CRICKET | Page 4 FORMULA 1 | Page 6 Warner shines Hamilton with triple-ton storms to fi nal against Pakistan pole of the on Day 2 season

Sunday, December 1, 2019 Rabia II 4, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

REPORT Saudi keep hopes alive with win Herve Renard’s side beat Bahrain 2-0 after Abdullah al-Hamdan and Mohamed al-Khabrani score in crucial game

By Sahan Bidappa book their place in the semi- only three, that too in the fi nal 25th minute but Thiago Au- Doha fi nal. For Bahrain, who are in stages of the match. gusto’s attempt was blocked fourth position in the group With a 3-1 loss to Bahrain by goalkeeper Fawaz al-Qarni with just one point, cour- aff ecting their goal diff erence, brilliantly. audi Arabia resurrected tesy their drawn game against Renard played three strikers It needed a special strike their 24th Arabian Gulf Oman, they need to beat Kuwait upfront in the aim of reducing from al-Hamdan to open Sau- Cup campaign with a tomorrow and also hope Saudi the defi cit. While they enjoyed di’s account in the 29th minute. dominating 2-0 win will lose to Oman. plenty of spaces in the wide ar- After receiving a ball from Sa- overS Bahrain at the Abdullah Defending champions Oman eas, Bahrain with four defend- lem al-Dawsari in the edge of Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. are top of Group B with four ers on the back and a defensive the box, the 20-year-old Al The Saudis were under pres- points, while Kuwait sit in sec- midfi elder playing in a central Shabab striker turned swiftly sure coming into the match, ond place with three points and role, were tough to break down. and fi red into the top corner. having been shocked by Kuwait a +1 goal diff erence. Al-Khabrani thought he had There were two clear chances in the opener, but put on an as- Renard had blamed Saudi’s put Saudi ahead in the 10th for Bahrain around the one- sured display to calm the nerves defeat to Kuwait due to lack of minute, when he bundled in hour mark, which they spurned. in the camp. preparation, but last night his from close range past Bahrain’s Saudi, meanwhile, took their Goals from Abdullah al- side looked ready and were in goalkeeper Waleed al-Hayam. chances as they doubled the Hamdan and Mohamed al- total command against Bahrain. But the defender was ruled to lead in 58th minute. Bahrain Khabrani in each half gave They controlled the possession be off -side and the goal was defenders could only watch as Herve Renard’s side three from the beginning and should disallowed. al-Khabrani headed in from a points, and now would need have scored more. Saudi continued to create corner. Bahrain upped the ante a victory against defending In total, Saudi had 15 shots to many chances, but lacked the in search of a goal or two, but champions Oman in the fi nal Bahrain’s 10, but the former had fi nal touch. Bahrain, mean- there was no serious threat for Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah al-Hamdan (second from left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the 24th Arabian Group B game tomorrow to six on target while the latter had while, had an opening in the Saudi’s defence to counter. Gulf Cup match against Bahrain at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Gulf Times Sunday, December 1, 2019 2

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Al Annabi have We will have our destiny the mentality of a in our hand: UAE coach

By Yash Mudgal style. It’s all about mental prepa- winner: Sanchez ration. We all know what we have Doha to do and now performance of players matter,” he said. Asian champs Qatar only need a draw against the UAE tomorrow to reach semis AE coach Bert van Mar- The UAE coach also feels that wijk has said he is rely- his side has shown improvement ing on mental strength after each game. for the must-win match “Our performance in the fi rst againstU Qatar, the “best” team in half against Iraq was bad, but the tournament, tomorrow. the performance improved in the Anything less than three second half, and if we can play points tomorrow against hosts the same pattern against Qatar Qatar in their fi nal Group A game we will win,” he said. will end their 24th Arabian Gulf When asked about his future, Cup campaign. he said: “I am here to talk about “It will be a tough game. Qatar our game against Qatar and not has players who have been play- to talk about my future,” he con- ing for years with each other, cluded. and this was proved in their per- He said his side is young but formance against Yemen. In my they have a very good future. opinion they are the best, but we “We have a very young side. will have our destiny in our hand They need time to develop their as we have our chance. We have game. On one side, we need time, to give our best to win against but I realise on the other side them,” Van Marwijk, who guid- that we don’t get time because ed the Netherlands to the 2010 everyone expects results. That’s World Cup fi nal, said yesterday. always the diffi cult thing for the UAE lost to Iraq at the Khalifa coach. But we start every game to International Stadium on Friday, try and win,” he said. following their opening 3-0 win UAE player Mohamed al-Attas over Yemen. said his side will go for the win. The Dutchman has full confi - “The match will be diffi cult dence in his side for the match. for both teams, Qatar may play “We train every day because we to draw or win, but we have to want to play our own game, and win and we will give our best for through that implement our own that,” he said.

Action from the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup match between Yemen (in white) and Qatar (in maroon) at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday. PICTURE: Ram Chand

By Yash Mudgal half of the game,” he said. Confederation’s (AFC) Player Doha Sanchez also feels they took of the Year Award, for the UAE their chances well, unlike in the game, the Spaniard said he fi rst match against Iraq. hasn’t decided the team combi- atar coach Felix “First games in such compe- nation yet. Sanchez said his side titions are diffi cult. We did not “We still have to make the will go in to their manage to exploit the opportu- decision regarding selection of crucial last Group A nities we got against Iraq, but players for the match. We need matchQ of the 24th Arabian Gulf against Yemen we scored early, all the players valuable for the Cup against the UAE tomorrow and the players are trying to give team. We need to review how with a “mentality of a winner”. their best in any match, fi ghting ready the team is and also to see “My team has the mentality to win,” he said. some medical reports about the of a winner. We will enter Mon- Sanchez feels that it will be a injured players and depending day’s game against the UAE with hard game as Emiratis are in a on the readiness of the players, an aim to win. I know even a must-win situation. we will select the squad.” draw is good for us against them, “They need to win to qualify Afi f was instrumental in help- but it’s always risky to play for a and it makes the game more ing his side’s win their maiden draw. We are taking it as a fi nal,” challenging. Our focus is on Asian Cup title this year. The Sanchez said yesterday. having a good game plan and 22-year-old Villarreal player is Asian champions and hosts will take it from there,” he said. on loan at Al Sadd and has also Qatar defeated Yemen 6-0 in their On the injury to Abdulaziz helped the Qatari club reach the second group match on Friday Hatem, Sanchez said he does AFC Champions League semi- and only need a draw, as they have Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil not yet know if he will be avail- fi nals this season. a better goal advantage, against able for the rest of the competi- Commenting over Abdulka- the UAE to reach the semis along You can’t take any team lightly. his team’s performance against tion or not. rim Hassan, who scored a hat- with Iraq, who defeated the Emi- They all have their strengths. Yemen. Talking about the fans in the trick against Yemen, he said, ratis 2-0 on Friday. Yesterday’s game against Yemen “We put in a great perform- stadium, he said we need their “He is a proven match-winner. Coach Srecko Katanec’s Iraq was also like a fi nal game. The ance. I am happy that the boys support all the time. He has won the matches for us beat hosts Qatar 2-1 in their victory gave us a chance to stay succeeded in creating opportu- “I hope the stadium will be in the past as well. I think he did opening game and, with six alive and now we expect a tough nities and scored early, which full on Monday. We need to have well in both the matches. Has- points, sit at the top of Group A. game on Monday as it is the gave us an advantage through- the support of the fans. The fans san has the mentality of a pro- Yemen are at the bottom of the last chance for both the teams. out the game,” said Sanchez. have supported us and we have fessional player and he showed it group with no points, and must Boys once again need show our Especially in the second to show the spirit in the next in yesterday’s crucial game. I am continue their search for a fi rst character to beat the UAE and half, Qatar players were on a game.” happy with his commitment and Gulf Cup victory against Iraq advance in the tournament and different level. They scored On the possibility of rest- excellence work.” The 26-year- tomorrow. I am sure they will do it,” he four goals during the period. ing forward Akram Afi f, who old Al Sadd left back Hassan “In this type of competition Spaniard said. “They showed what they are has been named in a three-man won the Asian Footballer of the every game has its importance. Sanchez was all praise for capable of doing in the second shortlist for the Asian Football Year Award in 2018. UAE coach . PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

REACTION I am not happy with the performance, says Iraq coach By Sports Reporter thing is that we won this match,” Iraq coach was also disap- Doha Katanec said. pointed with the leak of team XI The Iraq coach revealed he before the UAE match, calling it would rotate his squad for the unprofessional. raq became the fi rst team to match against Yemen tomor- “I have no answer, I’m sorry I qualify for the 24th Arabian row, due to a short gap between cannot do anything about this. Gulf Cup semi-fi nals on Fri- matches. Katanec, though, I respect my work but because day with an easy 2-0 win stressed the importance of the of some journalists and social Iover the UAE, but coach Sercko last group match. media these things happen, I do Katanec was not too pleased with “I may make some changes not care about that,” the plain- his team’s performance. against Yemen because the game speaking Katanec said. The Slovenian is a hard task will not aff ect the qualifi cation Meanwhile, midfi elder Mo- master and is not someone who of Iraq. But that is not to under- hamed Qasim, who scored a is easily swayed by a victory or estimate the value of the Yemeni brace against Qatar, was looking two. Iraq’s win against the UAE team. It is an opportunity to rest forward to score more goals. was their second consecutive win some players and give a chance to “It was nice to score against in the tournament, after they had other players,” he said. Qatar as they are a top team. I shocked hosts Qatar 2-1 with a “The Yemen team is looking would like to fi nd the net more second string side in their open- to bounce back after two defeats. and help my team win matches. ing match. They have good players and if you Every game we play we aspire to “We got three important are not ready, they will punish win it and it would be no diff er- points. That is all what I can you,” he added. ent against Yemen tomorrow,” he say after the game, but I am not On the injury of defender Saad said. happy with the performance be- Natiq, Katanec said: “He suf- “We have a chance to win three cause we did not play properly. fered a broken nose against UAE. successive matches and qualify My players played at a slow pace I hope that he will be ready for as table toppers. So it is an im- and committed lot of errors. the rest of the tournament, if not portant match and we will play The fi tness also was not up to then we will have to fi nd an ap- befi tting the reputation of the the standard. But the important propriate replacement.” Iraqi team,” Qasim added. Iraq coach Srecko Katanec (left) and midfielder Mohamed Qasim during a press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Gulf Times Sunday, December 1, 2019 3

Sights from the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Anas Khalid Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 1, 2019 SPORT

DAY-NIGHT TEST BOXING I’m the more skilled boxer, says Warner shines with Ruiz ahead of Joshua re-match

Reuters adjustments. I don’t know if New York he wants to exchange punch- triple-century against es, but I’d love for him to do that because I’m the more orld heavyweight skilled boxer,” Ruiz said in an champion Andy interview published yesterday Ruiz Jr said he by The Telegraph. was the more “He’ll try to box me round Wskilled fi ghter and Briton An- and use his jab. But for how thony Joshua will have to re- long? How long can he keep Pakistan on Day 2 think his strategy in their Dec. me away from hunting him 7 title rematch. down? That’s what we’ve ‘I WILL CHERISH THIS MOMENT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, DEFINITELY’ Mexican-American Ruiz been working on most of all produced one of boxing’s right now, heading into the biggest upsets when he de- fi ght. throned the previously unde- “Fight fans are... going to feated world champion Joshua see a lot of fi reworks. If he with a seventh-round stop- knocks me down, I’m going to page at New York’s Madison get up and knock him down. I Square Garden in June. know he’ll try to do the same Their second WBA, IBF if I knock him down. The main and WBO title showdown thing is to stay focused and — dubbed the ‘Clash on the disciplined.” Dunes’ — takes place in Saudi Joshua was dropped to the Arabia after former Olympic canvas four times in the June champion Joshua triggered a bout and Ruiz, who has never rematch clause and Ruiz said been knocked out in his pro- the fans can expect “fi re- fessional career, said that he works” when they slug it out would look to control the fi ght again. and use his speed against his “He’s going to try to make taller opponent.

File photo of Andy Ruiz Jr (second left) and Anthony Joshua (second right). (Reuters)

India beat Pakistan 4-0 to seal Davis Cup qualifi ers spot Australia’s David Warner celebrates reaching his triple century during the day two of the second Test match against Pakistan in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) Veteran Paes improved doubles match to seal India’s AFP Scorecard during the series, trudged off to a standing his Davis Cup record to 44 berth in the qualifiers. Adelaide, Australia ovation after a classy 162, his second century doubles wins yesterday as India Sumit Nagal then turned out PAKISTAN 1st innings 29-1, Cummins 14-1-45-1 in a row. Their marathon 361-run partnership thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the for the reverse single to outplay was a record second-wicket stand for Aus- S. Masood c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 19 AUSTRALIA 1st innings (overnight Asia/Oceania tie played at a neu- Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-0 in 32 n irrepressible David Warner tralia against Pakistan and the highest ever in 302-1) tral venue due to political ten- minutes and the fifth match was smashed an unbeaten 335 yesterday Imam-ul-Haq c Warner b Starc ...... 2 a pink-ball Test. Minutes later, Warner com- sions between the arch-rivals. not played. while Steve Smith became the fast- A. Ali c Smith b Cummins ...... 9 J. Burns c Rizwan b Afridi ...... 4 pleted only the second Test double century of The 46-year-old Paes combined India will now travel to Croatia — est man to 7,000 Test runs as Aus- A. Shafiq c Paine b Starc ...... 9 D. Warner not out ...... 335 his career. Playing in his 81st Test, he reached with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to two-time Davis Cup champi- traliaA took control of the day-night second 200 with a single from Afridi, having clat- M. Labuschagne b Afridi ...... 162 serve out Pakistan’s teenage pair ons — next year for the world Test against Pakistan. B. Azam not out ...... 43 tered 23 fours along the way. of Mohamed Shoaib and Huzaifa group qualifiers to be played on Skipper Tim Paine waved his players back I. Ahmed c Paine b Starc ...... 10 S. Smith c Rizwan b Afridi ...... 36 Pakistan thought they fi nally had him out Abdul Rehman 6-1, 6-3 in the Ka- March 6-7. The 12 winners of the into the pavilion at 589 for three ahead of the M. Rizwan c Paine b Starc ...... 0 M. Wade not out ...... 38 on 226 when he was caught in the gully off zakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan. qualifiers will join the six teams second day’s dinner break with Warner on the Extras: (lb6, nb7, w1) ...... 14 debutant Musa, only for their heads to drop Paes, who overtook Italy’s Nicola — Spain, Canada, Great Britain, 10th highest Test score ever, also a personal Y. Shah not out ...... 4 when it was called a no-ball. Pietrangeli as Davis Cup’s most Russia, France and Serbia — that Total: best. Extras: 0 (3 wickets dec; 127 overs) 589 Warner made them pay, passing his previ- successful doubles player with have already booked their place The decision to declare deprived him of a Total: (six wickets; 35 overs) 96 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Burns), 2-369 (La- ous highest Test score of 253, set in Perth in his 43rd win last year, won the in the Davis Cup finals. AFP crack at Brian Lara’s all-time high 400 not buschagne), 3-490 (Smith) 2015, before reaching a triple century off 389 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Iman-ul-Haq), 2-22 out, but it proved to be the right one with the Did not bat: Travis Head, Tim Paine, Pat balls to join an elite club. Australian bowlers quickly tearing through (Azhar), 3-38 (Masood), 4-69 (Shafiq), He raced to 335, one more than former cap- 5-89 (Ahmed), 6-89 (Rizwan) Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pakistan’s hapless top order under the Ad- Josh Hazlewood tain Mark Taylor’s epic 334 against Pakistan Indian bowler facing corruption probe elaide Oval lights. Still to bat: Shaheen Afridi, Muhammad in 1998 and Donald Bradman’s 334 against Bowling: They fi nished in deep trouble at 96 for six Musa, Mohammad Abbas Abbas 29-7-100-0, Afridi 30- England in 1930, before Paine decided to un- bags fi ve wickets in an over with Mitchell Starc grabbing four of them. 5-88-3, Musa 20-1-114-0, Yasir 32-1-197-0, leash his bowlers, conscious that rain is fore- Bowling: Starc 13-5-22-4, Hazlewood 8-2- Ahmed 15-0-75-0, Azhar 1-0-9-0 Babar Azam was not out 43 and Yasir Shah cast for the next two days. One day after being summoned media on Thursday that Mithun, was on four. “It’s just sunk in to me that it is Exhausted, Warner was given a hero’s send by police for questioning in who played the last of his four very rare that you get these opportunities... enjoyed little success in a long day in the fi eld Smith also moved past legendary country- off by the crowd with his knock the second a match-fixing probe, former Tests for India in 2011, had been I’ll cherish this moment for the rest of my as they look to avoid a 2-0 series defeat. man Donald Bradman’s 6,996 Test runs to best ever by an Australian after Matthew Indian Test bowler Abhimanyu summoned for questioning by life, defi nitely,” said Warner on making such But they did remove Marnus Labuschagne become Australia’s 11th highest scorer. Hayden’s 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003. Mithun settled a game by the Central Crime Branch. A day a big score. for 162 in the opening session and also bagged The home team resumed the day at 302 for Matthew Wade remained unbeaten on 38. taking five wickets in one over. later, Mithun lit the fireworks “More importantly, the partnerships we Smith, caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan one with Warner on 166 and Labuschagne Facing a tough last session under lights, The 30-year-old is still playing playing for his state side put on. It just showed how much pride we off Shaheen Afridi for 36. In making his runs, 126, with the pair putting on another 67 runs Pakistan’s batsmen quickly caved in. first-class cricket whilst under Karnataka against Haryana in have as a batting unit running between the Smith shattered a record that had stood since before Pakistan fi nally got a breakthrough. Starc removed Imam-ul-Haq, who got investigation over corruption a 20-over tournament. Mithun wickets. 1946. He took a single off Mohamed Musa to Skipper Azhar Ali took the new ball and a thick edge to Warner on two, before Pat and fixing in the scandal-ridden took a hat-trick and two other “If I’m doing my job well and putting the reach 7,000 runs in his 126th innings, taking Afridi clean-bowled Labuschagne as he at- Cummins had Azhar caught for nine. Karnataka Premier League wickets in a seven-ball over. Five team in the best position, we’re going to win possession of a mark held for 73 years by Eng- tempted a drive, just as he and Warner ap- Josh Hazlewood accounted for Shan (KPL). Joint commissioner of wickets in an over is extremely a lot of games,” he added. The visitors, who lish great Wally Hammond who reached the peared set for another long day at the crease. Masood before Starc nabbed Asad Shafi q, If- police Sandeep Patil told Indian rare in the first-class game. have lost 13 consecutive Tests in Australia, milestone in his 131st innings. The 25-year-old, who has come of age tikhar Ahmed and Rizwan cheaply.

FOCUS England harbour hopes of big fi ghtback to save series AFP Scorecard Hamilton, New Zealand NEW ZEALAND 1st innings N. Wagner c Sibley b Curran ....0 ENGLAND 1st innings (overnight 173-3) Extras: (b15, lb3) 18 R. Burns not out 24 ngland rejected talk their J. Raval c Root b Broad ...... 5 New Zealand series was Total: (all out; 129.1 overs) 375 D. Sibley lbw Southee 4 T. Latham b Broad ...... 105 over when they ended day Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Raval), J. Denly c Watling b Henry 4 two on Friday at 39 for K. Williamson c Root b Woakes 4 2-39 (Williamson), 3-155 (Taylor), J. Root not out 6 Etwo, but accepted it would need a 4-182 (Latham), 5-191 (Nicholls), R. Taylor c Root b Woakes ...... 53 special performance to turn their 6-315 (Watling), 7-330 (Mitchell), Extras: (lb1) 1 H. Nicholls c Broad b Curran ..16 fortunes around in Hamilton. 8-357 (Southee), 9-375 (Santner), Total: (two wickets; 18 overs) 39 New Zealand, meanwhile, ruled B. Watling c Burns b Broad .....55 10-375 (Wagner) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sibley), out thoughts of playing for a draw D. Mitchell c Archer b Broad ..73 Bowling: Broad 28-7-73-4, as they targeted a clean sweep in 2-24 (Denly) M. Santner c Woakes b Archer 23 Archer 28-8-75-1, Woakes 31-6- the two Test series after a compre- 83-3, Curran 23.1-7-63-2, Root Bowling: Southee, 8-1-24- hensive innings victory in the fi rst T. Southee c Pope b Woakes ...18 3-0-14-0, Stokes 13-5-36-0, Denly 1, Henry 7-3-10-1, Wagner match. M. Henry not out ...... 5 3-0-13-0 2-0-3-0,Mitchell 1-0-1-0 With BJ Watling, the architect of the fi rst Test win, again holding was dropped twice to be not out 24 “There’s not a huge amount “Every Test you’re aiming to the innings together New Zealand with Joe Root on six. of pressure, not a lot happening win so we’re trying to fi nd a way to recovered from 191 for fi ve to reach Stuart Broad, England’s chief with the pitch, not a big score- win this Test match,” he said 375 in their fi rst innings in Ham- wicket taker with four for 73, said board pressure, there’s a chance “It’s a nice wicket to bat on at England’s batsman Rory Burns (left) looks back after playing a shot on day two of the second Test match ilton with Watling and debutant there was little in the pitch to assist for a couple of people to go and get the moment, but there’s some against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. (AFP) Daryl Mitchell featuring in a 124- the bowlers and two good centu- hundreds... and leave ourselves a things there we can try to exploit run stand for the sixth wicket. ries should be enough to set them day to bowl them out. later on.” then lost the initiative as Watling break. Watling was out for 55 on the New Zealand’s last four wickets England, in 18 overs before up for a series-levelling win. Mitchell, who scored 73 on de- England made a confi dent start and Mitchell staged their repair last ball before the interval while added a further 60 runs, with Broad stumps, lost Dom Sibley and Joe “The opportunity is there to go but, said New Zealand’s mindset to day two when they removed mission before Broad removed Mitchell departed in the fourth fi nishing with fi gures of four for 73 Denly cheaply while Rory Burns and bat big once,” he said. was not to play for a draw. both overnight batsmen early but both batsmen either side of the tea over after play resumed. and Chris Woakes three for 83. Gulf Times Sunday, December 1, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Report: Broncos QB Lock in line to Spurs upset , start vs Chargers

Reuters participant on Friday after New York missing each of the previous two days. Also listed as questionable enver Broncos rookie are cornerback Duke Dawson Bucks clinch 10th quarterback Drew (concussion), defensive end Lock is in line to Shelby Harris (ankle), line- come off injured backers Josey Jewell (ankle) ‘We did a great job taking the reserveD and start Sunday’s and Alexander Johnson (knee) game against the Los Angeles and off ensive tackle Ja’Wuan lead in the first half, and we Chargers, NFL Network’s Ian James (knee). Rapoport reported Friday. created the gap that saved us’ However, Broncos coach EAGLES T JOHNSON GETS straight game Vic Fangio stopped short of $72MN EXTENSION saying Lock defi nitely will Philadelphia Eagles right start over Brandon Allen, who tackle Lane Johnson agreed has started Denver’s last three to a four-year contract exten- games after a season-ending sion that will make him the neck injury to Joe Flacco. highest-paid off ensive line- Fangio said Lock will be ac- man in NFL history, accord- tivated on Saturday but that ing to multiple reports citing the decision of whether or not sources. Lock starts on Sunday hasn’t Reports said the extension been reached. is worth $72 million, with “I just wanted a chance to more than $54mn guaranteed. go in and look at the tape more The Eagles confi rmed extensively,” Fangio said after Friday the extension runs Friday’s practice. through 2025 for Johnson, Per Rapoport, Lock has tak- 29, who had two more years en fi rst-team reps all week. left on his original fi ve-year Lock has been on injured extension signed in January reserve since spraining his 2016. throwing thumb in the pre- After sustaining a concus- season. He was designated to sion and missing the past two return two weeks ago, allow- games, Johnson is expected to ing him to practice and open- return today when the Eagles ing a three-week window to be play at the Miami Dolphins. activated to the 53-man roster. The Eagles’ fi rst-round pick Allen, who was claimed off (fourth overall) in 2013 was waivers on Sept. 1 from the given the OK to practice this Los Angeles Rams, has posted week and was a full partici- a 1-2 mark over the last three pant on Friday. games for the Broncos (3-8). A member of the All-Pro Allen completed 10 of 25 fi rst team in 2017 and a Pro passes for 82 yards and an in- Bowler the past two seasons, terception in Sunday’s 20-3 Johnson likely will reunite on loss to the Buff alo Bills. the off ensive line with right In all, the Broncos’ off ense guard Brandon Brooks, who generated just 134 yards in became the league’s highest- Buff alo, the lowest output in paid guard when he received a game since 1992 and the fi rst a four-year, $56.2 million ex- time under 200 total yards tension on Nov. 11. since 2003. Brooks was sidelined re- Lock was drafted 42nd portedly due to an illness after overall in 2019 out of Missou- experiencing anxiety before ri, where he completed 56.9 today’s game, when the Ea- percent of his passes for 12,193 gles lost 17-9 to the Seattle yards and 99 touchdowns Seahawks. He was back at across four seasons. practice this week. The Eagles Star linebacker Von Miller (5-6) also recently locked up LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (right) drives in against San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan during the second half at the AT&T Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports (knee) was listed as ques- kicker Jake Elliott and long- tionable on the injury report. snapper Rick Lovato with AFP JaVale McGee had 15 points and 11 re- saved us,” Antetokounmpo said. “If we Miller was a limited practice long-term extensions. Los Angeles RESULTS bounds. didn’t have that gap, we’d probably be Also, Norman Powell scored 19 of his ticked off and mad right now.” Indiana 105-104 Atlanta career-best 33 points in the third quar- Every time the Cavs got within striking Flu-hit Pats hope they’re past the worst awhi Leonard led all scorers with Miami 122-105 ter as Toronto recovered from an early distance of levelling the score, Antetok- ounmpo answered with a basket of his 19 points in his second game Lakers 125-103 Washington 11-point defi cit to defeat the Orlando New England coach Bill Be- need somebody to step in to back in San Antonio since being Magic 90-83. own to help seal the win. lichick is hoping the Patriots a spot, then hopefully they’re traded away prior to last season, San Antonio 107-97 Clippers Fred VanVleet added 22 points for the “There’s a reason he’s the reigning will be close to full strength ready to do it.” Kbut it wasn’t enough as the Spurs beat the Raptors, who extended their winning MVP and he made some MVP plays Milwaukee 119-110 Cleveland for their trip to Houston Although Tom Brady was Los Angeles Clippers 107-97. Philadelphia 101-95 New York streak to six games. tonight,” Cleveland forward Larry Nance today after illness sidelined limited mid-week by a sore Leonard, who joined the Clippers in Pascal Siakam had 10 points and 13 re- said. eight from mid-week practice. elbow injury, the superstar the off season after one season with the Portland 107-103 Chicago bounds for the Raptors, who shot 37 per- “There were a couple of times that I “We’ve had some guys miss,” quarterback indicated Friday Toronto Raptors, had 13 points in the fi rst Dallas 120-113 Phoenix cent from the fi eld. did a good job staying between him and Belichick told reporters on he hadn’t been aff ected by half. Utah 103-94 Memphis Evan Fournier scored 19 points for the the basket, but I’m 6-8 and he’s probably Friday. illness. Derrick White and LaMarcus Aldridge Magic, who had 22 turnovers compared about 7-1 with his wing span.” “So we’ll see how they are “I’m a pretty healthy guy,” he Oklahoma 109-104 New Orleans scored 17 points and DeMar DeRozan with just 13 by the Raptors. Antetokounmpo fi nished with 33 points today and re-evaluate it after said. “You can’t avoid it all chipped in 15 for the Spurs, who had lost Charlotte 110-107 Detroit In Phoenix, Luka Doncic equalled a and also delivered a double-double with a today. the time ... but I try to keep 10 of their last 11 games. Toronto 90-83 Orlando career high 42 points as the visiting Dal- team-high 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who “Would have been hard if we my immune system nice and JaMychal Green came off the bench to las Mavericks rallied for a 120-113 victory beat the Cavaliers for the second time this had played yesterday, I’d say strong if possible.” Brooklyn 112-107 Boston score 16 points for the Clippers, who had over the Phoenix Suns. season. that,” the famously taciturn After intermittent coughing their seven game win streak snapped. son, and Davis and James took advantage Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo George Hill chipped in with 18 points, coach acknowledged. during his press conference San Antonio tied the game 53-53 at the of that. drained four clutch baskets down the while Khris Middleton had 12, Donte Di- Four of the ailing players re- prompted questions about half then compiled a 87-71 lead early in the Davis added 13 rebounds and James fi n- stretch as the Milwaukee Bucks won their Vincenzo 11, and Eric Bledsoe and Ersan turned to action on Thursday his health, Belichick insisted fourth quarter in a surprising upset. ished with 11 assists and they both sat for 10th consecutive game with a 119-110 vic- Ilyasova 10 apiece. on a limited basis, and just he was fine, but he said the In Los Angeles, Anthony Davis and Le- the fourth quarter as the Lakers moved to tory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rookie Darius Garland scored 21 points two players missed the Pats’ coaching staff had also been Bron James combined for 49 points the top of the overall league standings. Milwaukee led by as many as 22 points to pace the Cavaliers, who lost their third final practice on Friday before aff ected. as the Los Angeles Lakers won their All of the victories in the Lakers’ latest in the fi rst half but Cleveland chipped straight. Cedi Osman had 20 points, their trip to Houston. “I mean, look it’s kind of hit 10th straight game with a 125-103 dem- streak have been against sub-500 teams away until they closed the gap to just three Nance 18, Kevin Love and Collin Sexton 16 “It is what it is,” Belichick said. everybody a little bit,” he said. olition of the struggling Washington however, and their upcoming games late in the fourth but that was as close as apiece, and Tristan Thompson 11 in a bal- “We have players on the “We’ll start doing injury re- Wizards. against Dallas, Denver and Utah – who they would get. anced Cleveland attack. practice squad, we have ports on coaching staff . That The Wizards have been one of the are all above.500 – may prove more dif- “We did a great job taking the lead in Thompson collected a game-high 13 re- players on our roster. So, if we will be the next thing.” league’s worst defensive teams this sea- fi cult. Quinn Cook scored 17 points and the fi rst half, and we created the gap that bounds to complete a double-double.

NHL Bruins beat Rangers in OT as win streak hits 6 Reuters The Bruins got on the board at 18:28 with The Capitals got to OT by erasing a 3-1 Boston RESULTS some help from Lundqvist, who knocked defi cit in the third. First, Jakub Vrana the puck into his own net with his stick made it one-goal game when he slipped a Boston 3-2 Rangers after a Jake DeBrusk shot hit off the post. sharp-angled shot into the net at 3:45 of avid Krejci scored 1:40 into over- Winnipeg 3-0 Anaheim Kuraly was awarded the goal and the Bru- the period. time as the Boston Bruins rallied Buff alo 6-4 Toronto ins ended the period trailing 2-1. It was so tight, even Vrana did not imme- from two goals down to beat the Buchnevich scored the game]s fi rst goal diately realise he had scored. Then, Alex visiting New York Rangers 3-2 Colorado 5-2 Chicago at 14:14 of the fi rst period. Seconds after Ovechkin’s power-play goal, a patented onD Friday afternoon. Minnesota 7-2 Ottawa killing a Rangers power play, Halak had his one-timer from the top of the left circle, David Pastrnak tied the score in the Philadelphia 6-1 Detroit stick knocked out of his hand, and Buch- tied the game at 11:36. It’s the 675th goal third period, and Sean Kuraly also scored nevich took advantage with a teammate of his career and 255th man-advantage San Jose 4-1 Los Angeles as the Bruins ran their winning streak screening. New York made it 2-0 at 6:21 of marker, which ties him with Teemu Se- to six games. Jaroslav Halak stopped 26 Washington 4-3 Tampa Bay the second period, with Chytil scoring off lanne for third on the league’s all-time shots. Pavel Buchnevich and Filip Chytil Las Vegas 2-1 Arizona the rebound of a Ryan Strome shot after a list. Danton Heinen turnover gave the Rangers For the fi rst two-plus periods, however, scored for the Rangers, who had their Columbus 5-2 Pittsburgh three-game winning streak end. Henrik a two-on-one. the appeared to have the game Lundqvist made 24 saves. Nashville 3-0 Carolina in hand. Brayden Point opened the scor- Krejci went top shelf for the game- St. Louis 3-1 Dallas CAPITALS CAP 2-GOAL COMEBACK ing with his 100th career goal, a power- winner in overtime after Pastrnak crashed WITH OT WIN OVER TAMPA play marker with 70 seconds remaining the net to draw in the defense. Halak also reason. Marchand eventually returned, Dmitry Orlov scored the game-winner in the fi rst period, and Mikhail Sergachev earned an assist on the goal. and Boston later killed off a high-stick- in overtime to cap a two-point game as doubled the lead with technique not of- Pastrnak tied the score at 2 at 4:27 of ing double minor on Par Lindholm with the host Washington Capitals erased a ten seen from a defenseman. Sergachev the third period off a play that came to- just more than seven minutes remain- third-period defi cit to beat the Tampa Bay worked his way down to the net and was gether when he couldn]t fi nish a partial ing in regulation. The Rangers controlled Lightning 4-3 Friday night. on the spot for a loose puck to easily de- breakaway. Krejci later fed the puck to the the tempo of the game up 2-0 midway Orlov became the hero 3:03 into overtime posit 4:28 into the second period. left circle, and Pastrnak snapped it home through the second period before Bruins when he ripped a high short-side shot Evgeny Kuznetsov replied for the Capi- for his league-leading 24th goal. defenseman Charlie McAvoy dropped the home for his second goal of the season. tals 49 seconds later with a power-play At the time, the Bruins were without gloves with Brendan Smith at 10:51. Bos- Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby made goal of his own. But before the second pe- Boston Bruins centre Sean Kuraly (right) and Joakim Nordstrom top scorer Brad Marchand, who spent the ton soon killed off a ve-on-threefi that 27 saves for the win, while TJ Oshie col- riod was over, Alex Killorn restored Tampa (second right) celebrate their victory over the New York Rangers at shift in the locker room for an undisclosed lasted 1:02 as momentum began to shift. lected three assists. Bay’s two-goal edge. TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 1, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT GOLF Larrazabal holes Hamilton storms chip to keep three-shot lead Among those on four-under is Swede Joel Sjoholm, whose 68 was the lowest round of the day to fi nal pole of the over the picturesque 6,627-me- tre (7,249-yard) layout. Sjoholm birdied eight of his fi rst 13 holes before the surge came to a halt and he fi nished disappointingly with a bogey on 16 and a double bogey on 18.

Formula 1 season SCHWARTZEL A POSSIBLE THREAT Pole was a record-extending 88th of Briton’s career and first since German GP in July Although four-time Dunhill Championship winner Charl Reuters Schwartzel of South Africa Abu Dhabi, UAE also trails Larrazabal by seven strokes, he may pose a threat to the leader. orld champion The 2011 US Masters winner, Lewis Hamilton once ranked six in the world, stormed to the fi nal is playing his fi rst tournament pole position of the since being sidelined last April WFormula One season with a daz- by a wrist injury. zling display under the fl ood- His 70 included fi ve bird- lights in qualifying for the Abu ies and three bogeys, and a fi nal Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday. round in conditions expected to The Briton, who wrapped up be eight degrees celsius cooler his sixth Formula One title two could generate excitement if the races ago at the US Grand Prix pacesetters falter. in Austin, Texas, lapped the Yas Ranked 261 in the world, Lar- Marina circuit in one minute razabal had two birdies and two 34.779 seconds, beating Mer- bogeys on his outward nine, fol- cedes teammate Valtteri Bottas lowed by a run of three birdies, by 0.194. including the birdie chip at 12. “Yes, guys, that’s what I’ve His four-shot advantage was been looking for,” Hamilton said reduced by one stroke when he on the team radio on the cool AFP three-putted 17, with the fi rst of down lap. Malelane, South Africa them for a birdie racing past the Bottas will line up at the back pin. due to a raft of engine-related “Mistakes happen, and with penalties, meaning that Red brilliant birdie chip this heat they are going to hap- Bull’s Max Verstappen will start was the highlight for pen more,” said Larrazabal, re- today’s race on the front row. Spaniard Pablo Lar- ferring to his three bogeys. “I’m going to start last with razabal yesterday as “We have to allow ourselves my 40-place grid penalty or heA maintained a three-shot lead to make some mistakes but I am whatever,” said Bottas. “We’ll after three rounds at the Alfred very happy with the way I’m fi nd the fi ghting spirit for to- Dunhill Championship in South playing and the way I’m ap- morrow.” Africa. proaching every single shot this Verstappen said his lap was The 36-year-old from Barce- week.” the best he could do against lona underclubbed off the tee at Larrazabal has worn trousers a Mercedes team who looked 12 and his shot fell well short of in each round despite the Eu- dominant in the desert. the green, leaving him in danger ropean Tour agreeing to allow “I think there are still a lot of of dropping a shot in 37 degree shorts be worn for the fi rst time chances for tomorrow,” added celsius (99 fahrenheit) heat. during a tournament due to the the 22-year-old. But his chip curved after land- intense heat. The pole was a record-ex- ing on the green and rolled into Old habits die hard, though, tending 88th of Hamilton’s ca- the hole for one of fi ve birdies in and many of the golfers from Eu- reer and fi fth of the season. It his two-under 70, which gave rope have donned the traditional was also his fi fth in Abu Dhabi him an overall 11-under-par total outfi t of trousers, a golf shirt and but fi rst since the German Grand of 205. cap. Prix in July — a run of nine races Wil Besseling from the Neth- Most South Africans, on the out of the top slot. Mercedes Lewis Hamilton sits next to his car after winning the pole position for today’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP) erlands, ordinarily a second-tier other hand, have switched to “It’s been such a long slog Challenge Tour competitor who shorts, taking advantage of a trying to get this pole position,” Hamilton has won four times MOST POLES “We’re not going to make it, McLaren while Nico Hulken- was invited to play in the open- relaxation in the dress code explained the 34-year-old, who previously at the Yas Marina Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who Seb is slowing down,” Leclerc berg, without a drive next ing event of the 2020 European which applies only to the Dunhill was fastest after the fi rst fl ying circuit and is chasing his 11th ends the season with the most said over the radio. season after losing his seat Tour season, also carded a 70 to Championship. lap and then improved on his victory of the season today to poles (seven), will start in third “It is life sometimes it hap- to Frenchman Esteban Ocon, lie second on eight-under. time in the second. end the campaign just seven off place with teammate Sebastian pens, I don’t know if the situa- rounded out the top 10 for Re- A bogey six on the fi nal hole LEADING ROUND 3 SCORES “Yesterday was quite wobbly Michael Schumacher’s all-time Vettel fourth. tion was unlucky or we could’ve nault. left South African Branden Grace 205 — Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) so I really had to re-compose record of 91. The pair collided in Brazil two done something better,” the British rookies Norris and third on 2019 after a 71 at the 66-69-70 myself last night and come back With fi ve of the 10 races to weeks ago, ending their races Monegasque, who is fi ght- George Russell, with Williams, Leopard Creek Country Club, 208 — Wil Besseling (NED) 65- today focused. I managed to re- date in Abu Dhabi having been and leading to a meeting at the ing Verstappen for third in the both end the season having which borders the famed Kruger 73-70 ally dial in the car with great won from pole, and Mercedes Maranello factory to clear the championship, said. out-qualified their team mates National Park wildlife reserve. 209 — Branden Grace 68-70-71 work from the engineers, me- winners of the last fi ve, the air. British-born Thai rookie Al- over the course of the cam- South African Zander Lom- 211 — Marcus Armitage (ENG) 70- chanics,” he added. omens look good. There was more frustra- exander Albon was sixth for Red paign. bard (69) and Marcus Armitage 70-71, Zander Lombard 72-70-69 “It’s been a special car and “We have had a clean record tion yesterday, however, when Bull ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris has qualifi ed ahead of (71) share fourth, six shots be- 212 — Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 69- this is the last time I get to qual- here in Abu Dhabi, it’s a track Leclerc missed out on a fi nal Norris and Renault’s Daniel Ric- Sainz in 11 of the 21 races while hind four-time European Tour 72-71, Charl Schwartzel 70-72-70, ify with it so I’m glad I did it that suits us and suits him,” said fl ying lap with Vettel slowing in ciardo. Russell has a 21-0 record against winner Larrazabal, whose last Joel Sjoholm (SWE) 70-74-68, MJ proud today.” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff . front of him. Carlos Sainz was ninth for Poland’s Robert Kubica. title came four years ago. Viljoen 72-71-69

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Russian Worlds medallist Tokyo 2020’s main Olympic Ivanyuk says country unfair target in doping scandal stadium ready to fi ght heat

Reuters doping, saw its president and AFP Moscow, Russia six other offi cials provisionally Tokyo, Japan suspended last week for serious breaches of anti-doping rules. ussian high jumper The Athletics Integrity Unit, onstruction of the Ilya Ivanyuk, bronze the body overseeing integrity in $1.4bn main Tokyo medallist at this year’s global athletics, said they had Olympic venue has world championships, provided false explanations and offi cially completed, believesR his country is being un- forged documents to explain Cconstructors said yesterday, and fairly scrutinised for doping, an three whereabouts violations is set to fi ght excessive heat with issue he said existed all over the by Russian high jumper Danil a nature-inspired design. world. Lysenko, the silver medallist at Japan’s summer heat is a ma- Russia fi nds itself on the brink the 2017 world championships. jor concern for Tokyo 2020 of- of a four-year Olympic ban after This led World Athletics, the fi cials, with doctors warning the the World Anti-Doping Agency sport’s international govern- Games could see deadly medical (WADA) found Moscow had ing body formerly known as the emergencies. tampered with laboratory data it IAAF, to halt Russia’s reinstate- The fi ve-story stadium, de- handed over earlier this year. ment process. signed by renowned Japanese WADA’s executive committee pering of laboratory data was “When all this bad news start- architect Kengo Kuma, will seat will rule on the sanctions recom- meant “to make it impossible to ed to appear, I was concerned,” 60,000 fans and nods to tradi- mendations, which also include confi rm whether any clean Rus- Ivanyuk said. “I had a few sleep- tional techniques through the barring Russia from hosting sian athletes actually exist.” less nights.” prominent use of wood. some major international sport- “They should take care of Under the WADA recommen- Around 2,000 cubic metres ing events for a four-year period, themselves and look at their own dations some Russians with- of cedar wood were brought in Paris on December 9. athletes,” the 26-year-old Ivan- out a history of doping could in from all of Japan’s 47 pre- come the completion of the new A total of 185 large fans have emonies, as well as athletics and “There is no smoke without yuk said, referring to American be cleared to compete in major fectures, with an emphasis on national stadium,” Japan Sport also been set up and cooling some football matches — has fi re, but I think we nonethe- doping controversies, including international events as neu- wood from the northern To- Council (JSC) in charge of the mist emitters are installed at been built in the centre of Tokyo less have come under too much missed tests by Christian Cole- trals, as was the case at the 2018 hoku region hit by a devastating project said in a press release. eight locations. on the site of the 1964 stadium. pressure,” Ivanyuk told Reuters man, world champion in the 100 Pyeongchang Olympics. earthquake and tsunami in 2011. “The new history will begin,” Athletes, volunteers and It has not been completely yesterday. “Why is there such metres. Ivanyuk said he still hoped to The use of layered wooden it said. spectators face the sweltering smooth sailing, as the original emphasis on us? We can’t be for- Coleman denies ever taking see the Russian tricolour at the canopies is also a reference to the Built at a cost of 157bn yen the Tokyo summer where the mer- design, by Iraqi-British archi- given any mistake.” performance-enhancing drugs. Tokyo Olympics next year. 1,300-year-old fi ve-story pagoda venue features the “Grand Eaves cury can easily reach 40 degrees tect Zaha Hadid, was jettisoned Ivanyuk pointed to comments To add to the turmoil in Rus- “I can’t have an impact on the at Horyuji temple in western Nara of the Wind,” a top roof layer Celsius (104 degrees Fahren- in July 2015 amid public outrage by Travis Tygart, the CEO of the sian sport, the country’s athlet- situation,” he said. “All I can do is prefecture, the oldest wooden designed to let in wind and cool heit). over its $2bn price tag — which US Anti-Doping Agency, who ics federation, which has been train and keep preparing for the building in the world. down the temperature inside The main stadium — used for would have made it the world’s said this week that Russia’s tam- suspended since 2015 over mass unexpected.” “Today, we were able to wel- the stadium. the opening and closing cer- most expensive stadium. Gulf Times Sunday, December 1, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

EPL EURO 2020 Portugal, France, Germany drawn Liverpool stretch together as England get Croatia

AFP in the group stage should they Bucharest qualify. lead as Man City, England faced the Czech Republic in qualifying, win- eigning European ning 5-0 at Wembley but suf- champions Portugal fering their only defeat of the will come up against campaign in Prague, where World Cup winners they went down 2-1 in Octo- FranceR and Germany in the ber. standout group at Euro 2020 England will kick off at Chelsea stumble following yesterday’s draw for home to Croatia on June 14 in the tournament, while Eng- a repeat of the 2018 World Cup ‘The boys threw everything on the pitch. It’s unbelievable how much they want to win’ land were placed with Croatia. semi-fi nal, which was won by Neither France nor Por- the Croatians. tugal were in Pot One for the However, should England 24-team competition being win their group they will have held in 12 cities across Europe, to play the runners-up from making them the danger- Group F, setting up a possible ous teams to avoid for the top clash with Germany, France or seeds in the draw in Bucha- Portugal in the last 16. rest. England coach Gareth In the event, they came Southgate told the BBC: “If out together in an incred- you can win and be top seeds ibly tough Group F alongside then you have to take control Germany, who will play group of your destiny. Let’s hope we games at home in Munich. have the decision to make. We That is where Joachim Loew’s will take on whoever comes. team will face France in their Everyone will be thinking the fi rst match on June 16. same about playing us.” Group F will be completed by Southgate said being based one of the winners of the play- at Wembley would be “a bril- off s to be played next March, liant experience for our fans, leaving open several possibili- the public and the players” ties including Hungary, who but played down the impor- will play at home in Budapest tance of home advantage in should they make it. France a tournament spread over 12 beat Germany in the semi-fi - countries. nals of Euro 2016 on home soil, “Ten nations have that op- before losing in the fi nal to a portunity so it doesn’t make Portugal side who claimed the it an advantage for winning title for the fi rst time. the tournament unless we can Meanwhile, England were get to the semi-fi nals then we drawn with Croatia and the have it back in our favour.” Czech Republic in Group D, Elsewhere, Italy will face with Gareth Southgate’s team Turkey in Rome in the tourna- to play home group games at ment’s opening game on June Wembley, which will also be 12, with Switzerland and Euro the venue for the semi-fi nals 2016 semi-fi nalists Wales also and the July 12 fi nal. in that section, Group A. That group will be com- Italy coach Roberto Man- pleted by the team to emerge cini said: “Are we favourites? victorious from Path C in the The teams we face are all com- play-off s, between Serbia, petitive. The fact of playing in Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk scores their second goal against Brighton during their EPL match yesterday. (Reuters) Norway, Israel and Scotland. Italy helps us.” The latter have the added in- Spain will take on Sweden AFP Trent Alexander-Arnold set- While Liverpool have made with the champions and Leices- The scoreline should have centive of knowing they will and Poland as well as a play- London piece deliveries to put Liver- a habit of winning games when ter, who host Everton today. been far more convincing for play home games in Glasgow off winner in Group E. pool 2-0 up inside 25 minutes at not at their best, City let points However, the Blues failed to Mourinho’s men, who led 3-0 Anfi eld. slip away not for the fi rst time replicate their fi ne form over the with 17 minutes left as Alli’s iverpool extended their Liverpool goalkeeper Alis- this season to further dent their past two months as West Ham fi ne form continued with a goal lead at the top of the Pre- son Becker was then sent off 14 title chances. won for the fi rst time in nine either side of half-time before mier League to 11 points minutes from time for handling Twice Pep Guardiola’s men games to ease the pressure on Moussa Sissoko scored for the with a nervy 2-1 win over outside his area and Brighton led at St James’ Park through Manuel Pellegrini. fi rst time in over two years. LBrighton as Manchester City reduced the defi cit from the re- Raheem Sterling and a brilliant Aaron Cresswell scored the “I think he played three phe- slipped up once more in a draw sulting free-kick through cap- Kevin De Bruyne strike eight only goal three minutes into the nomenal matches since I ar- at yesterday. tain Lewis Dunk. minutes from time. second half with a tidy fi nish as rived,” said Mourinho on Alli’s Chelsea missed the chance to But the 10 men held out for But Newcastle responded he cut inside onto his weaker return of three goals in as many go level on points with second- another vital three points to edge quickly on both occasions as Jet- right foot. games. placed City as Frank Lampard’s closer to a fi rst league title in 30 ro Willems cancelled out Ster- But it was the Hammers who “He plays in a position where men suff ered a shock 1-0 home years. ling’s strike before Jonjo Shelvey were the more likely to add to he feels happy and comfortable.” defeat by West Ham, while Tot- “It was unnecessary,” said swept home a well-worked free- the scoring as the second period Tottenham have conceded tenham’s winning run under Jose Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp kick two minutes from time. wore on with Kepa Arrizabalaga twice in all three of Mourinho’s Mourinho continued as Dele Alli of the nervy fi nale. “We had un- “We do the same work we have keeping them at bay with a string matches in charge and were left scored twice in a 3-2 win over believable chances. done over the last few seasons. of saves, while Michail Antonio hanging on as Harry Wilson Bournemouth. “We had the red card for Alis- We tried to score more goals but had a goal ruled out after a VAR scored a late double for the visi- EURO 2020 and former football player of Portugal Virgil van Dijk is hoping to son. Adrian comes in with cold it did not happen,” said Guardio- review for handball. tors. Ricardo Carvalho and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Portuguese beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon feet and cold hands but made la, whose side failed to capitalise Tottenham are up to fi fth and Crystal Palace secured their midfielder Joao Mario (right) bring the trophy on stage during the d’Or on Monday and showed he two really good saves. on nearly 80 percent of posses- within six points of Chelsea in fi rst win in six games to move UEFA Euro 2020 competition final draw in Bucharest. (AFP) can score goals as well as stop “The boys threw everything sion. the battle for a top-four fi nish as into the top half as Wilfried Zaha them with two towering head- on the pitch. It’s unbelievable City’s slip-up gave Chelsea the in-form Alli preserved Jose and Jeff rey Schlupp were on tar- ers by the Dutch defender from how much they want to win.” the chance to go level on points Mourinho’s perfect start. get in a 2-0 win at Burnley. LA LIGA Madrid go top aft er Leipzig go top, Klinsmann’s new side lose gutsy win at Alaves AFP the verve and creativity that AFP start the scoring. Madrid, Spain was so impressive in the draw Berlin With Klinsmann urging his against Paris Saint-Germain shell-shocked team to stay calm, on Wednesday. made it 2-0 a ergio Ramos scored a But this was a gutsy per- B Leipzig returned to minute later by stabbing home a goal and conceded a formance that means they the top of the Bundes- Achraf Hakimi cross. penalty as Real Madrid have now won six and drawn liga yesterday with a Vladimir Darida pulled a goal battled past Alaves two of their last eight matches nervous 3-2 win at bot- back for Hertha on 34 minutes yesterdayS to go top of La Liga in all competitions, with the tomR side Paderborn, but both and Dortmund were down to 10 before today’s game between Clasico against Barcelona next Bayern Munich and Borussia men just before half-time when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. month fast approaching. Moenchengladbach could yet Hummels clumsily fouled Davie Barca and Atletico face off Gareth Bale made his fi rst replace them in fi rst place this Selke – his second booking on at the Wanda Metropolitano Madrid start since October 5 weekend. the same player inside 15 min- and Madrid did all they could after recovering from a calf Leipzig regained top spot in utes. to take advantage, with Dani injury and his fi rst too since the league for the fi rst time since Selke had a second-half goal Carvajal the unlikely match- his controversial celebration September after winning at Pa- ruled off side and Hertha fi nished winner in a gritty 2-1 victory with Wales earlier this month, derborn, capping a fi ne week for stronger, but Dortmund hung over Alaves. which sparked anger among the club that reached the knock- on. Ramos had headed them in his club’s supporters. out stages of the Champions There was eight cards in the front shortly after half-time Bale hit the post in the League for the fi rst time in mid- fi rst-half – equalling the league only to concede a needless fi rst half but faded and was week. record – as Cologne drew 1-1 penalty for throwing his arm replaced by Rodrygo after Defending champions Bay- at home to Augsburg and both across Joselu, which Lucas Alaves’ equaliser. With Eden ern can draw level on 27 points teams were reduced to ten men Perez converted before Carva- Hazard out injured, Isco also by beating Bayer Leverkusen in the fi rst 45 minutes. Cologne jal poked in. Madrid pull three kept his place while Alphonse at the Allianz Arena later. And goalkeeper Timo Horn saved a points clear of Barcelona and Areola was given a rare out- Moenchengladbach, who Leip- penalty attempt by Andre Hahn six ahead of Atletico, who ing in goal ahead of the rested zig knocked into second, can after only nine minutes, then the have played a game more than Thibaut Courtois. Madrid regain top spot with a point to hosts had defender Rafael Czi- the top two. Sevilla, in third, were lucky not to concede an- spare if they beat Freiburg today. Leipzig’s Czech forward Patrik Schick celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga match against SC Paderborn chos sent off on 39 minutes for a host Leganes today. Alaves other penalty early on as Aleix In the capital, ex-Germany and in Paderborn, Germany. (AFP) second yellow. stay 13th. Vidal slalomed inside Ramos USA head coach Jurgen Klins- Augsburg striker Florian A 1-0 defeat at Mendizor- and then Eder Militao, whose mann started his tenure as Her- striker Timo Werner made it 3-0 of the second half, striker Streli mund’s win against Klinsmann’s Niederlechner put his side rotza 13 months ago came dangling leg caught Vidal’s tha Berlin’s interim coach with at half-time with his 13th league Mamba, who scored twice at new side eases the pressure on 1-0 up on 43 minutes, just be- three weeks before Julen Lo- foot. Referee Guillermo Cuad- a 2-1 home defeat to 10-man goal this season. Dortmund a week ago, tucked coach Lucien Favre and leaves fore Hahn was sent off within petegui was sacked as coach ra felt the fall was exaggerated. at the Ol- However, it was a completely his shot inside the post with an his team fi fth – four points be- a minute for a second bookable but this time Madrid showed At the other end, Bale hit the ympic Stadium. diff erent story after the break hour gone. Then Paderborn cap- hind Leipzig. off ence. the kind of steel that was so post with a header and Karim Leipzig were 2-0 up inside as Paderborn, who earned a 3-3 tain Klaus Gjasula scored their Jadon Sancho backed up his Hosts Cologne fi nally poached painfully lacking last season. Benzema latched onto a quick four minutes at Paderborn with draw at Dortmund last week- second with 17 minutes left after superb Champions League strike a point when substitute striker On a wet and windy after- throw but instead of shooting, early goals by Patrik Schick and end, roared back. Having had being left unmarked in the mid- at Barcelona in midweek with a Jhon Cordoba equalised four noon in the Basque country, hooked the ball back for Isco Marcel Sabitzer before Germany a goal ruled off side at the start dle, but Leipzig clung on. Dort- superb fi nish after 15 minutes to minutes from time. Zidane’s side never showed whose eff ort was saved.

Sunday, December 1, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL Wawrinka, Tsonga Hienghene touch set to dazzle at Qatar down in Qatar for ExxonMobil Open FIFA Club World Cup OFC Champions League holders play Al Sadd in the opening match on December 11

ienghene Sport, win- ners of this year’s Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) HChampions League, touched down in Doha ahead of the start of the FIFA Club World Cup Qa- tar 2019. Hienghene Sport will open the tournament on De- cember 11 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium when they face the Qa- tari champions and FIFA Club World Cup host nation repre- By Sports Reporter by a three-set defeat to Nick sentatives, Al Sadd. Doha Kyrgios in the quarter-fi nals of Hienghene Sport’s FIFA Club the Mexico Open. World Cup journey began in At the 2019 French Open, May this year when manager hree-time Grand Wawrinka, the 2008 Beijing Ol- Felix Tagawa, one of Tahiti’s Slam champion Stan ympics doubles champion, de- most decorated footballers, led Wawrinka of Switzer- feated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the the club to a tense 1-0 win over land and 2012 champion fourth in an ‘epic’ fi ve setter that Noumea-based AS Magenta in TJo-Wilfried Tsonga of France lasted 5 hours and 9 minutes (the an all-New Caledonian fi nal. are among the stars set to open fi nal scoreline was 7–68–6, 5–7, Tagawa’s team became the their season on the courts of the 6–4, 3–6, 8–6) to advance to fi rst New Caledonian side to win Khalifa International Tennis and his fi rst Grand Slam quarterfi nal the OFC Champions League and Squash Complex at the Qatar in two years. However, he was qualify for the FIFA Club World ExxonMobil Open 2020 to be eliminated by , the Cup, and only the second non- held from January 6 to 11. third seed, in four close sets. New Zealand side to do so. It is In all, 21 players made the en- The major highlight of his 2019 the fi rst time a senior New Cal- try list for the singles event of the season was the upset he scripted edonian side – club or country – annual ATP World Tour 250 se- against defending champion No- has competed in a global football ries tournament with three slots vak Djokovic in the Round of 16 tournament. The team is based allotted for wild card entrants of the US Open where he eventu- in Hienghene, a remote part of and four for qualifi ers while 16 ally went on to lose the quarter- New Caledonia with a popula- teams are taking part in the dou- fi nal to Daniil Medvedev. tion of just 2,500, fi ve hours bles event. For 2008 Australian Open fi - away from the country’s capital, Other key players expected nalist Tsonga, the Qatari capi- Noumea. Hienghene Sport arrived in the Qatari capital for the FIFA Club World Cup, which will run from December 11-21. to feature at the event include tal is familiar territory having “This is a moment of real 2013 champion , won here seven years ago. The pride. Having grown up in incredibly excited to be host- 2018 fi nalist , 2016 Frenchman, who has had to bat- Hienghene, I never expected my ing the FIFA Club World Cup Wimbledon fi nalist Milos Raonic tle a string of injuries in recent small hometown club to set foot this year. The tournament will and Doha-resident Fernando years, has seen his form in an on a global stage. We are de- give travelling fans – and those Verdasco, the 2009 Australian upward swing at the moment. He lighted to be in Doha and thank tuning in around the world – a Open semi-fi nalist and fi nalist won titles at Montpellier Open everyone for their hospitality glimpse of what awaits them in at the 2010 Monte-Carlo Rolex as 210th-ranked wildcard en- – we can’t wait for the tourna- Qatar at the FIFA World Cup in Masters. trant where he defeated Pierre- ment to get started and to rep- 2022.” Former World No 3 Wawrinka, Hugues Herbert, and the Metz resent New Caledonia with the The FIFA Club World Cup who had a muted 2019 season, is Open. He was also a semi-fi nalist world watching. Koi Theen,” 2019 presented by Alibaba one of the favourites to lift the at Brisbane and he reached the said Hienghene captain Ber- Cloud will take place from De- golden falcon trophy this time quarters at where he trand Kai, referring to the team’s cember 11-21. around and a good outing in lost to Medvedev. slogan that means ‘go forward’. Along with Al Sadd and Doha will defi nitely go a long way Tournament Director Karim Nasser al-Khater, FIFA World Hienghene Sport, fi ve other in boosting his confi dence ahead Alami said, “In line with our tra- Cup Qatar 2022 LLC and FIFA teams will compete for the ti- of the fi rst Grand Slam event of dition, Qatar ExxonMobil Open is Club World Cup 2019 Local Or- tle: Flamengo, Liverpool, CF the year, the Australian Open. once again attracting some of the ganising Committee CEO, said: Monterrey, ES Tunis and Al Hi- The 34-year-old Monaco resi- best players to Doha for a week- “Hienghene Sport’s journey to lal. dent lost in the quarter-fi nals long feast of tennis. We are happy Doha is testament to football’s Tickets for the tournament to eventual champion Roberto to welcome the players to this power to inspire and bring peo- are available via FIFA.com/tick- Bautista Agut in the last edition. sport-loving country again and ple together. We are thrilled to ets. Tickets are aff ordably priced He thereafter suff ered defeat at we believe that this year’s tour- be welcoming Felix Tagawa and in three categories, ranging from the hands of Raonic in the second nament will record another great his team to our country and QR25 for Category 3 tickets to round of the Australian Open. success, as all arrangements are hope they enjoy our world-class the fi rst three matchdays, up to At the Rotterdam Open, on track to ensure the fans and training facilities, stadiums, QR400 for Category 1 tickets for Wawrinka reached his fi rst tour- players have the best of time. We tournament atmosphere and the double-header comprising nament fi nal in over 20 months, look forward to hosting everyone Qatar’s renowned hospitality.” the third-place play-off and the where he fell to Gael Monfi ls in at the Khalifa International Ten- Al Khater continued: “We are fi nal. three sets, and this was followed nis and Squash Complex.”

Hathab Equestrian Tour

Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federation President Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah presents a trophy to Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi, who won the Big Tour class during the third round of the Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour yesterday. Al-Suwaidi cantered to victory with his 19-year-old gelding Cantaro 32 in a jump-off time of 33.19 seconds. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Daydreamer EC) Omar al-Mannai (left), Vice-Chairman, Organising Committee Longines Hathab, and Ali al-Rumahi (right), Event Director, pose with the young finished second, followed by Hamad Ali al-Attiyah (Bolandro) in third. riders at the prize distribution ceremony.