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Home , Bakary Sako, Handled the ball, Rumman Raees

SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 21 The focus is trying to win each TODAY’S Football Kane Williamson game. The guys were smart ACTION EPL Test match New Zealand skipper after today and that’s something we winning the ODI series against Chelsea vs India vs pride ourselves on. Pakistan. Leicester City South Africa

Root lines up India strike late to bounce back for first IPL

AFP SCOREBOARD auction South Africa (I innings) CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA: D Elgar c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 31 AFP Two run-outs and the bowling A Markram c Patel b Ashwin ...... 94 of Ravichandran Ashwin gave H Amla (Pandya) ...... 82 NEW DELHI: England Test India the edge on the first day of A de Villiers b I Sharma ...... 20 skipper and star batsman Joe F du Plessis () ...... 24 the second Test against South Q de Kock c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 0 Root is among 282 foreign Africa at SuperSport Park V Philander run out (Patel) ...... 0 players looking to play in this yesterday. K Maharaj (batting) ...... 10 year’s big-paying Indian South Africa finished on 269 Extras (LB7, NB1) ...... 8 , the cricket for six. They had been cruising Total (6 wkts) ...... 269 board announced yesterday. at 246 for three and seemed set Fall of : 1-85, 2-148, 3-199, 4-246, 5-250, 6-251 The player auction for the for a big total after winning the Bowling: Bumrah 18-4-57-0 (1nb), Mohammed Shami 11th IPL Twenty20 tournament toss and batting on an easy- 11-2-46-0, I Sharma 16-3-32-1, Pandya 14-4-37-0, Ash- is set for January 27-28 in Ban- win 31-8-90-3 paced pitch. galore, the Board of Control for To bat: K Rabada, M Morkel, L Ngidi Aiden Markram (94) and India: V Kohli, M Vijay, L Rahul, C Pujara, R Sharma, P Patel, H Cricket in India (BCCI) said. Hashim Amla (82) were mainly Pandya, R Ashwin, I Sharma, Mohammed Shami, J Bumrah. Some 1,122 players will be responsible for getting South on the auction block for the Africa into a strong position eight teams to bid for. despite some good bowling by to Patel when he glanced Ishant “The list that has been sent off-spinner Ashwin, who took Sharma to the wicketkeeper’s out to the eight IPL franchises three for 90 in 31 overs. left with his score on 30, but then has 281 capped players, 838 The day changed dramati- played with authority. uncapped players, including cally with an outstanding piece Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin (centre) celebrates the of South African batsman Dean Patel was playing in place of 778 Indians and three players of by Hardik Pandya, Elgar (not in picture) during the first day of the second Test match against South Africa at Supersport Wriddhiman Saha, who had a from the associate nations,” who ran out Amla for 82. Two cricket ground yesterday. hamstring injury. said a BCCI release. more wickets fell in the next 14 India made two other It predicted “a fierce bid- balls. but Indian Virat Kohli first spell before coming back to Markram and a struggling changes. Lokesh Rahul replaced ding war” for Indian stars Amla, who looked set for a persisted with Ashwin and was bowl another lengthy spell. Dean Elgar (31) put on 85 for Shikhar Dhawan as an opening Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj century to end a poor run of form rewarded when De Kock edged Markram, playing in his fifth the first before Elgar batsman and fast bowler Ishant Singh, with spinners Ravi- which had brought scores of 5, Ashwin to Kohli at slip to be out Test, looked set for a third cen- went down the wicket and Sharma came in for Bhuv- chandran Ashwin, Harbhajan 3 and 4 in his previous three Test first ball. tury to go with hundreds he was by Murali Vijay at neshwar Kumar. Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Kul- innings, played a ball from It got worse for South Africa made against the modest oppo- silly mid-off, checking a drive South Africa again opted for deep Yadav and openers Pandya to the on-side and was when Vernon Philander set off sition of Bangladesh and Zim- when Ashwin the ball a four-pronged pace attack, Lokesh Rahul and Murali called for a sharp single by South for a suicidal run and found him- babwe. He struck the ball with a bit shorter so that Elgar picking new cap Lungi Ngidi in Vijay also going under the African captain Faf du Plessis. self at the same end as Du Plessis authority, particularly off the could not reach the pitch of place of the injured . hammer. Amla, on his back foot, was to be run out without scoring. back foot, before he tried to the ball. Ngidi, 21, played in three Foreign stars will include slow to start and Pandya raced Contrary to expectations, guide a ball from Ashwin Hashim Amla made his 82 off Twenty20 internationals last Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Gayle, to pick up the ball, turned and there was no assistance for the towards third man and was 153 balls with 14 fours. He sur- season but has played in only Chris Lynn, Eoin Morgan and threw down the stumps at the fast bowlers and Ashwin carried caught behind by Parthiv Patel. vived a half-chance to Hardik nine first-class matches, taking Australian pace bowlers bowler’s end. the bowling attack, taking two Markram made 94 off 150 Pandya at short midwicket off 31 wickets at an average of Mitchell Starc and Pat The second new ball was due for 53 in an unchanged 17-over balls and hit 15 fours. Ashwin on 14 and a diving catch 20.45. Cummins. Five-star Boult helps NZ crush Pakistan

AFP SCOREBOARD was very satisfying.” Williamson disappointing, a tough loss,” he said the target now was to said. “Our bowlers bowled very DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND: A New Zealand Pakistan remain unbeaten. well but the problems continue withering spell by Trent Boult M Guptill run out (Sarfraz/Shadab) ...... 45 c Taylor b Boult ...... 0 “That’s the focus. The focus with the batting which again saw New Zealand destroy Paki- C Munro c Sarfraz b Faheem ...... 8 b Boult ...... 2 is trying to win each game. The flopped. The problem is (facing) K Williamson c Hafeez b Rumman ...... 73 run out (Santner/Latham) ...... 8 stan by 183 runs in the third R Taylor lbw Shadab ...... 52 c Taylor b Boult ...... 0 guys were smart today and that’s the new ball.” one-day international in T Latham c Shoaib b Rumman ...... 35 c Taylor b Ferguson ...... 3 something we pride ourselves Boult removed Azhar Ali, Dunedin yesterday to comfort- H Nicholls c&b Shadab ...... 0 Sarfraz Ahmed () ...... 14 on,” he said. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad ably wrap up the series in M Santner b Hasan ...... 6 b Munro ...... 0 “It was a fantastic perform- Hafeez in the space of five balls Dunedin. T Astle c Fakhar b Rumman ...... 5 c Astle b Ferguson ...... 10 ance all round. Trent was out- to put Pakistan in a hole they New Zealand have won all T Southee b Hasan ...... 6 c Williamson b Munro ...... 1 standing getting five. were never going to get out of. three matches so far and captain L Ferguson (not out) ...... 6 b Boult ...... 14 Pakistan had slumped to After 10 overs, the tourists T Boult b Hasan ...... 13 Rumman Raees b Boult ...... 16 Kane Williamson said the target Extras: (LB2, W4, NB2) ...... 8 Extras: (W6) ...... 6 eight for 32 in the 19th over and were three down for just nine is a clean sweep of all five ODIs. Total: (all out) ...... 257 Total: (all out) ...... 74 threatened two unwanted runs and while they struggled to Boult rocked Pakistan with Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-84, 3-158, 4-209, 5-209, Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-2, 3-2, 4-13, 5-15, 6-16, 7-30, records -- the lowest ODI score stay afloat, Babar Azam was three wickets in five balls to take 6-226, 7-226, 8-233, 9-239, 10-257 8-32, 9-52, 10-74 of 35, held by Zimbabwe, and unnecessarily run out. Part-time out the cream of their top order Bowling: Amir 8-1-34-0 (2w, 1nb), Faheem 6-1-29-1, Bowling: Southee 7-3-19-0 (1w), Boult 7.2-1-17-5 (1w), Pakistan’s own lowest score of bowler , with career New Zealand’s Trent Boult (right) on his way to figures of five for Rumman 10-0-51-3 (1w, 1nb), Hasan 10-0-59-3 (1w), Munro 7-1-10-2, Ferguson 6-0-28-2 (3w) 43. Sarfraz Ahmed (14 not out), figures of one for 203 before this celebrates with team-mate Shadab 10-0-51-2, Shoaib 6-0-31-0 : New Zealand won by 183 runs. 17. After New Zealand made 257 Mohammad Amir (14) and match bowled Shadab Khan Mitchell Santner after bowling batting first,boosted by 11 in the Rumman Raees (16) added 42 for without scoring and had Hasan Pakistan’s Rumman Raees during final over before Boult was dis- “It was a big game for us. We “To score only 250 on the the last two wickets but Sarfraz Ali spectacularly caught by Wil- the third ODI match at University missed on the last ball, Pakistan wanted to get the series done,” board we knew we had to fight saw serious problems with the liamson for one to return figures Oval in Dunedin, yesterday. were all out for 74 in the 28th. said man of the match Boult. hard and to come out like that top order batting. “It was very of two for 10 off seven overs. McIlroy focused on more Asia rally to stay one majors not heart concern point clear of Europe

REUTERS Clarke’s European team romped to AFP a worry, yeah. “I need to get back on that an 18 1/2-5 1/2 blowout victory over track and this year my goals are to add KUALA LUMPUR: Asia made a their Asian counterparts after the LONDON: Golf superstar Rory McIlroy to my major tally and get back to world strong comeback after trailing early inaugural matchplay contest was (pictured) says a heart defect will not number one, winning more times than to split yesterday’s EurAsia Cup tied two years earlier. prevent him from challenging again to anyone else. foursomes with Europe as the hosts Race to Dubai winner Tommy be world number one and add to his tally “It’s simple, there are no excuses with maintained a one-point lead over Fleetwood and Henrik Stenson put of four majors. my game or my private life. I’ve had the the defending champions going into Europe on the board as they tied The 28-year-old Northern Irish- best time of my life in the last few months,” the final day’s 12 singles matches. the overall score on Saturday by man, who begins his year in Abu Dhabi added McIlroy, who spent his honeymoon Trailing 3 1/2-2 1/2 after Friday’s handing the visitors a 3 and 2 win next week ranked 11 in the world, told with Erica on a road trip through Italy. fourballs, Thomas Bjorn’s side over Indian pairing Anirban Lahiri The Daily Telegraph he doesn’t lose too McIlroy, who recently bought South quickly erased the deficit and then and S.S.P Chawrasia. much sleep over it. African star Ernie Els’s house in Florida, moved ahead by winning three of “It was a really good morning, “I have a flat T-wave and I’ll have to believes he has the mental strength now the first four matches at the Glen- we played really solid. We didn’t get an echo (cardiogram) on my heart on doing that anyway.” McIlroy, whose to take on all comers and not to freeze. marie Golf and Country Club. make a bogey, we made quite a few every six months and an MRI scan every marriage last year to Erica was a high “I still feel that on my day, if I’m on my However, the Arjun Atwal-cap- birdies and in foursomes that’s year,” he said. point while on the course he failed to win roll, and especially if I’m playing with them...I tained Asia team, finished with a going to be hard to beat, really,” “I suffered a really bad viral infection a tournament, accepts he has to regain just crave to be in that position again. flourish by picking up the Englishman Fleetwood said after in China 18 months ago and they told me his brio on the circuit. “That hasn’t always been the case with remaining three points to end the the match. that’s the reason that I have this thicken- “I won four majors from 2011 to 2014 me. The first three years with my career I day 6 1/2-5 1/2 ahead, retaining “I won’t mind playing doubles ing of my left ventricle and there’s a bit and everyone was saying ‘that’s Tiger struggled when it came to that head-to- their hopes of winning a first Eur- again, I have really enjoyed playing of scar tissue. pace’,” said McIlroy. head stuff down the stretch, with the big Asia Cup title at the third edition of this team game... Looking forward “For now, I just need to stay on top of “I realise everyone knows I haven’t guys, but now I actually think it’s when I the event. to the singles and we will see where it and have to stay fit. Hey, I was planning won one in the last three years and that is am at my best.” In the 2016 competition, Darren we are at the end of the day.” 22 SPORT SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2018 Djokovic’s elbow healed but not ‘100 percent’

REUTERS much more I can do. I’ve done really everything in my power, : Former world with a team of people around number one Novak Djokovic me, to enable me to be right (pictured) admits his elbow is here in front of you guys, and not yet 100 percent as the Serb to compete in Australian Open.” prepares to return from six Djokovic said the injury had months out at the Australian been bothering him for about Open. 18 months before the pain, The six-times champion, which he felt on his serve, who last played competitively became too much. at Wimbledon in July, says he The Serb confirmed the is still managing the injury, injury had not needed surgery which has caused him to abbre- but would not answer a ques- Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return viate his service action. tion as to whether he required to Ashley Barty of Sydney final yesterday. “It hasn’t been 100 percent a pain-killing injection to play. yet healed,” Djokovic told Djokovic tested out his reporters at Melbourne Park elbow, and his new serve, in an yesterday. exhibition match earlier this “But right now it’s at the week, beating Austria’s Dominic level where I can compete, and Thiem, in straight sets. Kerber issues Australian every day is getting better.” “I’m happy with the new Djokovic said he had been service motion,” he said. convinced by doctors that he “I don’t want to say ‘new would not be doing the injury serve’, but new service motion. any more damage by playing “I feel like I spend less Open warning with title in Melbourne. energy but I’m more efficient. “I’m hoping that it can be I’m really looking forward to 100 percent at the start of the trying out my new serve here.” REUTERS double-faulted to hand Kerber tournament. I don’t know how Seeded 14th having the first break and a 3-2 lead, it’s going to behave. Even if it’s dropped down the rankings SYDNEY: Former world and the German served out the 100 percent healed, after six during his injury hiatus, Djok- number one Angelique Kerber opening set with little months of no competition, you ovic said he was confident he continued her 2018 resurgence trouble. never know how you’re going could still compete. with a 6-4, 6-4 win over The second set witnessed to react,” the 30-year-old “I still know what I’m capa- Ashleigh Barty in the Sydney an early exchange of breaks added. ble of and I believe in my own International final yesterday, before Kerber broke the Aus- “So let’s see. There’s not abilities to win against the best giving herself a welcome boost tralian to love to move 4-3 playersplayers in the worldworld,”, he ssaid. ahead of next week’s Austral- ahead and picked up her 11th “I“I know that if I get myselfm ian Open. career title when Barty found to desired level of pperformanceerform The German two-time the net after yet another pow- -- mental and physical ---- that Grand Slam champion, cur- erful Kerber forehand. I can actu- ally hhave rently ranked 22nd in the In the men’s draw, Russian a good world after a disappointing qualifier Daniil Medvedev ral- chancechance toto 2017 campaign, registered her lied to defeat 18-year-old ggoo far in the ninth win in as many matches Australian Alex de Minaur 1-6 ttourna-ourna- this year with another clinical 6-4 7-5 in the final. ment.” performance against the local De Minaur, ranked 167 in favourite. the world and the youngest It was the first individual Angelique Kerber kisses the Sydney International trophy. player to reach an ATP World Tour final since American Tay- final since Monterrey in April last Kerber said in a court-side lor Fritz at Memphis in 2016, year for the 29-year-old left- interview after claiming a first showed impressive fighting hander, who won the Australian title since her US Open spirit to recover from 4-0 I am playing and US Open titles in 2016. triumph. down in the decider to level the amazing tennis “Thanks to my team for “I am playing amazing ten- third set at 5-5. However, again and I am believing in me and support- nis again and I am just feeling Medvedev halted his charge ing me, we had an excellent great.” with a break of serve in the 11th just feeling great: week. I am really looking for- After some tight early serv- game before holding to love to Angelique Kerber ward to the rest of the year,” ice games, Barty claim his first ATP title.

Del Potro optimistic No warm-up tournaments despite Auckland but top seed Nadal is ready Classic defeat AFP

AUCKLAND: Juan Martin del Potro shrugged off his loss AFP Yet he is unfazed and raring to to Roberto Bautista Agut in the ATP Auckland Classic final go as seeks to go one better than Rafael Nadal during practice yesterday and declared himself ready for the Australian MELBOURNE: Top seed Rafael last year when he lost an epic Mel- in Melbourne yesterday. Open. Nadal starts the Australian Open bourne Park final to Roger The Argentinian dropped every serve in the first set next week for the first time in his Federer. as Bautista Agut, the 2016 Auckland champion, claimed career without playing a warm- “Its the first time I am here his second title with a 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 victory. up tournament, and no uncle Toni without playing an official match But del Potro, projected to rise to 10 in the world rank- by his side. in my career. It’s a new situation ings next week, said he was pleased with his performance But the Spanish star said yes- for me. But I feel good,” said the as he fights his way back from wrist injuries. terday he feels good and his 31-year-old, who played his first “It was a good start of the year for me. I didn’t expect motivation remains strong. Australian Open in 2004. to reach a final in my first tournament,” said del Potro, Nadal, who is gunning for a “I feel that I had a good week- the 2009 US Open champion. 17th major title but only his sec- and-a-half of practices. I really The 29-year-old’s career has been hindered by injury ond Australian Open crown, was hope to be ready. I feel myself and he most recently damaged his problem left wrist in hampered by a knee injury at the more or less playing well.” the Shanghai Masters three months ago. tail-end of the 2017 season. With so few matches under his “I played well and I’m looking forward to doing well It forced him to skip the lead- belt ahead of the season-opening in Melbourne. It’s a big event for me, another Grand Slam up Brisbane International this Grand Slam, he asked organisers which is amazing after all my wrist problems,” he said. month, and he has only had a one- if they could do him a special Del Potro is seeded 12th in the Australian Open with match workout at the exhibition favour, and they obliged. Bautista Agut 20th, but it was the Spaniard who was in Kooyong Classic in Melbourne It saw Nadal play Austrian command in Auckland. ahead of the Grand Slam starting world number five Dominic Thiem Monday. this week on a practice court “We did it. It was a good prac- to win each of the four Grand Juan Martin del Potro under full match conditions, with tice, good feelings for both of us I Slams twice. ball kids, scoreboard, and umpire. think. The job was done the right The only place he is yet to “I wanted to play a couple of way.” achieve the double is Australia. close competition matches. I Despite his achievements in a “For me, the Australian Open For me, the Australian played in Kooyong once. The club long career, motivation for Nadal, always, if you are not 100 percent Open always, if you in Kooyong is great, but at the who needs to reach the quarter- motivated to play this tournament, same time the conditions of play finals to be certain of retaining his you probably you don’t love this are not 100 percent are completely different from world number one ranking, with sport,” he said. motivated to play here,” he explained. Federer breathing down his neck, But he knows anything can this tournament, you “That’s my feeling. We decided remains undiminished. happen so early in the season, probably you don’t to play another match. Talking Not only can he clinch a 17th despite being the top ranked with the Australian Open, yeah, Grand Slam in Melbourne, but he player in the world. love this sport, says top they gave us the chance to play also has the opportunity to join “Everyone starts from zero. I seed Rafael Nadal like an open practice but closer to Roy Emerson and Rod Laver as start from zero again,” the top seed the match for the crowd. only the third man in the Open era said. SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 23 10-man Leicester hold Chelsea

AFP ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE English Premier League results yesterday: LONDON: Chelsea did little to Chelsea 0 Leicester City 0 take the spotlight away from Crystal Palace 1 (Sako 21) Burnley 0 manager Antonio Conte, linked Huddersfield Town 1 (Lolley 40) West Ham United 4 with a post-season move to (Noble 25, Arnautovic 46, Lanzini 56, 61) French giants Saint- Newcastle United 1 (Joselu 68) Swansea 1 (Ayew Germain this week, in a goalless 60) draw with Leicester City yester- Watford 2 (Gray 58, Doucoure 90) Southampton 2 day. (Ward-Prowse 20, 44) Alan Pardew oversaw his West Bromwich Albion 2 (Evans 4, Dawson 55) first Premier League victory as Brighton & Hove Albion 0 West Brom manager thanks to a Playing today (kick-offs GMT) 2-0 win over Brighton, while Bournemouth vs Arsenal (1330), Liverpool vs Man- Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle came chester City (1600) from behind to draw 1-1 with Playing Monday (2000 GMT)

bottom-of-the-table Swansea United vs Stoke City City as the battle to avoid rele- gation intensified. With Tottenham Hotspur playing against Everton and run- 4-1. West Ham, in common with away leaders Manchester City Palace, are one of several clubs not facing Liverpool until today, towards the foot of the table who Chelsea were the only top six have changed managers mid- side involved in a 1500 GMT season in a bid to preserve their kick-off. top-flight status, with David But the Blues could not Moyes replacing Slaven Bilic at pierce Leicester’s defence at the London Stadium. Stamford Bridge even when vis- Moyes’s men opened the iting left-back Ben Chilwell was scoring at Huddersfield in the sent off for a second bookable 25th minute when Town’s Joe offence midway through the sec- Lolley dithered on the edge of his ond half. box and was dispossessed, with Meanwhile Chelsea and Eng- Mark Noble advancing into the land defender Gary Cahill went area before unleashing a pow- off injured in the first half as the erful shot. Blues were left 15 points adrift of But Lolley atoned for his City. error five minutes before the West Brom, who kicked off break by drawing the visitors level on points with Swansea, level after he cut inside Noble needed just four minutes to take Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy (centre) in action with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta during the English Premier League and curled a fine shot into the far the lead at The Hawthorns when match at Stamford Bridge, London, Britain, yesterday. corner. West Ham, however, Jonny Evans headed in from a regained the lead a minute after corner. the break when Marko Arnau- And they went 2-0 up in the later with virtually his first touch than usual as Hornets fans last weekend’s 1-0 win FA Cup It looked as if Doucoure had tovic, straight from the kick off, 56th minute thanks to a Craig of the game. marked the first anniversary of victory over Fulham, doubled the inadvertently turned the ball in hooked the ball past Tommy Dawson header. James Ward-Prowse scored the passing of their celebrated Saints’ lead shortly before half- with his hand as he stooped for Smith and shot home. The Baggies remained in the his first two goals of the Premier former manager and ex-England time after he was unselfishly a header but the goal stood and Manuel Lanzini made it 3-1 relegation zone as indeed did League season for Southampton boss Graham Taylor. played in by Dusan Tadic. denied Southampton a first before scoring his second and the Swansea. but that wasn’t enough to give But despite the highly- Watford pulled a goal back league win in 10 games. Hammers’ fourth in the 61st Jordan Ayew gave Swansea the Saints a desperately-needed charged atmosphere, it was through an Andre Gray header Crystal Palace’s Bakary Sako minute. Today sees Arsenal away the lead on the hour in Newcas- win as hosts Watford rallied for Southampton who broke the and then equalised in controver- scored the only goal of the game to Bournemouth while Manches- tle when he nodded in a rebound a 2-2 draw. deadlock thanks to Ward- sial fashion right at the finish in the 21st minute as Roy Hodg- ter United, second but still 15 after an initial header was Vicarage Road was even Prowse’s low strike in the 20th when Abdoulaye Doucoure son’s Eagles saw off Burnley 1-0 points behind Manchester City, blocked before Magpies substi- more brightly bedecked in the minute. turned in a at Selhurst Park, while West Ham face managerless Stoke at Old tute Joselu equalised 10 minutes club’s traditional yellow colours Ward-Prowse, on target in flick-on. overpowered Huddersfield Town Trafford on Monday. Qatar sets the ball rolling with first NBA Store in Middle East

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The opening of the first NBA (National Basketball Asso- ciation) Store in the Middle East will be a catalyst for more fran- chises across the region, says NBA EMEA Vice President, Global Merchandising Vandana Balach- andar. The NBA and Al Mana Fash- ion Group yesterday officially announced the opening of the first NBA Store in the Middle East, located at Doha Festival City. Doha now joins a handful and select list of cities globally which have NBA Stores. “We have a handful of stores around the world, in Brazil, in Taiwan, Beijing and Philippines, South America, New York and Doha,” Balachandar said, while speaking during the opening ceremony. “We have just nine or ten stores around the world. We have smaller formats of collec- tively some 300 different touch points for fans around the world. Three-time NBA All-Star and 2004 NBA Champion Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton (left), Al Mana Sports Division General Manager Tom Foley right)( and NBA EMEA Vice President, But as far as official stores are Global Merchandising Vandana Balachandar at the opening of the first NBA Store in the Middle East, located at Doha Festival City yesterday. Right: Larry O’ Brien NBA concerned, it is just nine or ten,” Championship Trophy on display at the NBA Store at Doha Festival City. PICS: KAMMUTTY VP/THE PENINSULA she added. The Qatar market is a key “We except to see, and hope- “Excited to be in Qatar and jerseys, fan apparel, headwear, the Qatari basketball consumer.” NBA Connected Jersey, the first player for basketball officials fully, more stores opening, happy to have the opportunity footwear, basketballs, toys and “Our first NBA Store in the NBA jersey that gives the wearer world wide, she said. hopefully it will be a catalyst for to open this store. Its heartening more, providing a one stop shop- region will meet the growing an all-access pass into the world “Doha specifically is the mar- more events and more activa- to see how the game has spread ping experience for NBA fans in demand that Qatari fans have for of their favorite team and ket where people showed lot of tion for our brands in the region,” globally, the excitement from the region. authentic NBA products,” said players. interest, lot of people playing the she said. fans all over the world, shows “The NBA Store is an excit- Balachandar. Fans can also personalize sport and people buying our The official store opening that the game has evolved,” said ing new concept to our portfolio,” “We are excited to partner jerseys exclusively at the NBA merchandise and our partner- was attended by three-time NBA Hamilton, said Foley. with Al Mana Fashion Group to Store in Doha. The store also ship with bein Sports is the big All-Star and 2004 NBA Cham- The 162 square-meter retail “With the support of the NBA, bring the latest NBA merchan- offers youth apparel, a range medium for us in the region—a pion Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton, who space, managed by Al Mana, fea- we have managed to bring this con- dise to fans in the region to help of autographed memorabilia, perfect place to launch out store was joined by Al Mana Sports tures a wide selection of cept to Qatar. The store has great them celebrate their passion for and an interactive zone where in the region,” added the Division General Manager Tom authentic NBA products, includ- merchandise and delivers the real the NBA.” fans can hone their NBA 2K official. Foley. ing current and former player NBA experience, which will inspire Fans can purchase a Nike skills. SPORT Sunday 14 January 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 McIlroyM focused on Djokovic’s elbow Conte frustrated as more majors not healed but not ‘100 10-man Leicesterer heart concern percent’ hold Chelsea Qatar eye last-8 berth with China scalp

THE PENINSULA

CHANGZHOU: Qatar will be eyeing a win against hosts China tomorrow when the two sides meet in the third AFC U-23 Asian Cup match, influential defender Bassam Al Rawi said yesterday, A win tomorrow would give Group A leaders the points to seal a quarter-finals berth at Changzhou Olympic Sports Center. In an interview, Al Rawi said unbeaten Qatar cannot afford to relax despite Friday’s 1-0 win over Oman. In their opening match of the tournament, Qatar - coached by Felix Sanchez - beat Uzbekistan 1-0. In another game last Friday, Uzbekistan stunned hosts China 1-0. Qatar’s U23 players during a training session in Changzhou yesterday. “We played well versus Oman, we gave our best and we got the three points,” Al Rawi told “We have six points, but that While recognising the size of stadium, and I think it’s going to the www.the-afc.com website. doesn’t mean we have qualified. the task that awaits Qatar when be a difficult for us to win, but The talented Al Duhail We need to take three points they face China, Al Rawi is opti- we can do it. We are feeling con- defender was a member of the against China,” he said. mistic of his side’s chances of a fident and we will always go for Qatar squad at the 2016 edition China began their AFC U23 victory tomorrow. the win.” of the AFC U23 Championship. Championship campaign in style “It is going to be a difficult Qatar captain Akram Afif said: “At this stage (of the tourna- courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 game, especially as we are play- “Our second win was great. We Qatar’s U23 goalkeeper during a training ment), we always play to win and win over Oman but dropped ing at their home ground,” Al had to work very hard. It gives us session in Changzhou yesterday. to get those all-important three points against Uzbekistan on Rawi explained. confidence. We are looking for- points,” Al Rawi added. Matchday Two. “There might be a full ward to our next game.” Real Madrid Al Rayyan thrash Al Khor shocked at home by as Al Duhail remain on top Villarreal AFP

MADRID: Struggling Real RIZWAN REHMAT Meanwhile, Al Sadd were Madrid risk falling further THE PENINSULA held by bottom-placed Al behind in La Liga after a Markhiya yesterday despite the cheeky late chip from Pablo DOHA: Feared striker Rodrigo return of their key players fol- Fornals saw Villarreal escape Tabata yesterday found his goal- lowing their Gulf Cup with a 1-0 win yesterday, scoring form just when his side assignment. their first ever victory at the needed it as the 37-year-old The match got off to a fast- Santiago Bernabeu. lifted title-chasing Al Rayyan paced start with Al Markhiya also Fornals struck with three past Al Khor 3-0 at Al Sadd stitching quick moves. minutes left to leave Zined- Stadium. In the 6th minute, Al Markhi- ine Zidane’s wasteful side At Qatar SC Stadium, Al ya’s Rebin Ghareeb showed fourth and a whopping 16 Duhail continued goal fest as amazing speed to block the way points behind runaway they crushed Qatar SC 6-0 to of the cross by Algerian import league leaders Barcelona, a stay on top with 32 points. Jugurtha Hamroun towards deficit which will turn into 19 In other match yesterday, Al team-mate Bualem Khoukhi should Barca win at Real Sadd dropped valuable points who was stationed inside the Sociedad today. after a goalless stalemate against box. Villarreal meanwhile spirited Al Markhiya. Al Sadd It would have been an easy move up to fifth on 31 points now have 28 points as do Al defection from close range but thanks to midfielder Fornals’ Rayyan. Ghareeb outpaced Khoukhi to stunning goal, which puts For Al Rayyan, Moroccan stop the dangerous move. Javier Calleja’s side just a midfielder Mohsine Moutaouali In the 15th minute of the point behind off-form Madrid. opened the scoring in the first round 12 clash at Al Sadd Sta- Fornals was on hand for half (45) but it was experienced dium, Hamroun once again the away side just after it Tabata’s (53 penalty and 56) showed great pace but his close- looked like Enes Unal had two slick goals that powered range left-footed flick hit the fluffed his team’s chance after the ‘Lions’ to their convincing outside the net with the entire Al a blistering counter-attack fol- win. Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata (right) and team-mates celebrate a goal against Al Khor yesterday. Markhiya backline lowing a Real Madrid corner. Tabata, who has recovered well-beaten. Turk Unal shot straight at fully from a recent injury, now Ali Sanad and Sultan Al Kuwari.” - jumped high for a snap-header a few meters away from his own Three minutes later, Ham- Keylor Navas when put has an overall tally to 9 goals In the 7th minute of the clash but his high-ball deflection sailed goalline. Moutaouali picked up roun ran all the way down the through by Denis Cheryshev, in the QNB Stars League at Al Sadd Stadium, Al Rayyan above the Al Khor crossbar with- the ball and flicked it into the net left flank before whipping in a but with Navas still recover- season. goalkeeper Omar Barry blocked out causing any damage. with ease. cross for Xavi who misfired with ing from making the save Al Rayyan coach Michael Al Khor striker Yusuf Ali’s dan- In the 24th minute, Soria Luciano’s bad day continued his header that sailed above the Fornals lifted the ball over the Laudrup said after the match: gerous shot from inside the box once again stationed himself when he handled the ball on a head of Al Makrkhiya keeper flailing Madrid stopper. “This result is what we wanted in the game’s first real threaten- inside the Al Khor box for a short lob by Soria inside the Al Khor Rodrigues Santos. Real fired off nearly 30 although we did not start well. ing move. cross but his right-footed shot box. Tabata easily converted the In the 70th minute, Al Markhi- shots but their accuracy was After the first 25 minutes, we In the 11th minute, veteran was blocked by keeper Kane. resultant penalty in the 53rd ya’s Ghanaian import Kwame wayward, with Cristiano Ron- controlled the game. The first striker Sebastian Soria produced In the 37th minute, Al Rayy- minute. Karikari unleashed a powerful aldo among the worst culprits goal came at the right time. Then a long-range bullet from outside an’s Korean import Myongin Koh It was Tabata’s 8th goal of shot past two defenders but his in front of goal. we added two more goals in the the Al Khor box but his shot charged through the Al Khor the season. Three minutes later, fast-paced high ball sailed above So often Real’s saviour, second half.” slipped past the goalpost with defense but his low shot nar- Tabata added another one fol- the Al Sadd crossbar. Ronaldo had a bad day at the Laudrup added at the post- keeper Baba Kane well beaten rowly missed the goalpost after lowing a cross from Juma Al office, with his worst miss match press conference: “After by the pace of the ball. Just a few keeper Kane was in no position Alawi. QSL RESULTS coming just before half-time, the lead we had, it was easy to seconds later, Al Khor’s Ali mis- to stop the ball. In the 88th minute, Al Khor’s when the five-time Ballon control the match. The most fired from close range on a cross Al Rayyan grabbed a 1-0 lead Helal Mohammed Al Saeed Al Rayyan bt Al Khor 3-0 d’Or winner managed to important thing is we have three from Madson with only Al in the dying seconds of the first launched a fierce left-footed Al Duhail bt Qatar SC 6-0 shoot straight at Sergio Asenjo more points from this match and Rayyan keeper Barry to beat. half when Moutaouali made the drive from outside the Al Rayyan after being laid on by Isco in we did not concede a goal. I am A couple minutes later, Soria most of a fumble by Al Khor’s box but his shot sailed above the Al Markhiya draw with Al Sadd 0-0 front of a practically open also happy to see the return of - the former Qatar team striker Luciano Castan who lost the ball head of keeper Barry. goal just yards out.