Sport

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021

EgosEgos bbruised, beaten Australia ponder next step My messagem to our players will be that we’ve got another oopportunitypp in a month or so’s time. We learn from our errors anandd our mistakes in this series and we look to get better in the nexnextt one.

Australia Tim Paine Sport |09 QBF MEN'S LEAGUE: Al Gharafa (Abdulrahman Saad 27) 89-77 Al Sadd (B Dieng 31); Al Shamal (W Arkaji 26) 97-75 Al Arabi (K Murphy 24) 'Big step towards title' as

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Al Kharaitiyat 1-2 Al Gharafa Al Sailiya 0-0 Al Ahli Al Sadd thrash Al Khor 7-0 Al Sadd 7-0 Al Khor FAWAD HUSSAIN Spanish star Santiago Cazorla con- THE PENINSULA verted a penalty in 41st-minute penalty while Ali Asad netted in 71st Al Sadd are unstoppable this season. minute to put their name on the ‘The Wolves’ are not just defeating scoresheet. their opponents - they are thrashing Al Sadd consolidated their top spot them, and yesterday it was another with 41 points, 13 clear of second- ruthless display of attacking football. placed Al Duhail after their emphatic On their home turf, Xavi Hern- victory in front of home fans. andez-coached side crushed Al Khor In week 13, Al Sadd crushed Al 7-0 to continue their goal-fest that has Sailiya 8-0 and week 5, the Wolves seen them scoring 60 goals from 15 hammered Al Ahli 7-1. Three times this matches at an average of 4 goals per season Al Sadd beat their rivals 5-0: match. The closest side to reigning Al Kharaitiyat twice and Al Sailiya Amir Cup champions in terms of once. scoring are QSL champions Al Duhail, “We have taken a big step towards who have netted 37 times from 15 winning the title with a 13-point lead,” games. said Xavi yesterday while expressing Veteran Rodrigo Tabata his delight after big victory. emerged as star for Al Sadd “We produced magnif- yesterday, completing his icent performance and I first hat-trick of the am very happy. I am happy season with goals in 36th, with the performance of 49th and 57th minutes. players, who have not Feared Algerian striker played much before, Baghdad Bounedjah also including Suhail, Musab, scored a brace (7th and Salem and Tabata, who 33rd minutes) to go top in performed more than the list of leading scorers excellent and deserve to be with 17 goals this season. praised with the rest of the players,” Xavi added. “We are enjoying the best moments of the season and we must benefit a lot from them.” he added. Last night, Al Sadd were in total control against 11th placed Al Khor, who succumbed to their ninth defeat. The Al Sadd players congratulate team-mate Rodrigo Tabata after the latter completed his hat-trick against Al Khor yesterday. Wolves dominated their opponents rivals with 61 percent ball maintaining lead on the points table. Al Kharaitiyat remained on six were dominant in the second half as possession, unlike When we put pressure on Al Khor, we points. well but the advantage went to Al their first-leg game had a good time in the first half by Despite an aggressive display by Kharaitiyat after Al Gharafa’s Saeed against Al Khor when scoring four goals,” said Al Sadd’s Al Gharafa, Al Kharaitiyat did well to Alhaj was sent off in the 67th minute. both teams failed to Ahmed Suhail. stop their opponents from scoring Majed Aman set Evans for the game’s break the deadlock. “The great result was achieved by goals early in the match. opening goal. They were leading the fact that we respected the Al Khor Ivory Coast striker After getting a neat lob from Aman, 4-0 at half-time team and took nothing for granted. created the first chance when he fired Evans charged into the box and fired and added three We converted the opportunities into ball from the edge of the box, but Al a shot that caught a slight deflection goals to complete goals and team work is the secret of Kharaitiyat’s goalkeeper Shehab of a dive by Al Muhaza and went into the rout. Al Sadd’s strength in all matches in Ellethy dived to his left to block the the net giving the keeper no chance “We entered the league,” he added. move. to stop the ball. the match with Meanwhile, 10-man Al Gharafa Al Gharafa continued to attack in However, the lead didn’t last for the aim of retained their third spot after they the first session with , long as Hassan curled a clinical kick winning and rallied to edge Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 at Al Ahmed Al Janehi, Yousef Muftah and to score an equaliser, two minutes Ahli Stadium, in yesterday first match. Kodjia making attacks at regular before scoring the winner off a Yousef Captain Moiad Hassan scored intervals. Muftah cross. goals in 77th and 79th minutes to Al Kharaitiyat’s Rachid Tiber- In other match yesterday, Al secure full points for Al Gharafa after kanine, however also gave Al Gharafa Sailiya and Al Ahli played out a Mensah Evans scored for Al scare when he sneaked into the box goalless draw at Al Ahli Stadium. Al Al Sadd's Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates after Kharaitiyat in the 70th minute. but his shot from close range was Ahli remained on 6th position with 23 scoring his second goal against Al Khor yesterday. With the win, Al Gharafa moved blocked by Tameem Al Muhaza. points while Al Sailiya also retained to 27 points while bottom-placed Former champions Al Gharafa their 8th spot with 19 points. Djokovic hits back at criticism over AO quarantine stance

REUTERS – MELBOURNE “... at times when I see the aftermathath ofof needed.” DjokovicDjokovic also expressed grat-grat- things, I do tend to ask myself if I shouldd jujustst itude towards ororganisersganisers TA, the AusAus-- I am very sorry that it has come to that World number one Novak Djokovic yesterday sit back and enjoy my benefits insteadad ooff traliantralian ggovernmentovernment and the citizens to because I do know how grateful many hit back at criticism of his letter to Australian paying attention to other people’s struggles.”ggles.” allowallow the plaplayersyers to compete amid the are. We all came to Australia to Open chief Craig Tiley in which he suggested Tennis coach Daniel Vallverdu told Reuterseuters pandemic.pandemic. compete. Not being able to train and easing of quarantine restrictions, saying his that players in hard quarantine shouldd ggetet “Things“Things in the media escalated andand good intentions were “misconstrued”. preferential treatment from organisers such therethere was a general impression that ththee prepare before the tournament starts As many as 72 players are confined to as prime practice times and matches scheduledduled players (including myself) are ungrateful, is really not easy. None of us ever their hotel rooms for 14 days and unable to in the cooler hours of the day. weakweak aandnd seselfishlfish because of questioned 14 days of quarantine train for the Feb. 8-21 Australian Open after Djokovic, who last year quit as thee ATP their unpleasant feelings despite what is being said by media passengers on three charter flights carrying Players Council chief to launch a breakawayaway inin quarantine,” he outlets: Novak them to Melbourne tested positive for the players body, won a record eighth Australianralian added. Djokovic novel coronavirus. Open title in Melbourne in 2020. “I am very sorry Djokovic reportedly asked for reduced Former Australian Davis Cup playerr Sam thatthat itit hashas cocomeme to isolation periods and having players in hard Groth accused Djokovic’s letter as a “selfishelfish thatthat becausebecause I dodo quarantine moved to “private houses with political move” while Nick Kyrgios calleded the know how grateful tennis courts”, drawing a backlash from Serbian a “tool”. manymany are. We aallll Australians. Djokovic said he “genuinely” cared aboutabout camecame to AustraliaAustralia Tiley confirmed they were suggestions fellow players. to compete. NNotot and not demands. “I’ve earned my privileges the hard wwayay ... being able to train “My good intentions for my fellow com- it is very difficult for me to be a mere onlookerooker and prprepareepare beforebefore petitors in Melbourne have been miscon- knowing how much every help, gesture,e, and thethe tournamenttournament startsstarts strued as being selfish, difficult and good word mattered to me when I was ssmallmall isis really not easy. ungrateful,” the Serbian, who is isolating in and insignificant in the world pecking order,”rder,” “None of us ever ques-ques- Adelaide along with other top players, said he said. tioned 14 daysdays of quar-quar- in a lengthy statement. “Hence, I use my position of privilegeege to antine despite what is being “This couldn’t be farther from the truth. be of service as much as I can where and whenwhen saidsaid byby mmediaedia outlets.”outlets.” THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11 IHF World Championship: Britain’s Peaty wins ticket to face defending champs Denmark Tokyo Olympics

REUTERS – LONDON THE PENINSULA – Qatar's Frankis Carol Marzo attempts to score against Croatia during their IHF Handball World Championship Britain’s world and Olympic 100 metres Asian Champions Qatar will Preliminary Round Group C match on Tuesday. breaststroke champion Adam Peaty said meet the reigning Olympic he was hopeful the delayed Tokyo Games and World Champions would go ahead after his place on the plane Denmark today when Al was confirmed by Team GB yesterday. Annabi kick off their The 26-year-old, who is also the 100m campaign in the main round world record holder, was the first British of the 27th IHF Men's World athlete to win gold at the 2016 Rio de Championship in Cairo, Janeiro Games, his Olympic debut. today. Peaty was one of four swimmers named The match will kick off at on an initial short-list, the others being 10.30pm Qatar time at the double Olympic relay silver medallist Cairo International Stadium. Duncan Scott and Olympic first timers In the main round, Qatar's James Wilby and Luke Greenbank. other Group 2 counterparts Others will be confirmed after the include Croatia, Japan, British championships scheduled to take Argentina, and Bahrain. place in London in April, with possible addi- The two teams ranked tional discretionary selections in June. first and second in each “I’m very happy to make the Olympic group, qualify for the quar- team. It’s always a huge pride and honour terfinals at the start of the to represent my country in what I do best,” elimination rounds in the said Peaty. tournament. “There is a lot of work to do from now Qatar made it to the main until then, but I’m very hopeful the round of the 32-team event Olympics will go ahead and it’ll see con- after finishing second in tinued success for Team GB.” Peaty has Group C in the preliminary been able to train and compete despite the round in which they defeated pandemic and smashed the 100m breast- Angola (30:25) and Japan stroke short course world record at the (31:29). They went down International Swimming League (ISL) finals fighting to Croatia in their in Budapest in November. third match on Tuesday. Some other Olympic hopefuls have had Qatar coach Valero Rivera game you will win a day and were strong, so I feel satisfied confirming he is proud of his Several more positive a tougher time, however. Team GB hailed his team's perform- loss in another day.'' with the results we achieved teammates’ performance. COVID-19 tests were recorded swimming leader Chris Spice said he felt ances despite the loss in the “Croatia is a great team as and our success in qualifying “We will concentrate on few days ago in addition to the ‘desperately sorry” for those whose training final preliminary round they are the runners-up of for the main role and getting the coming games in the main Danish case and the confirmed environments had been “compromised” as match. European Championship,” second place in the group," round of the World Champi- cases were immediately a result of the pandemic. On Tuesday, Croatia got Rivera said. Rivera added, noting that the onship,” Madadi said. isolated. “We continue to work hard to ensure in front in the first period with “We performed well next stage will be more pow- Meanwhile, the organ- "The outcome confirms our current elite athlete group can train, but a 13:11 lead over Qatar, in a during the game as secured a erful as all the teams strive to isers of the Egypt World that the main risk for positive our thoughts are also with those who cannot tense 30 minute period before place in the main round after defend their chances of Championships have COVID-19 cases to occur was access water at the moment,” he added. snatching a 26:24 win over the competing in a tough group,” qualifying. informed the International upon arrival, when the teams “We are hoping that with the extension Asian giants. the Spanish coach said. Qatar captain Ahmad Handball Federation that all entered the bubble," the of the Olympic qualifying window we can, Rivera said that he accepts "All the teams that we Madadi said that they played new COVID-19 PCR tests have organisers announced at least in part, alleviate some of their the defeat, adding that "it’s a faced during the last stage a tough game against Croatia, returned with negative results. yesterday.. concerns.” Qatari horses shine in Paris

QNA – PARIS Once in the straight, the Henri-Pantall trained colt The opening race of the day at looked to be blocked in behind the French seaside racetrack the leaders with plenty of of Cagnes-sur-Mer was won by running and nowhere to go. Yardan in the colors of H H The leader came under Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al pressure from all sides and, Thani. moving slightly off the rail, left The Prix de Fabron, a new- the opportunity for a decisive comers race over 1,500 meters move from Boudot to take on the all-weather, reunited 9 Yardan up a small gap that colts and geldings. The 3-year- briefly opened up on the rail. old colt Yardan, ridden by Yardan, showing a profes- French Champion jockey sional attitude on his first start Pierre-Charles Boudot, was in competition, quickly took the Ali Bin Khatam Al Mehshadi, Chairman of Al Gannas Society, posing for a photograph with the representatives ofLauded (GB) sharply away before settling in lead from Grace Bay, who after Al Shaqab Racing's colt won the Marmi Cup, the feature event of the 27th race meeting at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. 5th position with plenty of fought back bravely. cover. They ran neck and neck to In the final turn, the pace- the line, but Yardan proved the setter Grace Bay held his lead stronger, holding on to his lead Marmi Cup: Thomas guides Al Shaqab with Yardan coming to the rail. to win by a nose. Racing's Lauded to brilliant win Two new ATP 250 events

– DOHA THE PENINSULA Ronan Thomas guiding Lauded towards added to 2021 calendar victory in the Marmi Cup. Jockey Ronan Thomas yesterday guided Al Shaqab Racing’s Lauded REUTERS – LONDON (GB) (Acclamation x Thatsallim- saying) to the Marmi Cup win at The men’s ATP Tour yesterday the Qatar Racing and Equestrian added two new ATP 250 Club's (QREC) racetrack at Al events in Singapore and Spain Rayyan Park. to the 2021 calendar to The Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki- increase playing opportunities trained 3YO colt won the feature that have been curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. event of the 27th race meeting by An indoor hardcourt event in Singapore will be held from Feb. half-a-length to pick up 22-28, after the Australian Open ends on Feb. 21, while the second QR100,000 in prize money. tournament, an outdoor clay event, will be played in Marbella Ali Bin Khatam Al Mehshadi, from April 5-11, straight after the Miami Open. Chairman of Al Gannas Society The Hungarian Open claycourt tournament, which usually presented trophies to the winning takes place in Budapest in April, will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, team at the end of the event des- the hometown of current world number one Novak Djokovic. ignated for 6f Class 2 run for 3YO This year’s U.S. men’s claycourt championships in Houston Thoroughbreds. have been called off, however. Earlier, Khalifa bin Sheail Al “The ATP continues to assess opportunities for additional Kuwari's Shakour (IRE) (Declaration single-year licenses to fill any gaps in the calendar and will com- Of War x Another Storm) clinched municate any additions in due course,” the ATP said in a statement. a Class 2 Thoroughbred Condi- All other events in the 2021 calendar are unchanged, the ATP tions on dirt when JP Guillambert rode tussle with Hamad Al Jehani -trained I MARMI CUP said, adding that it had increased the size of the main draw at the the Zuhair Mohsen-trained 6YO horse Am Thunder (IRE). Horse: Lauded (GB), Trainer: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships to 48 from the current to a 1½-length win in the 1800m run. Sanna rode the Debbie Mountain- Jockey: Ronan Thomas 32. Meanwhile, Osama Omer Al Dafea- trained 7YO gelding to a ¾-length win THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS (Class 2) owned & trained Baker De Saularie (FR) in the 6f run. Shakour (IRE), Zuhair Mohsen, JP Guillambert (Kerbella x Babiche De Saulari) also was In the Thoroughbred Handicap among yesterday’s winners. Baker De (Class 3) race, Mansoor Ebrahim Al Mah- PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS Ducati sign up with Saularie was a clear winner in the Pure- moud's Roman Legend (IRE) (Holy Roman Baker De Saularie (FR), Osama Al Dafea, Alberto Sanna bred Arabian Conditions. Alberto guided Emperor) stormed to a clear 3-length win LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP MotoGP until end of 2026 the 7YO horse to a 3¼-length win in the with JP Guillambert in the saddle. Roman Rajab (QA), Khalid Nasser Al Naimi, Francois Herholdt LONDON 1800m run. Legend is trained by Jassim Ghazali. THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) REUTERS – The Abdullah Saeed Abdullah Al Meanwhile, Injaaz Stud’s Rodeyna Burano Boy (IRE), Gassim Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi Mesnad-bred & owned Ghannam (QA) (AF (QA) (Intense Focus) completed a double Italian manufacturer Ducati announced yesterday its continu- AlBahar x Bedur ASF) won a P/A Handicap winning a Local TB race on dirt. Khalid LOCAL THOROUGHBREDS (Fillies & Mares) ation in MotoGP until at least the end of the 2026 season. (0-90) with Alberto Sanna in the saddle. Al Balushi rode the Mohammed Ghazali- Rodeyna (QA), Mohammed Ghazali, Khalid Al Balushi Ducati won the top category with Australian Casey Stoner in Sanna rode the Wasim Al Sahn-trained trained 6YO mare to a 4¼-length win in THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) 2007, ending a 32-year Japanese manufacturer domination of 5YO horse to a 1¼-length win in the 6f run. the 1700m run for 4YO+ fillies & mares. Roman Legend (IRE), Gassim Ghazali, JP Guillambert the sport. Earlier, in the Thoroughbred Handicap In other races, which took place at THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) The Bologna-based company also secured the MotoGP con- (70-90) race, Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s the Al Rayyan Park, Mansoor Ebrahim Al Catch A Wave (IRE), Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, structors’ title last season following a 50 point deduction for Catch A Wave (IRE) (Approve x Casablanca Mahmoud's Burano Boy (IRE) (Footstep- Yamaha. Suzuki took the rider and team titles with Spaniard Joan Alberto Sanna Jewel) emerged victorious. sinthesand) and Khalid Nasser Hamad Mir. Sanna guided the 7-year-old Bay Geld- Al Naimi-owned & trained Rajab (QA) PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP The factory Ducati team has a new lineup for 2021 with Aus- ing to win the Class 3 race following a keen (Harran ASF x Fiha) emerged victorious. Ghannam (QA), Wasim Al Sahn, Alberto Sanna tralian Jack Miller and Italian Francesco Bagnaia. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Two more AO players test positive for COVID-19

REUTERS – MELBOURNE Tennis players undergoing mandatory quarantine ahead of the Australian Open train in a restricted area in Melbourne, yesterday. Don’t feed the Two more Australian Open players tested positive for COVID-19, an mice, minister tells official said yesterday, as the government confirmed it would send quarantined players the quarantine bill for the tour- nament to Tennis Australia’s desk. REUTERS – MELBOURNE Victoria state police minister Lisa Neville said two players and a non- Australian Open players have been told not to playing Australian Open participant feed mice at their quarantine hotel in Melbourne comprised three new infections after world number 28 Yulia Putintseva reported yesterday. complained she could not sleep for the rodents A total of 10 people associated scurrying around her room. with the Grand Slam, including four The Kazak swapped rooms earlier this week players, have now tested positive for after finding a mouse but said her new room was the virus. also infested. She shared a video of a mouse The has been confusion over the jumping out from behind a closet on social media. exact numbers, with several test Victoria state police minister Lisa Neville said results later reclassified by author- yesterday authorities would take care of pest ities as “viral shedding” from pre- control but suggested there might be more to the vious infections. story. The viral shedders are not “As I understand there may have been some contagious. feeding going on,” she told reporters, without Neville said authorities were revealing the source of her information. “very confident” one of the two new “I’d just encourage them to minimise inter- player infections was a case of viral action with the mice, we will keep doing pest shedding. control if we need to, but hopefully that pest “Of the other two, it’s less clear control work that was done this week will have that they’re shedding. That will be put on the year’s first Grand Slam. A number of players have com- fixed the problem.” More than 70 players and worked through, and that’s one Tennis Australia (TA) boss Tiley plained about the hard quarantine, their entourages are confined to their hotel rooms player and one support person,” told radio station 3AW quarantine raising concerns they may be at a A total of 10 people associated for 14 days and unable to train for the Feb. 8-21 Neville told reporters. costs may exceed A$40m, part of disadvantage to better-prepared with the Grand Slam, including four Australian Open after passengers on three charter Australian Open tournament which would be covered by the state rivals. players, have now tested positive flights returned positive tests for the novel director Craig Tiley said two players government of Victoria. Daniel Vallverdu, coach of three- for the virus. coronavirus. reported to have tested positive on The huge expense and effort to time Grand Slam champion Stan Putintseva said her new room had more mice Tuesday were also viral shedders. fly in the players during the pan- Wawrinka, said organisers needed than the old one. She added that reception had More than 70 players and their demic has angered some Australians, to give preferential treatment to More than 70 players and their told her the hotel was full and that they could not entourage are confined to their hotel with thousands of the country’s cit- players unable to train for two entourage are confined to their help her. “Its a joke,” she said. rooms for 14 days and unable to train izens stranded overseas due to travel weeks. hotel rooms for 14 days and A number of players have complained about for the Feb. 8-21 Australian Open restrictions. Kazakh women’s world number the conditions, drawing a fierce backlash from after passengers on three charter Neville was adamant taxpayers 28 Yulia Putintseva complained unable to train for the Feb. 8-21 Australians, with thousands of the nation’s cit- flights returned positive tests. would not be footing the bill for the again of mice in her quarantine Australian Open after passengers izens remaining stranded overseas due to Authorities have shelled out quarantine costs, prompting TA to hotel room. Police minister Neville on three charter flights returned COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, Australian huge funds to fly over 1,200 row back and issue a statement promised more pest control but positive tests. Open tournament director Craig Tiley on Tuesday players, coaches and officials on saying tournament organisers would urged players not to feed the said “the vast majority” of players were supportive 17 charter flights to Australia to pick up the tab. rodents. of the strict protocols.

Former Liverpool Manchester striker Robbie United Fowler. United’s rise shows I’m the right manager Ole Gunnar man for the job, says Solskjaer Solskjaer.

REUTERS – MANCHESTER Solskjaer told reporters ahead of yesterday’s league clash against Manchester United manager Ole Fulham. Gunnar Solskjaer said their “Personally I have felt very strong improvement this season has shown backing and leadership from the club, he is the right man for the job and which has made the journey that urged his players to maintain the we’ve been on -- ups and downs -- momentum in the Premier League clear.” At the halfway stage of the title race. campaign, Solskjaer said United must Solskjaer has faced heavy crit- not take their foot off the pedal. icism during his two years in charge “It is not about getting there once but the Norwegian appears to have -- that is the easy bit to go up the turned the club around, guiding league,” he added. Fowler takes Indian them to the top of the table with a “Staying there is the challenge 12-game unbeaten run in the league and that is the challenge we are before Leicester City moved above looking forward to -- focusing on football to new them on Tuesday. every game and building this squad “Hopefully I have proved I can and hope that in the end we can lift levels of publicity help the club going forwards,” the trophy.”

AP – KOLKATA Robbie Fowler is doing his best We will coach the players Leicester to go top with win over Chelsea to keep his name and the sport because in all fairness few of soccer in the news in - of them have probably mad India. AP – LONDON The legendary striker for never been coached before Liverpool and former England and that is what we are Five years after achieving the international has made more doing. We will try and unthinkable, Leicester is back headlines and waves since his make our Indian players atop the Premier League and arrival as a coach in the Indian better and that takes good making another improbable run Super League (ISL) than his at the title. more experienced counterparts coaching and I don’t think For big-spending Chelsea on the subcontinent. they had that in the years and its under-pressure The 45 year-old Fowler, who gone by: Robbie Fowler manager, Frank Lampard, any scored over 180 goals for Liv- ambitions of winning the league erpool, took over East Bengal in already appear to be dashed. October and has taken fans of Leicester beat Chelsea 2-0 one of India’s biggest and oldest and, in 2020, became India’s top on Tuesday to jump above the clubs for a roller-coaster ride so tier, will be more of the same. two Manchester clubs, United far. “We know what to expect as and City, and reach the midway On the field, after collecting we won’t be getting any deci- stage of its league campaign in just a single point from the sions again because that’s what first place. opening five games, the Kolkata it’s like. Some of the decisions Even if its latest time at the team is now unbeaten in seven are awful. I’m not calling them summit lasts just one night - matches to raise hopes of a top- cheats or anything like that but City and United are both in four finish and a place in the it is bordering on the cheating action on Wednesday, after all Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi scores their first goal against Chelsea at King Power Stadium, Leicester, playoff finals series. for us and it’s not right.” - Leicester is showing it means Britain, on Tuesday. Off it, Fowler has not missed It is not the first time that business again. Just like in the an opportunity to make contro- Fowler, who had mixed results 2015-16 season, when the team versial points. The latest came in his previous coaching spells managed by Claudio Ranieri Chelsea was carved open we were in to get so quickly into one of the league’s best players after Monday’s 0-0 draw against in Thailand with Muangthong famously delivered one of the time and again at the King the form that we are now in ... after lockdown last summer. Chennaiyin in which Fowler was United and Brisbane Roar in biggest underdog triumphs in Power Stadium and fell to a fifth we should be better than that. If Moyes can keep Antonio less than happy about a first-half Australia’s A-League, has made sporting history to win the loss in its last eight games in the “It takes character to turn fit - and that’s always a big if - red card for Ajay Chhetri. headlines for controversial league at odds of 5,000-1. league, a run of results that from that.” it isn’t too fanciful to see West It was, Fowler said, just the comments. Leicester manager Brendan leaves Lampard’s position pre- As it stands, West Ham is Ham remaining in the vicinity latest in a long line of bad After a 3-0 loss in the second Rodgers said it was “still too carious after the club’s spending heading into the second half of of its current position of decisions. game of the season to Mumbai, early” to talk about his team as spree of approaching $300 its Premier League campaign seventh. West Ham sold its “It is bordering on the dis- Fowler caused controversy in a title contender. million ahead of this season. with just one senior striker. other senior striker, Sebastien graceful, some of the decisions post-match comments about “We’re at the top of the “It intensified for me a while Fortunately for manager Haller, to Ajax this month. by the referee,” Fowler said on local players. league because we work hard, ago,” Lampard said. “Because David Moyes, that striker is West Brom stayed in next- Indian television after the game. “We will coach the players we’re not there by fluke,” said the expectations at this club, in-form Michail Antonio. to-last place, five points from “I am mentally exhausted because in all fairness few of James Maddison, who scored whether they are right or Antonio scored a match- safety. because I am fighting battles them have probably never been Leicester’s second goal. “We’ll wrong, are always high. winning goal for the second Southampton set up a with the referees every single coached before and that is what do our business in the back- “It’s not my decision (about time in four days, his 66th- fourth-round match at home to game. It’s an absolute joke. We we are doing,” Fowler said. “We ground, let them talk about Liv- whether he’ll stay as manager). minute volley earning West Arsenal in the FA Cup after can’t keep doing this, having will try and make our Indian erpool, Man United and Spurs, That’s something that will Ham a 2-1 victory over West beating third-tier Shrewsbury arguments with the referees as players better and that takes we’ll just keep doing what we’re always be there.” Bromwich Albion. 2-0. they are spoiling the game.” good coaching and I don’t think doing.” Lampard’s side dropped to His winner against Burnley Goals by Dan N’Lundulu, Fowler declared that the they had that in the years gone Wilfred Ndidi and Maddison eighth place, nine points behind on Saturday came on his first one of the many fringe players next fixture, against Mumbai by." scored in the first half as Leicester, which is a point league start since recovering who started for Southampton, City, leader of the 11-team league He later said his remarks Leicester extended its unbeaten ahead of United. from a hamstring problem, the and James Ward-Prowse that came into existence in 2014 had been taken out of context. run in the league to six games, “Yeah, I’m worried,” latest fitness issue to affect an guided the Saints to victory at the last three all being wins. Lampard said. “From the form injury-prone player who was its St. Mary’s Stadium. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09 Egos bruised, beaten Australia ponder next step

REUTERS — MELBOURNE winners after whitewashing Rahane’s India, a side stitched Pundits tipped a whitewash Newlands ball-tampering Pakistan and together with debutantsde and net for Tim Paine’s side after they The 2-1 series defeat to scandal. While Australia emergedged with NewNew bowlers bbyy theth time of the bowled India out for 36 in For all their problems, few injuries from the epicepic Test Zealand in Brisbane finafinale,l hammered winning the Adelaide opener. Ajinkya Rahane’s India, a side team Australia did not leave series against India,a, tthehe successivesuccessive homehome aann uuncomfortablencom truth Yet Australia ended up stitched together with the series empty-handed. players’ egos sufferedred TestTest forfor homehome fans:fans Australia are embarrassed after their vaunted debutants and net bowlers by Young all-rounder Cameron heavily in defeat andd series.series. simplysimply not asas good as they attack proved incapable of dis- the time of the Brisbane finale, Green showed plenty of may take time to TheT h e thought.thought. missing India twice in Sydney and hammered home an promise with the bat, if not yet recover from theirr 22-1-1 series “I’m“I’m quite shshocked that Aus- Brisbane, despite ample time to the ball. bruising. defeat to traliatralia weren’tweren’t quite good do so on fifth-day pitches. uncomfortable truth for home A late arrival due to con- Pace spearheadd AAjinkyaj inky a enoughenough to winwin this series,” Questions will be asked fans: Australia are simply not cussion, Pucovski shone with a Mitchell Starc will headd former captaincaptain about selectors’ faith in Starc as good as they thought. half-century on debut in the to Sydney for scans onn saidsaid oonn a Cricket Aus- after the left-armer managed Sydney Test before injury struck his right hamstring,, traliatralia wwebsite in the only 11 at an average of again. while opening batsmenn wwakeake of the three- over 40. Australia have always David Warner (groin)n) wicketwick defeat in the Spinner Nathan Lyon also middle order problem, having proved quick to regenerate and and Will Pucovskivski GabbaGab decider. had a forgettable series, with his dropped Travis Head mid-series tend to rebound quickly when (shoulder) will lookok to “The cold hard 100th Test at the Gabba spoiled. and got little out of Matthew their pride has been stung. recover from their injuryury issues factsfac of it are He finished with nine wickets Wade. “My message to our players before the yet-to-be-confirmedonfirmed prettypre much that at an average of 55.11 and fell Paine’s captaincy is also will be that we’ve got another tour of South Africa nextxt month.month. waswa the India A one short of 400 Test victims. under scrutiny but there are no opportunity in a month or so’s Other players will rreturneturn to teamtea that played and credible alternatives. time,” said Paine. their teams in the domesticmestic BiBigg thisthis Test match and topped the The selectors remain “We learn from our errors Bash League but their wwelcomeelcome (India)(Ind still won. in the series but had little help uncomfortable about rein- and our mistakes in this series will be muted comparedared to a “That’s“That’s a real concern from the other specialist stating former captain Smith, and we look to get better in the year ago, when they arrivedrrived as Steve Smith forfor AuAustralia.”str batsmen. Selectors have a who fell from grace during the next one.”

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings Bangladesh innings Stand-in captain Rahane was Sunil Ambris lbw b Mustafizur ...... 7 b Akeal ...... 14 Joshua Da Silva c Liton b Mustafizur ...... 9 Tamim Iqbal c Da Silva b Mohammed ...... 44 Andre McCarthy b Shakib ...... 12 Najmul Hossain c Mohammed b Akeal ...... 1 Jason Mohammed st Mushfiqur b Shakib ....17 b ...... 19 Kyle Mayers c Liton b Mehidy ...... 40 Mushfiqur Rahim ...... 19 always thinking of a victory lbw b Shakib ...... 0 Mahmudullah Riyad not out ...... 9 c Mushfiqur b Hasan ...... 28 Extras (b 2, lb 10, w 4, nb 3) ...... 19 lbw b Hasan ...... 0 Total (four wickets; 33.5 overs) ...... 125 AP — BRISBANE India’s Ajinkya Rahane (left) Alzarri Joseph b Shakib ...... 4 Did not bat: Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan, Hasan celebrates after reaching his Akeal Hosein c Liton b Hasan ...... 1 Mahmud, , Mustafizur Rahman Against all odds, interim captain century as his team-mate not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Liton), 2-57 (Najmul), 3-83 Ajinkya Rahane managed to Ravindra Jadeja looks on during Extras (lb 3, w 1) ...... 4 (Tamim), 4-105 ( Shakib) lead an injury-affected India to day two of the second Test Total (all out; 32.2 overs) ...... 122 Bowling: Joseph 8-3-17-0 (w3), Holder 3-0-26-0 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Ambris), 2-24 (Da Silva), 3-45 (nb2), Akeal 10-1-26-3 (w1), Mohammed 8-0-19-1, victory in the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and (McCarthy), 4- 56 (Mohammed), 5-56 (Bonner), McCarthy 2-0-10-0, Bonner 2.5-0-15-0 (nb1) and retain the Border-Gavaskar India in Melbourne, in this 6-115 (Powell), 7-115 (Reifer), 8-121 (Mayers), 9-122 Result: Bangladesh win by six wickets Trophy. file photo. (Akeal Hosein), 10-122 (Alzarri) Toss: Bangladesh India was forced to make Bowling: Rubel 6-0-34-0, Mustafizur 6-0-20-2 Umpire: Sharfuddoula Saikat ( BAN), Masudur Rah- four changes for the series (w1), Hasan 6-1-28-3, Shakib 7.2-2-8-4, Mehidy 7-1- man (BAN) finale after salvaging a draw in 29-1 TV Umpire: Gazi Sohel (BAN) Sydney, and a draw in Brisbane would have been good enough to retain the trophy. Turns out Rahane had a Shakib returns with plan for victory all along. “We knew if we wanted to win the Test and series then five 4-8 as Bangladesh bowlers would be the key,” Rahane said. “That’s why we opted for defeat West Indies five bowlers. got that balance for us. decimated by the loss of Jasprit chase of 328, rather than bat for Shami with a broken right arm, Mohammed Siraj had played Bumrah and Ravichandran a draw. after being bowled out for 36 in AP — DHAKA two Test matches, (Navdeep) Ashwin, who could easily have “Rishabh was brilliant,” Adelaide, India’s lowest ever Saini one, (Shardul) Thakur one, been chosen as man of the Rahane said. total. Shakib Al Hasan (pictured) All-rounder Shakib was back Natarajan also on debut. All series ahead of Pat Cummins if “I don’t know how to “After Adelaide, we didn’t claimed 4-8 on his return to after being given a two-year credit to them.” he played the final Test. describe this victory. I’m just discuss anything about what international cricket as Bang- ban by the International India’s bowling attack was But debutants Sundar and proud of all the boys, each and happened in Adelaide,” Rahane ladesh made a winning start to Cricket Council in October Thangarasu Natarajan played every individual showed said. the three-match ODI series by 2019, with one year key roles at the Gabba, while character.” “We decided we would fight beating West Indies by six recalled paceman Thakur A captain’s century from very hard, we just wanted to wickets in the opening game suspended, for failing to I don’t know how to describe starred with bat and ball, top- Rahane for an eight- win give our best and not think yesterday. report approaches from a this victory. I’m just proud of scoring for India in the first at the Melbourne Cricket about the result. We just wanted All-rounder Shakib was bookmaker. innings with 67 runs and taking Ground, after the visitors lost to express ourselves as a team.” back after being given a two- all the boys, each and every seven match wickets. by eight wickets in the day- Next up for India is a four- year ban by the International individual showed character. Rahane also praised night Test at Adelaide, started Test home series against Cricket Council in October captain Jason Mohammed. Leg- Rishabh Pant’s match-winning the series comeback. England beginning February 5 2019, with one year suspended, spinner Akeal Hosein also clean total of 89 not out. Pant’s pro- India lost regular captain in Chennai, when Kohli, who for failing to report approaches bowled Tamim’s fellow opener Ajinkya Rahane motion to No. 5 in the order was , who returned to has been named in India’s from a bookmaker. Liton Das for 14 to claim his first a clear signal of India’s intention India for the Jan. 11 birth of his squad for the series, will return Thanks to his wily left-arm wicket on his debut. to complete a venue-record daughter, and Mohammed to the captaincy. spin, Bangladesh bowled the But Mushfiqur Rahim, who tourists out for 122 in 32.3 overs finished 19 not out, ensured before reaching 125-4 with 97 victory with a reverse-swept balls to spare in reply. boundary past third man. South Africa rest Debutant Hasan Mahmud Hosein finished with 3-26 from and fellow fast bowler Mus- his 10 overs. leading players for tafizur Rahman also played key It was Bangladesh’s first roles for the home team, taking match after a nine-month Pakistan T20 series 3-28 and 2-20 respectively. layoff due to the COVID-19 Rain held the players up for pandemic. REUTERS — CAPE TOWN about an hour after Bangladesh The series is part of the ICC captain Tamim Iqbal won the World Cup Super League which South Africa have selected a much-changed toss and asked West Indies, fea- will determine which teams squad for their three-match turing six ODI debutants, to bat. qualify for the 2023 World Cup series in Pakistan to allow members of the Shakib, in his first game for in India. Test side to prepare for a home series Bangladesh since the 2019 A host of West Indies against Australia that is scheduled to start World Cup, bowled seven overs players, including ODI captain England's Joot Root in in April. in a row and ripped through the Keiron Pollard and Test captain action during nets ahead The T20 matches will be played from middle order as West Indies , have skipped the February 11-14 in Lahore and will feature of the second Test against lost three wickets for 11 runs. tour. very few of South Africa’s leading players Sri Lanka, yesterday. Debutant Kyle Mayers and The squad was also affected in the format, with the likes of Quinton de Rovman Powell, who hit two when fast bowler Romario Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso sixes, providedrovided some resistancresistancee SepedadShepherd and leg-spinner egsp e Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje all with a partnershippartnership of 59 for tthehe Hayden Walsh Jr., Tested pos-pos- returning home after the two-match test sixth wwicket.icket. itiveitive for COVID-19.COVID-19. series. Rajasthan release captain Smith Mahmudhmud ppickedicked uupp his firfirstst TheThe teateamsms The squad will instead be captained for REUTERS — MUMBAI wickett bbyy havinhavingg Powell playp l ay theth e the first time by Heinrich Klaasen, with season’s IPL, scoring 311 Elsewhere, Royal caught behind for 28 and folfol-- remainingremaining ODIs uncapped seamer Okuhle Cele, wicket- runs at a strike rate of 131, Challengers Bangalore lowed up by trapping onon Friday and keeper Ryan Rickleton and batsman Indian Premier League including three half-cen- released Australia’s lim- Raymonon ReiReiferfer lbwlbw fforor MMonday,onday, ffol-ol- Jacques Snyman all included. (IPL) franchise Rajasthan turies, but the Royals fin- ited-overs skipper Aaron naughtt with his next ballball.. lowedlowed byby two “The COVID-19 pandemic has com- Royals have released ished last in the eight- Finch and England all- Mayersyers top-scored with Test mmatchesatches in pelled sporting bodies to find innovative captain Steve Smith ahead team league. rounder Moeen Ali. 40 beforeore being undone by a February.February. ways of ensuring tours and sporting events of the 2021 IPL auction, “We would like to Finch, 34, scored 268 Mehidii Hasan deliverdeliveryy that take place as planned or with as little dis- the team said yesterday. thank all of the players for runs, including a half- spun sharply.harply. ruption to revised plans as possible,” South The Australian is one their effort through the century, in 12 matches last Tamim,mim, captaining Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith said of eight players released course of the previous season, while Moeen the sidede fforor tthehe in a media release on Tuesday. by Rajasthan and will be seasons, and for always scored 12 runs and bagged first timeme afteafterr “We are not exempt from that, and have replaced as skipper by maintaining the Rajasthan one wicket in three games. beingi ng had to do a bit of outside-of-the-box wicketkeeper-batsman Royals values,” the team’s Kings XI Punjab appointedi nted thinking to ensure that we are fully pre- Sanju Samson. lead owner Manoj Badale released Australia’s Glenn last March,arch, pared for a home test tour against Australia, The Royals retained said in a statement. Maxwell after the all- then ggaveave while having an exciting T20 series to com- the England trio of Ben “I would especially rounder scored 108 runs Bangladeshdesh plete in Pakistan.” Stokes, Jos Buttler, and like to thank Steve Smith and picked up three a flyinging Jofra Archer, while West for everything that he has wickets in 13 games last start too itsits SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD Indies quick Oshane done as a leader and season. reply bbyy Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Nandre Burger, Okuhle Cele, Junior Dala, Thomas and Englishman captain of the Royals. His The Punjab franchise hitting 44 Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Janneman Malan, Tom Curran have also contribution on the field also let go of West Indies beforere David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Ryan Rickle- been released. and his contribution off bowler beingn g

ton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, Pite van Biljon, Smith played all 14 the field... has been and New Zealand all- stumpeded Glenton Stuurman, Jacques Snyman league matches in last immense.” rounder Jimmy Neesham. off WeWestst Indiesies Sport THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 08 Mitchell scores 28 as Jazz Woods to miss at least two events after fifth register sixth straight win back surgery of career REUTERS — NEW YORK however, expects to still AP — SALT LAKE CITY serve as tournament host at Fifteen-time major The Genesis. Donovan Mitchell had 28 points champion Tiger Woods Woods could miss more and seven rebounds, and the (pictured) is going to miss than two months, but he is Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans time after he underwent the hopeful he can return for The Pelicans 118-102 for their sixth fifth back surgery of his Masters in April, according straight victory. career. to Golf Digest. Mitchell also made four of Woods announced the The 45-year-old Woods Utah’s 21 3-pointers. Jordan surgery via a statement on last underwent a back pro- Clarkson added 18 points, six Twitter. cedure when he had spinal- rebounds, and six assists, and “Tiger has recently fusion surgery in April 2017. reserve Joe Ingles scored 15 undergone a microdiscectomy He also had microdiscectomy points. Rudy Gobert had 13 procedure to remove a pres- surgery three times in 2014 points, 18 rebounds, and three surized disc fragment that was and 2015. He played just one blocks. pinching his nerve after expe- event from August 2015 “The biggest thing is we’re riencing discomfort following through December 2017 shooting our shots,” Mitchell the PNC Championship (in because of his back issues. said. Utah Jazz guard Donovan December),” the statement A holder of 82 PGA Tour “We’re not passing up 3s.” Mitchell goes to the basket read. victories, Woods tied for Improved defensive play has past New Orleans Pelicans “His doctors and their ninth at the Farmers to start keyed Utah’s surge on the guard Lonzo Ball (2) during team have determined it to 2020, but struggled to perimeter, and it continued the fourth quarter at Vivint be successful and expect him contend the rest of the against New Orleans. The Jazz Smart Home Arena. to make a full recovery.recovery.” summer. He finished tied for disrupted shots, crashed the TheThe PNC ChampionshipChampionship 38th38th at TheThe MaMasterssters in boards, and sprinted up the waswas a 3636-hole-hole eeventvent tthathat November.November. court on numerous possessions said. Zion Williamson scored 32 first-quarter field goal attempts 55-49 before halftime. The Jazz WoodsWoods pplayedlayed witwithh hishis to stay a step ahead of the points for New Orleans, and and capped a 7-0 run with a carried that momentum into the 11-year-old11-year-old son, Charlie.Charlie. Pelicans. Brandon Ingram had 17. The layup that put New Orleans up third quarter. Utah made Woods’Woods’ statement aalsolso “Defending creates those Pelicans trailed the entire 20-18. 3-pointers on four straight pos- saidsaid hhee wouwouldld bbee missing tthehe shots and defending keeps us second half after allowing the Mitchell matched his effi- sessions to extend its lead to Farmers Insurance Open at in the game if they’re not going Jazz to make more than 20 ciency. He powered the Jazz 73-55. Torrey Pines (South) in San in,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder 3-pointers for the fourth time offense in the first quarter, Utah made eight total DiegoDiego on JJan.an. 2828-31,-31, andand in six games. scoring 15 points while going 6 3-pointers during the quarter. TheThe GenesiGenesiss “We couldn’t stop them on for 7 from the field. He con- Clarkson and Ingles scored the InvitationalInvitational Mitchell also made four of anything,” New Orleans coach verted a three-point play to final two on back-to-back pos- at ThThee Utah’s 21 3-pointers. Jordan Stan Van Gundy said. punctuate an 11-2 run that gave sessions to push the Jazz lead Rivier-Rivier- Clarkson added 18 points, six “Obviously what stands out Utah a 29-22 lead. to 91-69 heading into the fourth is the 21 3s. But they also didn’t Mitchell also had a key quarter. CountryCountry rebounds, and six assists, and have any trouble getting to the stretch in the second quarter. “They continued to put the ClubClub iinn reserve Joe Ingles scored 15 rim. So, you know, they got He scored and threw a one- pressure on us, breaking us PacificPacific PPal-al- points. Rudy Gobert had 13 whatever they wanted we didn’t handed wraparound pass as he down on the defensive end with isades,isades, CaliCali-- points, 18 rebounds, and three take anything away from them.” was falling out of bounds out to their driving and kicking in,” fornia,fornia, Feb-Feb- Williamson gave the Pelicans Bojan Bogdanovic to set up Ingram said. ruaryruary 1818-21.-21. blocks. an early lift in the first half. He another basket. The two plays “That’s usually just how Woods,W ood s, converted all five of his bumped Utah back in front they play." New Falcons Asher-Smith takes on Swoboda, Rory McIlroy hoping for coach excited ‘close to normal’ Ryder to work with Del Ponte and Pinto in Karlsruhe Cup in September

Matt Ryan WORLD ATHLETICS — BERLIN REUTERS — LONDON normal Ryder Cup is and I Great Britain’s Dina am excited for that.” Almost three years since her Asher-Smith poses Rory McIlroy (pictured) said McIlroy, who is playing REUTERS — LOS ANGELES last 60m race, world 200m as she celebrates he is hopeful that a near- at the Abu Dhabi Champi- champion Dina Asher-Smith after winning the capacity crowd will be able onship this week, said he was Taking over as head coach of will line up for the short sprint women’s 200m race to attend the Ryder Cup at in a good frame of mind. the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur at the Indoor Meeting Karl- at Diamond League Whistling Straits in “I’m raring to go after the Smith knows one person he sruhe, the first World Athletics in Doha, in this May Wisconsin in September. Christmas break, I’ve done can rely on for stability: quar- Indoor Tour Gold meeting of 3, 2019 file photo. McIlroy said organisers some good practice and you terback Matt Ryan. 2021, on January 29. had made the right call by come into the new season After sparking quarterback The 25-year-old has raced deciding not to stage the with renewed optimism and Ryan Tannehill’s career as in Karlsruhe on three previous event without fans last year a lot of goals,” McIlroy said. offensive coordinator of the occasions, winning in 2015, during the COVID-19 “I guess that has translated Tennessee Titans the past two placing third in 2016 and fin- pandemic. into some good golf here. seasons, Smith now gets to ishing second in 2017. She set “I’m excited for the Ryder “I keep getting myself work with a former NFL Most her lifetime best of 7.08 when Cup,” McIlroy told the into contention and someone Valuable Player at QB. finishing second at the 2015 European Tour’s website. goes out and has a really “(Matt) is a great leader European Indoor Champion- “Hopefully,“Hopefully, with how goodgood Sunday but I and obviously there’s a lot of ships in Prague, and she 200m and 4x100m at the the world U20 record in the the vaccine is neeneedd to tatakeke tthehe things he can do, but I don’t matched that time in Glasgow European Championships in process. Her 7.08 clocking in beingbeing rolledrolled iinitiativenitiative aandnd get into comparisons because in 2018 in what was her most Berlin. Along with her 200m Karlsruhe in 2019 was just 0.04 out,out, we are hhaveave one ooff we did something with Ryan,” recent indoor appearance. gold medal in Doha, she also shy of the meeting record. startingstarting to see those really Smith told AtlantaFalcons.com Later that year she went on earned silver medals in the Del Ponte opened her 2020 somesome light at goodgood Sundays on Tuesday. to win gold medals in the 100m, 100m and 4x100m. campaign with a second-place thethe endend tthehe myselfmyself to get “It doesn’t mean we’re Asher-Smith’s opponents in finish in Karlsruhe and went on tunneltunnel wiwithth tthishis ooverver the line.”line.” going to do the same things World Athletics Karlsruhe will include to enjoy a breakthrough season pandemic.pandemic. The Ryder Cup with Matt. European indoor champion outdoors, winning at the “It may not willwill bbee heheldld ffromrom “We’re going to play to Indoor Tour Gold Ewa Swoboda of Poland, Ajla Diamond League meetings in bbee the full, full SeptemberSeptember Matt’s strengths just like we 29 Jan – Karlsruhe, del Ponte of Switzerland and Monaco and Stockholm. capacity tthathat a 24-26.24-26. tried to play to Ryan’s Germany Tatjana Pinto of Germany. Pinto won in Karlsruhe in RRyderyder CuCupp strengths.” Swoboda won in Karlsruhe 2018 with 7.10. usually is, but 9 Feb – Lievin, France Ryan, 35, is coming off a in 2019 en route to taking the Two weeks later, she hhopefullyopefully it season in which he led the NFL 13 Feb – Boston, USA overall 60m title in that year’s clocked a lifetime best of 7.06, will be very in pass attempts (626) and 17 Feb – Torun, Poland World Athletics Indoor Tour. which makes her the fastest closeclose to completions (407) while 24 Feb – Madrid, Spain She set her lifetime best of 7.07 woman in the field for this wwhathat a throwing for 4,581 yards, as a teenager in 2016, breaking year’s race. which ranked fourth in the league. He fired 26 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. Penguins edge Caps on Sidney Crosby’s goal As for how the rest of the roster will shake out, Smith said, “We’re going to con- REUTERS — TORONTO for Washington. The Penguins logging a five-on-three goal, a stantly look to innovate and played the scoreless third three-on-five short-handed adapt, regardless of who are Sidney Crosby swept in a period with four defensemen goal and a conventional man- personnel is,” Smith said. rebound 1:11 into overtime for after Marcus Pettersson and advantage goal. “We’re going to play to the his third point as the Pittsburgh Juuso Riikola got hurt. The sequence started with strengths of the team, and Penguins overcame a pair of Eller opened the scoring off Guentzel, who swept the puck we’re going to be flexible. But two-goal deficits to top the the rush, putting a shot over past Vanecek after a pass across we’re going to do it in all three visiting Washington Capitals DeSmith’s glove for a 1-0 Cap- the top of the crease from Bryan phases. And we’re going to 5-4. itals lead at 4:55 of the first. Rust while the Penguins had a have guys that are great team- Crosby notched the 17th OT Pittsburgh tied it at 16:52 of two-man advantage to cut it to mates and understand how to tally of his career, tying Ilya the first when Kasperi Kapanen, 3-2 at 5:45. adapt week to week.... Kovalchuk for third in NHL in his Penguins debut, blew into Kuznetsov scored off a “We’re going to look for history. He trails only Alex the Washington zone. Sceviour rebound of a shot by Daniel guys that are great teammates Ovechkin (23) and Jaromir Jagr scored on the rebound of Kap- Sprong to restore Washington’s and we’re going to hold our (19). anen’s shot. two-goal edge, 4-2, at 8:16. best players accountable. And Pittsburgh won consecutive Six seconds later, Wilson put With the Capitals on a so whether that’s Matt or games between the clubs in the Capitals up 2-1 with a shot two-man advantage, DeSmith Grady Jarrett, they are all going Pittsburgh, the first a 4-3 that popped off DeSmith’s lobbed a clearing pass into the to be held to the same decision in a shootout Sunday. shoulder. neutral zone, springing Blueger standard.” Jake Guentzel and Teddy Wilson struck again with on a breakaway. Smith will be part of a new Blueger each had a goal and an Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby (left) celebrates his 16.3 seconds left in the first Blueger put the puck under power structure in Atlanta, assist while Colton Sceviour game winning goal in overtime with defenseman Kris Letang. when he drove to the net and Vanecek’s pads at 15:07 to make teaming with newly hired and Evgeni Malkin also scored converted a pass from the left- it 4-3. general manager Terry for the Penguins. Kris Letang wing boards by John Carlson to The Penguins tied it on Mal- Fontenot. and Crosby each had two DeSmith made 22 saves and Lars Eller and Evgeny make it 3-1. kin’s slapshot from the top of “We share the same assists. picked up his first career assist. Kuznetsov also scored, and Pittsburgh’s special teams the right circle during a power vision,” Smith said. Pittsburgh goaltender Casey Tom Wilson scored twice, Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves had a special second period, play at 17:15.