Sport TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021 MoeenMoee Ali tests positive for COVID-19 aass EnglandEn arrive in Sri Lanka It’sIt’s a rereallya dangerous virus and wherever we will be, we will be in contact with it in some shape or form. If so, we have to manage it as best as possible.p We’re as best prepared as we can be for it and we’re ffullyully awareaw of what we’re getting ourselves into.

England captain Joe Root Sport |09

QATAR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: Al Khor beat Al Gharafa 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-21); Al Ahli beat SC 3-2 (24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, 15-11) QFA announces Amir Cup draw; 16-team event set to kick off on January 25 Al to begin title hunt against Al Ahli THE PENINSULA – that was restricted to a limited number of invitees. Former champions Al Duhail The draw for Amir Cup is yesterday were drawn to play based on the rankings in the Al Ahli in their opening Amir QNB Stars League and the Cup match. Second Division League of the The two teams are part of 2019-2020 season. the 16-team tournament set to Teams Al Duhail, Al begin later this month. Rayyan, , Al Gharafa, Al The 49th Amir Cup draw Sailiya, Al Wakra, Al Arabi and ceremony was conducted by Qatar SC have been placed in Qatar Football Association Group A as the top eight sides (QFA) at Ritz-Carlton Hotel from the First Division. yesterday. Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Khor In other fixtures, Qatar SC and Al Shahaniya were slotted will take on Al Shamal, Al with top three teams from the Wakrah will play Al Kharaitiyat Second Division Al Kharaitiyat, and will face off Al Markhiyay and Al Shamal against . teamsteteamams ini aadditionddddititiioon to Al Gharafa will take on Al ‘special‘‘spepecicialal qqualifiers’uaualilifif eerrs’ Shahaniya, Al Sadd will play .MuMuaaiiththerer. Muaither, Al Sailiya have a date LastLaL stt month,moonthh, Al with Al Khor while Al Arabi will SaSSaddadddd bbeateaat Al AArabiraabi go head-to-head with Umm 2-22-11 aatt brandbrranndd nneweew Salal. 20220220222 WorldWoro lldd CCupuup The Amir Cup matches will venuevveenue AhAhmadhmamad BinBiin AAlili kick off on January 25 with StadiumStStaaddiium toto winwinn thethhe games between Al Duhail and 20202020200 AAmirmmir CupCCuup ttititle.ttle. Al Ahli and Qatar SC against Al An official picks a Shamal, it was announced team during the yesterday. 49th Amir Cup The complete playing draw ceremony at schedule will be released soon. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Turki Al Ali, General yesterday. Manager of Al Sadd Club, said the Amir Cup draw presented ‘a balanced look’. Muaither, are expected to play involving Al Sadd and Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director “Yes, Al Sadd has the desire the winner from the Al Gharafa Muaither. Therefore, I think of Marketing and Communi- to win the title again,” Ali said vs Al Shahaniya match. that our path will not be easy cations, QFA, Ali Hassan Al yesterday after the draw Saad Al Shammari, Vice at all. We will have to start Salat, Head of Communication ceremony. President of Al Gharafa, said strong from the word go,” Al Department, Ali Hammoud Al “Overall I think that the his team would be starting off Shammari said yesterday. Nuaimi, Head of the Compe- draw is well balanced and against a ‘difficult opponent’ in “We hope that our team titions Department, and seems equal for all teams that Al Shahaniya. will present the desired level Hamad Al Hajri, a member of enter the competition. Clearly “I think that the draw is not in the tournament. We want to the Competitions Committee, the best side will emerge be easy for Al Gharafa, starting win this title again,” Al who conducted the draw champion,” he added. with a game against Al Sha- Shammari said. ceremony. Defending champions Al haniya. If we win, then we face The draw was held in Club officials were also Sadd, who open against the winner from the match the presence of Khaled present at the draw ceremony

Toyota's Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah and navigator Matthieu Tokyo Olympics: Baumel in their Toyota Hilux during the second stage of the 200 days to go 2021 Dakar Rally yesterday.

AP – TOKYO

Tick-Tock-Tick. The countdown clock for the postponed Tokyo Olympics hit 200 days to go yesterday. Also yesterday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he would consider calling a state of emergency as new coronavirus cases surge to record numbers in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures. Japan has never had a lockdown for COVID-19, attempting to juggle the economy and health risks. Tick-Tock-Tick. It’s nearing deadline time million, but worrying as new for Tokyo Olympic organizers, cases rise quickly. A poll last the International Olympic Com- month by national broadcaster Qatar's Al Attiyah wins stage 2 mittee, and various Japanese NHK show 63% want the government entities as they try Olympics postponed or to pull off the Games in the canceled. middle of a pandemic. Yoshiro Mori, the president as Dakar battle begins to heat up Officials have promised to of the organising committee and announce concrete plans early a former prime minister, again AP – JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA STAGE 2 (TOP 3 CARS) Sebastien Loeb, the nine-time in the new year about how to ruled out any cancellation of the 1: Nasser Al Attiyah, Matthieu Baumel (Toyota Gazoo Racing) 04H 03' 14'' world rally champion who get 15,000 Olympic and Paral- games in an interview several Nasser Al Attiyah won the second 2: Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger (X-Raid Mini JCW) +02' 35'' skipped the Dakar last year after ympic athletes into Japan; about days ago with the Nikkan Sports stage of the Dakar Rally as the 3: Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz (X-Raid Mini JCW) +09' 17'' finishing third in 2019, improved the safety of the Athletes Village, newspaper. leaders took on a familiar look from 17th to sixth overall. and hundreds of thousands of Any reduction in fans will hit yesterday. OVERALL STANDINGS (CARS) AFTER STAGE 2 In the motorbike category, fans, media, judges, officials, the organizing committee Al Attiyah, who started 10th on 1: Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger (X-Raid Mini JCW) 07H 17' 18'' Joan Barreda dominated from broadcasters and VIPs. budget. Tokyo has budgeted the 457-kilometer (284-mile) 2: Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz (X-Raid Mini JCW) +06' 37'' the first time checkpoint and The new year is here. $800m for ticket sales, and any sandy special in southern Saudi 3: Nasser Al Attiyah, Matthieu Baumel (Toyota Gazoo Racing) +09' 14'' won. Ricky Brabec, the Suga pledged again to hold shortfall will have to be made Arabia from Bisha to Wadi ad- 4: Mathieu Serradori, Fabian Lurquin (SRT Racing) +14' 21'' defending champion, was the Olympics, saying it would up by government entities, Dawasir, took over the stage lead 5: Jakub Przygonski, Timo Gottschalk (Orlen Team/Overdrive) +26' 27'' second, and that’s also how they be “proof that people have which are footing most of the after about 300 kilometers and lined up overall. Ross Branch, overcome the coronavirus.” Olympic bills. beat home Stephane Peterhansel fourth on the stage, was third And he said vaccine approval The official budget for the by 2 1/2 minutes. Between the three of them, they have won overall, six minutes back. would be speeded up by a Tokyo Olympics was increased Carlos Sainz, the defending champion 10 of the last 11 Dakars, and are favored to Toby Price of Australia, the stage one month so that vaccinations last month to $15.4bn, an who opened the stage, slipped to sixth but win the second race in Saudi. winner, fell to 15th overall, and Matthias could begin in February increase of $2.8bn because of rallied and finished third, more than nine “Yesterday, we lost a lot of time Walkner of Austria, the 2018 champion, instead of March. the delay. However, several minutes off the pace. because we opened the way and it was not lost more than two hours repairing a Japan has attributed more government audits the last few Peterhansel took the race lead overall, really good for us and we didn’t take risks,” mechanical problem and fell from third than 3,400 deaths to years suggest the real number his Mini team-mate Sainz was 6 1/2 Al Attiyah said. to 46th. COVID-19, modest by global is about $25bn. All but $6.7bn is minutes back in second, and Al Attiyah’s “But today we went flat out and eve- The race finishes in Jeddah on standards for a country of 125 public money. Toyota was third, nine minutes down. rything is working very, very well.” January 15. TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11 Handball: Qatar ready for ‘tough battles’ at World Championship THE PENINSULA – DOHA and competing against the best especially European sides, is rel- sides is not easy at all,” he added. atively less ‘as they have strong Asian champions Qatar will be “The World Championship is competitive leagues’. aiming to top the preliminary the strongest competition and we “Usually we try to cover this group when they commence their always prepare for it well, but this big difference in preparation campaign at this month’s Men’s time the preparation was not in against our European rivals by World Handball Champi- the required manner. Our prepa- conducting long overseas camps onship in Egypt. ration was not at the level we were and bringing in prominent profes- This was said by Dr keen to have due to the circum- sionals at our clubs, but this did Ahmed Al Shaa’bi, Pres- stances that world sport has expe- not happen in the last season (in ident of the Qatari rienced as a result of the Corona Qatar) and therefore our rivals Handball Federation (QHF), pandemic sweeping the globe,” he have the advantage in the World as Qatar geared up for their said. Championship,” he said. opening game at the Jan 13 to 31 Dr Ahmed Al Shaa’bi In recent years, Qatar have He explained that the presence tournament. established themselves as the of Spanish coach Valero Rivera ‘is Qatar are set to open the dominant Asian force. one of the positive factors’ for group phase against Angola on “We must aim to win the three Qatar have won the Asian title Qatar squad. January 15. matches in the first phase because thrice and reached the World He said coach Rivera knows Qatar - the 2015 World any loss will make our mission dif- Championship final on home soil the rival teams, their players and Championship runners-up - ficult in the second round. in 2015. tactics. take on Japan on January 17. Therefore it is important to lead “We wanted to play a big Dr Al Shaa’bi said Qatar being In the third clash, Qatar will the group in order to maintain our number of friendly matches among the top 10 teams in the face Croatia on January 19. chances and rhythm in the second against strong teams, but we were world would be a good Dr Al Shaa’bi said Qatar stage,” Dr Al Shaa’bi said in an not able to do so due to the achievement for the national will aiming ‘to be among the interview. COVID-19 situation. The matches squad. top 10 teams’ after the “Despite the difficulties we that the national team played were “We are facing great chal- national squad's busy have faced in our preparation, limited. We played friendly lenges after we reached the World training sessions since the nothing can diminish our desire matches against Tunisia, Argentina Championship (Qatar 2015) final. start of December. to achieve better results,” he said. and Spain,” he said. We cannot deny that the teams in Qatar played a series of “Matches at the World Cham- The QHF President said the our World Championship group - international friendlies and pionship, in general, remain dif- impact of the Corona pandemic Croatia, Japan and Angola - are a Four-Nation at home. ficult for all participating teams on the preparations of other teams, tough opponents,” he said. Match officials announced for FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 REFEREES ARG THE PENINSULA – DOHA take part in the tournament: Bra- Qatari official Khamis Al pandemic, FIFA and the host Mariana De Almeida BRA Mario Diks NED zilian referee Edina Alves Batista Marri will be one of the VMOs, country will provide the required Edina Alves GUA Humberto Panjoj GUA The FIFA Referees Committee and assistant referees Neuza while three officials from the safeguards to protect the health Mario Escobar URU Malick Samba El Hadji SEN has announced the match offi- Back () and Mariana De United Arab Emirates will par- and safety of all involved in the Leodan Gonzalez NED Hessel Steegstra NED cials who will officiate games Almeida (Argentina). The ticipate in the tournament, competition. Danny Makkelie Abdulla Mohammed UAE during the forthcoming FIFA appointment of the female trio including referee Mohammed The full match schedule is VIDEO MATCH OFFICIALS Maguette Ndiaye SEN Club World Cup Qatar 2020. continues the path started at the Abdullah Mohammed and available here. The draw to Khamis Al Marri QAT Abdelkader Zitouni TAH Seven referees and 12 FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, assistant referees Mohamed Al finalise the detailed pairings will Julio Bascunan CHI assistant referees have been where Swiss referee Esther Hammadi and Hasan Al Mahri. take place in Zurich on January Nicholas Anderson JAM ASSISTANT REFEREES selected for the tournament, along Staubli officiated one game, fol- All the selected match offi- 19 at 16:00 CET. Kevin Blom NED with seven video match officials lowed by Uruguayan referee cials will complete their final The Club World Cup will kick- Mohamed Alhammadi UAE Drew Fischer CAN (VMOs) to operate the video Claudia Umpierrez, who offi- preparations in Qatar the week off on February 1 and will cul- Hasan Almahri UAE Nicolas Gallo COL assistant referee (VAR) system. ciated two games at the FIFA before the first match kicks off. minate with the final at Education Neuza Back BRA Redouane Jiyed MAR Three female officials will U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019. In light of the COVID-19 City Stadium on February 11. Djibril Camara SEN Jochem Kamphuis NED

One of the major highlights of Qatar's World Cup stadiums continue to last year was the virtual launch of Stadium, which took place amidst protective take shape despite COVID-19 pandemic measures implemented by the State of Qatar to prevent the THE PENINSULA – DOHA Designer: Dar Al Handasah is almost ready for action spread of COVID-19. Distance from Doha city With less than two years to go centre: 43km until the FIFA World Cup Qatar A remarkable sight will Later in the year, on Qatar 2022, the Supreme Committee welcome fans to Al Bayt , and in the presence for Delivery & Legacy (SC) have Stadium, which is being of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin made major progress in stadium delivered by Foun- delivery during 2020. dation. Designed to represent Hamad Al Thani, Ahmad Bin Ali One of the major highlights Arab hospitality, the venue will Stadium was unveiled to the of last year was the virtual host nine matches through to world in a spectacular ceremony launch of Education City the semi-finals stage of Qatar during the 48th Amir Cup final -- Stadium, which took place 2022 and is covered by a amidst protective measures structure resembling a tradi- making it the fourth fully implemented by the State of tional Arab tent known as ‘bayt operational Qatar 2022 Qatar to prevent the spread of al sha’ar’, complete with a state- tournament venue to be COVID-19. The stadium’s suc- of-the-art retractable roof. inaugurated. cessful completion was dedi- Construction update: The cated to frontline workers who stadium structure has been have worked tirelessly during completed and is ready to host the ongoing pandemic. matches. This includes the matches up to the quarter-finals Stadium Later in the year, on Qatar laying of the stadium pitch in stage during Qatar 2022. National Day, and in the world record time. This year, Construction update: Roof presence of the Amir H H the venue achieved a high sus- and façade works have been Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al tainability rating from the completed, along with the sta- Thani, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Global Sustainability dium’s bleacher installation. was unveiled to the world in a Assessment System (GSAS). The Seat installation, along with spectacular ceremony during surrounding Al Bayt Park mechanical, electrical and the 48th Amir Cup final -- opened on Qatar National plumbing works, plus finishing, making it the fourth fully oper- Sports Day in February. are ongoing. ational Qatar 2022 tournament LUSAIL STADIUM venue to be inaugurated. Capacity: 40,000 Capacity: 80,000 Four more stadiums are Designer: Arab Engineering Designer: Foster + Partners being constructed for Qatar Bureau Distance from Doha city 2022, with Al Bayt Stadium in Distance from Doha city centre: 16km (10 miles) the final stages of delivery. All centre: 13km (8 miles) The 80,000-seat Lusail Designer: FIA Fenwick Irib- first Qatar 2022 tournament host matches during the FIFA the venues will be completed The design of Al Thumama Stadium will embody Qatar’s arren Architects venue to receive a five-star Club World Cup next month. and tested well in advance of Stadium is inspired by the ambition, along with its passion Distance from Doha city GSAS sustainability rating ahead Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, also the tournament, which kicks off ‘gahfiya’, a traditional woven for sharing Arab culture with centre: 10km (6 miles) of its virtual inauguration in with a capacity of 40,000 seats, on November 22, 2022. cap worn for centuries by men the world. The design of this Stadium will June 2020. More recently, Edu- is the latest World Cup venue to Here is a rundown of the across the Arab world. It is the magnificent stadium is inspired be the first fully demountable cation City hosted matches in be inaugurated. latest progress update from first FIFA World Cup venue to by the interplay of light and and re-usable tournament the West Zone of the 2020 AFC Located in Al Rayyan, Ahmad each of the stadiums. be designed by a Qatari shadow that characterises the venue in FIFA World Cup Champions League and was Bin Ali Stadium is built on the site AL BAYT STADIUM architect – Ibrahim M. Jaidah. fanar lantern. history. Designed by Fenwick also a venue for the East Zone of a deconstructed stadium, with Capacity: 60,000 The stadium will host eight The stadium will host 10 Iribarren Architects, this portion of the competition. The the new venue adjacent to the matches up to and including the 40,000-capacity stadium will stadium will host matches Mall of Qatar and within walking The final of Qatar 2022. be built using shipping con- during the upcoming FIFA Club distance of Al Riffa Station – on construction Construction update: The tainers and other modular World Cup 2020, including the ’s . work of Lusail stadium’s concrete works, bowl materials. Overlooking the final. The venue will host seven Stadium, steel installation and the first stunning and Khalifa International matches during Qatar 2022 up which will phase of the roof big lift have skyline, the stadium Stadium became the first Qatar to the round of 16 stage. In 2021, host the Qatar been completed with prepa- will host seven matches up to 2022 stadium to open when it the stadium will host matches 2022 final, is ration for the final phase the round of 16 stage during hosted the Amir Cup final in during the FIFA Club World Cup. progressing ongoing. The skybox and hos- Qatar 2022. front of more than 40,000 fans is the fourth rapidly. pitality lounge pitch-facing The , on May 19, 2017. action-ready Qatar 2022 venue. glazing has been completed. iconic Khalifa International Located in Aspire Zone, the Stadium was inaugurated on May Meanwhile, the installation of Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium and historic venue has previously 16, 2019 ahead of that year’s Amir the stadium’s steel structure and the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium have hosted the Asian Games and the Cup final. façade are ongoing, as are the been already inaugurated. AFC Asian Cup. The stadium is In December, Al Janoub mechanical, engineering, Education City Stadium, set to host eight matches up to hosted the 2020 AFC Champions plumbing and finishing works. with a capacity of hosting the third-place play-off during League final. The surrounding Al RAS ABU ABOUD 40,000 spectators, was inau- Qatar 2022. Along with Edu- Janoub Park opened on Qatar STADIUM gurated in June 2020. cation City and Ahmad Bin Ali National Sports Day in Capacity: 40,000 The stadium became the stadiums, the iconic venue will February. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo Liverpool making his signature celebration Ronaldo shines again as afes scoring their third goal great Fowler against Udinese at Allianz Stadium in Turin, , on Sunday. tastes first Juventus thump Udinese victory with

REUTERS – TURIN goals for the season -- two more Rodrigo de Paul fired home from East Bengal than anyone else in Serie A -- in close range. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice the 70th minute, with Marvin Udinese celebrated, but the REUTERS – NEW and created another goal as Zeegelaar scoring an injury-time referee was asked to look again Juventus got back to winning consolation for Udinese. at whether De Paul had handled ’s agonising ways in Serie A with a 4-1 victory There was still time for Paulo earlier in the move, before the wait for his first win as SC East over Udinese in Turin on Sunday, Dybala to score another goal for goal was ruled out. Bengal head coach ended on moving the champions up to fifth Juventus as Andrea Pirlo’s side Ronaldo then took centre Sunday and the former in the standings. moved 10 points behind leaders stage with his emphatic first-half England striker believes the Ronaldo opened the scoring AC Milan, with a game in hand, finish, an even better pass for victory will spur his team to with a trademark drive, after while Udinese drop to 13th and Juve’s second and a fine third. move up the points table in the latching on to Aaron Ramsey’s are without a win in their last four Welshman Ramsey thought (ISL). pass in the 31st minute, before games. he had scored his first goal of the Liverpool great Fowler threading a perfect through ball Pirlo admitted his team had season in the second half, but joined the team on a two-year into the path of Federico Chiesa initially struggled to make an again it was ruled out for deal in October but the Kolkata to score Juve’s second goal four impact as the players were still handball. side began their maiden ISL minutes into the second half. haunted by memories of their Dybala’s injury-time strike season with a hat-trick of The VAR had a busy evening shock 3-0 defeat by Fiorentina in completed a flattering scoreline defeats. in Turin. First, the referee was their final game before the winter for Juventus, given Udinese had They arrested the slide asked to consult the pitch-side break. hit the woodwork twice in the with a goalless draw against monitor before ruling out what “We started frightened after match and missed numerous Jamshedpur FC but had to wait Udinese thought was the opener the match against Fiorentina, we other chances. eight games to register their for a handball early on, before were afraid of the depth of the "Dybala ... was explosive," first win in the tournament. Aaron Ramsey suffered the same opponents,” Pirlo told Sky Sports. added Pirlo. “It’s always nice to get a fate when he was penalised for “Little by little we grew up "He played one of the best win,” Fowler said after Sun- handball, after a second look. and in the second half we did games this year, he was more day’s 3-1 victory against Ronaldo’s second goal put the better. It wasn’t the best alive and eager and slowly he will FC in . result beyond any doubt as he Juventus.” Juventus thought they find the best form. We need him “We have now lost just took his goal tally to 14 league had again fallen behind when and he needs us." once in the last five games. It was a good, professional performance. “We are building and we know that there is a lot of work Big transfer fees no to be done. It’s a great start to the new year and hopefully we ticket to starting 11 for can continue.” One of Fowler’s recent Hazard, Felix, Griezmann recruits, Nigerian forward Bright Enobakhare, scored on REUTERS – BARCELONA his debut for the club, while Anthony Pilkington and Eden Hazard, Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann cost also found a combined €346m ($425.44m) but had to settle for the net. places on the bench as the coaches at Real Madrid, “We have been playing OK. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona put game strategy before We have made a few changes price tags at the weekend. and it is important to have Hazard, Real Madrid’s record signing at a reported secured the win eventually. €100m, had recently recovered from the latest in a We are working very hard to long run of injuries but was left out of the starting 11 get the results that we need,” for the third game in a row for Saturday’s 2-0 home Fowler said. win over Celta Vigo. “We have a way of playing Marco Asensio, who cost Madrid only €4m in 2014, and we want to keep it simple. started instead and more than justified Zinedine When we do that, the game Zidane’s decision by setting up one goal and scoring becomes a little bit easier for the other. us.” The French coach said Hazard had to be reintro- East Bengal, currently duced “little by little” due to his injury record, which second from bottom in the has limited the Belgian to 17 league starts since his 2019 Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong celebrating with Lionel Messi, Ousmane 11-team league, face third- move from Chelsea. Dembele and Pedri after scoring their first goal. placed FC Goa today. The following day eyebrows were raised when a perfectly fit Joao Felix was left out of Atletico’s side to face Alaves away, with Angel Correa getting the nod Players instead. Barca earn narrow win over Huesca The 20-year-old forward came on in the second half and proved his value by setting up Luis Suarez’s union urges late winner. in Messi’s 500th La Liga match “It was my choice. FA to overturn "I believed the hard work Correa puts in on the right REUTERS – HUESCA, SPAIN made the save despite seeing the frustrating 1-1 draw at home to wing would serve us well,” Atleti coach Diego Simeone ball late. Eibar in their last match and had Cavani’s ban explained. Barcelona edged La Liga’s The win took Barca above also lost Philippe Coutinho to a “Games last 90 minutes and this was part of the basement club Huesca 1-0 on Sevilla and into fifth place in the serious knee injury but they could REUTERS – MONTEVIDEO strategy. Joao came on and did very well.” Sunday courtesy of a Frenkie de standings on 28 points, 10 behind at least welcome back Messi, who The Portuguese sensation, who cost €126m after Jong goal made by Lionel Messi in leaders Atletico Madrid who beat had missed that match with an The Uruguayan players union one season with Benfica, has often looked like a strange the Argentine’s 500th league Alaves 2-1 earlier on and who ankle problem. (AFU) yesterday urged fit for Simeone, who tends to favour hard workers over appearance for the club. have a game in hand on the Cat- The Argentine looked slightly England’s Football Associ- flair players. Dutch midfielder De Jong alans. Huesca stay bottom with 12 off the pace in his milestone league ation (FA) to overturn the The Argentine provoked an angry reaction from arrived at the far post to meet a points. match and wildly missed the target three-match ban handed to Felix when he took him off during last month’s derby Messi cross and score on the volley “It’s evident we need to kill off with a left-footed volley in the first Manchester United’s Edinson match at Real and even though Atletico top La Liga, the in the 27th minute to give the vis- our opponents in games like these; half when the sensible option Cavani for using a racial relationship between coach and star player does not itors a deserved lead after a we suffered too much in the end,” would have been to take it with his term, saying the sanction appear to be a healthy one. rampant start. said Barca keeper Ter Stegen. right. showed the body’s ethno- Felix joined Atletico just after Antoine Griezmann But Ronald Koeman’s side “But these are three very He made amends with an centric vision. moved to Barcelona for €120m and the France striker’s failed to take their many other important points, we had to suffer clever piece of play for the only The striker was sus- difficult stay in Catalonia hit a new low when he was chances and in the end were made for them and games like this are goal of the game, however, picking pended by the FA and fined dropped from the team for the 1-0 win at bottom side to sweat for all three points. very important when you want to out De Jong with a sensational, £100,000 ($136,330) after a Huesca. Huesca could have levelled in win the title. curling cross. term he used in an Instagram Griezmann’s low status at Barca was summed up the second half when the ball “They hacked us a bit in the Messi came close to scoring post following United’s 3-2 when coach Ronald Koeman said he preferred Denmark trickled across Barca’s area and first and second half and we himself late in the first half with a win at Southampton on Nov. international Martin Braithwaite, an emergency signing striker Rafa Mir directed a backheel weren’t able to take our chances free kick but Huesca keeper Alvaro 29, before taking it down and from Leganes last year, to the World Cup winner as a at goal but the shot lacked power but we stayed focused throughout.” Fernandez got across to tip his shot apologising. centre forward. and keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen Barca had been held to a over the crossbar. However, the AFU criti- cised the FA, saying it “com- mitted a discriminatory act against the culture and way FC Tokyo win Japan’s Levain Cup Man City's Guardiola of life of the Uruguayan people”. The statement was shared defends Mendy after on Twitter by Uruguay captain Diego Godin. COVID protocol breach “Edinson Cavani has never committed any conduct that REUTERS – MANCHESTER could be interpreted as racist,” the AFU said. “He merely used Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has defended Benjamin Mendy a common expression in Latin after the full back breached COVID protocols on New Year’s Eve, America to affectionately saying the Frenchman’s critics were too quick to pass judgment. address a loved one or close Mendy apologised for flouting rules by hosting a party attended friend. by at least three people outside his household. Under British gov- “The sanction shows the ernment guidelines, those living in regions with Tier 4 restric- English Football Association’s tions are not allowed to mix with others outside their own biased, dogmatic and ethno- household. centric vision that only “Normally in this society we judge, but society will be better allows a subjective interpre- if we judge ourselves. I’m not justifying him, he broke the rules. tation to be made from its But don’t give too many lessons to the other ones,” Guardiola told particular and excluding con- reporters after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Chelsea. clusion, however flawed it His comments come after some current and former players may be. lambasted Mendy and other players for failing “We request the FA to to act as role models and argued that clubs needed to be stronger immediately overturn the and hand out punishments. sanction imposed on Edinson FC Tokyo’s players celebrate their victory after the J League YBC Levain Cup final match against Guardiola said footballers should not be held to higher Cavani and reinstate his good Kashiwa Reysol at the National Stadium in Tokyo yesterday. Brazilians Leandro and Adailton fired FC standards because they are viewed as role models. name and honour in the world Tokyo to a 2-1 victory in front of more than 24,000 fans. The final was due to take place in November “They have the same responsibility as everyone else. Mendy that has been so unfairly tar- but was postponed for two months after Kashiwa reported 13 positive COVID-19 tests among players knows he made a big mistake, but it finishes here.” Mendy was nished by this reprehensible and team staff just days before the match. an unused substitute in the game at Chelsea. decision.” TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09 Capacity reduced Ali tests positive for virus as to 25% for third England arrive in Sri Lanka Australia-India AP - HAMBANTOTA Test match England’s Moeen Ali in England allrounder Moeen Ali was isolating in action at Edgbaston, Sri Lanka yesterday after testing positive for the AP - SYDNEY coronavirus upon his arrival in the South Asian Birmingham, Britain, country for the team’s two-Test cricket tour. in this August 4, 2019, The Sydney Cricket Ground capacity for the third Pace bowler Chris Woakes has been deemed file photo. test between Australia and India has been slashed as a possible close contact of Ali and was also to 25% because of a COVID-19 outbreak in New observing a period of self-isolation in develop- South Wales state. ments which have cast an early shadow on the While speculation rises about the fourth Test tour that takes place weeks after a white-ball being moved from Brisbane to Sydney from Jan. trip to South Africa was derailed by a spate of 15-19 because of the India squad’s concerns over positive COVID-19 results. going back into stricter hotel quarantine in The whole squad was given a clean bill of Queensland state, Cricket Australia moved to reduce health prior to departure and again after quick pressure on the third Test starting Thursday by turnaround testing on arrival in Hambantota on making further reductions to the crowd size. Sunday, only for the more-sophisticated PCR The SCG had already been reduced to 50% process to show Ali was carrying the virus, capacity because of restrictions in place for the according to the England and Wales Cricket coronavirus pandemic and Cricket Australia has Board. halved that again - to a crowd of less than 10,000 Ali is due out of isolation on January 13, the daily - after consulting with the state government day before the first test starts in Galle. Woakes and health authorities. is being advised to isolate for a minimum of “Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial seven days. in achieving social distancing requirements,” England’s players were hosed down with dis- Cricket Australia interim chief executive Nick infectant spray after disembarking their charter play a major role on one of the world’s most been rescheduled from March, when England Hockley said in a statement yesterday outlining flight, before being kept in 48-hour solitary quar- renowned turning tracks. Dom Bess and Jack left Sri Lanka following the initial outbreak of refunds and a ticket re-sale period. antine in a hotel. Leach are the spinners likely to play if Ali is not the virus. “To date, we have been able to deliver a safe They will undergo testing for a second time selected. “It’s a really dangerous virus and wherever and successful summer of cricket thanks to our today, with plans to begin training having been Woakes has a better chance of building up we will be, we will be in contact with it in some detailed biosecurity protocols, the cooperation and delayed until tomorrow at the earliest. to match fitness and will remain on site in Ham- shape or form,” Root said. support of public health officials and the hard work The 33-year-old Ali will be transported from bantota, where he will be monitored by medical “If so, we have to manage it as best as of so many people behind the scenes.” the current team hotel to a private establishment staff. possible. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said there in Galle from today. Being unable to take part in The second Test starts January 22 and is also “We’re as best prepared as we can be for it was 188 active COVID-19 cases in the state. any training sessions until the day before the in Galle. and we’re fully aware of what we’re getting our- The four-Test series is level at 1-1 after India first Test leaves the spinning allrounder as a England captain Joe Root said before flying selves into. rallied from an opening loss in Adelaide to beat major doubt to start. to Sri Lanka that confirmed cases of the coro- “I don’t think (a confirmed case) will end in Australia by eight wickets in Melbourne last week. That is a blow to England, with spin sure to navirus would not be a threat to a series that has an automatic end of the tour,” he said. The teams travelled to Sydney yesterday after reports all players and staff on both squads had returned negative tests for COVID-19. Travel restric- tions are in place in cities and states across Black Caps eye big lead against Australia. Five India players were placed in precautionary isolation over the weekend while India’s cricket Pakistan after Williamson ton board investigated a potential breach of biosecurity protocols. Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, REUTERS - WELLINGTON notched up his half-century. world-class players and then Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini were all been Williamson, who had scored dropping their catches, or the placed in isolation after a video of them sitting at New Zealand’s Kane 251 and 129 in his last two Test one caught which was caught a table in a Melbourne restaurant was posted on Williamson proved why he is innings, smashed four fours in on no-ball, is quite frustrating. the Twitter account of Navaldeep Singh. currently the top-ranked Test a Naseem Shah over to go from For a bowler, it gets really dif- Singh suggested on Friday he paid the bill for batsman with a brilliant 112 not 78 to 94 en route to his 24th ficult to get them again. He the table and then hugged Pant, although on Sat- out to keep his country on Test century. [Williamson] is the No.1 urday Singh claimed there was no hug and players course for a handy first-innings “He just loves batting,” New batsman in the world and if he kept their distance. lead against Pakistan in the Zealand batting coach Luke gets a chance, he is going to The series is being played amid a backdrop of second and final Test in Ronchi said. make us pay and make the most biosecurity rules, which will get stricter in Sydney. Christchurch yesterday. “He works really hard in of it. We had some plans against Players and staff will be permitted to leave the Williamson’s burgeoning periods and then he’ll play him, but he played very well. official hotel but, if visiting restaurants or cafes, 215-run stand with Henry these amazing shots to score his He took his time and then when must dine outdoors. Nicholls, who was batting on runs. He just makes the game he was set he got some runs.” The protocols have helped Cricket Australia, 89, helped the hosts finish day look easy when others seem to New Zealand coach Ronchi which requires exemptions from the Queensland two on a strong 286-3 in reply not find it so easy.” said dropped catches were part state government for players to travel from Sydney to Pakistan’s first innings total Nicholls got two caught- of the game. to Brisbane for the fourth test next week, navigate of 297. behind reprieves to remain on “That's part of cricket the country’s latest COVID-19 outbreak. New Zealand are already course for his seventh Test anyway, you've got to ride your Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon yesterday 1-0 up in the series and need century with Shaheen Afridi luck," Ronchi said. said he was still expecting the series to move from only a draw to rise to the top of being the luckless bowler in “Henry's had a couple of Sydney to Brisbane for the fourth Test, and blamed the world rankings for the first both cases. innings now where there's been any speculation otherwise on fatigue with time. Early in his innings, Nicholls a few chances but that's just the quarantining. Earlier, openers Tom was caught by wicketkeeper nature of the game. And when “There’s a few people from both squads who Blundell (16) and Tom Latham Mohammad Rizwan but the you've got someone like Kane have been in a bubble for close to six months now (33) fell in successive overs bowler was found to have Williamson out there, you but in my eyes it’s a very small sacrifice.” Lyon said. while Ross Taylor departed overstepped. always know you've got a pretty “Let’s just suck it up and get on with it.” early after making 12 at the On the second occasion, strong rock to change the tide Cricket Australia’s Hockley said he’d had no Hagley Oval. Rizwan spilled a regulation of an innings. indication from the Board of Control for Cricket in New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson With New Zealand poten- catch behind the stumps. “It was a tight little period India “to suggest anything other than they’re during his innings on day two of the second Test tially in trouble at 71-3, Wil- “It was a tough day for us. there, but we've known through supportive.” liamson was initially circum- As a bowling unit, if your the summer that if you work against Pakistan at the Hagley Oval. Williamson “We speak to our counterparts at the BCCI spect and scored 10 runs off the fielders drop catches, it's very through those little periods, and posted his third century in consecutive matches daily,” he said. “Both teams have wanted to play first 50 balls he faced. costly in Test cricket,” pacer you control as much as you can this summer and shared an unbroken 215-run the schedule as we’ve set out. The New Zealand captain Mohammed Abbas said that as time goes on during the partnership with Henry Nicholls which steered “We have clarified in the last 24 hours what the then brilliantly paced his yesterday. day, you can make the most of New Zealand close to a first-innings lead over precise requirements are in Brisbane... everyone innings, accelerating once he “Playing against it later on.” Pakistan. Pic@blackcaps is fully across that, and supportive.”

SCOREBOARD Karunaratne close to century against SA PAKISTAN, 1st innings 297 (Azhar Ali 93, M. Rizwan 61, F. Ashraf 48; Jamieson 5-69, Southee 2-61) SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings REUTERS - JOHANNESBURG length and bagged a procession of home had enabled him to work on his fitness and T. Latham c Sohail b Afridi ...... 33 SRI LANKA, 1st innings 157 wickets as the hosts lost their last nine for he was itching to play Test cricket for the T. Blundell lbw Ashraf ...... 16 SOUTH AFRICA, 1st innings Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne and 84 runs, missing out on an opportunity to first time since August, when he reached K. Williamson not out ...... 112 Dean Elgar c L Thirimanne b Chameera ....127 seamer Vishwa Fernando led a fightback build a considerable lead. the 600-wicket milestone against Pakistan. R. Taylor c Masood b Abbas ...... 12 H. Nicholls not out ...... 89 A Markram c Mendis b A Fernando ...... 5 against South Africa on the second day of Fernando cleaned up the home tail to “Obviously, these will be difficult tours R van der Dussen c Dickwella b Shanaka ...67 Extras (b2, lb6, w7, nb9) ...... 24 F du Plessis c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 8 the second test but the visitors remain finish with figures of 5-101. for seam bowlers but that doesn’t make it Total (three wickets; 85 overs) ...... 286 Q de Kock c Mendis b V Fernando ...... 10 precariously placed in a fast-moving Sri Lanka’s second innings started any less exciting. It’s just a different chal- Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Blundell), 2-52 T Bavuma lbw V Fernando ...... 19 contest yesteday. poorly with Kusal Perera dismissed cheaply. lenge and the fact that we’ve not played (Latham), 3-71 (Taylor) W Mulder lbw V Fernando ...... 7 Fernando took his first-ever Test five- Perera, a nemesis for South Africa in the any Test cricket for a few months now To bat: BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamie- K Maharaj c Dickwella b A Fernando ...... 2 wicket haul as Sri Lanka dismissed South last two series, was clean bowled by Lungi means we are all hungry to get out there,” son, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult A Nortje c Mendis b V Fernando ...... 13 Africa for 302 in their first innings, Ngidi for one run. Anderson told a news conference Bowling: Afridi 19-5-45-1(1nb), Abbas 20-7- L Sipamla c Shanaka b V Fernando ...... 5 restricting the hosts to a 145-run lead, while But Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne yesterday. 37-1 (1nb), Shah 14-1-72-0 (5w, 7nb), Ashraf 18-4-55-1 (2w), Masood 2-0-17-0, Gohar 11-0- L Ngidi Not Out ...... 14 Karunaratne scored an unbeaten 91 in the put on 85 runs for the second wicket before The England squad are in their hotel in Extras 8b 14lb 0nb 0pen 3w ...... 25 50-0, Sohail 1-0-2-0 Total (All out in 75.4 overs) ...... 302 tourists’ second innings. Ngidi snagged Thirimanne (31) and Kusal Hambantota, where they are isolating Fall of Wickets : 1-34, 2-218, 3-218, 4-235, They were 150-4 at stumps, leading by Mendis with successive balls down the leg awaiting COVID-19 testing today before 5-241, 6-257, 7-262, 8-276, 9-283, 10-302 five runs with three days still to play at The side that produced two impressive diving being allowed to start practising ahead of Bowling: V Fernando 23.4-0-101-5 (1w), A Wanderers Stadium. catches from wicketkeeper Quinton de the first test at Galle starting on Jan. 14. "Certainly, I’ve had Fernando 19-5-61-2 (1w), Chameera 14-1-53-1, South Africa, who won the first Test in Kock. The two-match series in Sri Lanka is some success at Galle, Shanaka 15-3-42-2 (1w), Hasaranga 4-0-23-0 Pretoria last week, started the day on 148-1 followed by four tests in India in February and I know some of the in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings tally of England’s Anderson and March. England are scheduled to play other seamers have as SRI LANKA, 2nd innings 157 and had hopes of settling in for a long 17 tests in 2021. well, so it is certainly D Karunaratne Not Out ...... 91 ready for hard labour not doom and gloom for K Perera b Ngidi ...... 1 stint at the crease in order to build a match- “Going on the last couple of tours of Sri L Thirimanne c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 31 winning lead. in Sri Lanka Lanka, the wickets have really suited the the seamers. We’ve got K Mendis c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 0 Dean Elgar, 92 not out overnight, went spinners,” Anderson said. to be ready to put in a M Bhanuka c Maharaj b Nortje ...... 1 to his century while Rassie van der Dussen REUTERS COLOMBO “But there are opportunities for the big shift. Our job might N Dickwella Not Out ...... 18 survived an early chance to pass 50. seamers to take wickets; there is reverse be shorter spells and Extras 4b 2lb 1nb 0pen 1w ...... 8 But it all crumbled after the first hour’s England fast bowler James Anderson says swing and the new ball does swing as well,” less overs in the day but Total (Four wickets, 39.0 overs) ...... 150 play as Elgar was removed for 127, after a he is excited by the challenge of tours to Sri Anderson said. there will definitely be Fall of Wickets : 1-1, 2-86, 3-92, 4-109 184-run second wicket partnership, and Lanka and India even though it is expected “Certainly, I’ve had some success at opportunities for us to To Bat: Shanaka, De Silva, Fernando, Cha- take wickets." meera, Fernando Bowling: Ngidi 9-3-26-3, Van der Dussen was dismissed in the next to be tough for seamers on wickets which Galle, and I know some of the other seamers over for 67. don’t normally give them much assistance. have as well, so it is certainly not doom and Nortje 11-1-41-1 (1w), Mulder 11-2-43-0 (1nb), James Anderson Lutho Sipamla 8-1-34-0 Sri Lanka’s bowlers, after struggling on The 38-year-old, England’s all-time gloom for the seamers. We’ve got to be the opening day, found a steady line and leading wicket-taker, said a lengthy break ready to put in a big shift.” Sport TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021 08 Federer can win Wimbledon title, says Woodbridge

REUTERS - MELBOURNE Federer has not missed a trip be to play at the Olympics and at to Melbourne Park since a loss Wimbledon. Wimbledon is the Tennis balls are pictured Roger Federer's results in 2021 in qualifying in 1999. major that I see him being able in front of the Australian are more likely than any age Yves Allegero, Federer's to win at this stage of his career." Open logo in Melbourne milestone to determine when fellow Swiss and former doubles Federer is plotting a return in this January 14, 2018, his glittering career comes to an partner, feels skipping the Aus- in late February and the current file photo. end, said Australian Todd tralian Open was a logical men's calendar would suggest Woodbridge, who thinks the decision. that the ATP 500 event in Rot- Swiss master may yet have "All his career, Roger Federer terdam from March 1 could be another Wimbledon triumph in only lined up if he was 100% the first stop in 2021 for the him. physically," Allegro told the world number five. Last week the holder of 20 20min website https:// The Swiss proved that he can Grand Slam singles titles con- www.20min.ch. "So he made the quickly get back into his groove firmed that fitness issues after right decision, especially since when he won the 2017 Australian two knee operations in 2020 he has plenty of time left to Open despite missing the second mean that fans will not see him prepare for his main goals of half of 2016 season because of in action at the Australian Open Wimbledon and the Olympics." knee surgery. in February for the first time in Participating at a fifth Meanwhile apartment more than two decades. Olympics featured prominently owners on the premises of a "A player of his stature, at in Federer's agenda, and the luxury Melbourne hotel are some point when you're not postponement of the Tokyo seeking to quash plans by Aus- winning, you start to wonder Games by a year due to the tralian Open organisers to use about why you're only making COVID-19 pandemic worked the hotel to quarantine players the quarter-finals, when you're perfectly for the Swiss, who ahead of the Grand Slam. Open. Efron said the Westin had without any attempt to consult comment. Melbourne, capital used to being in the final," Wood- would otherwise have missed it The apartment owners at informed the owners on with us,” owner Digby Lewis of Victoria state, was the epi- bridge told Channel Nine this due to injury. the Westin Melbourne are con- Christmas Eve about the quar- told Fairfax media. centre of Australia’s largest week. The last of his major titles cerned for their health and antine plans and presented it as Westin management said second wave outbreak of "It doesn't give the same might have come on the Mel- never agreed to international a “done deal.” their “COVID safe” plan had COVID-19, which started at two adrenaline rush as it always has, bourne hardcourts in 2018, but players quarantining at the “No-one has told us that this been shared with the owners quarantine hotels for interna- and that's when you start to think Federer may see Wimbledon's hotel, their lawyer Graeme has been mandated by a gov- corporation, adding that resi- tional arrivals. to yourself that you've got other grasscourts, where he has won Efron said yesterday. ernment authority to turn a dents would use a separate More than 18,000 infections things to do with your life." eight titles and made the final in “My instructions are to get partly residential city hotel into entrance and lifts and have no were recorded in Victoria A semi-final defeat in Mel- 2019, as the most realistic surface an injunction. So at this stage, a quarantine hotel,” he said. contact with players and quar- during the outbreak and nearly bourne in 2020 was Federer's to add to his tally. that’s where we’re going,” Efron Owners, who include some antine staff. 800 deaths. last competitive match, and "For Roger to continue on, said. of the country’s top business “Their floor will remain Victoria recorded three new playing five-setters in the Aus- he'll have to be able to manage Hundreds of players are people, said they felt exclusive while there will be no cases yesterday, as authorities tralian summer heat after a his body when he does come expected to arrive in Melbourne “ambushed” by the quarantine reticulation of ventilation scrambled to trace close lengthy injury and 14 days quar- back," said Woodbridge, who in mid-January and undergo a plan. between the floors,” the Westin contacts from an outbreak that antine would have been a tricky won 22 Grand Slam doubles mandatory 14-day quarantine “At 84, I’m in the vulnerable said in a statement. began in mid-December in proposition for the titles. as part of COVID-19 protocols group and it’s shocking the way Tennis Australia did not Sydney’s Northern Beaches 39-year-old. "His goals, I assume, would before the Feb. 8-21 Australian they tried to ram this through respond to a request for area.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates after a basket against the Going outside: Portland Trail Blazers during NBA: Curry’s the fourth quarter of their NBA game in San Francisco, California, USA. Curry Florida Panthers managed a career-high 62 career-best point NBA game. 62 points propel training camp has distancing Warriors in in mind thrilling game AP - SUNRISE, FLA.

To try and combat the coronavirus, the Florida Panthers hope a balmy climate can work to their advantage. The Panthers are turning rooftops, balconies and other outdoor areas at the arena where it plays games into weight rooms and meeting spaces this season, with final touches getting done this weekend in advance of the team’s first on-ice workout of training camp today. It makes perfect sense in South Florida, where the temper- ature was 81 on Saturday afternoon - compared with, say, 20 degrees in Minneapolis, 26 degrees in Winnipeg, 27 in Mon- treal, 33 in Edmonton and 35 in Toronto. Social distancing will still be required for the Panthers and there are strict league protocols to follow, but the team believes the outdoor component will work. “We’re distancing anybody and everybody as much as we AP - WASHINGTON was 8 of 9 from the free throw line, outdu- Los Angeles Clippers 112 - Phoenix can, being as prudent as we can with our spacing and pursuing eling the Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson, who Suns 107 some pretty novel concepts,” Panthers general manager Bill Stephen Curry exploded for 21 of his career- scored 31 points on 11-for-17 accuracy from Paul George scored 39 points and Los Zito said. high 62 points in the first quarter yesterday, the field. Dallas played without star Luka Angeles snapped Phoenix’s four-game “Our weight room will be outdoors, which is kind of neat. helping the Golden State Warriors take a Doncic, who suffered a quad contusion winning streak with a road victory. Kawhi I think our players will enjoy that. lead they never relinquished in a 137-122 during Friday’s game against the Miami Leonard scored 15 points on 4-for-21 “We’re going to have meetings and meals outside, whenever victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Heat. shooting, and Luke Kennard and Nicolas and wherever possible. Our coaches’ meetings will be outside, San Francisco. Otto Porter Jr. (15 points) and Daniel Batum scored 14 points apiece for the whenever possible.” The game was a rematch of a 123-98 Gafford (12) also finished in double figures Clippers. Another major change: Gone, for now anyway, are the days Trail Blazers win on Friday night in a game for the Bulls. Devin Booker had 25 points and eight where the Panthers would typically practice in one facility and also played at the 2-year-old Chase Center Josh Richardson and Kleber scored 16 assists, Deandre Ayton had 24 points and play their home games in another. in San Francisco. points apiece for Dallas, and Tim Hardaway eight rebounds, and Chris Paul and Dario The entirety of Panthers’ camp will be at BB&T Center, the Curry topped his previous high of 54 Jr. chipped in 13. Saric finished with 15 points each for the arena in Sunrise where they play games, instead of their practice with two free throws with 2:23 to play. But Boston Celtics 122 - Detroit Pistons 120 Suns, who entered the day tied for the best facility located about 10 miles north in Coral Springs. he wasn’t done. With the Warriors com- Jayson Tatum hit a fallaway jumper with record in the NBA at 5-1. The reason: the team thinks it’ll be safer to have its oper- fortably ahead, Curry bombed in consec- 2.9 seconds remaining to give visiting Utah Jazz 130 - San Antonio Spurs 109 ation in just one building, and many of the arena spaces are utive 27-footers, the second of which came Boston the win over Detroit. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 28 points to larger than ones at the practice facility. with 42.2 seconds left to cap his 62-point Jaylen Brown led Boston with 31 points, lead six Utah players in double-figure “I think it was simpler than you think,” Zito told reporters night. and Tatum had 24 points, 12 assists, eight scoring as visiting waltzed past San Antonio. yesterday. The 50-point night was the NBA’s first rebounds and two blocks. The Jazz won their second straight game “A lot of factors all weighed in, but it was rather simple. of the season, while the 60-pointer was the Marcus Smart had 17 points and 10 by taking control in the second quarter, Rather than have two facilities and go back and forth, without first for a Warrior since Klay Thompson assists, Daniel Theis contributed 15 points leading by as many as 21 in that period and a significant reason to utilize two, we can just use one,” Zito had 60 in 2016. The last Warrior to record and Tristan Thompson added 12 with 11 taking a 14-point edge into halftime. said. more than 62 points in a game was Rick rebounds. San Antonio never got closer than 12 Some of the equipment will remain outside when not in Barry with 64 in 1974. Jerami Grant had 22 points and six points the rest of the way. use in areas where the Panthers can protect it from severe Los Angeles Lakers 108 - Memphis rebounds for the Pistons, and he tied the Donovan Mitchell added 22 points for weather. Grizzlies 94 game at 120 with two free throws with 22 Utah, with Jordan Clarkson hitting for 18 Other equipment can be wheeled outside when necessary LeBron James had 22 points, 13 seconds remaining. off the bench, Mike Conley scoring 15, and wheeled back in when not in use. rebounds and eight assists, and Lakers Washington Wizards 123 - Brooklyn reserve Joe Ingles adding 13, and Royce “It’s going to be pretty fun,” Zito said. pulled away late to defeat host Memphis. Nets 122 O’Neale contributing 11 points and 11 Florida’s practice facility has multiple rinks and the arena Anthony Davis had 17 points, nine Thomas Bryant converted a go-ahead rebounds. does not, but with a smaller camp roster this year Zito doesn’t rebounds and three blocks; Montrezl Harrell dunk with 14.9 seconds remaining the vis- Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with think that will be a major issue. added 16 points and nine boards; and iting Washington hung on to win in 22 points while DeMar DeRozan scored 19. Past workouts at the practice facility have also been open Wesley Matthews contributed 14 points on Brooklyn, NY. Denver Nuggets 124 - Minnesota Tim- to fans, who can sit just a couple of feet from the ice surface 5-of-7 shooting, including 4 of 6 3-pointers, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 27 berwolves 109 and clamor for autographs as players wrap up their sessions. as the Lakers won their third in a row. points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 12 rebounds No fans will be permitted at camp this year, though the Dennis Schroder added 11 points. Russell Westbrook missed his fifth and 12 assists; Jamal Murray scored a team does intend to have a limited number of ticketholders in Kyle Anderson scored 18 points and straight triple-double to start the second, season-high 36 points; and the Nuggets beat the arena for games. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 14 points and finishing with 24 points, 10 assists and five the Timberwolves in Minneapolis. The Panthers haven’t said how many fans will be allowed 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Tyus Jones rebounds. Facundo Campazzo had a career-high in for the home opener against Dallas on January 14. also scored 14, while Desmond Bane had Bryant also posted a double-double 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point Some arenas won’t have any fans, and Zito thinks Florida 13. with 21 points and 14 rebounds to help the range, JaMychal Green had 14 points and will get a boost from at least having some bodies in the building. Chicago Bulls 118 - Dallas Mavericks Wizards win their second straight following Paul Millsap added 12 for the Nuggets, who “At least for our group, it will make a difference and it will 108 an 0-5 start. stopped a two-game skid and won on the help them,” Zito said. Zach LaVine led all scorers with 39 Kyrie Irving paced all scorers with 30 road for the first time this season. The Panthers are slated to go into camp with 39 players - points and Coby White scored 21 of his 23 points and also had 10 assists for the Nets. Monte Morris finished with 11 points for 21 forwards, 13 defensemen and five goaltenders. points after halftime to boost host Chicago Kevin Durant added 28 points, 11 Denver, which played again without Of those 39 players, 13 spent time with Florida last season, to a victory against Dallas for its third win rebounds and seven assists but also com- Michael Porter Jr., who is out due to the in which the Panthers were eliminated in the qualifying round in four games. mitted six of Brooklyn’s 20 turnovers as the NBA’s health and safety protocols regarding that preceded the Stanley Cup playoffs. LaVine shot 14 of 25 from the floor and Nets lost for the fourth time in five games. contact tracing.