TENNIS| Page 3 FFOOTBALL|OOTBALL Page 4 Illness, Spanish star To Advertise here injuries didn’t Xavi extends Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 stop Venus stay with believing ’s Al Sadd

Friday, January 27, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia II 29, 1438 AH Ali, Morgan star GULF TIMES in big win over SPORT Page 6

GOLF/ THE COMMERCIAL BANK Dredge shoots 64 to take one-shot lead at benign DGC The 43-year-old Dredge, who finished in a tie for fourth last year, scorched the back nine for his eight-under total

By Satya Rath Doha

t was an unusually calm day at the Doha Club yester- day. The trademark gusty winds, which have almost become syn- Ionymous with the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, stayed away. These were conditions in which Bra- dley Dredge excels, and the Welsh- man shot a superb 64 to sit atop the leaderboard, one shot ahead of Fin- land’s Mikko Korhonen, after the Graeme McDowell shot a 66 to set fi rst round of the landmark 20th himself up for a great finish. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. The 43-year-old Dredge, who fi n- good,” said the 36-year-old Finnish ished in a tie for fourth at the CBQM golfer, competing in Doha for a third last year, picked up birdies on the fi rst, straight year and looking for his fi rst fi fth and eighth on the front nine but European Tour win. ’s Aphib- scorched the back nine with birdies on arnrat birdied his last two holes on the the 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th for eighth and ninth to join McDowell on his eight-under total. six-under. “My confi dence is high af- “I’m obviously delighted with the ter last week. I just need to keep doing score. I’m a bit surprised as I thought I well and keep things positive and just was going to hit the ball a bit better off believe. I’m hitting the ball well. Solid the tee. I putted really well and I think golf. I just missed one green and it was 64 is a good number out there,” said a good way to fi nish, with two birdies,” Dredge, who is playing the Commer- said the three-time European Tour cial Bank Qatar Masters for the 16th winner, who fi nished tied-fourth in time, having played in the fi rst edition Abu Dhabi last week. Today’s second- in 1998. round action starts at 6.30am, with “I’ve played the course enough over the last groups teeing off at 12.20pm. the years and I felt as though I really got my eye in, apart from my last two Leading scores putts. Apart from that, I putted really 64 - Bradley Dredge (Britain) well. Without the wind, it was the op- 65 - Mikko Korhonen (Finland) portunity to go at more fl ags and get 66 - Nathan Kimsey (Britain), Graeme the ball a bit closer to the pin. It makes McDowell (Britain), Kiradech Aphibarnrat it a lot easier to get the score going and (Thailand) get the putts in,” the Welshman, who 67 - Alexander Knappe (), Simon won European Tour titles in 2003 and Bradley Dredge of Wales tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the 20th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. Picture: Getty Images Dyson (Britain), Jaco Van Zyl (), 2006 besides 13 runner-up fi nishes, Joakim Lagergren (), Thomas Detry added. total after just 11 holes. He started his this morning,” said McDowell, who der par and feel like you left a few out winner , ’s Rafa (Belgium), Raphael Jacquelin (), Igna- Two strokes behind the leader were back nine with his seventh gain on won the most recent of his 10 - there. Just the start I was looking for,” Cabrera Bello and ’s Bernd Wi- cio Elvira (Spain), Paul Dunne (Ireland) the trio of Graeme McDowell, Thai star the second before a lone bogey on the pean Tour titles in 2014. added the four-time Ryder Cup star, esberger. 68 - Sam Walker (Britain), Thomas Aiken Kiradech Aphibarnrat and England’s par-four sixth ruined his near-fl aw- “It was great to get off to a fast start who last played the CBQM in 2012. Second-placed Korhonen was (South Africa), Callum Shinkwin (Britain), Nathan Kimsey. Starting from the less round as he fi nished with a 66 to right out of the gates, birdieing the World No. 10 Alex Noren, four-time happy with his round of 67. “It feels Gregory Bourdy (France), Chris Hanson 10th tee, ’s McDowell lie tied for third with Aphibarnrat and fi rst three holes, and that kind of set major winner Ernie Els, 2018 Ryder good. I thought I would probably have (Britain), Alexander Noren (Sweden), Ernie Els shared the clubhouse lead for much of Kimsey. the tone for the day. I really felt like I Cup captain Thomas Bjorn and 2016 a chance because it’s defi nitely the (South Africa), Andy Sullivan (Britain), Daniel the day after scorching the front nine “I’m very happy with that. Incredi- gave myself a lot of chances, even on Ryder Cup rookie Andy Sullivan each most calm day I’ve ever seen here. I hit Im (US), Anton Karlsson (Sweden), Thomas with three straight birdies on the 10th, bly benign conditions for Doha… Even the tougher front nine, my second shot 68 to lie in a share of the 14th. it solid, made a couple of long putts Bjorn (), Richie Ramsay (Britain), 11th and 12th, and further gains on the when it doesn’t blow here, it typically nine. I felt like I left a couple out there , the 2013 champion, card- and made all the short ones, so basi- Graeme Storm (Britain), Daniel Brooks (Brit- 14th, 16th and 18th for a seven-under blows 15 and it was perfect conditions and it’s always nice to shoot six-un- ed 69, a shot ahead of two-time major cally no mistakes, no bogeys. That was ain), (Britain)

TENNIS Federer, Williamses set up fi nals for the ages

AFP the exits of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, weeks, singles, doubles. I played semi-fi nals of Melbourne the top two seeds. singles, quarters of doubles. I would sign for that Federer, back from a six-month injury break, every time, for sure,” said the Croatian. took full advantage as he weathered a fi ghtback America’s Vandeweghe, who was also un- oger Federer survived an all-Swiss from fourth-ranked Wawrinka, who destroyed a seeded, was bitterly disappointed as she blew a thriller to push his incredible run all the racquet and took a medical time-out along the one-set lead against Venus to lose 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, way to the Australian Open fi nal yes- way. 6-3. “Straight after the match I was pretty up- terday, as Serena and Venus Williams “It feels amazing,” Federer said. “I never set. I had a feel-sorry-for myself moment,” the Rclinched a dream women’s decider. thought in my wildest dreams that I would be 25-year-old said, calling her loss from one set up Federer was taken to fi ve sets by a belliger- going to be coming this far here... it’s beautiful, a “missed opportunity”. ent Stan Wawrinka before he pounced for a 7-5, I’m so happy.” “But what made me feel a lot better was when 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 victory to reach his fi rst Grand Federer now has a golden opportunity to add my team came over when I was in the gym sitting Slam fi nal since the 2015 US Open. to his record 17 major titles and potentially gain by myself, they came over, gave me a big hug.” It makes Federer, 35, the oldest major fi nalist revenge against Nadal, who has won the last four Attention will now switch to today’s men’s since a 39-year-old Ken Rosewall at the 1974 US of their eight Slam fi nals. semi-fi nal, when Nadal will play Bulgaria’s Open, with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal or While the Williams sisters marched on, it was Dimitrov hoping to set up his ninth fi nal against Grigor Dimitrov awaiting on Sunday. at the expense of brave Croatian Lucic-Baroni, Federer. Federer wasn’t the only one to turn back the whose astounding Grand Slam comeback was And the Williamses will prepare for their big clock as Serena and Venus Williams, aged 35 and halted by Serena. moment tomorrow when Serena is seeking an 36 respectively, set up their fi rst major fi nal to- Lucic-Baroni, 34, took a selfi e on court and Open-era record 23rd major title and a return to gether in eight years. blew kisses to her fans after her fi rst Grand Slam world number one. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni and Coco Vandeweghe semi-fi nal in 18 years ended in a 50-minute, 6-2, Venus stands to clinch her eighth Grand Slam were the semi-fi nal victims as the jubilant sis- 6-1 defeat. crown — eight years after her last, and 20 years ters went into their ninth Grand Slam title The 79th-ranked former teenage prodigy dis- after she inaugurated the Williams’ Grand Slam match. appeared from the scene after fl eeing her abu- reign by winning the 1997 US Open. The women’s semi-fi nals had the highest sive father but she has tenaciously clawed her “I just feel whatever happens, we’ve won, average age in Open-era history, and the men’s ’s Roger Federer hits a shot during his Australian Open semi-final match against back to the very highest levels. because she’s been through a lot and I’ve been tournament is also a blast from yesteryear after compatriot Stan Wawrinka in Melbourne yesterday. “I’m proud of myself. I had an incredible two through a lot,” Serena said. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 27, 2017 GOLF

FOCUS Jacquelin equals Kjeldsen’s record our-time European Tour winner Raphael Jacquelin of France has Ftied Soren Kjeldsen’s record of 19 appearances at the Commercial Bank Kiradech shoots a 66 Qatar Masters. Kjeldsen, Denmark’s top-ranked player, played in the first 19 editions of the Euro- pean Tour event at Doha Golf Club, but is playing in the USA this week. Jacquelin, 42, played in the inaugural Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in 1998 and every edition from 2000, only miss- to raise hopes of fi rst ing out on the second edition won by Paul Lawrie. Jacquelin’s best finish was a tie for third in 2004. “I thought I may have played every time. I can’t remember why I missed out in 1999. I remember Andy Coltart won in 1998, but that’s all I can remember about the first event. Anyway, I’ll come next Asian champ at CBQM year and make it 20,” said Jacquelin, who won European Tour titles in 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2013. ‘There are a lot of top players in the field so I’m going to have to work hard and who knows, there “There have been a lot of changes to the tournament. Every year we come might be a first Asian champion. Asian players have been improving, especially playing in the wind here, it gets better. Everything is made for us and it’s always good to come here. and on longer courses. In a couple of years, I think you’ll see more Asian players on European Tour’ “They treat us like kings, so it has been great. Also, it’s good to get this run from Abu Dhabi to Qatar to Dubai. For us in Europe, there’s no point staying home in the cold winter. This is the best place to come and practise and play golf. Three events in a row is perfect,” the French- man added. Lawrie, who also won in 2012, and fellow two-time Ryder Cup player David Howell also played the first event in 1998 and both are playing the tournament for an 18th time. Lawrie missed out in 2000 and 2003, while Howell was absent in 2005 and 2007.

Que bounces back to tie fi rst at By Sports Reporter can still recover. Doha “In fact, we were all doing great to- Myanmar Open day. Scott and Wang are good friends India’s Chawrasia opens with two-under 70 and we all played together on the Asian s India marked its Republic Day yesterday, SSP AFP iradech Aphibarnrat talked Tour. Asian players have been improv- Chawrasia gave golf fans in the country further Yangon about the possibility of a fi rst ing, especially playing in the wind and reason to celebrate with a two-under-par opening Asian champion of the Com- on longer courses. In a couple of years, A round of 70 at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. mercial Bank Qatar Masters I think you’ll see more Asian players on Chawrasia, 38, started the day brightly with a birdie on he Philippines’ Angelo Que bounced Kafter the big-hitting Thai carded a six- the European Tour,” the Thai added. the par-five first but the three-time European Tour winner back from an opening bogey to tie under-par 66 in the fi rst round of the Li, who fi nished behind Wang in the suff ered a setback on the seventh where he bagged a Tfor first with Japan’s Azuma Yano at European Tour event yesterday. 2016 European Tour Rookie of the Year triple-bogey. the end of the first day of the Myanmar Koreans Wang Jeunghun—playing rankings, played down talk of winning However, the Kolkata-born star recovered spectacularly Open yesterday. The three-time with Kiradech—and Lee Soomin, and on his fi rst appearance in Qatar, but the by firing birdies on 10, 13, 15 and 17 to give himself a solid winner, who finished joint 11th in Singapore No. 1 all carded 69 21-year-old admitted he enjoyed play- start in his sixth appearance in the tournament, but first last week after a string of last round bogeys, on their tournament debuts, while In- ing with 10-time European Tour win- since 2013 when he finished 49th. notched seven birdies to end the day on a dia’s SSP Chawrasia carded a 70. ner Graeme McDowell for the fi rst time. Chawrasia, India’s third-ranked player behind PGA Tour six-under-par 65. He shared the clubhouse Kiradech, 27, started his year with “Graeme is a nice guy and a birdie star Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar, was delighted lead with three-time Japan champion Yano, a tie for fourth last week in Abu machine! I really enjoyed playing with with his recovery after admitting he was inundated with who hit four straight birdies in his bid to bet- Dhabi alongside Martin Kaymer and him. We talked a lot about his experi- good luck messages in the morning. ter his runner-up result from last year. —the trio fi nish- ence and funny things,” said Li, who “It’s Republic Day, so I got a lot of messages this morning “It was the first hole (bogey) and first hole ing two shots behind winner Tommy played on the Web.com Tour in 2015 and I replied to many of them. Everybody in India must be jitters maybe,” said Que, who is renowned on Fleetwood. before becoming a full-time European very happy today — and I am, too!” laughed Chawrasia, who the tour circuit for his bright coloured attire. “I All four players, as well as joint run- Tour member last April after his China played alongside Asian Tour friends David Lipsky of the told myself it was the first hole and there are ner-up Pablo Larrazábal, are compet- Open victory. USA and Lee Soomin of . so many holes left, so be patient. That’s what ing this week and Kiradech—a three- “My game today surprised me be- “I’m really happy to come back after a triple bogey on the happened and I made the birdies.” time European Tour winner—said he’s cause it was my fi rst round of the year seventh. I hit a drive left and my ball was in a lot of stones so Korean star KT Kim ended the day trailing continuing from where he left off . and I thought I wouldn’t play that I took a penalty drop and then chipped out. On the fourth the leaders by one shot on 66, alongside “This week, there are a lot of top great. My ball striking was good and shot, I hit the green then three putted from over 30 feet. countryman Hwang Jung-gon and Makoto players in the fi eld so I’m going to have has given me a little bit of confi dence. “After that, I told myself that I can still save the round as Inoue of Japan. Last year’s winner, Shaun to work hard and who knows, there “I’m lucky there was no wind. I there are many holes left and I then made a few birdies Norris, ended the day four-over-par on 75. might be a fi rst Asian champion,” said think I can keep playing well. My driv- on the back nine and came back. I’m looking forward to Golfers from 30 diff erent nations are com- Kiradech, who’s playing the fi rst two er was really good and I hit a lot of fair- another round. I’m two-under right now and obviously I’m peting at the four-day Leopalace21 Open for rounds with Wang and 2016 Asian ways, but I missed a few putts. looking for a good finish. There are three days and many a share of the $750,000 purse in Myanmar’s Tour No. 1 . “I still need to work on the pace of my holes left. I have a good chance if I keep putting well,” he richest tournament. Since emerging from “My game was solid today. From last putts. I just want to take it easy because added. Chawrasia, India’s sole representative in the event, decades of isolating military rule, Myanmar week until now, I’ve hit a lot of good it’s my fi rst event of the year. First, I will tee off at 11.10am on hole 10 in the second round today. is now witnessing a nascent golfing scene shots and even when I hit a bad shot, I want to make the cut,” he added. both for amateurs and professionals.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar’s al-Kaabi cards four-over, vows to go low in second round today By Sports Reporter round 70 in 2014. Al-Kaabi entered the tourna- Doha “I could have done better as I ment high on confi dence after missed three short par putts on shooting a closing 67 to fi nish run- the front nine and had bad luck on ner-up at the Qatar Open Amateur aleh al-Kaabi vowed to im- the 16th when I lost my ball. I was earlier this month, having fi nished prove after carding a four- a bit disappointed to miss the small third at November’s King Hamad over-par 76 yesterday for putts. On the 16th, my tee-shot hit Trophy in Bahrain and winning De- his second-best score at the the top of the rocks and nobody cember’s SGF Open amateur tour- SCommercial Bank Qatar Masters. nearby could see it. I went back to nament in Saudi Arabia. Making his fi fth straight appear- the tee, hit the green with my sec- Al-Kaabi is one of two Qatari ance in the European Tour event, ond shot, then had two putts so amateurs in the fi eld along with Qatar’s top amateur bogeyed one, did quite well to only make a bogey 29-year-old debutant Abdulrah- four, six and seven before steadying there,” said al-Kaabi, who has a man al-Shahrani, who shot a 12- the ship with six straight pars. one-year-old son. over to lie last on the leaderboard. Al-Kaabi, 22, birdied the 14th “My score should be better. To- Al-Kaabi will tee off from hole 10 but was unfortunate to lose his morrow’s another day. For sure, if at 10.50am today, while al-Shah- ball off the tee at the par-fi ve 16th, I keep hitting the ball like I am, I rani will start at 8.30am, also on leading to a bogey. His best score in know I can shoot a better score. I hole 10. Today’s second-round ac- four previous appearances at the can make a really low score tomor- tion starts at 6.30am, with the last PICS: Jayaram European Tour event was a second- row,” he added. groups teeing off at 12.20pm. Gulf Times Friday, January 27, 2017 3 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Wawrinka consoles himself in defeat to Bring on Rafa, says ‘greatest ever’ Federer

Reuters tle crushed. “I’m proud of my- Melbourne self, of the fi ght I gave tonight and all the tournament. I think there are a lot of positives from tan Wawrinka bowed this tournament, from Bris- excited Federer, out sore, sad and a semi- bane, from the month already. fi nal loser at the Aus- “For sure I’m really sad and tralian Open on yester- disappointed...But at the end I dayS but consoled himself that know I tried everything on the it was “the greatest player ever” court.” who pushed him out the door Wawrinka carried a knee after a classic fi ve-set duel. injury into the match and had Two sets down and facing it strapped during a medi- ahead of fi nal push a stinging defeat by compa- cal timeout after smashing his triot and friend Roger Federer, racket in a rage on losing the fourth seed Wawrinka roared second set. ‘...I’m probably Rafa’s number one fan, I think his game is just tremendous’ back into the match in a furious But the straight-talking assault of power hitting before Swiss said it had played no part surrendering 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 in the match. Reuters 6-3 under the lights at Rod He was also up against the Melbourne Laver Arena. crowd, but could hardly be- With Federer the sentimen- grudge them for rallying be- tal favourite and the crowd hind the veteran Federer, who oger Federer reached his fi rmly in his corner, Wawrinka will bid for a record 18th grand fi rst Australian Open held break points at 1-1 and 2-2 slam singles title on Sunday fi nal in seven years on in the nerve-shredding fi nal set more than four years after win- yesterday and then but the chances went begging. ning his 17th. madeR it as clear as he politely Under pressure on his own “Yeah, I think the fact that could that he would welcome the serve, Wawrinka crumbled in he was out for six months chance to renew his epic rivalry the sixth game with a double- also, fans and people in gen- with Rafa Nadal as he chases his fault that gifted Federer the de- eral missed him on the tour. 18th grand slam title. cisive break, and the 35-year- So the fact that he come back, The 35-year-old Swiss came old marched on to a sixth fi nal that he’s playing, for sure,” through an fi ve-set battle with at Melbourne Park. Wawrinka said. compatriot Stan Wawrinka to set “I don’t know what to say. I “Everyone wants even more up a fi nal against Spaniard Nadal mean, I cannot just be happy to see him play, to see him or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, to win two sets against Roger,” win... He’s fl ying on the court. who meet in Friday’s second Wawrinka told reporters, his He’s playing amazing tennis. semi-fi nal. “It’s real, I can really bid for a fourth grand slam ti- He’s the best player ever.” actually talk about a fi nal, I’ve been dodging that bullet for the last few days,” Federer said. “Rafa’s given me the most Lucic-Baroni leaves Melbourne problems in the game... I’m prob- ably Rafa’s number one fan, I on a high despite semis defeat think his game is just tremendous. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni off ered no excuses for her meek de- He’s an incredible competitor. parture from the Australian Open semi-finals at the hands of “I’m happy that we’ve had Serena Williams yesterday, keener to discuss the career-high some epic battles over the years ranking that will follow her stunning run at Melbourne Park. The and of course it would be unreal 34-year-old Croatian was ranked 79th in the world coming into to play him here.” the year’s first grand slam but after rolling back the years with a While Federer’s preference run to the last four is projected to leap into the top thirty when seemed clear, he did not earn his the new rankings are released next week. reputation as one of the great “No more quallies!” said Lucic-Baroni, pumping her fists in the gentlemen of sport without pay- air in celebration of the main draw tournament entries her new ing due respect to both of his po- ranking will earn her. “That’s amazing because who would have tential opponents. thought at 34-years-old I would be breaking my personal best. I “(Dimitrov)’s got a very com- mean, that’s a little silly. It’s crazy, but really fun. It’s really nice.” plete game. He can mix it up re- “I always knew I could do it. It’s easy to talk, ‘I belong here, I’m ally well. He’s very confi dent and good enough to be there.’ Until results speak for you, it’s all you never want to play confi dent talk.” Lucic-Baroni first played at Melbourne Park as a 15-year- players, but it’s him or Rafa,” said old star-in-the-making in 1998 before fading out of the game for Federer, laughing. “It’s going to a decade as off -court problems, including alleged abuse at the be tough either way.” hands of her father, took their toll. After rebuilding her career Both Federer and Nadal missed from the ground up, her remarkable renaissance in Melbourne the back end of last season be- Switzerland’s Roger Federer (R) embraces Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka after their singles semi-final on day 11 of the Australian Open in caught the imagination of tennis fans around the world. cause of injury, the Swiss after his Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) “Honestly she’s an inspiration, she deserves all the credit today,” fi rst ever knee surgery and Nadal said Serena. “Everything she’s gone through, she inspires me.” because of a wrist injury. Federer Lucic-Baroni said she had received support from around the said neither of them would have Federer says timeouts ‘more mental than anything’ globe after downing world number three Agnieszka Radwanska believed they would be potential- then number five Karolina Pliskova on her way to the semis. ly meeting in a grand slam fi nal Roger Federer admitted medical timeouts it’s just a physio,” Federer added. Medical a believer in any way that we should be “It’s been so incredible. So many friends, former players that when they got together to open were “more mental than anything” after timeouts have sometimes been controver- allowed to take a lot of timeouts. played before, even before my time,” she said. the Spaniard’s academy in Mal- he went off for treatment at a key moment sial. At the 2014 Australian Open, Victoria “But I took it after the set break. People “It’s really incredible how much support I’ve received. Just lorca just a few months ago. in his Australian Open semi-final with Stan Azarenka drew suspicions after going off know I don’t abuse the system. I hope it’s about every person I know and don’t know have accused me of “I was on one leg, he had the Wawrinka yesterday. at a critical point of her semi-final against going to stay that way in the future for me, making them cry.” wrist injury and we were play- Federer said the injury break, for an upper- Sloane Stephens. too.” Lucic-Baroni said she would be heading straight home and had ing some mini-tennis with some leg problem between the fourth and fifth Wawrinka also went off for treatment after Wawrinka said he had no concerns about no interest in who won the final between the Williams sisters. juniors and we said, ‘That’s the sets, helped him clear his head before losing the first two sets, and he returned to Federer’s timeout, adding that he didn’t “Would you believe me if I tell you that I don’t care at all? I hope best we can do right now’,” he returning for the final set against his fellow win the next two against Federer. think it had any bearing on the outcome it doesn’t sound the way it sounded,” she laughed. said. “A few months later, we’re Swiss. Federer, who had lost the previous “It maybe relaxed Stan just to be able to of the match. “Anyway it’s a set break, so She made the most of her moment in the sun, taking time after potentially going to be in the fi - two sets, returned to win 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, talk about I don’t know what. The same it’s a longer break. I took one when I need the defeat to take a selfie with the Rod Laver Arena crowd in the nal. I think it’s been a very spe- 6-3 and reach his sixth Australian Open fi- thing for me, as well,” Federer said. it. We both know each other. We’re not the background. “The emotion was really nice,” she said. “It was just cial tournament for both of us nal, setting up a shot at a record-extending “You start chatting about it, how good or players who take extra medical timeout,” a beautiful moment.” already.” 18th major trophy. “These injury timeouts, bad the leg is, how you hope it’s going to he said. I think they’re more mental than anything turn around. That can leave a positive ef- “If we take it, it’s because we need it. I took INJURY ‘NO WORRY’ else,” the 35-year-old said, when asked fect on you when you come back. it when I needed it; he took it when he need Federer unusually took a if it gave him a chance to clear his head. “I only really did take the timeout because it... If you look at the end, the fifth set, I had medical timeout in his three- “For the first time maybe during a match I thought, ‘He took one already, maybe I some opportunity at the beginning. I don’t hour, fi ve-minute battle with you can actually talk to someone, even if can take one for a change’. Because I’m not think it aff ected the score.” Wawrinka, saying he had been carrying an upper leg injury. He said he was not worried court and fi ghting it out for a leave it all out here in it my best shot,” he said. “It feels come this far in Australia. I have about it and nothing was going fi fth Australian Open crown on and if I can’t walk for another amazing. I never, ever in my a couple of days off . It’s beauti- to stop him from taking to the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. “I’ll fi ve months, that’s okay. I’ll give wildest dreams thought I would ful, I’m so happy.”

FOCUS Illness, injuries didn’t stop Venus believing

AFP drome, a rare, energy-sapping au- ment has also come through hard Next up is younger sister Serena Melbourne toimmune disorder, in 2011. work, coupled with an unrelenting in their ninth Grand Slam fi nal on “Even the matches I’m not win- desire to win. “Clearly these match- Saturday, eight years after the last ning, I’m still in control, normally, es are challenging, physically, men- at Wimbledon. Serena holds a 6-2 enus Williams says she never of every match that I have the op- tally, all of that. It’s a challenge,” she advantage, stretching back to the US doubted she’d reach another portunity. It’s on my racquet, al- said. “But I’m up for the challenge. Open in 2001. Grand Slam fi nal despite an ways putting myself in position to be Also, if I’m here, that’s why I’m here. “Oh God, yeah, for sure,” Venus eight-year drought — and where I need to be. I’m not just here to hang out halfway said, when asked if she thought she Vshe’s not planning to let her sister “As long as you continue to try, around the world. could win on Saturday. If she does, Serena ruin the party now she’s there. you have an opportunity. That’s why “This is a long way to come for a it would thrust her back into the The 36-year-old rolled back I’m here.” hang-out session. Whether you win, world’s top 10, from her current 17 the years to beat dangerous Coco In making the decider, she be- lose or draw, it’s very focused of why ranking. Just making the fi nal will Vendeweghe 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 in comes the oldest fi nalist at Mel- you’re here.” move her up to at least 11. the Australian Open semi-fi nals, bourne Park in the Open era, joining “I probably just need to continue striking a blow for the tennis old a select list of 30-somethings to get ‘Chump change’ playing like I’m playing. I haven’t guard and justifying her self-belief. that far including Chris Evert and Against Vandeweghe, she was calm played badly. I lost a set today. I was Despite failing to reach a major fi - Martina Navratilova. and focused, drawing on her vast ex- not happy about it,” she said. “But nal since Wimbledon in 2009 — her The 13th seed also bags the record perience to tame her supremely con- my opponent deserved that set. So 14th, winning seven and losing seven for the longest wait between major fi dent fellow American, picking her what else could I do? Try to get the — she always knew it would happen fi nals at seven-and-a-half years, shots well and conserving energy to next two. I will try to do the same. again, despite the illness and injuries following her last appearance at bounce back after losing a fi rst set “When I’m playing on the court she has suff ered in the intervening Wimbledon. tiebreaker. with her (Serena), I think I’m play- years. Williams has consistently said Her joy at clinching the win and ing, like, the best competitor in the “Not at all. Not at all,” she said, in Melbourne that she has nothing fi nally making another fi nal was game,” she added. “I don’t think I’m when asked if she ever thought the to prove and was simply “living the clear for all to see, as she screamed chump change either. I can compete chance had passed, particularly with dream”, and her relaxed approach and performed pirouettes to huge against any odds. No matter what, I Venus Williams of the US celebrates winning her singles semi-final against Coco Vandeweghe her diagnosis with Sjogren’s syn- has paid dividends. But her achieve- roars from the crowd. get out there and I compete.” of the US. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 27, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DEAL Xavi extends Qatar contract by a year Cracks appear in AFP playing in Qatar but Al Sadd Doha are currently second in the QSL, three points behind league leaders Lekhwiya with arcelona great Xavi nine games to go. Hernandez has Xavi originally signed for agreed a year’s exten- the Doha-based club from the sion to his contract Catalans in June 2015 and was Zidane’s Real Madrid withB Qatar’s Al Sadd, accord- unveiled just days after Barce- ing to a statement posted on lona’s victory against Juven- ‘We will turn it around. If we keep believing then we can achieve good things’ the club’s website yesterday. tus in the Champions League The club said that the 2010 fi nal. World Cup and four-times Despite some criticism of Champions League winner Xavi for moving to Qatar be- would remain in the Qatar cause of corruption and hu- Stars League (QSL) until at man rights’ controversies least 2018. surrounding the country’s “Xavi had earlier joined successful bid to host the 2022 the team at the start of the World Cup, the player has 2015/16 season after signing revelled in the Middle East. a two-year contract,” read the He has become an offi cial statement. “With this exten- ambassador for the 2022 tour- sion, he is now set to complete nament and, off the pitch, be- three years at the club.” come a father for the fi rst time The announcement was while in Qatar. made a day after the midfi eld- According to media reports er’s 37th birthday. at the time, his initial contract Xavi has yet to add to his was said to be worth around huge tally of medals while 10mn a year.

Ranieri shrugs off liar jibe in Ulloa dispute Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (C) in action with Celta Vigo’s goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez and Facundo Roncaglia during their King’s Cup match. (Reuters) Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri insists he has no problem AFP mountain to climb to reach the Real support, means Zidane is Fateful January years and were also sent packing with unhappy striker Leonardo Ulloa despite being branded a Madrid Cup semi-fi nals as a 2-2 draw now faced with the fi rst stiff test Carlo Ancelotti’s Real side from the Champions League by liar by one of the Argentine’s agents. Ulloa handed in a transfer away to Celta on Wednesday al- of his senior managerial career to posted a club record 22-game Atletico in April as fatigue took request last week but the Premier League champions have lowed the Galicians to progress get Real back on track. winning streak before Christmas its toll. reportedly rejected a bid from Spanish club Alaves because rom 40 games without 4-3 on aggregate. “We will turn it around. If in the 2014/15 season as they Worryingly for Zidane’s men, Ranieri would prefer to keep him. Horacio Rossi, who helps rep- defeat to just one win in In isolation all three results we keep believing then we can lifted the Club World Cup. they still have over half their resent Ulloa, was quoted this week saying he was tired of the four, 2017 hasn’t been are understandable. achieve good things,” said Zi- However, a similarly poor league season to go, including “lies” from Ranieri and director of football Jon Rudkin. Ulloa is kind to Zinedine Zi- Sevilla scored twice in the dane as he tried to emphasise January followed as they lost 2-1 four away games in February. disgruntled after starting just once in the Premier League this dane’sF Real Madrid with the Eu- last fi ve minutes to infl ict Ma- the positives. Belief is certainly at Valencia in their fi rst game Meanwhile, their quest to be- season and he has not been off ered a new deal after helping ropean champions’ Copa del Rey drid’s fi rst defeat since April on something that his side have of the new year before being come the fi rst side to retain the the Foxes win the title last season. But ahead of today’s FA Cup elimination to Celta Vigo spark- January 15. Moreover, losing at not lacked. Time and again Real dumped out of the Copa del Rey Champions League since 1990 fourth-round trip to Derby, Ranieri said he has spoken to the ing doubts for the fi rst time in the Sanchez Pizjuan is no dis- dug themselves out of trouble by Atletico Madrid. will face a stern test from the on- 30-year-old and cleared the air. “The agent said I was a liar but the Frenchman’s tenure. grace with Sevilla sitting second, on their 40-game unbeaten run “The dream of the treble is left form Napoli with the fi rst leg just I don’t want to respond to him. It’s diff erent, I understand him Zidane celebrated a near fl aw- ahead of Barcelona, in La Liga. with late goals. for another season, whilst the three weeks away. because he (Ulloa) is Latin and when someone speaks when less fi rst year in charge at the Celta are also enjoying a fi ne Even on Wednesday, they nightmare is growing of another With that tie in mind, avoid- it’s not me why do I have to apologise for that person?” Ranieri Santiago Bernabeu in early Janu- season and Real were severely twice came from behind to level fateful January after winning ing a two-legged Cup semi-fi nal said. “With Leo I have a fantastic relationship and I have to ary having won three trophies in hampered by injuries with Zi- on the night to give themselves the Club World Cup (as in 2015) over the next two weeks may support him. Two seasons ago he was the goalscorer, we paid the Champions League, UEFA dane missing seven fi rst-team hope of a fi ghtback. that had tragic consequences for prove to be a blessing in disguise a lot of money for him. “Last season every time I put him on Super Cup and Club World Cup regulars in total for Wednesday’s However, fears among Madrid the rest of the reason,” Madrid and allow Zidane to get some the pitch he made a fantastic performance. I understand him and suff ered just two defeats. second leg. fans and media is growing that sports daily Marca said yester- vital members of his squad back when this season once or twice he went to the stand, not on However, back-to-back de- However, the cumulative ef- Real could be falling into a spiral day. Barca’s mini-collapse came fi t. “I prefer it to happen now the bench. “He said ‘last season I saw the light, I had a chance feats to Sevilla and then Celta fect of three negative results and that has aff ected both Madrid later in the season last year, but, than in a month’s time with La to play but this season I don’t feel this’. I understand him but he saw Real’s lead at the top of La a shaky 2-1 win over Malaga in and Barcelona after winning the after a 39-game unbeaten run, Liga or the Champions League must also understand me. Liga cut to a solitary point and which Cristiano Ronaldo was Club World Cup in the past two they lost three La Liga games on the line,” said Madrid captain “If I have to let him go, for me it’s not good.” left them with too much of a jeered by some sections of the seasons. in a row for the fi rst time in 13 Sergio Ramos.

FOCUS Klopp slams offi cials aft er League Cup exit

Reuters by week. Really hard.” ‘Saints not in Cup fi nal London “Today, the handball was for just to participate’ me obvious. 100% obvious.” Klopp admitted that the sec- Southampton have not reached the uergen Klopp expressed ond appeal for a foul on Divock League Cup final just to make up the disappointment at the of- Origi just before Long’s breaka- numbers, midfielder James Ward- fi ciating and his Liverpool way goal was not a penalty, but Prowse has said. Southampton beat Jside’s poor fi nishing in said refereeing decisions had four Premier League sides, including the second leg of their League cost Liverpool in recent weeks, their 2-0 aggregate triumph over Cup semi-fi nal at Anfi eld on contributing to their run of one Liverpool in the semi-final, en route to Wednesday after Southamp- win in seven games in 2017. the final, where they will face either ton claimed a late 1-0 victory to “There’s been a lot of off side Manchester United or Hull City. book a spot in the fi nal. goals against us which shouldn’t “It’s something you find hard to de- Liverpool’s poor start to 2017 have been allowed,” he added, scribe. It means a lot to everyone and continued when they failed to singling out Liverpool’s 1-1 Pre- obviously us young lads that have come break down a well-organised mier League draw at Manchester through the academy to play a part in Southampton defence before United on Jan. 15. that is great,” Ward-Prowse told British Shane Long’s injury-time win- “In one of the biggest games... media. ner secured a 2-0 aggregate tri- against Manchester United, “It’s obviously going to be a great day umph for the Saints. (Antonio Valencia) was two or out, but it’s not something we’re looking “First of all congratulations to three yards off side but nobody to just participate in. We’re looking to Southampton,” Klopp told Brit- really speaks about it. That’s go and win now.” ish media. “They won both legs how it is. It doesn’t feel good. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster thanked his so they deserve to go to the fi nal “You just have to say after the lucky stars, having almost fumbled but tonight especially I think we game, I think okay ‘do I have to midfielder Emre Can’s shot into his could have won and that’s why speak about, it, is it my job to get own net during Wednesday’s 1-0 win at I’m disappointed.” to a fi ne about it by talking about Liverpool. Liverpool had two penalty ap- it?” Daniel Sturridge missed “It wasn’t superb, it was self-inflicted. I peals rejected, the fi rst when the two chances to hand Liverpool thought I did enough to get there — the ball struck Long’s arm after an the initiative and Klopp was left footballing gods were with me,” Forster overhead kick by Roberto Firmi- lamenting the lack of a cutting said. no and Klopp was disappointed edge. “Maybe that’s the luck we needed. We that the offi cials missed it. “Creating chances against a deserved it. We created a lot of chances “The handball was clear. team like this is really not easy and defended well.” Long, a clear handball,” he add- but we did it and then you have Southampton will turn their immediate ed. “Maybe it’s not interesting to score,” he added. “That didn’t attentions to Saturday’s fourth round and I don’t look for excuses or happen tonight but that’s not a FA Cup clash against Arsenal at the St anything but it’s really hard to problem in general, it’s only for Mary’s Stadium. accept it week by week by week tonight.” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Daniel Sturridge during their League Cup semi-final match against Southampton. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, January 27, 2017 5 SPORT

LIGUE 1 SPOTLIGHT Montella optimistic as Milan aim to break PSG, Monaco clash fi rst-half bad habits

Reuters and lowering their sights to the Milan Europa League. On Wednes- day, they let in two goals in 21 minutes at Juventus in their C Milan’s slow starts cup quarter-fi nal, before again as Evra makes to games are threat- fi ghting back well in the second ening to undo the half but still losing 2-1. team’s good work “If we played every game the beforeA Christmas and return way we do the last half-hour, them to the mid-table medioc- we’d win a lot more often,” rity of recent seasons. Montella told state broadcaster Enduring their third cam- Rai after Wednesday’s game. paign without Champions “We are improving and re- Marseille debut League football, Milan have ducing the gap with the top been caught napping in their teams but we still need time. last three games, conceding They were two hard-fought ‘He’s a captain who binds the group together and talks a lot so it would be good for us’ two goals in the fi rst half-hour matches and we must be proud of each match. Despite spir- of ourselves,” he added. ited — though not always suc- “Juventus and Napoli are AFP cessful — fi ghtbacks each time, two really strong sides and Paris their lapses have cost them they’ve been working together precious points in the league for a long time”. and led to elimination from the Despite the setbacks, Mon- espite Sunday night’s Coppa Italia. tella, the fi fth incumbent since highly anticipated They will be hoping to avoid Massimiliano Allegri departed clash between cham- giving their opponents anoth- in 2014, still seems to be in pions Paris Saint-Ger- er head start when they visit credit at Milan. In recent sea- mainD and leaders Monaco all eyes Udinese on Sunday. Vincenzo sons, Milan have made a habit will fi rst be rivetted on Marseille Montella’s side, just two points of signing players past their for the Ligue 1 return of former behind Serie A leaders Juventus peak. Big names such as Kaka, France captain Patrice Evra. after their win over the Turin Fernando Torres, Michael Es- The fi ery 35-year-old left- side in October, have dropped sien, Kevin-Prince Boateng, back’s arrival is the latest devel- to seventh, 11 points off the pace Alessio Cerci, Mario Balo- opment of the Marseille revival and seven adrift of Napoli in the telli and Mattia Destro have all and should send their raucous Champions League playoff spot. come and gone. Velodrome stadium wild on Fri- The run started 10 days ago Under Montella this season, day for the visit of Montpellier. when Milan hit back to draw however, they have turned to a “When you see the Velodrome 2-2 at Torino after going two combination of youngsters who go wild like that you have to con- goals behind in 25 minutes and have emerged from the club’s gratulate the city of Marseille surviving a missed penalty. academy and journeyman pro- for its astonishing passion,” said Last Saturday, they conced- fessionals. They remain in a the club’s new American owner ed two goals in the opening 10 transitional phase, as Montella Frank McCourt who is trying to minutes against Napoli in game pointed out. “We have shown lure home Dimitri Payet from that was crucial to their Cham- many times that our strength is West Ham, has brought in new pions League hopes. we don’t give in,” he said. “I am coach Rudi Garcia and now the Despite recovering well in satisfi ed with the lads. We’re former Monaco, Manchester the second half, they lost 2-1, on the right track and laying United and Juventus defender. leaving them well adrift of the foundations at the start of “He’s a great champion, a their third-place opponents this project.” great professional,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said of his departing star. NHL Former European champions Marseille are seventh 15 points off the Champions League plac- es in France and while Garcia has Ducks fall to Oilers restored faith and discipline the back-line has been leaky. By Eric Stephens losses? Two came in regulation “He’s a captain who binds the The Orange County Register to Minnesota, which is sitting group together and talks a lot so on top of the Western Confer- it would be good for us and the ence. Another came in over- club,” said Marseille midfi elder here will be one over- time to St. Louis, which holds a Remy Cabella on news of Evra’s riding question that’ll wild-card spot. And now surg- arrival. surround the Anahe- ing Edmonton, which shows no “18 or 39 — it’s all about per- im Ducks among the sign of fading away. forming on the pitch.” Tsmaller ones that will sit with The Oilers (27-15-8), who Montpellier are perched two them after a 4-0 spanking from are on a 6-0-1 run over their points above relegation and are the Edmonton Oilers heading last seven games, got a strong a perfect opponent for Marseille into the All-Star break. 26-save eff ort from goalie Cam after two heavy defeats to table Can they beat good teams? Talbot, who got his fourth shut- toppers Monaco and bitter rivals Their second-place spot in out of the season and 15th of his Lyon. PSG players celebrate after scoring a goal during the French League Cup match against Bordeaux (FCGB) in Bordeaux. (AFP) the Pacifi c Division race re- career. And there was plenty mains intact, though the Oilers of off ensive support to back Title six-pointer points, Nice second on 46 and games and with Edinson Cavani ber 18. In last week’s 1-1 draw at wins. closed within a point of that him. Leon Draisatil continues After the arrival of Julian PSG third on 45 Sunday’s game thriving since Zlatan Ibrahimov- Bastia, Mario Balotelli claimed with Wednesday’s one-sided to terrorize the Ducks. Lost in Draxler in the New Year, Paris has just as much allure as a title ic left for Manchester United to have been racially abused and SCHEDULE win. And the Ducks (27-15-9) sit the shadow of young super- Saint-Germain will Sunday un- six-pointer. the home side look slight favour- one fan came forward to admit Today (all times GMT) just one point behind division star Connor McDavid, Draisaitl veil their latest addition, Portu- With a huge goals haul of ites. the charge in midweek and is fac- Marseille v Montpellier (1945) leader San Jose as it welcomes in scored twice and now has four guese striker Goncalo Guedes for 64 in 21 games so far Leonardo Marco Verratti and wing wiz- ing a nationwide stadium ban. Tomorrow Edmonton on Thursday. goals against the Ducks in the the visit of free scoring top side Jardim’s side will present a chal- ard Draxler have struck up an So with the arrival of fi fth Lyon v Lille (1600), Angers v But when it comes to fac- teams’ three meetings this sea- Monaco. lenge to PSG’s tight backline. exciting understanding and will placed Guingamp on Sunday Lu- Metz, Bastia v Caen, Lorient v ing teams that are in legitimate son. The third-year forward also The 20-year-old arrived from Star striker Radamel Falcao is present problems for even the cien Favre’s Nice will be hoping Dijon, Nancy v Bordeaux and playoff position, the Ducks are took over Edmonton’s goal scor- Benfi ca where he has scored sev- back on form with 12 goals in the very best sides. to switch attention to on-pitch Rennes v Nantes (1900) failing those tests. Sure, they ing lead with his 18th and 19th. en and made seven assists since league and was on target in mid- matters. were 9-2-1 coming into Thurs- the season’s start. week, but Thomas Lemar, Valere Balotelli stand Striker Alasssane Plea and Sunday day but those wins were com- Results The two will also meet in the Germain and Guido Carillo are Nice are hoping to end a poor Italian Balotelli have scored Nice v Guingamp (1400), ing against the underachieving Edmonton 4 Anaheim 0 League Cup fi nal on April 1 after all scoring too. run of form brought on by injury 17 league goals between them Toulouse v Saint Etienne (1600), (Tampa Bay, Winnipeg, Dal- Vancouver 3 Colorado 2 midweek semi-fi nal wins. But both sides have emerged and suspensions which has seen while Guingamp are in their lofty Paris Saint-Germain v Monaco las), mediocre (Detroit) and Philadelphia 2 NY Rangers 0 But with Monaco top on 48 victorious in their past fi ve them fail to win since Decem- perch due to etching out narrow (2000) bad (Colorado, Arizona). The Toronto 4 Detroit 0

NBA Kings beat Cavs in OT, bounce back

AFP saying it “certainly wasn’t appropri- who fell to the Cavs in last season’s this has been good for us.” Los Angeles ate from a teammate perspective”. title series, haven’t lost two regular- Although he and coach Tyronn Lue season games in a row since April Gasol lifts Grizzlies said the air had been cleared, the Cavs of 2015 — the longest such streak in Spanish big man Marc Gasol scored he NBA champion Cleveland couldn’t reverse their fortunes on NBA history. Durant scored 16 of his a career-high 42 points to lead the Cavaliers’ struggles contin- court in Cleveland. 33 points in the fourth quarter. NBA Memphis Grizzlies to a 101-99 victory ued with an overtime loss After Aaron Affl alo’s three-pointer Most Valuable Player Curry added 28. over the Toronto Raptors. to the Sacramento Kings on with 30.8 seconds left in overtime put “Over the course of a season, you’re Gasol scored his team’s fi rst 16 TWednesday as the Golden State War- Sacramento up 115-112, James missed going to hit some road bumps and points of the contest, connecting on riors got back on track with a victory a three-pointer with 10 seconds re- you’re going to lose some games,” 14 of 25 shots from the fi eld including over the Charlotte Hornets. maining and Kings star DeMarcus Curry said. a career-best fi ve three-pointers. Not even a second straight triple- Cousins capped the scoring with a “So it’s all a matter of how you “The ball went in early and then double from superstar LeBron James free-throw with fi ve seconds to play. bounce back and show your resilien- the rim got a little bigger,” said Gasol, could lift the Cavs, who fell 116-112 Cousins scored a game-high 28 cy. You can’t keep us down too long. whose prior career high was 38 points. and have lost their last three games points with 11 rebounds, nine assists We always seem to self-correct pretty “And I just kept shooting.” and six of their last eight. and three steals for the Kings. quickly and fi nd our way to get our After setting an early tone, Gasol “Just try to get better,” was James’s James scored 24 points with 13 re- rhythm back, and tonight was anoth- sealed the contest with two free prescription. “We’ve got to get better bounds and 11 assists in defeat. er example of that.” throws with 36.3 seconds remaining, that’s all. “It seems like when you’re losing, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was with the Raptors’ Kyle Lowry miss- “We had our opportunities. It don’t you’re not playing well, every ball pleased with the determination dis- ing a potential game-winning three- matter who we go against, if they’re bounces the other team’s way, every played by his team in rallying from a pointer at the buzzer. sub-.500 or plus-.500, we know mistake you pay for it,” Lue said. 10-point third-quarter defi cit. The we’re going to get everybody’s best, so “That’s what’s happening right now, Warriors trailed by fi ve going into the Results we’ve just got to be better.” so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of it.” fi nal period. Portland 105 LA Lakers 98 The comments were tame com- The Golden State Warriors, in con- “These last two games have been Dallas 103 NY Knicks 95 pared to the tirade James delivered trast, wasted no time in righting the good for us,” Kerr said. “They were Atlanta 119 Chicago 114 after Monday’s loss to the New Orle- ship after a shock loss to the Miami played the way teams are going to Philadelphia 114 Milwaukee 109 ans Pelicans, calling the squad “top- Heat on Monday. play us, physical games, a lot of grab- Memphis 101 Toronto 99 heavy” and questioning manage- Led by Kevin Durant and Stephen bing and holding, trying to beat us Oklahoma 114 new orleans 105 ment’s commitment to retaining the Curry, the Warriors rallied in the up on the off ensive boards. We have Golden State 113 Charlotte 103 title. fourth quarter to beat the Hornets to understand that we’re a skill team Boston 120 Houston 109 Cavs general manager David Griffi n 113-103 in Charlotte. and teams are going to try to take that Miami 109 Brooklyn 106 Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol looks to pass in the second half against the met with James about the outburst, The Warriors, the 2015 champions away from us by being physical, so Sacramento 116 Cleveland 112 (OT) Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 27, 2017 CRICKET

FIRST T2O Captain Morgan and Ali star in big England win over India Chasing a modest 148, England rode a third-wicket 83-run stand between Morgan (51) and Root (46 not out)

AFP fi nal over but his eff ort was not enough Kanpur, India to give India a competitive total. Ali apart, seamers Tymal Mills, Chris Jor- dan, Liam Plunkett and Ben Stokes kipper Eoin Morgan yesterday claimed a wicket each. hailed England’s ‘outstand- “Credit to their bowlers, they bowled ing’ bowling performance after good hard lengths...with extra pace and Moeen Ali’s superb spell set up bounce. We would have liked to execute aS comprehensive seven-wicket win that as well, but we were about 30-35 over India in the fi rst Twenty20 inter- runs short on that wicket,” said Kohli. national in Kanpur. “Yeah certainly, England have played Chasing a modest 148 for victory, better cricket than us today. We accept England rode on the third-wicket 83- that. With the ball, in the fi eld and with run stand between Morgan (51) and Joe the bat, they were precise,” the Indian Root (46 not out) to romp home with captain added. The second match is 11 balls to spare. But it was off -spinner slated for Sunday in Nagpur. Ali’s career best 2-21 that helped Eng- land take a 1-0 lead in the three-match SCOREBOARD series at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium. INDIA INNINGS Ali justifi ed his captain’s decision of V. Kohli c Morgan b Ali 29 bowling fi rst as he struck on his open- L. Rahul c Rashid b Jordan 8 ing ball to send back opposition skip- S. Raina b Stokes 34 per Virat Kohli for 29. The wily spinner Y. Singh c Rashid b Plunkett 12 not only got another wicket in Manish M.S. Dhoni not out 36 Pandey but also dried up the fl ow of M. Pandey lbw b Ali 3 runs to put pressure on an Indian bat- H. Pandya c Billings b Mills 9 ting line-up that suff ered from lack of P. Rasool run out (Morgan) 5 partnerships. J. Bumrah not out 0 “I thought our bowlers were out- Extras (lb3, w7, nb1) 11 standing tonight. Everybody within the Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 147 unit produced exactly what we talked, Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Rahul), 2-55 (Kohli), we executed our plans,” Morgan said 3-75 (Yuvraj), 4-95 (Raina), 5-98 (Pandey), yesterday. “Moeen Ali in particular I 6-118 (Pandya), 7-145 (Rasool) think showed great resolve on a wicket Bowling: Mills 4-0-27-1 (1w), Jordan 4-0-27-1 that didn’t really turn a great deal.” (1nb, 1w), Plunkett 4-0-32-1, Stokes 4-0-37-1 In reply, Billings, who hit a 10-ball (5w), Ali 4-0-21-2 22, came out all guns blazing as he Did not bat: A. Nehra, Y. Chahal smashed paceman Jasprit Bumrah for 3 fours and a six to set the pace. “When- ENGLAND INNINGS ever you are chasing a low total, getting J. Roy b Chahal 19 off to a fl ier is always a huge positive. It S. Billings b Chahal 22 releases any pressure on guys coming J. Root not out 46 in. Sam Billings and Jason Roy did out- E. Morgan c Raina b Rasool 51 standingly well,” said Morgan. B. Stokes not out 2 Billings shared a 42-run opening Extras (b1, lb2, w4, nb1) 8 stand with Jason Roy (19) before leg- England off -spinner Moeen Ali (second left) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Indian batsman Manish Pandey during the first T20 match at the Green Park Total (3 wickets: 18.1 overs) 148 spinner Yuzvendra Chahal removed the Stadium in Kanpur yesterday. Ali took two wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. (AFP) Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Roy), 2-43 (Billings), openers in the space of four deliveries 3-126 (Morgan) to leave England at 43 for two. But Mor- his 38-ball knock as he carted the In- Earlier former captain Mahendra limited overs captain, opened the in- lose wickets as batsmen Suresh Raina Bowling: Nehra 3-0-31-0 (2w), Bumrah 3.1- gan and Root, who returned to the side dian bowlers to all parts of the ground. Singh Dhoni fought a lone battle with nings along with Lokesh Rahul (8). (34) and Yuvraj Singh (12) let go of their 0-26-0 (1nb), Chahal 4-0-27-2, Rasool 4-0- after missing the third ODI in Kolkata Debutant off -spinner Parvez Rasool his unbeaten 36 to take India to 147 for The star batsman attacked from the respective starts to hand the visitors an 32-1, Raina 2-0-17-0, Pandya 2-0-12-0 (1w) with a niggle, kept the chase on track removed Morgan to claim his fi rst T20 seven after the hosts were reeling at word go with a few boundaries against early advantage. Did not bat: J. Buttler, M. Ali, L. Plunkett, A. with their attacking brand of cricket. wicket but not after the left-handed 98-5 in the 14th over. Kohli, who led the the England pacers but ran out steam Dhoni piloted the innings with his Rashid, C. Jordan, T. Mills Morgan, who recorded his eighth T20 batsman had taken the game away from T20 side for the fi rst time since taking after chipping away a catch to mid- calculated 27-ball knock with three Result: England won by 7 wickets fi fty, struck a four and 4 sixes during the hosts. over from Dhoni as India’s permanent wicket off Ali. The hosts continued to boundaries, two of which came in the England lead the 3-match series 1-0

SPOTLIGHT FIFTH ODI Sri Lanka bolstered Warner, Head hit tons; Australia clinch series against Pakistan by T20 success AFP Adelaide, Australia AFP to follow. Only Miller was in the original T20 squad, Port Elizabeth, South Africa although De Villiers made his international return and scored 63 in Wednesday’s series decider. ustralia cruised to a 57-run vic- “Our top six is pretty established,” said Domingo. tory over Pakistan in the fi fth and uoyed by their fi rst success in any series in “We are trying to fi nd our new ball bowling partner- fi nal one-day international at the South Africa, Sri Lanka will go into the fi rst ships and our all-rounders to come in at seven and Adelaide Oval yesterday. After set- one-day international at St George’s Park eight. We also want to look at diff erent combina- tingA an imposing total of 369-7, thanks to a tomorrow with renewed confi dence. On tions — whether to go with one spinner or two and record opening partnership of 284 between theirB fi fth tour of South Africa, Sri Lanka won their also to identify which spinners they are, whether to David Warner and Travis Head, the Austral- fi rst trophy when they clinched a 2-1 Twenty20 se- pick one all-rounder or two or to go with our best ians bowled Pakistan out for 312. ries victory with a fi ve-wicket win in Cape Town on possible bowling combination.” Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 100 and Wednesday. The competition for all-rounder places is likely Sharjeel Khan a quickfi re 79, but the home “It’s a great confi dence booster,” said Niroshan to be intense with Chris Morris coming back after side were always in control and celebrated Dickwella, the Sri Lankan opening batsman who a six-month injury lay-off , while , Australia Day in style with a convincing win. was named man of the series. “Winning against a Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius will all Warner and Head earlier got Australia away big team like South Africa is big. The whole team is be keen to make a claim. to a superb start, with Warner particularly backing up our strengths now. We are going to play “The main thing ahead of the Champions Trophy damaging as he smashed the Pakistan attack well in the one-day series as well.” is to get everyone playing so we can decide on our to all parts of the ground. Dickwella identifi ed pitch conditions as the big- best combinations,” said Domingo. Warner blasted 179 and Head 128 on their gest diff erence in Sri Lanka’s performances after way to an opening stand of 284, a new Aus- they were outplayed on seam bowler-friendly con- SQUADS: tralian record for any wicket in ODIs. Both ditions in three Test matches. “In this (T20) series, South Africa (first three matches): AB de Villiers batsmen made their highest scores in one- the three wickets were pretty much batting wickets (captain), , , Quinton day internationals, with Head also recording so that’s why it’s easier for us now.” de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, , , his maiden international century. The trend of good batting pitches is likely to con- David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Lungi Ngidi, After losing the toss and being asked to The Australian team pose with the trophy after winning the one-day international series tinue in the one-day games — but the quality of the Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, bowl fi rst, the Pakistanis almost got the per- against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval yesterday. (AFP) South African opposition will be better. The hosts Tabraiz Shamsi. fect start when Mohammad Amir enticed rested most of their leading players during the T20 Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga (captain), Dinesh Chandimal an edge from Warner with his fi rst ball. But Babar began to pick up the pace and Bowling: Amir 10-0-71-1 (1w), Junaid 10-0-61-2 series but their big guns will be back in action as (wkt), Chaturanga de Silva, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thik- a diving Azhar Ali at fi rst slip couldn’t hold reached 100 from 107 balls, however, soon (2w), Hasan 9-0-100-2 (1w), Hafeez 7-0-43-0, they step up their preparations for the Champions shila de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunaratne, Nu- onto a diffi cult chance and Warner was soon after bringing up his fourth ODI century he Wahab 10-0-62-1 (2w), Malik 4-0-27-0 Trophy in England in June. wan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Madushanka, in full fl ight. He brought up his 50 from 34 holed out to Head at mid-on. Shoaib Malik South African coach Russell Domingo said fi t- Kusal Mendis, Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna, balls and his 100 from 78 including 11 fours retired hurt when he was hit on the arm by PAKISTAN INNINGS again one-day captain AB de Villiers would slot Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Sandun Weerakkody. and two massive sixes. a Pat Cummins short ball and despite a de- Azhar Ali lbw Starc 6 back into the team at number four in the batting or- Fixtures: January 28, Port Elizabeth; February 1, Dur- His 150 came from only 107 deliveries fi ant 46 from Umar Akmal which took the Sharjeel Khan c Wade b Starc 79 der behind Hashim Amla, and Faf ban February 4, Johannesburg; February 7, Cape Town; with 17 boundaries and three sixes. Head visitors past 300 runs, Pakistan ultimately Babar Azam c Head b Hazlewood 100 du Plessis, with JP Duminy and David Miller likely February 10, Centurion was far more circumspect but once the ball fell short. Mohammad Hafeez c Smith b Starc 3 stopped swinging after just four overs, he Shoaib Malik retired hurt 10 began to look more and more comfortable. SCOREBOARD Umar Akmal c Wade b Cummins 46 On a fl at pitch that off ered nothing to the AUSTRALIA INNINGS Mohammad Rizwan c Starc b Cummins 6 bowlers, the Australians were untroubled D. Warner c Babar b Junaid 179 Mohammad Amir c Maxwell b Faulkner 17 until Warner began to cramp, restricting his T. Head c Azhar b Hasan 128 Wahab Riaz b Starc 17 movements. Warner eventually fell when he S. Smith c Wahab b Junaid 4 Hasan Ali st Wade b Zampa 13 swatted a short ball from Junaid Khan to Ba- G. Maxwell c Hafeez b Amir 13 Junaid Khan not out 0 bar at point with the score on 284. M. Wade c Malik b Hasan 8 Extras (lb2, w13) 15 Australia were headed for a score well P. Handscomb c Hafeez b Wahab 1 Total (for 9 wickets, 49.1 overs) 312 over 400 when Warner and Head were in full J. Faulkner not out 18 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Azhar), 2-140 (Sharjeel), fl ight but Pakistan fought back with some M. Starc run out 6 3-145 (Hafeez), 3-181* (Malik, retired hurt), 4-220 late wickets to restrict them to 369. Paki- P. Cummins not out 1 (Babar), 5-246 (Rizwan), 6-276 (Akmal), 7-282 stan’s chase started badly when Azhar fell Extras (b1, lb 4, w6) 11 (Amir), 8-312 (Hasan), 9-312 (Wahab) leg before to Mitchell Starc for 10, but Shar- Total (for 7 wickets, 50 overs) 369 Bowling: Starc 9.1-1-42-4 (3w), Hazlewood jeel and Babar took up the attack and moved Fall of wickets: 1-284 (Warner), 2-288 (Smith), 10-0-74-1 (5w), Cummins 10-0-60-2 (2w), the score to 140 before the big hitting Shar- 3-323 (Maxwell), 4-336 (Wade), 5-342 (Head), Faulkner 9-0-60-1 (1w), Zampa 9-0-61-1 (1w), jeel mistimed a pull shot and skied a catch to 6-351 (Handscomb), 7-367 (Starc) Head 2-0-13-0 Sri Lankan team celebrate after winning the T20 series against South Africa in Cape Town. (AFP) wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. Did not bat: A. Zampa, J. Hazlewood AUSTRALIA WIN SERIES 4-1 Gulf Times Friday, January 27, 2017 7 SPORT

QATAR STARS LEAGUE In-form Al Sadd, Gharafa look to continue winning ways Last time, the two sides faced each other they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, and expectations will be high for a repeat

By Sports Reporter Doha Umm Salal face El Jaish, he Qatar Stars League match of Al Khor take on Al Ahli the week will see second-placed Al Sadd take on top four chasing Doha: Umm Salal take on El problems with injuries and Al Gharafa today. Both sides head Jaish in the QSL today with suspension and I have been Tinto the game off the back of important both sides struggling out for finding solutions every week,” wins against relegation threatened teams form. Salal coach Mahmoud al- he said. in their last match, and will be targeting an Jaber, however, was optimistic “The players are all together encore against the one of the form teams that two returning players will and we have fought well and in the QSL. be a major boost for his side. we will be fighting till the very Last time, Al Sadd and Al Gharafa faced “Jaish are a strong side in end to reach our goals this each other they shared six goals in a thrill- the league, we are coming season All I know is that we ing 3-3 draw, and expectations will be high into the game after a defeat. need the victory. My players for a repeat performance. Al Sadd head We have been poor in recent have been playing well and into their match with the Cheetahs fol- weeks. I hope in the next two they don’t deserve to be in the lowing an important 6-1 win over bottom games we can compensate position that they are currently of the table Muaither. Both Jugurtha Ham- especially with Sagbo and in now at the moment.” roun and striker Hamza Sanhaji grabbed a Mahmoud al-Mawas return- In another match, in-form brace as the Wolves ran riot. More impor- ing,” he said. Al Khor take on Al Ahli today tantly for Jesaldo Ferriera’s side is that “We have trained hard this afternoon, knowing that a win they closed the gap to league leaders Le- week. We need to make a dif- will further boost their survival khwiya after the Red Knights came back to ference in attack in this game hopes. The Knights will be draw with Al Wakrah 3-3. and I feel that we can do this. looking to maintain winning With the gap now just at three points, Al We have to be more eff ective ways. Sadd will be eager to keep the pressure up when it matters in attack,” French coach Jean Fernan- on their title rivals with an important win. Al Sadd coach Jesaldo Ferriera (left) and midfielder Jugurtha Hamroun at a press conference ahead of their game against Al Gharafa. added the Egyptian coach. dez said that the match against One major boost for Sadd will be the Al-Jaber said that his side Al Ahli will be a tough one return of leading scorer Bagdad Bounjah, with strikes from Abdulghani Muneer and are still looking to but players for his side. “The win against who is set to return later in the week af- Abdulaziz Hatem to ensure that the Chee- in the transfer market. “The Al Kharaitiyat gave the side ter his Algeria side was knocked out of the tahs returned to winning ways following a club management are looking plenty of confidence but Al group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations. slump in recent form. at new players to strengthen Ahli match will be a test for us. Bounjah has scored 15 times in thirteen Caixina’s side only has a four point gap the side at the moment. We They have played well in the games this season and will be eager to fi nd between themselves and fourth placed have a week left and I am sure last two games against Al Wak- the back of the net again in this crunch El Jaish, and will also be looking to keep that we will add a few new rah and Al Arabi,” he said. match. Wolves coach Jesaldo Ferriera said their top four aspirations alive. Al Gharafa faces to strengthen the squad.” “They have reinforced the against Al Gharafa it won’t be easy for his should welcome back Mohammed Ra- Meanwhile, Jaish have strug- team well in January, so we will team. “The win against Muiather was good zak into the squad following a domestic gled in recent weeks and have face a good team. Ahli played for the team and it showed our fi ghting ban, whilst Hungarian striker Krisztián slipped to fourth in the QSL very well against Al Arabi, spirit. Now we must turn our attentions to Németh is unlikely to feature. standings. Head coach Sabri they dominated the game Al Gharafa, which will be a big test for our One player who will be eager to make an Lamouchi said: “It’s a tough overall. We will have to be fully side,” he said. impact is Fahad al-Shammari. The vet- game for us, we have not prepared for this,” added the The Portuguese coach also had a kind eran Qatari player has been switched to a started 2017 in a right way and French coach. word for his compatriot Pedro Caixina at wing-back this season, and has thrived in we need to look to improve The Al Khor boss also Al Gharafa. “This year they have improved the role. Al-Shammari is a seasoned cam- against Umm Salal.” stressed that despite the good in the league under Caixinia. They have paigner with Gharafa and would like noth- The French coach said they run his side are not out of trou- had good moments and bad moments, but ing more to get a result against Al Sadd. could have done better during ble yet. “We have many points Gharafa have overall tactical plan and he Caixina stressed that his side were look- their 4-1 defeat to rivals Al in the next matches to play has done a good job with the side.” ing to continue winning ways. “The team Rayyan. “The performance for. We are not away from the Al Sadd midfi elder Jugurtha Hamroun is ready and has trained well this week and was good but the result not so relegation zone just yet and said: “We have a short recovery time for our focusing is only on winning this game much. We will have Romarinho are among the teams who are this game. We still have a chance to be on against a tough side. The players showed and al-Jaber returning for us threatened by relegation. Ahli top of the league, and we will be aiming to plenty of character with the win. We know yet Mohammad Mothnani and are a direct rival for us so we get three points against Al Gharafa. The that we are facing one of the strongest Yasser Abubakar will be sus- have to put in a performance.” fi rst match against Al Gharafa was hard, it teams in the league one of the candidates pended ,so again we will have Al Ahli come into the match will be one of the hardest game of the sea- for the title. We respect them and we will to look at how my side plays.” in a similar vein of good form. son and Al Sadd will have to be at full focus now looking to play again for the win” Jaish continue to have injury A 4-2 derby win over Al Arabi for this match.” noted the Portuguese coach. and suspension issues and have now pushed the Brigad- Gharafa similarly put in a solid perform- Caixinia said that his side are looking to Lamouchi stressed that he has ers to sixth in the standings. ance last week, brushing aside Al Shaha- chase down their top four place.“We are been doing his best in recent Qatari coach Yusef Adam said nia 3-0. Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss hunting down the sides above us now, and weeks. “We will be trying to get he is looking forward to the scored a spectacular solo eff ort, along that is what we are aiming to do.” Al Gharafa coach Pedro Caixina (right) and midfielder Kooky Han speak to the media. the maximum points. We have match.

MATCH REPORT GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Shahania, Al Sailiya game Frijns prepares to launch his 2017 ends in goalless draw campaign at Dubai Autodrome

By Sports Reporter later, an attack by Shahania led to a cross which was he Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Doha received by Abdullah al-Yazidi from the left and his Middle East will make its much- powerful shot hit the crossbar and went out of play. anticipated return to action this These two were the most telling chances of the fi rst weekend, as the thrilling series re- l Shahania and Al Sailiya played out a goal- half which ended goalless with Shahaniya enjoying Tstarts its engines following winter break. less draw in the 18th round of the Qatar majority possession. After two action-packed rounds, the cham- Stars League at the Al Arabi stadium yes- In the second half, there were some more wasted pionship standings couldn’t be any closer. terday. opportunities and both keepers showed their class At the Dubai Autodrome today, 16 driv- ABoth teams tried their best to score throughout in front of goal unwilling to let anything pass. The ers from 12 diff erent countries will once the match, but could not convert their chances to game intensifi ed in the fi nal 10 minutes with both again make up a diverse grid comprising of goal. There were some easy chances which were not sides trying to snatch the three points. professional, amateurs and rookies from taken as well, with both defensive lines playing to But despite their best eff orts they could not score around the world, in what is the region’s their highest level to keep a clean sheet. and the match ended 0-0 with each side taking a most competitive racing series. Sailiya looked like they were going to open the point from the game. Racers from Ireland, Norway, Germany, scoring in the ninth minute but a shot by Temur- The point takes Shahaniya’s tally to 15 points, Luxembourg, Sweden and return to khuja Abdukholikov went wide. Just two minutes while Sailiya has 19 points. Dubai to challenge local stars representing the , Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Motor City circuit will open its doors to the championship for the second time this season, with Round 2 having already provided intense racing action and exciting Qatar-based driver Charlie Frijns will be looking to take his opportunity this weekend to results throughout the grid. steak his claim at the top of the driver’s standings. In the last round, held in December, Qa- tar’s Charlie Frijns continued his fi ne form Charlie Frijns in Race 2. Qatar-based driver strong qualifying time and go from there. I in Season 8, fi nishing in second place in Charlie Frijns will be looking to take his op- have been looking forward to the champi- Race 1 and winning his second race of the portunity this weekend to steak his claim at onship returning and I can’t wait to get back season in Race 2 in emphatic style. the top of the driver’s standings. After im- in the car and compete this weekend.” This allowed Frijns to rise to the top of the pressive performances in the opening two Following Round 3 this weekend the table, joint on points with Ireland’s Ryan rounds of the season, Charlie Frijns will be championship will shift its focus to Round 4 Cullen before going into the winter break, hoping to pull away from opponent Ryan come February, at the illustrious Yas Marina standings that remain in 2017. Close behind Cullen who currently sits joint on points at Circuit in Abu Dhabi. the leading duo is Tom Oliphant from the the top of the championship standings. The return to the well-known Formula 1 UK who holds third place with only nine Frijns’ focus at the start of the season was circuit will mark the halfway stage of Sea- points separating places fourth to seventh to remain consistent throughout, the Qatar son 8, with all drivers continuing to push going into the third round. resident has raised his game from season 7 themselves for those crucial championship As the drivers look ahead to a new year and is planning to let nothing slip over the points, putting them in the best possible they will be refl ecting on the strong plat- remaining rounds. Ahead of Round 3 this position for the fi nal two rounds in Bahrain. forms many have built across the early parts weekend, Charlie Frijns said, Season 7 at the Abu Dhabi circuit saw of Season 8. During Round 2, the UAE’s “I am extremely pleased with how the UAE-based driver Jeff ery Schmidt win both Bashar Mardini and KSA’s Mohammad al- season has started for me, but now I need races, a feat any driver is yet to achieve this Saud clinched their fi rst podium fi nish of to forget about the races that have gone, season. the season as championship debutants. and concentrate on the races I still have. It With plenty of the drivers in this year’s Meanwhile, teenage Omani sensation Al is going to be diffi cult to stay at the top of championship experiencing the famous Faisal al-Zubair also took his fi rst overall the standings, the competition is so high, circuit for their fi rst time, only time will tell After their stalemate at the Al Arabi stadium yesterday, Al Shahania has 15 points, while Al Sailiya have got podium fi nish of the season, fi nishing be- and each race so far has been very diff erent. which driver will be best placed to take the 19 points. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil hind championship leaders Ryan Cullen and I will take each race as it comes, focus on a spoils from this popular track.

Friday, January 27, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Gritty Cameraman snaps up Khor Al Adaid Cup Running his longest distance so far, the four-year-old gelding registered his second career victory at QREC yesterday

By Mikhil Bhat Doha RESULTS Race 1: 1. Adham (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. Charme ameraman and jockey Gerald Avranche Secret (Khadija Abdulwahed), 3. Pipe Bomb created a satisfying sight for trainer Zu- (Rashid al-Marri), 4. Alpha Bravo (JP Guillam- hair Mohsen, winning the 2800m Khor bert). Won by: 2 1/2, 1 1/4, 3/4. Owner: Abdulatif Al Adaid Cup on an action-packed 10- Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. raceC day at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Race 2: 1. Shidad (Gaetan Faucon), 2. Al Ajdal Club yesterday. (Darren Williams), 3. Khat Al Nar (Gerald Running his longest distance so far, the four- Avranche), 4. Gharam Lehshilyat (JP Guillam- year-old gelding registered his second career bert). Won by: Nk, 2 1/2, 1/2. Owner: Umm Qarn. victory yesterday, holding on despite a spirited Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. challenge by Mohamed Jassim Ghazali-trained Race 3: 1. Mosayter (Harry Bentley), 2. Montaser Altarsheed. “He ran this race and the distance (Montaser), 3. Saqr (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. for the fi rst time in his career, but I would like Queen Maouya (Khadija Abdulwahed). Won to believe that my horse likes long distances,” by: 1, 3, 4. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Mohsen told Gulf Times after the race. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. “Obviously the idea (in longer races) is to Race 4: 1. Muzn (Gaetan Faucon), 2. Diego not go ahead early but the race was progressing De Vialettes (Pier Convertino), 3. Aly’ Maqam slowly and horses don’t like a slow pace. So he (Alberto Sanna), 4. Mannaa Al Naif (Eduardo went ahead briefl y. Pedroza). Won by: 2 1/2, 1 1/4, 1. Owner: Umm “But he fi nished well. There were some really Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. good horses, but I trusted my horse to do well Race 5: 1. Al Murabitoon (Harry Bentley), 2. AJS over this distance. I believe he can go on to par- Qahir (Gerald Avranche), 3. Mutazz (Marvin Su- ticipate over distances like 2400m more often erland), 4. Safwan (Gaetan Faucon). Won by; 3/4, than he had been doing earlier.” 1 3/4, 3/4. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani- Trainer: Mohammed Jassim Ghazali. owned Otwo, trained by Stefano Ibido and rid- Race 6: 1. Rasi (Harry Bentley), 2. Messine De den by Alberto Sanna, fi nished third on his Qa- Sinuhe (Pier Convertino), 3. Sehab (Jean Bap- tar debut. tiste Hamel), 4. Tefkir (JP Guillambert). Won by: Ibrahim al-Malki had his second winner of Hd, 1 1/4, 1/2. Owner: Al Shahani Stud. Trainer: the day in the penultimate race, with Stephan Jassim Ghazali. Ladjadj riding Topsy Turvy to a win over Stevie’s Race 7: 1. Bronze Maquette (Alberto Sanna), Wonder in the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap 2. Botanica (Marvin Suerland), 3. Qatar Dance event for horses rated 71-85. (Gaetan Faucon), 4. Rasheeda (Darren Williams). Wasim Mohammed-schooled Pleiades has Won by: 1/2, 1 1/4, 1/2. Owner: Al Thumama Rac- shown massive improvements this season and ing. Trainer: Mohamed Hussain. that fi nally earned the fi ve-year-old colt a Gerald Avranche rides Cameraman to victory in the Khor Al Adaid Cup at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Race 8: 1. Pleiades (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. win yesterday in the Division 2 Thoroughbred Dubawi Hundred (Harry Bentley), 3. Dubawi Handicap event for horses rated 71-85. Flame (Gerald Avranche), 4. Protocol (Pier After being well held in April 2016 and then Convertino). Won by: Hd, 1 ½, ¾. Owner: Hamad in December, the fi ve-year-old came into his bin Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah. Trainer: own, fi nishing runner-up over a mile earlier this Wasim Mohamed. month, and then winning over the same course Race 9: 1. Topsy Turvy (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Ste- and distance yesterday. vie’s Wonder (JP Guillambert), 3. Shabbab (An- Dubawi progenies, Dubawi Hundred, trained drea Fele), 4. Karraar (Gerald Avranche). Won by Champion Trainer Jassim Ghazali and ridden by: ¾, 5, 1 ¼. Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin by Champion Jockey Harry Bentley, and Du- Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. bawi Flame, ridden by Avranche for trainer Hadi Race 10: 1. Cameraman (Gerald Avranche), 2. al-Ramzani, completed the top three. Bronze Altarsheed (JP Guillambert), 3. Otwo (Alberto Maquette was narrowly denied a hat-trick last Sanna), 4. Hall of Mirrors (Andrea Fele). Won by: time out by My Sharona. Hd, ¾, ¾. Time: 3:13.79. Owner: Al Murqab Stud. But yesterday, in the Thoroughbred Classifi ed Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. Stakes for fi llies and mares, under Alberto San- na’s ride, the Mohamed Hussain-trained fi ve- year-old registered her third win this season, emerged on top of the Local Purebred Arabian out of four races, with a turn of foot that took Conditions event, a six-furlong sprint. her past bulk of the fi eld in the fi nal 300m after a In the fi rst race of the day, a Thoroughbred slow start left her away from the lead. Special Conditions event, Qatari jockey Faleh Bustawi Ismail-schooled Botanica, ridden by Bughanaim guided Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Marvin Suerland, had to settle for second ahead Adham, owned by Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi, of Ahmed al-Jehani’s Qatar Dance. Ghazali and to his fourth career victory. The event also had Bentley combined well to pick up two wins on a bonus for the owner, trainer and the jockey, if the day, while Bentley won another one with a Qatari was at the helm of the winning horse. Ghazali Jr, Mohamed. Mosayter, who shed his As the action reached the business end, maiden status in the third race of the day, was Bughanaim and Adham had company in Charme the fi rst winner for Ghazali Sr and Bentley to- Secret, with Khadija Abdulwahed astride, but gether, while Al Shahania Stud’s Rasi beat Adham steadily surged ahead for a victory. strong competition and a late pursuit by Mes- Earlier in the day, Alban de Mieulle’s Shidad sine De Sinuhe in the fi nal furlong to win the and Muzn shed their maiden status among the Purebred Arabian Conditions event. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice-chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi and head of Media Saad Mubarak al-Hajri pose with the winners local Thoroughbreds and Pure Arabians respec- Mohamed Ghazali-trained Al Murabitoon of the Khor Al Adaid Cup after Cameraman emerged victorious in the 2800m race at the QREC yesterday. tively.

SPOTLIGHT Aspire Academy enter Al Kass International Cup semis By Sports Reporter met by Oussama Gurbouj, who applied Doha a clinical headed fi nish. But it was two little too late, as the Qatari team had booked their place in spire Academy kept their 100 the last four for the fi rst time in Al Kass percent record intact after history, where the winners of the Red sweeping aside Esperance De Bull Salzburg and PSG match await. Tunis to enter the semi-fi nal ofA the under-17 Al Kass International FRANKFURT BEAT PSV TO Cup yesterday. A selection of spectacu- SECURE LAST FOUR SPOT lar goals and audacious eff orts thrilled Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt de- the crowd in an end-to-end encounter servedly progressed to the semi-fi nals that fi nished 2-1 to the home side. after defeating PSV Eindhoven 3-1. Having won their opening two Frankfurt went ahead, when Junior matches, Aspire came into the game Oliviera’s accurate ball from the right brimming with confi dence, looking to was met by Ibrahim Aral, whose fi rm dispose of a Tunis side that had yet to header gave Van Dorp no chance. register a victory. PSV took full advantage when a gilt- And the Academy youngsters started edged chance arrived on 38 minutes. brightly, testing keeper Fares Jbali in- Dave Van Den Berg exchanged passes side three minutes. A long through ball in midfi eld before fl icking a fi rst-time from deep midfi eld set Hashim Ali free through ball into the path of Joop Dan- and after faking the cross and beating iels. The tenacious left-winger ad- his man he sent a driven shot towards vanced into the area and fi red a low shot the bottom corner. But a confi dent that beat keeper Paul Harbrecht at his hand from Jbali denied the winger. Aspire Academy players celebrate after their win over Esperance De Tunis during the under-17 Al Kass International Cup Eintracht Frankfurt progressed to the near post to draw Eindhoven level. However, Ali would not be denied yesterday. The Qatari team booked their place in the last four for the first time in Al Kass history. PICTURES: Jayaram semis after defeating PSV Eindhoven. PSV had looked the more impres- for much longer, and he deservedly put sive of the two sides during the opening Aspire in front after 16 minutes. Right the ball took an unpredictable bounce, he could do is stand and watch as the remaining, after an amazing curling realisation set in that their tournament period, but Eintracht turned the tables back Mohamed Mohamed pinged a taking Aspire keeper Shehab Ellethy by ball drifted inches wide of the target, strike from Yusuf Yusuf stunned the was over. Their lack of penetration, set with eight minutes of the second half 30-yard pass in behind a high Tunis surprise. His swift reactions prevented ensuring that the Academy’s lead was crowd. Defender Abdollah Saei found against Aspires enthusiasm for pro- gone. Substitute Jean Kabuya advanced defence. Ali beat Afi f Jebali for both the ball from fl oating into the top cor- preserved heading into the break. himself upfi eld when he outmuscled tecting their two-goal lead, meant that through the inside right channel, col- strength and pace and an outstretched ner, and saved the Doha side’s blushes. Both teams started the second half Mohamed Ammar and played the ball the remainder of the match was fairly lecting the ball and fi ring home from foot guided the ball over the onrushing Aspire appeared content to sit on relatively slowly, with Aspire clearly to the substitute striker. uneventful, with a 93rd minute con- eight yards. The Germans increased Jbali. Tunis belatedly sprang into ac- their lead, allowing Tunis to re-es- looking to build from deep and retain A deft Cruyff turn allowed him to get solation goal for the Tunisians the only their lead in 65th minute, after PSV tion and, shortly after conceding, they tablish themselves. A confi dent Moa- possession, whereas Esperance looked the shot away, with his left foot eff ort notable action. keeper Van Dorp’s clearance was col- almost found themselves on level terms taz Ouertani spotted Ellethy straying to conserve energy to exploit their tir- bending into the top left corner from The architect was Chedi Mahamdi, lected by Aral. He wasted no time in in unlikely fashion. A tempting free kick from his line, and a daring 40-yard ef- ing opponents in the latter stages. just outside the area – a strong con- who showed impressive ball control feeding Kabuya, whose fl ick into the from range was delivered into the area fort on goal had the fans leaping from However, Tunis’ tactic would see tender for goal of the tournament. by bringing a heavy pass down on his path of Enrique Zauner allowed the but, with nobody managing to connect, their seats. With the keeper beaten, all them go two behind with 15 minutes Esperance’s frustration peaked as the chest. His delicate fl ick across goal was striker to fi nish with style.