Kipchoge, Ibarguen Named Best in 2018

SPORT Wednesday 5 December 2018 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 Azhar leads Pakistan Mourinho says ﬁghtback as Hafeez fresh Arsenal pose calls time on Test big challenge for cricket Manchester United IAAF Athletics Awards in Monaco Kipchoge, Ibarguen named best in 2018

REUTERS MONACO Budapest to host 2023 Kenya’s marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Worlds Colombian jumper Caterine Ibarguen were honoured as IAAF REUTERS Athletes of the Year at athletics’ MONACO annual awards ceremony, yesterday. Budapest will host the Olympic champion Kipchoge 2023 athletics world shattered the world marathon championships, the record by 78 seconds as he com- governing IAAF pleted the Berlin Marathon in two announced, yesterday. hours, one minute and 39 seconds The Hungarian while Ibarguen was the Diamond capital is the first host League champion in both the long city to be named under a jump and triple jump. new bidding process announced in February PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS last year by the Interna- tional Association of Ath- 1988: Carl Lewis (USA) letics Federations (IAAF). 1989: Roger Kingdom (USA) IAAF President 1990: Steve Backley (GBR) Sebastian Coe said after 1991: Carl Lewis (USA) a meeting of the IAAF Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge (centre) poses next to President of the International Council in Monaco that 1992: Kevin Young (USA) Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Sebastian Coe (left) and Prince Albert II Hungary boasted both 1993: Colin Jackson (GBR) of Monaco after receiving the ‘Male Athlete of the Year’ award in Monaco, yesterday. 1994: Noureddine Morceli athletic tradition and RIGHT: Colombia’s athlete Caterine Ibarguen reacts after receiving the ‘Female Athlete experience in organising 1995: Jonathan Edwards (GBR) of the Year’ award. 1996: Michael Johnson (USA) world-class sports events. 1997: Wilson Kipketer (DEN) Both are first-time winners of record holder Kevin Mayer, US the men’s award. A three-way votes and ballots by the IAAF “We are excited 1998: Haile Gebrselassie (ETH) the award. 60m world record-setter Christian voting process determined the Family counting for 25 percent about their plans for a 1999: Michael Johnson (USA) Kipchoge’s performance Coleman, Swedish pole vaulter shortlists. each. new stadium that will 2000: Jan Zelezny (CZE) marked the biggest improvement Armand “Mondo” Duplantis and Votes by IAAF Council Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa become a great legacy 2001: Hicham El Guerrouj (MAR) in the marathon record since Aus- Qatari hurdler Abderrahman members counted for 50 percent Barshim and Belgian heptathlete for athletics,” he said. 2002: Hicham El Guerrouj (MAR) tralian Derek Clayton took almost Samba were the other finalists for of the results with online public Thiam were the 2017 winners. The new stadium will 2003: Hicham El Guerrouj (MAR) two and a half minutes off the be built on the eastern 2004: Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) mark in 1967. bank of the River Danube 2005: Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) The 34-year-old Kenyan also with a capacity of 2006: Asafa Powell (JAM) won the London Marathon in Qualifying standards approved for Doha 2019 40,000 for the champi- 2007: Tyson Gay (USA) 2018. IAAF onships, reduced to 2008: Usain Bolt (JAM) Ibarguen, the Olympic MONACO ships, Doha will witness two increase in the number of 15,000 for future events. 2009: Usain Bolt (JAM) champion in the triple jump, was notable differences. Target teams qualified from the IAAF Budapest has twice 2010: David Rudisha (KEN) undefeated in eight finals in the The IAAF Council in Monaco, numbers have been introduced World Relays from eight to 10 hosted the IAAF World 2011: Usain Bolt (JAM) event. Her triple jump of 14.96 yesterday, approved the qual- for the road events and in the 4x100m and 4x400m Indoor Championships metres in Rabat was the longest ifying standards for the IAAF 10,000m races - 100 for mara- relays, for a total of 16 entries. and the European Ath- 2012: Usain Bolt (JAM) in the world in 2018. World Athletics Champion- thons, 60 for the 20km race For the 4x400m mixed letics Championships. 2013: Usain Bolt (JAM) The 34-year-old also was ships Doha 2019. While the walks, 50 for the men’s 50km relay, which will be contested The 2019 world 2014: Renaud Lavillenie (FRA) IAAF Continental Cup and Central performance standards them- race walk and 30 for the for the first time, 12 teams will championships will be 2015: Ashton Eaton (USA) American and Caribbean selves are similar to those used women’s, and 27 for the qualify from the IAAF World held in Doha, Qatar, and

2016: Usain Bolt (JAM) champion in both the long jump for the 2017 World Champion- 10,000m There will also be an Relays in Yokohama. the 2021 edition in 2017: Mutaz Essa Barshim (QAT) and triple jump. Eugene, Oregon. French decathlon world IAAF maintains Russia’s ban from athletics AFP “I hope they’ll deliver the data IAAF President Sebastian Coe (left) also missed the IAAF World MONACO by the end of this year,” Andersen and Rune Andersen, head of the Championships in London a year said of the samples taken and IAAF taskforce on Russia during a later. A number of Russian ath- The governing body of world stored in the Moscow press conference, yesterday. letes, however, have been athletics yesterday maintained laboratory. granted permission by the IAAF Russia’s ban from track and field “But I cannot go any further to compete as neutrals after over mass state-backed doping, than that. meeting the exceptional eligibility citing two conditions before the “We’ve received no assur- criteria, essentially demon- powerhouse can return to inter- ances it will be delivered to us strating that they have come national competition. directly,” the Norwegian said of through transparent anti-doping Rune Andersen, head of the the data. testing. IAAF’s taskforce on Russia, said “Assurances have been given The International Olympic Russian authorities, in the form to WADA (World Anti-Doping Committee lifted its ban on Russia of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency) and WADA have set a at the end of the Pyeongchang Agency (RUSADA), had to grant deadline of December 31 to Olympics while WADA in Sep- access to data from testing of receive the data. We’ll have to tember lifted its ban on RUSADA samples at a Moscow laboratory rely on receiving the data from for non-compliance. from 2011 to 2015. WADA before handing it to the WADA drew heavy interna- The second condition is that AIU to examine the data before tional criticism when it voted to Russia must pay the IAAF’s costs we are satisfied that the data is declare RUSADA “compliant”, incurred in the work of the task- correct data.” before being granted access to force and in bringing or defending The International Association Moscow raw data. Russian cases at the Court of of Athletics Federation’s decision It responded by promising it Arbitration of Sport (CAS). means Russia will not, for the Russians was “business-like, very and we didn’t foresee that it Russian track and field federation will impose new sanctions if Access to the samples would moment, be able to compete formal in many ways, but still would take three years, we would (RUSAF) or Russian Russia did not cooperate by hand the Athletics Integrity Unit, under its own flag at the open”, dismissing any suggestion have expected Russia to deliver authorities.” December 31 and a team visited the independent body that European Indoor Championships of frustration at their apparent much sooner. Russia’s athletics federation the Russian capital last week and manages all doping and non- in Glasgow in February 2019, intransigence. “We see the glimmer of light (RUSAF) was initially banned by another is due next week to carry doping integrity-related matters with the IAAF Council not “I don’t get frustrated, that’s (at the end of the tunnel) all the the IAAF in November 2015 over out an audit. in athletics, the opportunity to scheduled to meet again until not my nature,” he said. “Other time,” he added. allegations of widespread gov- The WADA decision led determine whether any suspi- March. persons might get frustrated “There has been progress all ernment-backed doping fraud. RUSAF to appeal against its IAAF cious findings should be Andersen insisted that the because this has gone on for three the way. Many of the criteria has Its athletics team was barred suspension at the Court of Arbi- investigated. taskforce’s relationship with the years now, it’s a very long time been met by Russia, either by the from the 2016 Rio Olympics and tration for Sport. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 Kohli eyes crowning glory in Australia

AFP England 4-1 despite the captain’s “So this is his opportunity, NEW DELHI 593 runs in five matches. because the next cycle of “Apart from Kohli himself no overseas matches will come after Virat Kohli is at the top of his other batsman is making runs. a couple of years and who knows game but he must get his other So one man’s show is not likely what happens in that much batters to perform if he is to grab to win you a series overseas,” time,” he said. the crowning glory of India’s first veteran sports journalist Ayaz India started the key Aus- Test series victory in Australia. Memon said. tralia tour with a loss in the first Kohli, 30, has led India’s “Barring the one at Lord’s Twenty20 on November 21 but batting charge with admirable (where India lost by an innings went on to level the three-match consistency across all three and 159 runs) most of the series after the second game was formats as he tops the Interna- matches that we have lost they rained off and they won the final tional Cricket Council (ICC) actually have got themselves in match. rankings in Test and one-day a winning position and squan- But it is the five-day format internationals. dered it. that Kohli and India are looking Dubbed “King Kohli” by the “Kohli’s challenge is to get to conquer, with India never Indian media, the star batsman the best out of his batsmen and having won a series in Australia and India skipper has accumu- seize the winning moments in more than 70 years of trying. lated 1,063 runs in 18 Test innings which India has failed to latch India’s dismal record Down this year, number one ahead of on to,” he added. Memon said Under, which started with a England skipper Joe Root (948 that Australia are weakened by crushing series loss to Don Brad- runs, 24 innings). the absence of top stars Steve man’s side in 1948, is just five But as series defeats in South Smith and David Warner, but wins in 44 Tests. Africa and England this year that may also make Kohli’s task Kohli is confident that now showed, Kohli piling on the runs harder. is the time to buck the that trend. will be no guarantee of victory “With Smith and Warner not “Looking at how much expe- when the four-Test series starts being there the pressure of rience we have gained in the four tomorrow in Adelaide. winning will be that much more years since we have last been Kohli made 286 in three on Kohli. If you can’t beat an here, and how the team has South Africa Tests but India lost Australia without Smith and played, we definitely feel we the series 2-1 while the world’s Warner then who you will beat?” have what it takes to win Test top Test side went down to Memon asked. matches away from home,” he said in an interview with Mac- The First Test Factbox quarie Radio. “And, hopefully, this time Following is a factbox on the first Test match between around, a full series,” said Kohli, Australia and India: who recently became the fastest WHERE: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - Capacity: 50,000 to reach 10,000 runs in ODIs, WHEN: Dec 6-10. Play starts at 10:30am local time (0000 GMT) surpassing India legend and AUSTRALIA (World ranking: fifth) former captain Sachin Squad - Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Tendulkar. Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), However Australia batsman Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Chris Travis Head is confident the pace Tremain, Peter Siddle. trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh COACH: Justin Langer Hazlewood and Pat Cummins India’s batsman INDIA (World ranking: first) will keep Kohli in check. Virat Kohli plays Squad - Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Kohli led his team’s batting a defensive shot Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, in the 2014 series in Australia, on the second day Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, amassing 692 runs in four of the tour match Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, matches despite India losing 2-0. against Cricket Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. “Hopefully the boys get him Australia XI at the COACH: Ravi Shastri under control,” said Head. “We SCG in Sydney in MATCH OFFICIALS Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Nigel know he’s a good player, I’ve this November 29, Llong (England) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) Match seen it first-hand at Bengaluru. 2018, ﬁle photo. referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka) He’s an extremely good player, HISTORY but I think we’ve got the bowlers Previous Australia v India Tests in Adelaide to do the job. They’re one of the Matches: 11 best bowling units in the world. Australia wins: 7 It’s going to be an exciting battle, India wins: 1 hopefully we’ll come out on top,” YEAR WINNER MARGIN he added. 1948 Australia inns & 16 runs 1967 Australia 146 runs 1978 Australia 47 runs 1981 match drawn 1985 match drawn Paine ‘sick of ball-tampering talk’ 1992 Australia 38 runs 1999 Australia 285 runs 2003 India 4 wickets as Australia plan for India series 2008 match drawn 2012 Australia 298 runs AFP A photo taken on 2014 Australia 48 runs ADELAIDE October 29, 2018 SERIES shows Australian Second Test: Dec 14-18 10:20am (0220) - Perth Stadium Australia skipper Tim Paine says he is sick cricket captain Third Test: Dec 26-30 10:30am (2330) - Melbourne Cricket Ground of all the ball-tampering talk and it is time Tim Paine (left) Fourth Test: Jan 3-7 10:30am (2330) - Sydney Cricket Ground to move on and focus on halting powerhouse and vice-captain India from winning their first Test series Josh Hazlewood Down Under. during a press The scandal in March has haunted Aus- conference in tralian cricket, with Steve Smith and David Melbourne. Paine Warner banned and a swathe of executives says he’s sick of from the governing body axed or falling on all the talk about their swords in the aftermath. ball-tampering With the world’s number one Test nation and it’s time to awaiting them in Adelaide in the first of four move on. Tests from tomorrow, Paine said it was time to start looking forward. “There has been so much talk in the last 10 months that everyone is sick of it,” he said strengths. And if that meant some verbal But veteran opener Murali Vijay, who was ahead of Australia’s first home Test since banter, then so be it. dropped following a pair in the second Test “sandpapergate”, where Smith, Warner and “It’s just about picking your time and against England this year, rose to the chal- Cameron Bancroft tried to alter the ball in picking your moment and doing what the lenge with a century in the same match and South Africa. team requires,” he said. is expected to face the new ball with KL “There has been so much talk, it’s time Australia could give a debut to in-form Rahul. India’s middle order also looks in good for action. There are 11 guys going out and opener Marcus Harris, likely to partner Aaron form with Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli, Ajinkya trying their best who will be so keen because Finch at the top of the order with Usman Rahane and Hanuma Vihari all making half- of what has gone on.” Khawaja appearing to be sufficiently centuries in the CA XI game. The odds are stacked in favour of the recovered from knee surgery to come in at And they have an experienced set of tourists -- they top the Test rankings and number three. bowlers in Ishant Sharma, Mohammad New Zealand’s boast the world’s best batsman in Virat Kohli, A question mark remains over whether Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav batsman Will plus a high-class pace bowling attack. Peter Handscomb or Travis Head will fill the and Jasprit Bumrah. Somerville plays Throw in Australia being without Smith vacant middle-order spot. “In terms of skill, in terms of experience, a shot during the and Warner, and it points to India starting as Previous series between the two rivals in terms of how we are playing, our mindset, second day of the overwhelming favourites. have been heated, with the combative Kohli we definitely feel we have the ability to win third and ﬁnal Test The last time they met, India won an usually front and centre. But the Indian a series here,” said Kohli. against Pakistan at engrossing series 2-1 on home soil, with skipper is insisting he has grown up and will Australia squad: Tim Paine (capt), Josh the Sheikh Zayed Smith hitting three centuries. not be looking for confrontations, although Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins, International But the Indians have never won a Test he added that “if they want to play a certain Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Cricket Stadium series in Australia and if pace bowlers way we will reciprocate”. Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan in Abu Dhabi Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat “I think from last time round, I’ve become Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell yesterday. Cummins are firing the tourists could be in more assured of myself, I don’t really find Starc, Chris Tremain for another tough time. the need to prove anything to anyone,” he India squad: Virat Kohli (capt), Murali In the wake of the tampering scandal, told Macquarie Sports Radio at the weekend. Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Australia vowed to overhaul their infamous India suffered a blow ahead of the Test Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, win-at-all-costs attitude, tone down the with young opener Prithvi Shaw ruled out Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, sledging and be more respectful. after suffering ankle ligament damage during Ravi Ashwin, Ravi Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Paine said his message to the team was their final warm-up game against a Cricket Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh to keep their cool but also play to their Australia XI. Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND, first innings J. Raval lbw b Yasir ...... 45 Azhar leads Pakistan fightback as T. Latham lbw b Shaheen ...... 4 K. Williamson c Shafiq b Hasan ...... 89 R. Taylor b Yasir ...... 0 H. Nicholls b Yasir ...... 1 Hafeez calls time on Test cricket B. Watling not out ...... 77 C. de Grandhomme c Shafiq b Asif ...... 20 AFP deliveries as the Pakistan scoring at third slip and was on his way T. Southee c Azam b Asif ...... 2 ABU DHABI rate struggled to rise above two for just nine. W. Somerville b Asif ...... 12 an over. Azhar then dug in with Haris A. Patel c Shafiq b Asif ...... 6 Azhar Ali struck a fighting half The equally-experienced Sohail, adding 68 for the third T. Boult b Asif ...... 1 century to help Pakistan recover Shafiq hit the same number of wicket before Sohail edged Extras (b11, lb6) ...... 17 Total: (all out, 116.1 overs) ...... 274 to 139-3 at close on the second fours in his 26 which has so far Southee to Watling behind the Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-70, 3-70, 4-72, 5-176, day of the third and final Test occupied 85 balls. stumps for 34. 6-203, 7-209, 8-254, 9-272, 10-274 against New Zealand in Abu The Pakistan top order was It was Watling, with an Bowling: Hasan 20-6-58-1, Shaheen 23-6-52-1, Dhabi yesterday. jolted by Boult’s double strike unbeaten 77, who carried New Yasir 41-11-75-3, Asif 30.1-4-65-5, Haris 2-0-7-0 It marked a good recovery either side of lunch. Zealand’s overnight total from PAKISTAN, first innings from 17-2 after Kiwi pace bowler Hafeez has been struggling 229-7 and added an invaluable Imam-ul-Haq c Southee b Boult ...... 9 Trent Boult ripped out openers for form for a while, having 45 runs over the last three Mohammad Hafeez c Southee b Boult ...... 0 Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammed made just 66 runs in seven wickets to frustrate Pakistan. Azhar Ali not out ...... 62 Haris Sohail c Watling b Southee ...... 34 Hafeez, who later announced his innings since scoring a hundred During his five-and-a-half- Asad Shafiq not out ...... 26 retirement from Test cricket. against Australia in Dubai in hour knock in his 56th Test Extras: (b 1, lb 6, nb 1) ...... 8 Azhar was unbeaten on 62 October, following his recall to Watling became the 14th New Total: (for three wkts; 61 overs) ...... 139 at the close having shared a the Test side after a two-year Zealander to pass 3,000 runs. Still to bat: Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Bilal dogged, unbroken fourth wicket absence. Watling, dropped on nine by Asif, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi partnership of 54 with Asad It was no surprise when Imam off Bilal Asif on Monday, Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17, 3-85 Shafiq who will resume on 26. Boult had him caught low down and debutant Will Somerville Bowling: Southee 12-3-27-1, Boult 14-4-39-2, Pakistan are still 135 runs at second slip by Tim Southee for extended their eighth wicket Grandhomme 9-2-17-0 (1nb), Patel 14-3-33-0, adrift of New Zealand’s first a fourth-ball duck in his first partnership to 45 before Bilal Somerville 12-3-16-0 Toss: New Zealand innings total of 274 in which BJ over, right before the lunch Asif took all three final wickets Umpires: Paul Reiffel (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG) Watling made a gutsy and vital interval. to finish with 5-65, his second TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) 77 not out. Hafeez, 38, who made his five wicket haul in five Tests. Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) The three-match series is debut against Bangladesh in The 33-year-old playing his tied at 1-1 after New Zealand 2003, announced at the close of 56th Test, reached his 16th Test won the first Test in Abu Dhabi play that this Test, his 55th, half-century. His 77 not out came Pakistani batsman by four runs before Pakistan would be his last. from 199 balls in five hours and Azhar Ali plays India’s Gambhir bounced back with an innings “I feel time is up,” said 32 minutes, and included four a shot during and 16-run win in the second in Hafeez, who has scored 3644 boundaries. the second day to retire from Dubai. runs, with 10 hundreds and 12 Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, in of the third and Azhar remains key for half centuries. his 33rd Test, failed to add to his final Test cricket all forms of Pakistan if they are to build any “I am announcing my three wickets on Monday, match against kind of first innings lead. retirement and feel happy that I leaving him two short of New Zealand at cricket at 37 The 33-year-old dropped worked hard in my career.” becoming the fastest man to the Sheikh Zayed anchor and found the boundary In the fourth full over after reach 200 Test scalps. International Cricket AFP just four times as he crawled the break, Imam-ul-Haq took his The current record has stood Stadium in Abu NEW DELHI through to his 32nd Test half eye off a Trent bouncer and was for 82 years after Australia’s Dhabi yesterday. century. His 62 not out was hit on the back of the helmet. Clarrie Grimmett reached 200 Indian opener and World Cup carved painstakingly from 169 Next ball, he edged to Southee wickets in 36 Tests in 1936. hero Gautam Gambhir yesterday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, finally heeding voices that were telling Australia still him “it’s over”. Gambhir, who played a key role in two of India’s World Cup New Zealand bowler Trent triumphs, will play his final Boult celebrates after taking favourites, says domestic Ranji Trophy game for the wicket of Pakistan batsman tomorrow. Imam-ul-Haq during the second The 37-year-old Gambhir, day of the third and final Test India’s Rahane an attacking yet compact left- between the two sides at the handed batsman, accumulated Sheikh Zayed International REUTERS 4154 runs in 58 Test matches Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi SYDNEY since making his debut in 2004 yesterday. against Australia. Australia are still favourites to win the four-Test series against He also represented India in India even without Steve Smith and David Warner because of the 147 one-day internationals and strength of their bowling attack, Ajinkya Rahane said yesterday. 37 Twenty20 matches. Many pundits have tipped India to end their 70-year wait for But Gambhir, who formed a I feel time is up. I am an- a first test series triumph in Australia after their top batsmen Smith successful opening pair with nouncing my retirement and and Warner were banned for a year in the aftermath of March’s Virender Sehwag untill 2012, ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. started to lose favour with the feel happy that I worked hard Rahane, however, was keen to throw the pressure of expec- selectors and last played a Test in my career. I want to retire tation back on the hosts when the much-anticipated series gets against England in 2016. so that I can focus my ener- underway in Adelaide tomorrow, and scoffed when he was asked “The thought has been with whether Australia would be ripe for the picking. me day and night...it has accom- gies on playing for Pakistan “Not really,” the India vice-captain told reporters at Adelaide panied me to practice sessions, in the white-ball formats. I am Oval. mocking at me like a menacing eyeing to represent Pakistan in “I feel that any team that plays at home, they feel really good, bowler,” Gambhir said in a video the ICC World Cup next year. I feel and I feel that Australia are still the favourites to win the series. message on social media. “We are not going to take them lightly at all. Yes, they (will) “Each time I got out playing honoured that I represented the miss Steve Smith and David Warner but I don’t think they are for India, or KKR (Kolkata country in 55 Test matches, includ- vulnerable. Knight Riders) or Delhi Dare- ing the opportunity of captaining “You see their bowling attack, they’ve got a really good bowling devils, this thought would turn the team. I feel satisfied that I per- attack, and I think to win test matches, you need to have a really into a sharp disturbing noise and good bowling attack. So I feel that Australia are really still the Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez announces walk with me all the way to the formed to the best of my abilities favourites.” his retirement from Tests during a press dressing room shouting that ‘it Although not quite reaching the heights of captain Virat Kohli’s conference at the Sheikh Zayed International in my 15-year-old Test career. is over Gauti’,” he added. 692 runs, Rahane had a good tour the last time India visited Aus- Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Gambhir was part of India’s tralia in 2014-15 with 399 runs at an average of 57. 2007 win at the inaugural World India still lost the series 2-0. T20 and played a pivotal role in the team’s 50-over World Cup triumph in 2011. The Delhi native, who was Five classic Australia vs India Test clashes part of the Indian team that rose to the number one Test spot in A look back at five memorable Tests: 2001 was all about one of India’s greatest come- with VVS Laxman ably backing him with 148 as the third day’s play. 2009, led Indian Premier backs, and is regarded among the most exciting India reached 523. League (IPL) side Knight Riders Tendulkar conquers Warne in Chennai: matches of all time. After Australia posted a big The row saw the India threaten to pull out of the to two titles in 2012 and 2014. total of 445, with Matthew Hayden making 97 Ajit Agarkar took 6-41 as the hosts struggled to tour and on appeal the ban was lifted and the Sachin Tendulkar and spin king Shane Warne 196 in their second innings and it was all about charge downgraded to abusive language, leaving “This may sound a little and Steve Waugh 110, their bowling attack led had many epic battles. But in 1998 at the Dravid again in the 230-run chase. He once more relations between the teams tense. wishful but I’ve seen wishes by Glenn McGrath skittled the home side for 171. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Warne drew stepped up after the openers were out to top come true. Two World Cups, first blood by having the batting master caught The follow-on was enforced with India in real score with 72 and guide India to a battling four- Spinners rule in Bangalore highest run-getter in the final of for four in the slips, then he ran through the danger of going 2-0 down in the series before wicket win. both of these games is the stuff Australia took a 1-0 lead into this fiery Bangalore middle order to restrict India to 257 in their first VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) dreams are made of,” Gambhir Test last year and when Nathan Lyon took 8-50 innings. In reply, Australia made 328, helped by knuckled down in a memorable and gritty ‘Monkeygate’ scandal at Sydney said. to bamboozle the Indian batsmen for 189, it Ian Healy’s 90. 376-run stand for the fifth wicket as India made “Somewhere on the top is Perhaps the most controversial, and spiteful Test looked like the tourists would go 2-0 up. 657 for 7 before declaring. being the No. 1 Test team in the This set the stage for Warne v Tendulkar round played between the two nations, the 2008 But in a bad-tempered few days, Ravi Jadeja world. two, and it was the batsman who came out on Sydney encounter was dubbed the “Monkeygate” Australia were left with a victory target of 384, picked up 6-63 to ensure the tourists led by just “A trophy, I’ll look at very top on a dusty, spin-friendly wicket. He produced affair, marred by wrong umpiring decisions and but six wickets from Harbhajan Singh steered 87. A stylish 92 from Cheteshwar Pujara coupled fondly, is the one I got for being one of his most dazzling innings, taking apart accusations of poor sportsmanship. India to an unlikely 171-run win. with six wickets for Josh Hazlewood then saw awarded the ICC best Test Warne and fellow spinner Gavin Robertson in a Ricky Ponting’s men won by 122 runs for a India all out for 274 to set Australia 188 to win. batsman of the year in 2009. For magnificent unbeaten 155 from 191 balls that Ponting Adelaide epic in vain record-breaking 16th consecutive Test victory a purist like me, it is a reward changed the course of the match. After winning the toss, Australian skipper Ricky with just seven balls remaining in a breathless They crumbled for 112 with Ravi Ashwin for somewhat knowing where India declared and set Australia 348 to win, and Ponting was at his untouchable best in the finish after part-time spinner Michael Clarke took becoming the fourth bowler to claim six wickets my off stump was. they were bundled out for just 168 on the final second Test in 2003, stroking a majestic 242 three wickets in five deliveries. -- the first time this had happened in Test history. “The historic series win in day with Tendulkar was named with Justin Langer (58) and Simon Katich (75) NZ (New Zealand) and the CB But the landmark was overshadowed by Virat man-of-the-match. supporting as the home team reached a huge But it is infamously remembered for Harbhajan series in Australia will be Kohli accusing Australia of consulting their 556 all out. Singh being charged with racial abuse reflected upon fondly. But I do Laxman leads epic Kolkata fightback: and banned for three Tests for allegedly dressing room over DRS decisions from the field. hope the current Indian team Not to be outdone, a stubborn Rahul Dravid stuck calling Andrew Symonds -- who has West Asked whether Australia cheated, a fired-up Kohli Down Under can overshadow The second Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in around for 446 balls in compiling a patient 233 Indian ancestory -- a “monkey” during said “I didn’t say that, you did.” our feats.” 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 studying proposition to stage ‘4 matches a day’

AFP “We are currently planning for the end of next year. In addition to A ﬁle picture of Khalifa DOHA three matches per day, but also con- the already refurbished Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. sidering four a day as the weather International Stadium, Al Wakrah, World Cup matches in Qatar could and temperature will be good, and Al Bayt, and Al Rayyan will all be kick-off as early as 1000 GMT if it also all stadiums enjoying air finished in 2019, he said. holds four games a day during the conditioning.” Reporters were allowed to view 2022 tournament group stage, Qatar’s World Cup has an extra Al Bayt yesterday, which is 56 kilo- organisers confirmed yesterday. time pressure as it will be squeezed metres from the capital Doha and The other three games would into 28 days, rather the usual 32 will be the most northerly stadium start at 1300, 1600 and 1900 GMT, days, following its switch to at Qatar’s tournament. Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Secretary November and December 2022 The stadium’s design is based on General for the World Cup organ- from the traditional months of June the traditional Bedouin tent in Qatar, ising body the Supreme Committee and July. That pressure could Bayt Al Sha’ar. for Delivery & Legacy, told local increase further, as FIFA is looking “This is a unique design among broadcaster, Qatar Television. into increasing the number of teams all the stadiums in the world,” Nasser “There’s a proposition to hold four in 2022 from 32 to 48. Al Hajeri, the venue’s project director matches a day, one at 1300, 1600, Khater added that building said.“It shows people who will attend 1900, and 2200 Doha time. This will work at four of the proposed eight the World Cup, the type of tent which be finalised with FIFA,” he said. stadiums would be completed by people used to live in.”

Fresh Arsenal pose big challenge Neymar to miss for Man United, says Mourinho Strasbourg clash

REUTERS play to the max and there is an phenomenal and obviously AFP goals this season and his per- LONDON accumulation of matches,” there was a great PARIS formance in last week’s added Mourinho, whose side improvement in that team Champions League win over Manchester United manager Jose have been playing in the Cham- from last season,” Mourinho Paris Saint-Germain will be Liverpool was one of his best Mourinho (pictured) expects a pions League. added. without the injured Neymar since moving to Paris from difficult test against Arsenal in “Then you arrive in this “I don’t think Everton will be as they look to continue their Barcelona last year. the Premier League today but he moment in December and many in front of United at the end of unbeaten record in Ligue 1 Without him Edinson suggested yesterday that his teams pay the price of that. That the season. There are six teams when they take on Stras- Cavani will hope to return to opponents may be fresher is not the motivation you want that should stay in the first six bourg today. the starting line-up after because they are playing in the as a team but to develop players positions, season after season. The world’s most being left on the bench in Europa League. fresher is a good way to do it.” Two are outside the top four. expensive player came off Bordeaux, as PSG seek Arsenal climbed to fourth United clawed their way Last season, it was Arsenal and early in the second half in revenge for a 2-1 defeat at after an impressive 4-2 win over back to draw 2-2 draw at South- Chelsea. Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bor- Strasbourg last season. Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday ampton in their last game but “At the end of the season the deaux after hurting the same After today’s match but Mourinho was quick to point have not won in the league since top six will be done by the six groin he injured playing for against a Strasbourg side who out that the Gunners had been beating Bournemouth 2-1 in teams we all know have that Brazil against Cameroon last ended the weekend in eighth able to keep key players fresh November. responsibility to finish in the top month. Neymar had earlier place, PSG will have a free for big games by rotating their playing Europa League,” They are seventh with 22 six.” put PSG in front but the weekend before their crucial squad in the Europa League. Mourinho told a news points but Mourinho backed his Midfielder Ashley Young is reigning champions ended up Champions League trip to “Yes it’s different... and a dif- conference. side to leapfrog Everton and suspended for the game while seeing their perfect domestic Red Star Belgrade. They had ficult match for us. We’re going “When you play Europa secure a top-six finish. defenders Luke Shaw, Eric record this season come to been due to host Montpellier to play a good team in a good League, you normally play with “United should never be Bailly, Chris Smalling and Phil an end after 14 straight wins. yesterday,which was moment without accumulation second choices and give good in seventh place... the Jones are doubtful with injury Neymar has scored 15 postponed. of matches because they’re rest to the players. We have to investment Everton made was problems.

Inter captain Icardi wins Ballon d’Or winner Hegerberg Serie A award

AFP still set to snub World Cup MILAN

Inter Milan’s Argentina striker AFP question is more what the FA and Mauro Icardi won the Serie A OSLO Olympique Lyonnais’ the national team have to do to Footballer of the Year award Ada Hegerberg and improve, and there is a long way at the Gran Gala del Calcio Ada Hegerberg’s star status on Olympique Lyonnais to go in that regard.” ceremony in Milan on the world stage was confirmed President Jean- Hegerberg’s relationship Monday night. as she won the inaugural Michel Aulas pose with her now ex-teammates and The 25-year-old becomes women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, with the Ballon d’Or the Norwegian footballing the first player outside and yet back home in Norway trophy during a press authorities is perhaps summed Juventus to win the Italian she also stands out for her conference at the up by the fact she was not even Players’ Association award, ongoing absence from the Groupama OL included in a team of the year voted for by his peers, since national team ahead of the Training Center, selected by the national players’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic with AC World Cup. in Lyon, France, association last weekend. Milan in 2011. The 23-year-old aptly wore yesterday. Those who don’t like Icardi was joint top scorer a gold dress as she picked up the Hegerberg label her a “prima with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile in inaugural prize at the ceremony donna”, comparing her to former Serie A last season with 29 in Paris, joining men’s winner Sweden men’s star Zlatan goals. The Argentine also won Luka Modric and best young Ibrahimovic. the best goal award for his men’s player Kylian Mbappe on In September, NRK claimed spectacular backheel during stage with her trophy. her former national teammates a four-goal haul against She was voted for by a panel were demanding an apology Sampdoria last March. of journalists from around the from Hegerberg for comments Icardi disagreed with the world on the strength of her pro- made after Euro 2017. choice, insisting his “one lific form for French giants Lyon, “I always feel that I have (goal) at AC Milan was more with whom she has won three become a worse player when I beautiful”. consecutive Champions League come back from national team Juventus were voted top titles. get-togethers and that shouldn’t team with Massimiliano Back in Norway, meanwhile, be the case,” she told newspaper Allegri winning coach of the there have been renewed calls Aftenposten. year after the Turin side won for her to end her exile from the for Hegerberg to return. “Hope- “Playing for Norway, that “But you never know what Norwegian media also a league and Cup double for national team. fully, Ada maybe changes her decision must come from Ada will happen. It’s still half a year claimed Hegerberg had broken the fourth consecutive year. Hegerberg slammed the door mind and maybe she can be a herself, I think.” until we get to the off all links with her former “It’s a group of great men, shut on her international career part of the national team in the It is nevertheless hard to championship.” team-mates on social media with a great club behind us,” in the wake of Norway’s des- future,” Norway coach Martin imagine the World Cup going The player herself -- whose after they qualified for the World said Allegri, who has won the perate showing at last year’s Sjogren said. ahead in six months without the elder sister Andrine plays for Cup. award four times. European Championship in the “As a national team coach, first ever Ballon d’Or winner, all Paris Saint-Germain -- does not “The prima donna image that “I’m fortunate to have Netherlands, when they finished you always want the best players the more so as the final will be seem likely to change her mind some have given her is a load of worked with so many mar- bottom of their group and failed but you cannot focus on the ones played in Lyon. Saturday’s draw any time soon. nonsense,” protested her mother, vellous players and tonight I to score a single goal. who don’t want to be a part of for the competition will now be “There would need to be a Gerd Stolsmo, in a TV interview see the maestro Andrea Pirlo Without her, though, Norway it.” clouded by the threat of good few changes for me to con- on Monday. too.” Allegri’s side are on track fared better in World Cup qual- The Norwegian Football Hegerberg not taking part. sider returning,” she told Nor- Nevertheless, it is far from for an eighth straight Serie A ifying, topping their group ahead Association duly congratulated “At the moment I would say wegian broadcaster NRK on certain her mother’s comments title, with Allegri hailing the of the Dutch, and they will go to Hegerberg for her award on no,” Sjogren said when asked if Monday. will lead to a thaw in the frosty impact of five-time Ballon d’Or next year’s finals in France. Offi- Twitter, but Sjogren says he has he thought Hegerberg would “It is not a matter of whether relations between Hegerberg winner Cristiano Ronaldo who cially, however, the door is open no intention of contacting her. return. I should change my mind. The and the Norwegian team. arrived last summer. WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 11 Al Ahli seek to extend unbeaten run THE PENINSULA DOHA QNB STARS LEAGUE

Al Ahli will be looking to extend their Week 15 Matches unbeaten run in the QNB Stars League Tomorrow’s Matches when they take on Al Gharafa in 4:00pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli Week 15 action tomorrow at the Al Gharafa Stadium. at Al Gharafa Stadium Al Ahli have not lost in the last 6:30pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al seven matches, that included five victories, and they will be keen to avenge Rayyan at Al Khor Stadium the 4-0 first leg loss to Al Gharafa. Friday’s Fixtures A positive result against Al Gharafa will mean Al Ahli, who are 4:00pm: Duhail vs Qatar SC at Al only one point adrift of fourth-placed Duhail Stadium Al Rayyan (24 points) will strengthen 6:30pm: Al Shahania vs Al Sadd their bolster their chances of barging into the top-four bracket. at Al Arabi Stadium Al Ahli, who played out a goalless On Saturday draw with Umm Salal last week are placed fifth with 23 points (seven 4:00pm: Al Khor vs Al Sailiya wins, five defeats and two draws). The at Al Khor Stadium

Brigadiers have a goal difference of 6:30pm: Umm Salal vs Al Arabi at

+1 (22 goals for and 21 against). Al Gharafa are sixth with 18 points Al Gharafa Stadium (five victories, six defeats and three draws). The Cheetahs have a goal dif- A ﬁle picture of last week’s action from the QNB Stars League. ference of +1 (26 goals for and 25 QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS against). Al Gharafa will be keen to put Matches Win Lose Draw GF GA Points behind the disappointment of having the Al Khor Stadium tomorrow. Al Kharaitiyat have a goal dif- top-four teams, as Al Ahli are Al Duhail 13 11 0 2 35 9 35 suffered the biggest-margin defeat in Al Rayyan are fourth in the ference of -31 (10 goals for and 41 breathing down their neck. Al Sadd 13 10 1 2 58 12 32 the last round (1-8 against Al Sadd). standings with 24 points (six wins, as against), the most by any team. Al Rayyan had beaten Al Al Sailiya 14 8 5 1 25 15 25 That also dented a further blow to many draws and two defeats). The Al Rayyan are on a high after Kharaitiyat 2-1 in the first leg. Al Rayyan 14 6 2 6 16 14 24 their hopes of finishing among the top Lions have a goal difference of +2 (16 holding defending champions and On Friday, Al Duhail face Qatar Al Ahli 14 7 5 2 22 21 23 four and thereby qualify for the Qatar goals for and 14 against). table toppers Al Duhail to a 2-2 SC, while Al Shahania clash with Al Al Gharafa 14 5 6 3 26 25 18 Cup, just like they did last season. On the other hand, Al Kharaitiyat draw in Week 14. Interestingly, Al Sadd. Al Arabi 14 6 8 0 14 27 18 It may be recalled that Al Gharafa very much stare at relegation as they Rayyan had held Al Duhail goalless Al Duhail head the points table Umm Salal 14 4 5 5 17 24 17 pipped Umm Salal to the fifth position are lying at the rock bottom of the in the first leg and those two were followed by Al Sadd. Al Shahania 14 4 6 4 13 24 16 in the last round in the 2017-18 table with only three points (from the the only occasions when Al Duhail Al Sailya are in the third place. Qatar SC 14 4 8 2 13 22 14 season. victory they registered against Al dropped points in the 2018-19 Saturday’s action will first pit Al Al Khor 14 2 9 3 10 25 9 Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat will Gharafa in the first leg). season QNB Stars League. Khor against Al Sailiya, while Umm Al Kharaitiyat 14 1 13 0 10 41 3 face another stern test when they run The Thunders lost all other It is vital for Al Rayyan not to drop Salal play Al Arabi in the final fixture into Al Rayyan in Week 15 action at matches. points in their bid to finish among the of the round. Asian Cup trophy arrives in Qatar

THE PENINSULA the officials in posing next to Asian Cup DOHA trophy at Al Bidda Tower. “This is the region’s biggest national Saud Al Mohannadi, the Qatar Football team event. A total of 24 teams will Association (QFA), Vice President feature in the tournament. We will have yesterday joined officials and fans to eight more teams in the latest edition. welcome the 2019 Asian Cup trophy at This shows the tournament has gained Al Bidda tower. in importance and popularity in Asia,” At a brief yet bright ceremony, Al Al Mohannadi said. Mohannadi was joined by Hani Ballan, “We expect high quality football member of the QFA Executive Com- from the teams. The game’s devel- mittee, Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary opment will be reflected in the matches General, QFA, Khaldi Al Kuwari, Director that take place during the 2019 Asian of the Marketing and Communication, Cup,” he added. QFA, and retired Qatar football players Al Ansari, Secretary General of QFA, Ibrahim Khalfan, Khalid Salman and said: “We welcome the Asian Cup trophy Adel Khamis. in Qatar. We are one of the participating The Asian Cup trophy will continue countries at the Asian Cup. We are Saoud Al Mohannadi (third left), Vice President of Qatar Football Association (QFA) poses for a picture along with Hani to make stops around the region before delighted to see the enthusiasm of the Balan (second right), member of the QFA Executive Committee and Mansoor Al Ansari (right), Secretary General of QFA finally reaching the UAE where the fans gathered here for this ceremony. region’s premier football tournament Doha is an important city when it comes are seen along with Khaldi Al Kuwari, Director of the Marketing and Communication, QFA, and retired Qatar football will be held from January 5 to Feb- to sports events particularly football. players Ibrahim Khalfan, Khalid Salman and Adel Khamis during the AFC Asian Cup Trophy Tour in Doha yesterday. The ruary 1. That’s why we see such big crowds at 17th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the quadrennial international men’s football championship will be held in the UAE Football fans yesterday also joined events like this one.” from January 5 to February 1 next year. Man City pocket $5m from Liverpool’s Mane faces fitness test

FIFA World Cup hand-out REUTERS “With Robbo it is not that LONDON serious as with Sadio, but we REUTERS $18.92m and Italian clubs traditional June/July slot to need to have a look.” Klopp also ZURICH $17.45m. November. Liverpool forward Sadio Mane said he had accepted a Football FIFA pays clubs a basic The amounts handed out faces a late fitness test to be in Association charge of mis- English champions amount of $8,530 per day for reflect that most of the contention for today’s Premier conduct for his wild celebration Manchester City are the every player released for the world’s top players are based League trip to Burnley after after Divock Origi scored a biggest beneficiaries from the World Cup, although this has with European clubs, sustaining a foot injury, 96th-minute winner at Anfield $209m handed out by FIFA to be split with any club which although FIFA said other manager Juergen Klopp said against Everton. to clubs who released players the player has represented in regions also benefitted. yesterday. Klopp had been given until for the 2018 World Cup, the the previous two years. Overall, 416 clubs from 63 Senegal international Mane today to respond but the global soccer body said The system was intro- countries will receive suffered a cut that required German said he would pay the yesterday. duced for the 2010 World Cup payments. several stitches during Sunday’s fine. City will receive $5.0m in South Africa after European “I’m very pleased to see 1-0 victory over Everton in the “I couldn’t avoid it obvi- ahead of Real Madrid clubs complained they had to that teams from so many dif- Merseyside derby but Klopp ously... if there was no rule we ($4.81m), Tottenham Hotspur bear the consequences for ferent regions will benefit refused to rule out the as managers would do it every ($4.38m), Barcelona ($4.14m) players injured in national from this programme, which 26-year-old. week. That’s what rules are for and Paris St Germain team matches. will help to develop football “Sadio really had an awful and if you break rules you ($3.89m), FIFA said. Initially, $40m was even further around the cut on his foot. It needed to be have to be fined for it,” Klopp They are followed by handed out for the 2010 globe,” said FIFA President stitched. He is okay but added. Chelsea, Manchester United, World Cup, increased to Gianni Infantino. walking around here now in “I don’t think anyone Atletico Madrid, Juventus and $70m for the 2014 World Cup “It is FIFA’s responsibility flip-flops -- and you don’t play thought it was massively wrong. AS Monaco. in Brazil. to redistribute the revenues in flip-flops,” Klopp told It happened, a fine, I’ll pay it, In all, English clubs -- FIFA then agreed to treble of this unique competition reporters. no problem.” Klopp was asked Barcelona’s Carles Alena celebrates including those from the this amount to the current among the entire football “That means in this moment about the form of forward scoring their second goal against lower tiers -- will receive $209m in exchange for community, and clubs, obvi- he is not ready, but we will see Roberto Firmino, who has gone $37.41m between them while European clubs agreeing to ously, deserve to share in this Villarreal at Camp Nou, Barcelona, later.” Liverpool could also be off the boil this season, scoring Spanish clubs will receive the 2022 World Cup in Qatar success as they were key Spain, on Sunday. without defender Andy Rob- just three goals in 14 league $22.56m, German clubs being moved from the contributors.” ertson who suffered a dead leg. appearances. WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 07

It’s a unique feeling. I’m happy FOOTBALL FOOTBALL proud and honoured, I have a Real Madrid’s Croatian midﬁelder Luka Modric lot of emotions right now, it’s Ligue 1: Strasbourg vs English Premier League: after winning the 2018 hard to describe in words. Paris Saint Germain; Caen Manchester United vs Ballon d’Or . ACTION Arsenal

vs Nîmes TODAY’S Qatar star Afif in focus ahead of Asian Cup

KUALA LUMPUR clinch the trophy against DPR go onto score ten more in 35 BRIEF PROFILE AFC.COM Where and when to watch him Korea. appearances, most recently in Nationality: Qatari HisHis senior debut came a the 1-0 friendly win oover Qatar vs Lebanon After a breakthrough season inn yearyear later when coach Switzerland.Switzerland. Date of birth: 18/11/1996 which he helped Al Sadd reachh DanielDaniel CCarrenoarreno Position: Midfield Venue: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain the 2018 AFC Championss calledcalled him up Style of playplay Current club: Al Sadd (Qatar) Kick-off: January 9, 20:00 UTC+4

League semi-finals, Akram Afiff aaheadhead of the Afif primarilyprima Previous clubs: Eupen (Belgium), Qatar vs DPR Korea

(pictured) is set to take on hiss 2018 FIFA World operatesoperates in the wwholeh Villarreal, Sporting Gijon (both Spain) first AFC Asian Cup next month.. CupCup Qualifiers. behind the attack line, Venue: Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Despite being just 22, Akramm A lone goal in creatingcreating scoringscor Kick-off: January 13, 15:00 UTC+4 Afif already has playing expe-- tthehe 15-0 chances as welwelll as Sadd, Afif has developed a tel- Qatar vs Saudi Arabia rience in Belgium and Spain, thee tthrashinghrashing of ccarvingarving ones for epathic understanding with Qatari midfielder will look too BBhutanhutan was hhimself.imself. He has aalso fellow attacking midfielder Venue: Zayed Sport City, Abu Dhabi cement his status as one off enoughenough to kickkick-- frequentlyfrequently been usedused on Hassan Al Haydos, which sees Kick-off: January 17, 20:00 UTC+4 Asia’s top talents during Janu-- startstart hihiss interna-interna- thethe leftleft flankflank wherewhere he the pair make up a core cre- ary’s AFC Asian Cup. tionaltional career, as cutscuts insideinside ontoonto his ative force for club and country. International background hehe would rightright foot to quarter-finals in 2000 and senior level, and with his loan Afif was already a star forr ataattempttempt longl What to look for 2011. deal from Villarreal to Al Sadd Qatar at the youth level, takingg rarrangenge sshotsh In their final major tour- Standing in their way will running out in June, he will the nation’s U-19 team all thee oror dedeliverlive in- nament ahead of hosting the be three-time winners Saudi look to impress his parent club way to the 2014 AFC U-199 swingings w i n g 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar Arabia as well as DPR Korea in the hope of booking a place Championship final, where hee crosses.crosses will look to better their best- and Lebanon. in the Yellow Submarines’ scored one of his tournamentt SinceS i n ever AFC Asian Cup per- For Afif, this will be his first squad for the 2019-2020 La total of four goals to help themm joininjoiningg Al formance, reaching the international tournament at the Liga season. NBA: Jokic shines as Nuggets Rinne, Predators hold off Sabres; snap Raptors’ winning streak Stars beat Oilers REUTERS TORONTO REUTERS NASHVILLE Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 23 points, 15 assists and 11 Pekka Rinne made 21 saves, Pekka Rinne made rebounds and made three free including five in the final 90 throws in the final seconds as the seconds, to lead the Nashville 21 saves, including visiting Denver Nuggets ended Predators to a 2-1 victory over ﬁve in the ﬁnal 90 the Toronto Raptors’ eight-game the visiting Buffalo Sabres on seconds, to lead the winning streak with a 106-103 Monday night. Nashville Predators win on Monday night. Kevin Fiala and Ryan Ellis Jokic made a free throw with scored goals for the Predators, to a 2-1 victory over seven seconds remaining to end who were playing their 13th the visiting Buffalo a tie and made two more with game over a 24-day span and Sabres on Monday 5.6 seconds left for the final were without the services of margin, extending Denver’s Filip Forsberg (broken hand), night. winning streak to six games. PK Subban (upper body), Viktor Jamal Murray added 21 Arvidsson (broken thumb) and Steven Stamkos also scored for points for the Nuggets, and Juan Kyle Turris (undisclosed). Tampa Bay. Egor Yakovlev Hernangomez and Malik Beasley Rinne was playing in his scored his first NHL goal for the had 15 each. 10th consecutive game and Devils, who have lost six straight. Kawhi Leonard led Toronto starting his fifth straight contest. Stars 4, Oilers 1 with 27 points and had eight It is Rinne’s longest streak since Brett Ritchie had a goal and rebounds. Serge Ibaka added 15 playing in 27 games in a row an assist, Mattias Janmark had points. from February 5 to April 9, 2015. two assists, and Anton Khu- Warriors 128, Hawks 111 Sam Reinhart scored his dobin turned away 28 shots as Golden State’s Big Three seventh goal of the season for Dallas defeated visiting combined for 85 points, and the Buffalo, which took its third Edmonton to earn its third Warriors broke their two-game straight loss after winning 10 straight win. losing streak with a win at games in a row. Carter Hutton The loss snapped a three- Atlanta. had 22 saves for the Sabres. game winning streak for the Stephen Curry scored 30, Lightning 5, Devils 1 Oilers, who are 4-2-1 since followed by Kevin Duran (28) Nikita Kucherov and hiring former Dallas coach Ken and Klay Thompson (27) as Brayden Point continued their Hitchcock on Nov. 20 to replace Golden State improved to 5-7 on sizzling play as visiting Tampa the fired Todd McLellan. Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (right) drives past Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka in the the road. Curry, playing in his Bay cruised to a lopsided win Jason Dickinson, Jamie second quarter of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Monday. second game since missing 11 in Newark. Benn and Esa Lindell tallied games with an ankle injury, Kucherov recorded a goal goals for the Stars. Jujhar Khaira made six 3-pointers. losing streak at four games. The with 12 seconds left made it bench to add 20, Avery Bradley and three assists to extend his responded for Edmonton, Atlanta lost its third straight Nets had one more chance to tie 110-104. scored 15 and Montrezl Harrell point streak to 10 games, and which played without Connor game despite getting 24 points or win, but Spencer Dinwiddie’s Tim Hardaway Jr. led five had 14 for the Clippers. Point had a goal and two assists McDavid (illness). and 11 rebounds from John 3-point try was well short of the New York players in double Julius Randle scored a for the Lightning, who won their It marked the first time Collins and 20 points from rim with 1.5 seconds remaining. figures with 20 points. career-high 37 to lead New third straight overall and swept McDavid did not dress this rookie Trae Young. Jordan Clarkson led the Cav- Thunder 110, Pistons 83 Orleans before fouling out with the three-game season series season and snapped his streak Cavaliers 99, Nets 97 aliers with 20 points and a Steven Adams had 21 points 4:04 remaining. Jrue Holiday against the Devils. Tyler at 222 consecutive regular- Alec Burks threw down a tie- career-high 11 rebounds. and six rebounds in 27 minutes, added 32 points and 14 assists, Johnson, Yanni Gourde and season games played. breaking slam dunk with 3.2 Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell and visiting Oklahoma City Anthony Davis had 23 points and seconds remaining, and led all scorers with 30 points but snapped Detroit’s five-game 13 rebounds and Darius Miller Cleveland escaped with a victory shot 13 of 31 as the Nets’ overall winning streak. scored 15. over Brooklyn. The Nets saw losing streak reached seven Russell Westbrook con- Timberwolves 103, their home losing streak reach games. tributed 18 points, six rebounds Rockets 91 seven games. Wizards 110, Knicks 107 and six assists for the Thunder, Karl-Anthony Towns Burks finished with 13 points Bradley Beal scored 27 who have gone 15-3 since an 0-4 recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds in his third game for Cleveland points, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 21, start. Paul George supplied 17 and three steals to help Min- after being acquired from Utah and Washington held on to win points and 10 rebounds. nesota recover from a 19-point, on Thursday. at New York. Detroit’s Blake Griffin had 20 first-half deficit to post a victory He helped end the Cavaliers’ John Wall had 18 points and points, five rebounds and four over Houston in Minneapolis. 15 assists, Markieff Morris scored assists but went 7-for-18 from Andrew Wiggins scored 16 18, and Otto Porter Jr. con- the field. Pistons guard Reggie points for Minnesota, which won NBA RESULTS tributed 15 as Washington won Bullock sustained a left ankle for the fifth time in the past six Atlanta 111, Golden State 128 its ninth straight game at sprain in the early going and did games. Taj Gibson added 15 Brooklyn 97, Cleveland 99 Madison Square Garden. not return. points and 11 rebounds. Emmanuel Mudiay’s two free Clippers 129, Pelicans James Harden had 29 points New York 107, Washington 110 throws got the Knicks within five 126 and eight assists for Houston, Toronto 103, Denver 106 with 1:02 remaining, and after Tobias Harris scored 27 which tallied just nine fourth- Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (left) makes a save Minnesota 103, Houston 91 Morris missed a 3-point attempt, points and Danilo Gallinari quarter points while falling for on a shot by Buffalo Sabres centre Jack Eichel (right) during the

New Orleans 126, LA Clippers 129 Noah Vonleh’s layup cut the added 24 as Los Angeles won at the fifth time in its past seven

third period of their NHL game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Detroit 83, Oklahoma City 110 Wizards’ lead to three. New Orleans. games. Clint Capela scored 24 However, Wall’s 3-pointer Lou Williams came off the points for the Rockets. on Monday.