SPORT

Wednesday 20 December 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 35 PAGE | 36 Root’s team facess Thomas tips Woodsds Gulf Cup: Qatar to post-mortem afterer to have strong beginb title defence Ashes capitulationn 2018 Masters against Yemen

Al Gharafa players and officials celebrate after receiving the QSL Cup Trophy at Qatar SC Stadium yesterday.Pictures: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula Al Gharafa secure second QSL Cup title

Rizwan Rehmat minute of the match. Al their second QSL Cup The Peninsula Rayyan’s high-scoring QSL CUP FINALS glory. striker Abderazzaq Former Al Gharafa oalkeeper Qassim Hamadallah produced 2009: Al Gharafa SC 5-0 Al Ahli SC star Saad Al Shammari Burhan yesterday the equaliser in the 12th 2010: Al Sadd SC 1-0 Umm Salal SC said: “We are thrilled stopped a second- minute with a neat clip with this win. It was a 2012: Al Wakrah SC 0-0 (10-9 pens) Al Kharitiyat SC half penalty kick from close range. great team effort. This by feared striker Amro Seraj, the 2013: El Jaish 2-0 Al Arabi win will boost the con- GRodrigo Tabata to guide Al Qatar U-23 star, gave Al 2014: Qatar SC 3-2 Al Sadd SC fidence of the players. Gharafa to a deserving QSL Gharafa the lead for the 2017: Al Gharafa SC 3-2 Al Rayyan SC The fans will be very Cup final victory over Al second time in the happy.” Rayyan. match in the 36th QSL CEO Hani Bal- In the tense title clash, minute. Burhan just when Al Rayyan lan handed over the medals experienced ‘keeper Burhan Ahmed Allaeldin (64) fans thought the match could to the players of the two sides. punched away Tabata’s weak helped Al Gharafa jump to a go into extra time. Al Gharafa QFA Vice President Saud Al penalty kick in the 82nd 3-1 cushion. However, Al players repeatedly quarrelled Mohannadi gave the winner’s minute to help Al Gharafa Rayyan hit back when with the referee over his deci- trophy to Al Gharafa captain retain his team’s 3-2 lead at Mohammed Kasola produced sion to award the penalty Jimenez. Suheim Bin Hamad a snap-header off a corner kick. The players go into a Stadium. kick in the 70th minute. Al Gharafa, coached by break as Qatar team eyes Earlier, Al Gharafa opened It was dramatic stuff Jean Fernandez, managed to their next assignment - the the scoring through captain when Tabata misfired with his defend doggedly for the 23rd Gulf Cup - to be held in Luiz Jimenez in the 3rd spot kick smartly punched by remainder of the time to bag Kuwait from Dec 22 to Jan. 5. Iran, Greece and Serbia federation Presidents visit Aspire Academy The Peninsula sneak peek of the Academy’s new country has a vision and well- by his association’s Sport Direc- Football Performance building. thought-out plans about sport tor, Goran Bunjevcevic, said: “We he Presidents of the Hellenic The FFIRI President was development. l firmly believe that can exchange notes on youth Football Federation (HFF), accompanied on the visit by his it will reach its objectives in the coaching and development meth- TFootball Federation of predecessor, Ali Kafashian. Speak- years to come. Aspire Academy is ods as we’ve both scored some Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), ing on the sidelines, Taj said: “I really impressive and has successes in this area, given that and the Football Association of have been very impressed by what embarked on a good sports devel- our U-20 national team were win- Serbia (FAS) visited Aspire Acad- is going on at this marvellous opment philosophy which is ners of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World emy recently. sports development institution. backed up by world class facili- Cup in New Zealand and Qatar’s President of HFF, Evangelos The possibilities that Aspire offers ties. Sport in Qatar, particularly won the 2014 AFC U-19 Grammenos, Mehdi Taj (FFIRI), to the current and future genera- football, has a bright future ahead Championships. and Slavisa Kokeza (FAS) were tion of Qatari athletes is excellent. and Aspire Academy has a major “I am sure even our coaching welcomed by Aspire Academy’s These world class facilities, com- role to play to help the country programmes can build on each Director General, Ivan Bravo, bined with the right vision for the achieve its sporting ambitions.” other’s experiences and strengths. Director of Football Performance education and nurturing of sports After his tour of Aspire Acad- Judging from the efforts that l see and Science, Valter Di Salvo, and talent in the country, will leave a emy, Grammenos proceeded to here at Aspire Academy, I am sure Director of Sport and Strategy, lasting legacy for Qatar. Qatar visit the Academy’s sister organi- that Qatar will put together a com- Markus Egger. should indeed be proud of Aspire sation, Aspetar specialised petitive team in 2022. One that will Aspire Academy’s Director General, Ivan Bravo (left) The visiting President were Academy.” orthopaedic and sports medicine represent the country well at the presents a memento to Football Federation of Islamic and accompanied them on guided HFF President Grammenos hospital. 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” he Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj. tours of the premises, including a said: “It is quite evident that this FAS President Kokeza, joined added. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 Aussies look to Ashes rout over England

Perth Reuters

ictorious Australia will head to England will fight Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test against England brimming with confidence after reclaim- until the last in final ing the Ashes in Perth and on aV mission to subject the tourists to another 5-0 series whitewash. two Tests: Overton Captain Steve Smith was a member of the Michael Clarke side that swept the last series Down Under in 2013/14 and will feel London be fit to play a part is another good about his chances of emulating his Reuters matter entirely after he suffered former skipper by defeating Joe Root’s a hairline fracture of a rib while demoralised team in the final two matches. ll-rounder Craig Overton diving in the field at Perth. “It’d be fantastic to do that and we’ll said England have not “I am nursing a hairline talk about Melbourne when we get there,” Abeen good enough in the fracture to my rib but the doc- Smith said after their innings and 41-run Ashes series but insists the chas- tor warned me it could become win at the WACA saw Australia take back tened tourists will be throwing much worse if I landed the the urn. everything at the last two Tests wrong way -- a proper fracture, “Right now, I’m just really satisfied to avoid a whitewash. or even a punctured lung. No with what we’ve achieved in these first Australia regained the urn on one needs that,” Overton said. three Test matches. I’d love to do that Monday when they polished off “I’ve been brought up to fight again, but we will just take it one step at a Joe Root’s side to win the third through the pain, and I’m not time.” Test at the WACA by an innings the sort to leave the field for Australia were able to pick the same and 41 runs and take a 3-0 lead nothing.” team throughout the series sweep in in the five-match series. Somerset seamer Overton 2013/14 but Smith may not have that lux- All England have left to play enjoyed a dream start to his Test ury due to an injury doubt over Mitchell Australian bowlers Pat for is pride in Melbourne and career when he picked up the Starc. Cummins (left) and Sydney, but Overton says the wicket of Australian captain The pace spearhead carried a heel series is not over as they try to Steve Smith in the second Test Mitchell Starc (right) hug injury through the final day at the WACA halt an eight-match losing in Adelaide. coach Darren Lehmann and could be rested for Melbourne, which sequence in Tests in Australia. With six wickets to his name may open the door to a recall for squad after winning the third “We have not been good in his two Tests and an impres- seamer Jackson Bird. Test of the Ashes series enough for long enough in this sive 41 not out with the bat in With Josh Hazlewood in top form after against England in Perth series and have let chances slip, Adelaide, Overton was one of grabbing five wickets to rout England for on Monday. and because of that we have lost the few England players to 218 in their second innings at the WACA, the Ashes before Christmas,” he emerge with much credit. Australia are unlikely to be overly con- said in The Times yesterday. He said he is desperate to cerned about Starc’s possible absence. Since an acrimonious series defeat at an unbeaten 126 in the second Test in “We are gutted but don’t for play in the Melbourne Test Coach Darren Lehmann said he was home to South Africa a year ago, Australia Adelaide. Mitchell’s maiden ton in his 22nd a second think that there will which begins on Dec. 26. eager to see how the team would play with have won nine of their past 13 Tests, with Test came after years of failing to deliver be divisions in the camp or that “I won’t rule myself out of the pressure of winning the series on home their captain leading the way with over with the bat, so it was hugely encourag- we see the series as over. Melbourne. I accept it’s unlikely, soil behind them. 1,000 runs in the calendar year. ing for a team who have searched in vain “We will be throwing eve- but I’m so desperate to play that “It’s highly pressurised, Ashes cricket,” Smith’s 239 the WACA, following an for a decent all-rounder to help support rything we have at the I won’t accept I’m not going to he told reporters at the WACA. unbeaten 141 in the series-opener at the their young pace attack. Melbourne and Sydney Tests -- until the doctors tell me abso- “Everyone is nervous every ball, every Gabba, has given him an astonishing aver- The challenge for him is to back it up we are desperate to make a lutely otherwise. session – it’s been that way for 15 days so age of 142 for the Ashes series. again, to be perfectly honest, and one mark on the series, even if it’s “I’ll be weaning myself off far. Long saddled with the burden of scor- innings doesn’t make a cricket career,” said too late to win. the strong painkillers, just a few “So they can go and express themselves ing in a vulnerable batting lineup, Smith Lehmann. “We will fight until the very paracetamol to help me sleep. a little bit more now, so we’ll be playing has enjoyed ample support in the series. “So for him he’s got to back it up next last to do so.” “And no golf! It’ll be beach the same brand of cricket but with less Mitchell Marsh smashed 181 at the game and do the right thing. He’s here to Whether or not Overton will time for me.” pressure on us.” WACA and his older brother Shaun scored make runs.” De Villiers, Steyn back in Test squad

Johannesburg cricket coach Heath Streak said AFP yesterday he wanted his play- ers to play “winning cricket” B de Villiers and Dale when they meet South Africa in Steyn were on Tuesday a one-off day-night Test next named in a 14-man week. A Australian players celebrate squad for South Africa?s one- “We’d rather lose trying to off day-night Test against play a winning brand of cricket the dismissal of England’s Zimbabwe, starting in Port Eliz- than just compete,” said Streak Dawid Malan on day five of abeth on December 26. of a Test South Africa are the third Ashes Test match Batsman De Villiers has not expected to win comfortably. in Perth on Monday. Inset: played Test cricket since Janu- “The main thing is belief England captain Joe Root ary 2016 while fast bowler and shaking off that underdog Steyn suffered a fractured mentality we had,” he said in shoulder in a Test against Aus- Paarl, the western Cape town tralia in November 2016 and where Zimbabwe begin a three- only returned to competitive day warm-up match against a Root’s team faces post-mortem cricket last month. South African Invitation team New ball bowler Vernon on Wednesday. Philander is also back after Zimbabwe have played just missing a recent series against ten Tests since they last met Bangladesh because of a back South Africa in Harare in August after Ashes series capitulation injury. 2014, losing nine and drawing South Africa?s top four fast one. Perth he stumbled through a 5-0 ended the careers of Graeme lookout for a few positions in the bowlers are reunited, with “It’s well documented how Reuters whitewash under the yoke of Swann, Matt Prior and Kevin team and no one until this tour Morne Morkel having recovered little Test cricket we play,” said captaincy. Pietersen. has stood out.” from an injury he suffered dur- Streak. “I think for us it’s less ngland will have to make Despite being relieved of the That whitewash also led to In Somerset seamer Craig ing the first Test against about the type of cricket than some tough decisions leadership burden this time the departure of director Andy Overton, who bowled with vig- Bangladesh. about playing at international Eabout the futures of some around, Cook has ‘supported’ his Flower, but current coach Trevor our in Adelaide and Perth until AB and Dale bring loads of level. of their most decorated senior successor Root with only 83 runs Bayliss says he is still the right suffering a rib injury, England experience to the side apart “Whether it’s playing Tests players after they were ruth- at an average of 13.83 this series, man to lead the team. have at least unearthed an from being two of the South or one-day internationals, it’s lessly exposed by Australia in a comfortably the lowest of Eng- “You may not (think that), encouraging prospect. But the raw African all-time greats,? said the gaps in between that are the 15-day Ashes capitulation. land’s specialist batsmen. but I think our performances 23-year-old can scarcely be selection convener Linda Zondi. biggest challenge for us.” Joe Root’s team head to Mel- Broad, meanwhile, has man- have gone pretty well over the expected to cover the gaping hole Faf du Plessis was named The contest with South bourne 3-0 down in the aged only five wickets at an last couple of years,” he told which the absence of Anderson as captain, although he has Africa will be Zimbabwe’s first five-match series after being average of 61.80 and suffered reporters at the WACA. and Broad’s 900-odd wickets of been out of action recently fol- day-night Test and captain subjected to an innings and the worst Test figures of his “That’s for people above my Test experience would leave. lowing a shoulder operation. Graeme Cremer admitted: “We 41-run hiding in the third Test at career at the WACA, where he pay grade to make that Middle order batsman Dawid Although De Villiers is set haven’t played with a pink ball the WACA, where opener went wicketless for 142 runs. decision.” Malan staked his place in the to return to Test action, he was and we haven’t played a lot Alastair Cook and paceman Stu- His pace partner James Bayliss has, however, offered team with his maiden Test cen- withdrawn from the South Afri- under lights.” art Broad failed to deliver yet Anderson has battled manfully no bright ideas on how to reju- tury at the WACA, backing up his can Invitation team which starts South African Test squad: again. through a difficult campaign, but venate England or find faster 140 with a half-century in the a three-day match against the Faf du Plessis (captain), English hopes that Cook at the age of 35 the long-serving bowlers that can compete on second innings. Cook, by com- Zimbabweans in Paarl on Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, could channel the Herculean Lancastrian may not be able or Australian pitches where they parison, contributed only 21 runs Wednesday because of lower Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis effort that saw him score 766 willing to lead England’s pace have now lost eight straight in his two innings at the WACA. back stiffness. Zondi said the de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean runs in their 2010/11 triumph attack far into the future. matches. A fine servant of English withdrawal was a precaution Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Down Under have proved for- Australia has often proved “I haven’t got the answers,” cricket with over 11,000 Test and that De Villiers would be Markram, Morne Morkel, Andile lorn. The veteran left-hander has to be a tour too far for veteran said the Australian. runs, Cook will be 33 when he available for the Test. Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philan- instead reprised his form from England players, as was shown “Over the last couple of years lines up for the Melbourne Test Meanwhile, Zimbabwe der, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn. the away series of 2013/14 when by the 2013/14 debacle which we’ve certainly been on the on Boxing Day. WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 Boston Celtics edge past Indiana Pacers on Rozier’s steal and lay-up

Terry Rozier 12 of Los Angeles the Boston Celtics the opposite way for the win- NBA RESULTS each scored 20 for the Trail AFP ning layup. “It’s a tough, tough Blazers. dunks the winning loss,” Oladipo said. Golden State 116 LA Lakers 114 Nikola Mirotic and Kris basket during the erry Rozier’s steal and “We gave ourselves a Phoenix 97 Dallas 91 Dunn each scored 22 points and 112-111 victory lay-up with 1.2 sec- chance to win and we competed San Antonio 109 LA Clippers 91 Justin Holiday added 20 to over the Indiana onds remaining on with the best team in the East- Chicago 117 Philadelphia 115 power the host Chicago Bulls to Pacers at Bankers Monday gave Boston ern Conference. We can be that Houston 120 Utah 99 their sixth consecutive victory, Life Fieldhouse a 112-111 NBA victory good. We just have to keep on Minnesota 108 Portland 107 a 117-115 triumph over on Monday in Tover the Indiana Pacers after the getting better.” Philadelphia. Oklahoma City 95 Denver 94 Indianapolis, Celtics squandered a 19-point Oklahoma City’s Russell Atlanta 110 Miami 104 Dario Saric led the 76ers Indiana. lead. Westbrook scored a season- with 27 points while Australian

Charlotte 109 NY Knicks 91

Kyrie Irving led the Celtics high 38 points on 16-of-28 rookie star Ben Simmons added Boston 112 Indiana 111 with 30 points while Al Horford shooting from the floor and sank 19 points. scored 14 points, grabbed 10 the winning free throw after Kent Bazemore’s two late rebounds and passed off nine being fouled later in the host with a 116-114 over-time tri- baskets among his 16 points assists. Thunder’s 95-94 victory over umph. Kevin Durant scored 36 halted a Miami rally as the host Jayson Tatum contributed Denver. points, grabbed 11 rebounds and Atlanta Hawks beat the Heat 16 points and Marcus Smart The league-leading Houston passed out eight assists. 110-104. added 15 and the Celtics made Rockets stretched their win He netted 12 of Golden Taurean Prince matched a their first 10 shots and improved streak to 14 games with a 120- State’s 14 points in over-time to career high with 24 points and the best record in the Eastern 99 rout of visiting Utah as Eric spark the victory, including the Dennis Schroder added 21 for Conference to 26-7. Gordon scored 33 points, mak- deciding jumper with 6.4 sec- the Hawks. Josh Richardson had “That was one hell of a of ing a career-high seven onds to go. 26 points for Miami. a game to be a part of,” Irving 3-pointers, and James Harden Lonzo Ball, who scored seven LaMarcus Aldridge scored said. added 26 points, six rebounds of his 16 points in the extra five 19 points and Tony Parker Victor Oladipo led the Pac- and six assists with Chris Paul minutes, had a potential tying added 16 as the San Antonio ers (17-14) with 38 points, 30 in contributing 18 points, nine layup blocked by David West to Spurs cruised past the visiting the second half. rebounds and 10 assists. snuff the Lakers’ last chance. Los Angeles Clippers 109-91 His 3-pointer and layup on Clint Capela returned from Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler, while TJ Warren scored 19 back-to-back possessions gave injury and had 24 points and 20 who scored 37 points, hit two points and Isaiah Canaan added Indiana a five-point edge with rebounds for the Rockets (25-4) free throws with 2.5 seconds left 17 to power the Phoenix Suns 31 seconds to play. while Rodney Hood led Utah and Damian Lillard missed a over host Dallas 97-91. An Irving 3-pointer pulled with 26 points. 3-point shot at the buzzer as the At Charlotte, reserve Frank Boston within 110-109 with nine On the night when the Los host Timberwolves held off Kaminsky scored 24 points and seconds remaining. Angeles Lakers retired Kobe Portland 108-107. the host Hornets snapped a Rozier followed by inter- Bryant’s two jersey numbers, the Lillard had 17 points, 13 three-game losing streak with cepting a Bojan Bogdanovic pass defending champion Golden assists and eight rebounds while a 109-91 victory over New intended for Oladipo and raced State Warriors stole the show Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum York.

Welsh ‘warrior’ Kempe, Toffoli power Hibbard to end Kings to big victory career with New York NHL RESULTS Dragons Agencies Colorado 4 Pittsburgh 2 London drian Kempe and Tyler Edmonton 5 San Jose 3 AFP Toffoli scored third- Boston 7 Columbus 2

Aperiod goals, and the Los New Jersey 5 Anaheim 3 eteran Welsh hooker Angeles Kings leaned heavily Los Angeles 4 Philadelphia 1 Richard Hibbard will on their top-ranked penalty kill Vreturn to Wales and in a 4-1 victory over the Phila- join ambitious region Drag- delphia Flyers on Monday night. Bergeron and David Backes ons at the end of the present Alec Martinez and Trevor added a goal and an assist each, season from Premiership out- Lewis also scored for the Kings, and Torey Krug also scored for fit Gloucester, he announced and Jonathan Quick turned the Bruins, who snapped a two- on Monday. aside 36 shots as Los Angeles game losing streak and finished The 34-year-old -- ended a four-game road trip 1-1-1 on a three-game capped 38 times and a with a win, snapping a three- homestand. member of the British and game losing streak. The Kings Josh Anderson and Seth Irish Lions Test side that beat Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman killed off five of their six Jones scored for the Blue Australia 2-1 in 2013 -- joins (second left) runs the ball for a touchdown against the penalties. Jackets. compatriot Ross Moriarty in Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of their Jakub Voracek scored the Devils 5, Ducks 3 making the same move. NFL game at Raymond James Stadium on Monday. lone goal for the Flyers, who Stefan Noesen scored off a Hibbard, described by had their six-game win streak scramble at 15:53 of the third Gloucester’s director of rugby snapped. Brian Elliott (21 saves) period to lift New Jersey to a David Humphreys as an “abso- took his first defeat since Dec. come-from-behind victory over lute warrior”, had another year 2. Anaheim. on his contract to run but NFL: Falcons dump Bucs to Bruins 7, Blue Jackets 2 Noesen’s tiebreaking goal wanted to bring down the cur- Three rookies played key ruined the homecoming of tain on his stellar career back roles, as Danton Heinen and former Devils center Adam Hen- in his homeland. “It’s been an Jake DeBrusk both had a goal rique, who had a goal and an incredibly difficult decision,” stay in NFC South chase and two assists and Charlie assist in his first game against his he told the Gloucester McAvoy recorded a Gordie old team since New Jersey traded website. New York yards) provided a 24-14 margin pulled within 17-14 on Winston’s Howe Hat Trick with a goal, an him to Anaheim for defenseman “The reason it’s been so Agencies with a 32-yard touchdown run 42-yard pass to Mike Evans, who assist and a fight, helping Bos- Sami Vatanen on November. 30. tough is that I’ve become so on third-and-2 with 7:58 outfought two defenders in the ton rout lifeless Columbus. Noesen iced the game with an attached to Gloucester dur- he Atlanta Falcons pulled remaining. The Bucs answered end zone. Brad Marchand, Patrice empty-net goal at 19:53. ing my time here. within a game of the NFC on Jameis Winston’s 16-yard Tampa Bay preserved that “I’ve probably played T South lead thanks to a pass to Adam Humphries with three-point deficit when Will some of my very best rugby 24-21 victory against the injury- 4:07 to play. Gholston blocked Matt Bryant’s in Cherry and White and I’ve plagued Tampa Bay Buccaneers From there, Tampa Bay 33-yard field-goal attempt. enjoyed it so much. on Monday night at Raymond eventually regained possession The Falcons led 17-7 at half- “Finishing my career in James Stadium. when Bucs defensive tackle time, pulling away with a Wales is important to me, Tampa Bay kicker Patrick Clinton McDonald dumped 10-point second quarter. though, and this opportunity Murray was wide right on a quarterback Matt Ryan for a Atlanta gained its advantage has probably come a little 54-yard field-goal attempt as 3-yard sack on third-and-9 just when Freeman lost a fumble at sooner than I expected.” time expired. past the two-minute warning. the 1-yard line, but tight end Adrian Kempe Hibbard said he had been The defending NFC cham- Winston completed three Levine Toilolo recovered in the of the Los impressed by the plans Drag- pion Falcons (9-5) would win passes on Tampa Bay’s final end zone for a touchdown. Angeles ons head coach and former the division title if they defeat drive, driving the Bucs from The Bucs tried to answer Kings skates Ireland hooker Bernard Jack- the New Orleans Saints (10-4) their 29-yard line to Atlanta’s 36, back, but Peyton Barber lost a man had in mind for the region, on Sunday and the Carolina setting up Murray’s unsuccess- fumble at Atlanta’s 5-yard line against the who have been the lowest fin- Panthers (10-4) on December 31. ful attempt to force overtime. and Falcons defensive tackle Philadelphia ishing Welsh side in all but one The Bucs (4-10), who Winston completed 27 of 35 Dontari Poe recovered. Flyers during of the last 12 seasons. “I spoke entered the game without three passes for 299 yards and three The Falcons tacked on a their NHL to Bernard, who shared his injured defensive starters, had touchdowns in his most efficient 57-yard field goal by Bryant with game at Wells plans for the Dragons and the six more players ruled out after effort of the season. Ryan was 3:12 remaining in the half for a Fargo Center direction he wants to take the getting hurt on Monday night. 17 of 31 for 212 yards and one 17-7 lead. Atlanta opened the on Monday in team and I really want to be Falcons running back Dev- score. scoring with Ryan’s 6-yard pass Philadelphia, part of that,” said Hibbard. onta Freeman (22 carries, 126 In the third quarter, the Bucs to Justin Hardy. Pennsylvania. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 Silva targets La Liga eyes big money in Asia return for PSG’s final match with early El Clasico kick-off of the year MadridMaddrid cultural ddifferencesifferences bbetweenetween Clasico on December 23 is at 1300 last 16 of the competition in 2018. AFPAFP CataloniaCatalol nia anandnd MaMadrid.ddrid. MadridMadrid ttime, 2000 in Shanghai, 1900 However, Gay de Liebana believes Paris “It“It isi thethe ideal shopshop wi win-nn- in J Jakartaakarakar and 1730 in New Delhi,” La Liga’s focus shouldn’t rest solely AFP Paulinho or the firstfirst time,time, dow,dow,, the marqumarqueeee match ttoo continuedcontinue Evers. on Asia, but take advantage of the cul- SpanishSpanish footfoot-- showshoww toto ppeopleeople S Spanishpanish foo foot-tt- “These“The are all locations where we tural and linguistic advantages they How Guardiola aris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery is hopeful bball’sa ll’s ball,”balll,” Jose MaMariaria Gay ddee knowknow ththeree are many La Liga fans and have in Latin American markets, from captain Thiago Silva will return from injury for shshowpieceowpiece Liebana, pprofessorrofessor ooff wherewhere wwe will be hosting events to where many of its current stars like Ptoday’s final match of the year at home to Caen Paulinho is evevent,ent, El ClCla-a- economicseconomics aat celebratecelebrat El Clasico. Messi and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez hail. before the French league heads into its winter break. Fsicosicoo betbetweenween ggiantsiants ReRealal BBarcelonaarcelona “Additional“Add events are being held “They have to gamble and look transformed The Brazil international hasn’t featured since hob- evolving and MadridMadrid aandnd BBarce-arce- UUniver-niver- inin vvariousario locations around Asia. towards South and Latin America. bling off during a 3-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the llona,onaa, hahass been ThroughThrough this and other initiatives we They are emerging countries where Champions League a fortnight ago, but has resumed full sscheduledcheeduled for a wantwant to mmake existing fans even big- there is a rising middle class and training and could replace the suspended Presnel Kim- raising his llunchtimeu n c htime gerger La LLigai supporters and, of course, greater spending power,” pembe in central defence. kikick-offc k -of f we wanwantt to attract new supporters as he added. Manchester City “I believe and hope, like Thiago Silva and the doc- ((1200GMT)12000GMT) well.”well.” tor, that he will be okay to play,” Emery said on Monday, level: Tite on SSatur-atur- SuchSuc events are a sign of La as PSG look to remain unbeaten at the Parc des Princes ddayay as Liga’sLiga’ awareness of how the under the Spaniard. Madrid LaLa LLigaiga SSpanishpa top flight lags London Manchester City chase winning record After today’s fixture, the runaway Ligue 1 leaders Reuters seeksseekks behindbe England’s cash rich AFP will then have 18 days until their next match -- against PremierP League in the Unstoppable Manchester City claimed their 16th successive Premier Rennes in the last 64 of the French Cup on January 7. League victory with a 4-1 triumph over Tottenham, and are now only four hen Paulinho signedned battleb for Asian based leven points clear atop the Pre- wins away from eclipsing the European record held by Bayern Munich But with PSG looking to balance their books follow- for Barcelona in fans.f mier League and on an ing the August arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, City have scored 56 goals Longest winning streaks in Europe* August from Chineseese The Premier unprecedented 16-game win- January could prove a busy month for the club in the W E this season – 17 more than Bayern Munich GER side Guangzhou Evergrandeth thee League’sLe estimated $3.9bn ning run, Manchester City have transfer market. Manchester Utd – with Kevin Oct 2013 – Mar 2014 19 deal was widely viewed wwithith incomeincom from domestic and produced one of the most stupen- de Bruyne (below right) scoring Emery has already spoken with Lucas Moura and derision, with both fans andt hthee internationalinternat TV rights a season dous half-seasons in English football six and providing eight assists Internazionale ITA 17 Hatem Ben Arfa about possible exits, while Argentine media doubting the Brazilianan dwarfsdwarfs LLa Liga’s $1.9bn revenue. history. Oct 2006 – Feb 2007 pair Javier Pastore and Angel Di Maria continue to be Moreover, whilst Asia is the Pre- *In top five European leagues – England Barcelona ESP regularly linked with moves away from Paris. had the quality to thrive at to ccaptureapture AsiAsia’sa’s More At the same stage last season, France, Germany, Italy and Spain 16 Camp Nou. attentionaattention aandnd iitsts miermier League’sLea biggest international City were seven points below even- Oct 2010 – Feb 2011 PSG have mooted recruiting a holding midfielder to The months since have cash.caash. market,market, it trails behind the Americas tual champions Chelsea in third Real Madrid ESP 16 replace the oft-injured Thiago Motta, but sporting direc- seen his detractors eat hum-m- “We“We aarere kkeeneen ttoo andand the rest of Europe in La Liga’s La Liga keen to provide place and finished the campaign 15 Mar-Sep 2016 tor Antero Henrique has ruled out any further Asian fans the ble pie. provideprovvide ouourr ffansans inin AsAsiaia rightsrights dedeals. points off the pace. Monaco FRA 16 acquisitions for the time being. Paulinho has earned hhisis tthehe oppoopportunityrtunity to wwatchatch “We have changed kick-off sched- opportunity to watch Here is a look at what manager Feb-Aug 2017 “Right now, we have no need to dip into the winter place in the Barcelona sidea andnd RealReaal MMadridadrid aandnd BBarce-arce- ulesules so that they can be seen at Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola has done to turn City Manchester City ENG transfer market. An opportunity may always arrive but 16 Le Paris- has become a crucial partt ooff lonalonaa facfacee ofofff atat a a t timeime th thatat ssityity anandd aann reasonablereasonab times here in Asia and we Barcelona face off at a from also-rans into world-beaters. Aug 2017 – at the moment the answer is no,” Henrique told manager Ernesto Valverde’sde’s is convenientconvenient to thethem,”m,” LaLa eexpertxpert iinn willwill concontinuet to take steps to ensure Finding the right goalkeeper ien newspaper. Man City coach system, meaning he is likelyy to to Liga’sLigaa’s CChiefhief ComCommunica-munica- SpanishSpanish ffootballootbaall tthathat tthishis part of the world can enjoy time that is convenient The boldest move Guardiola Caen are without a win in four matches ahead of to them. Pep Guardiola line up against Real Madridd atat tionstionns OOfficerfficer JoJorisris EvEversers finances,finances, saisaid.d. La Liga aas much as possible,” La Liga made in his maiden season at the holds records the trip to PSG -- their total of 11 goals scored is the sec- the Santiago Bernabeu in SSat-at- said.saidd. However,However, it iis presidentpresiden Javier Tebas said at the Etihad Stadium -- axing long-serv- for longest ond worst tally in France, although only PSG and urday’s Clasico. WithWith a ppotentialotential tetele-le- notnot justjust a bboomoom inn openingopening of the league’s new Singa- With a potential ing goalkeeper Joe Hart -- proved winning streaks Montpellier have a better defensive record this term. With Neymar leaving for visionvision aaudienceudience ooff 665050 lucrativelucrative tetelevisionlevisionn porepore offofficei earlier this year, just one television audience of his least successful. in Spain’s La Liga, Neymar excelled on his return, after missing games Paris St. Germain, a gap in tthehe millionmilllion pepeople,ople, ac accord-cord- rightsrights tthathat LaLa LLigaiga an andd it titss ofof a seriseriese of new La Liga bases across Hart’s replacement, Chile inter- German Bundesliga against Lille and Strasbourg, with two goals and two 650 million people, and English Premier League side opened up and althoughugh inging to LLaa LiLiga,ga, El twotwwo bbiggestiggest cclubslubs areare seseek-ekk- thethe worworld.l national Claudio Bravo, proved C assists in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Rennes, but PSG will Ousmane Dembele was signedned ClClasicoasico iiss the mmostost inging wwiwithth an earearlyly start tthishiis TebasTeba is acutely aware that Spain’s according to La Liga, El ill-suited to the unforgiving cut and ITY: PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES also be without Marco Verratti and Dani Alves as both from Borussia Dortmund too f ifillll wwatchedattched club mmatchatch weekend,weekendd, bbutut a sshowcasehowcase fforor alallll privilegedprivilege position at the top of the Clasico is the most thrust of the English game and his Dec 23 Bournemouth (h) serve one-match bans. it, the Frenchman’s hamstringring aaroundroound tthehe wworldorld ofof thetheirir llucrativeucrative ssponsorshipponsorshipp EuropeanEuropea game is coming under watched club match error-strewn displays cost City mul- Dec 27 Newcastle United (a) Second-place Monaco, who trail PSG by nine points, injury has kept him sidelined.ed. thanksthannks to its ununiqueique contracts.contracts. threatthreat ffromro the Premier League’s eco- around the world. tiple points. Dec 31 Crystal Palace (a) go in search of a fourth straight win against Rennes at Although Paulinho, a rug-ug- mixturemixture ooff sstartar LastLast yyeareear BarceBarcelonalona signesignedd a nomicnomic ppower. Guardiola took a punt in the Jan 2 Watford (h) the Stade Louis II, where coach Leonardo Jardim is protagonistsprottagonists anandd a a club record shirt sponsorship deal close season, authorising a £35m enjoying rebuilding last year’s title-winning side. ged box-to-box midfielder,der, cclub record shirt sponsorship deaal HeHe hhas repeatedly warned the Jan 14 Liverpool (a) does not occupy the same spaceace fiercefierce rrivalryivalry ffos-os- worthwworth a miminimumnnimum of 220220mm ( ($258m)$258mm) PremierPremier League could become the According to a study ($46.8m) move to sign uncapped “I’m passionate about this project, it’s sort of my Jan 20 Newcastle United (h) on the pitch as wingers Neymarmar teredtered ooverver overoover four yeyearsars withwith JapJapaneseanese onlionlinene NBANBA of EEuropean football, capable of carried out by consumer Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson from project,” said Jardim. “It’s my fourth season here. I’m and Dembele, he has forcedh hisis ddecadeseccades bbothoth retailerrretailer RRakuten.akuuten. poachingpoaching Barca and Madrid’s stars like analytics specialists Benfica, but it has been a Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS passionate but realistic. I believe we can succeed with way into the side. oonn tthehe ffieldield “T“Theyhey wwantant to sesellll ttheirheir p productsroductts LionelLionel MMessi and Cristiano Ronaldo Nielsen Sports, last masterstroke. this project. Valverde has changedB Bar-ar- andand ooffff it bbyy toto intinternationalernatioonal marmarkets,kets, a abovebove a allll in nin in thethe ssamea way Barca were power- The 23-year-old is a sturdy pres- “Other challenges were offered to me but I didn’t celona’s formation from 4-3-33-3 the ddistinctistinct Asia,”AAsia,” aaddedddedd GaGayy ddee LieLiebana.bana. lessless to sstopt Qatar-backed Paris Saint season’s corresponding ence between the posts and, perhaps ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE leave because I’m driven by this project. I’m happy to to 4-4-2, with Paulinho’s pres-res- AccordingAccordinng to a studstudyy carriedcarried ooutuut GermainGermain paying a world record first La Liga Clasico of the more importantly, his superb distri- work here. I’m going to continue, even if we don’t know ence giving the Catalans ffarar byb cconsumeronsumeer anaanalyticslytics speciaspecialistslistts €222m€222m for Neymar in August. season generated more bution has enhanced City’s capacity what the future holds. greater defensive security,ity, Real Madrid’s NNiNielsenelsen SpSports,oorts, llastast seaseason’sson’s corrcorre-ee- MadridMad and Barca have com- than $42.5m in media to play out from the back. Team Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA PTS “There are two years left on my contract and I’m meaning Sergio Busquets doesoes star attraction spondingssponding ffirstirrst LaLa LiLigaga CClasicolasico ooff tthehe binedbined ttoo win the Champions League Man City 18 17 1 0 56 12 52 making the most day after day of the club and Monaco.” value for sponsors. Man Utd 18 13 2 3 39 12 41 not have to do the midfield’sld’s Christiano seasonsseason ggeneratedeneerated moremore tthanhan $ $42.5m42.5m in sevenseven of the past 12 years. Barcelona’s Making an ally of adversity Lyon are level on points with Monaco after Sunday’s Chelsea 18 12 2 4 32 14 38 dirty work alone, and makingking Ronaldo inn mmediaedia vvalueallue for ssponsors.ponsors. However,How for the first time Lionel Messi After City shelled out close to 2-0 victory over Marseille and will bid to keep pace with them difficult to break down.wn. “The“The kkick-offiick-off of tthehe nnextext EEl everever EnEngland will have five of the £100m to sign Kyle Walker and Ben- Liverpool 18 9 7 2 38 20 34 the defending champions when they travel to That does not mean the jamin Mendy, Guardiola began Arsenal 18 10 3 5 31 20 33 Toulouse. attacking threat has been badly testing out systems in which the Burnley 18 9 5 4 16 12 32 Marseille will look to regroup at home to Troyes diminished though, with width in his team was provided by Tottenham 18 9 4 5 31 18 31 after a howler by Steve Mandanda contributed to Rudi Paulinho contributing six La the full-backs. Leicester 18 7 5 6 27 26 26 Garcia’s team’s 12-match unbeaten run coming to an Liga goals, more than any But when Mendy ruptured his Everton 18 7 4 7 24 30 25 end. player at Real Madrid, includ- Everton adds to Swansea woes with 3-1 victory anterior cruciate ligament in a 5-0 Watford 18 6 4 8 27 33 22 Mario Balotelli has scored eight goals in his last eight ing vaunted forwards Cristiano win over Crystal Palace in late Sep- Huddersfield 18 6 3 9 16 30 21 games in all competitions to help Nice recover from a Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Liverpool defending as Leroy Fer lost his tember, he had to change tack. Southampton 18 4 6 8 17 24 18 dreadful start, but the Italian will be absent against Lille Gareth Bale. Paulinho, 29, who Reuters marker to slot home a Tom Car- Guardiola recalibrated his team Brighton 18 4 6 8 14 23 18 due to suspension. failed to make a mark at Tot- roll corner from close range. by deploying Raheem Sterling and Crystal Palace 18 4 5 9 15 28 17 tenham Hotspur in the Premier verton’s revival under Sam Everton looked short of inspi- Leroy Sane wide on each flank and West Ham 18 4 5 9 17 32 17 Bournemouth 18 4 4 10 15 24 16 League and rejuvenated his Allardyce continued with a ration but they got on level terms the pair have responded with some Stoke 18 4 4 10 19 39 16 career in China with Guangzhou 3-1 victory over bottom club just before the break when they scintillating performances. E Newcastle 18 4 3 11 16 27 15 Russia to relay has been one of the revelations Swansea City helped by a stun- were awarded a penalty after Mendy’s misfortune has also West Brom 18 2 8 8 13 24 14 of the season. ning Gylfi Sigurdsson goal at a Aaron Lennon went down under opened the door to Fabian Delph, Swansea 18 3 3 12 10 25 12 “I’ve not come here to shut foggy Goodison Park as they Roque Mesa’s challenge. who has excelled in an unfamiliar any mouths, but to work hard moved up to ninth in the Premier Rooney’s spot kick was left-back role. World Cup pitch for the team, and that’s what I League on Monday. pushed against the post by Lukasz am doing,” said Paulinho in The hosts went behind after a Fabianski but Calvert-Lewin Having faith in his methods approach, orchestrated by the bril- Sterling, meanwhile, is belatedly November. Instead he has left sluggish start but goals from reacted quickly and drove home In a prophetic remark from the liant David Silva and the peerless fulfilling his vast potential, his new- them agape, forming an Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the rebound to the relief of the end of last season, Guardiola said: Kevin De Bruyne, has yielded some found effectiveness in front of goal for third time unlikely but profitable partner- halftime, Sigurdsson’s outstand- former England captain. “The team understands the ideas huge wins and a staggering 56 making him City’s top scorer with ship with Lionel Messi which ing strike just past the hour and a Sigurdsson’s move from clearer now and next season we will league goals. 15 goals. Saint Petersburg has been a big factor in Barce- late penalty by Wayne Rooney, Swansea to Everton in August, for go all out.” AFP lona’s unbeaten start to the who hit the post with an earlier a reported fee of 45 million His first season in England was Improving key players Instilling belief season. The Argentine has spot kick, secured the points. pounds ($60.23 million), has been a gruelling experience as he finished John Stones endured a difficult City’s football over the season’s he troublesome pitch at the 2018 World Cup venue enjoyed playing off Paulinho The Merseyside club are questioned, in terms of its value, a campaign without silverware for first season at City, but Guardiola first three months was jaw-drop- in Saint Petersburg will be relaid for a third time, when he bursts forward from unbeaten in four league games by many observers but the Ice- the first time in his managerial stood by the elegant centre-back, ping and when they lost momentum, Tofficials said on Monday. midfield to unsettle defences, since Allardyce took charge this land forward showed his quality career. defending his right to take risks in the players’ belief in Guardiola’s The state of the art 68,000-capacity stadium hosted creating space for Barca’s leg- month and, while it was hardly a with a superb solo goal. One-sided mid-season defeats possession and praising his courage methods allowed them to continue this year’s Confederations Cup final, but the pitch was endary playmaker. sparkling display by his side After Rooney found him on the against Leicester City (4-2) and on the ball. grinding out results. so cut up it was changed ahead of the tournament. “I think that Paulinho is against the struggling Welsh out- left flank, Sigurdsson cut inside on Everton (4-0) exposed City’s short- Guardiola’s faith has been Between late November and Further work began 10 days ago to relay the surface evolving and he is raising his fit, the manager’s trademark to his right foot and unleashed an comings and Guardiola was mocked rewarded this term as Stones has early December they eked out four again after the pitch deteriorated once more leaving it level,” said Brazil coach Tite, organisation was evident. unstoppable drive past Fabianski for saying he was “not a coach for blossomed into one of the finest 2-1 wins in succession, with three of dangerous to play on. who will call on the midfield Swansea, who have now lost and into the far corner of the net the tackles”. defenders in the Premier League, those secured by goals scored in the During the World Cup the stadium will host group dynamo next year at the World six away games in a row, suffered in the 64th. A less storied coach might have decisive in the tackle and authori- 83rd minute or later. games, a last-16 game, a semi-final and the third-place Cup, barring injury. an early blow when striker Wil- Everton were awarded a sec- gone back to the drawing board, but tative in possession. “The most important thing play-off. If Paulinho can continue his fried Bony, their only scorer in the ond penalty after 73 minutes, Guardiola responded by going fur- Nicolas Otamendi, long derided within this team is probably the Regional politician Igor Albine said the change was excellent form against Madrid last seven games, limped off after which Swansea complained about ther in the same direction, convinced for his propensity for going to belief in the dressing room,” Ster- necessary to deliver a pitch that could “withstand all BBC and help Barcelona open up a four minutes with a muscle prob- with some justification. Martin Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson scores their second goal City could succeed playing his kind ground too easily, has prospered ling told the recently. challenges”. 14 point lead over their arch- lem to be replaced by Tammy Olsson was ruled to have tripped earlier miss, strode up to blast the The defeat left Paul Clement’s of football. alongside him, meaning Vincent “The manager sets a plan for Russian football has just entered its extended win- against Swansea City during their English Premier League rivals, he will be one step closer Abraham. Jonjoe Kenny but replays showed ball home from the spot and wrap Swansea side rooted to the foot of His conviction has paid off Kompany’s ongoing injury prob- each game. He gives us the blueprint. ter break. to arriving in Russia with a La Despite that setback, the vis- the foul had been committed out- up the points for Everton, who the table with 12 points, four points match played at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England on spectacularly. lems have not unduly affected the Then you can see everyone else buy- Construction of the scandal-hit arena, Zenit St Liga winners’ medal around his itors went ahead in the 35th side the area. now have 25 points from 18 adrift of the safety zone and facing Saturday. City’s dazzling possession-based team. ing into it. Everyone is on board.” Petersburg’s new home ground, began in 2007 but was neck. minute, taking advantage of poor Rooney, undeterred by his games. battle for top-flight survival. only finished in December last year. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Gatlin ‘shocked’ by allegations about coach

London “Focusing on the influences appearance of these current Gatlin has long been a con- AFP that surround athletes is a crit- accusations. I fired him as soon troversial figure after being ical area of work,” Coe insisted. as I found out about this.” banned for doping in 2001 for orld 100 metres cham- The 35-year-old American He said he was “not using one year and in 2006 for four pion Justin Gatlin says sprint star, who has twice served and have not used” perform- years. Whe is “shocked and bans for doping, said he had ance-enhancing drugs. His long-time agent, former surprised” by allegations in a sacked Mitchell after hearing of He added: “All legal options sprint hurdler Renaldo Nehe- British newspaper that his coach the claims. are on the table as I will not miah, told the newspaper that and an athletics agent offered The report alleged Mitchell allow others to lie about me like Wagner had represented Gatlin to sell performance-enhancing and Wagner offered to provide this.” only two to three times and that drugs to undercover reporters. undercover reporters with false IAAF president Sebastian Gatlin was not present when Anti-doping officials have prescriptions for banned per- Coe said the claims were banned substances were alleg- launched an investigation into formance-enhancing concerning. edly discussed with Mitchell or the claims about Gatlin’s coach substances and smuggle the “These allegations are Wagner. Dennis Mitchell (pictured) and drugs into the United States. extremely serious and I know Mitchell and Wagner alleg- an agent, Robert Wagner while The claims are being inves- the independent Athletics Integ- edly offered to supply and IAAF President Seb Coe says tigated by the Athletics Integrity rity Unit will investigate in administer testosterone and changes are needed. Unit (AIU), set up this year by accordance with its mandate,” human growth hormone for an “We are looking at who we the International Association of Coe said. actor training for a film on ath- want in our sport,” Coe, the Athletics Federations (IAAF) and That came even as the 2017 letics at a price of $250,000, 1500m gold medallist from the the US Anti-Doping Agency world champion, who beat according to the report. 1980 and 1984 Games, said in a (USADA). Usain Bolt in the 100m final in The newspaper said it began statement. Gatlin said on Instagram: “I London, had legal advisers its investigation in July after “The IAAF recognises as an was shocked and surprised to release five years of official hearing of agents and trainers industry we need to do more,” learn that my coach would have drugs tests that showed he was involved in supplying drugs to said the Englishman. anything to do with even the clean. athletes. Golf: Thomas tips Woods to have strong 2018 Masters

North Carolina (and) Langer... because it’s such an “If he plays healthy, I think he’ll 2018, though he is not sharing them Reuters advantage knowing the course and have a great year,” said Thomas, publicly. Thomas has enjoyed some the more you play, the world of dif- who played with Woods in the final time off recently recharging his bat- ustin Thomas reckons a healthy ference it makes.” round of the Hero World Challenge teries for the new season, which he Tiger Woods (pictured) will Woods, who turns 42 on Dec. in the Bahamas two weeks ago. will kick off in two weeks’ time by have a good chance of chal- 30, has won the Masters four times, “It’s hard to not hype it up or defending his title at the season lenging at April’s Masters, while most recently in 2005. talk about this or that but in real- opening Tournament of Champi- Jat the same time reserving Couples, the 1992 champion, ity we need to see what happens ons at Kapalua in Hawaii. judgment over the 14-times major now aged 58, has continued to per- because no one knows. The 24-year-old champion’s comeback. form well at Augusta into his 50s, “He was just so happy (at the said he had done little Pointing out that several vet- finishing in the top 20 on six of his World Challenge), which was cool during his break and erans have superb records at past seven appearances. to see. I’ve spent some time with outlined a typical day Augusta National, Thomas said on Germany’s twice Masters him the last couple of years and that consists of loung- Monday that Woods could follow champion Langer, meanwhile, was I’ve never seen him so happy ... ing on the couch at his the example set by the likes of in contention at the age of 57 going having so much fun and grinding south Florida home, Bernhard Langer and Fred into the final round in 2014, before it out and playing well.” punctuated by trips to Couples. finishing equal eighth. World number three Thomas the gym and a dip in “If he’s healthy, there’s no rea- Woods is attempting a come- is coming off a brilliant year high- the swimming pool. son he wouldn’t (play well),” back after multiple back surgeries. lighted by his major breakthrough “When you do win, Thomas said in a teleconference He has hardly played over the past victory at the PGA Championship it takes so much out of call. two years and while few expect him in August. you,” he said. “There’s a reason Freddie to recapture his previous greatness, He won four other events in “It was such a crazy end of the played so well there for so long the jury is still out. 2017 and has set new goals for year. It caught up to me.” Anti-doping group Ferrari could lead others out of urges Sky team to Formula One, warns Marchionne

suspend Froome Paris “The thing that most annoys leave. If they (sceptics) think we different character to former Reuters me is that there is an experi- are bluffing, they are playing Ferrari chairman Luca di Mon- Paris enced man like Ross Brawn with fire.” tezemolo, however, and AFP errari could lead other For- there who is looking for ways Most of the Formula One Ecclestone said in November mula One teams into an that go against the DNA of For- teams have contracts that expire that he did not consider it an he movement for clean Falternative championship mula One,” the Gazzetta dello at the end of 2020 and Mar- empty threat. The Gazzetta cycling MPCC implored if the sport becomes too much Sport website quoted Mar- chionne said Ferrari would be quoted Marchionne as also say- TTeam Sky on Monday to like the US-based NASCAR series chionne as saying. able to walk away. ing Maserati could follow Alfa suspend Tour de France win- but hope it does not come to that, “Making cars all the same “I think that Ferrari has the Romeo back into Formula One ner Chris Froome (pictured) chairman Sergio Marchionne has with simpler and cheaper strength to drag others as well in some capacity, but not yet, over his adverse doping test. said. engines is like NASCAR, it to an alternative championship,” while Fiat Chrysler (FCA) would Last week Froome and Sky Speaking to reporters at the doesn’t interest us,” he added. he added. There have been sim- have a presence in some form revealed the 32-year-old had Italian team’s pre-Christmas “We need to find a balanced ilar threats in the past from in the Formula E electric series. tested for elevated levels of the lunch in Maranello, the Fiat solution for the future that sat- Ferrari, before Marchionne’s Alfa Romeo, part of the FCA asthma medication salbutamol Chrysler chief executive said his isfies everyone and I think we time, without any of them com- stable, have teamed up with during the Vuelta a Espana, previous threats to take Ferrari will do it in time. ing to anything. Swiss-based Sauber as title part- which he won for the first time, out of the sport after 2020 “Otherwise Ferrari will Marchionne is a very ners for 2018. in September. should not be taken lightly. Although salbutamol is per- He also announced a Feb. 22 Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is pushed to the garage during mitted in certain doses, Froome launch date for the team’s 2018 the Formula One Test session at the Catalunya racetrack gave a urine reading of twice on MPCC member teams were car and said Ferrari should be in Montmelo, Spain in this the allowed limit. taken in the obvious aim of challenging for the title after fin- March 2017 file photo. However, as the medication transparency for the benefit of ishing runners-up to Mercedes can be taken legally, four-time everyone in cycling,” said the this year. Tour winner Froome was not MPCC. Marchionne said Liberty suspended by cycling’s govern- “That’s why the MPCC and Media, the US-based company ing body the UCI but merely its board of directors ask Team which took over Formula One asked to explain the elevated Sky, without prejudice to the in January and sidelined former reading. final decision, to suspend their commercial supremo Bernie Sky are not one of the 43 rider until the end of the Ecclestone, was learning the World Tour and Continental procedure. ropes. Pro teams (the top two levels in “That would allow the rider He took issue, however, with cycling) signed up voluntarily and his team to proceed with the approach taken by former to the MPCC. their defence in tranquility and Ferrari technical director Ross According to MPCC rules, avoid tensions with many team Brawn, the Formula One man- signatory teams must immedi- principles and riders.” aging director who won titles ately suspend a rider who has As Sky are not MPCC mem- with his own Brawn GP in 2009 returned a positive doping test. bers, they have no obligation to before serving as Mercedes F1 “These measures imposed follow such a request. team boss. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2017

23RD GULF CUP 23rd Gulf Cup: Qatar to begin FIXTURES GROUP A Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates title defense against Yemen December 22 18:30 Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia The Peninsula 21:00 Oman vs United Arab Emirates efending December 25 champions 17:30 Qatar will United Arab Emirates vs Saudi begin Gulf Arabia Cup title 20:00 Ddefense against Yemen as Oman vs Kuwait the Arab Gulf Cup Foot- December 28 ball Federation (AGCFF) 18:30 yesterday announced Saudi Arabia vs Oman schedule for the 23rd edi- 18:30 tion of prestigious Kuwait vs United Arab Emirates tournament starting in Kuwait on Friday. GROUP B Al Anabi, who over- Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain came Saudi Arabia 2-1 following an exciting December 23 final of 2014 edition in 17:30 Riyadh, will kick off their Qatar vs Yemen campaign on December 20:00 23 – the second day of Bahrain vs Iraq the regional December 26 competition. 17:30 The hugely popular Yemen vs Bahrain event will get under way Qatar team’s players during training session in Doha yesterday. The national 20:00 with a match between squad for 23rd Gulf Cup is expected to be announced tomorrow. Iraq vs Qatar hosts Kuwait and Saudi December 29 Arabia at Jaber Al Ahmad 18:30 Stadium on Friday. Qatar vs Bahrain The second match of side will meet Bahrain to be a mix of youth and 18:30 the opening day will see their last group match on experience with Al Sadd Iraq vs Yemen Oman and the UAE in Friday. likely to contribute five action. Top two teams from players while four play- Gulf Cup trophy arrives in Kuwait 1ST SEMI-FINAL After meeting Yemen, each group will advance ers from giants Al Duhail January 2, 2018 Qatar who are bracketed to the semi-finals which are expected to be part of Kuwait competitions, Hamad Al bringing the trophy of the Winner Group A vs Runner-up in Group B along with will be played on January national team. QNA Mannai. tournament, which con- Group B Bahrain and Iraq besides 2, 2018 with the final Qatar had an encour- Kuwait Football cludes on January 5. Yemen, will clash with scheduled on January 5. aging preparations for Association (KFA) Secre- Qatar will host the 2ND SEMI-FINAL Iraq in their second Meanwhile, coach- the important assignment he Gulf Cup trophy tary General Mohamed 24th edition of the tour- January 2, 2018 match on December 26. Sanchez is expected to as Al Anabi produced arrived in Kuwait Khalil and a number of nament after the Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A comprises ten- announce the Qatari impressive performances Ton Monday with a KFA members received executive committee of Group A time champions Kuwait, squad tomorrow follow- in the friendly matches Qatari delegation com- the Qatari delegation and the Gulf Cup Football Saudi Arabia, the UAE ing which the team will against big teams like prising Qatar Football thanked them for the Federation approved its FINAL and Oman. leave for Kuwait. Czech Republic and Association’s head of swift response to request. JANUARY 5, 2018 Coach Felix Sanchez’s The squad is expected Iceland.