SKIING | Page 4 Ribs hurting, but Vonn still has another gear left

Saturday, February 9, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada II 4, 1440 AH Klopp excited by GULF TIMES title fight with Manchester City SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL TENNIS South Korean Federer more interested in star Nam joins titles, not top ranking

Reuters Federer said he plans to play the Sadd from Duhail Dubai Championships in February Geneva and Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March before deciding The 27-year-old will join compatriot Jung Woo-young at Al Sadd. He will oger Federer is no longer which tournaments he would play in chasing the top ranking and the leadup to the French Open. also team up with Spanish stars Xavi Hernandez and Gabi Fernandez would rather be a contender Federer, speaking at a launch for Rat Grand Slams than battling the Laver Cup which is being held in Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal to be Geneva from Sept. 20-22, hoped that world number one, the Swiss tennis compatriot Stan Wawrinka and world great said yesterday. number one Djokovic would join him The 20-times Grand Slam champi- and Spaniard Nadal on the European on has held back the clock in the twi- team. light of his remarkable career and be- Federer, who is from Basel, said he came the ATP’s oldest world number was happy to be back in Switzerland one last year a few weeks after clinch- for a few weeks, spending time with ing his sixth Australian Open at the friends and family while training. age of 36. Sweden’s Bjorn Borg is captain of Federer saw his bid for a seventh the Europe team at the event named title at Park crushed last after Australian tennis great Rod month by up-and-coming Greek Ste- Laver. fanos Tsitsipas in the last 16 and hav- Nadal has announced he will join ing slipped to sixth in the rankings, he his perennial rival in the Laver Cup, says his priorities have shifted. which pits the best of Europe against “For me the ranking, at 37 years old, a world team still to be named. is no longer really the priority,” he told “I can’t wait. We talked about it in a news conference in Geneva. Melbourne, we talked about how ex- “But the idea for me is to be in good cited he (Nadal) was and me too that health, to know that I can win tourna- we’re going to be on the same team ments, to know that I can beat them again,” Federer said. (Djokovic and Nadal), and after that it “We don’t know the opponents’ is a pleasure. team quite yet, it’s a good thing Rafa “As soon as you feel that you have is going to be on my team, and it’s on no chance and all, then it’s a problem. home soil for me in Switzerland, it’s Even if my ranking goes down further, indoors, I like indoors,” he said. it’s not a problem for me. As long as Tickets for the third edition of I say I can win a Grand Slam as I did the tournament, following events two years ago with a world ranking of in Prague and Chicago, went on sale 17, everything is in place. I prefer to be yesterday, with the best seats at the ranked 17th than third and not win a fi ve-session event going for a whop- Grand Slam or tournament.” ping 2,820 Swiss francs ($2,817.46).

Nam Tae-hee poses with Al Sadd GM Turki al-Ali after inking a deal with the top Qatar side for three years.

AFC Nam suff ered the torn ACL in his do on the pitch. I want to contribute Doha right knee during South Korea’s friend- in every match,” Nakajima, who will be ly match against Uzbekistan in Novem- wearing the No 10 jersey, said. ber, forcing him to miss the AFC Asian The former FC Tokyo player was in- atar’s Al Sadd have signed Cup UAE 2019, where the East Asians cluded in Japan’s AFC Asian Cup UAE South Korean attacking mid- campaign ended in the quarter-fi nal. 2019 squad but a calf injury forced his fi elder Nam Tae-hee from Nam has six goals in 44 appearances for withdrawal. After having missed out on domestic rivals Al Duhail on Korea Republic. the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Naka- aQ three-year contract. Meanwhile, Japanese international jima has emerged as a key player under Nam, who is currently recover- Shoya Nakajima is eager to get his Al Japan manager . ing from a torn anterior cruciate liga- Duhail career started after signing for Ironically for Nakajima, Japan lost ment (ACL) injury, will join Qatar Stars the champions. 3-1 to Qatar in the UAE 2019 fi nal and League (QSL) leaders Al Sadd in the Al Duhail recently announced the among his teammates at Al Duhail will 2019-20 season. signing of Nakajima from Portuguese be tournament MVP Almoez Ali, whose Nam, who made his pro debut with top-fl ight side Portimonense on a four spectacular opener against the Samurai French side Valenciennes in 2009, is and a half years contract, having earlier Blue saw him setting a new AFC Asian highly regarded in Qatar. strengthened their ranks by bringing in Cup record of nine goals, one more than He won fi ve QSL titles and two Qatar Morocco international the previous record of eight held by Is- Amir Cup trophies since moving there from Italian giants Juventus. lamic Republic of Iran’s Ali Daei. in 2012. In 2017, Nam was named the Nakajima said he was excited about Besides helping Al Duhail’s domes- MVP of the league. the transfer. “I made the decision be- tic campaign, Nakajima will also be The 27-year-old will join compatriot cause everything about the club was at- counted on to spearhead the Qatar’s Jung Woo-young at Al Sadd. He will tractive,” the 24-year-old attacker said. club’s 2019 AFC Champions League also team up with Spanish stars Xavi Nakajima is a welcome addition to challenge. Hernandez and Gabi Fernandez. Shoya Nakajima is eager to start the Al Duhail ranks as they get set to They are in Group C with Saudi Ara- Al Sadd currently have a two-point his Al Duhail career. resume their league campaign follow- bia’s Al Hilal, Al Ain of the UAE and lead over reigning QSL champions ing a two-month break for the AFC Iran’s Esteghlal FC, who they face in the Al Duhail with the 2018-19 season to Iran’s Persepolis, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Asian Cup. opening tie on March 6. resume on February 15 after a two- and a play-off winner. Al Duhail went into the break in sec- Al Duhail’s 2018 campaign was end- month break. Nam’s exit from Al Duhail was some- ond place, two points behind Al Sadd ed by Iran’s Persepolis in the quarter- Their 2019 AFC Champions League what expected as the club recently after 15 matches. They will play their fi nals but with Nakajima in the ranks, season will also kick-off next month signed Japanese attacker Shoya Naka- fi rst game at home on February 16. the Qatar club will be aiming for a more Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer pose on a boat during a promotion event for with Al Sadd drawn in Group D with jima. “It’s important to show what I can successful 2019. the Laver Cup tennis tournament on Lake Geneva in Geneva yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 9, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT French Football congratulates al-Khelaifi on election to UEFA committee rench football’s major stake- executive committee. I am sure that commitment to developing European committee. It is a great honour and, to- holders congratulated Paris the presence of Florence Hardouin and football.” gether with ECA President Andrea Ag- Saint-Germain chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi will enable us to bet- Al-Khelaifi ’s election to UEFA’s ex- nelli, we will continue to work closely Nasser al-Khelaifi for his ter co-ordinate our messages for the ecutive committee is an acknowledge- with UEFA to develop professional Fnomination as ECA representative on harmonious development of competi- ment of his work at the helm of PSG football in the interests of all stake- the UEFA executive committee. Noel tions and European football. I would over the last eight years and as part of holders. Le Graet, President of the French Foot- also like to congratulate Aleksander the Executive Board of the French Pro- “Today was my fi rst UEFA Congress ball Federation, said: “I am very pleased Ceferin on his re-election, as he will fessional League since 2015. Al-Khelaifi and it was extremely informative. The about Nasser al-Khelaifi ’s election. be able to continue the mission he em- will represent the clubs’ interests at a fi gures presented have shown an im- The presence of Paris Saint-Germain’s barked upon two years ago.” crucial time for the future of profes- pressively balanced structure between chairman on the executive committee Premiere Ligue, the association sional football in Europe, marked by the clubs and national associations. I was can only be a bonus.” of professional French clubs, stated: emergence of new media and the over- also struck by all the inspiring work Nathalie Boy de la Tour, President of “Premiere Ligue is delighted about the haul of European competitions. done by UEFA‘s departments, and the the French Professional League (Ligue election of Nasser al-Khelaifi , chair- Al-Khelaifi said: “First of all, I want way their Foundation promotes foot- de Football Professionnel), said: “At a man of Paris Saint-Germain, onto the to congratulate the President of UEFA ball for young people in diffi culties. time when European competitions are UEFA executive committee as a repre- Aleksander Ceferin on his re-election. I They are fantastic programmes and crucial to the development of French sentative of the ECA. This election is a would like to thank again my esteemed ideas to help move our sport forward. I football, I am delighted that has reward for the relentless work he does colleagues at ECA for trusting me to am happy to be part of this great foot- consolidated its place within the UEFA for French football and his constant represent them on the UEFA executive ball family today.”

TRAGEDY Sala death ‘awful’ and ‘unfair’: Nantes coach Halilhodzic Nantes, France: Nantes coach has not been found. Nantes Vahid Halilhodzic yesterday announced that they would described news that his former retire Sala’s old number nine Family mourn Sala player Emiliano Sala’s body jersey. Halilhodzic said that Sala had been formally identified “will forever leave a mark on as “awful” and “unfair”, almost this club for the way he carried three weeks after the Argentine himself, his modesty, not just as striker’s plane disappeared over a player but as a man. He was the English Channel. popular with everyone. You “We had always maintained know, in football nowadays a lot aft er body identifi ed hope but we knew in the end of players are selfish, and only that it was slim, almost an think of themselves...he was the illusion,” said the 66-year-old opposite of that.” Sala’s sister Romina wrote on Instagram: ‘Your soul in my soul will shine forever’ former Japan coach, who had The press conference was only worked with Sala for three scheduled to be about Nantes’ AFP months. “For the family of game against Nimes on Bournemouth, United Kingdom Emiliano and the pilot it is just Sunday before it emerged late terrible,” added Halilhodzic, yesterday that Sala’s body had who broke down in tears as he been found. Halilhodzic admit- rgentine footballer Emiliano spoke to reporters. ted that Sala’s old teammates Sala’s family grieved yesterday The Bosnian had been ap- would find it diff icult to turn after British authorities formal- pointed by Nantes in October their thoughts back to playing ly identifi ed his body as the one and had been hoping to keep football. “Before training we will recoveredA from the submerged wreckage Sala, who scored 12 league have a small ceremony, digni- of a plane that went down in the English goals for the club in the first fied and modest like he was. But Channel more than two weeks ago. half of the season. The player whether we will be able to do “We can now begin to mourn our son was eventually sold to Cardiff any work is another matter.” and our brother,” the Cardiff City striker’s City last month for 17mn euros The Nantes coach also react- family said in a statement. ($19.3mn) and had been on his ed angrily to a question about “We would like to thank you for all of way to Wales to begin train- moves by the French club to your signs of aff ection and support in the ing with his new club when he ensure Cardiff pay the transfer most painful time of our life. To see eve- disappeared on January 21 near fee for Sala. “I don’t want to talk ryone doing everything possible to join us the British island of Guernsey. about that, stop that, it’s not my in the search has been a precious help to The only other person on problem...To talk about money us,” the family said. board was the aircraft’s 59-year- in these moments is disgust- Argentine footballing idols Diego Ma- old pilot David Ibbotson, who ing,” he said. radona and Gabriel Batistuta also paid tribute to Sala, 28. The Premier League player’s former French club, Nantes, said it was retiring the jersey with Sala’s LIGUE 1 number 9 on it. All Ligue 1 and 2 matches in France this weekend will be preceded by a minute of applause for him. The light aircraft carrying Sala from Fitness and form Nantes to his new team disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21. The only other person on board was worries for PSG the aircraft’s 59-year-old pilot David Ib- botson, who has not been found. AFP hand on the teams below them The player’s body was fi rst spotted by Paris as they prepare to welcome mid- British rescuers using a remotely oper- table Bordeaux to the Parc des ated underwater vehicle on Sunday, close Princes, and are also through to to where the plane vanished from ra- aris Saint-Germain’s the quarter-fi nals of the French dar. Investigators recovered the body on meeting with Bordeaux Cup. However, they needed ex- Wednesday and transported it to the Isle Nantes supporters look at yellow flowers displayed in front of the portrait of Argentinian forward Emiliano Sala at the Beaujoire today is their last chance tra time to beat third-tier side of Portland in southern England. stadium in Nantes, yesterday. The club Nantes said it was retiring the jersey with Sala’s number 9. (AFP) to do some fi ne-tuning Villefranche-sur-Saone 3-0 in From there it was taken to Bourne- beforeP next week’s showdown the Cup on Wednesday, three mouth where it was formally identifi ed. Mauricio Macri also mourned the “pain- wrote on her Instagram account: “Your a ship hired by the family. with Manchester United, but the days after seeing their unbeaten Investigators said they were abandoning ful news”. “We are with you,” he added. soul in my soul will shine forever”. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Ligue 1 leaders have some major league record this season ended plans to lift the plane wreckage out of the The small Argentine town of Progreso, The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, van- Branch (AAIB) then co-ordinated the issues to contend with before in a 2-1 defeat at Lyon. water because of bad weather. where the footballer lived for most of his ished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 recovery. The AAIB said that extensive heading to Old Traff ord. They were knocked out of the Sala’s disappearance sparked an out- childhood, was also in mourning. miles) north of Guernsey. The discovery video footage captured of the sunken PSG were the strong favourites League Cup by struggling Guin- pouring of grief and a fl ood of cash to “Since we found out, it’s all anyone can of two seat cushions on the French coast wreckage is expected to “provide valuable when the draw for the Champi- gamp in the quarter-fi nals last support a private hunt for the plane when talk about,” said local restaurant owner last week revealed that the plane had bro- evidence for our safety investigation”. ons League last 16 was made, yet month, and since then Paris have the offi cial search was initially called .off Oscar Heymo, a friend of Sala’s father ken apart. Initial search operations were It said it intended to publish an interim much has changed in the eight lost Neymar to a metatarsal inju- “I am very sorry about this sad news. Horacio. “He was very much loved and suspended in the days after it went miss- report on the accident later this month. weeks since. United have been ry. The Brazilian is not expected Many of us kept a glimmer of hope for admired by all.” ing but a crowdfunding eff ort supported Sala was the most expensive signing in revitalised on a run of nine wins back until early April, but the you, Emiliano,” footballing superstar In Cardiff , club manager Neil Warnock by thousands of donations, including Cardiff ’s history. and a draw in 10 games since Jose worries do not stop there. Maradona said on Instagram, after the said Southampton and Cardiff City play- from football stars such as Argentine su- Nantes have consulted lawyers to ex- Mourinho was sacked and Ole Looking increasingly irritated identifi cation of the body. “What sad- ers would wear black armbands in their perstar Lionel Messi, helped launch a pri- plore legal options to ensure Cardiff pay Gunnar Solskjaer appointed as of late, Tuchel admitted after the ness, this is the worst news. Rest in peace Premier League match tomorrow and a vate search. the transfer fee for Sala, a source close to his replacement. They are likely Cup tie in midweek that some of warrior,” tweeted retired Argentine foot- minute’s silence would be observed be- Without the fundraising eff ort “I don’t the French club said on Wednesday. Ac- to be a fearsome proposition in his squad had played too much ball star Batistuta. fore kick-off . “When something like this think anybody would have searched cording to the source, the fi rst instalment next Tuesday’s fi rst leg. Mean- football in recent weeks. Today’s Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, happens it brings all the football family for the plane,” shipwreck hunter David of the 17-million-euro ($19.3mn) deal has while, Thomas Tuchel’s men are match will be their ninth of 2019, also from Argentina, also expressed his together,” he said. “It’s a loss to everyone Mearns, who was hired by the family, yet to be paid, despite the transfer being a massive 10 points clear at the and Tuchel has too small a squad condolences. The country’s President in football,” he said. Sala’s sister Romina said. The plane wreckage was spotted by fi nalised before the accident. top of Ligue 1 with two games in to rest certain key players.

AL KASS CUP Aspire Academy beat Rangers to progress into knockout stage spire Academy claimed a 3-1 Murray Miller was put under pres- action of the match. The result suited win against highly-fancied sure in a central position 30 yards out, both teams as Kashiwa still progress Glasgow Rangers at the un- and he played a backpass straight to from the group stages at the expense der-17 Al Kass Cup yesterday. al-Abdulrahman, who was loitering of reigning champions PSG, due to AspireA had lost to Raja Casablanca in with intent on the edge of the box. The the three-time winners crashing 5-2 the fi rst match. In the 15th minutes, Qatari forward gratefully accepted the against Roma two days earlier. Mekki Tombari got in behind the Rang- gift, sliding the ball under keeper Hog- Kashiwa started brightly, with Sei- ers defence down the right and crossed arth to put Aspire two up. toamanueru Omori (twice), Naito Saito for midfi elder Fahad al-Abdulla to slot Rangers were knocking on the door, and Takuma Otake all trying their luck home on the rebound, after his fi rst ef- and got a goal back soon after, when at goal. For all the pressure by Kashiwa, fort was saved. After the restart, the Arron Lyall got away down the right it was Roma who almost took the lead hosts a chance to extend their lead and cut back for fellow substitute Matt after half-an-hour when Riccardo Ci- when Abdulrahman al-Abdulrahman Yates to chest down and plant a fi ne ef- ervo cut in from the right and fi red a broke away down the right and sup- fort into the roof of the net. left-foot shot beyond the keeper’s out- plied an inviting cross for Bin Sabaa, Suddenly a draw looked on the cards stretched hand but it bounced back off but his fi rst time volley was miscu- but, incredibly, Fahad al-Abdulla re- the underside of the bar. ed. The game began to open up, and stored Aspire’s two-goal lead straight Ten minutes into the second half Young-Coombes was presented with a from the restart in spectacular fash- Roma took the lead when Nicola Zal- great chance to level matters for Rang- ion. His superb turn and shot from the ewski received the ball out on the left ers, but fi red wide. However, his pres- edge of the area went in off the post to and he burst into penalty area before ence in the Scottish front line was be- spark delirium in the stands. The result unleashing a low drive that gave the ginning to trouble Aspire’s defenders. means that both sides progress into the keeper no chance. Kashiwa’s hopes of Chances continued to stack up for knockout stages. snatching anything from this game dis- both sides, with al-Abdulrahman appeared when they conceded a pen- skewing horribly wide when the ball ROMA WIN TO KNOCK OUT PSG alty in the injury. The decision, made fell to him unmarked on the edge of Roma clinched top spot in Group B with with the assistance of VAR, was given the area. However, just after the hour a 2-0 victory over last year’s runners- for handball and Daniel Tueto Fotso mark, he atoned for this miss to send up Kashiwa Reysol, although their sec- stepped up to give Massato Sasaki no Aspire Academy players celebrate after scoring against Glasgow Rangers at the under-17 Al Kass Cup. PICTURE: Jayaram the home supporters wild. ond goal didn’t come until the very last chance with his spot-kick. Gulf Times Saturday, February 9, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Chelsea not in title Klopp excited by race, says Sarri AFP tween Liverpool and Man City. London At the moment Man City is the best team in Europe.” Sarri was also asked again aurizio Sarri has about Eden Hazard, saying he downplayed Pep wanted the Belgium forward to Guardiola’s sugges- be “happy” wherever his future title fi ght with City tion that Chelsea are lies as speculation continues Mstill in the Premier League title to swirl over a potential move. race as he prepares his team to Hazard this week admitted to face leaders Manchester City to- having made a decision on his City are on top of the table on goal diff erence after midweek victory over Everton morrow. The 60-year-old Ital- future, with his Chelsea contract ian said his side were “lucky” to expiring in June 2020 and amid AFP beat City in December when they repeated links with a move to Liverpool ended the champions’ 21-match Real Madrid. “I speak every day unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at with Eden, but I speak with Eden Stamford Bridge. about his position on the pitch,” iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp But Sarri said his fourth- said Sarri. “I will be really very insists the Premier League title placed team are not in the title happy with him if he will want to race is something to get excited picture, even though Guardiola stay because in my opinion he’s about rather than stressed about said Tottenham, Chelsea or even the best in Europe. But it’s up to Ldespite seeing his side overhauled by fi fth-placed Manchester United him, I think. I want to see him Manchester City in the past week. City could not be ruled out. City lead happy. And so, he has to decide.” climbed to the top of the table on goal dif- the table on goal diff erence from Sarri has previously suggested ference with victory against Everton in Liverpool, with both sides 12 he does not expect Hazard’s de- midweek but Liverpool’s destiny remains points clear of Chelsea. cision to be known until the end in their own hands as they have a game “I think we will be able to fi ght of the season. The Chelsea boss in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men, with for the top four this season. No and Guardiola share a mutual ad- both sides level on 62 points. more, I think,” Sarri said at his miration for their similar playing “It’s getting exciting now,” said Klopp pre-match press conference styles, but Sarri said they tend to yesterday. “There was never a doubt that ahead of the trip to the Etihad pick former AC Milan boss Ar- would happen. That was always clear. Stadium. “We can win some- rigo Sacchi’s brains when they I don’t think that anybody thought we thing of course, but in the Pre- meet socially rather than sharing would be top of the league with 12 points mier League there is a fi ght be- their own secrets. between us and another team with three games to go. The only chance to improve our position, even though it is a good po- sition, is by winning football games.” Just over a week ago Liverpool had the Dozens attend memorial for chance to move seven points clear at the slain Ghana journalist top, but back-to-back draws with Leices- ter and West Ham on Monday have seen Accra: Dozens of people former president of the Ghana them reeled in by the champions. Liver- gathered in Ghana’s capital Football Association (GFA) who pool players and fans have been accused yesterday to pay tribute to an was forced to step down be- of letting nerves get to them in their des- investigative journalist who was cause of the expose. Undercov- peration to end a 29-year wait to win the killed after helping to expose er journalist Anas Aremeyaw title. And Klopp called on the home fans corruption in African football. Anas, who led the investigation, to make Anfi eld a cauldron when Bourne- Ahmed Hussein-Suale, part was also quizzed, while a state- mouth visit today. “It’s like shouting your of a team that carried out an ment was taken from Kennedy soul on the pitch. That’s how we say it in undercover investigation, was Agyapong, a veteran lawmaker German,” added Klopp. “I know that with gunned down in the Madina and businessman. each fi bre of our bodies we will be ready suburb of Accra on January 16. Agyapong, a prominent to fi ght for everything. The only thing I The shooting was a rare figure in President Nana Akufo- want to say after the season is we gave our assault on the press in Ghana, Addo’s ruling New Patriotic everything.” which prides itself as being one Party, published a photograph There was good news for Liverpool off of the most stable democracies of Hussein-Suale on his private the fi eld on Friday as the club announced Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp called on the home fans to make Anfield a cauldron when Bournemouth visit today. (AFP) in an often turbulent region and television channel. He also a world-record £106mn ($137mn) net a beacon of media freedom. off ered to pay anyone who profi t last year thanks to the sale of ter (£80mn after tax) in 2016/2017, Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Naby Keita and dum back for Bournemouth’s visit after Many of the lawmakers, diplo- attacked the journalist. The Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and a run the season after they won the Premier Xherdan Shaqiri, and Klopp is hoping he all three returned to training on Thursday. mats, politicians and journalists broadcast prompted Hussein- to the Champions League fi nal. League, when they reached the Champi- does not need to ask for a lot more money who gathered for the memorial Suale to lodge a complaint The club’s profi t before tax was £125mn ons League quarter-fi nals. Liverpool still this summer. “We built a really strong FIXTURES called for justice to prevail. with the police. The documen- — up from £40mn — with the club bene- trail the two Manchester clubs in revenue squad and that’s a squad built for the (1500 GMT unless stated) Today: Fulham Police on Thursday said they tary into football corruption by fi ting from increased revenue both on and terms. United declared their results for future, not only this season,” added the v Manchester United (1230), Crystal Pal- had arrested six people over Anas’s Tiger Eye investigation off the pitch from a run to the Champi- the 12 months to the end of last June in German. “I hope we don’t need too much ace v West Ham, Huddersfield v Arsenal, the shooting but they had been team was aired last June and ons League fi nal in Kiev, where they were September, with revenues of £590mn. money in the next years to be honest be- liverpool v Bournemouth, Southampton granted bail. “My men will not exposed rampant match-fixing beaten by Real Madrid. In January, Liverpool climbed two plac- cause if you have the right players in, you v Cardiff , Watford v Everton, Brighton v rest until all those who perpe- and bribe-taking. Nyantakyi Turnover increased by £90mn to es to seventh in Deloitte’s Football Money work with them and make the best of it.” Burnley (1730) trated this heinous threat are resigned and was later banned £455mn in the 12 months to May 31 last League. The top-ranked English club Klopp’s squad has been ravaged by exposed,” a police off icial said. for life by FIFA, while dozens of year, with media revenue, commercial on the Deloitte’s list were Manchester injury and illness in recent weeks but Tomorrow: Tottenham v Leicester (1330), Detectives say they have ques- other football off icials across revenue and matchday revenue all up. United, in third. Much of that profi t has he could have Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester City v Chelsea (1600) tioned Kwesi Nyantakyi, the Africa were sanctioned. The previous record was set by Leices- already been reinvested in the signings of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnal- On Monday: Wolves v Newcastle (2000)

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Godin return boosts Atletico for derby Schalke turn to Welsh teenager Reuters Madrid Matondo for Bayern clash

AFP The Cardiff -born teenager ke in 2017, dropping club captain tletico Madrid have been lifted Berlin cost $10.275mn and arrived after and 2014 World Cup winner Ben- ahead of today’s La Liga derby at breaking a club record in Man- edikt Hoewedes, who was loaned home to Real Madrid by the re- chester, clocking 2.62secs over to Juventus before joining Loko- turn of inspirational captain Diego truggling Schalke are 20 metres in sprint testing — the motiv Moscow. GodinA from injury, although Spain inter- hoping Welsh teenag- fastest of anyone at City. Schalke Current skipper and fan fa- nationals Koke and Diego Costa look set to er can see Matondo as becoming their vourite Ralf Faehrmann, another miss out. The Uruguayan defender, 32, was help turn their season answer to Jadon Sancho — the product of the Schalke academy, given the all clear by doctors to return to ac- aroundS against Bayern Munich 18-year-old England winger who was also ejected last month, re- tion yesterday after sustaining a hamstring and his former club Manchester has helped bitter rivals Dort- placed by Germany Under-21 injury on Jan. 26. Midfi elder Koke and for- City in the coming weeks. Hav- mund go seven points clear in goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel. ward Costa did not take part in yesterday’s ing fi nished second to Bayern in the league with consistently eye- Nuebel’s sending off last Sat- training session. last season’s Bundesliga under catching performances. Tedesco urday saw Faehrmann reinstated Atletico midfi elder Saul Niguez is also 33-year-old coach Domenico sees him as a “medium and long- for the mid-week Cup tie, but it expected to make his return from injury Tedesco, Schalke have lost ten of term” investment, who is “able remains to see who Tedesco will against Real, having missed last week’s 1-0 their 20 league games this term. to win every one-on-one”. prefer in goal against Bayern. defeat at Real Betis which saw them fall six Last weekend’s 2-0 home de- While Leroy Sane found suc- points behind league leaders Barcelona. feat by Borussia Moenchenglad- cess by going in the other di- FIXTURES Striker Alvaro Morata, who had a disap- bach left Schalke 12th in the table rection from Schalke to Man (1430 GMT unless stated) pointing debut against Betis, is set for his — still their highest position all City, Matondo is part of a trend home bow, facing the club where he be- Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (centre) trains with his teammates. (AFP) season — as Matondo made his of teens from top British clubs Today: Borussia Dortmund v Hof- gan his career. Real lost Spanish midfi elder debut. He should feature again heading to the Bundesliga in fenheim, RB Leipzig v Eintracht Marcos Llorente to injury in Wednesday’s Madrid. Courtois developed into one of the Arthur, who has quickly adapted to the today at Bayern’s Allianz Arena search of game time. Frankfurt, Borussia Moencheng- 1-1 draw at Barcelona in their Copa del Rey world’s fi nest goalkeepers during three years Barca team since joining from Brazilian side with Man City to come in the “Schalke is the right decision ladbach v Hertha Berlin, Hanover semi-fi nal fi rst leg, while out-of-favour on loan at Atletico but he will be up against Gremio last year, will miss the Cup semi- Champions League last-16 fi rst for my future as a footballer. 96 v Nuremberg, Freiburg v playmaker Isco is expected to be unavailable his former club, and Chelsea teammate Al- fi nal second leg with Real on Feb. 27 and the leg at home on February 20. Guys like Mesut Ozil, Ivan Rak- Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich v after withdrawing from yesterday’s training varo Morata, in what could prove a pivotal Champions League last-16 fi rst leg at Ol- Schalke are winless in 17 games itic and Leroy Sane made huge Schalke (1730) session with a back problem. city derby this weekend. ympique Lyonnais on Feb. 19. He will also be against Bayern, who they last strides in their career here,” said Tomorrow: Real are resurgent after an inconsistent For Courtois, a reunion with Simeone’s sidelined for league games against Athletic beat in the 2011 German Cup Matondo on joining Schalke. Werder Bremen v campaign, winning their last four league side is not new — he faced them twice for Bilbao, Real Valladolid and Sevilla and faces semi-fi nals when Bayern’s cur- Tedesco has shown a ruthless Augsburg, Fortuna Duesseldorf v outings to move within two points of their Chelsea in the Champions League last sea- a battle to be fi t for the league ‘Clasico’ away rent captain Manuel Neuer was streak since taking over at Schal- VfB Stuttgart (1700) neighbours, and will climb above them into son and again at the Santiago Bernabeu in to Real Madrid on March 2. still at Schalke. Third-placed second in the standings with victory today. September — but this will be his fi rst ex- Barca captain Messi, the league’s top Bayern will be desperate to make It will be the fi rst meeting between perience in front of the Atletico fans, in the scorer with 21 goals, is a serious doubt for amends for a shock 3-1 league Atletico coach Diego Simeone and Argen- colours of Real Madrid. tomorrow’s testing trip to Athletic Bilbao defeat last Saturday at Bayer tine compatriot Santiago Solari, who played “It happens in football, it’s a derby and after missing training session with the thigh Leverkusen, who attacked mer- under Simeone at Buenos Aires club San a derby here in Madrid is always heated,” strain which made him unable to start the cilessly on the counter and found Lorenzo. Solari has helped revive Madrid’s Courtois said. “They’ll whistle and shout, Cup game against Real. huge holes to exploit. Bayern fortunes since succeeding Julen Lopetegui everything you would expect, it’s part of Left back Jordi Alba has already been bounced back with a 3-2 win at as coach in October. football. I will always respect them. Now I’m ruled out of the game at Bilbao due to sus- Hertha Berlin on Wednesday “We are meeting an opponent who has playing for the other side.” Courtois helped pension and Ousmane Dembele has not yet in the German Cup, but again really grown since Solari arrived, they are Atletico crack the duopoloy of Barca and recovered from an ankle injury. proved shaky at the back with dangerous down the fl anks, and they have Real by winning La Liga in 2014, while also Mats Hummels making a bad Karim Benzema in a fantastic spell of form,” lifting the Europa League, Copa del Rey and FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) mistake for Hertha’s second goal Simeone said. “I have known Solari for a Super Cup during his time at the club. Today: Getafe v Celta Vigo (1200), Atletico before Kingsley Coman’s winner. very long time, I coached him at San Loren- Schalke romped to a 4-1 Cup Madrid v Real Madrid (1515), Espanyol v Rayo zo and he gave us authority and leadership. BARCA LOSE ARTHUR TO INJURY, win at home to Fortuna Dus- Vallecano (1730), Girona v Huesca (2045) He’s a capable coach and he’s shown that he MESSI A DOUBT FOR BILBAO TRIP seldorf with Matondo showing has real character.” Barcelona midfi elder Arthur Melo has been Tomorrow: Leganes v Real Betis (1100), Va- glimpses of his talent in playing Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, who left ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring lencia v Real Sociedad (1515), Sevilla v Eibar the fi rst half only. After a raft of Chelsea on bad terms last summer, expects injury, handing the La Liga leaders another (1730), Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona (1945) injuries up front, Schalke hope to feel the anger from Atletico Madrid too fi tness blow after Lionel Messi missed train- On Monday: Alaves v Levante (2000) the signing of the Welsh young- when he faces them in the white of Real ing on Friday with a thigh problem. ster can rescue their season. Schalke’s Hamza Mendyl (left) and Rabbi Matondo. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 9, 2019 SPORT

ALPINE SKIING SPOTLIGHT Ribs hurting, but Vonn has Holdener edges another gear left for downhill

Reuters Yesterday’s run, on a shortened Are, Sweden piste brought down to the super- Vlhova to defend G start due to poor visibility and bad weather, provided more fa- indsey Vonn made up for miliarisation but Vonn said she lost time at the Alpine still needed to fi gure out the top ski world championships section. yesterday by completing “Obviously, it is diffi cult with a theL downhill part of the women’s lower start — you are not coming combined as preparation for the in there with any speed,” she said. combined title fi nal race of her career. “That fi rst jump, I tried a line that The US great, who bows out didn’t work out today so I’m go- after tomorrow’s downhill in Are, ing to look at the video. ‘I loved the downhill here in Are, I felt really confident... and come the slalom, sported a black eye after her big “In the bottom section, I know super-G crash earlier in the week where to go to be fast and I just well I knew I had to bring it and I’m happy to have edged Petra’ but was in good spirits as she have to execute on Sunday.” waved and smiled to the crowd. Retired compatriot Bode Mill- “It was OK. I was defi nitely re- er, now a race analyst for Eu- ally stiff out of the start. I’ve been rosport, had no doubt she would having some rib problems, my do that. Switzerland’s in action rib’s out,” she told Eurosport tel- “She’s a warrior, there’s no yesterday in Are, Sweden. evision. question,” he told viewers. “You “It feels really bad and I am just watch her interviews, you look at trying to keep it loose as it tight- her history — her surgery history ens and really messes up kind of alone, just on paper, is terrible — everything.” but she’s still able to get up there Vonn, who had no intention and put down incredible results. of doing the later slalom section, “She’s like (retiring Norwegian said Friday had been a good test champion) Aksel (Lund Svindal), for her to ski in competitive con- you don’t ever count them out. ditions. They’re where they are because “I have another gear left to go they are special,” added Miller. and I’m just going to rest tomor- “It’s hard to see her crash like row and be ready for Sunday,” that, but I would never count her added the 34-year-old. out of a downhill. She’s fi guring Vonn had missed down- stuff out, you can see her brain hill training on Wednesday and working and that’s why she’s such Thursday, with one fi nal session a great champion. She’ll fi gure scheduled for Saturday. out a way to win.”

PREPARATION

AFP As she punched the air in de- (1934-35, 1937-39), Marielle G gold in the 2018 Pyeongchang “She could have won every- Åre, Sweden light after seeing the result fl ash Goitschel (1962-66), Erika Hess Olympics before going on to thing,” Vonn said of Shiff rin, the up on the fi nish area’s big screen, (1982-87) and Janica Kostelic claim the parallel three-time defending world sla- Holdener’s sizable travelling fan (2003-5). in snowboarding, gave another lom champion. witzerland’s Wendy club leapt into action. Norway’s Ragnhild Mowinck- display of her startling all-round “For me, I’m a racer and I want Holdener sent her cow- Adorned with grey bobble hats el claimed bronze, 0.45sec off ability by fi nishing 15th, 2.90sec to race in every single race that I bell-ringing fans crazy reading ‘Wendy’ and wearing Holdener’s winning combined off Holdener. possibly can. as she defended her al- imitation ski race bibs adorned time of 2:02.58. Reigning Olympic combined “She could have gotten a med- pineS combined title in thrilling with her face, the cowbells were Siebenhofer did well to fi nish champion Michelle Gisin, how- al in every single discipline. But style at the world champion- shaken in relief, their ringing fourth, just four-hundredths off ever, did not take part in the race, those are 100% her goals so I re- ships yesterday. suddenly more frenetic when a medal, while long-time leader a knee injury having ruled the spect her decision. Holdener clocked the fi fth Holdener turned to acknowledge Roni Remme of Canada surpris- Swiss skier out of these worlds. “She has the potential, 100% fastest time in the opening them. ingly laid down the fastest sla- Also missing was Mikaela the capability of getting a medal downhill, 0.42sec off Austrian “Finally I could put two lom run after fi nishing a distant Shiff rin, who won the women’s in all fi ve disciplines. speedster Ramona Siebenhofer’s good runs together and bring 28th in the downhill, enough to super-G on Tuesday, but opted “I don’t personally under- leading time of 1min 12.71sec. home the victory!” beamed the bag herself an impressive fi fth. out of competing in the com- stand it. But she has her goals, Lindsey Vonn of the US after the race yesterday. Come the slalom, Holdener’s 25-year-old. “I loved the down- The 19-year-old Remme has bined in order to save her en- so hopefully I’m sure she’ll get main rival, Slovak slalom spe- hill here in Are, I felt really confi - never made a podium in the ergy for her preferred technical two golds in giant slalom and cialist Petra Vlhova, skied three dent... and come the slalom, well World Cup, her best perform- events of the slalom and giant slalom.” GOLF slots ahead and took the lead in I knew I had to bring it and I’m ance an eighth-place in the slalom. It was a decision Shif- Vonn, victim of a crash in perfect, fl oodlit conditions. happy to have edged Petra.” Semmering slalom in December, frin’s soon-to-retire US team- Tuesday’s super-G that left her But the Swiss kept her nerve, With the successful defence of but only she and Vlhova dipped mate Lindsey Vonn, who was with a black eye and bruised ribs, safely negotiating a tough mid- her title, Holdener became the under 49 seconds for the slalom fi rst out of the start gate in the now targets Sunday’s downhill, Scrivener and section to come through the line fi fth skier to win the women’s down the Gastrappet course. combined downhill with no in- the fi nal race of her illustrious three-hundredths of a second combined at successive world Czech Ester Ledecka, who tention of racing the slalom, career — and one Shiff rin has ahead of Vlhova. champs after Christel Cranz surprised the fi eld to win super- could not fathom out. also opted out of. Kaufman take

BOTTOMLINE charge at Vic Open

AFP it.” Geelong, James Nitties, who sank a Gay, Langley take early lead at Pebble Beach Pro-Am world record-equalling nine birdies in a row on Thursday at AFP Mickelson started slowly with two ustralia’s Jason the 13th Beach Golf Links south San Francisco birdies and a bogey on the front nine be- Scrivener and Nick of Melbourne, could only man- fore erupting down the stretch with fi ve Flanagan shared a two- age one in his round of 74, which birdies and four pars. shot lead while Ameri- was marred by a double bogey on rian Gay and Scott Langley He carved out birdie chances with canA Kim Kaufman took charge of the 18th. shared the lead after the opening some scintillating iron play, most notably the women’s tournament at the Kaufman, who has never won round of the AT&T Pebble Beach with two solid approaches on the 12th and pioneering Vic Open yesterday. on the LPGA Tour, positioned Pro-Am US PGA Tour event in 13th holes to set up birdie putts which he The event, co-sanctioned by herself for the weekend with her CaliforniaB on Thursday. duly drained. the European Tour and the US- second 66 in a row — including Gay, a 47-year-old journeyman whose “It was a really solid round, good solid based LPGA Tour, is the only one a birdie-birdie fi nish — to be two most recent of four victories on the PGA start, and we had beautiful weather and in the world with male and fe- ahead of Japan’s Haru Nomura. Tour came in 2013, fi red a seven-under- the golf course here is in spectacular male fi elds playing, in alternate “I just kind of did the same par 64 on the Monterey Peninsula Coun- shape,” said Mickelson, the world number groups, on the same course and thing as yesterday. With all the try Club course to move to to the top of 29. for equal prize money. par 5s out there, everything’s the leaderboard. If history is any guide, Mickelson will Scrivener carded six bird- just pretty solid. Just been fun,” Langley, who is yet to claim a win on draw encouragement from his opening ies in his six-under-par 66 on said Kaufman, who added that the Tour, reeled off nine birdies and two round. On the three previous occasions day two while fellow Australian she had been keen to play the bogeys on the Monterey course on his way he opened with a score of 65 or better at Flanagan, a former US amateur male-female event. to a share of the lead. Pebble Beach, he went on to win. champion, shot a 68 to go with “Last year was when I kind His round included a birdie on the par- He is chasing a fi fth victory in the tour- his opening round 62. of heard about it and I’ve been three ninth, his 18th hole of the day, to nament after missing the cut at the Phoe- “It’s been two solid days’ pretty outspoken about coming leave him alongside Gay on seven under. nix Open last week. work,” said Scrivener, who con- down here,” she said. “It’s lived Five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson Nine players were a single shot back tinued his strong early season up to every expectation, which was among a group of six players tied for on fi ve under, including South Africa’s form which has been rewarded has been great.” third place on six under which also in- Branden Grace, who played the Pebble with three top-10 fi nishes on the England’s Felicity Johnson, cluded Australia’s Jason Day. Brian Gay of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round Beach course. Jordan Spieth and Dustin European Tour. the fi rst round leader, could only Mickelson thrust himself into conten- of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course Johnson were also on fi ve under. “It’s just patience really, I muster a second round 74 to be tion after hitting every fairway for the in Pebble Beach, California. Grace got off to a fl ying start with a think knowing there’s a lot of seven off the pace. fi rst time in his career. birdie on the fi rst followed by an eagle on birdies out there helps. If you try One of the day’s biggest mov- “I may have done it before, but I don’t The tournament, which sees profes- turesque town of Carmel — Pebble Beach the par-fi ve second, when he guided his to rush them, you can make mis- ers was veteran Karrie Webb, ever recall doing it,” a satisfi ed Mickelson sionals play alongside celebrities, is Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and second shot off the fairway 237 yards to takes, so just plodding your way who stroked a 65 to be six behind said afterwards. spread across three courses near the pic- Monterey Peninsula. leave himself a 24-foot putt. around and being smart about Kaufman. Gulf Times Saturday, February 9, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA TRADE NOTEBOOK Davis stays Rondo and James put in New star as Lakers stun Orleans, but Triple-double king Westbrook delivers yet again plenty of as Oklahoma City Thunder register a convincing Celtics 117-95 win over Memphis Grizzlies names fl y he biggest name in the picked up centre Jason Smith and NBA trade rumor mill four second-round picks from stayed put as the trade the Bucks. The Pistons dealt deadline expired Thurs- forward Stanley Johnson to the day,T but a pair of contenders in Pelicans. the East netted some pretty big The 6-foot-10 Mirotic, who fi sh nonetheless on a busy day turns 28 on Monday, is averag- around the league. ing 16.7 points per game and 8.3 New Orleans big man Anthony rebounds, both career highs, in Davis, long rumoured to be head- 32 games. ed out of town after demanding a trade, stayed put in The Big Easy, FULTZ HEADS TO MAGIC as teams such as the Los Ange- The Philadelphia 76ers dealt les Lakers and Boston Celtics former No. 1 overall pick Mar- couldn’t meet the Pelicans’ trade kelle Fultz to the Orlando Magic demands. for guard Jonathon Simmons and But the Toronto Raptors got fi rst- and second-round picks. themselves a big man, acquiring Fultz, 20, was the top over- centre Marc Gasol from Mem- all pick less than two years ago, phis in exchange for Jonas Valan- after the 76ers traded a fi rst- ciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles round pick to the Boston Celtics and a 2024 second-round pick. to move up two spots in the 2017 Gasol, 34, is averaging 15.7 NBA Draft. However, Fultz has points, 8.6 rebounds and a ca- not played since Nov. 19 and has reer-high 4.7 assists in 53 games played just 33 games through two this season. seasons while battling shoulder The Raptors also traded cen- and wrist injuries that have af- tre Greg Monroe and a second- fected his ability and confi dence round pick in 2021 to the Brook- to shoot. lyn Nets in exchange for cash considerations. The Nets subse- CLIPPERS WAIVE GORTAT, quently requested waivers on the TEODOSIC ninth-year veteran. The Los Angeles Clippers waived The Raptors are second in the center Marcin Gortat and guard Eastern Conference and they Milos Teodosic after the team added a boost in Gasol to help acquired guard Garrett Tem- them keep pace with conference ple and forward JaMychal Green front-runner Milwaukee Bucks. from Memphis for guard Avery Bradley. MIROTIC TO BUCKS The Clippers also sent Mike The Bucks acquired sharpshoot- Muscala to the Lakers for for- er Nikola Mirotic, a teammate of ward Michael Beasley and center Davis in New Orleans, as part of a Ivica Zubac. The Clippers ac- LA Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (third from left) celebrates with his teammates after making the game-winning basket against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) three-team deal. quired Muscala on Wednesday in Forward Thon Maker went the trade that sent Tobias Harris AFP done a tremendous job with us. I think Serge Ibaka and Danny Green both had from Milwaukee to the De- and two others to the Philadel- Los Angeles RESULTS it shows we’re resilient. We’re a group 12 points each while Norman Powell add- troit Pistons while New Orleans phia 76ers. of guys who are hungry, just looking for- ed 11 from the bench. Indiana 116-92 LA Clippers ward to each day.” Trae Young and Taurean Prince had 19 ajon Rondo returned to haunt Orlando 122-112 Minnesota While Rondo’s scored the winning points apiece for the Hawks, who fell to the Boston Celtics with a game- Toronto 119-101 Atlanta points, the Lakers were hauled into con- 18-36 with the defeat. winning buzzer-beater as the tention with a towering performance In Oklahoma City, triple-double king Los Angeles Lakers bounced LA Lakers 129-128 Boston from James, who led the scoring with 28 Russell Westbrook delivered once again backR from a thrashing to score a dramatic Oklahoma City 117-95 Memphis points and added 12 rebounds and 12 as- to give the Thunder a convincing 117-95 129-128 victory on Thursday. Portland 127-118 San Antonio sists for a triple double. win over the Memphis Grizzlies. A roller coaster battle at the TD Gar- Kyle Kuzma also added 24 points, one Westbrook fi nished with 15 points, 13 den Arena was settled in the fi nal sec- of seven Lakers players in double fi gures rebounds and 15 assists while Paul George onds when Rondo’s fadeaway jump shot Pacers on Tuesday. on the night. The Lakers improved to 28- led the scoring with 27 points. Six Thun- dropped into the hoop to silence a rau- Another ominous occasion looked 27 with the win while Boston fell to 35-20. der players fi nished with double-digit cous Boston crowd. on the cards on Thursday as the Celtics James’ former Cleveland team-mate points tallies. It was a bittersweet moment for Rondo, surged into a 53-35 lead midway through Irving led the scoring for Boston with 24 OKC’s 35th win of the season saw them who launched his career with the Celtics the second quarter. points. tighten their grip on third place in the and spent eight seasons in Boston before But that 18-point defi cit proved to be a Western Conference table, behind the leaving in 2014. catalyst for the Lakers, who seized con- SIAKAM FIRES RAPTORS Golden State Warriors (38-15) and Denver The 32-year-old, a key member of Bos- trol of the contest with an explosive burst Elsewhere Thursday, Pascal Siakam piled Nuggets (37-17). ton’s 2008 NBA Championship-winning of scoring that included a remarkable on 33 points, 14 rebounds and four assists The Indiana Pacers meanwhile remain team, fi nished with 17 points. 42-point third period. to lead Toronto to a comfortable 119-101 fi rmly in pursuit in the Eastern Confer- “I couldn’t picture it being this sweet The Celtics rallied in the fi nal quarter win over the Atlanta Hawks. ence after a 116-92 defeat of the Los An- coming back, where it all started, our however and looked to have snatched a With Kawhi Leonard ruled out through geles Clippers in Indianapolis. team struggling right now,” Rondo win when Kyrie Irving’s banked one in injury, Siakam stepped up to lead the of- Bojan Bogdanovic topped the scoring said. “Hopefully this will give us con- to make 128-127 with 11 seconds left. But fensive scoring for the Raptors, who im- for the Pacers with 29 points after mak- fidence.” Rondo’s late jumper sealed a morale- proved to 40-16 with the win. ing 12 of 19 fi eld goal attempts. The win came just two days after the boosting win for the Lakers. All fi ve Raptors starters made double The Pacers are now third in the East Lakers and LeBron James suff ered a hu- “We’ve been through a lot,” Rondo fi gures, with Fred VanVleet adding 30 at 36-19, trailing leaders Milwaukee and Anthony Davis (right) of the New Orleans Pelicans stayed put while miliating 42-point defeat to the Indiana said. “We’ve stuck together. Coach has points and Kyle Lowry 13. second-placed Toronto. Marc Gasol (left) is now headed to Toronto Raptors. (AFP)

LOSS Frank Robinson, MLB’s fi rst black manager, dies at 83

Reuters After a standout playing ca- have increased access to execu- the fi eld that people said could Toronto reer, Robinson went on to man- tive and management positions never be done. age the Indians, San Francisco in baseball,” the Orioles said in a “I’m so glad I had the chance Giants, Baltimore Orioles and statement. to know him all of those years. rank Robinson, who Montreal Expos/Washington Baseball will miss a tremendous in 1975 became Major Nationals over 16 MLB seasons. ‘ENORMOUS IMPACT’ human being.” League Baseball’s fi rst It was with Cleveland, 28 Robinson broke into the National Robinson also made his- African-American man- years after Jackie Robinson broke League as a 20-year-old in 1956 tory as the fi rst Most Valuable agerF and is considered one of the baseball’s colour barrier, that and tied a rookie record with 38 Player of both the National and game’s greatest players, died on Frank Robinson became MLB’s home runs en route to NL Rookie American Leagues, earned the Thursday at the age of 83. fi rst black manager when he of the Year honours. Over the 1966 AL Triple Crown and World Robinson, known also for his walked the lineup card to home next decade and a half, Robinson Series MVP honours, and was a leadership and competitive fi re plate as a player-manager for the was one of the most feared hit- centrepiece of two World Series- during a Hall of Fame playing Cleveland Indians. ters in the game. winning Baltimore teams. career that spanned 21 seasons, “Every time I put on this uni- When All-Star pitcher Jim Robinson was elected to the will be remembered as a pioneer form, I think of Jackie Robinson,” Bouton was asked by a fan how National Baseball Hall of Fame in by the baseball world after pav- Frank Robinson said in 1975. he would pitch to Robinson, he 1982, his fi rst year of eligibility, ing the way for every minority After the last of his manag- replied, “Reluctantly.” and his No. 20 was retired by the manager who has followed. ing jobs in 2006, Robinson went Robinson went on to become Reds, Orioles, and Indians, with “Frank Robinson’s resume in on to work for MLB in a variety a 14-times All-Star who hit 586 each team also erecting a statue our game is without parallel, a of roles, among them the vice home runs during a career in in his honour. trailblazer in every sense, whose president of on-fi eld operations, which he played for the Cincinnati “Frank will be forever remem- impact spanned generations,” senior vice president for Major Reds, Orioles, Los Angeles Dodg- bered for his enormous impact MLB Commissioner Robert League operations and honorary ers, California Angels and Indians. on our game as an extraordinary Manfred said in a statement. American League president. When Robinson retired, his player, a gifted manager, and a “He was one of the great- In 2005, Robinson received the home run total at the time was deeply committed member of the est players in the history of Presidential Medal of Freedom, fourth on MLB’s all-time list, Board of Directors of the Hall of our game, but that was just the the highest US civilian award, trailing Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth Fame,” said Hall of Fame chairman beginning of a multifaceted for setting a lasting example of and Willie Mays. Jane Forbes Clark. “He brought baseball career.” character in athletics. “Frank Robinson and I were great character, integrity, and The MLB website said Robin- “Frank was a proponent of more than baseball buddies. We sportsmanship to each of these son, who died at his California civil rights causes on and off were friends,” Aaron said on roles. We are truly saddened by In this October 1, 2006, picture, Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson waves to the fans on his last home, had been suff ering from a the fi eld, including policies that Twitter. “Frank was a hard nosed this loss and share our deepest day as the team’s manager. (Reuters) long-term illness. paved the way for minorities to baseball player who did things on sympathy with his family.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 9, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Bastareaud Laidlaw plays down back as France turn on power WC rehearsal for against England

Reuters 23-year-old Thomas Ramos as Marcoussis, France Brunel believes France will also need experience against Eng- land: “We didn’t want to expose athieu Bastareaud him early in the game as we know Scotland, Ireland has been named in it’s going to be a bit complicated.” France’s starting Brunel also reshuffl ed his pack. The two teams will meet in their opening World Cup Pool A game in Yokohama line-up for their Six will start at MNations clash against England tight-head prop after Uini Ato- at Twickenham tomorrow, in an nio suff ered a knee injury while acknowledgement that they will fl anker took need power in the centre. over from and Head coach Jacques Brunel lock Felix Lambey replaced Paul yesterday made six changes to Willemse. the team who threw away a 16-0 Scrumhalf and halftime lead in a 24-19 defeat fl yhalf will start to Wales in the championship’s together again while scrumhalf curtain-raiser last Friday, with will take Bap- Bastareaud pushing the lighter tiste Serin’s place on the bench. to the bench. England started their cam- The Toulon powerhouse, who paign with a 32-20 away win did not feature in the squad against against Ireland last Saturday, Wales, will start alongside Geof- while France have lost seven of frey Doumayrou, who replaces the their last eight matches. injured Wesley Fofana. “England always impose their “We know the impact he can power. They’re back to their have against the power of the best, as the game against Ireland England centres, notably Manu showed. I was very impressed by Tuilagi,” said Brunel, who dis- their performance,” said Brunel. missed suggestions that he was changing his overall strategy. TEAM: 15-, 14-Dam- “We have three players in- ian Penaud, 13-Mathieu Bastar- jured. Nothing serious, but they eaud, 12-Geoff rey Doumayrou, needed eight days of rest and we 11-Gael Fickou, 10-Camille didn’t want to take any risks,” he Lopez, 9-Morgan Parra, 8-Louis explained. Picamoles, 7-, “We still want to put speed in 6-Yacouba Camara, 5-Felix our game. We managed to do it in Lambey, 4-Sebastien Vahaama- the fi rst half last week. It remains hina, 3-Demba Bamba, 2-Guilhem our main goal.” Guirado (captain), 1-Jeff erson With Maxime Medard injured, Poirot Yoann Huget, whose mistake led Replacements: 16-Pierre Bour- to Wales’s second try at the Stade garit, 17-Dany Priso, 18-Dorian de France, moved down to full- Aldegheri, 19-Paul Willemse, back, leaving the wing position 20-Gregory Alldritt, 21-Antoine to Gael Fickou. Dupont, 22-Romain Ntamack, Huget was preferred to the 23-Thomas Ramos

Scotland’s scrum-half Greig Laidlaw catches the ball during a training session at in Edinburgh yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters “Ireland are quality opposi- Edinburgh tion, one of the best teams in the Italy tired of losing and ‘watch out Wales’, warns Parisse world. If we want to win tomor- row we’ll need one of our best AFP of trust, too much talk about came from 16-0 down at half cotland captain Greig games.” Rome the team and the group in an time to overcome France 24-19 Laidlaw has played down Scotland survived a late rally unsatisfactory way,” continued in Paris. the importance of to- from Italy to claim a 33-20 vic- 135-times capped Parisse, who “We’ve watched their match day’s home Six Nations tory in their Six Nations opener taly captain Sergio Parisse is also captain of French club against France, we think we clashS with Ireland as a marker at Murrayfi eld last Saturday in warned his side are sick Stade Francais. can put them in diff iculty,” for the Rugby World Cup in Ja- which they defended poorly in Iand tired of losing and “Although it’s not true that continued Parisse. pan and says his side are con- the fi nal quarter, but Laidlaw are determined to end their everything is negative. “Since Monday I have seen a centrating on claiming the Eu- says they will not stray from 18-match Six Nations losing “I can say that tomorrow there very positive reaction, enthusi- ropean crown for now. their attacking style of rugby. streak against Wales in the is a desire to be masters of the asm, desire to react and to face The teams will meet in their “Everybody knows the way Stadio Olimpico today. game, something that did not a great team like Wales. opening World Cup Pool A game Scotland want to play the game,” Italy opened this year’s cam- happen in the first half against “They won in France and in Yokohama on Sept. 22, with he said. “We won’t really devi- paign with a 33-20 defeat to Scotland. played good rugby, maybe the victor in that fi xture likely to ate from that, but we’ve got to Scotland in Murrayfield, where “None of us is satisfied, no one with a few easy tries conceded head the group and avoid a pos- be smart about the times when they last won a match in the is content to just play,” he said. by the French. sible quarter-fi nal with defend- we play.” tournament back in February “But we are not here because “They are a team that are third ing champions . The players practised in wet 2015. other nations like the Italian in the rankings and are playing Laidlaw believes his team and windy conditions yesterday Parisse, who earned a record climate or they want to have a exceptional rugby.” must rather concentrate on the as Storm Erik, which will bring 66th Six Nations cap in Edin- weekend in Rome. Gatland hands Six Nations de- here and now, and not think too gusts of up to 70-km per hour, burgh, said the mood had been “We are here because before us buts to winger Jonah Holmes far ahead. possibly into Saturday after- grim after yet another disap- great players have earned the and flanker Thomas Young for “We certainly won’t be think- noon. pointment. right to be here, who have done today’s game. ing about it tomorrow,” the “If it comes in like it’s meant “After a defeat the climate can great things with this shirt. The two were not part of the scrumhalf told reporters yester- to, it’s diffi cult,” Laidlaw admit- only be negative. This is be- Wales, meanwhile, are trying to victorious matchday squad in day. ted. “It’s vitally important your cause we are tired of being just equal their all-time unbeaten Paris last weekend. “It’s about the Six Nations at half-backs give the team direc- competitive, we want to win,” record of 11 successive wins “From a rugby player’s point the minute. So we’ll just be con- tion on days like that.” said veteran No. 8 Parisse, who on Saturday, last achieved of view if you are motivated centrating on the next game. If Scotland beat Ireland 27-22 revealed a “non-positive” vibe between 1907 and 1910. because the team in front of we want to go on and take the at Murrayfi eld in 2017, but have around the team. Warren Gatland has made ten you makes changes, it is not a next step, it’s games like this we lost fi ve of their last six meetings “We feel that there is a lack changes from the side that good mindset,” said Parisse. need to win. home and away. WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS NHL England go for experience Canadiens win third straight, take down Jets in clash against France Reuters Reuters London New York RESULTS Carolina 6-5 Buff alo ngland women’s head onathan Drouin and Phillip Dan- Florida 3-2 Pittsburgh coach Simon Middleton ault each tallied four points as the NY Islanders 2-1 New Jersey has added experience Montreal Canadiens won their to his side for their Six third in a row, 5-2 over the visiting Los Angeles 3-2 Philadelphia NationsE clash against holders WinnipegJ Jets on Thursday night. Washington 4-3 Colorado France, making four changes to Drouin had two goals with two assists Montreal 5-2 Winnipeg the starting lineup for the match and Danault one goal with three helpers in Doncaster tomorrow. Ottawa 4-0 Anaheim for the Canadiens, who have earned at Harlequins forwards Vickii least one point in fi ve straight games and Las Vegas 4-3 Detroit Cornborough and Abbie Scott, are 8-1-1 over the past 10 while continu- St. Louis 1-0 Tampa Bay who have 74 England caps be- ing their playoff push. Nashville 3-2 Dallas tween them, will return to the Shea Weber recorded a goal with an team with Poppy Cleall moving assist, rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored Edmonton 4-1 Minnesota to fl anker. a goal for the fourth straight game, and Chicago 4-3 Vancouver Bristol Bears fl anker Poppy Carey Price made 32 saves in his 599th San Jose 5-2 Calgary Leitch will replace Marlie Pack- career contest to extend his winning er, who will be rested after she streak to seven games as Montreal re- Columbus 4-2 Arizona picked up a shoulder injury in corded a season-high 53 shots on net. Jonathan Drouin (left) of the Montreal Canadiens shoots the puck past goaltender their opener against Ireland, The Central Division-leading Jets the Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets during the NHL game in Montreal, Canada, on while the back line remains un- opened the scoring at the 4:54 mark of Thursday. (AFP) Winnipeg’s 3-2 overtime loss to San Jose. changed. end with the aim of having her the fi rst period when Mark Scheifele Morrissey, who has a career-high 29 “Vickii and Abbie bring con- back later in the Championship.” scored his team-leading 27th goal with the Canadiens the lead for good. He has at least a point in each of their previous points in his third full NHL season, could siderable experience to the for- France powered past Wales help from Ben Chiarot and Kyle Connor. three goals and six assists in his past three four contests. return Saturday when Winnipeg contin- ward pack while Poppy is a great 52-3 in their opener while Eng- However, Montreal equalized less than games and 13 points in his past 10 con- Winnipeg got defenseman Dustin ues its three-game road stretch at Ot- addition having played consist- land beat Ireland 51-7, with the three minutes later when Drouin scored tests. Byfuglien back on the ice Thursday after tawa. ently well in the Tyrrells Premier weekend’s clash billed as a po- his fi rst of the night. Danault, meanwhile, has four goals and he missed 15 games with a lower-body in- Montreal will look to continue its surge 15s and for the National Academy tential title decider. Drouin recorded his second multi-goal eight assists in his past 10. jury. On the fl ipside, the Jets were without Saturday in the fi nale of a seven-game side in the autumn,” Middleton France narrowly beat England game of the season when he scored 43 Connor Hellebuyck made a career- fellow blue-liner Josh Morrissey (lower- homestand with an Original Six matchup said in a statement. 18-17 en route to a Grand Slam seconds into the second period to give high 48 saves for the Jets, who had earned body injury), who was hurt Tuesday in against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “We will rest Marlie this week- last year. Gulf Times Saturday, February 9, 2019 7 SPORT

HATHAB EQUESTRIAN TOUR Al-Rumaihi and Vivaldi K power to Medium Tour win

By Sports Reporter Doha Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi rides Vivaldi K to Medium Tour victory during the seventh leg of the Hathab ubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi Equestrian Tour at the Qatar and his trusted gelding Equestrian Federation’s outdoor Vivaldi K blazed to anoth- arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi er Medium Tour triumph Mduring the seventh leg of the Hathab Equestrian Tour yesterday. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena, al-Rumaihi and the 16-year-old Vivaldi K were the fastest among 20 pairs in the fi eld, complet- ing their round in 30.91 seconds. Kha- lid Mohammed al-Emadi was second astride Fiji, followed by Mohammed al-Ghazali in Alegro 84. Al-Rumaihi and al-Ghazali’s top two-fi nish also ensured Al Salam walk away with the Medium Tour team title. The duo and Mohamed al-Ghazali tallied a total time of 63.37 secs, which was enough for Al Salam to seal the victory. Al women’s team of Porsche (Cyrine Cherif, Hussain Saeed Haidan and Sheikha Fatima Jabor al-Thani) came second, while Power Steel (Khalid Mo- Top three teams from the Medium Tour pose with the off icials. hammed al-Emadi, Abdulrahman Adel Nassar and Mohamed Hazim Abara) took third spot. In the Small Tour, Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi took the fi rst and third place with diff erent horses. First, he guided Rosconnell Bella to victory in a winning time was 53.43 secs ahead of Mohamed al-Ghazali and Michael Jackson, who came home in 56.47 secs for second placed. Al-Qadi then rode Fudine to a third-place fi nish in a time of 57.83 secs. A brainchild of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qa- tar Olympic Committee, Hathab was a runaway success in its inaugural sea- son. The series – worth QR1mn in over- all prize money – provides an opportu- nity for young riders from Qatar to gain experience and test themselves against other best talents in the country over a gruelling 12 legs, which is spread over 2. Khalid Mohammed al-Emadi. Fiji. 31.66 Abdulla al-Khaldi) Total time: 63.37 secs. six months. secs, QR4,000 Prize money: QR10,000 Small Tour, Table A, One round against the clock, Prize Money: QR10,000 3. Mohammed al-Ghazali. Alegro 84. 2. Porsche (Cyrine Cherif, Hussain RESULTS 32.46 secs, QR 3,000 Saeed Haidan and Sheikha Fatima Jabor 1. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Horse: Roscon- nell Bella. Time: 53.43 secs. Prize money: Medium Tour, Table A, Special two al-Thani) Total time: 66.46 secs. Prize QR2,500 phases Art. 274.5.6, 120/130, Prize money: QR6,000 money: QR20,000 Medium Tour Team results, 2. Mohammed al-Ghazali. Michael Jack- 3. Power Steel (Khalid Mohammed al- Prize money: QR20,000 son. Time: 56.47 secs, QR2,000 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi. Horse: Emadi, Abdulrahman Adel Nassar and Vivaldi K. Time: 30.91 secs. Prize money: 1. Al Salam (Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi, Mohammad Hazim Abara) Total Time: 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Fudine. 57.83 QR5,000 Mohammed al-Ghazali and Khalifa 68.91 secs. Prize money: QR4,000 secs, QR1,500 In Small Tour, Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi took first and third place with diff erent horses.

SPOTLIGHT QMMF TO PARTICIPATE IN 5TH FIA SPORT REGIONAL CONGRESS IN KUWAIT Doha: The delegation of the Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Al-Sulaiti clinches Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Mauritania, Cyprus and Iran. Federation (QMMF) will today QMMF president Abdulrah- take part in the 5th FIA Sport man al-Mannai is leading the Regional Congress in MENA QMMF delegation, which also region, hosted by the Kuwait includes members Mohamed International Automobile Club Ghanim al-Kubaisi and Salem (KIAC), under the auspices of Saeed al-Mohannadi. Al-Mannai the Federation International thanked Kuwait’s ministry of QSTK pole again Automobile (FIA). information and KIAC for host- The congress will be held in ing this congress. Al-Mannai the presence of FIA president said that the meet will include Jean Todt and a number of a special agenda that aims to Saadon al-Kuwari takes his first pole of the QTCC season at Losail Circuit FIA members, as well as the develop the automobile sports presidents and representatives in the region in an appropriate bdulla al-Qubaisi broke his to take a double victory today to reduce of automobile associations and manner, especially with regard teammate Saeed al-Sulaiti's the gap in the standings. “Tomorrow rac- clubs from 20 countries. to safety and roads as well as Qatar Superstock 600 lap time es will be diffi cult as the timings are very The countries participating building the capacity of off icials record with a timing of 2:03.555 close. I am very happy with today result, at the conference are Kuwait, and volunteers in organising secsA in the Free Practice 2 of the fourth the car is performing very well, and I will Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bah- events, and supporting drivers round of QSTK600 yesterday. Al-Sulaiti try tomorrow to take the victory in both rain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, for global excellence in various had held the record, which he had set races’,” said al-Kuwari. Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, international entitlements. during Round 2 of the championship. The leader of the championship, al- Yesterday, al-Qubaisi tried his best to Khelaifi , did only 3 laps at the qualifying get the pole position but al-Sulaiti man- but it was enough to secure the second aged to snatch it for the fourth time in a place in the grid. “‘I did only few laps FOCUS row with a time of 2:04.060, only 0.081 during the fi rst minutes of the session. In in front of al-Qubaisi at the Losail In- general, it was good, the track was much ternational Circuit. “In the fi rst two Free better than last round. I managed to drop Practices, we were struggling a bit to fi nd my lap time but unfortunately it was not Paralympics world a good grip but at the same time I was fast enough to secure the pole as Saa- really happy to see Abdulla al-Qubaisi don was faster. I am happy even though I make record lap time in the champion- could not take the pole. The strategy for body to lift Russia’s ship, which is amazing,” said al-Sulaiti. tomorrow is just to stay calm and follow “For the Superpole, we modifi ed the Saadon until he makes a mistake and not bike a bit and that gave me more confi - be aggressive. I have to collect at least 20 doping ban dence, but still it was tough to beat Ab- points, so fi nishing second is enough,” dulla, he was really in form today. In the said al-Khelaifi . Ibrahim al-Abdulghani Reuters “an offi cial response adequately last fi ve minutes of the Superpole 2, we did the third best lap time, 2:25.863. Moscow addressing the fi ndings made were able to squeeze the maximum from Today, QSTK Race 1 starts at 11:30am by Professor McLaren”, said the the bike and fi nish in front of him. My ex- and Race 2 will begin at 2:30pm. For IPC. A two-part WADA-com- pectation for tomorrow is that it is going QTCC, the fi rst race is scheduled at 1pm he International Paral- missioned report by Richard to be very diffi cult races especially with and the second race at 4pm. ympic Committee (IPC) McLaren in 2016 found evidence Abdulla in good form. But I will show him Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar Tour- said yesterday it would of a state-sponsored doping that I can fi ght as well,” added al-Sulaiti. ing Car Championship are organised by lift the ban on Russian scheme across several sports and Al-Qubaisi was very happy with his the Losail Circuit Sports Club and Qatar TPara athletes by March 15, but at the 2014 Winter Olympics in performance yesterday and was to fi ght Saeed al-Sulaiti in action during the Superpole for the fourth round of the QSTK600 Motor and Motorcycle Federation with only under certain conditions. the Russian city of Sochi. for another double victory as he did in the at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Pirelli Qatar as sponsor. Russia has been barred from in- The report led to the ban last round. “I am very happy to break the ternational competitions since against the Russian Paralym- lap time record in the championship. To- August 2016 over allegations of pic Committee, while dozens morrow I will push hard to win both races state-sponsored doping similar of Russians were banned from and reduce the gap in the standings. It to the ones that led to the sus- competing at the 2016 Rio Olym- will be hard to fi ght with Saeed but I will pension of its athletics federa- pics. Parsons said that uphold- give my best,” al-Qubaisi said. Mishal tion and anti-doping agency. ing the RPC’s suspension on the al-Naimi will start in the third place at The IPC said the Russian Para- grounds of Russian authorities’ today’s grid. lympic Committee (RPC) had refusal to accept the McLaren In the QSTK Trophy, the fastest rider met 69 of the 70 reinstatement Report “does not seem right”. again record Jassim al-Thani, followed by criteria outlined in 2016 after it The Kremlin said it welcomed Mohamed al-Zaidan and Ali Abdulhus- was suspended. “Twenty-nine the move to lift the ban. “We hope sain. In the Qatar Touring Car Champi- months later it is the IPC Gov- that our sports offi cials man- onship, Saadon al-Kuwari (Toyota GT86) erning Board’s fi rm belief that age to turn this page by working took his fi rst pole position of the season keeping the RPC suspended is no constructively and transparent- with a lap time of 2:21.492. He will start longer necessary and proportion- ly,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry from the front row in front of Abdulla ate to the situation we now face Peskov said. The Russian Paral- al-Khelaifi (Honda S2000) who did a lap in Russia,” IPC President Andrew ympic Committee also welcomed time of 2:22.257. Parsons said in a statement. the move and said it deemed the In the last round, al-Kuwari had fi n- The one reinstatement con- IPC’s conditions for lifting the ished second in both races and he will try Ibrahim al-Abdulghani in action during the Qatar Touring Car Championship. dition that has not been met is ban to be “acceptable”.

Saturday, February 9, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SECOND T20 SPOTLIGHT Ponting named Australia’s Sharma claims assistant coach for WCup Reuters Melbourne

ormer captain Ricky Ponting has been ap- pointed as an assist- record as India ant coach of Australia’s men’sF team for the 50-over World Cup in England later this year, the country’s board said yesterday. The 44-year-old Ponting will work with Australia’s batsmen for the May 30-July 14 tour- level series 1-1 nament, with current batting coach Graeme Hick focussing In this December 13, 2018, picture, former Australia captain Ricky Seven- win over New Zealand pushes matters into decider on preparing the side for the Ponting (right) talks to Australian batsman Aaron Finch during a Ashes tour in England, starting training session in Perth ahead of the second Test against India. (AFP) AFP in August. Auckland Ponting’s appointment is tor to not just the batting group, time the tournament was held the second major shakeup in but the broader squad as we in England. Australia’s backroom staff in as focus our attention on defend- Ponting has had short-term ohit Sharma became the many days, with bowling coach ing our World Cup title,” Langer engagements with the Australian highest run-scorer in David Saker resigning “eff ec- said. men’s limited overs team in re- Twenty20 international tive immediately” on Thursday. “Ricky and I have worked cent years and will begin his role history yesterday as In- Saker has been replaced tempo- together with the Australian after Australia’s one-day series diaR romped to a seven-wicket rarily by Troy Cooley. men’s team in the past, he is an against India and Pakistan. win over New Zealand in the sec- Australia won their fi fth extremely driven coach who is “I’ve enjoyed my previous ond T20 in Auckland. World Cup title on home soil fully invested in the players de- short-term roles with the ODI Sharma top-scored for the four years ago and head coach velopment and improving Aus- and T20 teams but World Cups tourists with 50 as India chased Justin Langer said that Pon- tralian cricket.” take on a whole diff erent mean- down New Zealand’s modest ting’s experience in leading the Ponting played 375 one-day ing for me,” Ponting said. 159-run target in 18.5 overs, lev- team to two of those victories internationals for Australia and “I have enormous confi dence elling the three-match series at would be invaluable in England. led them to the World Cup ti- in the players available to the 1-1. “Ricky knows what’s re- tles in 2003 and 2007. He was selectors and know we will be Sharma’s knock was his 16th quired to win World Cups, and I also a member of Steve Waugh’s as tough to beat as any team, in T20 half century and took his ca- know he will be a valuable men- winning side in 1999 — the last this year’s World Cup.” reer tally in the format to 2,288 runs, overtaking New Zealand’s Martin Guptill on 2,272. THIRD TEST / WI VS ENGLAND The 31-year-old made his T20 debut against England in 2007 and has played 92 matches, aver- aging 33.15. Gabriel’s pace has ‘put the However Sharma, who is standing in as captain while Vi- rat Kohli is rested, was more in- wind up’ England, says Law terested in focusing on India’s performance than his individual Reuters achievements. Cary, North Carolina His team dominated New Zea- land with bat and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening India’s Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the second Twenty20 international match against New Zealand in etter bowling execution fi xture in — India’s Auckland yesterday. (AFP) has lifted West Indies heaviest ever T20 defeat. to victory in their series “I’m very pleased with how we the Black Caps some hope, hit- “Some smarter options might made 162 for three without look- against England, the bowled and then we were quite ting a maiden T20 half century have given us another 20 runs at ing troubled. BCaribbean team’s former coach clinical with the bat as well,” he off 27 balls as part of a 77-run the death that would have been “That opening partnership for Stuart Law has said ahead of said. “We were expecting a per- partnership with Ross Taylor, really helpful on that wicket.” India really took the game away the third and fi nal Test starting formance like that, we’ve got who made 42. Whereas India had no such from us,” Williamson said. in St. Lucia today. quality in our side but we didn’t But the hosts could not break problem in reply, making a fl ying The fi nal match of the series is The underdog home team execute our plans in the fi rst game. the shackles and tight bowling at start with Sharma leading the way. at Hamilton tomorrow. clinched the series by winning Shannon Gabriel “We learned from our mistakes the end of the innings prevented His 50 — part of a 79-run the fi rst two Tests in one-sided of West Indies and we got the reward for it.” them from taking advantage of opening stand with Shikhar Dha- BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand fashion with performances that takes part in a India’s bowling attack was Eden Park’s short boundaries. wan — included four sixes and 158 for 8 in 20 overs (Colin de suggested the fortunes of the training session much improved and man-of- “We perhaps missed a trick or three fours off 28 balls. Grandhomme 50, Ross Taylor 42; moribund West Indies might be in Gros Islet, the-match Krunal Pandya took two with the bat,” New Zealand Dhawan made 30, Rishabh Krunal Pandya 3-28) lost to India on the up after years in the Test Saint Lucia, on three for 28 as they restricted captain Kane Williamson said Pant 40 and MS Dhoni brought 162 for 3 in 18.5 overs (Rohit doldrums. Thursday. (AFP) New Zealand to 158 for eight. after his team laboured to 158 for the crowd to its feet with an en- Sharma 50, Rishabh Pant 40 not Law said West Indies’ pace Colin de Grandhomme gave eight in their 20 overs. tertaining cameo of 20 as India out) by seven quartet had bowled a better line dating than Gabriel, who was with age. than England, whose fast bowl- clocked at more than 90 miles- The 30-year-old has taken ers too often strayed too far per-hour (145 kph) in the fi rst fi ve wickets in the current se- outside off stump. Test in Barbados. ries at an average of 27.4, and Test cricket is ‘dying’, says ICC chairman The raw pace of Shannon “Shannon Gabriel bowling has softened up the England Gabriel gave West Indies an ex- at (that pace), no-one wants to batsmen for Roach, Holder and AFP “We are trying to see whether kick off the World Test Champion- T20s are “over in 3.5 hours, like tra weapon, someone who “put face it and I know for a fact a few Jospeh with the trio sharing 27 Dhaka (the) Test championship can ship in July, and the two top sides watching a movie. Therefore, it the wind up” the England bats- England boys don’t like facing wickets among themselves. generate interest, because Test will face off in a final in 2021. is picking up very fast”. men, according to Law. Shannon,” Law said. Holder will miss the third Test cricket is actually dying to be Manohar, who is in Dhaka to “You can’t buy pace. It’s a “He wasn’t the main de- — suspended due to the team’s est cricket is “dying”, the honest,” International Cricket watch the final of the Bangla- OLYMPIC CHALLENGE god given talent... that allows stroyer. He was the one who slow over rate in the second — chairman of the sport’s Council chairman Shashank desh Premier League Twenty20 Manohar, a former president of these guys to get up to those put the wind up (England) and which will give West Indies a Tgoverning body warned Manohar told reporters in Dhaka. tournament, said the short- the Indian cricket board, said speeds,” Law said on a Wisden. got them thinking, and then chance to give another young Thursday, adding the new world “So to improve the situation, est version of the game now the sport still faces challenges com podcast. you had the skill and the craft of bowler a gallop in 21-year-old championship could help save we are trying ways and means. provides maximum ratings for in its bid to become more The former Australian bats- Kemar Roach, and Jason Holder Oshane Thomas, whose pace is the longest format of the game. The (ICC) board... came to a broadcasters. global, including being added to man quit as West Indies’ head with his big swing and bounce on a par with Gabriel’s. While Tests in Australia and Eng- conclusion that if we start a Test “Nowadays, people don’t have the Olympics. There are logisti- coach in September to take the and a young fi rebrand Alzarri England, seeking to avoid land still draw sizeable crowds, championship, it would keep five days... to watch a Test cal obstacles, such as suitable same role at England county Joseph who can let rip at 90- being swept in the series, have filling stadiums and boosting Test cricket alive and generate match. From 10 to 5, everybody venues for cricket, Manohar side Middlesex. plus as well. West Indies had some injury concerns. interest in the five-day game has more interest in the game.” has their own job to do so it is admitted, saying there is some During his two years in the better plans.” Pace bowler Ben Stokes has a been a challenge in the rest of the The Ashes series between arch- very diff icult for them to watch way to go before it is featured Caribbean Law witnessed up Gabriel’s is a bruised right heel, while wick- cricket world for years. rivals England and Australia will (Tests),” he said. on world sport’s biggest stage. close the ability of West Indies’ little under 30 runs per wicket etkeeper Ben Foakes incurred a fast bowlers, none more intimi- in 42 Tests, and he has improved bruised hand in the second Test.

28th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show

Connections pose with the trophy after Assayel Al Uwaynah Stud’s Magna MS topped Class 7A for 4-6-year-olds Mares at the Qatar International Arabian Horse Show at Souq Waqif yesterday. At right, connections with the trophy after Al Safwa Stud’s SH Julia won Class 7B for 4-6-year-olds Mares. PICTURES: Juhaim