. But Bisharat and Brown Sugar put in a clinical round as they fi nished fault- Nadal wins fourth UAE title less in 39.94 seconds. “I’m really happy with my horse Brown Sugar. He put in a top performance tonight. It is not easy to AFP, Abu Dhabi: Rafael Nadal feel how strong he is when he win in this championship. The top inter- ended an injury-plagued 2016 is in front of you. national riders are here. We have the best on a high by lifting the Mu- Mentally he is very impressive riders from this region and from Europe,” badala World Tennis Champi- and he looks really strong to said Bisharat, who took home QR30,525 onship title for a fourth time start the new season.” for his victory. yesterday. Nadal will now head to Aus- Qatar’s Nasser al-Ghazali and Del- The 30-year-old Spaniard tralia for the Brisbane Interna- loren came second, with the pair cross- defeated 11th-ranked Belgian tional, with Goff in travelling to ing the fi nish line in 40.45 seconds. The David Goff in 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) Doha for the Qatar Open. third place went to Saudi Arabia’s Bader after world number one Andy Wimbledon and Olympic cham- Mohammed Alfard and Fulla, who timed Murray earlier ousted Canada’s pion Murray, who was knighted 41.69. Australia’s Edwina Tops Alex- Milos Raonic 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) to in the New Year Honours ander, 2016’s Global Champions Tour take third place. list, lost to Goff in in Friday’s runner-up, was fourth aboard the Selle Sheikh Ali al-Thani gestures as he rides Carolina to vic- “I’m very happy to return to semi-final, his first defeat in the Français Sirius du Granit. Tops stopped tory in the feature event of the Al Rayyan International competition again. These Belgian in six meetings. the time in 41.72 seconds. The top fi ve Show Jumping Championship yesterday. At bottom, three days have been good for “It was good to finish the year was completed by Rakan al-Hasawi of Sheikh Ali with family members on the podium. me.These three days, playing with a win,” said the 29-year- Kuwait and the 8-year-old Dennis. Only at this level, are going to stand old Scot. the top fi ve rode a double clear round. me in good stead for the rest of “I still feel like Andy Murray — The fi nal day’s opening event was won the season,” said Nadal. that feels more normal — but I by Kuwait’s Sheikh Yousuf al-Sabah, rid- Nadal’s 2016 campaign had am happy with the knighthood ing under the FEI fl ag. Al-Sabah cantered been ruined by a wrist injury and it is a nice way to start the that forced him out of Roland new year.” to victory with his seven-year-old mare One Round + Winning Round, Art. 276.2.1, Garros after the second round Murray’s next stop is neigh- Enjoy as the pair came home in 54.42 2.3 - 145cm - Prize: QR122,100 and saw him miss Wimbledon. bouring Qatar for the open- seconds to clinch the top spot in the One 1. Ibrahim Hani Bisharat (Jordan) Brown But he looked in form through- ing week of the ATP season round against the clock 130/135 cm class. Sugar. Time: 39.94 seconds. Prize money: out the exhibition tourna- and two weeks out from the Al-Sabah won QR10,000 for his eff orts. QR30,525.00 ment in Abu Dhabi, beating Australian Open, the first Grand 2. Nasser al-Ghazali (Qatar) Delloren 40.45. Czech Tomas Berdych in the Slam of 2017. Results QR24,420.00 quarter-final and Raonic in the In the match for fifth-place Table A, Two rounds - Art. 273.3.3.1 & 273.4.3 3. Bader Mohammed Alfard (Saudi Arabia) semi-finals. in the six-man field, France’s + 273.2.2 + Annex D - 140-160cm - Prize: Fulla. 41.69. QR18,315.00 “He put a lot of pressure on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Czech QR650,000 Table A, One round against the clock Art. me,” said Goff in of his first clash Thomas Berdych 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 1. Sheikh Ali al-Thani (Qatar) Carolina 238.2.1 -130/135cm - Prize: QR40,000 against the Spaniard. “You can 10-3. 31. Time: 43.58 seconds. Prize money: 1. Sheikh Yousuf al-Sabah (FEI) Enjoy. Time: QR162,500. 54.42. Prize money: QR10,000 2. Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan (Saudi Ara- 2. Ali al-Khorafi (FEI) Ungarin 4. 55.10. bia) Delphi. 46.37. QR130,000. QR8,000 3. Athina Onassis (Greece) Cinsey. 53.35. 3. Abdulrahman Alhamazani (Saudi Arabia) QR97,500.00 Birgitta. 56.84. QR6,000

BASKETBALL Al Ahli win thriller against QSC By Sports Reporter but Al Ahli clawed back in the third and joying the lead for only about four and a past Al Arabi 71-61. Doha fourth quarters to cause a sensational half minutes. Al Sadd’s asserted themselves early upset. Nemanja Mijkovic was the top scorer in the game to edge the fi rst quarter 23- Qatar Sports Club enjoyed leads of 25- for Al Ahli with 26 points, while Ab- 19 and never looked back. They kept l Ahli laid waste Qatar Sports 16 and 45-37 at the end of the fi rst two dulrahman al-Muftah had 22 and Omar stretching their lead as the match pro- Club’s overwhelming domi- quarters but a whopping 28 points in the Ahmed 13. For Qatar Sports Club, Quin- gressed and held a 6-43 advantage at the nation by clinching a thrilling third saw Al Ahli get within touching dis- ton Doggett excelled with 30, while Ed- end of the third quarter to virtually put A81-77 win in the Qatar Men’s tance at 66-65. ward Justice had 20. an end to Al Arabi’s hopes. League yesterday. In the fi nal period, Al Ahli netted 16 In an earlier match, Mustafa Fouda Jeff rey West and Mohamed Ouiri also Qatar Sports Club led for more than points while Qatar Sports could manage drilled in four three-pointers in his excelled for the winners with 17 and 16 35 minutes in the 40-minute encounter, only 11, clinching the issue despite en- match-high 23 to help Al Sadd power points, respectively. Gulf Times Sunday, January 1, 2017 3 CRICKET

WELL PLAYED Azhar Ali reaches career-best ranking, top-ranked Smith fi nishes year on a high

Agencies after starting the year in 31st position. Dubai South Africa opener Stephen Cook’s Eight associate nations to lock three centuries in his fi rst year of have helped him attain a credit- horns in Desert T20 tournament akistan opener Azhar Ali has able 25th position. moved up 10 places to reach a His scores of 59 and 117 in a 206-run he Emirates Cricket Board “The aim of the tournament is to career-high sixth rank in the win against in the fi rst Test yesterday announced a new T20 provide an opportunity for our teams ICC Test batting rankings, which ended in Port Elizabeth on Fri- Ttournament, with eight Associate to play more competitive T20 cricket,” whileP Australia skipper Steve Smith day, has seen him move up 18 positions nations locking horns from January Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket Board fi nished the year-end rankings with a from 43rd rank before this match. 14 to 20 at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket member, said. personal best in terms of rating points. India spinners Ravichandran Ash- Stadium with the semi-finals and final “Each of the participating countries Azhar’s scores of 205 and 43 win and Ravindra Jadeja have fi nished slated to be held in Dubai. are very close in ICC T20I rankings, so in the second Test against Australia in the year in the top two positions in the Apart from hosts UAE, Afghanistan, we expect the quality of cricket to be Melbourne, which ended on Friday, Test bowlers’ rankings, which has seen Hong Kong, Ireland, Namibia, Nether- very strong,” he added. could not prevent Pakistan from going South Africa fast bowlers Kagiso Raba- lands, Oman and Scotland will take part The tournament will kick off with 2-0 down in the three-Test series with da and fi nish with career- in the competition, named the Desert Scotland facing Hong Kong followed by an innings and 18 runs loss, but was a high ranks after taking four and fi ve T20 Tournament, which will be played Afghanistan taking on Ireland on Janu- culmination of some consistent per- , respectively, in Port Elizabeth. in a round-robin and knockout format. ary 14 in Abu Dhabi. formances this year. Rabada, who fi nished with 46 wickets The 31-year-old opener found his Smith’s 165 not out has taken him Smith’s teammates David Warner in nine Tests this year, has retained his way up from 20th rank during a year to 937 points as he has ended the year and Usman Khawaja also have much to 17th position while Abbott has gained Peter Handscomb, India’s Karun Nair Grandhomme (51st rank) had fi ne fi rst which saw him become the fi rst Paki- where he started — in top position. cheer about. seven positions to reach 21st rank. (joint-55th rank) and India all-rounder years in Test cricket. stan batsman to slam a double century The Australia ’s tally is the Warner’s breezy 144 in Melbourne Apart from Stephen Cook, the other Jayant Yadav (59th rank). There is no change among the top fi ve in Australia and also the fi rst from his 10th highest ever and the highest since has lifted him up two places to fi fth newcomers to shine with the bat in In the list of bowlers, in the list of all-rounders after these country to notch two scores of more former Sri Lanka captain Kumar San- position while Khawaja has gained fi ve their fi rst year are Sri Lanka’s Dhanan- spinner Mehdi Hassan (34th rank) two Tests, with Ashwin continuing to than 200 in a calendar year. gakkara’s 938 points in December 2007. slots to reach a career-best 13th rank jaya de Silva (31st rank), Australia’s and New Zealand fast bowler Colin de lead the table. THIRD ODI PCB to sue BCCI over Williamson, Broom bilateral Test deal AFP star as Kiwis win by 8 Karachi akistan cricket chiefs have said they will sue India for failing to honour a P2014 deal to play a bilateral Test series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed an agreement under which the South Asian rivals were due to play six wkts to sweep series series between 2015 and 2023, subject to clearance from the Indian government. There has been no Test cricket between Williamson strokes an unbeaten 95 while Broom falls just before the close for 97 as the hosts the two nations since 2007. Bilateral cricket ties were severed in the wake of the overhaul Bangladesh’s 236 for the loss of only two wickets to sweep the one-day series 3-0 2008 Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi blamed on militants based in Pakistan. Under the agreement India was to tour AFP Pakistan in 2015, with Pakistan visiting its Nelson, New Zealand neighbour in 2017. But the BCCI backed out from playing Pakistan — even in a neutral venue — say- ill-in batsman Neil Broom ing New Delhi would not allow it amid and skipper strained relations. “Two series have been produced a match-winning defaulted,” said PCB chairman Shaharyar 179-run stand for New Zea- Khan. “We will write to BCCI and if they landF to crush Bangladesh in their fi nal don’t respond then we will take the legal one-day match in Nelson yesterday. course as we demand compensation.” Williamson was left unbeaten on The PCB’s executive committee chair- 95 while Broom fell just before the man Najam Sethi said Pakistan was miss- close for 97 as the hosts overhauled ing out financially, losing up to $200mn on Bangladesh’s 236 for the loss of only four of the six series it was meant to host. two wickets to sweep the series 3-0. The two countries have come close to war For the 33-year-old Broom, bat- since September’s assault on a military tling to prove he deserves to stay in the base in Indian-administered Kashmir, again squad, it was his second consecutive blamed on militants from Pakistan. match-winning performance after his Last month the International Cricket unbeaten 109 when New Zealand won Council (ICC) docked India six women’s the second match by 67 runs. championship match points after failing to Broom, who scored 22 in the fi rst play against Pakistan. “We were awarded match, which New Zealand won by full points after India failed to give any proof 77 runs, was recalled for the Bangla- of government’s objection (in writing) and desh series after nearly seven years in that’s why ICC took that action, so after that the wilderness to cover the number we are preparing that case,” said Khan. four batting slot while Pakistan toured India for a short five- recovers from eye surgery. He has match limited over series, but it failed to since been the home side’s stand-out restore full bilateral ties. performer, not only with his prolifi c scoring, but also his magic touch in Pak’s first ever Test team the fi eld with some athletic catches. member Imtiaz passes away Williamson was full of praise for Neil Broom bats during his knock of 97 in the his batting partner and his contri- third ODI against Bangladesh yesterday. (AFP) mtiaz Ahmed, a member of Pakistan’s bution to help the side bounce back first-ever Test team, died in a Lahore from the 3-0 hiding they suff ered Ihospital yesterday after a brief illness, against Australia earlier this month. his family said. The 88-year-old Ahmed fea- “He’s shown his experience in tured in Pakistan’s first Test played in Delhi these last two games in particular — against India in October 1952 and went on huge contributions which certainly to play 41 matches as a wicketkeeper-bats- were what the side was after to get man. Ahmed’s family confirmed his death. across the line,” Williamson said. “He (Imtiaz) was suff ering from chest infec- After the Australian nightmare, tion and died early Saturday,” a member of Williamson said New Zealand needed holding no dangers, most of the re- In the fi nal few overs, Neesham 97 runs in his last two innings as the (not out) ...... 4 the family told local media. to improve and the third Bangladesh maining Bangladesh batsmen were toned down his lusty hitting in an hosts completed a 3-0 series sweep. Mustafizur Rahman (not out) ...... 0 Ahmed was known as an aggressive match “was far more the complete unable to settle in. apparent attempt to let Williamson “We needed to replace an attack- Extras (b1, lb7, w9) ...... 17 batsman who had a variety of strokes, performance we were after”. Broom was again in the play to reach his milestone. But after a mid- ing opening batsmen and with Neil’s Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 236 most notably the hook and the pull shot. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe catch Tamim for 59 as the top six conversation with his captain, experience opening in the T20 for- Fall of wickets: 1-102 (Kayes), 2-127 (Rah- He scored 2,079 Test runs for Pakistan with Mortaza said his side have to pick Bangladesh wickets fell for 68 runs Neesham was evidently told to fi n- mat and his current form — he was man), 3-133 (), 4-141 (Iqbal), a career best of 209 against New Zealand themselves up before they meet New and only Nurul Hasan with 44 from ish the match, which he did with a a ready-made replacement,” coach 5-168 (Shakib), 6-170 (Mosaddek), 7-179 in Lahore in 1955. He put on 152 for the first Zealand on Tuesday in the fi rst of 39 balls off ered some late resistance. boundary off the next ball. Mike Hesson said in a statement. (Haider), 8-212 (Mortaza), 9-229 (Hasan) wicket with the legendary Hanif Mohamed three T20 fi xtures. “As a team we have Bangladesh briefl y felt they could The series now moves on to three “Martin also leads our fi elding in : Southee 10-2-45-1 (2w), Patel in the Bridgetown Test against West Indies to improve lots,” he said. “We had a defend 236 when Tom Latham (4) T20s to be followed by two Tests. white ball cricket and so we’re ex- 10-0-40-1 (1w), Henry 8-0-53-2 (4w), in 1958, scoring 91. Mohamed, who died in good partnership in opening and we went in the second over, Martin Gup- pecting Neil to be a big contributor in Neesham 4-0-28-1 (1w), Santner 10-0-38- August this year, went on to score an epic lost the game. There were some good till retired hurt on six and Broom Broom replaces injured that area as well.” 2 (1w), Williamson 8-1-24-1 337 in 970 minutes — still the longest in- individual performances but as a edged straight to Guptill in T20 squad New Zealand will begin their three- New Zealand nings in Test cricket history. Ahmed’s death team we couldn’t go through.” Imrul at fi rst slip before getting off match series against Bang- M Guptill (retired hurt) ...... 6 means that middle-order batsman Waqar After Bangladesh won the toss and the mark. But Imrul dropped a regu- New Zealand opener ladesh at McLean Park on Tuesday. T Latham lbw Mustafizur Raham ...... 4 Hasan is now the only surviving member elected to bat in Nelson, lation off ering allowing Broom and will miss the Twenty20 series against K Williamson (not out) ...... 95 of Pakistan’s first Test team. and produced a century Williamson to embark on their 179- Bangladesh with a hamstring injury SCOREBOARD N Broom c Mortaza b Mustafizur ...... 97 opening stand in 21 overs to set the run stand for the second wicket. and will be replaced by in-form bats- Bangladesh J Neesham (not out) ...... 28 tourists up for a big fi nish. Broom’s 97 was at a run-a-ball man Neil Broom, the country’s crick- Tamim Iqbal c Broom b Neesham ...... 59 Extras (lb3, w6) ...... 9 But when Imrul slashed at a rate and included one six and 12 fours, et board said yesterday. Imrul Kayes c Broom b Southee ...... 44 Total (2 wickets, 41.2 overs) ...... 239 Mitchell Santner and the ball while Williamson faced 116 deliveries Guptill will be sidelined for up to c Ronchi b Henry ...... 19 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Latham), 1-16 (Gup- fl ew high behind the wicket, Broom for his 95, which included one six and four weeks after he sustained the inju- Mahmudullah c Neesham b Southee 3 till rtd hurt), 2-195 (Broom) sprinted nearly 20 metres and dived nine fours. He was left fi ve runs short ry while running between the wickets (run out) ...... 18 Bowling: M Mortaza 7-0-36-0 (4w), M to take a spectacular one-handed of what would have been his ninth during yesterday’s third ODI against Mosaddek Hossain lbw Patel ...... 11 Rahman 9.2-2-32-2 (1w), T Ahmed 7-0- catch and break the partnership. ODI century when Jimmy Neesham Bangladesh in Nelson. Broom has Nurul Hasan c&b Henry ...... 44 41-0 (1w), Shakib Al Hasan 8-0-55-0, T Imrul’s dismissal for 44 opened came in at the fall of Broom’s wicket been in fi ne form in the ODIs against Tanveer Haider b Williamson ...... 3 Haider 2-0-20-0, S Rahman 3-0-20-0, M the fl oodgates and despite the pitch to hit a rapid 28 to end the match. Bangladesh, scoring 109 not out and M Mortaza c Patel b Santner ...... 14 Hossain 4-0-26-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-6-0 Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 1, 2017 CRICKET

FOCUS Sri Lanka ponder changes for second Test

AFP whether changes would be made but picking two spinners, with off -spinner Cape Town acknowledged that Upul Tharanga, a Dilruwan Perera coming into the side. more conservative left-hander, was an Perera would also strengthen what in option. “He can bat from one to seven,” Port Elizabeth proved to be a lengthy ri Lankan captain Angelo the Lanka skipper said. batting “tail”. Mathews spoke about the Whereas in sub-continental con- Newlands has been a fortress for the need for his team to be men- ditions Sri Lanka usually base their South African team, who have won 19 tally tough when they meet bowling attack on spin, they opted in of the 29 Tests played there since 1993, SouthS Africa in the second Test start- Port Elizabeth for three pace bowlers with their only four defeats all having ing at Newlands tomorrow — but they and only one specialist spinner in vet- been against Australia. may need also need some changes in eran . The New Year Test is traditionally personnel. Although Suranga Lakmal bowled the biggest occasion in South African In losing the fi rst Test in Port Eliza- well, taking fi ve wickets in the fi rst in- cricket and the ground is sold out for beth by 206 runs, Sri Lanka showed nings, the fast bowlers seldom threat- the fi rst day. Coming on the back of a weaknesses in both batting and bowl- ened in the second innings, when series victory in Australia last month ing. While South Africa seem certain to South Africa made 406 for six de- and a convincing win in Port Elizabeth, go into the match with an unchanged clared. Dusmantha Chameera was dis- South Africa will be favourites to wrap team, Mathews admitted there would appointing, taking only one wicket in up the three-match series. be debate in the Sri Lankan camp about the match and conceding 153 runs at the composition of their side. more than fi ve runs an over. Teams Kusal Perera’s role as an attacking Mathews indicated, however, that South Africa (likely): Faf du Plessis number three batsman could come in Chameera could be given another (captain), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, for particular scrutiny. He was out for chance. “He is coming back from inju- Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Ba- seven and six in Port Elizabeth, on both ry,” said Mathews. “He has not got his vuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon occasions playing ill-judged cut shots. rhythm back but he can do better in the Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Ab- With Perera having been compared second Test.” bott, to Sanath Jayasuriya, on whom he has Although there has been an extend- Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews based his game, Mathews said he would ed period of hot, dry weather in Cape (captain), Dinesh Chandimal (wkt), Kusal not like to see the young left-hander Town, the pitch is still likely to off er Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karu- abandon his attacking instincts. more pace and bounce than Port Eliza- naratne, Kaushal Silva, Dhananjaya de But Mathews said that slashing at beth, although spinners could play a Silva, Upul Tharanga, Dilruwan Perera, South Africa’s fast bowlers on pitches role later in the match. Rangana Herath, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan with pace and bounce “wasn’t the right An option for Sri Lanka might be Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, gameplan”. He said he was not sure to play to their traditional strength by Suranga Lakmal, Vikum Sanjaya

SPOTLIGHT RARING TO GO Jennings ready Lehmann backs to face fellow Agar’s all-rounder South Africans claims for recall ‘He’s made Shield hundreds and batted well for us in that (Ashes) Test match at No. 11. AFP is prepared to drop down the He’s certainly got the talent to be a batting all-rounder or a spinning all-rounder, either way’ London order should his services not be required to open. “I’d be happy to bat at No. 10 ngland opener Keaton and be a fi elder,” said Jennings, Jennings is not fussed who will skipper the England about the possibility of second team squad, the Lions, facing his fellow South on their tour of Sri Lanka next AfricansE in a Test series next month. “Just to have the op- July, he told The Times in an portunity to play Test cricket, interview yesterday. whether I’m playing in my The 24-year-old — son of preferred role or something former South Africa wicket- slightly out of the norm. If the keeper Ray Jennings — added opportunity is there in July to that should he be selected he is bat at No 3 and that is what prepared for a lot of attention (England coach) Trevor Bayliss being focused on him. or Cook want me to do then I Barring a drop in form for will bite their hand off .” his county Durham — who Jennings, who qualifi ed for have been relegated to the England through the old four- second tier after being bailed year residency rule, admit- out by the England and Wales ted he had been taken aback Cricket Board (ECB) — he by some of the reaction to his should be selected after mak- agreeing to represent England ing a century on his debut in and not the Proteas. the recent fourth Test against “I think social media gives India in Mumbai and a half- people an opportunity to voice century in the fi fth and fi nal opinions that I don’t really want Test in Chennai. to read,” he said. “Social me- His performances were dia is great but people voice a rare highlight in the series their opinions in the wrong way which England lost 4-0 and sometimes. There was a backlash cast doubt on whether his to my background but mostly I opening partner Alistair Cook have had a lot of support.” will remain as captain. Jennings protests that it is “I don’t think it will feel weird not South Africa which he con- playing against South Africa, siders his home but Durham. but I know that the intensity “South Africa isn’t home around that will be heightened,” any more actually,” said Jen- said Jennings, who will probably nings, who is also studying for also face some old teammates an accountancy degree. “My from the Gauteng Province side mum and dad said the other whom he played for in 2011 and day about me ‘going back to in the same year skippered the the UK’ and I corrected them. South Africa Under-19 side on a ‘No. I am going home, that’s tour of England. my home,’ I said. “There will be all the chat “The northeast of England again about my nationality. is where I have bought prop- And if I do play I will have to erty and where my local pub AFP SCG pitch for the “dead” third Test. Lehmann added. “If you play two spinners “He wouldn’t want too many more in- make sure I handle that and be is and I have my usual order Melbourne Lehmann said after Friday’s innings and you normally need an allrounder, so that’s juries, he’d want to make sure he’s playing calm, settled and focused.” in the local pub and I know 18-run second Test series-clinching win what we’re looking at.” cricket,” Lehmann said. “That’s the greatest Jennings, who is playing for my way around. When I come over Pakistan in Melbourne that if Austral- Agar says he sees himself as an all- thing we have now, we’ve got young players his ‘home county’ as his moth- back to South Africa now, I oach Darren Lehmann views ia went into the fi nal Test with two spinners rounder to fi t the mould Australia are seek- coming through who are fi t and well. er hails from Sunderland in the drive round using GPS because Ashton Agar as a “genuine all- the team would also need an all-rounder. ing. “I guess I’ve been selected in this squad “Steven did a really good job for us in Sri north east of England, said he I don’t know my way.” rounder” putting him in line to be part Selectors have also included Zimbabwe- as a spinner, but I think I’m capable with Lanka before he got injured, did a good job last of Australia’s spin tandem in Tues- born all-rounder Hilton Cartwright in the bat and ball,” Agar told reporters yesterday. year in Sydney as well. He knows he’s got to be day’sC fi nal Test against Pakistan in Sydney. Sydney squad, but Lehmann highlighted On potentially batting at No. 7, Agar fi t and ready to play each and every game.” Bangladesh call up spinner Taijul for NZ T20s Agar, 23, is on track to play his fi rst Test Agar’s all-round qualities. added: “I think I would be able to if I was Lehmann praised Lyon’s bowling in Bangladesh yesterday included spinner in their 15-man since his unheralded debut in the 2013 “He’s made Shield hundreds and batted given that opportunity. You just have to the second innings of the Melbourne Test squad for the first of a three-match series Ashes series in England, where he scored well for us in that (Ashes) Test match at No. make good decisions, and that’s what I’m where he snared the crucial wickets of against New Zealand. All-rounder joined Tajiul in 98 in his fi rst Test at Trent Bridge batting at 11,” Lehmann told reporters. “He’s certain- learning more each time I’m batting in Younis Khan, captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Bangladesh’s two changes from the squad which lost the recent three- No. 11. But the West Australian left-hander ly got the talent to be a batting all-rounder fi rst-class cricket, is the best players con- in-form No. 6 Asad Shafi q to crack the match one-day international series 3-0. Leg-spinner Tanveer Haider is now being assessed as a “genuine” all- or a spinning all-rounder, either way.” sistently make good decisions.” game wide open. and all-rounder Mehedi Hasan made way for Taijul and Shuvagata as rounder, impressing selectors Greg Chap- “We wanted a left-armer to go away Lehmann said O’Keefe had to stay fi t “I thought Nathan Lyon was outstand- Bangladesh seek their first victory over the hosts at Napier on January pell and Mark Waugh and has a fi rst-class from all their right-handers as well to give after the 32-year-old’s recent run of inju- ing, he bowled consistent line and length, 3. Left-arm spinner Taijul is a regular member of Bangladesh’s Test batting average of 26. us options. He also got 10 wickets in a Shef- ries. O’Keefe injured his hamstring in the which was up and down in the previous few squad and played four ODIs, but he has yet to make his debut in the Agar was added to a 13-man Australia fi eld Shield game in Sydney. He’s improved, fi rst Test against Sri Lanka and was set to Test matches,” Lehmann said. “Three or game’s shortest format. Paceman is the only other player squad on Friday along with fellow spinner we get feedback from (WA coach) Justin replace Lyon in the third day-night Test four balls an over have been there, but today in the squad who has not played any Twenty20 International. The Steven O’Keefe with one of them likely to Langer and the guys have been watching against South Africa in Adelaide last month (Friday) was a lot better. He got through the second and third Twenty20 games will be played on January 6 and 8. partner Nathan Lyon on a spin-friendly him, they’ve been impressed with him,” before succumbing to a calf injury. middle order and so I’m pleased for him.” Gulf Times Sunday, January 1, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS ICSS safeguards sport in 2016 Thomas scores By Sports Reporter fi nalise a new training guide Doha with the Council of Europe, Unesco and Sorbonne Univer- sity exploring information ex- espite the many se- change between governments curity and integrity and the sport movement in challenges that or- match-fi xing cases. ganisations in sport In addition, the ICSS also career-high 52 as Dhave faced this year, 2016 signed a number of integrity was another exciting year for agreements with federations the ICSS; as the organisation and sports organisations in celebrated its fi fth year of op- 2016 – including the Com- erations working in the fi eld monwealth Games Federation, of sport safety, security and the Saudi Football Federation integrity. and the Offi ce for Racing In- In what was a landmark 12 tegrity in Australia. As a result, Celtics edge Heat months for the organisation, the ICSS has been engaged in the ICSS celebrated the ap- delivering multiple workshops pointment of leading trans- and training programmes, in- ‘That fourth quarter, it just felt like I was out there by myself, working on my game in the gym’ parency and anti-corruption cluding an anti-match-fi xing expert, Michael Hershman, workshop for over 70 referees as its new Group CEO and in Saudi Arabia. AFP new Chief Financial Offi cer, Under the leadership of Los Angeles John Hopley, as it looks to Michael Hershman, the ICSS strengthen its governance and will next year look to further integrity portfolio and to fur- build on its work within sport saiah Thomas scored a career-high ther build on the impact it has governance, policy and integ- 52 points including 29 in the fourth made at the service of sport. rity by driving collective ac- quarter as the Boston Celtics beat the Established in 2010 by its tion and encourage values-led Miami Heat 117-114 on Friday. president Mohamed Hanzab, ethics and governance within IThomas’ performance eclipsed his pre- this year the ICSS and its global sport. In addition, within the vious single game high of 44, set 10 days team of experts in safety, secu- framework of SIGA in 2017 earlier. rity, good governance and in- and as a founding partner, the “That fourth quarter, it just felt like I tegrity have continued to work ICSS will also support SIGA was out there by myself, working on my with organisations around by providing expertise to en- game in the gym,” said Thomas. “Throw- the world, making a genuine sure it is fully independent in ing up everything and it was going in. It impact through the delivery its governance. was a special feeling.” of numerous initiatives and It was the fourth-highest scoring total projects developed to enhance A commitment to safe in Celtics’ history, behind Larry Bird’s 60 and help safeguard sport. and secure sport venues in 1985, Kevin McHale’s 56 in 1985 and As 2017 comes into focus, The last 12 months has seen Bird’s 53 in 1983. we look back on some of the the ICSS appointed by various Thomas, who outscored the entire Mi- ICSS’s main highlights over the organisations and sporting ami starting lineup 52-51, scored 29 of the last 12 months and some of the venues to provide its services Celtics’ 35 points in the fi nal quarter, with main successes of the organi- and expertise in sport safety the last basket coming on a three pointer sation as it celebrated its fi fth and security. Of note, ICSS from well behind the arc. year of operations in 2016. experts travelled to Saudi He hit six three-pointers in the quar- Arabia and Iran to independ- ter and fi nished the game nine of 13 from Making an impact in sport ently assess security condi- three-point range and 13 of 13 from the policy, governance, integrity tions within football stadia foul line. As well as the appoint- in both countries. This as- Bird (1983) and Darren Daye (1995) had ment of a globally-recognised sessment is part of the agree- held the club record with 24 points in a transparency expert as its new ment signed in 2015 with the fourth quarter. Group CEO, the ICSS contin- Asian Football Confederation, Asked if he thinks he belongs in the ued to make a real impact in the which has seen the ICSS sup- conversation regarding the league’s best fi eld of sport integrity in 2016 port the AFC and its member scorers, Thomas said, “I do. The only – strengthening international associations in the fi eld of reason I do is because I’m 5-foot-9. They sport policy and bringing to- safety and security. don’t talk about me like they do all the gether organisations from all In addition, ICSS safety and other guys, but I’m fi ne with it.” sectors of the sport industry to security experts also contin- Despite coming into the game averaging drive collective action. ued in their security advisory 6.3 assists, Thomas didn’t have any this This year, the ICSS became role for AS Roma’s new stadi- time. In Houston, James Harden collected a founding member of the um, Stadio della Roma, as well his seventh triple double of the season to Sport Integrity Global Alliance as their ongoing work with the lead the Houston Rockets to a 140-116 win (SIGA) – a new independ- Supreme Committee for De- over the Los Angeles Clippers, who lost ent coalition involving over livery and Legacy as part of both head coach Doc Rivers and his son 75 international organisations agreement fi rst signed in 2011 Austin to ejections in the fi rst half. created to strengthen and en- to help ensure a safe and secure Houston’s second-year forward Mont- courage reform in the integrity 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. rezl Harrell scored a career-high 29 points and governance of sport. And with new opportuni- off the bench to fuel Houston’s win over Alongside its work to help ties now arising in Japan, hav- the Clippers at Toyota Center. drive SIGA, this year the ICSS ing already delivered safety anti-corruption experts and and security workshops in Like father, like son investigators have also been the country ahead of the Austin Rivers was kicked out he missed working closely together with 2020 Olympic and Paralym- a layup and pushed offi cial J.T. Orr with Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington tries to pass around Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas during the second half at TD Garden. leading international insti- pic Games in Tokyo, 2017 is 6:38 to play in the second quarter. Rivers Mandatory Credit: PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports tutions, including UNODC, looking bright for the ICSS as then yelled at Orr and waved his arms at Unesco, Council of Europe it looks to build its portfolio him. He tried going back onto the court “I didn’t do anything wrong,” Austin quarter points to propel the Rockets to a of the season, the fourth most among and the OECD, in the devel- of safety and security work in toward the referee and had to be held back Rivers said. “I reacted to the play. I had no hard-fought victory. all NBA players. Towns fi nished Friday’s opment of resources. the country and host training by a Clipper team offi cial. idea (Orr) was there. I was backing up and Elsewhere, the Minnesota Timber- game with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Following the agreement, workshops for government Then, 25 seconds later during a dead I said, ‘Call the foul.’ wolves defeated the Milwaukee Bucks signed in Doha at the 13th and non-government entities. ball, Doc Rivers went to lead offi cial Ja- “When I did it I was turning and he was 116-99 in a game that featured several of RESULTS United Nations Crime Con- With the curtain falling on son Phillips to ask him about it. The two right there and my elbow touched him. the NBA’s bright young stars. Warriors 108 Mavericks 99 gress in 2015, the ICSS and 2016 and with an increasing exchanged words and Phillips ejected I’ve never in my career put my hands on a Led by youngsters Karl-Anthony Pacers 111 Bulls 101 the United Nations Offi ce on number of safety and security Rivers with the Rockets in control 59-35. ref and I don’t ever plan to. Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach La- Wizards 118 Nets 95 Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and governance challenges fac- Assistant coach Mike Woodson took over “I didn’t mean to touch him. I didn’t do Vine, the Timberwolves took care of the Celtics 117 Heat 114 launched a new resource guide ing sports organisations around coaching duties for the Clippers. anything wrong. I’ll stand by that. I didn’t visiting Bucks at Target Center. Hawks 105 Pistons 98 which will assist law enforce- the world, 2017 looks set to be It was the second time this month both do anything wrong.” Wiggins led all scorers with 31 points, Pelicans 104 Knicks 92 ment and sports organisations another exciting and defi ning Rivers have been kicked out of a game. Harden fi nished with 30 points, 13 re- his fourth 30-point performance of the Timberwolves 116, Bucks 99 in better detecting and inves- year for the ICSS as it looks to They were ejected in a loss to the Wash- bounds and 10 assists while Harrell helped season. LaVine added 24 points and Spurs 110, Trail Blazers 94 tigating match fi xing cases. safeguard sport in Qatar and ington Wizards on December 18. fi nish off the Clippers with 13 fourth- Towns registered his 23rd double-double 76ers 124, Nuggets 122 In 2017, the ICSS will also around the world.

MMA Nunes stuns Rousey with fi rst-round title win

Reuters “She did a lot for the sport — defences of her title before suc- Las Vegas she was the champion, but now cumbing to Holm. Her stature as I am the champion,” an elated one of the biggest draws in mixed Nunes said in the octagon fol- martial arts saw her get a $3mn onda Rousey’s eff ort to lowing her victory. purse for Friday’s fi ght, plus an reclaim her UFC ban- Rousey left the octagon im- undisclosed share of the pay- tamweight title ended mediately following the offi cial per-view revenues. in spectacular failure decision, making no comment In contrast, Nunes was paid asR champion Amanda Nunes to the press. The defeat could $100,000 to show and another stopped her after just 48 seconds signal the end of the road for $100,000 as a win bonus for her of the fi rst round of their title the 29-year-old Californian, fi rst title defence, apart from fi ght at the T-Mobile Arena in who lost her title a little over a an undisclosed share of pay per Las Vegas on Friday. year ago when she was knocked view revenues. In the co-main event, chal- out in stunning fashion by Holly Nunes walked away with lenger Cody Garbrandt scored Holm’s head kick in the main something much more valuable a thrilling unanimous decision event at UFC 193 in Melbourne. — the women’s bantamweight victory over Dominick Cruz in Holm then lost to Miesha Tate belt, and the chance to start a another stunning upset to claim in her fi rst defence in March, new chapter in the history of the men’s bantamweight belt. and Tate did little better, turn- mixed martial arts. Brazil’s Nunes lit up the ing over the belt to Nunes at UFC In the co-main event, former champion from the off , 200 in July. Grabrandt scored a huge upset, rocking Rousey with a fl urry of Rousey, a judo bronze medal- sending Cruz crashing to the big punches, her superior boxing list at the 2008 Olympics, may canvas three times in the fourth never allowing the Californian be one of the biggest draws in the round before winning on the to close the gap and use her judo UFC, but she is not universally judges’ scorecards. skills to take the fi ght to the fl oor. popular, and the fact that she Cruz, until now the fi rst and Stunned early on, Rousey had was allowed to shun the media in only champion in the history of no answer to the power of the the run-up to this fi ght was not the UFC’s bantamweight divi- 28-year-old and referee Herb well-received by fi ghters or fans. sion, can have no complaints af- Dean quickly stepped in to stop But no-one can argue with ter being out-thought and out- the fi ght as Rousey was stung her previous record as the fi rst fought over fi ve gruelling rounds again and could no longer defend female bantamweight champion that featured plenty of trash talk herself. in the UFC and her six successful between the two fi ghters. Amanda Nunes celebrates her victory against Ronda Rousey during UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 1, 2017 SPORT

NHL FOCUS India halts funding of NOC for honouring Canes continue home former administrators

Reuters Kalmadi has declined the New Delhi post until his case has been heard, while Chautala, who was initially adamant to stay he Indian Olympic As- on in the patron’s role, has dominance with 3-2 sociation’s (IOA) move hinted at stepping down. to honour two contro- The IOA sought time un- versial administrators til January 15 to reply to a hasT infuriated the government sports ministry notice, citing with the sports ministry cut- its president Narayana Ram- ting off funding and the use of achandran was abroad, but other facilities extended to the the ministry dismissed it as a body. “ploy” to buy time. win over Blackhawks The IOA named its former “Although the Government presidents Suresh Kalmadi has utmost respect for the Ol- and Abhay Singh Chautala as ympic Charter and is commit- ‘It’s bound to happen at a certain point when you go through a little lull. It’s not fun’ life presidents on Tuesday, a ted to protecting the autonomy decision that has been heavily of sports, it cannot remain a criticised after both are facing mute spectator to blatant vio- allegations of corruption. lation of principles of ethic and Kalmadi spent nine months in good governance by IOA...” the jail after the allegations, stem- ministry said. ming from the 2010 Common- Former shooter Abhinav wealth Games in Delhi. He was Bindra, India’s fi rst individual released pending an appeal to Olympic gold medallist, wel- Delhi High Court and has stead- comed the suspension of the fastedly denied any wrongdo- IOA, which is perceived in ing. Chautala is also facing un- cricket-mad India as a clumsy related corruption charges in an organisation relying mostly on ongoing court case. He has also government largesse and run denied the allegations. by politicians who are opposed “IOA will cease to enjoy the to new faces and fresh ideas. privileges and prerogatives “The @Olympics movement bestowed on it by the Govern- and specially the movement in ment as the National Olympic India can no longer hide be- Committee (NOC),” the sports hind autonomy. It’s the age of ministry said in a statement. good governance and ethics,” “All Government assistance, tweeted Bindra, who won the fi nancial or otherwise, to IOA 10m air rifl e gold in 2008 Bei- will also be stopped.” jing Olympics.

Rio Olympics showed that sport can unite the world The Rio de Janeiro Olympics The Games were also over- have shown that sport can shadowed by the Russian bring people together in “an doping crisis, with the IOC increasingly fragile world,” under heavy attack for not according to International imposing a blanket ban on the Olympic Committee (IOC) Russian team. More details president Thomas Bach. have emerged by now as Bach Bach said in a New Year’s spoke of “shocking findings” message posted on the and pledged a thorough IOC website Friday that the investigation after which “the “unique power of sport to IOC will take all appropriate Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward stops the shot by Chicago Blackhawks forward Vinnie Hinostroza (No 48) at PNC Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports unite all of humanity is one of measures and sanctions.” the most important things that Bach again called for “a more By Chip Alexander ference leaders. That’s a tough rebound. It was Lee Stempniak 2015. And Bickell, diagnosed chest of Vinnie Hinostroza and the Olympic Games can give eff icient, more transparent The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) twosome, but Carolina (16-12-7) doing the same in fi rst, after Se- last month with MS, was in the past Ward. us in our troubled times. and more robust anti-doping earned its 10th victory in the past bastian Aho redirected a Teuvo house to see his old team and The pace was fast, for the “In a world where mistrust and system.” 11 games at PNC Arena (10-0-1). Teravainen pass. cheer on his new one, saying he’s most part, as both teams looked uncertainty are on the rise, The IOC boss also high- ockey games can be as “It’s bound to happen at a cer- It was Jay McClement scor- remaining upbeat and positive to attack. That meant a lot of sport is a source of joy and in- lighted the Olympic broadcast much about moments tain point when you go through a ing the Canes’ third goal, in the about a return to hockey one day. pressure on Scott Darling and spiration for so many people, channel, called for further as minutes and peri- little lull. It’s not fun,” said cap- third period, after Chicago’s The Blackhawks were playing Ward, who took a couple of shots giving us hope that our shared implementation of the Ol- ods. tain Jonathan Toews, who as- Patrick Kane winged a pass in his a day after a 3-2 road win against to the mask. humanity is stronger than the ympic Agenda 2020 amid HSo it was Friday as the Caro- sisted on both Hawks goals. direction. And not just scoring the Nashville Predators and ap- On one play in the second pe- forces that want to divide us. cost-cutting eff orts by Tokyo lina Hurricanes and Chicago “We know it’s going to be tight plays. It was Teravainen putting peared a bit leg weary in the fi rst. riod – one of those moments – Bach named the Rio Games 2020 organisers, and called Blackhawks went skate-to-skate all the way to the playoff s. We a shoulder into Jonathan Toews, But the ‘Hawks began to push, Ward came out to play the puck “marvellous” and “a rare mo- for a review of the candidature in an intense, entertaining game can’t expect to get too comfort- the Blackhawks captain, and hard, in the second and contin- but whiff ed. Hinostroza pounced ment of unity and solidarity process for future Games. at PNC Arena. able and go through a week like Brock McGinn putting a shoul- ued into the third. on the puck, but a backpedalling for all humankind,” highlight- Bach concluded that with The Canes emerged with a 3-2 we’ve had when we lose … four der into Kane. Chicago picked up the game’s Ward managed to make the stop. ed the refugee team there as the success of Rio in mind victory before a crowd of 18,016, of fi ve and expect to still have a Teravainen was a teammate fi rst goal from an unlikely play- Lindholm scored his second “a strong signal of hope” and “we look towards 2017 with a again raising their sticks high af- comfy lead (in the Central Divi- of Toews and Kane until this er-defenseman Michal Kempny, goal in as many games but left said that half of the world’s renewed sense of purpose.” ter another home-ice win. That sion). We have to work for it and past June, when the Blackhawks who played in the KHL last sea- the game with an upper-body population had tuned in to the came after congratulating goalie earn it all the time.” traded Teravainen – fi rst-round son. Kemeny’s goal, on a shot injury and did not play in the Games. Cam Ward, who easily was the This was a victory built on draft pick in 2012 – and Bryan from the top of the left circle, third. The IOC president did not fi rst star of the game. Ward saves, several of them ac- Bickell to Carolina to clear up was his fi rst in the NHL. touch on Rio’s vast problems Two days after a 3-2 loss in robatic. some salary-cap space. The second goal was on the RESULTS to stage the Games amid a re- Pittsburgh against the Pen- It was built on Jordan Staal Teravainen played with a lit- kind of play Blackhawks fans Hurricanes 3 Blackhawks 2 cession and shortly before the guins, the defending Stanley Cup taking the puck strong to the net tle extra jump Friday, as if try- have seen so often. Toews took Predators 4 Blues 0 impeachment of the nation’s champions, the Canes were back in the fi rst period and Elias Lind- ing to make a point with a team the puck to the net and got off a Sharks 2, Flyers 0 president Dilma Rousseff . home to face the Western Con- holm following up to punch in a he helped win a Stanley Cup in shot, the puck glancing off the Canucks 3, Ducks 2 (OT)

SPOTLIGHT Cultural Leonesa win friendly against Sailiya

By Sports Reporter games, comprising of 14 wins, Doha four draws and one loss. Since the club was acquired by Aspire Zone Foundation in spire-owned Cultural 2015, excitement about the club’s Deportiva Leonesa se- future has grown enormously cured a hard-fought amongst fans and members of 4-1 win over Al Sailiya the local community. SCA in a friendly game played at It has led to an infl ux of in- Aspire Academy on Friday. This ternational coaching expertise game was held on the sidelines and players from Aspire Acad- of Cultural Leonesa’s winter emy, providing opportunities for training camp in the Academy, them to develop their talents in which ran from December 27-31. a new footballing environment, Commenting on the result, noting that Cultural Leonesa’s Mowafaq Awad, one of Aspire line-up includes fi ve Aspire Academy’s graduates who plays Academy’s graduates. for Cultural Leonesa, said: “I’m This is an important part very thrilled to be back in Doha of Aspire Academy’s mission to participate in the winter to become one of the world’s training camp at Aspire Acad- best football development pro- emy, and very happy with to- grammes in the world. night’s result. We played a great Aspire Academy’s world-class game against Al Sailiya, who also pitches that Cultural Deportiva performed exceptionally well.” Leonesa trained on are the same As part of their visit to Doha, pitches that attract the likes of the Spanish delegation that Bayern Munich, who are scheduled comprised of 39 players, coaches to arrive next week to start their and staff members, visited pop- winter training camp in Aspire ular local destinations including Academy, in addition to FC Schal- the Sealine Beach and Villaggio ke 04, Manchester United, Paris mall. Playing in the Segunda Saint-Germain, and KAS Eupen. División B in the Spanish league, Aspire-owned club, Cultural This is an important part of Deportiva Leonesa’s remarkable Aspire Academy’s mission performance earned them top to become one of the world’s spot throughout the fi rst half of best football development the season, with 46 points in 19 programmes in the world Captains of Cultural Deportiva Leonesa and Al Sailiya with the match referees. Gulf Times Sunday, January 1, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SCOTTISH FOCUS Welsh minnows Sinclair condemns break Dutch giants Ajax win record

Rangers to defeat AFP ris, whose side have landed the Welsh ti- London tle in eight of the past 11 seasons. TNS — who are managed by former Middlesbrough defender Carl Harri- he New Saints ensured an al- son — have also bettered Ajax’s goals ready proud year for Welsh scored and conceded record along the football ended on an even way scoring 88 and conceding just 13 in Old Firm derby higher note as they entered the compared to the Dutch masters’ 78 Tfamed Guinness Book of Records for netted and 18 conceded. the most successive wins. The Welsh club last tasted defeat ‘We’ve lost our record at home which is very disappointing’ The Welsh champions’ 2-0 win over when they lost 3-0 to Apoel Nicosia in Cefn Druids was their 27th successive a Champions League qualifying round AFP victory, eclipsing the mark set by the clash in Cyprus in July. Glasgow stellar Ajax outfi t in 1972 — which in- Others have gone close before to cluded their second European Cup win breaking Ajax’s hold on the record. — comprising legends such as Johan Brazilian side Cortiba won 24 cott Sinclair grabbed the win- Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. straight games in 2011 and Real Madrid ner as Celtic came from behind Goals by Aeron Edwards and Jon — including Wales superstar Gareth to claim a 2-1 victory in a thrill- Routledge sealed their feat although it Bale — won 22 consecutive games dur- ing Old Firm derby against came in front of just 662 fans — mark- ing the 2014-15 season. RangersS at Ibrox yesterday to extend edly less than the thousands who Scottish side East Kilbride recorded their lead in the table to 19 points. trooped off to see the national side 30 successive victories earlier this sea- Veteran Kenny Miller had given beaten by Portugal in the Euro 2016 son but their record was not recognised Rangers a deserved 12th minute lead semi-fi nal in France earlier this year. by the Guinness Book of Records be- before Moussa Dembele fi red Celtic “It’s a fantastic achievement,” TNS cause they play in the fi fth tier Lowland level before the break. owner and chairman Mike Harris told League. Both sides had chances before Sin- walesonline. Ajax, though, touchingly organised clair scored in the 70th minute to fi re “I used to watch Ajax and never be- for a crate of beer to be brought onto Celtic to their 15th league victory in a lieved I would one day be with a team the pitch in a van draped in the Ajax row and end Rangers’ unbeaten record that could beat their record,” added Har- colours. at Ibrox, which stretched back to Sep- tember 2015. The win moves Celtic 19 points clear of their bitter rivals in second Prandelli ‘wanted fi ve new signings’ place and extends their unbeaten run to 24 domestic matches since the start before quitting Valencia of the season. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers — whose fi rst Old Firm derby in Septem- ber saw his side overwhelm Rangers 5-1 — was ecstatic. “I thought we thoroughly deserved it. We needed to adjust one or two things at half time but I thought in the second half we were brilliant,” said Rodgers. “We looked a real threat every time we went forward. I’m disappointed probably just to have two goals.” His Rangers counterpart Mark War- burton bemoaned his side’s missed opportunities. “We’ve lost our record at home which is very disappointing,” said Warburton. “We’ve had some very good chanc- es. It’s about the fi ne margins and taking your chances when they come along.” It was the fi rst Old Firm derby at Ibrox in nearly fi ve years and the thun- AFP not aff ord them. derous noise that swirled round the Madrid Prandelli said if new recruits did not rain-swept stadium seemed to inspire materialise then he would quit that the home side as Rangers made a de- very day and did so, according to termined start. ormer Italy boss Cesare Garcia Pitarch. Their early pressure paid off when Prandelli had asked for the Garcia Pitarch added that the club, Miller fi red them ahead. F“immediate” arrival of five whose president is Singaporean Erik Sviatchenko lost the ball just players before resigning as coach businesswoman Layhoon Chan, outside the box to Josh Windass whose of struggling Valencia, a top club could only off er one player — either clever pass down the right for James off icial said yesterday. Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder Obi Tavernier carved the Celtic defence Prandelli, 59, threw in the towel on Mikel or West Ham’s Italian forward apart. Celtic’s Scott Sinclair (left) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal against Rangers in Glasgow yesterday. (Reuters) Friday just three months after suc- Simone Zaza. Tavernier then whipped a fi erce ceeding Pako Ayestaran. Prandelli promptly met executive cross into the box and 37-year-old Craig Gordon. touch on his chest before unleashing loan from Manchester City, had an Ayestaran went in September after director Anil Murthy, who accepted Miller got to the ball fi rst to tap it in Celtic had looked a pale imitation an unstoppable left-foot strike into immediate impact. the side failed to pick up a single his resignation. Garcia Pitarch sug- from a couple of yards out to send the of the side that dominated the league the roof of the net for his fi fth goal His reverse pass down the right point in their opening four league gested that Prandelli was “a person home fans wild. this season but came close to an open- against Rangers in three games. found Stuart Armstrong whose ball games of the season. who wanted to go and was looking The home side’s celebrations were er when a Sinclair shot hit the base of The visitors came close to taking across the six-yard box was tapped in The club currently stand 17th level for excuses to go”. tempered by the fact they lost Joe Gar- the post with Clint Hill knocking the the lead for the fi rst time in the 55th at the back post by Sinclair. on points with third bottom Gijon. “Three months, six points — it’s not ner to injury in the build-up to the goal rebound out of play. minute when Callum McGregor’s Rangers should have levelled mat- Sporting director Jesus Garcia necessary to make excuses,” he with replacing him. From the resultant corner a moment cross reached Dembele in the box who ters in the 80th minute when a quick Pitarch told a press conference that added. The English striker then made an of magic saw Celtic equalise in the sent a shot bouncing into the turf and breakaway saw Andy Halliday play a Prandelli had demanded after Friday Former Spanish footballer Salvador immediate impact as he got on the end 33rd minute. off the crossbar. ball across the box for Miller whose training five new experienced play- Gonzalez has taken temporary of Tavernier’s free-kick only to see his Sinclair’s delivery made its way to However, Celtic were not to be de- fi rst-time eff ort clipped the base of ers — and he retorted the club could charge of the first team. close range header superbly saved by the back post where Dembele took a nied as substitute Patrick Roberts, on the post before being cleared.

BOTTOMLINE Chinese teams set to shatter transfer records

AFP Hornby, of the Shanghai-based Mail- “They can buy a lot of players, but then Then how do owners justify the out- Beijing man Group. again, it is impossible to go for Ronaldo.” landish sums? Politics is part of the “Transfer fees, rights fees, China equation, said Mailman Group’s Hornby. tours and sponsorship are all increas- ‘YOU CAN’T MAKE MONEY’ “You know there is a far larger na- Biggest”, “hugest”, “most ever”. ing fast so there’s absolutely no reason The world-beating deals are part of a tional objective than simply boosting Analysts are piling up the su- to think this will slow down this year.” Chinese rush into football that seems to the strength of a squad,” he told AFP. perlatives as China prepares to Mark Dreyer of China Sports Insider be driven more by political calculations But while the huge fi gures make good splash out astronomical sums said that last year “the world was taken than fi scal ones. headlines, Dreyer believes they are ter- for“ footballing talent during the winter by surprise”, but now “the element of China’s national team is ranked a rible for the development of China’s transfer window in deals that analysts surprise is gone. Everyone is expecting lowly 82nd in the world — just below domestic soccer talent. say involve more money than sense. the same thing”. the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts “A lot of this money is being spent Last year Chinese teams broke the While China is bad at soccer it is very and Nevis, population 50,726 — but on salaries for foreign players, when it Asian transfer record four times in an good at buying talent. Chinese President Xi Jinping has de- should be spent on youth academies,” acquisition spree that outstripped even “There is an appetite by the billion- clared his hopes of the country one he said. the mega-rich English Premier League. aire owners to outdo each other and day hosting and winning a World Cup, It is a fact that has not been lost on And even before this year’s starting continue to land more big name play- prompting a fl ood of money into its top China’s government. whistle on Sunday, Chinese sides have ers,” said Marcus Luer, founder and professional teams. Earlier this month, the offi cial Com- already begun off ering record-breaking chief executive of marketing agency In addition to the mind-boggling munist Party mouthpiece the Peo- sums to lure top talent onto the pitches Total Sports Asia. sums the country has spent on players, ple’s Daily warned that the explosive of the world’s second-largest economy. This week’s headline signings typify Chinese investors have snapped up for- growth in Chinese football spending On Thursday, Shanghai Greenland the trend. eign sides and broadcast rights. was a bubble, noting the eight billion Shenhua said they had signed Argen- Whereas last year Chinese teams The enormous outlays do not make yuan ($1.15bn) in overall spending this tine striker Carlos Tevez to a two-year were mostly signing “unknown” Bra- much economic sense: tickets to watch year “far exceeded the economic value contract, with sources saying he would zilians, this year “there’ve been ru- even the most popular Chinese Super brought to the league”. earn around 38mn euros ($40mn) a mours fl ying around for pretty much League (CSL) teams play go for next And last week, the Chinese Football season, making him the world’s best- every big name player,” Dreyer said. to nothing and broadcasting rights for Association announced it would lower salaried footballer. Even world superstar Cristiano Ro- domestic games are a bargain. club quotas for foreign players. The announcement came quick on naldo’s name has been put in the mix, “You can’t make money by spend- “High-level foreign players have the heels of Shanghai SIPG’s swoop on his agent told Sky Italia, saying that the ing the kinds of sums that people are brought energy to the CSL and made Chelsea’s Oscar for a reported $73mn four-time Ballon d’Or winner had been spending on top-end players,” China CSL games more enjoyable,” it said, fee. off ered 100mn euros a year to hit the Sports Insider’s Dreyer said, explain- “but they have created fi nancial bur- “Money in every area of the game Chinese pitch. ing: “You just aren’t going to see the dens for clubs and reduced opportuni- Shanghai Shenhua have signed Argentina’s Carlos Tevez to a two-year contract, is going through the roof,” said David “But money is not everything,” he said. revenues come back through the clubs.” ties for mainland players”. with sources saying he would earn around 38mn euros ($40mn) a season.

Sunday, January 1, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Wijnaldum wins it for Reds, Willian extends Chelsea run Late goals by Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba secure a 2-1 home win for Manchester United over Middlesbrough.

Chelsea’s Willian celebrates with teammate Cesc Fabregas after scoring a goal during the match against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge yesterday. (Reuters)

Late Barkley goal earns Everton a point at Hull

Reuters 19 matches. Everton are seventh with London 27 points, 19 shy of leaders Chelsea. City manager Mike Phelan refused to criticise Marshall for his own goal. ngland midfielder Ross Barkley “Mistakes happen,” said Phelan. “In headed a late leveller to salvage the second half he pulled off a couple Ea 2-2 draw for Everton at Hull of important saves. City in the Premier League on Friday. “I think it’s a terrific point. We pro- Barkley headed the ball home in the duced a battling performance and 84th minute from left back Leighton I’m pleased with the players. We are Baines’ cross after in a battle for the rest of the season had put Hull ahead with a superb free but we’re up for it.” kick into the top corner 19 minutes Everton manager Ronald Koeman Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum (right) heads to score a goal against Manchester City during their English Premier League match at Anfield yesterday. (Reuters) earlier. praised his team’s battling qualities. Defender Michael Dawson had given “I’m really pleased with our perform- Reuters ing a cross from , as sec- St Mary’s. Sunderland stayed in the relegation Hull an early lead when he scored ance,” said the Dutchman. “I wasn’t London ond-place Liverpool trimmed Chel- The home side led just before half- places with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Burnley, from ’ flicked pass in happy with our slow start but we sea’s advantage back to six points. time when Irish international striker whose impressive home form continues the sixth minute but an own goal showed a really good attitude and It was a fourth consecutive league Shane Long scored against his old club to make up for having taken only one by home keeper David Marshall at a reaction twice. helsea were given a stiff exami- win for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who look but Albion equalised within two min- point all season on their travels. corner gifted Everton an equaliser on “We played good football and cre- nation by Stoke City at Stam- best placed to hunt Chelsea down in the utes through Matt Phillips. Andre Gray scored a hat-trick in 22 the stroke of halftime. ated a lot of opportunities. We keep ford Bridge yesterday, before season’s second half, particularly in the Only four minutes into the second minutes and Ashley Barnes added a pen- Hull, who had lost five of their previous the momentum after the win against Liverpool won a damp squib of absence of European distractions. half Hal Robson-Kanu marked his fi rst alty before Jermain Defoe’s late reply. seven matches, climbed to second from Leicester — two away games and four aC New Year’s eve match against Man- Sixth-placed Manchester United start of the season by thrashing in a Sunderland have 14 points, two more bottom in the table with 13 points from points is good.” chester City. fell behind at home to Middlesbrough winning goal. than Swansea and one more than Hull Willian scored twice as a spirited before goals from Anthony Martial Having lost late on in their previous City, who moved off the bottom with a Stoke were beaten 4-2 despite twice and Paul Pogba in the last fi ve minutes away games at Chelsea and Arsenal, 2-2 draw against Everton on Friday. coming back to equalise. brought about a 2-1 win. Tony Pulis’s team were able to hold on In the remaining weekend fi xtures That made 13 successive victories Aitor Karanka had proved a match this time, as Southampton’s coveted today, fourth-placed Arsenal have a for Antonio Conte’s side, equalling the for his mentor Jose Mourinho, under defender Virgil van Dijk received a red London derby at home to Crystal Pal- record by any club for a single season in whom he once worked at Real Madrid, card. ace and fi fth-placed Tottenham visit the top division of English football. and Grant Leadbitter scored for the Leicester City, who had made the Watford. They were pushed hard, however. visitors midway through the second worst start of any champions for more After defender Gary Cahill headed half after Alvaro Negredo nodded down than half a century, won an entertain- RESULTS in a corner, Dutch international Bruno a cross for him. ing game 1-0 at home to West Ham Burnley 4 (Gray 31, 51, 53, Barnes Martins Indi brought Stoke level. Wil- It was Middlesbrough’s fi rst attempt United. 67-pen) Sunderland 1 (Defoe 71) lian then scored twice in eight minutes on target. With England striker Jamie Vardy Chelsea 4 (Cahill 34, Willian 57, in the second half, on either side of Pe- Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with 11 goals in suspended, Algerian Islam Slimani 65, Costa 85) Stoke 2 (Martins Indi 46, ter Crouch tapping in for his fi rst Stoke his previous 10 games, was annoyed to headed the only goal to end the London Crouch 64) goal since May 2015. have a 12th ruled out in the fi rst half, for side’s improved run of three successive Leicester 1 (Slimani 20) West Ham 0 Chelsea could not feel secure until a high foot. victories. Manchester United 2 (Martial 85, Diego Costa, back after suspension, Martial, who had earlier hit a post for Swansea City, who sacked manager Pogba 86) Middlesbrough 1 (Leadbitter scored his 14th of the season. United, brought them level with only Bob Bradley earlier this week, slumped 67) Georginio Wijnaldum’s early header fi ve minutes to play and a minute later to a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth Southampton 1 (Long 41) West earned Liverpool a 1-0 victory that left Pogba earned United their fi fth succes- to leave them bottom of the table at the Brom 2 (Phillips 43, Robson-Kanu 50) Pep Guardiola’s men 10 points behind sive league win. halfway stage of the season. Swansea 0 Bournemouth 3 (Afobe leaders Chelsea. West Bromwich Albion moved above Benik Afobe, Ryan Fraser and Josh 25, Fraser 45+1, King 88) Everton’s Ross Barkley (left) after scoring the team’s second goal during the The Dutch midfi elder struck in the Southampton into eighth place by King were the scorers as Bournemouth Liverpool 1 (Wijnaldum 8) Manches- EPL match against Hull City in Kingston upon Hull, England, on Friday. (AFP) eighth minute, emphatically convert- coming from behind to beat them 2-1 at moved back into the top half of the table. ter City 0

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Ibrahimovic injury Wenger wary of Allardyce reunion would be a ‘disaster’ AFP and physical approach. London Having narrowly beaten West Brom- wich Albion with a late goal on Monday for United: Mourinho after losing to Everton and Manchester rsene Wenger admits a reun- City, Arsenal could do with an uplift- Reuters goals he has scored). In Spain, ion with old rival ing performance to off er hope of better London Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) could pose serious danger to Ar- things to come in 2017. have a lot of penalties to score. senal’s hopes of rekindling their But Wenger knows Allardyce, aiming They are phenomenal players titleA challenge when Crystal Palace visit to restore his reputation after the embar- n injury to infl uential with lots of penalties to score the Emirates Stadium today. rassing end to his 67-day reign as England striker Zlatan Ibrahi- goals. Wenger has traded barbs with Allardyce manager, will send out a motivated group movic will be disastrous “Here, Zlatan has 18 (league) numerous times in the past and the sight determined to upset the odds with their for Manchester United, matches and one penalty. It’s not of the Palace boss glowering down the fi rst victory at Arsenal since 1994. accordingA to manager Jose Mour- so easy to score goals.” other end of the touchline might give the “It has become vital for everybody to inho, who is willing to let winger Depay has played just 20 min- Arsenal manager a pang or two of concern stay in the league,” Wenger said. Memphis Depay leave in January utes of Premier League football this weekend. “It has become an extremely big prob- for the right price. this season and Mourinho said With fourth placed Arsenal battling lem for everybody and when teams look Ibrahimovic needed one goal he would not stand in the way to avoid being cast adrift in the Premier for managers he was one out there who against Middlesbrough yester- of the Dutch winger leaving the League title race, the last thing Wenger had the experience and the quality. day to equal the 50-goal mark club amid reported interest from needs is to see his side roughed up by the “The level of confi dence or the level of of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Everton and Italian side Roma. latest team to turn to former Bolton and urgency always goes a bit up when a new few would rule out the prospect “I have to say that in the past West Ham boss Allardyce in a bid to stave manager comes in, of course. That makes of the Swede netting a double couple of months my decisions off relegation. the game more diffi cult. and fi nish 2016 as the year’s top in relation to Memphis were in- Allardyce will be in charge of Palace for “When you look at their squad, it’s a marksman. fl uenced by the feelings and in- just the second time since replacing the talented squad, because they have poten- “A disaster. Obviously a disas- formation that he would like to sacked Alan Pardew, but his fi rst match tial going forward, they are quick on the ter but that’s football,” Mourinho leave in January,” Mourinho add- — a gritty 1-1 draw at Watford on Boxing break and they are very versatile. told British media when asked ed. “And that we were going to Day — suggests the Eagles, languishing in “They have experience, they have how damaging it would be to lose have a real off er that we would be 17th place, are already adapting to their technical quality. It’s a team that can be Ibrahimovic to injury. willing to accept. That obviously new manager’s desire for a direct style dangerous for everybody.” “It’s not a surprise (how many infl uences me.”