GOLF | Page 5 NBA | Page 6 Moore, Warriors To Advertise here Thomas blow away Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 set pace at 24-point Kapalua lead to lose

Sunday, January 8, 2017 CRICKET Rabia Il 10, 1438 AH Ex-Pakistan GULF TIMES players call for captain Misbah to retire SPORT Page 7

TENNIS Djoko lays down marker for the year with epic win Serbia’sS bi ’ DDjokovicj k i makesk an iimmense statementt t t iin hhisi bbidid tto rulel men’s’ ttennisi againi withith a 66-3,3 55-7,7 66-44 victoryi t over Andyy Murray,y, the man who deposedp him as world number one,, in a stirringg QQatar ExxonMobil Openp final.

By Joe Koraith he added. Doha Murray came very close to claiming the tro- phy himself and he chose to take the positives from this battle. re you not entertained! That’s what “It’s a tough one to lose but it’s a great way one can imagine both the fi nalists of to start the New Year. We played a high level of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open yelling at tennis. Some of the points were physically tough the spectators after producing a block- but I could not have asked for a better start the Abuster of a performance. season, playing like that. I am looking forward to When the tournament began, all the talk was the next few weeks,” said the Brit. about a dream fi nal between Andy Murray and When the match began, it immediately sent Novak Djokovic. But nobody could have imag- off signals that this was going to be an epic con- ined the high-octane gladiator-like battle both test. The rallies were long, right from the fi rst these players put up yesterday. The tussle that game and both players were hitting well. In fact, ended just six minutes short of three hours, the fi rst game itself lasted fi ve minutes and 38 swung one way and then the other and then the seconds. That set the tone for the match. Djoko- other way back again for Djokovic to claim a vic closed out the fi rst set after breaking Mur- memorable 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory. ray in the eighth game but not before getting a It was a fi tting fi nale to the 25th anniversary of warning from the chair umpire for hitting a ball the tournament here at the Khalifa International into the stands. The world No. 2 won 13 of the Tennis Complex. This was the fi rst time that the last 16 points to snuff out Murray’s challenge. world No. 1 and 2 were playing in a fi nal here in In the second set, Djokovic broke Murray in Doha. Djokovic was the defending champion the seventh game and looked on course to claim but he had lost his number one ranking to Mur- the set and the match. But despite getting three ray last year and was keen to send a message to match points, Djokovic couldn’t close out the his rival. match and Murray broke back and went on to Which he did, with an emphatic perform- win the second set and draw level. The Serb was ance. But with a match that ran so close, Mur- rattled by the grit shown by Murray and even ray shouldn’t feel disappointed. In fact, this was suff ered a points penalty for smashing the rac- a rare occasion, if not the only one, where one quet on the court. saw Murray smile after the match, when shaking The momentum had swung towards Mur- hands with Djokovic. “It is defi nitely one of the ray but in the third set, the world No. 1 lost his best ways to start the New Year,” said Djokovic serve in the seventh game, giving Djokovic a 3-4 after his memorable win. lead. This time too, with the Serb serving for the During his semi-fi nal against Fernando Ver- match, Murray got a two-point advantage. But dasco, Djokovic had saved fi ve match points to Djokovic didn’t let this opportunity go waste script a remarkable comeback. Yesterday, Mur- and sealed victory on his fourth match point. ray managed to save three match points and it “This win means to a lot to me. In the last looked like Djokovic would be given a taste of his three months of 2016, I didn’t play that consist- own medicine but thankfully for the Serb, his- ent. And to start the year against a win against tory didn’t repeat itself. the No. 1 in world and my biggest rival is a dream “After saving fi ve match points and win- start to 2017,” said Djokovic. ning the semi-fi nal and when I had three match The world No. 2 was the defending champion points in the second set and Murray turned it and said that the Falcon Trophy inspired him to do around, I thought, I hoped, it was not payback well in Doha. “I was saying during the closing cer- time,” said Djokovic. emony last year that my grandfather, who passed “Andy was close. All the way to the last shot away a few years ago, used to call me a falcon. And you never know with Andy. This is no strange so the falcon is one of my favourite birds. I guess occurrence for the both of us to play three sets that’s something that keeps me going, keeps me for three hours. It was a very physical battle and motivated to play well in Qatar,” he said. All in all, both of us are going to need a little bit of time to one couldn’t have asked for a better way to cel- recover from that and get ready for Melbourne,” Novak Djokovic (left) poses with the winner’s trophy after beating Britain’s Andy Murray in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open final yesterday. PICS: Jayan Orma ebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic event.

Djokovic and Murray with Qatar Tennis Federation president Nasser al-Khelaifi (3rd right), former QTF chief Ali Alfardan (third from left) and other off icials and dignitaries. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 8, 2017 TENNIS

ON A ROLL Almost perfect Pliskova demolishes Cornet AFP Pliskova stands at 1.86 metres tall I think she didn’t give me a chance to Brisbane and has one of the most eff ective serves get back in the match. She was just too in the women’s game. good for me tonight.” She sent down four aces in the fi rst As a result of the win, Pliskova will arolina Pliskova stamped set and three in the second and was able leapfrog Dominika Cibulkova to be- herself as a major contender to serve her way out of trouble on the come world number fi ve when the next for the Australian Open with few occasions Cornet was able put any rankings are released tomorrow. She a 6-0, 6-3 demolition of pressure on her, winning 91% of her will likely be one of the favourites to win KFrance’s Alize Cornet in the fi nal of the fi rst serves. the Australian Open and go one better Brisbane International yesterday. “She’s serving really, really well,” Cor- than her runner-up eff ort to Angelique The third-seeded Czech played al- net said. “I played Serena a few times, and Kerber at last year’s US Open. most perfect tennis in the fi rst set, rac- I was always able to return a fi rst serve. However, Pliskova said a good week ing through it in just 18 minutes with the “Against Karolina, it’s impossible to in Brisbane didn’t mean a Grand Slam shell-shocked Cornet only winning fi ve read it. That’s the toughest thing ever. She title was inevitable, although she also points. Cornet didn’t get on the board has always the same toss. She just guides wouldn’t rule it out. until she held serve in the fi rst game of it with the wrist wherever she wants.” “I would not say it’s easy to win a the second set, which drew almost the Pliskova’s groundstrokes were also (Grand Slam) tournament — there are loudest cheer of the night from the full devastating, often keeping the unseed- still two more matches than in normal house at the Pat Rafter Arena. ed Cornet pinned deep in the court. tournaments,” she said. But while the Frenchwoman recovered Cornet said Pliskova’s experience “And there’s going to be harder op- in the second set, Pliskova was far too in big fi nals was telling. “She has a lit- ponents than I had this week. strong and took the match in just 66 min- tle bit more experience at this stage in “Also, the important thing is the utes on her second championship point. this kind of a tournament,” Cornet said. draw. I need to have some players which Pliskova said she felt in control from “She started the match really strongly, I like, which is also important in a Grand the moment she got on court. “I didn’t returning well, serving very, very well, Slam, to just have a little bit of luck with miss almost the whole fi rst set,” she said. making a lot of aces and being super- the draw. But, I mean, anything is pos- “Yeah, I was feeling pretty good today.” aggressive. I was a little bit tense, but sible. So let’s see.”

Champion Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic (left) and runner-up Alize Cornet of France pose with their trophies. (Reuters)

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL WELL PLAYED France down US to lift Hopman Cup Dimitrov packs off In a see-sawing men’s singles AFP Perth match, the 30-year-old Gasquet seemed beaten when a double fault handed the 23rd-ranked gallant Richard Gas- Sock a break of serve to love for quet led France to a 6-5 lead in the third set. Sock their second title at thought he had fi nally cracked the mixed teams Hop- the match open, but Gasquet Raonic to set up manA Cup in Perth yesterday. The then returned the favour to 30-year-old gave the French the break back to love and force a lead in the tie with a brave win in tie-breaker. the singles, before dominating Gasquet raced to a 4-1 lead in the deciding mixed doubles as the tie-breaker, but Sock then he and Kristina Mladenovic beat won four points in succession. the United States 2-1. The American held match point Twice American Jack Sock in the tie-breaker, but it was Nishikori title clash appeared to have Gasquet down Gasquet who converted his fi rst for the count in the opening sin- chance for a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6) ‘Nishikori is one of the trickiest players out there. He has a tremendous fighting spirit gles match of the fi nal, but the win in two hours and 30 minutes. world number 18 was able to dig The Frenchman said he sim- and has improved his game quite a bit. He has quite a few weapons if you think deep and win in three sets. ply tried to keep the pressure After Gasquet’s heroics, Coco on Sock. “Sometimes it is dif- about it. It’s not going to be an easy match for sure. But I am focussed on myself’ Vandeweghe then beat Mladen- fi cult to fi nish the match and it ovic in straight sets to level the was for him,” he said. “I tried to tie. The tournament came down concentrate on my return, not to the mixed doubles, played do any easy mistakes and make Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov will under the Fast Four format, him play every point. It was a meet Kei Nishikori of Japan and both sides were unbeaten great match for me, after saving (right) in the final of the Brisbane in the format going into the fi - a match point I am really happy.” International today. (Reuters) nal. However, it was Gasquet The 36th-ranked Vandeweghe who again rose to the occasion produced one of her best sin- with some brilliant shots as the gles performances of the week French won 4-1, 4-3 (5/0). to beat world number 43 Mlad- It was France’s second suc- enovic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. cess at the Hopman Cup after Vandeweghe showed improved Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Alize consistency and the Frenchwom- Cornet won in 2014. an was able to make little impres- Gasquet said he and Mladen- sion on the American’s serve. ovic were an ideal pairing at the Mladenovic paid the price for unique tournament. being unable to convert some “A lot of great players have break points early in the second won here, so that’s why we’re set, with the 25-year-old Ameri- happy to have our names on can producing a big forehand in the cup,” he said. “We are very the 11th game to secure the only proud, we are a very good team. break. Vandeweghe then served it That’s why we won (doubles) out to level the tie and set the scene four times in a row.” for the mixed doubles decider.

ROUND-UP Diminutive Davis walks tall in Auckland

AFP WTA Tour title with a 6-3, 6-4 Auckland victory over Alison Riske in the fi nal yesterday. The Czech world number 52 iminutive Lauren Davis had beaten top-10 players Simo- pulled off the biggest win na Halep and Johanna Konta on Reuters especially at the end of the season. He’s of her career yesterday, her way to the fi nal and fulfi lled Brisbane going to be a tough opponent.” collecting her maiden her promise as a junior with a fi rst Sania wins title but loses No. 1 rank Nishikori said the win over Wawrinka WTAD title with a 6-3, 6-1 win over senior title after losing her two ndian tennis ace Sania Mirza clinched "I feel like I'm handing over Miss World was a big confi dence boost ahead of the Ana Konjuh in the Auckland Clas- previous WTA fi nals in Bastad ulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov upset top her first title of the season with Ameri- No. 1 crown," Sania, who came into the year’s fi rst Grand Slam in Melbourne. sic fi nal. It was third time lucky for and Tokyo last year. seed and defending champion Milos Ican partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands meet as defending champion—she won it Nishikori, one of the best current players the 23-year-old Davis, who lost The 39th-ranked Riske lost Raonic of Canada at the Brisbane by winning the Brisbane International with Swiss ace Hingis last year and with not to have won a Grand Slam singles title, the two other fi nals she has made her fourth fi nal, including a International to set up a title clash women's doubles title yesterday. Mattek-Sands in 2013—said. "We always got close in 2014 when he fi nished runner- in her six years on the tour. third defeat in a title decider in Bagainst Japan’s Kei Nishikori yesterday. up to Marin Cilic at the US Open. At 1.57 metres (5ft 2in), Davis China, as her wait for a fi rst tro- Sania, who has held the WTA doubles have good matches (against Vesnina/ Seventh seed Dimitrov saved a set point No. 1 ranking for 91 weeks beginning April Makarova). Thank you to my partner and But the world number fi ve said after is one of the smallest players but phy since 2014 continues. in the opener on his way to a 7-6(7), 6-2 13, 2015, will, however, cede the top spot best friend. We go a long way, we play beating Wawrinka, a three-time Slam she more than compensated for win over world number three Raonic in 88 to Mattek-Sands after this win. once a year, the last time we played, we winner, that he has the ability to become her lack of height with her speed It's Medvedev vs Agut minutes in the second semi-fi nal at the Pat The top-seeded Indo-American duo won in Sydney. Thanks for playing with me. the fi rst male Asian player to win a major. around the court which left Rafter Arena. won 6-2, 6-3 against the second-seeded I was No. 1 in the world but congratulations “This one will give me a lot of confi dence, 19-year-old Konjuh struggling to in Chennai Open final World number fi ve Nishikori had an Russian team of Ekaterina Makarova and to her for becoming No. 1 now. If not me, and hopefully tomorrow too,” he said. place winners. Russia's 20-year-old rising star almost identical win against Swiss US Elena Vesnina in the final. then her, she has had an amazing year." “The Grand Slam is going to be a big goal The American broke Konjuh Daniil Medvedev entered his Open champion Stan Wawrinka, who went for me to play well.” twice in the fi rst set and three maiden ATP World Tour fi nals down 7-6(3), 6-3 in the fi rst semi-fi nal of After an even fi rst set with no breaks of times in the second, fi nishing by overcoming a dogged Dudi the warmup event for this month’s Aus- always a pleasure playing against him. Right myself and what I need to improve and what serve Nishikori stepped up a gear to race the match with her fi fth break Sela in the 22nd Aircel Chennai tralian Open. now I am just focussed on my performance. I need to get better for Melbourne.” away with the tiebreak. He then began to against the Croatian who is Open semi-fi nals yesterday. There was little to separate Dimitrov In previous matches I wasn’t returning as Nishikori, the 2014 US Open fi nalist, outplay Wawrinka and dominated the sec- ranked 47 in the world, 14 places World No. 99 Medvedev came and 2016 Wimbledon fi nalist Raonic in the well. Against Milos, the only chance you won fi ve of the fi nal six points in the tie- ond set. “It was a really tough fi rst set,” he higher than Davis. The early exits back from one set down to save fi rst set, both players making the most of have is to get into a rally against him.” breaker to claim the fi rst set. After an early said. “But I really stayed tough until the of the Williams sisters and Woz- a match point in the second and their big serves and not off ering a single Dimitrov has never won against his op- exchange of breaks in the second, the Rio tiebreak, and I got one or two chance in the niacki meant the tournament had clinch the tie 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 in break-point opportunity. ponent in Sunday’s fi nal with Nishikori Olympic bronze medallist got the decisive tiebreak. After that, I think I was playing lost much of its fi zz and the fi nal two hours and six minutes. Dimitrov managed to nose ahead by enjoying a 3-0 head-to-head record. break in the seventh game. better in the second.” was left to two players ranked The Russian will meet Spain's edging the fi rst set tiebreak 9-7 before rac- “Nishikori is one of the trickiest players “I’m feeling very happy to be in the fi - Wawrinka conceded he had been out- 47th and 61st in the world. Roberto Bautista Agut in the fi - ing away in the second with two breaks of out there,” Dimitrov added. “He has a tre- nal. I’ve tried many times and this is the played. “I think Kei was a little bit stronger nal today. World No. 14 Agut serve to seal the match. mendous fi ghting spirit and has improved fi rst time to get to Sunday in Brisbane,” the than me today — I think he put a lot of Siniakova wins in Shenzhen was too good for France's Benoit “I couldn’t imagine a better scenario for his game quite a bit. He has quite a few weap- 27-year-old said. “Especially beating Stan pressure on me during the game,” Wawrin- At the Shenzhen Open in China, Paire, needing 88 minutes to sure,” Dimitrov said in a court-side inter- ons if you think about it. It’s not going to be today, it’s been a good start to the year. ka said. “He was the aggressive player. He Katerina Siniakova overcame make the title round in straight view. “I have lot of respect for him and it’s an easy match for sure. But I am focussed on Dimi started playing much better last year, played better than me.” a slow start to win her maiden sets 6-3, 6-3. Gulf Times Sunday, Janaury 8, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FA CUP FOCUS Zouma to return as Conte rests players Rooney equals for FA Cup clash

AFP ‘Play on the front foot’ London Batshuayi has been forced to wait for his chance since arriving in a £33 mn move ntonio Conte is set to from Marseille at the start of record, Giroud late bring Kurt Zouma the season. and Michy Batsh- Conte admits it has taken uayi into the Chelsea the 23-year-old Belgium in- sideA for today’s FA Cup third- ternational longer than he had round tie with League One hoped to adapt to the rigours side Peterborough United. of English football. The Blues manager will rest “Diego is doing very well a number of his fi rst-team but playing a lot. For Michy show saves Arsenal players against the third tier it’s a good opportunity to outfi t, four days after seeing show me his promise,” said their 13-league game winning Conte. ‘I am delighted because I know what defeating Bournemouth means to our fans’ run come to an end with a 2-0 “It’s not easy to arrive in defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. England in this league and Conte revealed he plans to adapt when he’s a striker and AFP start Zouma in his defence young player, because this Manchester against Peterborough, 11 league is very physical. months after the French de- “But he’s working a lot and fender ruptured cruciate knee I’m seeing he’s improving and ayne Rooney equalled Bob- ligaments facing Manchester getting the idea about our by Charlton’s Manchester United. The 47-year-old Ital- football. United scoring record as the ian also confi rmed Batshuayi “It’s a good opportunity to FA Cup holders cruised into will start up front, most likely show that he deserves to play Wround four with a 4-0 win over Reading in place of leading striker Di- more in future.” yesterday. ego Costa. Peterborough lie eighth Rooney scored his 249th United goal Zouma has been back in in League One and travel to in front of the watching Charlton as Jose training for weeks, with Conte Stamford Bridge on the back Mourinho’s men strolled to victory, but cautious in bringing him back of a good run of form that has Arsenal had to come from behind to win into the fi rst-team fold af- brought three wins followed 2-1 at second-tier Preston North End. ter such a severe injury. The by three draws in their last six Third-tier Millwall pulled off the former Italy national coach matches. day’s biggest shock by beating top-fl ight has confi rmed he is looking That has lifted confi dence Bournemouth 3-0 at The Den, while Stoke to buy new players in January, among Grant McCann’s side City and West Bromwich Albion both fell but not in central defence. and the manager insists he to Championship opposition. He hinted 22-year-old will not be asking his side “It’s a proud moment, to do it at a Zouma was ready to come to change their style for the massive club like Manchester United,” into his three-man backline meeting with the Premier Rooney, 31, told BT Sport after matching for Premier League games League leaders. Charlton’s mark on his 543rd United ap- should injuries occur to David “I’m not making changes pearance. Luiz, Gary Cahill or Cesar just because it’s Chelsea,” said It was to prove a sorry return to Old Azpilicueta. McCann. Traff ord for Reading manager Jaap Stam, “I don’t think we need an- “We have nothing to lose the former United centre-back. other central defender,” said so we will try and get between Making his fi rst appearance since De- Conte. “Kurt Zouma is ready Chelsea’s lines, win some cor- cember 17, Rooney broke the deadlock in to start. I’m pleased for him. ners and get some shots off on the seventh minute when he used his right He’s in the starting XI. Also for goal. We will try and play on knee to steer Juan Mata’s dinked cross him, it’s a good opportunity to the front foot, like we do in past Reading goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi. show me he’s in good form. every game. Rooney created United’s second goal in “His injury was very bad, “We are going there full of the 15th minute by playing a one-two with very bad. I knew this and I confi dence and we gave the Anthony Martial, who stroked a cool ef- talked with my club about it players two days off in order fort into the bottom-right corner. and for this reason we knew to freshen their minds and Marcus Rashford made the game safe Kurt needed more time to re- bodies. late on, running onto Michael Carrick’s cover. “It’s a massive match for pass to score and then pouncing to lash “But now he’s in good shape the club and we don’t want to home after Al Habsi embarrassed him- and ready to play and restart leave anything behind on the self by completely miscuing an attempted his career.” pitch.” clearance. United, who host Hull City in the fi rst leg of their League Cup semi-fi - nal on Tuesday, have won eight successive games for the fi rst time since 2009. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, cup winners in 2014 and 2015, needed an 89th-minute Olivier Giroud goal to see off valiant Championship team Preston at a misty Deepdale. Wenger rested several players, including star forward Alexis Sanchez, and saw his side fall behind in the seventh minute.

Leicester fightback Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring a goal against Reading yesterday. (Reuters) Aiden McGeady beat his man with a dainty pirouette before sliding a pass into Danny Welbeck made his return to ac- 11 changes. ons Leicester City – currently 15th in the Jordan Hugill and despite the Preston for- tion for Arsenal as a late substitute after “It was a solid, all-round team per- top fl ight – came from behind to win 2-1 ward stumbling, Callum Robinson was on eight months out with a knee injury and formance today,” said Millwall manager at Everton, who had gone ahead through hand to sweep home. he was on the pitch to see Giroud slam in Neil Harris. “I am delighted because Romelu Lukaku. Hugill came within inches of tapping the winner from Lucas Perez’s back-heel. I know what defeating Bournemouth Marco Silva won the battle of the new in Robinson’s low cross from the right, It was Giroud’s fourth goal in four means to our fans.” Premier League managers, late goals by before Sam Gallagher’s lob had to be games and followed his late equaliser at West Brom, riding high in eighth place Abel Hernandez and Josh Tymon giving cleared off the line by Arsenal left-back Bournemouth and acclaimed scorpion in the Premier League, lost 2-1 at home to Hull a 2-0 victory over Paul Clement’s Nacho Monreal. Arsenal equalised within kick volley against Crystal Palace. Championship promotion-chasers Derby Swansea City. a minute of kick-off in the second half, Steve Morison, Shaun Cummings and County, while Stoke lost 2-0 at home to Palace and Southampton face replays Aaron Ramsey slamming home from the Shane Ferguson scored as London side Wolverhampton Wanderers. against Bolton Wanderers and Norwich edge of the box after good work by Alex Millwall won 3-0 at home to Bourne- Ahmed Musa scored twice in fi ve min- City respectively, while Burnley drew 0-0 Iwobi. mouth, whose manager Eddie Howe made utes as misfi ring Premier League champi- at top-tier rivals Sunderland.

SPOTLIGHT Matching Charlton beyond my imagination: Rooney

Reuters Rooney, who surpassed Charlton’s London England scoring record of 49 goals in 2015, has enjoyed a glittering career at Old Traff ord since scoring a Champions ayne Rooney said he could League hat-trick on his debut against never have imagined equal- Fenerbahce in a 6-2 win in 2004. ling Bobby Charlton’s Man- He has been an integral part of fi ve chester United scoring Premier League title-winning teams, Wrecord after bagging his 249th goal for one Champions League triumph, an FA the club in his side’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Cup and two League Cups. Rooney was Reading yesterday. named PFA player of the year in 2009-10. The 31-year-old, who joined United What is more he has matched Charl- from Everton in 2004, opened the scor- ton’s record, which has stood since 1973, ing in the seventh minute to move along- in 215 less games, reaching double fi gures side Charlton who was watching on from in every season and managing 34 goals in the stands at Old Traff ord. 2009-10 and 2011-12. He will have to wait for another day to England skipper Rooney, however, has surpass the former England World Cup not been an automatic selection under winner, however, after failing to add to new manager Jose Mourinho. his tally in a one-sided match. “A more special day will arrive. It was “It is a proud moment. To do it at such great but I want one more goal,” Mour- a massive club like Manchester United, I inho said. am hugely honoured and it is really proud “He is an amazing guy in the group moment for me,” Rooney said. and we all want him to do that. To have “It was not something I could have Wayne as the top scorer in a club like this imagined. You don’t think that far ahead, is magnifi cent for him.” but I have been at this club a long time, it Although poised to become the club’s is a huge part of my life and it is an hon- record scorer, Rooney’s goals have not our to be up there alongside Sir Bobby. come at the fastest rate. “You want to do records in front of His strikes have come at the rate of your home fans and we have got two 0.45 per game, putting him eighth on home games coming up and hopefully I United’s all-time list headed by Tommy This file photo taken on December 19, 2015 shows Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (R) receiving an award from former Manchester United player can get the next one in one of those.” Taylor. Sir Bobby Charlton (R) before playing in his 500th game for his club in the English Premier League match against Norwich City at Old Traff ord. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 8, 2017 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Five reasons for Real unbeaten run SENSIBLE SQUAD MANAGEMENT Zinedine Zidane has carefully shuff led his squad to cope with the demands of playing in five competitions this Ronaldo celebrates as season, handing out over 900 minutes to 20 players, while no individual has exceeded 2,000 minutes. This has meant the squad has stayed fresh, despite lengthy injuries to key players such as Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, record-equalling Real Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Casemiro. “The great thing is that everyone is committed to the cause,” Zidane said this week. “There’s no diff erence when players are out and that says a lot about the group.” hammer Granada 5-0 GOALS FROM ALL OVER THE PITCH The Spanish media used ‘There is no limit, but on the other hand we have to do everything possible to make sure it lasts’ to criticise Real for their over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals but the AFP phrase ‘Cristiano-dependence’ Madrid has barely been uttered this year as the goals have been so evenly spread throughout ristiano Ronaldo pa- the squad. Twenty-one players raded his fourth Bal- have scored in competitive lon d’Or and powered games this season, with 10 home his fi rst goal of players netting at least twice. 2017C as Real Madrid equalled Ronaldo is still the top scorer Barcelona’s Spanish record 39- with 16 goals in all competi- game unbeaten run with a 5-0 tions, Karim Benzema has 10, demolition of lowly Granada Alvaro Morata nine and Bale yesterday. seven. Seven of their eight The Portuguese was hon- defenders have also found oured by previous Ballon d’Or the net with captain Ramos winners to have played for Ma- scoring five times and fellow drid including Luis Figo, Ronal- centre-back Raphael Varane do, Michael Owen and his coach contributing four. Zinedine Zidane before kick- off . And Real’s relentless run REFUSING TO ADMIT stretching back to April last year DEFEAT continued once the action got Whether it was snatching underway as they scored four in the UEFA Super Cup from the opening half-hour. the hands of Sevilla, rescu- Isco and Karim Benzema ing a vital draw at Barcelona slotted home from close range or turning certain defeats before Ronaldo, who had been by Deportivo La Coruna and rested for Real’s 3-0 Copa del Sporting Lisbon into last-gasp Rey win over Sevilla in mid- victories, Real have managed week, bulleted home a header time and time again to conjure from Marcelo’s cross. up late goals during this Another simple fi nish from campaign. Zidane’s side have Isco made it four before the scored 10 decisive goals in the break and Casemiro turned final 10 minutes across eight home James Rodriguez’s free- games, striking fear into their kick for the fi fth after half-time. opponents as the minutes tick Defeat leaves Granada fi rmly away. Captain Ramos is their rooted in the relegation zone late goal specialist, heading in with just nine points from 17 the equaliser in the Super Cup games. At the top, Barca can final and at the Nou Camp, and close back to within three points hitting the winner against De- of the leaders with victory at portivo, all in stoppage time. Villarreal on Sunday. “There is no limit, but on the other hand SQUAD UNITY we have to do everything possi- Despite the wealth of talent ble to make sure it lasts,” Zidane and number of big names in said of his side’s stunning form. the squad, this team do not Zidane insisted on Friday that Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo poses with his four Ballon d’Or trophies before the LA LIGA match against Granada FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in appear to suff er from the ego- he is keen to keep Ronaldo fresh Madrid yesterday. (AFP) ism that aff ected previous Real with Real facing a heavily con- sides, such as the ‘Galactico’ gested fi xture list between now penalised for a trip on Sergi goal of the season. concentrated we can do great back post. Ronaldo is expected bundled home from close range side which Zidane played in. and the end of the season. Samper before he exchanged And with the Granada de- things.” to pick up another individual after a one-two with Kevin Ga- The coach has been unafraid The Frenchman made four passes with Benzema and slot- fence once again pulled apart by Madrid understandably eased trophy in FIFA’s inaugural The meiro 16 minutes from time. of dropping players such as changes from the side that saw ted low past Guillermo Ochoa. Madrid’s movement, Modric’s off in the second half with the Best award for 2016, but one of “We struggled to get into the 80 million euro signing James off Sevilla with ease in midweek Madrid were also fortunate low cross found an unmarked possibility of another 19 games his rivals for the prize ended a game in the fi rst half but we Rodriguez and has even man- with Keylor Navas returning in for the second as Benzema ap- Isco for a simple fi nish at the to come in the next two months three-month goal drought in were much better in the second aged to convince Ronaldo of goal and all of Ronaldo, Benze- peared off side when he prodded back post for his second of the as Toni Kroos, Isco and Marcelo La Liga as Antoine Griezmann half,” Griezmann said. the need to rest occasionally ma and Isco coming in up front. into an empty net after Ochoa afternoon. were replaced to hand them sealed Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 “We feel we’ve got back the to ensure he stays in prime Once again Zidane was vindi- tamely parried Luka Modric’s “The matches are prepared some extra rest. win at Eibar. essence of what Atletico Madrid condition, a clear sign of the cated as all three of the frontline shot into his path. in a certain way depending on However, the European After a fi rst-half short on goal is - we are hard to break down authority he commands in the scored in a rapid start. Real captain for the day whether we have two, three or champions did net a fi fth just mouth action, Saul Niguez nod- and dangerous going forward.” dressing-room. Marcelo marked the 10-year four days, but the idea is always before the hour mark when ded Atletico in front eight min- Victory moves Atletico up Fast start anniversary since his debut with to do our best, be physically Casemiro was left unmarked to utes after the break. Griezmann to fourth, but they remain nine THE ZIDANE FACTOR The hosts got a break for the a pinpoint cross from which Ro- ready and concentrated,” added bundle home substitute James hadn’t netted in 821 La Liga points adrift of Real having also Already a modern club great opener as Isco could have been naldo powered home his 17th Zidane.“If we are ready and Rodriguez’s free-kick at the minutes since October 2, but played a game more. for his graceful skills as a midfielder and his sumptu- ous volley to win the 2002 SPOTLIGHT Champions League, Zidane has further cemented his place in Real folklore with his achievements in the dugout. He took little time to win over a dressing-room that had be- come stale and demotivated Pep wants City to become ‘believers’ under his predecessor Rafael Benitez, impressing them with Agnencies of course it helps us a lot,” he told the oldest cup competition. “I’m happy. I his charisma and personal London BBC. don’t know when the draw is but we touch. “Everyone respects him “Always it is important to win away, will be there,” he said. “We were a lit- as a football and a man and it’s not easy at West Ham in the cup. tle bit focused on what we had to do now as a coach. He’s just got anchester City manager “Hopefully it can help us to make here but of course I’m delighted to be that aura about him. Whatever Pep Guardiola had his our players believers that they are involved in the FA Cup. he says everyone really just spirits cheered with a 5-0 good enough to play every game. “Here the people speak a lot about drools over his words,” Bale FA Cup thrashing of West They have to believe they are able to how important the cup is, anything said. Zidane has also dealt MHam United on Friday that the Span- compete wherever.” can happen. expertly with the famously iard hopes will turn his side into “be- City were irresistible as they tore “I’m lucky to keep going and live overbearing Spanish media, lievers” for the rest of the campaign. into West Ham, taking the lead from another time in the cup.” frequently responding to Theyy came into the third round the penalty spot through Yaya Toure, With a 10-day gap until City’s next diff icult questions with a smile encounter at the London Stadium who has seemingly been reinstalled match, Guardiola can aff ord to focus and refusing to be drawn into having won four of their last fi ve as a pivotal presence in the City squad on potential new signings and will controversial situations. Premier League games, but a seven- having been frozen out at the start of speak to the club about bringing in point defi cit to Chelsea at the top of the campaign. at least one player before the transfer the table and some inconsistent re- An own goal from Havard Nor- window shuts at the end of January. cent displays had opened the door to dtveit and an eff ort from David Silva “When something happens with criticism. gave the visitors a 3-0 halftime lead injuries we don’t have enough (op- The City boss had cut a terse fi gure while Sergio Aguero and John Stones, tions),” he added. “We will see if there following their Premier League vic- who netted his fi rst goal for the club, is a possibility to take one. tory over Burnley on Monday, giving wrapped up victory in the second “Now we have 10 days until the a tetchy post-match interview having half. next game so we can discuss with the grimly hinted at his own retirement in “I should have scored in previous club what is best for the rest of the the build-up. games,” Stones said. It’s nice to get season.” A comprehensive win at the Lon- one in a special cup.” West Ham manager Slaven Bilic don Stadium, however, the heaviest “I thought we moved the ball well,” had no excuses for his side’s woeful home defeat ever infl icted on West the England defender added. “We capitulation and called on them to Ham in the competition, gave him changed our system and played with a make amends by showing more fi ght. cause for optimism and he called on diamond. It worked really well. “It’s a very bad night for us, a big his players to take inspiration from “To get a clean sheet was good — defeat. It’s hard to say anything posi- the way they got the job done. we haven’t had too many.” tive when the game fi nishes like this,” “Finally, we were able to keep While Guardiola is only just learn- he said. the ball more than the last games, ing the unique romance of the FA “It’s time for the team to show where it was almost impossible, so Cup, Guardiola is a serial trophy col- character. Unfortunately we had a few we played much, much better in that lector and, having won the domestic defeats like that and showed charac- sense. We create more chances when cups in Spain and Germany, he has ter afterwards. Now is the time to do that happens and we concede few and set his sights on adding the world’s it again.” Manchester City’s players celebrate their victory over West Ham United. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, January 8, 2017 5 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Klopp hopes reserves can avoid Moore and Thomas FA Cup slip-up

AFP Liverpool ‘No one will be daunted’ Klopp will also rest a number of key fi rst-team urgen Klopp cited fi x- players who picked up rela- set pace at Kapalua ture congestion as the tively minor injuries during or chief reason for fi elding before the holiday period, in- an almost unrecognis- cluding James Milner, Jordan ableJ Liverpool line-up in the Henderson, Joel Matip and third round of the FA Cup at Daniel Sturridge. Exeter last season. It means there will be op- A year on, the 49-year-old portunities for players who German is following the same have largely been on the aft er inspired pairing path against League Two fringes, such as midfi elder (fourth tier) opposition from Kevin Stewart, and for young the south-west of England players seeking to gain match ‘We had a good time out there. We were kind of feeding off each other a little bit’ once more, this time in the experience, such as defender form of Plymouth. Trent Alexander-Arnold. At Klopp has to factor in the least, unlike a year ago, Liver- eff ects of the demanding pool start their FA Cup third- Christmas schedule, which round tie with home advan- forced his side to play two tage. matches in less than 48 hours That ought to give Klopp a last weekend, beating Man- chance of avoiding the scares chester City 1-0 on the Sat- of last season, when his team urday before conceding two of fringe players and youth penalties in a 2-2 draw at Sun- products had to come back derland. from behind twice to draw He also has to consider the 2-2 at Exeter before winning fact Liverpool play the fi rst leg the replay. Plymouth, FA Cup of their EFL Cup semi-fi nal semi-fi nalists in 1984 and at Southampton on Wednes- quarter-fi nalists as recently day, meaning rotation to keep as 2007, are second in League players fresh is inevitable. Two, having responded well to Klopp has indicated Loris the disappointment of losing Karius, dropped midway to AFC Wimbledon in last sea- through last month after mis- son’s promotion play-off fi nal. takes brought heavy criti- Manager Derek Adams cism, will return in goal, in has reshaped his squad con- order to give Simon Mignolet siderably since last season’s a breather. promotion failure, signing 14 “There is a big chance Loris players on a permanent basis will play,” said Klopp. during the summer and two “He has been training out- more since the January trans- standingly well which is good fer window opened. Perhaps to see. the most intriguing of all the “It’s diffi cult to speak about arrivals are former Cameroon these things in public because Under-20 international de- it becomes a story but we can- fender Yann Songo’o, who has not ignore the pressure you played club football in Spain make. and the United States, and “That’s how it is, we have to striker David Goodwillie, who cope with it, deal with it. has rather lost his way since “That is why you see I made winning three caps for Scot- the change and I am sure Loris land between 2010 and 2011. will benefi t from this step “I’m sure no-one will be back, or step aside. daunted by it and we’re going “Simon has done a really, up there to enjoy it,” said Ply- really outstanding job for us mouth midfi elder David Fox. since he’s been playing again “There’s no pressure on us and forced Loris to train at the at the end of the day. We’ve highest level because we have got a huge following going, two really good goalkeepers. It backing us and we’re going to was good for him.” really enjoy it.”

Ryan Moore (L) and Justin Thomas play their shots during the second round of the SBS Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Getty Images/AFP)

Reuters consummate driving display. wedges that were tap-ins which was nice, driver, I could hit it anywhere I wanted Kapalua, United States Defending champion Jordan Spieth but I got the putter rolling on the back to and when I feel like I have confi dence piled up nine birdies, along with a double- side,” said the 34-year-old from Wash- in hitting my driver straight, then it just bogey at the eighth and a triple at the 17th, ington state. “I burned a lot of edges (with leads to the rest of the bag.” yan Moore and Justin Thomas en route to a 69 that left him joint 19th in the putter) yesterday and in the early part inspired one another in a low- the elite 32-man, winners-only fi eld. of my round today, so it was nice to see Leading second round scores (USA scoring pairing as they moved Moore, a fi ve-times winner on the PGA them start going in.” unless noted, par-73) one stroke clear of a tightly Tour, very nearly holed out with his third Reed, who beat Walker in a playoff to 134—Justin Thomas 67-67, Ryan Moore bunchedR leaderboard in the second round from 80 yards at the par-fi ve last before win the title at Kapalua two years ago, 67-67 of the SBS Tournament of Champions in tapping in for a birdie to snatch the out- reached every green in regulation for the 135—Patrick Reed 70-65, Jimmy Walker Hawaii on Friday. right lead. fi rst time in his PGA Tour career and bird- 65-70 The two Americans fi red matching six- Moments later, Thomas rolled in a sev- ied four of the last fi ve holes to set the 136—Jason Dufner 68-68 under-par 67s at the Kapalua Resort on en-footer to join him at 12 under. early clubhouse lead. 137—Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-68 the island of Maui to post 12-under totals “We had a good time out there,” Tho- “I swung within myself so I could have 138—Tony Finau 70-68, Fabian Gomez of 134 in the PGA Tour’s opening event of mas told Golf Channel. “We were kind of control and that just led me to having a (ARG) 70-68, Daniel Berger 68-70, Jim the year. Overnight leader Jimmy Walker feeding off each other a little bit.” lot shorter putts on the holes,” said Reed. Herman 67-71 carded a 70 to sit one shot back, level with Moore fi nished with a fl ourish, record- “The most impressive thing for me today 139—Brendan Steele 72-67, Jason Day fellow American Patrick Reed, who fi red ing four birdies in his last fi ve holes. was the driver. (AUS) 70-69, William McGirt 70-69, Dustin a best-of-the-day 65 that was built on a “I just made putts, hit a couple of nice “I was able to really have control of the Johnson 69-70. Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.

SPOTLIGHT Umm Salal aim for Rayyan scalp in QSL

By Sports Reporter Speaking about his impact on nia in a relegation battle. Phil- Doha the team, Jaber added, “We got lipe Birol’s side are without a win six points from my three games. now in seven league matches and If we keep playing in such a way will be aim to stop the rut against mm Salal go head to we can get more points and play Al Shahania, a side who have re- head against Al Rayyan better in the next games. I’m not cently appointed Croatian Igor today in round 15 of worried about the team but in Štimac as coach. the Qatar Stars League football anything is possible. We As for the Oryxes, they fell to Uhoping for a win which will help are improving day by day and we a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al Rayyan them fi nish in the top four. can get more points from the re- in Štimac’s fi rst game in charge Umm Salal are just behind Al maining game.” of the club. The former Derby Rayyan in the standings in sixth Al Rayyan are fi fth in the County defender has already position with 19 points but are standings and have 25 points labelled this match a six pointer sweating over the fi tness of some from 14 games. The Lions will and will be aiming for a reaction key players. be looking for the win against a for his players. “We are facing a tough team team who are just below them in Relegation is also on the agen- with a rich history. It will be hard the table. da when Al Kharaitiyat, who because we have some players Michael Laudrup, the head are currently in the relegation missing due to injury and sus- coach of Al Rayyan, is expecting zone, take on thirteenth placed pensions but we will try to pro- a tough game. Al Wakrah. The Thunders have vide a good performance. I have “I expect Umm Salal to be been quietly improving over the full confi dence in the players physically strong and solid in the next few weeks, and head coach who will play,” said Mahmoud back. They have a lot of experi- Ahmed Ajlani will know a win Jaber, the head coach of Umm ence and have a very good striker will push his side out of the rel- Salal. in Sagbo. It’s a team that’s just egation zone. “I look for the balance be- below us on the table and the As for Al Wakrah, they come tween defence and attack. The match is against a team who into the tie off the back of an players who will get the op- want to take our position in the Umm Salal coach Mahmoud Jaber addresses the media at his press conference yesterday. impressive 0-0 draw against portunity to play in this game table,” he said. title-chasing El Jaish. The Blue should use this opportunity to “Only one team can win the performance of the players, we tactician. Sadd are going very strong and four and that is the target for the Waves will be hoping for more of prove themselves,” added the league and just because you win just need to be more eff ective in Speaking about his team’s tar- the rest of us are trailing them. club.” the same again, and look to take Egyptian tactician at his press one year doesn’t mean you win front of goal and other than that gets this season, Laudrup said, I think what we have to con- The fi rst match of the day will some important points off their conference yesterday. every year. I am happy with the I am satisfi ed,” added the Danish “teams like Lekhwiya and Al centrate now is to be in the top see Muaither take on Al Shaha- relegation rivals. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 8, 2017 SPORT

NBA NHL ROUND-UP Bruins Warriors blow a 24-point recall McIntyre

Reuters lead to lose to Memphis Boston he Boston Bruins re- called goaltender Zane McIntyre from Provi- Conley and Randolph score 27 points apiece and Gasol adds 23 for Memphis dence of the Ameri- Tcan Hockey League on Friday. Reuters McIntyre, 24, is undefeated with Memphis Providence in 2016-17, compil- ing a 10-0-0 record. He leads the AHL both in goals arc Gasol and Zach Randolph com- against average (1.41) and save bined for four baskets on Memphis’ percentage (.951), and he won fi rst four possessions in overtime to AHL Goalie of the Month honors cap a remarkable comeback by the for December. MGrizzlies that produced a stunning 128-119 vic- The Bruins also assigned goal- tory over the Golden State Warriors at the National tender Anton Khudobin to Prov- Basketball Association on Friday. idence. Khudobin, 30, played in Wrapping up a four-game trip with a second eight games (seven starts) with win, the Grizzlies trailed by 24 points in the third Boston this season, compil- quarter and 18 with 7:47 remaining in the fourth ing a 1-5-1 record with a 3.06 before rallying to tie on a short jumper by Mike goals-against average and.885 Conley with 7.4 seconds left in regulation. save percentage. Khudobin has The Grizzlies, who out-scored the Warriors 32- struggled all season. He’s al- 13 in the fourth quarter, also dominated the over- lowed three or more goals in fi ve time, using the four hoops by Gasol and Randolph of his seven starts with Boston to build a lead they never relinquished. this season. Conley and Randolph had 27 points apiece and Gasol added 23 for Memphis (23-16), which won CAPITALS CALL UP O’BRIEN for the second time this season over Golden State. The Washington Capitals re- Stephen Curry had a game-high 40 points for the called forward Liam O’Brien Warriors (31-6). from the Hershey Bears of the AHL. O’Brien, 22, has one goal ROCKETS 100, MAGIC 93 and one assist in 13 career games Ryan Anderson scored 19 points and Patrick Bever- with the Capitals. The Halifax, ley and Eric Gordon each added 17 points, leading Nova Scotia, native signed with the Houston Rockets to a 100-93 victory over the Washington as a free agent on Orlando Magic at Amway Arena. Oct. 6, 2014. The Rockets (29-9) won their seventh consecu- tive game and their 18th of the last 20. The Magic FORSLING, ABBOTT (16-22) have lost four of their last fi ve and are leav- SENT TO ROCKFORD ing on a fi ve-game West Coast road trip on Satur- The Chicago Blackhawks as- day. The Rockets hit 15-of-49 three-point shots, signed Swedish defenseman while the Magic made 8-of-23. Gustav Forsling and forward Spencer Abbott to the Rockford WIZARDS 112, TIMBERWOLVES 105 IceHogs of the AHL. John Wall had 18 points and a season-high 18 as- Forsling, 20, has one goal sists as Washington survived 41 points from An- and three assists in 32 games in drew Wiggins to defeat Minnesota. Bradley Beal his fi rst season with the Black- led the Wizards with 22 points as Washington won hawks. Abbott, 28, appeared in its ninth straight home game. one game with the Blackhawks this season after being recalled CAVALIERS 116, NETS 108 from Rockford on Tuesday. Kyrie Irving hit two clutch three-pointers in the Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (right) reaches out to deflect a shot from Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles in the fourth quarter of the NBA match at the Air opening four-plus minutes of the fourth quarter as Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on Friday. The Raptors won 101-93. (USA TODAY Sports) DALLAS LOAN Cleveland blew most of a 24-point lead before get- NEMETH TO TEXAS ting a victory over Brooklyn. quarter with 17.2 seconds left that gave the Celtics streak by rallying to beat Milwaukee at the Bradley Rivers followed up his season-high 28 points The Dallas Stars loaned defense- LeBron James scored 29 of his 36 points in the a victory over Philadelphia. Center. from the Clippers’ Jan. 4 win over Memphis with man Patrik Nemeth to the Texas fi rst three quarters and was resting when Irving Horford, who fi nished with 19 points, 12 re- Anthony scored 12 points in the fi nal quarter as a 24-point night, and Paul logged 12 assists — in- Stars of the AHL on a condition- came through to stave off a Brooklyn comeback bounds, four assists and two blocks, was 2-for-9 the Knicks rallied from a 13-point defi cit. Kristaps cluding six in the fourth quarter — while also mov- ing assignment. after Cleveland allowed the fi rst 11 points of the from the fl oor through three quarters but then Porzingis scored 24 points, Derrick Rose added 12 ing to 10th on the all-time NBA assists list. Nemeth, 24, has been in 16 fourth. hit three three-pointers and a two for 11 straight and Courtney Lee had 11 for New York. games with Dallas in 2016-17 but points for his team in a 3:01 span. LAKERS 127, HEAT 100 has yet to record a point, mak- CELTICS 110, 76ERS 106 CLIPPERS 106, KINGS 98 Lou Williams scored 24 points and Los Angeles ing 17 hits, 19 blocked shots and Al Horford got hot at just the right time. Boston’s KNICKS 116, BUCKS 111 Austin Rivers has his second straight big shooting rolled past Miami in a testy aff air at Staples Center. 18 shots on goal. He skated in fi rst major free-agent signee scored fi ve points in Carmelo Anthony hit a go-ahead three-pointer night and Chris Paul returned to the lineup for an Luol Deng and D’Angelo Russell contributed 19 84 career regular-season NHL the fi rst three quarters but then scored 14 in the with under a minute to play and fi nished with 26 immediate impact as Los Angeles outlasted Sacra- points apiece for the Lakers, who beat the Heat for games, all with Dallas, and regis- fourth, including his fourth three-pointer of the points as New York snapped a six-game losing mento at the Golden 1 Center. only the second time in their last 10 meetings. tered 11 assists.

NHL Rookie quarterback Cook primed for playoff spotlight MacKinnon’s overtime goal lift s Avalanche to win at home

Reuters to cruise past New Jersey at Prudential imer earned the win in his fi rst January start. Colorado Center. Nazem Kadri, Auston Matthews, Greg McKegg scored the Panthers’ fi rst Connor Brown and Tyler Bozak scored four goal. It was his second of the season and his goals over a 5:49 stretch in the fi rst period second in two games. athan MacKinnon scored with 16.1 to give the Leafs an insurmountable edge. Craig Smith scored the Predators goal. seconds left in overtime and the PA Parenteau and Jon Merrill scored for the Colorado Avalanche ended seven Devils. DUCKS 3, COYOTES 2 (OT) weeks of home futility with a 2-1 Ondrej Kase scored in overtime when Nwin over the New York Islanders in the Na- Mike Smith was unable to clear the puck BLACKHAWKS 2, HURRICANES 1 tional Hockey League on Friday. Jonathan Toews and Artemi Panarin each from his own crease, giving Anaheim the MacKinnon also had an assist and Gabriel scored, and Chicago held on for a win over victory over Arizona at Honda Center. Landeskog got the other goal for Colorado. Carolina. Joseph Cramarossa and Chris Wagner also Calvin Pickard fi nished with 35 saves for the Scott Darling made 39 saves to earn his scored for the Ducks. Martin Hanzal and Ol- Avalanche, who stopped a 10-game home fi rst win since Dec. 18 for the Blackhawks. iver Ekman-Larsson scored for the Cotoes. winless streak. Johnny Boychuk scored for Chicago earned its second win in a row and New York and Thomas Greiss had 37 saves improved to 15-4-4 on home ice. Victor CANUCKS 4, FLAMES 2 for the Islanders. The Avalanche had not Rask scored the Hurricanes’ lone goal. Markus Granlund scored two goals and won at home since Nov. 14 and lost 10-of-11 collected an assist as Vancouver defeated Oakland: Oakland Raiders’ Connor Cook will com- in the league at his disposal, and could throw to overall before prevailing. Their only win in PANTHERS 2, PREDATORS 1 Calgary to extend its winning streak to six mand much of the spotlight this weekend when he 1,000-yard receivers Amari Cooper and Michael the last four weeks came Dec. 23 in Chicago. Jonathan Marchessault scored the go-ahead games. Michael Chaput and Loui Eriksson becomes the first quarterback in the Super Bowl Crabtree or hand off to dangerous running backs goal with 9:53 left in the third period, lead- also scored for the Canucks. Michael Frolik era to make his first career start in the postseason. such as Latavius Murray and rookie DeAndre MAPLE LEAFS 4, DEVILS 2 ing Florida over Nashville at the BB&T scored twice for the Flames, who out-shot Cook gets the starting nod as the team’s third Washington. Toronto used a fi rst-period scoring fl urry Center. Panthers backup goalie James Re- Vancouver 46-13. choice in a National Football League wild card “He prepares very well,” Dantonio said of Cook. clash with the Texans (9-7) in Houston today, fol- “He was very particular in terms of everything lowing the absence through injury of Derek Carr (at college level). He wanted to be right. Good at and Matt McGloin. overcoming mistakes, that’s as big as anything. Most valuable player (MVP) candidate Carr He threw an interception and bounced back from broke his leg two weeks ago while journeyman that, and continued to play on through it. I don’t replacement McGloin injured his non-throwing think he’s going to be intimidated by the scope shoulder last week. While Cook is untested in the of the game. That hasn’t been a problem for him cauldron of the NFL, he is known for his strong when he was here. I expect him to play very well.” throwing arm and his former coach at Michigan State, Mark Dantonio, predicts that he will com- DOLPHINS LANDRY FINED $48K fortably handle the pressures of making his first FOR CELEBRATION league start in the playoff s. The National Football League slapped Miami Dol- “Connor has got a huge upside,” Spartans coach phins wide receiver Jarvis Landry with two fines Dantonio said. “He’s played on a big stage. He was totalling $48,618 for his touchdown celebration the Rose Bowl MVP when he was a sophomore. He last Sunday. was the MVP in the Big 10 Championship Game, Landry was hit with separate fines for unsports- just things of that nature. He’s been in the spot- manlike conduct after scoring on an eight-yard light. I know it’s an elevated level of play and it’s reception in the second quarter of a 34-14 loss to all relative, but he’s played on a big stage and he’s the New England Patriots. He was fined $24,309 had a lot of anxiety, big-game jitters, and things for grabbing his crotch and $24,309 for slamming like that, and he’s played very well in those games. his helmet on the ground. Landry ended the regu- That’s going to serve him as well as anything as he lar season with 94 catches for 1,136 yards and four takes this opportunity.” touchdowns. The Dolphins travel to Pittsburgh to With his powerful arm at the ready, Cook has face the Steelers on Sunday afternoon in an AFC plenty of options with the biggest off ensive line wild-card playoff game. Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (30) stops the puck against Calgary Flames Mikael Backlund during the third period. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, January 8, 2017 7 SPORT

THIRD TEST Lynn and Stanlake in Australia Australia whitewash ODI squad Sydney: Australia dropped George Bailey and Aaron Finch and called up new- comers Chris Lynn and Billy Stanlake in a 14-man squad Pak with Sydney victory yesterday for their five-game one-day international series against Pakistan starting next week. Bailey and Finch The tourists were all out shortly before tea on the final day for 244 chasing 465 runs along with all-rounder Hilton Cartwight were left out after AFP playing in the Chappell- Sydney Hadlee ODI series against New Zealand last month. Us- man Khawaja, batsman Lynn ustralia clinched a series clean and fast bowler Stanlake took sweep with an emphatic 220- their places. run win over Pakistan in the Lynn has played in five third Test in Sydney yesterday. Twenty20 internationals, the TheA tourists were all out shortly before most recent of them against tea on the fi nal day for 244 chasing 465 India in Sydney in January runs with paceman Josh Hazlewood last year, while fast bowler and spinner Steve O’Keefe both snaring Stanlake features in a senior three wickets. national roster for the first Pakistan’s hopes of holding out for time. Test batsman Khawaja a draw evaporated with the dismissals returns to the ODI squad of leading series run-scorer Azhar Ali after last playing in an ODI and veteran Younis Khan before lunch. against Ireland in Benoni, Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed top- South Africa, in September. scored with a fi ghting unbeaten 72 off The squad has been select- 70 balls. Australia completed a series ed for all five matches in the clean sweep after a 39-run win in the series, in Brisbane (January fi rst Gabba Test and an innings and 18- 13), Melbourne (January 15), run victory in Melbourne last week. It Perth (January 19), Sydney was Pakistan’s 12th straight defeat since (January 22) and Adelaide their last Test win in Australia in Sydney (January 26). 22 years ago. Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Dynamic opening batsman David David Warner, Pat Cummins, Warner was named man of the match James Faulkner, Josh Hazle- for his scintillating hundred before wood, Travis Head, Usman lunch on the opening day, while skip- Khawaja, Chris Lynn, Mitchell per Steve Smith was announced as the Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Billy offi cial player of the series. “I’m really Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Mat- proud of the way the boys have played in thew Wade, Adam Zampa. the last few weeks,” Smith said. “I don’t think Davy Warner knows any other DHONI SAVED ME MANY way and he set the tone for us straight TIMES FROM GETTING up in the fi rst and second innings.” DROPPED: KOHLI Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq Paying rich tributes to his said his team never recovered from their predecessor Mahendra Singh shattering innings defeat to lose the se- Dhoni, newly-appointed skip- ries in the second Melbourne Test. “The per Virat Kohli revealed that last day of the MCG was the biggest the wicketkeeper-batsman disappointment of the tour and we got saved him on numerous oc- demoralised from that and could not casions from getting dropped recover. This is how it is. Australia is not from the national team. an easy place,” Misbah said. The 28-year-old, who took The highest target successfully over the mantle of the Indian chased down in the fourth innings at Australia’s cricket team pose for a team photo with the trophy after winning the Test series 3-0 against Pakistan at the SCG, in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) side, said the 35-year-old the Sydney Cricket Ground was Aus- Dhoni guided him during his tralia’s 288 for two against South Africa ing the fi rst Pakistan batsman to reach bowled by Mitchell Starc off a thick in- a duck. Australia tour India next month S. Ahmed not out 72 initial phase, while conceding in 2006. The tourists lost four wickets 10,000 Test runs when he was caught side edge for 30. Misbah resisted for 98 for a four-Test series, while Pakistan W. Riaz c Wade b O’Keefe 12 that he has big shoes to fill. in Saturday’s fi rst session after resum- in the deep off spinner Nathan Lyon balls before he went after O’Keefe and do not have any Tests scheduled until M. Amir run out (O’Keefe) 5 Dhoni, had on Wednesday ing at 55 for one. Azhar Ali lasted just six for 13. Younis, who scored an unbeaten skied to the safe hands of Lyon at mid- April, when they will tour the West In- I. Khan c Bird (sub) b Hazlewood 0 stumped everyone by balls into the fi nal day before he was out 175 for his 34th Test hundred in the fi rst off for 38 — his highest score of a strug- dies for a four-match series. Extras (nb1) 1 stepping down as India’s in a soft dismissal on his overnight score innings, did not get enough on a Lyon gling series. Total (all out, 80.2 overs) 244 ODI and T20 captain, bring- of 11. He tried to work Josh Hazlewood delivery and lobbed to Hazlewood at Misbah, at 42 and playing his prob- SCOREBOARD Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Sharjeel), 2-55 ing down the curtains on a to the leg-side only to bunt the ball back mid-on. It was a signifi cant wicket for able last innings in Australia, was given Australia I innings 538 for 8 declared (Azhar), 3-67 (Babar), 4-82 (Younis), 5-96 trophy-filled era. to the bowler for an easy return catch. Australia following on from the fi rst- a generous ovation as he left the SCG. Pakistan I innings 315 (Yasir), 6-136 (Shafiq), 7-188 (Misbah), 8-202 “He will always be the per- Azhar fi nished as the highest Paki- over dismissal of Azhar to have Paki- Wahab Riaz cracked three fours off nine Australia II innings 241 for 2 decl (Riaz), 9-224 (Amir), 10-244 (Imran) son who guided me initially stan runscorer in a series in Australia stan plunging towards defeat. Night- balls before he lost a review for caught Pakistan II innings (55 for 1 overnight) Bowling: Starc 17-2-57-1 (1nb), Hazlewood and gave me opportunities. with 406 at 81.20. Babar Azam followed watchman Yasir Shah’s 93-ball defi ance behind off O’Keefe for 12, and O’Keefe A. Ali c and b Hazlewood 11 18.2-7-29-3, Lyon 27-6-100-2, O’Keefe 17-4- He gave me ample time and in Hazlewood’s next over, trapped leg ended a half-hour before lunch when ran out Mohammad Amir for fi ve to put Y. Shah c Bird (sub) b O’Keefe 13 53-3, Smith 1-0-5-0 space to grow as a crick- before wicket for nine to end a disap- he was snapped up the slips by fi eld- Australia on the brink of victory. B. Azam lbw b Hazlewood 9 Result: Australia won by 220 runs eter, saved me from getting pointing series with a total of just 68 ing substitute Jackson Bird off left-arm Hazlewood claimed the last wicket Y. Khan c Hazlewood b Lyon 13 Series: Australia 3-0 dropped from the team many runs from six innings. spinner Steve O’Keefe for 13. and his third of the innings when he M. ul-Haq c Lyon b O’Keefe 38 Man of the match: David Warner (AUS) a times,” Kohli said. Younis Khan missed out on becom- Asad Shafi q went soon after lunch had Imran Khan caught in the slips for A. Shafiq b Starc 30 Man of the series: Steve Smith (AUS)

SPOTLIGHT QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Ex-Pakistan players call for Harat stars in Shamal’s win over Al Ahli captain Misbah to retire not enough to save their team from suff ering the By Sports Reporter Doha defeat. AFP Ahli were behind the game right from the be- Karachi ginning as Shamal jumped into an 11-point lead. ohammed Harat scored 30 points as But Ahli fought back reducing the defi cit to two Al Shamal registered a narrow 74-69 points at the end of fi rst quarter. The close contest ormer Pakistan cricket win over Al Ahli in the Qatar Basket- continued in the next two quarters, before Shamal heavyweights yesterday Mball League yesterday. pulled away in the closing stages of the fourth and asked Misbah-ul-Haq to At the Al Gharafa Sports Club, Harat was in last quarter to win by a fi ve-point margin. call time on his illustri- top form as he his team’s attack posting highest In another match, Al Arabi thrashed Al Khor ousF career, blaming his poor bat- points of the match with 15 rebounds and three 78-54. Adamu Saaka was in sizzling touch for the ting and uninspired captaincy for assists. None of his throws were three pointers. winners, scoring 35 points. For Al Khor, Rickey a 3-0 whitewash to Australia. He was well supported by teammate Johnson Demarkeo Young made 28 points. Misbah, who at 42 is the oldest Tyrone Kevin, who contributed 25 points, includ- In today matches, Qatar SC take on Al Wak- current international cricketer, ing nine rebounds and fi ve assists. rah at 5:15pm, while Al Sadd face Al Gharafa at 7: capped a miserable series with a For Al Ahli, Branko Ereminov posted 23 points, 15pm. Both matches will be played at Al Gharafa 220-run defeat in the third and while Seydou Ndoye Elhadj had 19 but that was Indoor Hall. fi nal Test in Sydney on Saturday, his fi nal score of 38 accounting for half of his entire run-tally (76). It was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive 3-0 whitewash in Australia since 1999, and their twelfth straight defeat. After the loss Misbah said he would take his time to decide on the future — a reversal of an earlier an- nouncement that he would quit Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (right) and Younis Khan look dejected after the loss to Australia. (AFP) following the defeat in the sec- ond match last week. tain Misbah as off ered enough failure to inspire his charges. “I 3-0 in Australia in 1999 I was Since taking over the captain- so it’s time to move on. I think a think Misbah was let down by replaced as captain despite the cy in the wake of the spot-fi xing captain can only give his best for his bowling and his fi eld placings fact we fought hard in the fi rst scandal in 2010, Misbah has led fi ve years — a period where he were not accurate either,” he said. two Tests — but a defeat has such Pakistan in 53 Tests, winning gives his maximum — and then Pakistan’s trump card leg- consequences,” he added. 24, losing 18 and drawing 11. He his fl ow chart goes down. spinner Yasir Shah took only Wasim said Younis Khan, Pa- also briefl y led his team to world “After that opponents know eight wickets in the series, con- kistan’s all-time leading Test number one Test rankings last about his strategies and Misbah ceding a whooping 672 runs batsman and a fellow veteran year, despite playing no matches has spent that in a glorious way. — the most by a bowler in a aged 39, had prolonged his career at home due to the prevailing He has played his innings well to three-match series. Raja’s words by fi nally hitting a big score of insecurity. But former captain become Pakistan’s most success- were echoed by former paceman 175 not out in the fi nal match of turned commentator Ramiz Raja ful skipper,” he added. Wasim Akram. the series. “Before the third Test said it was now time for Misbah to Raja added that Misbah’s cap- “It’s not my call but perhaps if I I was of the opinion that Younis move on. “I think Misbah’s time taincy had taken a sharp turn was in his place I would have quit should also go but he batted is up,” he said. “Every sportsman for the worse in the series, with at this point, having achieved well and can play for some more Mohammed Harat (centre) of Al Shamal attempts to get past Al Ahli defenders during the Qatar goes through this phase and cap- bizarre fi eld placements and a so much,” he said. “When I lost time,” he said. Basketball League at the Al Gharafa Sports Club, yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi Sunday, January 8, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF Verlaar makes amends for last year's Qatar heartbreak Defending champion Thomas faded out of contention in the final round by shooting a seven-over par 79

Sports Reporter Doha

year after missing the chance to play the Qatar Masters by the narrow- est of margins, Peirre Verlaar’sA life as an amateur golfer has come a full circle. Well, almost. The 18-year-old from the Netherlands may not be ready yet to break away from the ama- teur ranks and become a full- time pro, but having nailed his spot in the $2.5mn Commer- cial Bank Qatar Masters with a three-shot victory over Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi in the Qatar Open Amateur Championship, he may well be giving it a seri- ous thought. Verlaar was on the verge of winning the 2016 title when Indi- an teen Rayhan Thomas crashed his party with a last-hole birdie that took the tournament into the play-off . As it turned out, Thomas birdied the play-off hole too to earn an amateur spot at the Qa- tar Masters and thereby chance his arm against some of the best players in the business. This time, however, Thomas faded out of contention in the third and fi nal round by shooting a seven-over par 79 to aggregate 223 and fi nish joint ninth along with three others. Thomas, who will be playing in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Cham- pionship and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic said a double bo- Qatar Amateur Golf Championship winner Pierrre Verlaar holds his trophy as he poses with Qatar golf officials and other players after his victory yesterday. gey on the fourth hole cost him his momentum and concentra- tion. Thomas made just one birdie today. His putter also went cold and he had three three-putts for bogeys in the fi rst six holes. “I started well, but unfortu- nately, a four-putt double bogey on the fourth hole aff ected my momentum,” said the 17-year- old. “I was even-par after nine, and was still confi dent on the back nine as I was just two behind the leader. But I dropped another shot on the 10th and then three- putted the 11th, which saw my chances fade away. “My driver let me down a little bit today as I missed some fair- ways and could not set up more birdie chances.” Verlaar, on the other hand, was playing catch-up after trailing gregated three-under 213, Top 10 scores: the only player in the 140-strong Verlaar celebrates on the last hole yesterday. At right, runner-up Saleh al-Kaabi of Qatar chips from the Verlaar by six shots at the very added. 210: Pierre Verlaar (NDL) 70-70-70 fi eld to post sub-par scores in rough. PICTURES: Jayaram outset. Dubai-based Swde Cristofer 213: Saleh al-Kaabi (QAT) 71-75-67 each of the three rounds. His ag- “I was hoping to win the event Rahm, who had moved into con- 215: Cristofer Rahm (SWE) 75-67-73 gregate of six-under par 210 – he to play the Qatar Masters,” Ver- “I thank my friends and my Dubai to prepare for the Doha but a six-shot lead was always tention with two eagles in the 217: Thomas Strandemo (USA) 74-71-72 shot a 70 in each round – gave laar said after his victory. “The parents for supporting me event. going to be diffi cult to overcome,” second round fi nished third a 220: Sam Hobday (ENG) 72-77-71 him a comfortable win over al- conditions were good and I am and helping me chase my golf Al-Kaabi, aiming to become said al-Kaabi. further two strokes behind on 215, 220: Markus Maukner (AUT) 68-73-79 Kaabi. happy with my two-under for the dreams,” added the teen, who the first Qatari to win the event, “However, I am pleased with while fi rst round leader Markus 221: Mikkel Mathiesen (DEN) 74-76-71 “Yeah after the heartbreak last round but with some luck I could “only plays golf” and does shot the best score of the day my effort of 67 today and a Maukner of Austria ended up in 221: Lguirati Ayoub (MOR) 76-73-72 year it was great to win the tour- have had a better score,” said the nothing else by his own admis- yesterday – a 67, but his sec- second-place finish too is not fi fth place after shooting a third- 223: Tom Santa (FRA) 76-76-71 nament this time and get a chance Rory McIlroy fan. sion and had flown down to ond-round 75 meant he was that bad,” al-Kaabi, who ag- round 79. 223: Lucas Becht (BEL) 75-76-72

BOTTOMLINE Bayern Munich’s training sessions at Aspire Zone attract regional and international fans

spire Zone’s outdoor football Fans watch Bayern Munich in action. At right, the Bultman developed footballing countries such as pitches have witnessed an in- family from the Netherlands. Spain, Italy and England. That’s why the fl ux of local, regional and in- Dome and pitches continue to attract Aternational football fans this the world’s best teams every year.” week as hundreds of keen spectators The training sessions also attracted have shown up to watch FC Bayern Mu- international tourists who are in town nich’s training sessions. to soak up some winter sun. Yesterday’s The Bundesliga giants will be hav- session was attended by family of Dutch ing their annual winter training camp tourists who are spending their winter in Doha until January 11 as they prepare break in Doha and they made a special for the second half of the Bundesliga stop at Aspire Zone to enjoy watching season, as well as its upcoming matches Bayern’s stars train. in Europe’s premier tournament, the Sixteen-year-old Jasper Bultman ex- UEFA Champions League. pressed his excitement at being able to The team’s winter training camp this watch his favourite Dutch player, Arjen year is led by internationally acclaimed Robben, while in Doha. Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, and His father commented, “We’re very comprises some of the biggest foot- impressed with Aspire Zone, it’s a green balling icons in the history of the game. oasis in the middle of a desert. There’s These include FIFA World Cup 2014 a delightful atmosphere here and eve- winners, Philip Lahm, Manuel Neuer, ryone we have met has been very invit- Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery, Arjen ing. Our children are huge football fans Robben, Xabi Alonso, and Arturo Vidal. to watch FC Bayern Munich’s players chooses Aspire Zone as its preferred year after year,” he concluded. to its European counterparts, and the and they kept insisting on attending Commenting on their visit to Aspire up-close during training is a great op- destination to train for the seventh Meanwhile, Founder of the Asso- Aspire Dome and Aspetar can truly be Bayern’s session to see Arjen Robben Zone for the past fi ve years to attend portunity for fans and one that is much consecutive year, that is an indicator of ciation, Abdullah Dashti, added: “When seen as beacons of excellence. The com- and even though today’s our last day Bayern Munich’s open training ses- more enjoyable than seeing them from Aspire Zone’s world-class capabilities. you compare Aspire Zone to similar fa- prehensive sporting services, facilities, we made sure to visit. It was well worth sions, Mohamed al-Dumaikhi, Presi- afar during matches.” It truly is one of the best sporting des- cilities I’ve seen throughout my years of and programmes Aspire off ers can easily taking the time and we’re all thrilled to dent of the FC Bayern Munich Fans As- “When one of the world’s greatest tinations in the world and you can see travel, I can honestly say Aspire Zone is compete with the world’s most estab- have been able to see them and get so sociation in Kuwait, said: “Being able football clubs such as Bayern Munich why the world’s top teams come back defi nitely on way above par compared lished sporting organisations in hugely close to them.”