FOOTBALL | Page 4 ATHLETICS | Page 6 Maguire return Former a timely boost marathon for Manchester record holder United Kipsang banned

Saturday, January 11, 2020 Jumada I 16, 1441 AH India clinch GULF TIMES series over Sri Lanka SPORT Page 3

TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Expect amazing as Rublev takes on Moutet in fi nal French qualifier Moutet upsets Swiss top seed Wawrinka in semis; Rublev brushes aside Kecmanovic

By Anil John Doha

t’s diffi cult to keep track of the number of times uses the word “amaz- ing” when he is asked ques- Itions specifi cally related to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. It’s not that he doesn’t have a decent enough vocabulary - be- cause he didn’t utter that word even once when asked general questions about his preparations, his fi tness regime or even Rus- sia’s excellent show at the ATP Cup in Australia. But when the focus turns to Doha, he seems to be lost for words and simply can’t do with- out “amazing”. It’s clear that he simply loves this tournament, and everything else around it. In 2018, he gave glimpses of his tremendous potential by reaching the fi nal in Qatar on his fi rst appearance here, falling to Frenchman Gael Monfi ls. ’s Corentin Moutet returns during the semi-final against Stan But that time he was just out of Wawrinka (not pictured) of Switzerland yesterday. his teens and a little wide-eyed about the whole professional ’s Andrey Rublev in action during the Qatar ExxonMobil Open semi-final against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic (not pictured) at Khalifa winners and 10 aces. He won an sport and you cannot do any- business, even though no- International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma impressive 45 points under fi ve thing. You just have to accept and body doubted his promise. shots and made a whopping 92 try to do your best.” But now he is more confi dent Corentin Moutet in today’s fi nal to his fi rst fi nal. two hours and 58 seconds with two an amazing tournament, amaz- percent of his fi rst serves count. The fi nal will be played at 6pm and measured in his attitude, both after the latter caused the big- But after catching his breath he service breaks in the fi nal set. ing everything,” he had said. In sharp contrast, Kecmanovic today. Expect amazing. on the court and off it, a 62-minute gest shock of the tournament was more composed. For Rublev earlier, everything Kecmanovic had reached the could only win points on just 46 victory over Roger Federer at the by upsetting top-seeded Stan “After the fi rst match against was, well, amazing. semi-fi nals with a fi ne win over percent of his fi rst serves as Ru- YESTERDAY’S SINGLES RESULTS ATP Masters quarter-fi nals in Wawrinka 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. Verdasco, I had a nice nap for a “I mean, the feeling, of course Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, the blev broke him once in the fi rst Semi-finals Cincinnati in addition to wins over Moutet has had the busiest few few hours,” smiled Moutet. “I it’s amazing when in the begin- only singles match in the last- set and thrice in the second. „2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt and Nick Kyr- days here, playing two rounds in was fresh. There were lots of ning of the season you go to the 8 that was played on Thursday Rublev said playing two match- Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) 6-3, 6-1 gios at other events sending his qualifying before reaching the French people in the stands and fi nal. It’s (an) amazing feeling,” as rain played havoc with the es in a day sometimes cannot be „Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA) bt stock soaring last season. fi nal. Along the way, he account- also other people, I don’t know he said at his post-match press schedule. helped and players should take 1- (SUI) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 And his good form contin- ed for the fourth-seeded Milos from where. I thank them all for conference. The Serb therefore didn’t have such situations in their stride. Quarter-finals ued yesterday as he ended the Raonic before adding the scalps their support.” “So we’ll see how it’s going much to worry about as he had to “To be honest, I did it a couple „Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA) bt dreams of the 20-year-old Serb of veterans Fernando Verdasco Wawrinka was in a league all his to happen tomorrow - I mean, play only one match yesterday, of times. I did it in Washington. I Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-1 in (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) and favourite own in the fi rst set where Moutet what’s going to happen tomor- but Rublev didn’t off er him even played my fi rst and second round „1-Stan Wawrinka (SUI) bt Aljaz the semi-fi nals, a few hours after Wawrinka on the same day yes- couldn’t even handle his serves. row. I will do my best and we’ll a whiff off a chance, winning in 53 in one day then the quarter-fi nal Bedene (SUI) 6-3, 6-4 he had dispatched off Frenchman terday. But the tide changed later as see what’s going to happen.” minutes fl at. and semi-fi nal also in one day. „2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-3 “I don’t know, I didn’t expect Moutet began fi nding his feet and Earlier at the courtside inter- Rublev had taken an hour and It happened somewhere else too Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-3 in the quarter-fi nals, postponed that,” a visibly stunned Moutet matched Wawrinka in every de- view he was asked how he felt at 41 minutes to down Herbert but I don’t remember. from Thursday due to rain. said when asked courtside how partment of the game, except the getting another shot at the title earlier on Court No 1, but that “So, I mean, this is the way TODAY’S FINAL Rublev will clash with he managed to pull off two tough aces where the Swiss had 12 and he in Doha. seemed to have no eff ect on him sometimes happens. We just 6PM: 2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs 20-year-old French qualifi er wins on the same day on the way none, before he nailed the win in “It’s an amazing feeling, this is as he unleashed 13 fi erce forehand have to accept this as part of our Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA)

SPOTLIGHT Bopanna and Koolhof clinch doubles title

By Syed Arhm Ahmad positive, regardless of the sce- Doha nario we are facing and this al- ways helps when you play with a new partner.” hird-seeded pair of Ro- They were asked whether it han Bopanna from India was easier to play with a dou- and Wesley Koolhof from bles specialist when forming a the Netherlands beat new partnership, as opposed to TLuke Bambridge from Great Brit- a singles player to which Koolhof ain and Santiago Gonzalez from responded, “We are both used Mexico in the doubles fi nal of to playing with singles guys, I the Qatar ExxonMobil Open yes- played with and terday. The duo won an exciting Rohan played with Denis Shapo- match 3-6, 6-2, 10-6 in an hour valov in the latter half of last and 12 minutes. year but it helps to partner with It was a day of double duty for a doubles specialist because you both the fi nalists pairs as they have more time to practice to- also had to play their semi-fi nal gether rather than having to wait earlier in the day after Thursday’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open doubles champions India’s Rohan Bopanna (fourth from right) and the Netherlands’ Wesley Koolhof (third from right) pose with their trophies, runner-up pair for singles matches to be com- matches were washed out. of Britain’s Luke Bambridge (fourth from left) and Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez (third from left), and off icials during the prize distribution ceremony yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma pleted and to assess if the singles Bopanna and Koolhof, who got player is fi t enough to come and together for the fi rst time for the man pair of Frederik Nielsen and and deft drop shots. Bambridge Dutch duo fought back and broke tiebreak, but Bopanna and Kool- panna responded, “It took us two play doubles.” tournament, beat the second- Tim Puetz 2-6, 6-2, 10-4 in the and Gonzalez broke once in the the Gonzalez serve twice with hof took their chances on the big days of good practice this week Bopanna echoed the same sen- seeded Henri Kontinen from semi-fi nal earlier yesterday. fi rst set, courtesy of a backhand some aggressive return winners, points and closed the match out to to gel together and feeding off of timent stating, “An advantage of Finland and Franko Skugor from The fi nal was an entertaining cross-court winner from Briton. wrapping up the set 6-2 to set up win their fi rst title together. each other’s energy is what makes not playing with a singles player Croatia 7-5, 6-2. match, full of rallies that used the This break would prove to be an exciting match tie-break to de- When asked about the new suc- a good partnership. is that you can practice a lot more Bambridge and Santiago full arsenal of shots from all the enough to wrap up the fi rst set 6-3. termine the winners of the title. cessful partnership and whether it “We have good communica- together rather than just warm- Gonzalez beat the Danish-Ger- players, including well-placed lobs In the second set the Indian- Both pairs were aggressive in the took any time to gel together, Bo- tion on court and we are always ing up and playing the match.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, January 11, 2020 TENNIS Sights from Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 PICTURES: Jayan orma

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Kecmanovic meets Spain scrape into ATP Cup ExxonMobil Community iomir Kecmanovic took part in a meet and greet with children from the Qatar ExxonMobil semis despite Nadal defeat community and their families Mduring the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020. AFP Sydney The event was held at the ExxonMobil stand located in the tournament’s Public Village at the Khalifa International Tennis afael Nadal suff ered an and Squash Complex. upset singles loss but Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Exx- made amends in the dou- onMobil Qatar organise these meet and bles to keep Spain alive at greet events during the tournament to help theR ATP Cup yesterday, with Novak grow youth tennis in the community, and Djokovic also surviving a scare be- develop an interest in physical activities. fore rallying to guide Serbia into a The sessions also provide young players semi-fi nal against Russia. with an opportunity to spend time with After Roberto Bautista Agut tennis stars and ask them questions. swept past Kimmer Coppejans 6-1, The children also enjoyed the activities 6-4 in the fi rst singles match, Nad- taking place at the stand. They had an in- al had the chance to wrap up a last credible time trying out the Motion Sphere four berth against David Goffi n. But motorcycle racing challenge, had videos the 19-time winner taken of them in slow motion, and partici- struggled in the heat and humidity pated in a science, technology, engineering of Sydney, crashing 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Rafael Nadal (left) and Pablo Carreno Busta (right) of Spain celebrate winning their men’s doubles match against and math (STEM) quiz. to the 11th-ranked . It sent Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen of Belgium at the ATP Cup in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) “Our children really look forward to the the tie to a decisive doubles match, activities with players that Qatar Tennis Through a variety of partnerships with with Nadal returning to partner for one of the biggest wins in his ca- ger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2 before Viktor ning the fi rst set before the Serbian Federation and ExxonMobil Qatar organ- local organisations such as QTF, Exxon- Pablo Carreno Busta against Sand- reer. Spain will face Australia in the Troicki and Nikola Cacic teamed to steamrolled him in the second. The ise for them every year,” said Scott Miller, Mobil Qatar invests in programmes that er Gille and Joran Vliegen in a gritty last four. Like Nadal, world number win the doubles. The victory set up a high-stakes third set went with serve a parent from the ExxonMobil Qatar com- support education, professional workforce 6-7 (7/9), 7-5, 10-7 win. two Djokovic was also tested, drop- semi-fi nal against Russia, whose two until the ninth game when the Cana- munity. development, and active and healthy life- Spain’s group games during the ping his fi rst set of the tournament singles players - world number fi ve dian lost his footing going for a shot “They get to meet tennis stars, listen to styles within Qatar’s community. round-robin phase of the inaugu- in a titanic struggle with Canada’s Daniil Medvedev and the 17th ranked and Djokovic broke to go 5-4 up. He what they have to say about playing profes- These programmes support eff orts to ral team event were played in Perth, . The Serbian su- Karen Khachanov - are unbeaten this was serving for the match and 30-0 sional tennis – it’s an engaging and inspir- create a healthy, productive and motivated where the air was much drier. Nadal perstar was made to work by the season. Djokovic faced Shapovalov in front when a woman was taken ing session, and we’re grateful for the op- workforce that will sustain Qatar’s future, struggled to fi nd his rhythm, giv- 14th-ranked young gun before pre- four times last year and won each ill in the stands and the action was portunity,” he added. in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. ing away nine break points in the vailing 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) to help his match comfortably. But the 20-year- briefl y halted. It aff ected his concen- fi rst set. Goffi n had two more break team to a 3-0 win. His impressive old Canadian is improving and had tration and Shapovalov broke back points to go 5-3 up in the second, teammate Dusan Lajovic, buoyed by already picked up a pair of top 10 with the set ultimately going to a tie- but Nadal clung on and became more a huge contingent of Serbian fans wins against Stefanos Tsitsipas and breaker where Djokovic, as he has so off ensive to take the match to a tie- at Ken Rosewall Arena, had earlier Alexander Zverev at the tournament. often done before, rose to the occa- break before the Belgian closed it out crushed world number 21 Felix Au- He came out with guns blazing, win- sion when it mattered most.

Williams, Wozniacki march into Auckland semis Serena Williams, chasing her first 90 minutes. Caroline Wozniacki the Shenzhen Open semi-finals with booked spots in the semi-finals title in three years, wore down a te- overcame defending champion and a straight-sets loss to Ekaterina Alex- of the season-opening Brisbane nacious Laura Siegemund yesterday fourth seed Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-4 to androva. Alexandrova won 6-4, 6-3 International. Osaka’s form slipped to set up a semi-final showdown also make the final four and a semi- to set up a final with Elena Rybakina after the first set but she eventually with Amanda Anisimova at Auckland final clash with unheralded American of Kazakhstan or Kristyna Pliskova. saw off sixth seed Kiki Bertens 6-3, Classic. Siegemund had upset Coco Jessica Pegula. 3-6, 6-3. Gauff to reach the final eight and OSAKA BATTLES, KVITOVA CRUISES It was a more straightforward aff air kept up the pressure until the first MUGURUZA DUMPED OUT Naomi Osaka battled for two for fifth seed Kvitova, who downed set hit 4-4, when Williams moved up Two-time Grand Slam champion hours while Petra Kvitova cruised American qualifier Jennifer Brady a gear to win 6-4, 6-3 in just under Garbine Muguruza crashed out of to victory yesterday as both 6-4, 6-2. Gulf Times Saturday, January 11, 2020 3 CRICKET

REPORT COMMENT Finch expects thrilling Labuschagne vs All-round domination Bumrah duel

Reuters us and for him.” Bumrah has just Mumbai returned to the Indian side in their ongoing three-match series against Sri ustralia captain Aaron Lanka after a three-month layoff helps India clinch T20 Finch is looking for- with a stress fracture in his lower ward to an exciting duel back. between the irrepress- “He’s a fantastic bowler and ibleA Marnus Labuschagne and someone who, when you are not India’s world No 1 fast bowler playing against him, you love Jasprit Bumrah in their ODI se- watching bowl,” Finch said. “He is ries starting in Mumbai next fast and aggressive and his execu- week. tion is pretty spot on. series over Sri Lanka Labuschagne smashed 896 “The more the guys face him, runs in fi ve Tests against Pakistan the more exposure you get, the ‘We have started on the right track, chasing one game and setting one game’ and New Zealand over the Aus- more you start to understand how tralian summer and is set for his he bowls. So it is important that we 50-over debut against India when don’t overplay that too much.” the three-match series of one-day However, the Australian side’s internationals starts on Tuesday. thoughts will never be far from But the 25-year-old’s success home during the series. Huge will depend heavily on how he and unpredictable fi res that have counters the threat from the skill- scorched more than 10.3mn hec- ful Bumrah, who tops the ODI tares (25.5mn acres) of land in world rankings. Australia since October have taken “The improvement we have the lives of 27 people and subjected seen in Marnus’s game over the thousands to repeat evacuations. last 12 months has been huge and “With everyone aff ected by that has been refl ected in his scores bush fi res around Australia, crick- and the impact that he is having in et is insignifi cant to what’s hap- test matches,” Finch told reporters pening there,” Finch said. after arriving in Mumbai. “All we can do is, as players, try “He will be ready to go no doubt. and bring some performances and He is an exciting player who just some excitement and smiles on the keeps getting the job done all the faces of the people who are having time, which is really important for it very tough at the moment.”

Australia captain Aaron Finch (centre) and coach Andrew McDonald (right) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Team India pose with the trophy after winning the T20 series against Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune yesterday. (AFP)

AFP nought as the islanders lost twice in his next over to send with 53 scalps after he struck challenging and what Manish Pune their second straight match af- back Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, for fi rst with the of Danush- (Pandey) and Shardul did was Dhoni may quit ODIs and be in ter the opening T20 was aban- four, trudging back to the pavil- ka Gunathilka for one. very good.” T20 World Cup mix: Shastri peners K L Rahul doned due to rain. ion as India slipped to 122-4. India now host Australia for “We bowled okay for these and Shikhar Dhawan Manish Pandey and Shar- Skipper Virat Kohli, who three one-day internationals kind of conditions in the fi rst Long-serving India (IPL), which is likely to begin in smashed half-centu- dul Thakur also played key dropped himself to number six starting Tuesday in Mumbai. 15-16 overs, and after that they wicketkeeper Mahendra March. ries as India thrashed roles with batting cameos that in the batting order, then took got away,” said Sri Lanka skip- Singh Dhoni may quit one-day A good outing in the franchise- SriO Lanka by 78 runs in the third helped India take 63 runs from the attack to the opposition KOHLI PRAISES per Malinga. internationals soon but could based Twenty20 league could Twenty20 international to the last fi ve overs. with a 17-ball 26 before being ‘CLINICAL’ INDIA “We didn’t have much time still be in contention for a place see him join Rishabh Pant and clinch the series 2-0 yesterday. Pandey, scoring 31 off 18 balls, run out while attempting a sec- Skipper Virat Kohli hailed to change our squad but this is in the country’s squad for the Sanju Samson in a three-way Rahul, who top-scored with and Thakur, with an eight-ball ond run. Sri Lanka were never in India’s clinical start to the year the talent we have in Sri Lanka Twenty20 World Cup, coach race for the stumper’s role in 54, and Dhawan, who hit 52, 22, put on an unbeaten 37-run the chase after losing their top after they completed a 78-run, so we have to back them. Eve- Ravi Shastri said. the World Cup in Australia. put on 97 runs for the opening stand for the seventh wicket three batsmen for 15 runs and series-clinching win over Sri ryone in world Cricket is using Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July, “He has finished (playing) Test wicket as India amassed 201 for and the duo managed to get 19 then slipping to 26 for four. Lanka. wrist spinners because they are quit Test cricket in 2014 and has match cricket. In all probability, six after being put in to bat in runs off the last over. De Silva and Mathews, who “Good start to this year. We wicket-taking options and we not played for India since taking he will finish one-day cricket. Pune. Earlier the left-handed Dha- made 31, put on 68 for the fi fth have started on the right track, have Sandakan and (Wanindu) a break after the team’s semi- At his age I think, the only Paceman Navdeep Saini wan was dropped on one by wicket to raise Sri Lankan hopes chasing one game and setting Hasaranga.” finals exit at the 50-overs World format he will want to play is claimed three to help Dasun Shanaka at deep square but Washington Sundar struck one game. Two very clinical Cup in July last year. T20,” Shastri told CNN-News18 dismiss Sri Lanka for 123 in 15.5 leg off Angelo Mathews and back to break the partnership. performances, so I’m very hap- BRIEF SCORES: The phlegmatic former India channel. “If he feels, when he overs despite a fi ghting 57 by made the most of the spill as Sundar and Thakur took two py,” said Kohli. India 201 for 6 (Rahul 54, Dha- captain has steadfastly refused comes back, that something is Dhananjaya de Silva. he recorded his 10th T20 fi fty wickets each. “Just the confi dence of get- wan 52, Sandakan 3-35) beat to elaborate on his future and not right, he will quit...But if he Saini sent back De Silva af- in just 34 balls. Left-arm wrist Pace spearhead Jasprit Bum- ting that 200 mark every now Sri Lanka 123 (Dhananjaya 57, is set to return to action at has a cracking IPL season then, ter his 36-ball knock and then spinner Lakshan Sandakan fi - rah became India’s highest and then will put us in a good Mathews 31, Saini 3-28, Thakur the Indian Premier League you know...” – Reuters got skipper Lasith Malinga for nally got Dhawan and struck wicket-taker in the T20 format stead. That middle collapse was 2-19) by 78 runs.

ODI SPOTLIGHT Cottrell’s last-over six helps WI seal series Warne’s ‘baggy green’ AFP for the fourth wicket. Pooran cap sale raises A$1mn Bridgetown, Barbados made his runs off 44 balls with six fours as the higly-rated left- hander completed a sixth ODI for bushfi re appeal heldon Cottrell blasted half-century. a six off the penultimate He was clean-bowled by off - AFP said the cap would go on a tour ball to give the West spinner Simi Singh with the Sydney of the country to raise more Indies a thrilling one- score on 140. Pollard played a money before being donated to wicketS victory over Ireland in captain’s role, making 40 off 32 the Bradman Museum in Bow- the second one-day interna- balls with two boundaries and ricket star Shane ral, southwest of Sydney, where tional at Kensington Oval on four giant sixes. The 32-year- Warne’s “baggy green” it will remain on permanent ex- Thursday. old fell to a fi ne caught-and- cap sold at auction hibit. “I want to thank and com- Cottrell, best known for his bowled by Barry McCarthy for for more than A$1mn mend Shane for giving up one of fast bowling where wickets are the addition of two further runs. (nearlyC $700,000) yesterday, his most cherished possessions celebrated with a fl amboyant Khary Pierre (18), in only his with all funds going to help vic- for such an important cause,” he military salute, carted Mark third ODI, helped Walsh steady tims of bushfi res raging in Aus- said in a statement. Adair over cover for the winning the ship in a 52-run partnership tralia. “He has demonstrated the runs as the home side lived on for the eighth wicket. The spin legend wore the same Aussie spirit we are see- their nerves to fi nish on 242-9. Earlier, opening batsman cap during his 145-Test career, ing across the country with acts Victory gave the West Indies Paul Stirling top-scored with 63 in which he took more than of generosity and dedication a 2-0 lead in the three-game se- as Ireland put up a challenging 700 wickets, and said he was throughout this disaster.” ries after winning the opener at 237-9 off 50 overs on a wearing blown away after a late bid- The “baggy green” is awarded the same ground on Tuesday by pitch. ding war pushed the price to to Australian players when they fi ve wickets. Stirling hit seven boundaries A$1,007,500. make their Test debut and is Despite Cottrell’s headline- and one six as he claimed his It far exceeded the A$425,000 worn as a badge of pride. stealing fl ourish, it was fellow 24th ODI half-century. paid at auction for the cap be- Warne decided to put the cap tail-ender Hayden Walsh who Pace bowler Joseph fi nished longing to the legendary Donald up for auction on Monday to was his team’s saviour. with 4-32, identical fi gures Bradman when that was sold for help those who have suff ered in In just his seventh one-dayer, from the fi rst game, and also charity in 2003. the catastrophic fi res that have Walsh, who started his interna- took two catches. “Thank you so much to eve- devastated parts of the coun- tional career last year playing He claimed the wickets of ryone that placed a bid & a huge try and left at least 26 people for the United States, fi nished Stirling as well as the dangerous Thank you/ congrats to the dead and almost 2,000 homes undefeated on 46. Kevin O’Brien (31) in an impres- successful bidder — you have destroyed. “The horrifi c bush- “We are relieved about the sive spell. blown me away with your gen- fi res in Australia have left us all win, we all put in the eff ort,” The third and fi nal game is erosity and this was way beyond in disbelief. The impact these said West Indies man of the tomorrow in Grenada. my expectations,” he tweeted. devastating fi res are having on match Alzarri Joseph who took File photo of West Indies’ . (AFP) “The money will go direct to so many people is unthinkable four wickets for the second BRIEF SCORES: the Red Cross bushfi re appeal. and has touched us all,” he said game in a row as well as hitting “The win means a lot to eve- suit of a 238-run target. (52) and West Indies 242 for 9 (Pooran Thank you, Thank you, Thank on Instagram. a valuable 16 runs in a ninth- ryone, but it’s not fi nished, we However, a brief rain delay skipper (40) 52, Walsh 46*, Pollard 40, Singh you.” The Commonwealth Bank, “Everyone is in this together wicket stand with Walsh. have one game to go.” played havoc with their compo- were dismissed without add- 3-48) beat Ireland 237 for 9 Australia’s biggest lender, was and we continue to fi nd ways to “We wanted to bat sensibly West Indies had been cruis- sure and three quick wickets fell ing to their scores following the (Stirling 63, Joseph 4-32) by one revealed as the winning bidder. contribute and help on a daily and get to the score. ing at 140-3 at one stage in pur- for just eight runs. interruption having put on 64 wicket. Chief executive Matt Comyn basis.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, January 11, 2020 FOOTBALL

EPL SERIE A Conte counting on ‘rough diamonds’ Maguire return a Lukaku, Lautaro against Atalanta

AFP in his fi nal season with Man- Milan chester United. “It will be timely boost for big expectations ahead of the game. Both teams have great ntonio Conte will strikers,” said Atalanta wing- ‘It is only a minor thing. He be counting on In- back Robin Gosens. ter Milan strike duo “Lukaku is very diffi cult to will go through training Romelu Lukaku and mark, Martinez moves a lot. LautaroA Martinez in today’s They are doing extraordinary and see how he reacts’ Serie A clash against free- stuff , it will make it a tough Man United scoring Atalanta to keep ahead challenge. AFP of champions Juventus who “But we played at San Siro Manchester travel to Roma. in the Champions League so Both eight-time holders we are used to that pitch.” Juventus and Inter Milan are Gasperini’s side are one anchester United top of the Italian league table point behind Roma, who oc- manager Ole Gunnar on 45 points after 18 games, cupy the fi nal Champions Solskjaer is hopeful with Conte’s side ahead on League place, and host Juven- Harry Maguire will goal diff erence. “I’ve always tus tomorrow. Mbe fi t to face Norwich City today, said Romelu was a rough dia- The champions beat allaying fears that the world’s mond that needed polishing. Cagliari 4-0 last time out most expensive defender was set Lautaro Martinez is the same,” with Cristiano Ronaldo scor- for a spell on the sidelines. said Conte. ing a hat-trick. Roma coach Maguire was badly missed as Inter and fi fth-placed Ata- Paulo Fonseca insisted his United crumbled to Manchester lanta have had the most po- side could bounce back from City in a 3-1 League Cup semi- tent attacks so far this season the 2-0 defeat at home against fi nal, fi rst leg defeat on Tuesday, in Serie A, setting the scene Torino last weekend. but his hip injury is not as bad as for a potential goal-fest in the “The squad are a bit sad fi rst feared. San Siro. Gian Piero Gasp- after the game against Tori- The man signed for £80 mil- erini’s Atalanta are 11 points no, but we’re focused on the lion ($105 million) from Leicester off the leaders but coming off match against Juventus and in August has not had the trans- back-to-back league wins we have to be optimistic,” said formative impact on Ole Gunnar with ten goals scored - a 5-0 the Portuguese coach. Solskjaer’s defence that United scoreline against both AC Mi- City rivals Lazio are now hoped for, but the importance of lan and Parma. positioned among the ti- his presence was laid bare as City Gasperini coached Inter for tle challengers, three points cut open a centre-back pairing fi ve winless games before be- behind the leaders in third, of Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones ing sacked in 2011. But he has before hosting struggling with ease in midweek. transformed the Bergamo side Napoli. Simone Inzaghi’s “Harry has a chance for to- who fi nished third last season. side can push their winning morrow,” Solskjaer said at his They have scored 48 goals streak in the league against pre-match press conference on so far this season and another eight-placed Napoli who are Friday. “It is only a minor thing. on Saturday would see them 11 points off the Champions He will go through training and become the most prolifi c team League place. see how he reacts.” in Serie A in the past 60 years. “Our position in the league Maguire has played every They will be keen to impress doesn’t refl ect the team’s minute of United’s league cam- at the San Siro where they value,” said Napoli midfi elder paign so far and has even worn host Valencia in their Cham- Allan. the armband on multiple occa- pions League last 16 fi rst leg One to watch Zlatan Ibra- sions with club captain Ashley Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. (Reuters) tie on February 19. himovic, 38, could get his fi rst Young reduced to a peripheral Inter failed to qualify for the start for struggling AC Milan role since the arrival of right- Young is out of contract this June with him.” Guardiola won’t rush back improving Laporte European knockout rounds against Cagliari after his sub- back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. summer and free to negoti- United have not won any of and are targeting their fi rst stitute role in their goalless “It’s not a surprise because ate with the Italian giants, who their three matches in 2020 as Manchester City boss Pep Aston Villa tomorrow. Serie A title since 2010. draw against Sampdoria. he’s a warrior and he wants to could even bring a move forward the City defeat came on the back Guardiola is impressed with “I don’t know honestly when he Conte believes that Lu- “I see Ibrahimovic as a big play,” added Solskjaer as Maguire to this month if a deal with Unit- of losing at Arsenal in the league Aymeric Laporte’s progress will be ready to play some min- kaku and Martinez, who both brother,” said Portugal Un- aims to shrug off the problem ed can be agreed. and the stalemate at Wolves. as he returns from injury but utes but of course it is closer. scored in last weekend’s 3-1 der-21 forward Leao. “He’s he picked up in a 0-0 draw at “Ashley is our player, our cap- And Solskjaer is looking for said the club will have to wait He is moving really well so I win over Napoli, are only be- a great player and I want to Wolves in the FA Cup third round tain, but there has been loads of a response against bottom-of- for medical staff to give the all- think the operation was good.” ginning to hit their stride. learn as much as I can with last weekend. speculation and we just have to the-table Norwich, who have clear before the Frenchman can In Laporte’s absence, defending The pair have accounted for him by my side. Any team “If it’s only a minor problem, handle it,” said Solskjaer. won just once on the road all return to first-team action. champions City have strug- 23 of Inter’s 39 Serie A goals, with Ibrahimovic in it has a he will put himself up to play “He has been very profes- season. Laporte damaged cartilage gled defensively and slipped 14 and 30 in all competitions. better chance of success.” and that’s what he did against sional and focused and that isn’t “Of course you are disap- and the lateral meniscus in his points behind league lead- Lukaku is the second high- The former European gi- Wolves.At half-time, he said he going to change. pointed when you lose to your right knee after a challenge ers Liverpool, having played est scorer in Serie A, behind ants are 12th in the table, 23 was feeling a little discomfort “It will be a discussion be- local rivals. You can feel sorry for on Brighton & Hove Albion’s a game more than Juergen Lazio’s Ciro Immobile. points behind the leaders. But but he was adamant he was go- tween me and Ashley if some- yourself or knuckle down for the Adam Webster and had surgery Klopp’s side. His double against Napoli Cagliari have won just one ing to be fi ne. He was close to thing comes up, but we haven’t next one,” added the Norwegian. in September but is now back “Aymeric with his left foot, plays took his tally for the season to of their last 31 Serie A games playing against City, just not got too many players fi t and “The worst trait a footballer training on grass on his own. the left side and he is quick,” 14, overtaking the 12 he scored against AC Milan. quite good enough, but he has a ready so we need the ones we can have is feeling sorry for him- “He is training every day and Guardiola added. “He settled chance now.” have. self. If you have that, you’re not has finished the training with quickly in this league since he Maguire could soon succeed “He has been a very good in the right place. a good feeling and no pain,” arrived. Of course (his return) is SUPER CUP Young as club captain with the player for this club and a good “But the boys have been fo- Guardiola told a news confer- important for us but we have to 34-year-old reportedly close to captain this season and we will cused and I am sure we will get a ence ahead of City’s trip to respect the process.” agreeing a deal with Inter Milan. see where we are in February and reaction.” Messi laments Barca’s FOCUS childish mistakes in semi-fi nal defeat Bayern coach Flick sidesteps Reuters Jeddah

arcelona captain Li- onel Messi cursed his Nuebel report, praises Doha trip side’s careless errors DPA in their 3-2 defeat by AtleticoB on Thursday Doha as they crashed out of the re- vamped Spanish Super Cup in ayern Munich coach Saudi Arabia. Hansi Flick says he does The Spanish champions, not want to be side- who had two goals ruled tracked by a report new out in the second half after goalkeeperB signing Alexander VAR reviews, dominated the Nuebel has a guarantee of play- match and were leading 2-1 ing time in his contract. with 10 minutes left thanks Flick said on the return fl ight to goals from Messi and An- from the squad’s training camp toine Griezmann. But it was in Doha yesterday he “can’t Atletico who booked their judge” and is “not interested” in place inSunday’s fi nal against a report by Sport1 television and Real Madrid, levelling thanks Internet portal on 23-year-old to a penalty from Alvaro Mor- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) Nuebel’s contract. ata before Angel Correa struck dribbles past Atletico Ma- Nuebel will join German the winner after Griezmann drid’s Saul Niguez during the champions Bayern from Schalke gave away possession. Spanish Super Cup semi-final in the summer on a fi ve-year “We need to try and con- in Jeddah. (AFP) contract, providing competi- tinue playing as well as we did tion to number one and captain today for the rest of the year sult led to further criticism Manuel Neuer. but make sure we don’t make of coach Ernesto Valverde, Neuer, 34, whose contract the childish errors we made although Messi said the team runs out after next season, has today,” Messi told reporters. backed their manager. made it clear he sees himself as Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (third right) and Bayern Munich’s Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara (right) attend a “We controlled the game “We still have confi dence in fi rst choice and wants to play training session during the team’s winter camp in Qatar’s capital Doha. (AFP) for around 80 minutes, we him and we will work hard so every game. played at a high pace, we at- we can improve, but it’s nor- Without specifi cally address- had “a very good, very success- for the Bundesliga return, when midfi elder Philippe Coutinho, causing some internal irritation tacked all the time and created mal that there is discontent ing the Sport1 report or whether ful” training camp in Doha. third-placed Bayern travel to who arrived on loan from Bar- with a call for the signing of “at lots of chances. But in the last when there’s a defeat and peo- internal details may have been “The team pulled its weight Hertha Berlin on January 19. celona just after the start of the least two more players.” 10 minutes we made big and ple feel the team is not play- leaked, Flick said: “I am the fantastically, the intensity was “I think we did the right thing season, will fl ourish after his Sport director Hasan Sa- we let a game slip which we ing as they would like,” Messi wrong contact person. These are very high,” he said. to leave him at home, to give him fi rst Bayern training camp. lihamdzic reacted to the call by had under control.” added. “We have to be more things that I don’t want to com- The one blot was an Achilles the time,” Flick said. “He will make the leap we all saying he was “surprised” by it The defeat continued a poor united than ever, be a strong ment on.” tendon injury to forward Segre “Lewy is a world-class strik- hope for, I am absolutely con- and was “not a friend of media start to the new year by the group and move forward. We Flick, who succeeded Niko Gnabry, who was unable to train. er, the automatisms are well- vinced. He is a gifted footballer,” squad planning.” league leaders, who were held are top of La Liga but we have Kovac in November as interim However striker Robert known and it is important to him Flick said. But Flick stood by his remarks, to a 2-2 draw at struggling not been playing well recently coach and has since been told Lewandowski, who was not that he has no pain and is 100 per The 54-year-old coach may saying: “I said my opinion hon- Espanyol last week which so we are going to try and re- the job is his at least until the with the squad in Doha follow- cent ready to play.” have strengthened his position estly and professionally. It’s al- left them level on points with cover our best play so we can end of the season, said Bayern ing groin surgery, should be fi t The coach is also optimistic during the training camp despite ways about the team, the club.” second-placed Real. That re- stay at the top.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 11, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Rangers’ DeAngelo, Preds’ Rinne star Paul’s Thunder spoil with rare scoring achievements

AFP goal. Viktor Arvidsson, Co- Los Angeles lin Blackwell, Matt Duchene Westbrook’s return, and Nick Bonino also scored for the Predators, who earned ekka Rinne became their fi rst win under new head the fi rst NHL goal- coach John Hynes. tender to score a goal Blackhawks goaltender Co- since 2013 by lobbing rey Crawford made 25 saves. Pa shot the full length of the ice Elsewhere, Tony DeAngelo to cap the Nashville Preda- became the fi rst New York de- Sixers defeat Celtics tors 5-2 win over the Chicago fenceman to get a hat-trick in Blackhawks on Thursday. 37 years and fi nished with fi ve ‘BECAUSE WE HAD A BIG LEAD, THEY HAD TO SHOOT A LOT OF THREES’ The 37-year-old Finn- points in the Rangers’ 6-3 win ish star made 29 saves before over the New Jersey Devils. scoring into the empty Black- The 24-year-old American hawk net as the Predators posted his fi rst career hat trick pulled away late in the game. and set a career high for points Rinne gathered the puck in a game after never having behind his own net and fl ipped scored more than two points a shot high and down the in a previously. middle of the ice. It skidded He scored his fi rst goal in past a Chicago defender and the fi rst period and added two bounced a few times before more in just under three min- landing in the open net with 21 utes in the middle frame. seconds left. The last Ranger defence- Rinne, the MVP of the 2014 man to record a hat trick was World Hockey Champion- Reijo Ruotsalainen in 1982. He ships, hoisted both arms in the joins Brian Leetch as the only air as teammates mobbed him Ranger defenceman to get fi ve for the rare accomplishment, points in a game. Hall of Famer which last took place when Leetch, also of the US, did it Mike Smith scored October 19, twice over his brilliant 18-year 2013, for the Phoenix Coyotes career. DeAngelo is also the in a win over Detroit. fi rst NHL defenceman to get Rinne is just the 12th goal- fi ve points since Nashville’s tender ever credited with a Roman Josi did it last February.

RESULTS Boston 5-4 Winnipeg Florida 5-2 Vancouver Edmonton 4-2 Montreal NY Rangers 6-3 New Jersey Tampa Bay 4-0 Arizona St. Louis 5-1 Buff alo Nashville 5-2 Chicago Calgary 2-1 Minnesota Dallas 3-0 Anaheim Los Angeles 5-2 Las Vegas San Jose 3-1 Columbus

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul (right) drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP season for Paul. The deal involved Paul and during Monday’s 120-113 win over the Okla- RESULTS Los Angeles four draft picks going to the Thunder. Less homa City Thunder. Embiid left in the fi rst than a week before trading Westbrook, the quarter but eventually returned after having Oklahoma 113-92 Houston Thunder sent Paul George to the Los Angeles two fi ngers taped together. anilo Gallinari scored a team high Minnesota 116-102 Portland Clippers for second-year guard Gilgeous- Kemba Walker scored a team-high 26 23 points and Chris Paul delivered Cleveland 115-112 Detroit Alexander and veteran swingman Gallinari. points, Marcus Smart added 24 and Jayson 18 as the Oklahoma City Thun- All of the players the rebuilding Thunder Tatum had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Philadelphia 109-98 Boston der spoiled the return of Russell received in those trades played big roles in Celtics, who lost three in a row for the fi rst DWestbook with a 113-92 rout of the Houston hind the three-point line to stumble to a Thursday’s decisive win. time this season. Rockets on Thursday. season-low 17 points. It was another case of the Celtics giving Paul also dazzled with fi ve assists and four Westbrook doesn’t like to play back-to- ‘HOLD THE FORT DOWN’ up a lead and being unable to bounce back. steals and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied back games and the Rockets played Wednes- Elsewhere, Josh Richardson scored 29 points They were coming off a 129-114 loss to San 20 points for the Thunder, who won for the day. Westbrook sat out that one so he could and Al Horford stepped in to fi ll an off ensive Antonio on Wednesday. seventh time in eight games. be well rested to face his former teammates void as the Philadelphia 76ers shook off the Despite the loss, Celtics coach Brad Ste- Oklahoma City scored 37 fi rst-quarter But on Thursday, he took an early seat on absence of Joel Embiid to beat the Boston vens was trying to fi nd some positives to take points to lead by 16, and the lopsided game the bench, coming out of the game halfway Celtics 109-98. from the game. was never closer than double fi gures the rest through the fourth quarter with the out- Ben Simmons tallied 19 points and Hor- “I thought there were a lot more examples of the way. come decided. Westbrook then acted like ford chipped in with 17 for the Sixers, who of who we want to be tonight,” he said. Paul said it was refreshing to have a one- he didn’t want anything to do with his new have won all three games this season over Philadelphia pushed ahead 94-87 with sided victory for a change. team, choosing to sit by himself on the far Boston and improved to 18-2 at home this just over six minutes to go in the fourth “We played so many close games it is nice end of the bench closet to the locker room at NBA season. when Horford completed a three-point play to have a cushion, especially against a team Chesapeake Arena. “With Joel out that is a big part of our in front of the crowd of 20,800 at the Wells like this,” Paul said. “Because we had a big The Thunder showed a short video tribute team, so we had to fi nd another way to win,” Fargo Center arena. lead, they had to shoot a lot of threes. We will of Westbrook before the game as the crowd said Horford. “We have to hold the fort down Simmons missed a dunk on the Sixers’ take the win.” of 18,200 stood and cheered. till he gets back.” next possession, and Walker came back with Westbrook was just one of six from three Westbrook played 11 seasons for the All-star centre Embiid will undergo a sur- a three-point play. point range and 14 of 26 from the fl oor. The Thunder, helping Oklahoma City to nine gery for a torn ligament in his left ring fi nger Boston got the ball back and Gordon Hay- Pekka Rinne (centre) of the Nashville Predators celebrates his Rockets’ other major star, James Harden, playoff appearances and one NBA fi nals, and the club said he would be re-evaluated in ward scored as the Celtics got within 94-92 first career goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United was just fi ve of 17 and two of nine from be- before being traded to the Rockets in the off - one to two weeks. Embiid suff ered the injury with 5:15 remaining. Center on Thursday in Chicago. (AFP)

NFL Top seeds Ravens, 49ers host upstarts in playoff s AFP at New Orleans, today while to- Ingram, who played a key role in SEATTLE ‘ROAD WARRIORS’ Washington morrow fi nds Seattle at Green the Ravens becoming the great- Green Bay matched the NFL’s Bay in the National Conference est rushing attack in NFL history, best home win mark with seven and Houston at Kansas City in the practised on Thursday for the fi rst victories at Lambeau Field, but FL playoff top seeds American. time since suff ering a calf injury will face a Seahawks squad that Baltimore and San Wins by the Ravens and 49ers last month. is 8-1 on the road, including a Francisco entertain would make them hosts for the Tennessee counters with run- playoff win at Philadelphia last bottom-seeded up- January 19 conference champi- ning back Derrick Henry, the weekend. Nstarts in this weekend’s confer- onship games that determine the NFL’s season rushing leader with “We’ve been road warriors ence semi-fi nal showdowns, rivals in Super Bowl 54 on Febru- 1,540 yards, and a solid defen- and it’s exciting,” Seattle quar- providing a supreme test for ary 2 at Miami. This week’s home sive unit that blanked Tom Brady terback Russell Wilson said. clubs who have already toppled teams, who enjoyed fi rst-round in the second half of the Titans’ Packers quarterback Aaron expected winners. byes, are 16-4 over the past fi ve stunner over the Patriots. Rodgers, who guided Green Bay Run-pass quarterback threat seasons at this stage of the NFL The 49ers, who missed the to a 2011 Super Bowl triumph, Lamar Jackson leads the Balti- playoff s and no team that played playoff s the past fi ve seasons, are yearns for a second NFL crown more Ravens, who had the NFL’s in the opening round has reached fi ve-time Super Bowl champions, at age 36. best regular-season record at a Super Bowl since the 2012 sea- the most recent in 1995, while the Houston won 31-24 at Kan- 14-2, against visiting Tennes- son. Vikings have lost all four trips to sas City earlier this season, the see, which snuck into the fi nal Jackson set an NFL quarter- the title game, most recently in Texans rallying after the Chiefs American Conference berth and back rushing record of 1,206 1977. San Francisco quarterback seized a 17-3 lead. Kansas City dethroned New England last yards, leading the NFL with 36 Jimmy Garoppolo, twice a Super was missing fi ve starters and weekend on the road, in today’s touchdown throws while guiding Bowl winner as a Brady backup quarterback Patrick Mahomes matchup. the league’s top-scoring attack. in New England, makes his fi rst was slowed by a sore ankle, but “I’m bringing a Super Bowl His title hunger has sparked the playoff start guiding a versatile the Chiefs defenders could not here. That’s my goal,” Jackson Ravens. attack that features rookie re- sack Texans quarterback De- said. “I’ve been wanting a Super “It’s infectious. I haven’t seen ceiver Deebo Samuel, tight end shaun Watson. Bowl ever since I was a kid. That’s anyone that’s so hell bent on win- George Kittle and veteran receiver Watson converted a fourth why I play the game, because I ning. It’s all he cares about,” said Emmanuel Sanders. down to run down the clock in want to win.” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, The Vikings counter with rush- that game, but Mahomes was no The National Conference top- who caught a team-high 64 er Dalvin Cook but receiver Adam pushover. The Chiefs star threw seeded 49ers will host Minnesota, passes for 852 yards and 10 touch- Thielen is questionable with an for 273 yards and three touch- In this file photo taken on December 3, 2019, Lamar Jackson (right) of the Baltimore Ravens rushes against which won an over-time shocker downs. Baltimore rusher Mark ankle injury. downs. the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Satuday, January 11, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Games must connect with gamers to keep Olympics relevant: Bach ‘We are living in the middle of society and want to keep our relevance and keep promoting our Olympic values’

Reuters Lausanne, Switzerland

he International Olympic Committee has to con- nect with hundreds of millions of gamers world- Twide if the Olympic body is to re- main relevant with the younger generation, IOC President Tho- mas Bach said yesterday. Bach also said games simulat- ing sports could at some point in the future become a part of the Olympic programme. “Whether they could one day be considered for the Olympic programme the answer is yes,” he told a news conference. “It de- pends when this day is coming.” The IOC has been working on developing connections with both the industry and gamers but it has also rejected many of the electronic games as too violent and not in line with the IOC’s Ol- ympic values. It is desperate, however, to tap into this young market, with its traditional Olympic TV view- ership ageing fast. Bach earlier urged his members during the IOC session to look beyond the diff er- ences and fi nd common ground that would allow federations to develop their own games suitable for a young Olympic audience and also develop regulations. “We have to acknowledge that we are not an isolated part of so- ciety,” Bach said. “We are living in the middle of society and want to keep our relevance and keep pro- moting our Olympic values. (From left) International Olympic Committee (IOC) South Korean member Lee Kee Heung; Governor of Gangwon Province, Choi Moon-soon; IOC President Thomas Bach and South Korean sports minister Park Yang- “We cannot ignore our in- woo pose with the name of Gangwon Province elected to host the 4th Winter Youth Olympic 2024 during an Olympic session in Lausanne yesterday. (AFP) volvement and we have to keep connected. We have to explore “We have defi ned very clearly our opportunities.” what divides us from this indus- Infantino joins IOC as member to end FIFA’s 5-year absence Bach’s comments came after try and in particular with regard a presentation by international to the values,” Bach said. “We FIFA president Gianni Infantino was yester- month to delay the inclusion of its president cycling federation (UCI) presi- have said there is a red line with day elected as a member of the International Sebastian Coe due to what the IOC said was dent David Lappartient, who regard to the content of some of Olympic Committee, ending a five-year a conflict of interest. heads the esports and gaming these games. period when soccer had no representation in Infantino was elected as a member with 63 in liaison group set up by the IOC. “We do not want to have any- the Olympic body. favour and 13 against. He joins International Lappartient said there were thing to do with killer games or FIFA and World Athletics, the global govern- Tennis Federation chief David Haggerty and some 2.2 billion active gam- games promoting discrimina- ing bodies of two of the biggest sports in Japanese Olympic Committee president Yas- ers worldwide, with around 150 tion. We compete for the leisure the Olympics, had been absent from the uhiro Yamashita as the IOC’s latest members. million involved in esports. He time of the young generation. If IOC since the departure of their respective For decades prior to 2015, membership of said 75% of 12-17 year-olds play we move on the platforms this former presidents Sepp Blatter and Lamine the IOC for the heads of soccer and athletics some form of electronic games. young generation is moving we Diack in 2015. was almost automatic. The UCI has already an- can also use this platform to pro- Both former presidents were involved in Yet the two international federations had nounced an esports cycling mote our values.” corruption investigations, prompting the been left out in the cold as they struggled world championships for 2020 Some IOC members, however, IOC to delay their successors’ inclusion as with widespread corruption and doping and Bach said that was a good urged caution, saying more un- members. scandals which tarnished their images. example of how physical activ- derstanding of the industry was World Athletics is still without an IOC Diack, who has denied wrongdoing, faces a ity and electronic games could necessary before taking steps to member after the Olympic body decided last corruption trial in France later in January. come together. join up with it.

ATHLETICS FOCUS Belgian cycling Kenya’s former marathon record prodigy Remco unleashed for Giro holder Kipsang banned for doping Tadej Pogacar came third aged AFP just 20. AFP Farah ‘would have quit Salazar sooner’ Paris The youngest Giro winner had he known about doping violations was the great Fausto Coppi, ycling’s latest whizz- who won at 20 years eight ormer world marathon British athletics great Mo Farah noying, I wish I’d known quicker. kid Remco Evenepoel months and 20 days in 1940, record holder Wilson says he would have been the I haven’t been part of Salazar will make his Grand Evenepoel would be younger if Kipsang was yesterday first athlete to leave disgraced for the last two years.” Tour debut as one of he triumphs this year. handed a provisional ban Cthe youngest ever starters of The charismatic former An- coach Alberto Salazar’s camp The World Anti-Doping Agency forF doping by the Athletics In- the Giro d’Italia in May, his derlecht and PSV Eindhoven had he known he was involved is to investigate athletes from tegrity Unit (AIU). in doping. the Oregon Project – which Nike team Deceuninck announced youth-team footballer was The 37-year-old Kenyan was The 36-year-old Somalia-born closed down in October – and yesterday. voted Belgian sportsperson of suspended “for whereabouts distance runner – who will bid could retest past samples. There are three individual the year in 2019 after setting failures and tampering”, both for a third successive 10,000 Farah, who achieved the 5,000 time trials on the 2020 Giro pulses racing by winning the violations of World Athletics’ metres Olympic title in Tokyo metres/10,000m Olympic and Evenepoel, who turns 20 Tour of Belgium and the San anti-doping rules, the AIU an- this year rather than continuing double in 2012 and 2016, told later this month, is European Sebastian classic two years nounced on Twitter. Kipsang to conquer the marathon – told the Daily Telegraph he feared champion and world silver after his conversion to road claimed the world record when the BBC he wished he had been nothing from having his previ- medallist in the discipline, racing. clocking 2hr 3min 23sec in the aware sooner about Salazar’s il- ous samples retested. making him a potential con- Asked by the Gazzetta 2013 Berlin marathon. He won Wilson Kipsang of Kenya. (Reuters) legal activity at the Nike Oregon “I don’t think there has ever tender. whether he wanted to become the London marathon in 2012 Project. been a problem for me,” he “I’ll just see how I do each the best rider of his genera- and 2014, when he also won in sions, and last year the half mar- matchup at the Tokyo Olympics Farah was criticised for staying said. day over the three weeks and tion, confi dent Evenepoel re- New York, and he claimed bronze athon world record holder Abra- as well as the World Indoors in on with the 61-year-old Cuban- “I am very honest, probably one have fun and hope the weather plied: “Sure, why not?” at the 2012 London Olympics. ham Kiptum was provisionally March at Nanjing, China. born naturalised American till of the most tested athletes. I am is good,” Evenepoel said in a “It will be diffi cult, and will It is not the fi rst time he has suspended for irregularities in Ali completed a second ma- 2017, two years after a happy for all my tests to be re- video release. mean winning lots and win- fallen under the doping radar. his biological passport. Kenya ternity leave comeback last year BBC documentary first aired tested and to use the samples. In an interview with Ital- ning well,” he added. “Maybe In September 2014 he escaped came close to being banned from by capturing the world title at claims about doping within the “That’s all you can do.” ian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, in 15 years we’ll meet again and punishment when he missed an the Rio Games in 2016. Doha in a personal best of 12.34 camp. Farah, who is also a three-time Evenepoel said he relished the see if that’s how it turned out.” out-of-competition drug test. Meanwhile Reigning world seconds while McNeal was dis- When Salazar was banned world champion, said he chanced to wear the overall Evenepoel’s early career He risks a two-year ban for outdoor 100m hurdles champi- qualifi ed for a false start in qual- for four years by the US Anti- could do nothing about there leader’s pink jersey after the prowess has led to him be- this latest infringement, if prov- on Nia Ali and reigning Olympic ifying. Doping Agency (USADA) in being a permanent cloud fi rst stage in Budapest, which ing compared to countryman en. The development was the 100m hurdles champion Brianna McNeal won the 2013 world October for doping violations, of doubt hanging over him is a time-trial. Eddy Merckx, widely consid- latest blow for Kenyan athletics McNeal will meet in a 60m hur- 100 hurdles crown at Moscow Farah was reluctant to talk because of his association with “I’m good at time-trials, ered to be the best ever road ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olym- dles showdown at the Boston and took silver at the 2016 World about his former coach, who is Salazar. although it’s under 10 kilome- cyclist, but the youngster is pics as he joins the growing list Indoor Grand Prix, organizers Indoors behind Ali before edging now appealing the ruling at “I was out of that (Nike Oregon tres and I’m better at longer not impressed by attempts to of Kenyan athletes who have announced Thursday. runner-up Ali for gold later that the Court of Arbitration for Project) two years ago,” he said. distances. I’ll prepare myself liken him to “the Cannibal”. been suspended for doping of- The January 25 meet is the year at the Rio Olympics. Sport. “That is quite a while. I believe to give everything and what- “I don’t like comparisons fences. opener of the seven-event World Reigning world 800m cham- “Had I had known the news, in hard work. There is no allega- ever happens, happens,” he with Merckx or any other rider Forty-three athletes, includ- Athletics Indoor Tour, which pion Donavan Brazier will com- what Salazar did, it’s taken four tion against me. It just follows said. because we’re talking about ing the women’s 2016 Olympic also includes stops in Germa- pete in the 600m at Boston. The years, had I known that sooner me. In 2019, Colombian prodigy diff erent eras, so it doesn’t marathon champion Jemima ny, Poland, Britain, France and 22-year-old American won the I would have been the first one “You have got to be honest with Egan Bernal won the Tour de make any sense,” he said. Sumgong and three-time world Spain over January and February. Diamond League 800 crown last out,” said Farah. yourself – there is nothing that I France as the youngest man “I am who I am, that’s who I 1,500m winner Asbel Kiprop The US hurdles stars could be year and captured the world title “That’s the bit that’s kind of an- would change.” in the race at age 21, while at want to be, and that should be were handed four-year suspen- getting an early rehearsal for a in an American record 1:42.34. the Vuelta a Espana Slovenia’s enough.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 11, 2020 7 SPORT

FOOTBALL / AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP Jordan survive scare to beat North Korea 2-1 AFC Bani Atieh received the ball Buriram on the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross for Ali Olwan Qatar U23 team training whose header at the far post ordan survived a late scare beat the Korean goalkeeper, but to earn a valuable 2-1 win bounced off the crossbar. Hani against North Korea and was in the right place at the right move to the top of Group D time to nod on the rebound into ofJ the AFC U-23 Championship the empty net. Thailand 2020 yesterday. North Korea did not give up Coach Abdullah Abu Ismael’s and piled the pressure on their men started on the front foot opponents for the remainder of and had their fi rst big chance of the match. the match after 11 minutes when As the game drew to a close, Yazan al-Naimat embarked on a DPR Korea fi nally managed to solo run, overtaking two defend- fi nd the back of the net. Pak’s ers to go through on goal, but his header following an out-swing- tame fi nish was caught by goal- ing corner was helped on its way keeper Kang Ju-hyok. by substitute Ryang Hyon-ju. Jong Kum-song found himself His goal would prove to be mere in hot water in the last minute consolation as Jordan assumed of the fi rst half after he tripped the summit of the group ahead of al-Naimat inside the box. Bani their encounter against Vietnam Atieh stepped up and slotted the on Monday while North Korea will resulting spot-kick to send Jor- chase their fi rst point against the dan into the dressing room with a UAE earlier on the same day. goal advantage. In the other Group D match, Substitute Omar Hani added Vietnam and the United Arab Jordan’s second with a quarter of Emirates collected a point each an hour to go after a well-worked after playing out a goalless draw Qatar U-23 team’s players take part in a training session in Bangkok yesterday. (Right) Qatar U-23 coach Felix Sanchez during a training session yesterday. attacking move. at Buriram Stadium.

MOTORSPORT GOLF R&A gift ed world’s biggest Lowry gets into Superpole for collection of golf gear at Hong books Reuters Kong Open al-Naimi in QSTK London, United Kingdom AFP Al-Khelaifi goes fastest in QTCC’s new M240 car category Hong Kong verything and By Sports Reporter anything that ever Doha Ehappened in the pen winner and Ryder game of golf can be found Cup hopeful Shane between the covers of Lowry cranked up ue to rainy condi- Alastair Johnston’s vast the heat to close in on tions, the second formerO champion Wade Orms- 30,000-volume collection round of Qatar Su- of golf books and he is by at the Hong Kong Open yes- perstock 600 and Qa- donating the whole lot to terday. tarD Touring Car Championship Ormsby surged ahead in early the R&A at St Andrews. were aff ected and the morning Johnston, former chair- play, carding a four-under 66 sessions were cancelled. man of Scottish soccer to go nine under and stay top of In the Qatar Superstock 600, club Rangers and vice the leaderboard at the historic the Free Practice 2 and the Su- chairman of management Fanling course where he won his perpole sessions were topped group IMG, bought his maiden European Tour event in round as leader, but threw away by Mashel al-Naimi. first golf book during an 2017. several shots, allowing Ormsby Al-Naimi with a lap time of internship at IMG in 1969 But headliner Lowry went to surge and claim victory. 2:05.197 will start from the fi rst and he has been accumu- three shots better than his open- His countryman Shiv Ka- place on the grid today. “Today lating ever since, adding ing round, including two birdies pur fi nished six under to sit in we had a diffi cult weather and Mashel al-Naimi raced to Superpole in the Qatar Superstock 600. as many as 800 titles per on the fi nal three, to end four off third place alongside Janewat- I tried a diff erent set up but I year. the top and set up the chase go- tananond, Australian Fanling couldn’t do enough laps to test His collection features ing into the weekend. debutant Travis Smyth and Cha- it, but I am happy with the pole works by many of golf’s “I’m very pleased,” said the roenkul Gunn of Thailand. position. I hope tomorrow the most prominent writers, Irishman, who failed to make weather will be better and I can players, historians, archi- the cut when he last appeared at ‘SOUR TASTE’ try the new set up in the warm tects and biographers, Fanling a decade ago. US world number 16 Tony Finau up and ready for the race,” al- dating back hundreds of “Wade’s nine now, if he has a started strongly after a lacklustre Naimi said. years. really good weekend he might run fi rst day, but shot three bogies The second position was Johnston, a native Glaswe- away... but hopefully I can shoot over the round to card a one-un- for Spanish rider Julian Simon gian who now lives in Bal- two decent scores and give myself der 69, seven points adrift. with a lap time of 2:05.964. timore and is a member a chance on Sunday afternoon.” That left “a little bit of a sour Simon, who is the 125cc World of the St Andrews club, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattana- taste in my mouth”, said the Champion and now is the will have the R&A library nond — who also missed out on American of Tongan-Samoan coach of MotoGP rider Mav- named in his honour. the cut at his last appearance — heritage, who was the fi rst Poly- erick Vinales, is joining the One of Johnston’s most shot 66 to end three shots off the nesian to play in a Ryder Cup. QSTK600 this weekend as a treasured items is an origi- top. “I’m going to have to play bet- wild card. nal copy of the 1457 Scot- “We’ll see,” he said, looking ter on the weekend to chase the “I am very happy to be here tish Acts of Parliament ahead to the fi nal two days of the guys who are playing well.” in Qatar and to have this op- when the King banned $1mn tournament that is taking As well as light winds, Aus- portunity to race in this amaz- golf because he feared place six weeks late after being sies Ormsby and Smyth battled ing championship. It is great it was taking time away postponed amid pro-democracy to stay focused as devastating to be racing again, to have this Abdulla al-Khelaifi participates in the Qualifying Practice session for the Qatar Touring Car from archery practice. protests. bushfi res rage in their homeland. feeling back and the most im- Championship M240 Class at Losail International Circuit yesterday. So enormous is Johnston’s “This is new territory.” Ormsby described the view portant for me is to enjoy and collection that the latest India’s SSP Chawrasia carded from his plane window on the make this championship more of nine drivers started the cat- only in the QTCC M240 class. from my previous car. I hope edition of the bibliogra- a blistering 63 to surge up the way to Hong Kong as “just like a competitive and the other rid- egory, all of them driving the It is a new class so it is a chal- tomorrow to get a podium in phy, which he publishes leaderboard and end two shots red dust storm”. ers to push harder,” said Simon. same car model — BMW M240. lenge also for me, a new begin- this class,” al-Sulaiti said. annually, contains two behind Ormsby. Smyth also has reason for dis- In the QSTK Trophy, the The QTCC class has been named ning and a better chance to get In the QTCC 2K category, volumes and totals nearly “I played good today,” he told traction. fastest rider was Jeremy Parola. QTCC 2K Class from now on. the championship although the best lap time of 2:23.563 1,000 pages. reporters after setting the lowest His sister’s boyfriend is a “It was diffi cult to fi nd the pace Defending QTCC champion there are a few well-known was for Ghanim al-Maadheed The library will remain round of the tournament so far member of the special forces and after the break and this weath- Abdulla al-Khelaifi was the fast- drivers such as Roger Feghali in a Lotus Elise. at Johnston’s home in — just two shots off the course was called up last week to help er, as we didn’t ride too many est driver in the Qualifying Prac- from Lebanon who will put up “My car is still not 100 per- Cleveland before being record set by reigning champion battle the blazes. laps and it was diffi cult to fi nd tice with a lap time of 2:16.484. a very strong competition in cent ready as the suspension relocated to the Fife coast Aaron Rai of England. Along with fellow Aussie and the rhythm. I was improving Al-Khelaifi , who started the this class,” al-Khelaifi said. is not working good and I hope where it will be managed “I made a couple of good putts 2014 champion Scott Hend, the my laptime but in turn 10 it season in the QTCC 2K class has Hamad al-Sulaiti, was the to keep the same position for by the R&A’s Museum and and my mental game was good.” youngster will donate money to was very wet and at the end I joined the new M240 class. second fastest driver, with a lap tomorrow. The target is to win Heritage department. But the four-time winner on bushfi re relief for every birdie crashed so I am happy with the “My original plan was to time 2:17.204, also racing in the both races. With the new class, The museum at the ‘home the European Tour knows things he shoots, with the competition result,” said the Frenchman. drive in both categories but I M240 class. we are enjoying it a lot, it is of golf’ will be complete in can change quickly at Fanling. hosts announcing plans to match In the Qatar Touring Car had many technical issues with “I am very happy with my great to have a lot of drivers time for the return of the In 2017, he went into the fi nal Hend’s contribution. Championship, a new class was my car in the previous round result today as this is my fi rst with very close timings, so this British Open to the Old introduced starting from this and no time to fi x the car so the time that I have driven this car is very good for the champion- Course in 2021. second round — M240. A total reasonable option was to race that is completely diff erent ship,” al-Maadheed said. Rising star Morikawa tames strong winds to lead in Hawaii BOXING Reuters Palmer and Sam Ryder shared Los Angeles, United States second place after they all posted rounds of three-under- par 67. AIBA’s ability to pay off debts still unclear: IOC ollin Morikawa displayed Ten players were locked in a tie a wise head beyond his for sixth place in a round that Reuters nances and governance in June generate revenues,” IOC mem- immediately respond to a Reu- ing the tournament in Tokyo. It is C22 years in strong winds was suspended due to dark- Lausanne, Switzerland 2019, offi cially taking over the ber Nenad Lalovic, who heads a ters request for comment. also going through the process of to vault to a two-shot lead after ness with a handful of players boxing competition and qualifi - task force to monitor changes to “We are still awaiting informa- selecting judges and referees fol- his opening round at the Sony still out on the course. cation for the Tokyo 2020 sum- the boxing federation, told the tion on which guiding principle lowing background checks. Open in Hawaii on Thursday. “I didn’t hit my driver that well he International Olym- mer Olympics. IOC session. “We do not know if the new statutes (of AIBA) will AIBA has essentially depend- The Californian handled the but other than that (it was) re- pic Committee (IOC) The boxing body has been in there are possibilities for clear- be based upon and how the need ed for decades on Olympic rev- windswept conditions with ally good,” Morikawa told Golf said yesterday that turmoil for several years over its ing AIBA’s debts and we have for a new leadership team will be enues to survive between Games aplomb, though riding his luck Channel. “Lot of crosswinds out AIBA’s ability to pay off fi nances and governance, with no knowledge of any fi nancial taken into account to support the and has had to let staff go in re- at times after some errant here. You’ve got to hit fairways itsT multi-million dollar debt the federation at least $16mn in plan,” said the Serbian, who also new culture,” Lalovic said. cent months as a result of its Ol- drives, while running up five and I didn’t do a great job of was still unclear, reducing the debt. It was also split internally heads the wrestling federation. He had said in June that ympic exclusion. birdies in a five-under-par 65 that today. chances of a swift end to the in- by an ongoing bitter battle over The IOC has demanded AIBA’s debts could rise as high The IOC will review AIBA’s at Waialae Country Club in “I got some lucky breaks with ternational boxing federation’s the presidency. changes to AIBA’s statutes, new as $29mn. suspension after Tokyo and will Honolulu. where I was in the rough. I didn’t Olympic suspension. “We have been informed of leadership and a fi nancial clean- The IOC is racing to organise a make a decision based on de- Australian Matt Jones and make a lot of putts but made the The IOC suspended AIBA AIBA’s willingness to organise up of the federation before it will series of continental boxing qual- velopments and changes to the Americans Ted Potter, Ryan ones I needed to for birdie.” over issues surrounding its fi - new competitions in order to lift its suspension. AIBA did not ifi ers this year while also prepar- boxing body’s governance.

Saturday, January 11, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL Al Duhail reach Qatar Cup fi nal with win over Al Sailiya Rui Faria’s team pick up a 2-0 victory in the semi-final courtesy goals from new recruit Mario Mandzukic and Almoez Ali Al Sadd, Al Rayyan hope to ride momentum in Qatar Cup semi today

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Sadd and Al Rayyan would want to take ad- Avantage of their momen- tum in the QNB Stars League (QSL) when they face off in the second semi-final of the 2020 Qatar Cup today. Xavi Hernandez’s men are coming off a 6-1 victory over Al Arabi, a deferred match from Week 5 of the competition, and the Spaniard also made it clear that the team’s 2-4 loss to Al Sadd coach Xavi (left) speaks at a press conference ahead of the Rayyan earlier this QSL season Qatar Cup 2020 semi-final against Al Rayyan as goalkeeper Saad was on his mind. al-Dossari looks on. PICTURES: Anas Khalid “We had lost to Al Rayyan in the league championship and time has come to make amends for it. This match has big impor- tance. At Al Sadd, we focus on all local tournaments. This tournament is precious and we have the desire to win it,” Xavi said ahead of the match, which will kick-off at 7:30pm at Al Sadd Stadium. “Qatar Cup 2020 is very impor- tant. We look forward to facing Al Rayyan in the semifinal as a final match. At Al Sadd, we want to win titles. Through training, we will work to achieve victory Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre (right) and goalkeeper Fahad Younis over Al Rayyan, who are clearly at a press conference ahead of the semi-final against Al Sadd. a better side this season under coach Diego Aguirre. Al Sadd Duhail (17). ago, I do not want to evaluate it. players and coach are ready for Goalkeeper Saad al-Dossari What concerns me is my team, this competition,” he added. added, “The Al Rayyan match so my focus is on what we off er “Al Rayyan have a strong off en- has great importance, not only to win against Al Sadd, which Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali (right) celebrates with teammate Mario Mandzukic after the latter scored a goal during the Qatar Cup 2020 semi-final sive line. At the same time, our in Qatar but in the rest of the has not changed and it is a big against Al Sailiya at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. (Below) Al Duhail head coach Rui Faria. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed defense is improving from after region too. We hope to show and strong team.” every match. Al Rayyan have the required level. We are going “Al Sadd are one of the best l Duhail entered the Qa- Al Duhail’s new North Korean players in the calibre of (Yacine) through a tough period. We are teams. They have players who tar Cup 2020 fi nal by forward Han Kwang-Song made Brahimi, Rodrigo Tabata, Sebas- working hard to be in a better are good at moving around the defeating Al Sailiya 2-0 his debut towards the end of the tian Soria and Abdulaziz Hatem. shape in the coming period.” field, especially off ensively. We in the fi rst semi-fi nal game. We must be wary of them. Al Rayyan are coming off a 4-0 have to control their attackers playedA at the Al Sadd Stadium Al Sadd will take on Al Rayyan “We achieved a great victory win over Umm Salal, with Alge- well because they have players yesterday. in the second semifi nal at the Al in our last QNB Stars League rian attacking midfielder Yacine who are dynamic. I hope to win Al Duhail’s new recruit and Sadd Stadium today, with the fi - match against Al Arabi by a Brahimi scoring a hat-trick. the title with Al Rayyan even star forward Mario Mandzukic nal scheduled for January 17. 6-1 margin. I am proud to train Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre though this is a very diff icult (59th minute) and substitute Al- Al Duhail qualifi ed for the Qa- these elite players, but we do said, “I like these kind of championship.” moez Ali (72nd-minute penalty) tar Cup’s sixth edition by virtue not forget that we will face Al matches, where one team ad- Goalkeeper Fahad Younis said, scored the goals. of fi nishing second in the 2018- Rayyan, one of the best teams vances and the other exits. Cup “This competition is distinct Al Duhail were more on the 19 QNB Stars League, while Al in the league. If we win, we will matches are diff erent and must and diff erent from all competi- ball from the start and had more Sailiya had made it to the elite face Al Duhail or Al Sailiya. Al be played with a diff erent men- tions. This is the first time I play chances. Mandzukic and Mo- tournament featuring the top- Sadd have not been great this tality from the league. Facing in it and I hope to win the cup. hamed Muntari led their attacks, four teams in the league by fi n- season, but the last game con- such a strong team as Al Sadd, So it will be the first title I win with Yousef Msakni and Paulo ishing a creditable third, behind firmed that we are on the right you must use all your energies with Al Rayyan. Facing Al Sadd Edmilson playing supporting reigning champions Al Sadd and way. For me personally, winning and give off your best. is certainly diff erent from all roles. Al Duhail. titles is important.” “Al Sadd coach Xavi said this is matches, because the opponent At the other end, Karim Ansari It was Al Sailiya’s highest-ever Al Sadd made it to the elite tour- sort of a revenge game for them is a strong team. It will be more and Abdulqadir Ilyas were at the demanded a high-refl ex save his second match. The Croat standing in the Qatar league. The nament featuring the top-four because we beat them in the tough as Al Sadd regained con- helm of Al Sailiya’s off ensives. from the goalkeeper. placed home a rebound from achievement also earned The clubs in the league by topping league (Qatar Clasico), but it is fidence after their victory over Amid Al Duhail’s repeated raids, Al Sailiya’s Daniel Gomou goalkeeper Khalifa Aboobacker, Peregrines a play-off place in the the 2018-19 QNB Stars League not the same for me. I respect Al Al Arabi in the last game, but we Ansari wreaked havoc at the rival skied his shot as the fi rst half who fumbled with collection of a 2020 AFC Champions League, table with 57 points. They had Sadd, a group of distinguished will be on top of our readiness goal in the 14th minute as he re- drew to a close goalless. Luis Martin shot. for the fi rst time in their history. the most number of wins (18) players who are able to provide and we want to achieve victory. leased a dangerous cross from the Al Duhail started off the sec- Al Duhail doubled the advantage Al Duhail had won the Qatar and scored the most number a good level. But on the other My first dream is to achieve right, but it was too fast for Ilyas to ond half by fi elding Almoez Ali in when Almoez converted a pen- Cup in its second edition in the of goals (100). The Wolves also hand, I trust my team and we titles with Al Rayyan. Then it is connect even as goalkeeper Amine place of Muntari. alty, awarded by referee Nayef al- 2014-15 season, while Al Sailiya had the least number of defeats have an opportunity to win this to represent the Qatar national Lecomte failed to block it. The Red Knights broke the Kadiri after Serigne Mbodji fouled were playing in the tournament’s and conceded the least number match. team. This is the dream of any Ansari was at it again in the deadlock when Mandzukic Almoez while the latter chased a sixth edition for the second time, of goals (22), after runners-up Al “We played Al Sadd four months player.” 20th minute and his angular shot opened his account in Qatar in through pass from Msakni. after 2014.

MOTORSPORT Qatar’s al-Attiyah placed second aft er fi rst week of Dakar Rally Agencies Dakar after four kilometres. The Riyadh, Saudi Arabia race news service reported that the accident left “his co-pilot with back and torso injuries”. tephane Peterhansel won Ricky Brabec won the motor- the sixth stage of the bike section of the 477 kilometre Dakar rally yesterday, stage to Riyadh. even as defending cham- Brabec grabbed his second pionS Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah held stage victory in the motorbikes, second overall, ideally positioned fi nishing 1min 34sec ahead of for a major push over the second Honda teammate Spaniard Joan week, behind leader Carlos Sainz. Bareda. Austrian KTM rider The Qatari trails Spaniard Matthias Walkner was third at Sainz by 7min 46sec and has an 2min 45sec. 8min 32sec cushion over third- “It was a long stage,” Brabec placed Frenchman Peterhansel, said. “It was a big one, the fi rst real who fi nished one minute 35 sec- stage of 100 per cent sand. I’m just onds ahead of Sainz in the sixth happy to be here and to be leader in stage yesterday. the general standings.” Al-Attiyah was third in his Today is a rest day. Toyota, 3min 22sec off the lead, “We deserve some rest,” said with Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi Brabec who leads Chilean Pa- fi nished fourth in another Toyota blo Quintanilla of Husqvarna by a further 3min 20sec back. 20min 56sec in the overall stand- Former Formula 1 champion ings at the half-way stage. Fernando Alonso was sixth in his struggled to match our rivals on in the week. We’ve fi nished the Dakar Rally action resumes on Toyota, 7min 56sec behind Pe- Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (also right) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel compete during the Stage 6 some of the stages because of the fi rst week without any problems Sunday with a daunting special terhansel. of the Dakar 2020 between Ha’il and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. (AFP) nature of the terrain. I am a little and I am quite happy. We’ll see stage of 546km between the Sau- The stage started over fast, fl at disappointed because we are re- next week. It will be tougher. I di capital and Wadi Al-Dawasir, sands but there were dunes later fast but sometimes we crossed “The biggest problem for me is but it’s more mentally tiring.” ally going at the maximum. This think there will be more dunes.” as the route heads deep into the on. some dunes, so it was slow, fast, that with these high speeds you Al-Attiyah said: “It has not is a new Dakar and I think we Bobby Patton, co-owner of dunes of the Empty Quarter for “Today was a long stage, 477 slow, fast,” 13-time Dakar winner need to be really concentrated a been an easy week. The Dakar have been doing a really good job, the Los Angeles Dodgers base- a second week of action in the kilometres, so it’s long. It was Peterhansel said. lot. You are not physically tired has been diffi cult and we have despite several punctures earlier ball team, crashed out of his fi rst south of the country.