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Tuesday, December 20, 2016 Rabia I 21, 1438 AH Nair triple ton puts GULF TIMES India in command against SPORT Page 2 CRICKET / AUS VS PAK, DAY 5, 1ST TEST Australia deny in Hosts prevent world-record chase as Pakistan fall short of gripping Test fi nale 490-run target by 40 runs

Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq reacts on his dismissal at 137 on the fifth day of the first Test against Australia in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP)

Australia’s Steve Smith (centre) adjusts his collar as he walks off the field with teammates after beating Pakistan in the first Test in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) clearing the stumps and the decision AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 202-5 dec. was reversed. PAKISTAN 2nd innings (o/n: 382-8) AFP ing back.” aiming for, for the match,” said Shafi q. since their last defeat in 1988. But Starc’s brutish to Shafi q S. Aslam c Renshaw b Starc 15 Brisbane, Australia The highest ever successful Test run In the process, Pakistan posted their It was also Australia’s second straight grabbed the vital breakthrough, before A. Ali c Wade b Starc 71 chase of 418 for seven was set by the highest fourth innings total, surpass- win after Test series defeats to Sri Lan- Smith’s throw-down to catch Yasir out B. Azam c Smith b Lyon 14 West Indies against Australia in Anti- ing their previous best of 382 for three ka and South Africa this year prompted of his ground and snatch victory. Y. Khan c Smith b Lyon 65 ustralia prevented a world- gua in 2003. to beat in Pallekele last year. a team shake-up. Pakistan, despite coming up short, M. ul-Haq c Wade b Bird 5 record, 490-run chase by Pa- And Pakistan looked on course to “I’m happy, because after the fi rst Australia have now won all three of showed by their spirited response that A. Shafiq c Warner b Starc 137 kistan yesterday to win a grip- beat that on the back of Asad Shafi q’s innings, it was looking very diffi cult for the pink-ball Tests they have played at they can do better in the rest of the S. Ahmed b Starc 24 ping fi rst Test by just 39 runs knock of 137, but he was caught shortly us to come back in this game,” said Pa- home over the last 12 months. three-Test series, with Melbourne next M. Amir c Wade b Bird 48 Aand preserve their 28-year unbeaten before Yasir’s run out. kistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. But for much of yesterday’s fi nal ses- up on Boxing Day. W. Riaz c Smith b Bird 30 streak at Brisbane’s Gabba ground. His magnifi cent innings came to end “But the way all the team, all the sion the Australians were frustrated by Smith chose not to enforce the fol- Y. Shah run out (Smith) 33 Relieved skipper Steve Smith ran out when a Mitchell Starc lifter came off batsmen showed their character, that Pakistan’s tailenders chipping away at low-on after Pakistan were dismissed R. Ali 1 Yasir Shah for 33 to take the last the shoulder of his bat and lobbed to was wonderful, and we got some spe- their lead. for 142, even though they were 287 runs Extras (lb5, w2) 7 and end Pakistan’s brave attempt to reel David Warner in the gully for the cru- cial knocks from the tailenders as well. Shafi q and Yasir were fi nding runs in front on the fi rst innings. Total (all out, 145 overs) 450 in the mammoth target on the last day cial catch. “A lot of positives, I’m happy and easy to score. Nathan Lyon made a The Australians added a brisk 202 Fall of : 1-31 (Aslam), 2-54 of the day-night Test. Man-of-the-match Shafi q faced 207 proud the way the team played in the fantastic fl ying two-handed eff ort at for fi ve batting again and in the end it (Azam), 3-145 (Azhar), 4-165 (Misbah), “I think I lost all my fi ngernails. Some balls in 336 minutes and hit 13 fours and fourth innings.” point, but narrowly missed catching just proved enough to get the home side 5-173 (Younis), 6-220 (Ahmed), 7-312 game of cricket, wasn’t it?” said Smith. a six. While he was at the wicket, Pa- Yasir on 27. over the line. (Amir), 8-378 (Wahab), 9-449 (Shafiq), “A lot of credit has got to go to the kistan’s hopes of a remarkable victory BRUTISH DELIVERY There was a big moment when Yasir 10-450 (Yasir) way they played. But I thought our were still realistic. The victory, in the fi rst day-night Test was hit on the back leg while shoulder- SCORECARD : Starc 38-10-119-4 (1w), Hazle- bowlers stuck at it all day, we bowled a “There is energy, we have to go for at the Gabba, extended Australia’s un- ing arms to Josh Hazlewood and given AUSTRALIA 1st innings 429 all out wood 42-11-99-0, Bird 33-6-110-3 (1w), lot of overs, our quicks just kept com- the match here, so that’s what I was beaten record to 28 Tests at the venue out on 30, but a review showed the ball PAKISTAN 1st innings 142 all out Lyon 29-3-108-2, Maddinson 3-0-9-0

Misbah hails ‘classy’ Shafi q for fi ghting ton Smith the most relieved aft er Australia’s great escape

Reuters innings, one of the classiest in- Reuters man, off the hook when he was But those fine eff orts may be Australia, however, seemed Brisbane, Australia nings I have ever seen,” Misbah Brisbane, Australia on 72. drowned out in the debate as to plagued by doubt and inertia told reporters after the 39-run Shafiq survived to stumps after how Australia found themselves on the final day at the Gabba loss. raising an impressive 100 and in such a perilous position on and Smith’s initially conservative akistan captain Misbah- “In the context of the game, he relief was palpable in all lifted Pakistan’s hopes of closing day five in the first place. field settings were roasted ul-Haq hailed Asad the way he handled the pres- of Australia’s players yes- out a famous victory before be- Pakistan were skittled for 142 by former captains Michael PShafiq’s defiant sure playing with the tail, Tterday after they survived ing dismissed for 137 by a pearl early on day three, 88 runs short Clarke and Mark Taylor as as among the “classiest” he he just made a match out of a huge scare to defeat Pakistan of a short-pitched delivery by of avoiding the follow-on, but they called the game on televi- had ever seen after the knock nothing. by 39 runs in the first Test, but paceman Mitchell Starc. Smith chose not to enforce it and sion. of 137 all but drove Pakistan to “So, a lot of positives for us. none would have felt it more That Pakistan were able to get instead opted to bat the tourists “The Australian captain’s tactics a famous victory over Australia “Especially in Australia batting than captain Steve Smith. so close to completing a record out of the game. this morning has been nothing in the first test in Brisbane is your main problem but A bundle of nervous energy at run chase took the gloss off With victory secured, it would be short of ridiculous,” tweeted yesterday. the way we showed that, we the best of times, Smith grew another outstanding batting unfair to say the tactic backfired former England skipper Michael Needing to score a record 490 are looking forward and can increasingly fidgety as man-of- eff ort by Smith, who top-scored but Misbah-ul-Haq’s side may Vaughan. to win, Pakistan fell short by 40 be confident in the next two the-match Asad Shafiq and Yasir for Australia with 130 in the first take more out of the match, Smith may undertake extra runs but not before giving the matches.” Shah marched quickly toward innings and backed it up with 63 having won back belief in their catching practice during train- home side a huge scare on day Shafiq’s ninth test ton had an improbable victory target of in the second. batting and resilience, and ing before the Boxing Day five at the Gabba. him surpass West Indies great 490 in the first day-night Test at He also wrapped up the match in restored confidence lost by a 2-0 (December 26) Test but had no Man-of-the-match Shafiq came Garry Sobers as the most the Gabba. some style, throwing down the thrashing in New Zealand. regrets about not enforcing the to the crease at 165 for four delivery after nearly six hours prolific century-scorer among Well might he have. stumps from the slips to run out The final total of 450 was follow-on. late on day four and anchored of resistance. specialist number six batsmen. Smith dropped two simple Yasir after the stocky legspinner Pakistan’s highest ever fourth “I think I would go the same three doughty tail-end partner- “At the moment, I could not It was also only five runs shy of catches in the slips late on day inexplicably wandered out of his innings tally, the highest ever plan,” he said. “Our bowlers had ships before he was dismissed explain how happy I am for all Pakistan’s entire first innings four, the second letting Shafiq, crease after a mis-hit behind the in Australia and the equal third bowled a lot. I’m just happy we by a special Mitchell Starc the guys, especially for Asad’s total of 142 at the Gabba. Pakistan’s last specialist bats- wicket. highest of all time. got over the line.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 20, 2016 SPORT

CRICKET / IND VS ENG, DAY 4, 5TH TEST ACTION PLAN Kuwait to amend Nair triple ton puts law to end IOC-FIFA led suspension

India in command AFP In October last year, world sports Kuwait City bodies led by the IOC and FIFA sus- pended Kuwait for the second time He becomes only third batsman to convert maiden Test hundred into triple since 2010 over alleged government he Kuwaiti government yes- interference in sports. The suspension century, joining elite company of West Indies’ Sobers and Australia’s Simpson terday agreed to amend con- was due to legislation issued in the past troversial sport legislation in a few years allowing the government to bid to end a 14-month interna- interfere in local sports federations and Ttional suspension led by the IOC and undermine their independence. FIFA, lawmakers said. As a result, the wealthy emirate was The Gulf state’s public sports au- barred from taking part in the Rio 2016 thority pledged in a letter to parliament Olympic Games and qualifi cation for that it will issue within six months a the 2018 World Cup. new law that conforms with the inter- The opposition, which won nearly national sports charter, MP Abdulwa- half of the 50 seats in last month’s hab al-Babtain said. parliamentary elections, pressed the The authority also pledged to invite government to rectify bills that violate the International Olympic Commit- international sports laws. tee (IOC) and world football’s FIFA to Analysts have said the sports crisis Kuwait to ensure the new legislation in Kuwait was in part the result of a po- is agreed by all parties, Babtain said on litical struggle involving senior ruling his Twitter account. family members and politicians.

APPRECIATION Pakistan’s fi ght at Gabba delights greats

AFP “There is no shame in losing when the team fi ghts till the last ball. “They have made us proud.” Another former captain Javed Mian- ormer Pakistan greats yester- dad also praised Shafi q, but said con- day hailed the team’s remark- ditions had become easier as the day- England’s captain Alastair Cook (right) greets India’s Karun Nair after the latter scored a triple-century on the fourth day of the fifth Test in Chennai yesterday. (AFP) able fi ghtback in the fi rst Test night Test wore on. against Australia, saying Mis- “The Brisbane pitch became easy on bah-ul-Haq’sF charges had made the the last two days so it suited batsmen AFP Chennai Survivor Nair rides luck again in epic innings country proud even in defeat. but one must praise Pakistan’s fi ght- Pakistan fell 39 short of a mammoth back because they almost did what no Reuters marathon 381-ball knock against Test total of 759-7 before declar- 490-run target on the fi fth and fi nal team has achieved before,” he said. arun Nair’s scintillating tri- Chennai England in only his third Test. ing, a decision which was delayed day of the Test, with Asad Shafi q scor- The most successful chase in Test ple century yesterday put Nair was dropped on 34 by Alastair to allow Nair complete his triple ing a magnifi cent 137 at Brisbane. history remains the 418 which West In- India in command of the fi - Cook at slip and by on 217, century. Their total of 450 all out — the fourth dies achieved against Australia at Anti- nal Test as England faced the ndia batsman Karun Nair re- and he survived a stumping oppor- “The message was to just go after highest in the fi nal innings of a Test — gua in 2003. Kuphill task of surviving on a fi fth day followed an abysmal 142 all out in the Fast-bowling great Wasim Akram flected on his brush with death tunity off . the bowling. We had a set over in wicket in Chennai. Ithis year after scoring a brilliant Nair just carried on, however, compil- mind (for the declaration). When fi rst innings in reply to Australia’s 429. added: “It’s very rare that Pakistan los- Right-handed Nair, who fi nished triple century against England in the ing his maiden Test century before I got closer to 300, they pushed Australia did not enforce the follow- es like this, they fought hard and fought on 303 not out, reached the landmark fifth Test yesterday. lunch and converting it into a double it back. I’d like to thank the team on and declared their second innings at till late and it left Australians sweating. with a boundary before India declared The 25-year-old was among the before counter-attacking in the final management for giving me the extra 202-5 on the third evening. “The way Pakistan have fought will their fi rst innings on 759-7, their high- hundred-plus passengers on a boat session to become the second In- time.” Former captain Imran Khan heaped put them in good stead for the next two est ever Test score. which capsized in his home state of dian, after Virender Sehwag, to make Apart from displaying an impeccable praise on the middle-order batsman, Tests and Australia will know that they India amassed a lead of 282 runs Kerala in July, killing six people. a Test triple century. temperament, Nair also exhibited his who had been struggling with a lean have fi ght at hands.” while England ended the day on 12 “I didn’t know how to swim. People “After the first hundred, pressure prowess at sweeping, both conven- patch until this innings. The second Test starts in Melbourne without loss, with skipper Alastair there rescued me and I was just was off . The first hundred is always tional and reverse, against England’s “Great fi ghtback by Pak in Bris- on December 26 and the third in Syd- Cook (three) and Keaton Jennings lucky enough to live again,” Nair said important and I think when I got the three-pronged spin attack. bane led by gutsy Shafi q,” he tweeted. ney on January 3. (nine) at the crease. after scoring 303 not out at the MA first hundred, I was just playing my “Sweep comes naturally to me, I’ve “We are 3-0 up (in the fi ve-match Chidambaram Stadium. shots after that,” he said. worked on it a lot, it’s my go-to shot series), so I think they are, you know, al- Fortune played a crucial part in his India posted their highest ever and it just came off today,” he said. ready out of the game,” an ecstatic Nair Australia unchanged for second Test told reporters after his epic knock. Nair though survived two dropped team and their batters. They played L. Rahul c Buttler b Rashid 199 “It (pitch) is slowly deteriorating. chances — on 34 on Sunday and 216 on extremely well. We just weren’t in P. Patel c Buttler b Ali 71 AFP And there are footmarks there so I Monday — during his marathon knock. the game today,” said England coach C. Pujara c Cook b Stokes 16 Brisbane, Australia think we just have to bowl well and get “After I crossed 250, the team man- Trevor Bayliss. V. Kohli c Jennings b Broad 15 the wickets. Good bowling does get agement had certain plans of going However Bayliss said he was confi - K. Nair not out 303 you wickets on any surface,” said Nair. after the bowling and declaring,” said dent that his batsmen would stand up M. Vijay lbw b Dawson 29 ustralia named an unchanged 12-man squad yesterday for the Boxing Nair, 25, was playing in just the third Nair, who became India’s second triple to the challenge on the fi nal day on a R. Ashwin c Buttler b Broad 67 Day Test after their Gabba fright against Pakistan. Test match of his career. He recorded his centurion after batting great Virender good batting wicket. R. Jadeja c Ball b Dawson 51 AThe Australians, who prevailed by 39 runs over the tourists in a final- maiden century in the morning session Sehwag, who has hit two. “As confi dent as I can be. They are U. Yadav not out 1 day thriller in Brisbane, kept paceman Chadd Sayers in their squad for the before expertly converting it into a dou- “So I think within the space of fi ve in a pretty good place. We have been in Extras (b2, lb4, w1) 7 second of the three-Test series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ble and then a triple in the evening. overs I got to 280-285, that’s when I a tough position in the seven Tests (in- Total (7 wickets dec; 190.4 overs) 759 But Cricket Australia said selectors will assess the players over the next 24 He became only the third batsman to started thinking and Jaddu (Ravin- cluding two in Bangladesh) and have Fall of wicket: 1-152 (Patel), 2-181 (Pu- hours and may yet call for reinforcements if required. convert a maiden Test hundred into a dra Jadeja) kept egging me on to not come out and played well the next day. jara), 3-211 (Kohli), 4-372 (Rahul), 5-435 Australia: Matt Renshaw, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), triple century, joining the elite company throw it away and get to 300 easily,” he “We were out there to win this — the (Vijay), 6-616 (Ashwin), 7-754 (Jadeja) Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazle- of West Indies’ Garry Sobers (365 not added. last couple of Test matches — so they Bowling: Broad 27-6-80-2, Ball 23-2- wood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers. out) and Australia’s Bob Simpson (311). His 181-run sixth-wicket partnership (England players) don’t want to get on 93-0, Ali 41-1-190-1, Stokes 20-2-76-1, Nair’s knock came off 381 balls and with Ravichandran Ashwin stood out as the plane with a loss,” said Bayliss. Rashid 29.4-1-153-1, Dawson 43-4-129-2, was laced with 32 fours and four sixes. India registered their highest-ever in- The Australian-born Bayliss also Root 2-0-12-0, Jennings 5-1-20-0 He reached the feat with a cut shot off nings score of 759, surpassing their 726 kept himself out of the England cap- SRI LANKA’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA and raised his helmet to a against Sri Lanka in December 2009. taincy debate, saying the skipper ENGLAND 2nd innings standing ovation. Alastair Cook “deserves” to make his A. Cook not out 3 The triple ton came a day after BAYLISS ‘CONFIDENT’ own decision. K. Jennings not out 9 teammate Lokesh Rahul missed 200 The visitors have three sessions to Extras 0 Fast bowler Kumara by a single run after getting out to survive and secure a draw. SCORECARD Total (0 wickets; 5 overs) 12 Rashid on 199 in the fi nal moments of “It’s never easy when it happens, ENGLAND 1st innings 477 all out Bowling: I. Sharma 1-0-2-0, R. Ashwin play on Sunday. you got to give credit to the Indian INDIA 1st innings (o/n: 391-4) 2-0-7-0, R. Jadeja 2-0-3-0 takes three for Sri Lanka

BOTTOMLINE Johnson stars as Gayle blushes spared in Big Bash

AFP about the Big Bash and how good it’s pected to see sell-out crowds with de- Brisbane, Australia become, not only from a spectators’ fending champions Sydney Thunder point of view but also from a player’s opening the new season with a cross- point of view. town derby against the Sydney Sixers. ustralia’s glitzy and inno- “It’s really good to play and it’s only The BBL has brought new fans to the vative Twenty20 Big Bash getting bigger and bigger.” sport, particularly children, women Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews took two wickets in the tour game. League returns for a sixth But there is no room for Calypso and ethnic minorities and has televi- season today, sprinkled with showman Gayle, 37, who has thrived sion companies clamouring to bid for AFP du Plessis. He has made three fi rst- internationalA crowd-pleasers but no like no other in the T20 era. the next batch of lucrative rights when class centuries but yesterday’s eff ort Potchefstroom, South Africa Chris Gayle. The prodigious-hitting West In- the current lot expires at the end of the will not have fi rst-class status because The eight-team 40-day competi- dian caused outrage during the last 2017-18 season. the Sri Lankans were able to use all 15 tion over the Christmas-New Year BBL with his infamous “Don’t blush It has also piqued interest from eenage fast bowler Lahiru Ku- members of their touring squad. holiday summer period has become a baby” fl irting boundary-line inter- overseas with the American NBC net- mara took three wickets as Sri Du Plooy eventually fell to Kumara, phenomenal success, shattering tel- view with a female TV reporter during work showing 10 games this year. It Lanka looked set to take a fi rst who earned his fi rst two Test caps in a evision ratings and changing the way a spell with the Melbourne Renegades, will also be shown in Britain. innings lead on the second day recent series in Zimbabwe. cricket is presented in the crowded sparking claims of sexism. Another enticing feature has been Tof a three-day match against a South Captain Angelo Mathews and off - Australian sports marketplace. Former Test pacer Mitchell Johnson, He was fi ned after his behaviour groundbreaking technology from African Invitation XI at Senwes Park spinner Dilruwan Perera both took two It has become a magnet for some of who played in the Indian Premier was condemned by cricket authorities cameras on helmets and umpires, to yesterday. wickets. Du Plooy was the only South the sport’s great entertainers with Sri League, is coming out of retirement to as “completely out of line”, but BBL the Australian-designed Zing Wicket Kumara had fi gures of three for 36 African batsman to shine, with no oth- Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, New Zea- play a season with the Perth Scorchers. manager Anthony Everard insisted he System, which has a sensor in the bails as the Invitation team reached 285 for er player making more than 25. land’s Brendon McCullum, English had not been banned. when the wicket is broken. eight at the close, still 88 runs behind Earlier, fast bowler Duanne Olivier trio Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Stu- Brad Hogg, Shaun Tait and Mitchell “There is a process for us where The players are also ‘miked up’ and the tourists’ fi rst innings of 373. took three of the last four wickets as the art Broad and West Indians Dwayne Johnson. clubs need to seek CA approval for talking while batting and fi elding. Left-hander Leus du Plooy was re- Sri Lankans could only add 45 runs to Bravo and Andre Russell among those Former Test fast bowler Johnson, 35, overseas players, and nothing came “Importantly for us we had more sponsible for almost half the Invitation their overnight total of 328 for six. Ol- playing. is coming out of retirement to play a across our desk,” he said, explaining people attending games of cricket last team’s total, stroking 142 off 159 balls ivier fi nished with four for 54. The shorter three-hour T20 format season with the Perth Scorchers. that Gayle had no suitors. year than ever before in over the last with 25 fours. It is the only warm-up match for Sri has allowed veteran players to stay and “It’s exciting to be able to play 100 years, I think it was around 1.7mn,” Du Plooy, 21, is a product of the same Lanka, who start a three-Test series even prosper in the game, including Twenty20 cricket,” Johnson said. FANS FLOCK IN Everard said, adding that the BBL had school that produced South against South Africa in Port Elizabeth Australians such as Shane Watson, “A lot of the boys have told me Despite his absence, the BBL is still ex- taken the sport to new audiences. African captains AB de Villiers and Faf on December 26. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 20, 2016 3 SPORT

FOCUS All Blacks, England hit form with eye on Lions der Jones’ no-nonsense approach in AFP New Zealand All Blacks dominated world rugby Paris which no player is guaranteed a place. in 2016, racking up a record-equalling 18 Test wins, “The only record we are interested to started in 2015 — a sequence that ended with a beat is to be the number one team in the he All Blacks and a revital- 40-29 defeat to Ireland in Chicago in November. world and to do that we have to win the ised England dominated world World Cup,” said Jones. The Australian rugby in 2016, boding well for added that he’d be happy for his team to what could be an epic British play the All Blacks “tomorrow”. Tand Irish Lions tour of New Zealand But they won’t. That will fall to the next year. British and Irish Lions on a 10-match, Even the most optimistic observer three-Test tour, coached by Wales’ would have bet on the All Blacks suf- Kiwi-born , who suc- fering after losing a combined total cessfully led the amalgamated team to a of 589 caps when they waved farewell series win over Australia in 2013. to iconic skipper Richie McCaw, em- “In every position they’ve got real blematic goal-kicking playmaker Dan depth,” Hansen said. “These guys are Carter, Keven Mealamu, Conrad Smith going to be able to play a really strong and Ma’a Nonu after bagging a second midweek team and also have a very successive World Cup in October 2015. strong Test team who are going to be It was that tournament in which fresh and ready to rumble.” England spectacularly underper- 2016 also marked the reappearance formed, their failure to get out of their of rugby at the Olympics, the seven-a- pool — the fi rst ever by a host country side form of the game debuting at the — hastening the departure of Stuart Rio Games. Fiji ran out convincing win- Lancaster and ushering in pragmatic ners in the men’s competition, beat- Australian Eddie Jones. ing Britain in the fi nal, while Australia From diff erent angles, the two lead- trumped over New Zealand for the ing sides in world rugby hit 2016 run- bagged their fi rst Six Nations Grand a record 57-15 away victory over South lented in producing some fantastically has assumed the captain’s duties with women’s gold. ning, both ending the year with 13 Test Slam since 2003 and won a fi rst-ever Africa. talented players. aplomb and the openside fl ank has been English champions Saracens beat victories. Test series in Australia in a dynamic 3-0 “To come out and do what we’ve How many other countries would successfully occupied by Matt Todd, Top14 winners Racing92 21-9 to win New Zealand racked up a record- whitewash. done this year, lose just the one match, cope with the departure of players of Sam Cane and Liam Squire. European Champions Cup, while Con- equalling 18 Test wins, started in 2015, The All Blacks completely dominat- play some good rugby at times, to stand the quality and experience as Carter, For England, it was more of a mental nacht surprised Leinster to claim the a sequence ended by a 40-29 defeat by ed the Rugby Championship, winning up under pressure late in the season Nonu and Smith in the backline? Not change of attitude under Jones, rather Celtic League title. Ireland in Chicago in November. Eng- the southern hemisphere’s elite round- when fatigue is a big factor, I’m very many, but up stepped Beauden Barrett, than a change in the squad Lancaster Hurricanes won their maiden Super land, for their part, fi nished the year robin tournament with two rounds still proud of our team,” said All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown, Malakai Fekitoa struggled to get the best out of. Rugby title, beating the Lions 20-3, undefeated, a fi rst since 1992. to play, averaging 44 points a match and coach Steve Hansen, who gave starts to and Ryan Crotty, all looking like sea- A good dose of arrogance and self- with two other Kiwi sides in the semi- Under Jones, who had coached Japan a winning margin of 30. 20 players who didn’t go to the World soned All Black pros. confi dence has transformed the Red fi nals — the Chiefs and Highlanders, at the World Cup — notably to the up- Among their victories was a memo- Cup. McCaw might have gone off to pi- Rose team, the likes of a telling reminder of New Zealand’s set victory over South Africa, England rable 42-9 stuffi ng of the Wallabies and Indeed, the Kiwi factory has not re- lot helicopters, but No 8 Kieran Read and the Vunipola brothers thriving un- strength in depth.

WELL DONE RUGBY Defending champions Saracens beat Sale to Murray wins BBC equal Euro Cup record

AFP after surviving a scare in the Paris second half on Sunday, they stretched their lead in Pool 5 to 17 points, eight ahead of Bordeaux efending champions and Ulster. award; German Saracens defeated Sale Clermont scored three tries in 24-10 for a record- the fi rst 25 minutes through Isaia equalling 13th con- Toeva and a brace from English Dsecutive European Cup victory full-back Nick Abendanon. on Sunday to virtually wrap up a The bonus point was assured quarter-fi nal spot. just after the interval thanks to The English side have 18 an interception try from fl y- points from four Pool 3 matches, half Camille Lopez as Clermont honour for Kerber eight ahead of three-time cham- swept to 28-0 lead. pions Toulon. But Ulster rallied with three They are the only unbeaten tries of their own through Tom- ‘Actually, I’ve got a bone to pick with my wife because about an hour ago she told side left this year even if Sun- my Bowe, who scored two, and day’s win was nowhere near as Franco van der Merwe to cut the me she’d voted for Nick Skelton. Not smart from her with Christmas coming up’ convincing as their 50-3 rout of defi cit to 28-19. Sale in the teams’ fi rst meeting Clermont steadied the ship Agencies last weekend. with a Lopez penalty after 69 The game’s three tries all came minutes before a penalty try was in the last eight minutes with awarded three minutes from the England fl y-half end. ritain’s world number one men’s going over from close range af- “It’s a good victory but at 28-0 tennis player Andy Murray won a ter a one-handed offl oad by Will ahead we should not have let record third BBC Sports Person- Skelton. them back in the game,” admit- ality of the Year award on Sunday Farrell also kicked 14 points ted Clermont scrum-half Mor- afterB claiming his second Wimbledon title although he uncharacteristically gan Parra, who converted all fi ve and fi rst ATP World Tour crown in a stellar missed two straightforward pen- of his team’s tries. 2016 season — despite his wife telling him alties. Toulon suff ered their second she was voting for one of his rivals. Nathan Earle added Saracens’ defeat in four games, going down Murray, who also retained his Olympic second try three minutes from 22-21 to the Scarlets. men’s singles title in Rio de Janeiro, picked time for a 24-3 lead before Bryn Welsh full-back Leigh Half- up the BBC trophy again after claiming it Evans scored a consolation try penny kicked all of Toulon’s in 2013, when he won Wimbledon for the in the last minute for a Sale side points on his return to South fi rst time, and in 2015. who have lost all four games and Wales with seven penalties. “It’s been a great year for British sport remain without a point. However, his last-minute at- and I am so proud to have been a part of it,” The win allowed Saracens to tempt from long distance missed Murray, who led Britain to the Davis Cup equal the record of 13 wins in a the target as Scarlets kept their semi-fi nals after their fi rst triumph for 79 row held by Munster since 2007 quarter-fi nal hopes alive. years in 2015, said via a video link from his while Sale fans had the consola- Centre Scott Williams scored training camp in Miami. tion of seeing Kiwi winger Denny the only try of the match for the The 29-year-old Scot, who joined Solomona make his debut after Welsh region in the fi rst half with boxer Henry Cooper and racing drivers his controversial switch from Su- Rhys Patchell kicking the re- Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell as the only per League’s Castleford. mainder of the Scarlets’ points. double winners of the event last year, is Sale’s challenge wasn’t helped “The boys will enjoy this. We now out on his own after a year in which by having three players sin- don’t get opportunities to play a he also reached the Australian and French binned. side like Toulon, with their ex- Open fi nals. “Across the board, it was the perience and history, too often,” Although Murray lost to Novak Djoko- kind of game you can get frus- said Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac. vic at Roland Garros, he became the fi rst trated — it seems to change from “It would have been pretty cruel British man to reach the French Open fi nal one week to the next,” said Sara- if we had lost it at the death.” since Bunny Austin in 1937. He also lost to German gymnast Fabian Hambuechen takes a selfie with compatriots, tennis player Angelique Kerber (centre) and F1 world champi- cens coach Mark McCall. In Pool 4, Castres edged fellow Serbian Djokovic at the Australian Open on Nico Rosberg at the German Sports Personality of the Year awards gala in Baden-Baden, southwestern Germany, on Sunday. (AFP) “I think we need referees to French side Montpellier 29-23 in but fi nished the year as world number one. use judgement but you’re relying a game where the losing side had Triathlete Alistair Brownlee was run- on the opinion of the referee on Paul Willemse red-carded for ner-up and show jumper Nick Skelton KERBER WINS GERMAN SPORTS AWARD the day. That’s potentially a dan- charging into a ruck. third in the annual BBC awards. gerous thing to do.” Three-time champions Lein- Brownlee, 28, became the fi rst man to Tennis queen Angelique Kerber, gymnas- from Germany since Steff i Graf in 2016, crowned Formula One world champion Clermont took revenge on Ul- ster lead the pool, fi ve points retain the Olympic triathlon title when he tics star Fabian Hambuechen and beach climbing to the top thanks to Grand Slam Nico Rosberg. ster as a fi ve-try, 38-19 win pro- ahead of Montpellier and seven took gold in Rio, fi nishing ahead of brother volleyballers Laura Ludwig and Kira titles at the Australian and US Open, and Ludwig and Walkenhorst famously beat pelled the Top 14 leaders to the in front of Castres, after handing Jonny, who claimed the silver. Walkenhorst won the German Sports Per- finals at the Rio Olympic Games, Wimble- Brazilian opposition for Olympic gold at brink of the quarter-fi nals. Northampton a record European Skelton, 58, won the individual show sonality of the Year awards on Sunday. don and WTA Tour Finals. the Copacabana beach to take the team The French side were beaten Cup defeat in a nine-try, 60-13 jumping title in Rio 2016, becoming Brit- Kerber topped the women’s list far Hambuechen took the men’s honours prize ahead of European champions men’s 39-32 in Belfast last week, but demolition on Saturday. ain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medal- ahead of biathlete Laura Dahlmeier and for the second time after 2007 thanks to handball team and the women’s football list, 16 years after retiring with a broken track cyclist Kristina Vogel in the poll his horizontal bar gold in Rio, holding off team which claimed Olympic gold. The neck in two places. among German sports media. She became triathlon world record holder and Hawaii awards were presented at the annual gala In his acceptance speech, a delighted the first women’s world number one player ironman winner Jan Frodeno, and freshly in Baden-Baden on Sunday. Murray revealed to much laughter that his wife Kim, who gave birth to their fi rst child, daughter Sophia, in February, had is in the crowd there (in Birmingham). I’d start of last season, were also voted team voted for Skelton. like to thank my dad as as well, who just of the year. “Actually, I’ve got a bone to pick with got married 10 days ago. A huge thanks Michael Phelps received the lifetime my wife because about an hour ago she to my wife and my daughter (Sophia) — achievement award after winning fi ve Ol- told me she’d voted for Nick Skelton. Not she won’t know what this means yet, but ympic golds in Rio, taking his total to 23 smart from her with Christmas coming maybe in a few years she will,” he added. gold and 28 medals in total. up,” said Murray, who was presented with Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri American teenage gymnast Simone his trophy at his Miami training base by was named coach of the year after guid- Biles was named Overseas Sports Person- former world heavyweight boxing cham- ing the Foxes to the Premier League title. ality of the Year for her four gold medals pion Lennox Lewis. Leicester, 5,000-1 to lift the trophy at the and bronze in Rio. “I’d like to thank everyone who voted — I really appreciate your support. Also I’d Andy Murray, who also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2013 and Saracens’ Brad Barritt (left) tries to get past Sale ’ AJ MacGinty like to thank my family. I think my mum 2015, addressed the awards function via video link from his training camp in Miami. during their European Rugby Champions Cup match. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 20, 2016 SPORT

YEARENDER Century of failure wiped away in US sporting year ‘For us to come back from 3-1 and finish this off was amazing. We are world champions for the rest of our lives’

AFP Los Angeles

wo of the most notori- ous curses in American sport were wiped away in 2016 as the Chicago TCubs ended 108 years of futility with victory in the World Series and Cleveland fi nally celebrated a championship. A year which began with a fairytale farewell victory for NFL great Peyton Manning, leading the Denver Broncos to an upset Super Bowl triumph in his fi nal game, drew to a close with the Cubs enthralling the nation with their fi rst World Series win since 1908. After more than a century — 39,466 days to be precise — the Cubs fi nally celebrated reaching the pinnacle of baseball with a nailbiting 8-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians to seal the best-of-seven fi nal 4-3. “It’s unbelievable,” said Cubs star Ben Zobrist, who was named the Most Valuable Player. “I can’t believe after 108 years we’re able to hoist the trophy.” Even more remarkable than the Cubs’ fi nally freeing them- selves of the shackles of history was the manner of their win. They had become the fi rst team since 1985 to rally from a 3-1 series defi cit to win the title, and the fi rst club since 1979 to do it by taking the last two games on the road. “Lot of people had written us off ,” fi rst baseman Anthony Chicago Cubs celebrate after winning 8-7 in Game Seven of the World Series against Cleveland Indians. Rizzo said. “For us to come back from 3-1 however in June when a Cleve- tory, becoming only the third son in history, with a 73-9 record and fi nish this off was amazing. land Cavaliers side inspired by man to notch a triple-double in to surpass the legendary Chicago We are world champions for the LeBron James pulled off a gutsy a decider. team of 1995-1996, who rest of our lives.” triumph over the Golden State James’ heroics was refl ected held the previous mark of 72-10. The Cubs, the eternal punch- Warriors to lift the NBA Finals. in the raw statistics. He led in The NBA meanwhile bade line of Major League Baseball, James cemented his place in every major fi nals statistical farewell to Los Angeles Lakers ended up having the last laugh. the pantheon of the very best to area, averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 legend Kobe Bryant, who signed But as the Cubs celebrated, it was ever have graced the NBA with rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals off with a 60-point binge in his impossible not to feel twinges of an astounding eff ort in the fi nal and 2.3 blocked shots a game. fi nal game at the Staples Center sympathy for the vanquished In- three games of the series as the Those blocks included an in- before memorably telling fans: dians, who themselves have been Cavaliers rallied from 3-1 down credible stop from Angre Iguo- “What can I say? Mamba out.” waiting since 1948 for a World to win 4-3. dala in the closing stages which In the NFL, Broncos quar- Series title. Their wait has now No team had ever bounced thwarted the Warriors just as terback Manning also enjoyed a become baseball’s longest title back from 3-1 down to take the they seemed to be building mo- Hollywood ending with victory drought. title until the Cavaliers against- mentum. “You put everything in the Super Bowl over the Caro- the-odds win in 2016. into the game. The game always lina Panthers in February. King James But James, who had returned gives back to people that are true Manning had become the old- Fortunately, however, it was to Cleveland from Miami vowing to the game,” James said. est quarterback to win the Super not all doom and gloom for to lead his hometown team to the “I know the history of the Bowl at the age of 39. A month Cleveland, the Ohio city which NBA crown, produced a monu- game and I was just confi dent later, he announced his retire- had been locked in the longest mental performance to inspire and calm.” ment from the sport. cycle of futility of any major US an epic comeback. “I fought a good fi ght,” Man- metropolis before 2016. Back-to-back 41-point Signing off ning said. Until this year, Cleveland performances at the Warriors The Cavs’ victory was the fi - “I fi nished my football race, sports teams had not won any forced a game seven in which he nal act of a vintage NBA season and after 18 years, it’s time. God title since the 1964 NFL Browns. delivered arguably the greatest which had seen the Warriors bless all of you, and God bless That long wait came to an end clutch eff ort in NBA Finals his- compile the most dominant sea- football.” Denver Broncos Peyton Manning celebrates after winning Super Bowl.

NHL Blackhawks maintain their winning streak

By Chris Hine the third period. Bartlett, Ill., as I could.” Chicago Tribune native Vincent Hinostroza as- Then the Hawks exploded sisted on Hartman’s goal and with three goals in the third. No scored an important insurance matter what has happened to here were a lot of reasons goal with 2 minutes, 20 seconds the Hawks early in the season – Sunday night could have remaining. injuries to multiple key players, turned out badly for the And Lemont native Darling a poor start for the penalty kill, Blackhawks. rebounded with 33 saves after busy stretches of the schedule – TThey were on the tail end of a the Hawks debated whether to they have handled it and found back-to-back, and their oppo- rest him in favor of fi rst-year ways to win. nent, the fi rst-place Sharks, had goaltender Lars Johansson. “The league is like that. Eve- a day of rest. “We played two games in less rybody has a busy December,” The Hawks were coming off an than 24 hours, and ... we had to coach Joel Quenneville said. emotional, physical victory Sat- just get through it,” Hartman “Everybody has maybe 15 games urday over the Blues, and they said. “Put it all on the line and in this month. Everybody is got back to Chicago late Satur- get the rest (later).” dealing with it.” day. Goaltender Scott Darling The Hawks fell behind 1-0 The Hawks (22-8-4), who lead was coming off two consecutive early in the second period when the Central Division by eight down games and toughing it out Joe Pavelski defl ected in a Brent points, are dealing with it better for a second consecutive night. Burns shot. The Hawks appeared than most. Last but not least, the Hawks sluggish, understandable given “We’re just fi nding a way to were without one of their lead- their busy recent schedule. play the right way,” Quenneville ing scorers in center Artem Ani- But they got a jolt from de- said. simov, who is day to day because fenseman Duncan Keith, who “You try to make sure when of an upper-body injury he suf- scored his fi rst goal of the season it’s time to press with your best, fered in Saturday’s game. to tie the score 16:49 into the you do it, and sometimes you So of course the Hawks de- second. have to be aware when there’s a feated the Sharks 4-1 at the Keith scored from the point little more balance. But you’re in United Center for their fi fth off a feed from Artemi Panarin, that game to win it and you have straight victory. moments after another shot to play it accordingly.” Considering the Hawks were from the point sailed wide. returning home after a three- “Obviously it was a while, so RESULTS game trip, perhaps it was fi tting it was nice to fi nally get one and NY Rangers 3 New Jersey 2 (SO) the game had a strong Chicago- contribute to a big win against a Chicago 4 San Jose 1 area connection. good team,” Keith said. Ottawa 6 NY Islanders 2 Ryan Hartman, who lived in “When (Panarin) put it right Columbus 4 Vancouver 3 (OT) West Dundee, Ill., and Palatine, there in my wheelhouse, I was Winnipeg 4 Colorado 1 Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ryan Hartman celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks with his teammates during the third period at Ill., scored the winning goal in just trying to get it on net as hard Boston 1 Los Angeles 0 the United Centre. The Hawks won 4-1. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, December 20, 2016 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Comeback eff ort turns into another Spurs fete fi ve-time Heat loss to Celtics

By Ira Winderman Heat will retire the No. 32 of Sun Sentinel Shaquille O’Neal at halftime. Having rallied twice in the third period, the Heat closed he Miami Heat have within 91-83 midway through champion Duncan, shown this season the fourth quarter on a pair of they can erupt against Dragic 3-pointers. the Boston Celtics. Later, with the Celtics up TheyT still haven’t shown they 97-85, Winslow caught the can beat them. elbow from Thomas that left Three weeks ago, there was Winslow bleeding below his 42-point third quarter against right eye. the Celtics. This time, the While Winslow missed the Wizards top Clippers Heat outscored the Celtics ensuing free throws, a Tyler by 12 in the third. Both times, Johnson basket followed by a they lost, including Sunday Josh Richardson basket and ‘He didn’t lead in the normal way — there were no chest bumps’ night’s 105-95 setback at then a Dragic 3-pointer drew AmericanAirlines Arena that the Heat within 92-92 with dropped them again 10 games 1:59 to play. AFP below .500, at 9-19, with the The Heat followed with a Los Angeles teams to meet a week from defensive stop, with Johnson Friday in Boston. fouled going for the rebound. As in that 2012 playoff loss With the Heat 11 of 21 from he scoreline in San Antonio to the Celtics, this one was the line to that stage, Johnson read 113-100 on Sunday, but the suitable for the “Good job! only made the fi rst of the two, number that really mattered to Good eff ort!” kid. But that to draw the Heat within 97-93 the Spurs was 21. was all, as now might also be with 1:48 left. TThat’s the number that was raised to the case for the season. Bur Horford responded the rafters as the Spurs — after downing After securing only one re- with a three-point play on the the New Orleans Pelicans 113-100 — cel- bound in the fi rst half, Heat other end with 1:29 to play for ebrated the 19-year NBA career of power centre Hassan Whiteside re- a 100-93 Celtics lead. Rich- forward Tim Duncan, who led the team to gained his motor to close with ardson then fell to 0 for 5 on fi ve championships before retiring prior 23 points and 17 rebounds. 3-pointers for the Heat, with to this season. And point guard Goran Dragic Horford nailing a 16-foot “No Tim, no championships,” Spurs pushed until there was noth- jumper on the other end for coach Gregg Popovich said, although that ing left to push, fi nishing with a 102-93 Boston lead with 62 terse summing up was just part of the sto- 31 points and seven assists. seconds to play. ry told in a playful, sometimes emotional Of course, those two also had But that’s where the good post-game ceremony. their moments in the Heat’s job and the good eff ort stalled. Current Spurs players and former Dun- November 28 game against the The Heat again had to alter can teammates Manu Ginobili and Tony visiting Celtics, when White- their starting lineup, this time Parker paid tribute to a man they came to side closed with 25 points and with Wayne Ellington out know as a friend as well as a teammate. 17 rebounds, and Dragic with with a hamstring issue. That “He didn’t lead in the normal way — 27 points and 17 assists. moved Richardson back into there were no chest bumps,” Argentina’s But none of the other Heat the starting lineup, along- Ginobili said. “Tim was our leader behind players could solve the Celt- side Whiteside, Dragic, Josh the scenes, in the hotel room or in the ics, on a night Celtics point McRoberts and Rodney Mc- locker room out of the public eye.” guard Isaiah Thomas went for Gruder. Duncan, 40, departed the league hav- 23 points on 9-of-15 shoot- The Heat remained without ing been named NBA fi nals Most Valuable ing before he was ejected for Dion Waiters due to a groin Player three times and regular-season a Flagrant 2 foul with 3:02 issue that he said pregame MVP twice. left for catching Heat forward would have him out for at The Spurs’.710 winning percentage Justise Winslow with an el- least another week, but Tyler during Duncan’s tenure was the best 19- bow. The Celtics also got 20 Johnson was back after miss- year stretch in NBA history and was the points from shooting guard ing Friday night’s loss to the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB Avery Bradley and 17 points Los Angeles Clippers due to over that time. from centre Al Horford. the fl u. But Popovich said Duncan’s legacy ex- Factor in 14-of-25 foul The Heat trimmed what tends beyond the gaudy numbers. shooting and 23 turnovers had been a 22-point defi cit to “I am proud to say to his mother and that led to 24 Celtics points 11 early in the third period, but father, who have passed, that he is exactly and a season-longest six- Boston immediately pushed the man now that he was when he walked game homestand that opened back to a 68-52 advantage on in my door,” Popovich said. 2-0 now stands at 2-2, con- their next two possessions. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points tinuing Tuesday against the The Heat then closed with- and Ginobili added a season-high 17 for Orlando Magic and then in 75-67 amid an increased the Spurs, who were determined not to let Thursday night against the eff ort on the boards from the Pelicans spoil Duncan’s night. Los Angeles Lakers, when the Whiteside. “We don’t want to come in and not win the game for Timmy or not have him be retired on a good night,” said guard Danny Green, who contributed nine points in the LaMarcus Aldridge (R) of the San Antonio Spurs out rebounds Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center in San win. Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)

Red-hot Beal lifts Wizards 40-point game of the season. Jazz, who handed the Grizzlies a third de- of Justise Winslow left the Miami player Bradley Beal enjoyed another big night feat in four games. with a bloody gash on his face. in Washington, scoring 41 points for the Embiid pours in 33 The score was knotted at 66-66 mid- Although the contact appeared to be Wizards as they rallied for a 117-110 vic- Rookie center Joel Embiid scored a ca- way through the fourth quarter, but inadvertent, Thomas was assessed a fl a- tory over the Los Angeles Clippers. reer-high 33 points to lead the Philadel- three-pointers by Boris Diaw, Heyward grant-2 foul and ejected. It didn’t change Markieff Morris scored 23 points and phia 76ers to a 108-107 victory over the and Shelvyn Mack saw the Jazz pull away. much for the Heat, who lost their second John Wall added 18 points and 11 assists Brooklyn Nets. It wasn’t close in Orlando, where De- in a row. for the Wizards, who won their a third The 76ers snapped an eight-game Mar DeRozan scored 31 points in just 30 straight game for the fi rst time this sea- home losing streak, winning for just the minutes on the fl oor in the Toronto Rap- RESULTS son. third time in their last 13 games. tors’ 109-79 rout of the Magic. San Antonio 113 New Orleans 100 The Wizards overcame an 11-point The Utah Jazz emerged from a tight The Boston Celtics also came up with a Utah 82 Memphis 73 second-half defi cit in the second half game in Memphis with an 82-73 victory big road win, downing the Heat in Miami Philadelphia 108 Brooklyn 107 and trailed the Clippers 102-95 midway over the Grizzlies. 105-95. Toronto 109 Orlando 79 through the fourth quarter. Gordon Heyward scored 22 points and Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points for Boston 105 Miami 95 Boston Celtics center Al Horford (No 42) defended by Miami Beal took full advantage of the Clippers’ French defensive standout Rudy Gobert Boston before he was ejected with 3:02 re- Dallas 99 Sacramento 79 Heat forward Josh McRoberts during the first half at American defensive lapses as he notched his second added 21 points and 12 rebounds for the maining after his elbow to the right cheek Washington 117 LA Clippers 110 Airlines Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Patriots and Raiders book playoff berths

AFP a touchdown for the Raiders who vals the New York Giants. In Kansas had pulled within 27-26 with four Los Angeles defeated the Chargers 19-16 in San City, Ryan Succop kicked a 53-yard seconds remaining on a four-yard Diego. fi eld goal as time expired to lift the run by rookie quarterback Carson Oakland took the lead on Sebas- Tennessee Titans to a 19-17 upset of Wentz. But Baltimore’s defense he New England Patriots tian Janikowski’s fourth fi eld goal the Chiefs. thwarted the Eagles’ two-point are back in the NFL playoff s of the game from 44 yards out with The Titans improved to 8-6, tied conversion attempt to escape with after a 16-3 victory at Den- 2:40 remaining. atop the AFC South with the Houston the victory. ver on Sunday that dimmed Carr kept the drive alive by run- Texans, who edged the Jacksonville Elsewhere, Eli Manning threw Tthe reigning Super Bowl champion ning for a fi rst down on a third- Jaguars 21-20. Backup quarterback two touchdown passes to lead the Broncos’ post-season hopes. and-eight on the San Diego 29 yard Tom Savage replaced mis-fi ring New York Giants to a 17-6 victory “It was no masterpiece, but it line as Oakland moved to one game Brock Osweiler in the second quarter over the Detroit Lions, and Drew was what it needed to be,” Patri- ahead of Kansas City atop the AFC and led the Texans’ fourth-quarter Brees passed for four touchdowns ots coach Bill Belichick said of the West, with the Broncos third in the rally. Shortly after their ninth straight and 383 yards with no interceptions New England victory, in which division at 8-6. Denver need victo- defeat the 2-12 Jaguars sacked head in the New Orleans’ Saints 48-41 Tom Brady engineered four scor- ries in their fi nal two games, both coach Gus Bradley. victory over the Arizona Cardinals. ing drives and the Pats defense kept tough clashes with division rivals The combined 89 points scored the Broncos out of the end zone and the Chiefs and the Raiders to have Steelers, Ravens win made it the highest-scoring game forced two turnovers that led to a chance of defending their Super The Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to in the NFL this season. scores. Bowl crown. beat the Bengals 24-20 in Cincin- LeGarrette Blount ran one yard The Dallas Cowboys inched clos- nati, eliminating the Bengals from RESULTS for a touchdown and Stephen er to the top seed in the National playoff contention. Cowboys 26 Buccaneers 20 Gostkowski booted three fi eld goals Football Conference with a 26-20 Ben Roethlisberger passed for Raiders 19 Chargers 16 for the Patriots in a game that was victory over the Tampa Bay Buc- 286 yards, including a 24-yard Patriots 16 Broncos 3 largely a defensive struggle. caneers. touchdown to Eli Rogers with seven Packers 30 Bears 27 While the Patriots claimed their Running back Ezekiel Elliott minutes remaining, as the Steelers Titans 19 Chiefs 17 eighth straight division title — and amassed a season-high 159 rushing set up rallied to beat the Cincinnati Texans 21 Jaguars 20 held on to the American Football yards and a touchdown and quar- Bengals 24-20. Colts 34, Vikings 6 Conference’s top seed with two terback Dak Prescott completed 32 Chris Boswell kicked a career- Steelers 24 Bengals 0 regular-season games remaining — of 36 passing attempts for 279 yards best six fi eld goals for the Steelers, Ravens 27 Eagles 26 the Oakland Raiders were celebrat- and also ran for a score. who set up an AFC North show- Bills 33 Browns 13 ing their fi rst post-season berth Dan Bailey kicked four fi eld goals down next week with the Baltimore Giants 17 Lions 6 since 2002. Derek Carr completed for the Cowboys, who rebounded Ravens, who edged the Philadel- Falcons 41 49ers 13 New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (R) attempts a pass in the second half against the 19 of 30 passes for 213 yards with from last week’s loss to division ri- phia Eagles 27-26. Philadelphia Saints 48 Cardinals 41 Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 20, 2016 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA FOCUS Brit teams fi ned for Bayern under pressure poppy tribute for ‘electric’ showdown AFP Zurich

Leipzig, who were only founded in 2009, have torn up the form book in their first season in top flight IFA fi ned England 45,000 Swiss francs AFP ($43,850/42,000 euros) Berlin yesterday for wearing a poppyF tribute to British war dead during their November 11 World ayern Munich face an acid test of their Cup qualifi er against Scotland. status as Bundesliga leaders in tomor- Scotland were fi ned 20,000 row’s crunch showdown when they host Swiss francs, while Wales and second-placed RB Leipzig, who know they Northern Ireland were given haveB nothing to lose. The Bavarian giants have won 20,000 and 15,000 Swiss franc the Bundesliga title at a canter in each of the last fi nes respectively for making four seasons, but Leipzig, who were only founded their own tributes. FIFA rules in 2009, have torn up the form book in their fi rst ban “political” symbols on shirts season in Germany’s top fl ight. during offi cial games but the Just like Bayern, they have won 11 of their 15 British nations denied they had league games, with three wins and a single defeat. breached the ban. Both clubs have 36 points, but Munich are top on Both sets of players and Eng- goal diff erence. A shock 1-0 defeat to Ingolstadt ten land’s manager Gareth South- days ago is the only blot on Leipzig’s record having gate wore black armbands bear- so far beaten the likes of Dortmund, Leverkusen, ing the poppies at the Wembley Schalke and now Hertha Berlin, following Satur- game which England won 3-0. day’s 2-0 home win. The qualifi er was staged on Ar- “Quick, compact and greedy — they are the best mistice Day when Britain tradi- opponent we have faced so far,” was Hertha coach tionally pays tribute to all of the Pal Dardai’s appraisal of Leipzig, who had gone a country’s war dead. record 13 matches unbeaten at the start of their de- England’s Football Asso- but Bundesliga season. ciation has already said it will The Bundesliga breaks for winter after this contest any fi ne and believes its round of mid-week matches and the Allianz Arena “legal position is right and our showdown is the standout tie. Having led for three moral position is right”. weeks until early December, Leipzig knocked Bay- FIFA disciplinary committee ern off the summit for 24 hours after their impres- chairman Claudio Sulser stated sive win over Hertha before Munich’s 1-0 victory it was not their “intention to at bottom side Darmstadt put them top again on judge or question specifi c com- Sunday. “We’re proud to have a game on Wednes- memorations as we fully respect day against Bayern Munich which will electrify the the signifi cance of such mo- whole of Germany and will certainly inspire across ments in the respective coun- the borders,” said Leipzig’s Austrian coach Ralph tries, each one of them with its Hasenhuettl. own history and background”. Last month, Bayern’s president Uli Hoeness But in a statement he ex- dubbed Leipzig their “second enemy” in Germany plained they had issued the fi nes alongside Borussia Dortmund before withdrawing as “rules need to be applied in a the comment, but the Bavarians clearly feel threat- neutral and fair manner across ened by Leipzig. FIFA’s 211 member associa- RB are one of the few German clubs who have tions”. He added: “The display, deep pockets like Bayern with the fi nancial weight among others, of any political or of Austrian drinks giants Red Bull behind them. religious symbol is strictly pro- Their team has an average age of just over 23 and hibited. In the stadium and on there is little fear ahead of their historic fi rst Bun- the pitch, there is only room for desliga match against Bayern. Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (right) and Arturo Vidal react during their win over SV Darmstadt 98 in the German Bundesliga on Sunday. (Reuters) sport, nothing else.” “We want to, we can, but we don’t have to,” said FIFA rules ban “political, reli- defender Stefan Ilsanker when asked about the Timo Werner, who has nine league goals, will face without which it would have been diffi cult on have to put in a top performance, a standard one gious or personal slogans, state- pressure to win in Munich. Leipzig are set to be Germany’s Mats Hummels. Wednesday against RB Leipzig,” said Bayern goal- isn’t going to be good enough against a team like ments or images” on player kits. without injured defensive midfi elder Naby Keita Bayern will be missing his centre-back partner keeper Manuel Neuer. that,” said Hummels. Wales and Northern Ireland (thigh) and defender Marcel Halstenberg (hip), but Jerome Boateng, who needs a shoulder operation. “But we can’t be satisfi ed with the performance opted against allowing their Leipzig’s young guns are relishing the test of their Head coach Carlo Ancelotti says he already knows — that wasn’t FC Bayern today and Wednesday FIXTURES (ALL QATAR TIMES 10PM) players to wear black armbands mettle. “The anticipation is huge. We’ll put eve- his line-up and it’s more than likely Arjen Robben will be a duel between equals.” Today: Borussia Dortmund vs Augsburg, Borussia with poppy symbols. Instead, rything into it and I can hardly wait,” said centre- and Franck Ribery will start on the fl anks. An unthinkable defeat would mean Bayern go Moenchengladbach vs VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburg vs Wales laid a wreath beside the back Willi Orban, who scored against Hertha. While Leipzig impressed against Hertha, Bayern into the winter break with the German media inev- Schalke, E. Frankfurt vs Mainz pitch and fans held up a poppy Centre-backs Orban and Ilsanker will be tasked were lacklustre in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Darmstadt itably asking all sorts of uncomfortable questions Tomorrow: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig, Hertha mosaic prior to their 1-1 World with containing Bayern’s Thomas Mueller and which was settled by a superb goal from Doug- of Ancelotti’s star-studded squad. “The respect is Berlin vs Darmstadt, Cologne vs Bayer Leverkusen, Cup qualifying draw with Serbia Robert Lewandowski, while Leipzig’s top scorer las Costa. “We took three very important points, huge and it’s going to be a demanding test. We will Ingolstadt vs Freiburg, Hoff enheim vs Werder Bremen in Cardiff . FIFA are not world doping ROUND-UP police, says Infantino Griezmann is French player of year AFP fi er against Poland in Bucharest last month. Berlin: FIFA president GIANNI INFANTINO has Paris Romanian fans threw a fi rework at Poland’s ruled out taking the 2018 World Cup from Russia Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski in the wake of the latest findings of the McLaren and on the terraces supporters from both report. “FIFA is not the world police and certainly uro 2016 star Antoine Griezmann countries fi red fl ares at one another, causing not the world doping police,” the head of world was named French footballer of the the game to be halted at one point. football’s governing body told German magazine year by France Football magazine FIFA fi ned Romania 95,000 Swiss francs Der Spiegel. yesterday. A week ago, the Atletico and banned them from playing at their Bu- MadridE forward fi nished third behind Cris- charest stadium for one match with a sec- “Our disciplinary bodies will take care of any- thing in the McLaren report which has anything tiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the Ballon ond match ban suspended. A host of other to do with football. Boycotts and bans have never d’Or world footballer of the year award also federations including Honduras, Greece, solved any problems,” Infantino added as he ruled organised by France Football. Colombia and Venezuela were punished out stripping Russia of the 2018 World Cup finals. The 25-year-old was named best player over the conduct of their fans. And the Solo- The McLaren report, the second part of which and took top goalscorer honours at the Euros mons Islands were sanctioned for fi elding an was announced ten days ago, revealed systematic in the summer, where France lost the fi nal on ineligible player in their November 7 match doping in Russia between 2011 and 2015 which in- home soil to Ronaldo’s Portugal. Griezmann with Tahiti. The game has been declared volved more than 1,000 athletes in several sports, was also named best player in Spain’s La void, with Tahiti awarded a 3-0 win. including football. Liga last season but lost another fi nal to Ro- Infantino says FIFA are still waiting for the naldo as Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico NIGERIA ORDERS PROBE ‘relevant information’ from the McLaren reports to lift the Champions League in May. OF FA FINANCES which mentions 31 tampered doping samples from Nigerian Sports Minister Solomon Dalung footballers. The Swiss says “if measures need to DEFENDER BONUCCI EXTENDS has ordered a probe into the fi nances of the be taken, they will be”, but he pointed to the work DEAL AT JUVENTUS country’s football federation after FIFA sus- FIFA is already doing to combat doping. Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has pended further grants to the body. Dalung “Testing was not implemented by Brazil in 2014 signed a one-year contract extension that said at the weekend it was worrying that or by South Africa in 2010 and won’t be carried out will see him tied to the Turin giants until FIFA had halted development grants to Ni- by Russia in 2018, but by FIFA,” he added. If some- 2021, the Serie A champions said yesterday. geria pending explanation on how a previ- thing goes wrong, “that will be our responsibility, Bonucci, currently out injured until the ous $1.1mn (1.05mn euros) was utilised. our fault,” said Infantino, “but we are confident our New Year, was a reported target for Chel- “This is a very serious issue that must be anti-doping measures will work.” cluding France’s Mediapart. “With that in mind we sea manager Antonio Conte, who led Juve to given urgent attention to avoid another in- When asked about the recent ‘Football Leaks’, have, at FIFA, put in place a committee to gather three consecutive titles before taking over ternational embarrassment, more so that reported by several publications including Der all those interested parties. They will meet for the the Italy squad ahead of Euro 2016. the present administration has zero toler- Spiegel, which alleged tax evasion by high-profile first time at the beginning of next year.” But the 32-time Italian champions have Antoine Griezmann was named best player ance for any act of mis-appropriation, mis- stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Last week Mediapart published a report alleging moved to ward off potential suitors after an- and took top goalscorer honours at the application, embezzlement or fraud in any Mourinho, Infantino said it’s a matter for individual that Doyen Sports, a major transfer market dealer, nouncing a new deal for the 29-year-old. Euros in the summer guise,” said the minister. national federations. had ploughed funds into prostitution, kickbacks It was only last year that Bonucci signed “To this end, the NFF is directed to im- “It is naive to believe that FIFA can know eve- and tax evasion schemes. “I generally believe that a contract extension with Juventus until euros) fi ne for a fresh bout of homophobic mediately provide my offi ce with detailed rything from Zurich which goes on during every the majority of people, and therefore also those 2020. This new deal could give Serie A lead- chanting by their fans. The Copa America information of receipt, disbursement and transfer in the world,” said Infantino. “So it makes involved in the transfer system, are honest,” added ers Juve, who head Roma by seven points, champions are barred from playing at their application of the FIFA development grant sense to give the responsibility to the unions and Infantino. extra leverage in the event of negotiations Santiago home stadium for matches against accordingly.” federations. They should check the transfers, “In any case, I hope that’s the case. That being with rival clubs. Paraguay and Ecuador next year. He called on the NFF to appoint a repu- which take place in their own country.” said, it’s not a reason not to try, incessantly, to Bonucci signed for Juventus from Bari in This is the eighth time since October 2015 table audit fi rm to look into its books. The He added “when someone hasn’t paid their increase and improve the control mechanisms we 2010 and has gone on to make 291 appear- that Chile has been sanctioned by FIFA for NFF however insisted its accounts were in taxes, drives too fast or is drunk behind the wheel, have in place. But we are not an authority charged ances for the club, becoming one of the similar homophobic incidents by their sup- order. Dalung has always accused the NFF of then FIFA is not responsible for that.” with enforcing the law... Although we must do world’s most respected defenders in the porters. The latest case involved chanting poor planning ahead of major international Infantino also said FIFA will lead a meeting of more.” process. From the club’s players still in ac- at Chile’s 2018 World Cup qualifi er against events. He recalled how the government had football representative bodies early next year to The Football Leaks report claimed that Doyen tivity, Bonucci has won the most games (185) Uruguay on November 15. FIFA announced to release 100mn naira ($317,000, 304,000 discuss transfers in the wake of last week’s Foot- Sports had attempted to facilitate the transfer of from all competitions with Juventus since in a statement that the ban and fi ne “relate euros) at the last minute to ensure the Super ball Leaks revelations. “We need to start a huge job Frenchman Geoff rey Kondogbia to Real Madrid the 2010/11 season. to homophobic chants by the team’s fans Eagles honour a 2018 World Cup qualifi er of reflection including all parties: players, clubs, by off ering prostitutes. The report also accused and follow previous sanctions for similar in- in Zambia. The national women’s team, the intermediaries, but also the authorities, notably the Kazakh-Turkish owned company of transfer- CHILE PUNISHED BY FIFA OVER cidents during the preliminary competition Super Falcons, staged a two-week protest the European Commission,” Infantino said in the ring at least 10.8mn euros ($12mn), earnt through HOMOPHOBIC CHANTS of the 2018 FIFA World Cup”. recently in Abuja before their bonuses for same interview to a a group of European media, in- kickbacks, into tax havens. FIFA hit Chile with a two-match stadium ban FIFA also took action against Romania fol- winning the women’s Africa Cup of Nations and a 30,000 Swiss franc ($29,000/28,000 lowing incidents which marred their quali- were paid. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 20, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Pochettino sets Guardiola pins hopes sights on top four push on Chelsea wobble AFP from open-play on the road this London season. Dele Alli equalised but a combination of poor fi nishing, Manchester City trail Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side by seven points organised defending and Burnley auricio Pochettino goalkeeper Tom Heaton kept the says Tottenham are hosts at bay until Danny Rose’s fi rmly back in the 71st minute winner. hunt for a Champi- “The manager always tells us Mons League place after battling to remain patient. You have to back for a 2-1 win over Burnley. at times against teams that sit Pochettino’s side moved within back,” Rose said. “The gaff er does one point of fourth place, cur- not like myself and Kyle (Walker) rently occupied by Arsenal, both being high up the pitch at ahead of the pivotal Christmas the same time but changed that schedule of games thanks to their tactic here. Kyle got his assist spirited showing at White Hart and I got the goal. The manager Lane on Sunday. got his tactics spot on.” After this season’s disappoint- Burnley will certainly be in ing exit at the group stages of the relegation scrap this season, but Champions League, Pochettino boss Sean Dyche believes his side wants another taste of Europe are showing signs that they can and he believes Spurs are still cure their away-day woes, hav- on course. Tottenham are four ing picked up just one point so points better off than at the same far. “We are a work in progress, stage last year and Pochettino but we have taken strides for- said: “We are fi ghting very close ward in the last couple of games,” to the top four and that is im- Dyche said. “A lot has been made portant. In the Premier League it of our away form but we are get- is very hard to win games. Every ting there. But we do need the game is so tough to earn three rub of the green.” points. “But it’s another step in Dyche felt Moussa Sissoko the right direction. I think our should have been red carded for a position is good, now we are high challenge on Stephen Ward winning games and we are a lit- and, to add insult to injury, the tle bit closer to the second posi- substitute created the winner for tion. It is not tomorrow, it is not Rose. “It was a blind challenge, a in a few weeks that we fi nish the high challenge and simply a red,” league. It’s still a long way to the Dyche said. end of the season. We are in a po- “Sissoko has to go off and he sition that we can attack the sec- sets up the second goal which I’m ond half of the season and try to disappointed about. My players’ push a little bit more.” reaction to a clear sending off is Tottenham were far from that he gets up. If he does 14 rolls their best and were forced to then the referee is under pres- come from behind after Ashley sure. “But I don’t think our fans Barnes had opened the scor- want to see our players rolling ing for Burnley in their fi rst goal around on the fl oor.”

Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola (centre) congratulates his players Raheem Sterling, Gael Clichy and Yaya Toure after their win over Arsenal on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP sible, and waiting if the opponent fails Asked if Toure’s form might earn the and suggested match offi cials were un- Manchester, United Kingdom sometimes, and waiting until the last part 33-year-old an extension to his contract, fairly protected from criticism, likening of the season to be there, to fi ght for the which expires at the end of the season, them to “lions in the zoo”. title.” Guardiola replied: “No answer to that He had previously been critical of the anchester City manager Pep Since Guardiola’s arrival in England, question. I know he fi nishes his contract. referee following Arsenal’s 2-1 loss at Guardiola said his side will following stellar stints at Barcelona and Now we have time to discuss about that. Everton last Tuesday, arguing the win- be ready to pounce if Premier Bayern Munich, there has been huge What I am impressed most (by) is his huge ning goal had stemmed from an incor- League leaders Chelsea falter interest in whether his passing princi- quality. He looks like a boy. He played rectly awarded corner. The successive Mfollowing their impressive 2-1 comeback ples will prevail in the pell-mell Premier awesome. It is not in terms of when he losses leave Arsenal nine points below victory over title rivals Arsenal. League. The City manager triggered his has the ball, it’s the personality. When we Chelsea and Wenger said his team would Chelsea have streaked clear at the team’s comeback by moving Kevin De are in trouble, he goes there, asks for the need to tighten up defensively before they summit thanks to a storming run of 11 Bruyne up front at half-time and switch- ball, pass, pass. When Yaya plays at that could even think about chasing down the consecutive victories. City trail Anto- ing Sterling to the right fl ank, but he level, because he is fi t and focused, he is pace-setters. nio Conte’s side by seven points, having played down the signifi cance of the deci- an exceptional, exceptional player.” “We have to come back next week and climbed to second place by coming from sion. “Because we won, now the trainer is German winger Sane cancelled out win our game (at home to West Brom- behind to beat Arsenal at the Etihad Sta- a genius!” said Guardiola, who faced crit- Theo Walcott’s fi fth-minute opener two wich Albion),” he said. “We had a horri- dium on Sunday, and Guardiola says the icism following recent one-sided losses minutes into the second half, bursting ble week, absolutely horrible, and what is leaders are in their sights. to Chelsea and Leicester City. onto David Silva’s lofted pass to slot his worse, out of two good performances we Asked if the win, secured by second- Guardiola said he had apologised to fi rst City goal past Petr Cech. He was giv- get zero points and out of two leading po- half goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem John Stones after benching the centre- en the benefi t of the doubt in a tight off - sitions, we lost two games. That of course Sterling, would give City a psychological back, a £47.5mn ($59.3mn, 56.8mn euros) side call and Arsenal were aggrieved that is very disappointing. boost, Guardiola nodded and replied: “A recruit from Everton, for the second game Silva also got away with swishing a foot at “Before we think about the nine points, lot. Seven points is a huge distance and running. But he hailed Yaya Toure, who Sterling’s decisive 71st-minute shot as it we have to come back to be realistic. For when a team can make 11 victories in a has become an increasingly vital cog in fl ew past Cech. a while we have not kept a clean sheet row, you just can say congratulations. City’s midfi eld despite Guardiola initially Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said (eight league games). If you want to play Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Burnley’s Ashley Barnes (right) vie for “But at least to be there as much pos- freezing him out. his side had fallen to “two off side goals” at the top, you have to keep clean sheets.” the ball at the White Hart Lane in North London on Sunday. (Reuters)

Twin defeats sparked RECORD Chelsea surge, says Conte Premier League’s longest winning streaks London: Premier League lead- ers Chelsea’s storming 11-game AFP 11 WINS: MANCHESTER CITY winning run was forged in their London (APRIL-SEPTEMBER 2015) back-to-back defeats against City lost their title to Chelsea the fol- Liverpool and Arsenal, accord- lowing season, but they fi nished that ing to manager Antonio Conte. remier League leaders Chel- campaign like a train, winning their last Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Crystal sea set a new club record at the six fi xtures. Manuel Pellegrini’s men be- Palace on Saturday equalled weekend by registering an 11th gan the subsequent campaign in equally the club record for successive consecutive league win within impressive fashion, winning their fi rst Pthe same season for the fi rst time. Here fi ve games without conceding a goal, but league victories, set over two seasons in 2009, and left them are the longest winning streaks since would ultimately fi nish fourth. seven points clear at the top of England’s top fl ight was relaunched as the table. the Premier League in 1992: 12 WINS: MANCHESTER UNITED Immediately prior to the (MARCH-AUGUST 2000) run, Chelsea lost 2-1 at home 11 WINS: CHELSEA United roared to the fi nish line in the to Liverpool and then fell 3-0 (APRIL-SEPTEMBER 2009) 1999-2000 title race, winning their fi nal at Arsenal, and Conte believes The 2008-09 season was a tumultuous 11 games and ending the campaign with a those results sparked a change one for Chelsea, with Luiz Felipe Scolari record 18-point advantage over nearest in attitude. “After the defeat sacked as manager in February after only rivals Arsenal. against Liverpool, and also boured doubts about whether seven months in charge. They scored 37 goals in the process, against Arsenal, it changed his players were suited to it. But the team recovered form under including seven in a 7-1 demolition of something in me, in the players, “Before the game against interim manager Guus Hiddink and fi n- West Ham United in which Paul Scholes in the club,” the Italian said, in Liverpool, I understood our ished the season with a run of fi ve suc- claimed a hat-trick. The following sea- comments published by British formation wasn’t good to face cessive wins. son began with a 2-0 win over Newcastle newspapers. Liverpool, tactically, and we paid Scolari’s permanent successor, Carlo United and would once again end with “We understood the way to for this,” he said. “Also, against Ancelotti, picked up where Hiddink had Arsenal set a record for the most wins within a single Premier League season (13) and United top of the pile. go and have a diff erent season, Arsenal, I said to change, left off , overseeing six straight wins at the most successive wins in the history of the English top flight (14) as they romped to compared to last season. It because now we are playing the start of a season that would end with a second league and FA Cup double under Arsene Wenger. 14 WINS: ARSENAL was diff erent. For this reason, with three central defenders. a free-scoring Chelsea team crowned (FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2002) we found the right solution, In the history of Chelsea, this league champions and FA Cup winners. 1 WIN: MANCHESTER UNITED 11 WINS: LIVERPOOL Arsenal set a record for the most wins formation, but also to improve never happened, no? To change (DECEMBER 2008-MARCH 2009) (FEBRUARY-APRIL 2014) within a single Premier League season the quality of the work in all it totally, this situation, is not 11 WINS: CHELSEA Beginning with a 1-0 victory at Stoke City Liverpool’s 24-year wait for the league ti- (13) and the most successive wins in the aspects. After these two bad easy. You must go slowly, slowly, (SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016) on Boxing Day, Alex Ferguson’s United tle appeared destined to come to an end history of the English top fl ight (14) as games, we changed a lot.” and to put the idea (across). In The seeds for Chelsea’s current run of went on a run of 11 consecutive wins that as a team spearheaded by Luis Suarez and they romped to a second league and FA The beginning of Chelsea’s my mind, and also before the wins were sown during a 3-0 defeat at shot them to the top of the table. They Daniel Sturridge rattled off a series of Cup double under Arsene Wenger. turnaround can be pinpointed games against Liverpool, there Arsenal in late September, when new kept clean sheets in the fi rst nine games, thrilling victories in the English spring of Fourth in the table in early February, to the exact moment Conte was the will to change, but I manager Antonio Conte switched to his won six matches 1-0 and only conceded 2014. Their victims included Arsenal (5- Arsenal tore to the front with a run of 11 switched to a 3-4-3 formation waited until the right moment. preferred 3-4-3 formation. two goals over the entire run. 1), Manchester United (3-0) and title ri- wins on the spin before securing the ti- during the second half of the “You always hope not to The west London club have since been The sequence came to a juddering halt vals Manchester City (3-2). But Brendan tle with a 1-0 success at the home of title defeat at Arsenal on September make great changes to the unstoppable, notably beating Manches- in a 4-1 home defeat by Liverpool, which Rodgers’s side were to come unstuck in rivals Manchester United. They fi nished 24. He has kept faith with the team. I have players that had ter United (4-0), London rivals Totten- was followed by a 2-0 loss at Fulham. But a 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea, with the season by beating Everton 4-3 at system ever since, with stun- only played with four (in de- ham Hotspur (2-1) and Manchester City a subsequent burst of seven wins carried Steven Gerrard’s unfortunate slip gifting Highbury and opened their title defence ning results, but admits he har- fence).” (3-1), moving seven points clear at the Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to a Demba Ba a goal that opened the door for with a 2-0 win over Birmingham City be- league summit. third consecutive title. City to claim the title. fore drawing 2-2 at West Ham. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT ‘Spectacular’ year for Suarez double, Cristiano: Ronaldo Messi magic hands Barca derby win ‘Leo’s move is a PlayStation move from a unique player that only he can do’ Real Madrid’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo poses as he holds the Golden Ball trophy after winning the Club World Cup football final.

AFP and led Portugal to a stunning Yokohama Euro 2016 title. “The stats don’t lie, as always,” sniff ed the player of the tourna- ristiano Ronaldo said he ment, referring to last week’s had answered his critics Ballon d’Or award, which put in style as he rounded him one behind fi erce rival Lionel off a “spectacular” year Messi’s record fi ve. Cwith a hat-trick to win the Club “People criticise me often World Cup for Real Madrid and but I’m used to it,” added the add to his multitude of titles. 31-year-old, who scored his After his heroics fl oored Ja- 500th career club goal in Real’s pan’s Kashima Antlers 4-2 in 2-0 semi-fi nal win over Mexico’s extra-time on Sunday, the Por- Club America. tuguese superstar summed up a “I’ve shown my quality on the remarkable season in which he pitch for many years and I had a has also lifted the Champions spectacular season for Real Ma- League, Super Cup, Euro 2016 drid and Portugal.” and Ballon D’Or trophies. His preening style and pouty “They always expect more of social media photos showing off Cristiano,” said Ronaldo, referring his six-pack can grate, but Ron- to himself in the third person. aldo is pure box offi ce. “It’s been a week full of joy af- A crowd of 68,000 in Yokoha- ter winning the Ballon d’Or too. ma oohed and aahed at Ronaldo’s I thank my teammates because show-boating, even if his team- without them Cristiano couldn’t mates weren’t so enthralled. win these individual awards,” he It was inevitable at a tourna- added. ment where FIFA trialled video Ronaldo showed why he was referees for the fi rst time in of- voted the world’s best player for fi cial competition that Ronaldo a fourth time last week, but there was central to that plotline too. were also the moments of self- When his semi-fi nal goal was indulgence that make him such a briefl y reviewed — by accident, polarising fi gure. as it turned out as a video referee At one point in the fi rst half, he had inadvertently kept his fi nger even tripped over the ball after on the intercom button, alerting attempting one of his trademark the referee to a possible off side — stepovers. Ronaldo’s face turned to thunder. But as a nail-biting fi nal went Moments later he broke out into extra time, Real’s talis- into a broad grin, order restored man pounced twice to bring the as the referee confi rmed his Spanish giants a second world 377th goal in 366 games for Real Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (L) and club title in three years and fi fth — now 380 in 367. Lionel Messi celebrate a goal against in total. After their punishing trip to Espanyol during their La Liga match. It capped an astonishing year the Far East, La Liga leaders Real in which Ronaldo helped Real fi nally get some time off before a become champions of Europe for home game against Granada on AFP unbeaten run came to an end. as he fed Suarez, who spun away from to Iniesta and Messi as they dribbled past an 11th time, added a Super Cup January 7. Barcelona The fi ve-time World Player of the Year the Espanyol defence, before picking out a combined seven Espanyol defenders wasn’t to be denied, though, as Messi Neymar and the Brazilian’s low cross was before Messi’s shot was parried by Rob- got the goal his performance deserved a fi red inches wide by Messi. erto and Suarez snaffl ed up the rebound. uis Suarez celebrated his bumper minute from time. Barca had to wait just 10 minutes more Seconds later Messi tore the Espanyol Brazil and Colombia to play benefit new fi ve-year Barcelona deal in “Leo’s move (for the second goal) is a to open the scoring as another sumptu- defence apart once more to leave Jordi Alba match for Chapecoense style with a double as the cham- PlayStation move from a unique player ous Iniesta pass was expertly controlled free to drill the ball into the far corner. pions defeated Espanyol 4-1 in that only he can do,” Suarez told Spanish by Suarez and he bore down on goal be- Espanyol did muster a reply to salvage Brazil and Colombia are crashed into mountains outside Lthe Catalan derby to move to within three TV station Movistar. fore slotting into the far corner. some pride with their fi rst shot on target to play a benefit match to Medellin, points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Barca’s upturn in form in recent weeks For all their dominance in possession, as Gerard Moreno headed into Lopez’s raise money for families of Colombia on November 28 However, it was Andres Iniesta and Li- has coincided with the return of veteran the champions had to wait till the start path, who had stormed forward from Chapecoense players and leaving 19 players and staff onel Messi’s skills that stole the show as playmaker Iniesta from a six-week in- of the second period to enjoy more clear centre-back to fi nd the top corner. off icials who died in a plane among a total of 71 fatalities. Barca took advantage of Real’s duties in jury layoff and the Spanish international chances as Messi curled wide from the However, a virtuoso display from Mes- crash last month. “We hope to do something to winning the Club World Cup earlier on was to the fore as the hosts dominated edge of the box before he teed up Suarez si got the fi nale it deserved as he and Sua- The Brazilian football as- help the families who have Sunday to cut the gap at the top ahead of throughout. with a brilliant defence splitting pass. rez exchanged a one-two before the Ar- sociation CBF said Monday suff ered such a massive loss,” La Liga’s three-week winter break. “We’ve enjoyed watching players in This time the Uruguayan was denied gentine prodded between Roberto’s legs. the match would be played the coordinator of the Brazil Iniesta teed up Suarez for an early their natural habitat doing incredible, by Diego Lopez, but at a cost as the Es- on January 25, 2017, in the national team, Edu Gaspar, opener before both Iniesta and Messi unpredictable things and making us en- panyol ‘keeper injured his knee in clash- SUNDY’S RESULTS Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio said in a statement. showed sublime touches for the second joy this marvellous sport,” added Barca ing with Suarez and had to be replaced by Leganes 1 (Guerrero 23) Eibar 1 (Bebe 76) de Janeiro. Brazil will only pick home- eventually fi nished off by Suarez. boss Luis Enrique. Roberto. Deportivo la Coruna 2 (Andone 7, Babel The plane carrying the Brazilian based players for the match Messi created Barca’s third as well for Iniesta sparked a sweeping counter- Suarez moved level with Messi as La 42) Osasuna 0 football team Chapecoense to which is not being held on an Jordi Alba before David Lopez pulled a attack on eight minutes involving all Liga’s top scorer with 12 with Barca’s sec- Barcelona 4 (Luis Suarez 18, 67, Alba 68, the Copa Sudamericana final off icial international date. goal back for Espanyol as their 10-game three of Barca’s star-studded frontline ond, but once again the credit should go Messi 89) Espanyol 1 (David Lopez 79)

QATAR STARS LEAGUE El Jaish face Al Sadd in top-of-the-table clash

By Sports Reporter have enjoyed a fi ne December in the & Vladimír Weiss gave Pedro Caixina’s fellow strugglers Muaither 1-0. A last- Doha league scoring 17 goals and conceding men all three points as they consoli- gasp header from captain Dominigos just 1 in their four games so far. Con- dated their position in fourth place. El meant that Ahmad al-Ajlani picked up fi dence will be high amongst Jesualdo Jaish’s defeat meant that both Al Sadd his fi rst win since taking charge of the he fi nal match of the week for Ferreira’s side as they look to register and Lekhiwya had the chance to leap- Thunders over a month ago. the fi rst half of the season will their sixth straight win in the QSL. frog the soldiers and both sides grabbed Umm Salal has a new coach in Mah- be a top of the table clash be- Over recent weeks it seems that Sadd their opportunity with important vic- moud Jaber, and the Egyptian didn’t tween El Jaish and Al Sadd. have right mix between attack and de- tories on Friday evening. waste any time in getting the Orange TThis match will take place on December fence to consider themselves one of the Al Sadd posted a comprehensive 3-1 Fortress back to winning ways. Umm 22 at the Lekhwiya Stadium. favourites for the QSL title come the victory over Al Sailiya, ensuring that Salal ran out easy 3-1 winners against El Jaish will have plenty of motiva- end of the season. One player who rep- they ended round 12 atop of the QSL Al Wakrah, thanks in part to a well- tion to get back to winning ways to resents this newly found balance in the standings. Goals from Morteza Poura- taken match winner from young Qatari overtake Al Sadd at the top of the QSL squad is defender Morteza Pouraliganji. liganji, substitute Khalfan Ibrahim and attacker Hilal Mohammed. Jaber will standings. Last time out, the soldiers The Iranian international has been captain Xavi, who notched this fourth be aiming to pick up back to back wins fell to only their second domestic de- helpful at both ends of the pitch in the goal in as many league games ensured a when Umm Salal takes on Al Arabi in feat of the season at the hands of an last two weeks contributing to clean comfortable afternoon for the Wolves. one of the stand out ties of round 13. in-form Al Gharafa side, 2-1. The de- sheets and notching two goals in as Sadd will now take on Jaish in a top of Al Shahania showed plenty of fi ght- feat meant that Al Sadd’s 3-1 win over many games for his team. Pouraliganji the table clash in round 13. ing spirit to come back from a goal down Al Sailiya took top spot for the fi rst time is a constant threat from set pieces, and As for Lekhwiya, they needed a 96th to register their fourth draw in six QSL this season. that could be the key for Sadd to get all minute winner from young midfi eld- games. The 2-2 draw against Al Khor Sabri Lamouchi has stressed the im- three points, in what will be a closely er Almoez Ali to grab all three points means that Jose Fernando’s side is com- portance of being at the top of the table fought encounter. with a 2-1 win against Al Ahli. The goal fortably away from the relegation zone, come the end of the season, not in De- It certainly promises to be a match to wasn’t without controversy, with the heading into their fi nal game of the fi rst cember in his recent pre-match press savour when El Jaish take on Al Sadd in winner coming two minutes beyond half of the season against Lekhwiya. conferences. However the French coach a table-topping QSL match of the week the allotted stoppage time. Despite The Doha derby between Al Arabi will be well aware that a defeat to Sadd for round 13. protests from Al Ahli management and and Al Rayyan closed out the weekend’s could deal his side a major psychologi- the whole squad, Lekhwiya came away action on Saturday evening. The game cal blow in the title race. El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouch (L) and Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. QSL TALKING POINTS with the win to keep their unbeaten didn’t disappoint as Al Rayyan ran out Jaish striker Romarinho has been It’s all change at the top of the QSL start to the season intact. 3-0 winners. Goals from Koh Myong- quiet in front of goal since picking up has only scored once so far in December scoring touch in this must win game. standings as league leaders El Jaish fell At the bottom of the QSL table, Al jin, Sebastian Soria and a Vivien Assie the QSL player of the month award and Lamouchi will be counting on the As for Al Sadd, they still remain un- a 2-1 defeat the hands of in-form Al Kharaitiyat registered an important win Koua own goal gave Michael Laudrup’s from November. The Brazilian forward former Corinthians man to fi nd his goal defeated in the QSL this season and Gharafa. Goals from Krisztián Németh in their fi ght to beat the drop, defeating side Doha derby bragging rights.