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Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Rabia II 20, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

PREVIEW Amid Liverpool hype, Flamengo focused on Hilal ‘In Brazil, there has been a lot of talk at Liverpool, but they forgot that we have to play a semi-final before’

By Sahan Bidappa

ith the focus en- tirely on European champions Liver- pool, Flamengo ar- Wrive at the FIFA Club World Cup determined to play spoil- sport. The Copa Libertadores champions are in red-hot form, with their 30-match unbeaten streak ending only last week. By then, though, the Flamengo had already wrapped up the Brazil- ian league title by a whopping 16 points. While the Club World Cup may not evoke much enthusiasm in other parts of the world, but in South America it is an obsession. And Flamengo will be keen to re- peat their historic achievement of 1981, when they beat Liverpool 3-0 to claim the old Interconti- nental Cup in Tokyo. With the Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus (left) address a press conference on the eve of their FIFA Club World Cup Anfi eld club representing Europe semi-final against Al Hilal in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Al Hilal coach Razvan Lucescu speaks at a press conference in Doha yesterday. again, a rematch is on the cards. But before that, though, Fla- months for Flamengo since being it is a team I know well. I am very pressure, but a lot of satisfaction. is all about how you react in cer- mengo will have to clear the appointed in June, guiding them proud of my period with Al Hilal We have a great joy of playing, tain moments, the decisions you Al Hilal hurdle, with the Asian to success in the Brasil Serie A and recruited three or four play- providing a good show and try to make,” said Lucescu. champions aiming to spring a and Copa Libertadores, adding ers for them. They are a good side win. Success leads teams to have Hilal coach, however, was surprise of their own when the to their Campeonato Carioca and we respect them but I am moments of great pressure. Who aware of Flamengo’s quality but two sides clash in the fi rst semi- success prior to the Portuguese obviously focused on my job at doesn’t want to put pressure on had belief that his players would fi nal at the Khalifa International manager’s arrival. Flamengo where I am honoured success? I want to live my whole rise to the occasion. Stadium today. Flamengo’s qualifi cation to to be the coach,” the 65-year-old life like this,” Jesus said philo- “Brazil produce the biggest On the eve of the match, Fla- Club World Cup Qatar was noth- said. sophically. number of talented players, but mengo coach Jorge Jesus was ing but spectacular. Jesus’ outfi t Jesus admitted there is a huge Meanwhile, Hilal will head into football is not just about tal- bombarded with questions about trailed River Plate in last month’s pressure on his players but he today’s clash in strong form hav- ent. It’s also about organisation, Liverpool, who are slated to play Copa Libertadores fi nal for 75 was confi dent that the quality ing won each of their past fi ve movement, interpretation of the the second semi-fi nal against minutes but, as the fi nal whistle and experience his team has can matches across all competitions, game and how a team or the play- Mexican side Monterrey tomor- and defeat loomed, Gabriel Bar- bail them out. Flamengo play including Saturday’s 1-0 victory ers perform on a given day. But row. While Jesus played down the bosa struck twice to snatch the with an average home attendance over Esperance de Tunis. we have our huge motivation. We hype, choosing to focus on Hilal, glory in Peru. of over 60,000 and have players Romanian Razvan Lucescu, are on top of our game after end- whom he coached until January “In Brazil, there has been a lot such as full backs Rafi nha, who who replaced Jesus at Hilal, ing 19 years of wait of our fans this year, the palpable excitement of talk at Liverpool, but they for- had eight successful years at Bay- wasn’t too impressed with ques- by winning the AFC Champions surrounding a possible Flamen- got that we have to play a semi- ern Munich, and Felipe Luis, who tions on his predecessor’s time League. We will play with en- go-Liverpool clash is justifi ed. fi nal before,” Jesus said, urging equally had a successful time at at the Saudi club and said Jesus’ thusiasm and confi dence know- Here is why. his team not take his former team Atletico Madrid. knowledge of his former play- ing that we are facing one of the Jesus – who coached Al Hi- lightly. “It is a Saudi team, which “At Flamengo there is always ers would count for nothing. “I best teams in the world. We are lal until January this year – is not well known and there is al- pressure. It is a club that de- don’t think it comes into it. It is in a very good psychological mo- Flamengo legend Jose Leandro Ferreira speaks to the media during a has overseen a wonderful few ways a tendency to devalue. But mands the most. It’s a year of eleven against eleven. This game ment,” Lucescu added. training session on Sunday. PICTURE: Ram Chand

SPOTLIGHT ’s Sadd eye ending tournament on a high

By Sahan Bidappa rey in the last match, but we other at the 2011 edition of the Doha didn’t have luck on our side,” tournament, while Saturday’s Xavi said. “We wanted to reach loss to Hilal was another hard pill the semi-fi nals of this tourna- to swallow for them. ith a dream semi- ment but we couldn’t win the last “African teams are not win- fi nal date against match so we have to play for the ning against the Arab clubs for Liverpool dashed, fi fth place. But we are still excited a long time. The reason may be Al Sadd head coach to fi nish this competition in the they each have fi ve to six pro- WXavi Hernandez was yet to over- best way,” he said. fessional players in the side, and come the disappointment of Despite dominating posses- then they have good infrastruc- missing out on a marquee clash sion against Monterrey, Sadd ture. But, we are looking to break at the FIFA Club World Cup Qa- were wasteful in front of the goal. this record against Al Sadd (to- tar. Sadd went down to Mexican That along with a couple of de- day),” ES Tunis assistant coach side Monterrey 2-3 in the quar- fensive errors in the fi rst half cost Majdi Traore said. ter-fi nals on Saturday and will them badly, despite mounting a “Al Sadd are a very strong side now play for a fi fth place play-off comeback in the second half. but we will play for victory. We against African champions Es- Xavi, however, reiterated his played this match last time and we perance Sportive de Tunis at the belief in his players and was won,” he said. “We played a good Khalifa International Stadium pleased with their show in the last match technically and only today. tournament. “I am happy with lost after a late goal. The players On the eve of the match against the performance of my play- Al Sadd coach Xavi (left) and player address a ES Tunis assistant coach Majdi Traore and goalkeeper Rami Jridi are in good state mentally and are the Tunisian side, Xavi seemed ers. I am proud of them. We are press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil address a press conference yesterday. determined to win this match to to be still carrying the wounds at the same level with Monter- win fi fth place,” said Traore. from the Monterrey encounter. rey. We were better than them in hard to beat Tunis, who were are fi ghters and warriors, and have er Saad al-Sheeb, who had to be On the other hand, Tunis ES Tunis goalkeeper Rami Jridi The Spaniard, while admitting the quarter-fi nal. I think we are undone by substitute Bafetimbi a very good coach. They are work- substituted in the second half have historically lost to Asian did not see much of a diff erence his team would look to end their competing really well, we have Gomis’ stunning goal as Asian ing very well and that is why they after suff ering a shoulder injury clubs and the African champi- between Tunis and Sadd. “Al campaign on a high, said Sadd to adjust some things and we are Champions League winners Al are here. They are the champions against Monterrey. Qatar’s un- ons would want to set the record Sadd are a tough side and it will played better than Monterrey but not far off from other teams,” the Hilal snatched a narrow 1-0 win. of Africa and we will have to work der-23 goalkeeper Meshaal Bar- straight. The Tunisians have lost be a diffi cult match. Al Sadd have without much luck. Spain and Barcelona great said. “They (ES Tunis) have good play- hard to beat them,” he said. sham, who fi lled in for al-Sheeb, to Sadd 1-2 in the only time the a good history but we are also the “We were better than Monter- Xavi felt Sadd will have to work ers like we have at Al Sadd. They Sadd will be without goalkeep- is set to start today. two teams played against each African champions,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 17, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup 2 Qatar 2019

FOCUS Reds turn to kids as League Cup clashes with Club WC ‘We start with watching the other semi-final in the stadium... leave there a bit earlier and sit here in front of the television’ Coming to Qatar with the fi rst team is just incredible: Liverpool’s Williams eco Williams views his inclusion in Liverpool’s NFIFA Club World Cup squad as a landmark moment in his burgeoning career. The 18-year-old full-back was part of the 20-man travelling party that arrived in Qatar on Sunday evening for the compe- tition that the Reds are looking to win for the very first time. Having made one first-team appearance and been on the bench for Saturday’s victory over Watford, Academy graduate Williams is living out his dream. He told Liverpoolfc.com in Doha: “For sure it’s going to be a great experience. “I was obviously very happy when the squad got announced and I saw my name on there. I see it as a big step up in my Liverpool’s Neco Williams (right) and take part in career. a training session yesterday. (Reuters) “Obviously being with the lads and being on these kind of Middle East, the teenager likely “I’m just grateful for this and it’s experiences, coming to Qatar, would have featured against a great achievement for me. it’s something that any lad from Aston Villa in today’s quarter- “I’ll try to stay up and watch a the Academy – who’s been final. bit of the game. Obviously I’ll there since the age of six, seven Regardless, the youth ring the lads, wish them all the – has dreamt of. international will attempt to best. For them [it’s just] to try “To come here and experience battle the three-hour time dif- to get the win for us, do as best it is just incredible.” ference in order to watch the as they can and play with no Williams’ senior debut for the side at Villa Park led by U23s pressure and just win the game. Reds came in the Carabao Cup boss Neil Critchley. “I’ve known all them lads a long penalty shootout triumph over Williams continued: “Building time now and for sure they’ll Arsenal in October as he bril- up to this moment, I was either put up a great fight. They’ll be liantly assisted ’s going to play in the Villa game, desperate to win this game and injury-time equaliser. which would have been incred- they’ll play with all their hearts. Had he not been a member ible, or come here, which is I’m looking forward to it.” of Jurgen Klopp’s team in the obviously incredible as well. (LiverpoolFC.com) Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (centre) with a camera during a training session at Qatar University Stadium in Doha yesterday. (Reuters)

DPA hamed Salah, , then we will leave there a bit ear- October. It’s an amazing experience, says Shaqiri on London, United Kingdom Sadio Mane and Becker lier and sit here in front of the “Another full house, a great going to Villa Park it will be television and watch that game,” atmosphere and another chance FIFA Club World Cup youngsters such as Rhian Brews- Klopp was quoted as saying on to test ourselves against the very herdan Shaqiri has told hanks to a scheduling ter and getting the Liverpoolfc.com. “It will be ab- best. It’s a great draw for the fans his Liverpool teammates confl ict, Liverpool will chance to impress. solutely exciting. I’m really de- and one we will all be looking for- Xto savour the ‘amazing leave it to the kids to As does Neil Critchley, the club’s lighted for the boys.” ward to.” experience’ of competing in the continue their English under-23 coach who will lead the The League Cup matchup is Colchester United also have an FIFA Club World Cup. TLeague Cup quest. squad in Klopp’s absence. one of two all-Premier League opportunity to pull off a major Europe’s representatives will Liverpool visit Aston Villa for “It should be a great opportu- ties in the last eight. shock at Manchester United. face their CONCACAF counter- a League Cup quarter-fi nal today nity for all of us,” Critchley told The other sees Liverpool’s With a trip to Old Traff ord, one parts Monterrey in Wednes- with a squad of young players. the Liverpool Echo. neighbour Everton hosting Leices- of football’s most fabled grounds, day’s semi-final at Khalifa The Champions League win- “It will be a privilege to lead ter City, who sit second to the Reds on the horizon it would be natu- International Stadium in Qatar. ners have taken a full squad to out a Liverpool team at a fantas- in the Premier League table. ral for Colchester players to be Unlike any other member of Qatar for their Club World Cup tic stadium against great players. The remaining quarters are true looking ahead but that’s not the Jurgen Klopp’s 20-man travel- semi-final meeting with Mexi- “I’m really interested to see David v Goliath aff airs with lower case. ling squad for the tournament, can side Monterrey the follow- how our boys do.” division sides taking on two of the All focus leading up to this past Shaqiri has played in - and, ing day. Nonetheless, Klopp will still biggest clubs in the world. weekend has been solely on their indeed, won - the Club World Liverpool’s (right) and teammate Manager Jurgen Klopp threat- have his eyes at the tie at Villa Holders Manchester City trav- league campaign, where they’re Cup before. take part in a training session yesterday. (AFP) ened to pull his side out of the Park. The manager and his coach- el to League One’s Oxford United, in a battle for a promotion play- The Swiss was part of the League Cup because of a crowded ing staff are set to observe the Club while their city rivals Manches- off spot. Bayern Munich side that beat ence,” Shaqiri told Liverpoolfc. “We will do everything to win. December calendar but it was de- World Cup semi-fi nal between ter United host League Two side “The only time we’ve spoken Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final com. It’s going to be good - good cided the Reds would send two dif- Flamengo and Al Hilal before re- Colchester United. about it is when we’ve been try- of the 2013 edition, and he is “You cannot always have this weather, good teams so we ferent squads to the competitions. turning to the team hotel in Doha Oxford United also faced City at ing to sort out tickets for our relishing the chance to make experience, it’s a long way to have to enjoy it but also try to “We had to do it like this,” in order to watch the League Cup home last season and though they families,” striker Frank Nobule history by helping Liverpool lift get there so we have to enjoy win it. Klopp said. “I think it’s a really encounter on television. lost 3-0 manager Karl Robinson is told the Daily Gazette newspaper. the trophy for the first time. that too. I won it already with “It’s an opportunity to win it nice opportunity for the younger “It’s good. Tomorrow night relishing the chance to take on the “Other than that, we’ve not “It’s special because you play Bayern, it was amazing, and it’s and to bring one more trophy players to face that [a cup quar- we start with watching the other defending champions again. really spoken about it.” against totally diff erent nations’ also important for the club: a back to Liverpool.” ter-fi nal tie].” semi-fi nal live in the stadium, I “What a great draw,” he said The winners advance to next clubs, so it’s an amazing experi- big trophy, an important trophy. (LiverpoolFC.com) So instead of superstars Mo- think it should be possible. And after the tie was set up back in month’s two-legged semi-fi nals.

FIFA Strategic Development Workshop

Qatar Football Association (QFA) general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari (third from left) speaks to the delegates on the first day of the two-day FIFA Strategic Development Workshop in Doha yesterday. Also present during the event were FIFA Chief Member Associations Off icer Véron Mosengo-Omba (second from right) and QFA Board member Hani Ballan (right). PICTURE: Anas Khalid Gulf Times FIFA Club World Cup Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Qatar 2019 3

FOCUS The December day when the rising sons of Flamengo Flamengo may soon be meeting Liverpool in the FIFA outshone Liverpool Club World Cup Qatar 2019

Zico-led Flamengo beat Liverpool 3-0 to take the 1981 Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo’s National Stadium. Flamengo players take part in a training session at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Sunday ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match against Al Hilal. PICTURE: Ram Chand By Joshua Law Liverpool a Club World Cup game was in Uruguay, a neutral Guardian Sport Network semi-fi nal win away from meet- venue.” 10th in the league. Before the perfectly weighted pass over “Zico was the great player in about the potential for brutality ing again, 38 years on, the sto- Those encounters in Chile and game, which kicked off at noon Thompson’s head and, with his that team,” Andrade says. on the part of the South Ameri- ries and mystique that surround Uruguay turned ugly. In Santia- on a cold winter’s Sunday, Fla- fi rst touch, Nunes dinked the “But alongside him there was cans. With that still in mind the n each game Flamengo their victory in Japan have fl ood- go the Chilean dictator, General mengo went through their usual ball around the onrushing Bruce a lot of quality … It was a dod- Liverpool manager readied his played in the Maracana dur- ed Rio de Janeiro. Augusto Pinochet, announced ritual, knocking out a few samba Grobbelaar. dle in the fi rst half. In the second side for a battle. Instead, they ing this year’s Copa Liber- “The Mundial, for us in Bra- over the stadium’s loudspeak- tunes before forming a huddle “Zico and I could understand half we managed the game.” were played off the park. tadores one song rang out zil,” says Andrade, who anchored er: “Cobreloa is the fatherland in the tunnel. “Each one of us each other with just a glance,” In his autobiography, My Liv- According to Eduardo Mon- Ilouder than any other. “In De- the Flamengo midfi eld that sea- in football boots.” The Chile would say something (and) we’d Nunes says. “That fi rst one I erpool Home, Kenny Dalglish santo, the author of a book cember 1981,” they chanted, “we son, “is the biggest title a club centre-back Mario Soto took to say a prayer,” Andrade recalls. scored, (was because) I had good expends more eff ort recalling about Flamengo’s 1981 season, ran rings around the English. can win.” the pitch with a rock in his fi st, “(The Liverpool players) thought acceleration … He was confi dent the golf driving range he, Graeme “essentially, the reason for Fla- 3-0 against Liverpool, it went Like it has this year – in No- which he used to cut Adílio’s that was strange and started in making the pass because he Souness and Terry McDermott mengo’s superiority was their down in history. In Rio there’s no vember Flamengo lifted the Bra- and Lico’s faces. In Montevi- laughing at us. Júnior used that knew I’d get there. Everything visited beforehand than he does quality. Liverpool were com- equal, only Flamengo are world zilian and South American titles deo Andrade and two Cobreloa to motivate the group. He said: we did in training came off .” on the match, suggesting they petitive, but Flamengo had the champions. And now your peo- – a magical month preceded players were sent off in the rstfi ‘Look, they’re laughing. When Andrade recalls: “At the time did not take it entirely seriously. foundations of the 1982 Se- ple ask for the world again.” their trip to the Mundial in 1981. half, with Soto and Flamengo’s we get on the pitch, let’s show people said that English football “If Liverpool had won,” he leção, with Júnior and Leandro Fans were desperate for the “We won the Rio state cham- Anselmo also dismissed before them who we are.’” was played with a lot of aerial wrote, “we wouldn’t have been at full-back and Zico, the game continental title and urged their pionship over three games,” An- the fi nal whistle. Despite the vi- Flamengo’s young coach, balls. But that ended up not hap- gloating about being champions changer.” players toward it. Yet with Liv- drade recalls, “and then the Lib- olence, two more goals from Zico Paulo César Carpegiani, had pening. We took the initiative.” of the world.” Andrade argues: “When you erpool confi rmed as European ertadores, which ended up being were enough to seal Flamengo’s procured VHS tapes of Liver- Before long they had extended But that, perhaps, does not tell lose, (you say) it’s not important. champions they could not help over three games as well. They passage to Japan. pool’s European Cup campaign their lead. the entire story. Paisley was in- You try to devalue your oppo- but cast their thoughts further were very balanced, hard-fought “We were playing at a really to help his players prepare, but, Grobbelaar got down to parry formed of the death of Grobbe- nent’s achievement. (Only) when ahead. With each passing round matches.” high level,” Andrade says, smil- Nunes remembers, “I didn’t re- Zico’s free-kick after half an hour laar’s father before they travelled they win will they know the im- they were a step closer to a repeat The Libertadores fi nal was ing. “It didn’t even come into our ally care about that stuff . I just but Adílio reacted quickest and to Japan and deliberately kept portance of the Mundial.” of the greatest moment in the against Cobreloa of Chile, the heads that we might be beaten. wanted to train and let the op- pushed the ball over the line. Five the information from his goal- Nunes’ voice fi lls with pride club’s history, when a side led by tournament’s surprise package. Not by Liverpool, nor anyone ponents worry about me. And minutes before the break Zico keeper to maintain his focus on at the thought of that chant Zico beat Liverpool 3-0 to take “We won the fi rst game in the else. We respected Liverpool, I made sure they were worried again saw Liverpool’s defence the game; not the act of a man to about December 1981 boom- the 1981 Intercontinental Cup – Maracana 2-1, with two goals but with the form we were in we about me.” pushing up and played another whom victory was unimportant. ing around the Maracanã: “The or Mundial, as it is known in Bra- from Zico,” says Nunes, Flamen- were certain we’d win.” After 12 minutes Zico saw immaculate pass in behind. Nunes Liverpool had refused to par- homage Flamengo fans pay us zil – in Tokyo’s National Stadium. go’s top scorer that year. Bob Paisley’s side, by contrast, Nunes making a run between took one touch into the penalty ticipate in the Intercontinental is deserved. It’s the proof of the With the 2019 Libertadores “We lost the second game were going through a transition- Phil Neal and Phil Thomp- area and drove the ball past Grob- Cup after winning the European love they have for the club and its now secured and Flamengo and in Santiago, 1-0. And the third al period and found themselves son. The Brazil No 10 played a belaar with his second. title in 1977 and 1978, worried history.”

SPOTLIGHT Future stars of Wanda Group’s Dalian visit Doha for action-packed week of football atar’s footballing “The team are having a fan- “It also serves as a unique stars of tomorrow tastic time here in Doha. Qatar opportunity to showcase Edu- have tested their skills Foundation have provided an cation City as an education against China’s hot- action-packed schedule, com- and sporting destination to the testQ prospects, with Dalian Pro- bining training and matches youth and wider Chinese com- fessional FC’s Under 14 side vis- with the opportunity to visit munity, as QF’s and its Chinese iting Doha as part of a week-long iconic landmarks and learn all engagement grows.” football tour. about Qatari culture and herit- Wanda Group, who brought The Under 14’s from the Wan- age. the team of 22 to Qatar, has a da Group owned football club “Our young players will go strong commitment to inspiring in the South of China kicked back to China with new cultural the next generation of football- off their Qatar Foundation (QF) learnings, which are important ing talent in China and all over tour with a match against Aspire for their future development. the world. Academy. We’re very grateful to be able to As part of this commitment The game, which took place at benefi t from the great relation- and thanks to the collaboration QF, saw the two teams go head to ship between Wanda Group and with QF, it has provided the plat- head at Education City in what is Qatar Foundation.” form for some of its top young the fi rst of three games against Amy Johnson, Director, Com- talent to be part of the FIFA Club local opposition for the young munity Engagement, Qatar World Cup Qatar 2019 through Chinese stars. Foundation, added: “We are its FIFA Flagbearers Programme, The Chinese team will train delighted to welcome the Dal- experiencing a new culture and daily at the facilities in QF in ian FC U14 team to Qatar for the taking part in matches against preparation for their remain- fi rst time, as part of an ongoing local youth teams. ing games, which are set to take partnership between the Wanda As part of the trip, the team place on December 19 and 20 at Group and Qatar Foundation. has explored a number of cul- Awsaj Recreation in Education “This tour serves as a unique tural landmarks, including Souq City. The games are open to the opportunity for cultural ex- Waqif and the National Museum public to watch. change between the various of Qatar. The Academy Technical Direc- players during the matches, as Additionally, the team toured tor, Pere Garcia, from Dalian Pro- we know sport truly has an in- Education City to learn more fessional FC who accompanied nate ability to cross borders and about Qatar Foundation’s rec- the squad of 22 in Qatar, said: bring people together. reation and academic off erings. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 17, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS SELECTION Proteas name six uncapped players Ignored Abid turns for England Tests

AFP Johannesburg

outh Africa yesterday hero in Pakistan’s named six uncapped players in a 17-man squad for the fi rst two TestsS against England, starting at Centurion on December 26. Five players who played in a recent 3-0 series defeat in In- dia were dropped, while fast homecoming Test bowler Lungi Ngidi was not considered because of a ham- ‘I KNEW SOME DAY I WILL GET A CHANCE AND I WAS ALWAYS READY FOR IT’ string injury. The squad will assemble for a training camp tomorrow, order batsman Theunis de with three of the players to be Bruyn, who played in seven released to play for South Af- of South Africa’s most recent rica A in a three-day match nine Tests, or wicketkeeper- against England in Benoni, batsman Heinrich Klaasen. starting on Friday. Markram has not played The uncapped players are since suff ering a broken bone opening batsman Pieter Ma- in his hand when he punched lan, who may get his chance a wall in frustration after be- if Aiden Markram has not ing dismissed in the second fully recovered from injury, Test against India in Pune in top-order batsman Rassie October and he may need to van der Dussen, all-rounder prove both his fi tness and form Dwaine Pretorius, fast bowl- if he is to partner Dean Elgar at ers Dane Paterson and Beuran the top of the batting order in Hendricks and wicketkeeper- Centurion. batsman Rudi Second. Regular Test top-order The squad is the fi rst to be batsman Temba Bavuma, Ma- named by a selection panel lan and all-rounder Andile which includes new coach Phehlukwayo will play for Mark Boucher, assistant coach South Africa A against the Enoch Nkwe, captain Faf du tourists, while others, includ- Plessis and independent selec- ing Markram, are likely to be tor Linda Zondi. released to play for their fran- Despite the large number chises in four-day domestic of uncapped players, there are matches, starting on Thurs- no major surprises in a squad day. which includes the core of the players who have represented SQUAD (for first two Tests) South Africa in recent times. Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Three of the dropped players Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, were spin bowlers — Senuran Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Muthusamy, George Linde and Beuran Hendricks, Keshav Dane Piedt — who went to In- Maharaj, Pieter Malan, Aiden dia primarily because of con- Markram, Anrich Nortje, Dane ditions there. Paterson, Andile Phehluk- Keshav Maharaj is the only wayo, Vernon Philander, spinner in the squad for the Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso England Tests. Rabada, Rudi Second, Rassie There is no place for top- van der Dussen.

Stokes voted BBC Sports Pakistan’s Abid Ali plays a shot during the final day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. (AFP) Personality of the Year

AFP Mozang area, was even discarded by city se- But he missed out on a place in the team Cricketer Ben Stokes was Rawalpindi lectors. He responded by playing out of the for both Tests, which Pakistan lost heavily. voted the 2019 BBC Sports Islamabad region — and piled up the runs, Finally, he was handed a green cap last Personality of the Year on 1,083 in the 2012-2013 season. week in Rawalpindi, the fi rst Test in Pakistan Sunday for his World Cup- bid Ali was once shunned by Paki- But despite his prolifi c batting, national since the 2009 militant attack that left eight winning and Ashes heroics stan selectors who thought he was selectors continually overlooked Abid, say- people dead and several players and offi cials during the summer. overweight, but his persistence ing he was carrying too much weight and wounded. Unfortunately, the game was The all-rounder won the pres- and patience paid off as he set a lacking in fi tness. badly aff ected by weather, with only 91.3 tigious award, which is voted worldA fi rst in the homecoming Test against The most recent snub came at this year’s overs possible on the fi rst three days and the for annually by the British Sri Lanka. one-day World Cup, where Abid was left out fourth washed out completely. public, for his incredible feats Ten years after a militant attack on Sri of Pakistan’s squad after being dismissed for But Abid got enough time on the fi fth day for an England side that also Lanka’s team made Pakistan a no-go zone just fi ve against England. It meant that Abid to make it a memorable moment in his ca- landed the Team of the Year for foreign sides, Abid was the hero in an missed a rare chance to meet his idol, Indian reer, in front of a roaring home crowd. award. otherwise disappointing return for Test batting great Sachin Tendulkar, to whom he “I knew some day I will get a chance and The 28-year-old was man cricket to the cricket-mad nation. is sometimes compared because of his skill I was always ready for it. Thankfully I got it of the match for his brilliant A weather-hit draw failed to set pulses and diminutive stature. and a hundred on debut game is what else innings in both the run chase racing but Abid completed the unique feat “I had never grumbled on being ignored,” you ask for,” he said. and decisive super over that guided England to the most of scoring hundreds in both his ODI and Test said Abid. “I waited for long for this very day to come Abid Ali speaks during an open media saw England’s men win the nail-biting and unlikely one- debuts, hitting 109 not out in Rawalpindi “I could not meet Tendulkar because I did and here I am.” session in Karachi yesterday. (AFP) World Cup for the first time in wicket victory at Headingley. following his 112 against Australia in his fi rst not play the World Cup,” he added. “I had Abid is a similar height to Tendulkar and a dramatic final against New Formula One world cham- one-day international in March. patience and I had a belief that my time will his batting is not unlike that of the Indian “I am a down-to-earth person, so I would Zealand at Lord’s. He then pion Lewis Hamilton finished International success has come late for come and then I will prove what I am capa- maestro, but despite his recent success he like to keep on performing and serve Paki- topped even that by playing runner-up in the voting while Abid, 32, who has persevered despite con- ble off .” Abid smashed 249 not out for Sindh shies away from any comparisons. stan with distinction.” He added: “I need to one of the great match- sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, the stant snubs by selectors and coaches alike. in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam trophy in “I am an ordinary player and I can’t match raise my game and with every chance I have winning test innings against world 200 metres champion, At one point Abid, who like legendary fast September, earning a place on Pakistan’s those great players,” Abid said. “I am Abid to perform well. I have self-belief, I waited Australia, his 135 not out that was third. – Reuters bowler Wasim Akram comes from Lahore’s Test tour of Australia. Ali and please see me as Abid Ali only. for my time and fi nally I got it.”

SPOTLIGHT INJURY SCARE Ferguson ruled out of India’s Pant eases pressure on rest of Australia tour himself with maiden ODI fi ft y Reuters in the 50-over format. on my game,” Pant said. Pant Mumbai “As a child I used to think I played 11 Tests in the absence should play my natural game. But of the injured Saha and used his since the time I started playing chances well, hitting a century in ndia’s Rishabh Pant has re- international cricket I have learnt an Oval Test against England last ceived lot of criticism due there is nothing called natural year while smashing an unbeaten to a dip in batting form and game,” Pant told reporters after 159 versus Australia in Sydney in shoddy glovework but the India’s eight-wicket loss. January. 22-year-oldI showed his worth “You have to play according But applause has made way for with a matured knock against to the situation or according to criticism in recent months with West Indies in the opening one- what the team demands. A good his lack of runs and missed op- Reuters matches in Melbourne and Syd- day international at Chennai on player is one who can mould his portunities behind the stumps Perth ney. There was better news about Sunday. game accordingly.” and spectators have often at- quick Trent Boult, who usually Pant’s six-hitting ability Walking in with India strug- tempted to tease him with chants leads the New Zealand attack but makes him an asset in limited- gling on 80 for three, Pant did of Dhoni’s name. While Dhoni ew Zealand paceman made way for Ferguson in Perth as overs cricket and the young exactly that against West Indies. has been the subject of intense Lockie Ferguson will he recuperated from a side strain. stumper-batsman has been ear- He curbed his natural attacking speculation on his retirement play no further part in “Trent’s going really well, he marked as Mahendra Singh Dho- instincts and waited to punish from international cricket since the three-match series was probably three or four days ni’s natural successor for India the poor balls but still managed India’s semi-fi nal exit from the againstN Australia because of the short of being ready for the fi rst when the former captain eventu- to score at a brisk rate. World Cup, the veteran cricketer calf injury he sustained during test match,” Stead said. ally hangs up his gloves. The left-handed batsman has not hinted what his plans are. the 296-run loss in the fi rst test at “That was a risk that we He has, however, been panned added 114 for the fourth wicket “I was trying to improve Perth Stadium, coach Gary Stead weren’t prepared to take given the by India’s coaching staff , pun- with Shreyas Iyer that allowed myself every day but I was said yesterday. length of the season and what was dits and the media in the past India’s Rishabh Pant plays a shot during the first ODI against West India to put up a competitive to- not getting there. It’s my The 28-year-old suff ered the left to come.” few months for his penchant Indies at the M.A. Chidambaram Cricket Stadium in Chennai on tal for West Indies to chase. learning curve,” Pant said. injury on the fi rst day of his de- A replacement for Ferguson in for throwing away his wicket Sunday. (AFP) “The talk that goes around, “I will always tell a person that but test and will need four to six the squad would be named today, through loose shots. they’re sometimes good and you have to believe in yourself. It weeks to recover, Stead told re- Stead said. The second test begins Pant, who also lost his position man Saha, showed much better on Sunday against the Caribbean sometimes not. But at the mo- doesn’t matter what people say porters in Perth, ruling the fast at Melbourne Cricket Ground on in the India Test side to Wriddhi- application during his 69-ball 71 side for his maiden half-century ment I only want to concentrate around you.” bowler out of the second and third December 26. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 17, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Kane’s hat-trick leads Blackhawks Lakers fi nally put past Wild

Reuters Saad got the winner on a New York fl uke bounce at 13:43 of the third, and Kane capped the scoring, and his hat trick, with atrick Kane scored an empty-netter from centre away Hawks for 7th three goals for his ice at 18:57. eighth career hat- Saad tipped a point shot by trick as the Chicago Connor Murphy off a defense- ‘I don’t know how many kids PBlackhawks defeated the vis- man in front. The puck soared iting Minnesota Wild 5-3 on over Kahkonen, who lost sight show up to come see me Sunday night. of it, and trickled over the goal Brandon Saad and David line. play. My obligation is to play’ Kampf also scored for the Kane scored the game’s fi rst straight win Blackhawks, who won for the two goals, sneaking a wrapa- fi rst time in fi ve games (1-3- round just inside the right 1). Goaltender Robin Lehner post at 7:42 of the fi rst period, made 23 saves. and then beating Kahkonen Kevin Fiala scored two goals with a high wrist shot from for Minnesota and Eric Staal the top of the slot on the pow- added another for his 1,000th er play at 11:33. career NHL point. Rookie Staal pulled the Wild within Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 22 2-1 with a power-play goal at of 26 shots but suff ered his 12:37 of the fi rst, blasting a fi rst loss in regulation in fi ve one-timer from the right fa- games (3-1-1). ceoff circle into the top right The Blackhawks, who blew corner of the net. a three-goal lead in the third Fiala tied the score at 2-2 on period in a loss Saturday at a breakaway just 1:59 into the St. Louis, built a two-goal ad- second. vantage in the fi rst period be- Kampf redirected a pass fore Minnesota tied the score. from Murphy into the net at Chicago then took a 3-2 lead 8:13 of the second, before Fiala before the Wild evened it on tied it with a cross-ice pass Fiala’s second goal at 14:20 of that defl ected off a defense- the second period. man and into the net.

RESULTS Winnipeg 7-3 Philadelphia Chicago 5-3 Minnesota LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks Los Angeles 4-2 Detroit against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Las Vegas 6-3 Vancouver Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP 150 miles northeast in Akron. won 18 straight away from home during secutive loss 130-119. Los Angeles James’ unexpected jaunt came a day their NBA record 33-game winning streak Isaac also had 11 rebounds and Nikola after he scored 28 points in a win over his in 1972-73. Vucevic scored 20 points for the Magic former team, the Miami Heat. Their only road loss this season was at who made 17 of 34 shots from beyond the eBron James scored 32 points one He never considered sitting out against Staples Center, when the Clippers were arc. Vucevic missed the previous 11 games day after taking a trip down mem- the Hawks. designated the “home” team in the build- with a ankle injury. ory lane as the Los Angeles Lakers “I don’t know how many games I’ve got ing they share. D.J. Augustin scored 17, while Evan won their seventh straight game left in my career,” the 34-year-old James The Hawks, who lost to the Lakers by Fournier had 16. Terrence Ross added 14, Lwith a 101-94 victory over the Atlanta said. “I don’t know how many kids show 21 last month in Los Angeles, were in the Mo Bamba 13 and Michael Carter-Wil- Hawks on Sunday. up to come see me play. That’s my obliga- game until the end. liams and Markelle Fultz had 10 each. James made 12 of 21 from the fi eld, and tion. My obligation is to play.” De’Andre Hunter hit a pair of free added 13 rebounds, seven assists and three The Lakers also got 27 points and 13 re- throws with 19 seconds left to cut the Lak- GENTRY TOSSED blocks to help the Lakers extend their road bounds from Anthony Davis, who picked ers lead to 98-96. The Magic halted a three-game losing winning streak to 14 games. up his 12th double-double. But James made one of two free throws streak that came against some of the elite “Highlights: sometimes they happen, Trae Young scored 30 points for the with 15 seconds left to extend the lead to teams in the NBA — the Milwaukee Bucks, sometimes they don’t,” James said. “I try Hawks, who have lost four straight. Young 99-96. Lakers’ Danny Green grabbed a Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. to play the game with a lot of joy.” went nine-of-23 from the fi eld and nailed rebound, was fouled and made two free Jrue Holiday scored 29 points, JJ Redick That kind of talk is a way for James to three three pointers. throws to help seal the victory. added 23, Brandon Ingram had 21 and Josh return to his basketball roots. It was the 13th time Young has scored Meanwhile, Jonathan Isaac scored Hart had 20 for the Pelicans, who haven’t And he did just that on Saturday with at least 30 points this season. Atlanta also a team high 21 points as eight Orlando won since November 21. a side trip to his homestate of Ohio so he got 12 points from Jabari Parker. players fi nished in double fi gures as the Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry was Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by could watch his son Bronny play a high The Lakers’ 14 game road winning visiting Magic handed the New Orleans thrown out after being called for two teammates after scoring a hat-trick against the Minnesota Wild school game in Columbus. James grew up streak is the longest by the club since they Pelicans their franchise-worst 12th con- technical fouls in the third quarter. at the United Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Patriots down Bengals to clinch playoff berth AFP RESULTS off spot with a 21-13 win over the Chicago Los Angeles Bears at Lambeau Field. Tampa Bay 38-17 Detroit Aaron Rodgers threw for one touch- Philadelphia 37-27 Washington down and 203 yards as the Packers im- om Brady threw for two touch- Green Bay 21-13 Chicago proved to 11-3 at the top of the NFC North downs as the New England Pa- New England 34-13 Cincinnati with the win. triots clinched a playoff berth for Houston 24-21 Tennessee The Packers’ postseason berth was con- the 11th straight season on Sunday Seattle 30-24 Carolina fi rmed later Sunday after the Dallas Cow- withT a 34-13 victory over the Cincinnati boys surprisingly thrashed the Los Angeles Kansas City 23-3 Denver Bengals. New York Giants 36-20 Miami Rams by 44-21 at Arlington. The reigning Super Bowl champions Jacksonville 20-16 Oakland The Rams headed into the game on a showed no sign of being bothered by this Arizona 38-24 Cleveland hot streak, buoyed by an impressive 28-12 week’s illegal fi lming controversy on their Minnesota 39-10 LA Chargers defeat of the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. way to a clinical win that assures them of a Atlanta 29-22 San Francisco But last year’s beaten Super Bowl fi nal- place in the postseason. Dallas 44-21 LA Rams ists were blown away by a rampant Dallas Patriots receiver N’Keal Harry — con- Buff alo 17-10 Pittsburgh off ensive ground game, with running back troversially denied a touchdown in last Ezekiel Elliott rushing for two touchdowns week’s defeat to Kansas City — provided and 117 yards. one of the game highlights, losing his cov- to keep it going. The Cowboys, who improved to 7-7 erage to make a spectacular diving touch- The win capped a controversial week for with the win, can clinch the NFC East with down catch in the third quarter. the Patriots, who are currently facing an a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles next Harry’s score helped the Patriots into NFL investigation after a team of videog- weekend. The Rams’ defeat also guaran- a 20-10 lead which soon became 27-10 raphers was caught improperly fi lming the teed playoff berths for NFC West rivals the when cornerback Stephen Gilmore inter- Bengals during their game against Cleve- Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. cepted Andy Dalton for a pick six shortly land last week. The 49ers reached postseason for the afterwards. The Patriots, who were sanctioned by fi rst time since 2013 despite a dramatic Patriots quarterback Brady fi nished the NFL in 2007 for illegally fi lming teams, fi nal seconds 29-22 defeat at home to the with 128 passing yards as Bill Belichick’s have said the fi lm crew was obtaining foot- Atlanta Falcons. team improved to 11-3 at the top of the AFC age for a documentary about a team scout. The Falcons (4-9) stunned the 49ers East. “Happy we won, wish we’d done bet- when quarterback Matt Ryan’s short pass ter,” Brady said afterwards. “There’s always COWBOYS THRASH RAMS to Julio Jones was reversed and ruled a things to improve on even when you win. Elsewhere Sunday, the Green Bay Pack- touchdown with just two seconds on the “The team has been working hard, try- ers, Buff alo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and San clock. The Falcons then added a fumble ing to put ourselves in good positions,” Francisco 49ers all made sure of their place recovery score to stretch the lead. Brady added. in the playoff s after results combined in Seattle had put one hand on a playoff “We’re 6-2 on the road this year and last their favour. spot after scoring a 30-24 road victory over New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady (right) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at year we were 3-5. So it’s good. We just want The Packers all but clinched their play- the Carolina Panthers. Paul Brown Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 17, 2019 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT ‘We gave it a hell of a go’ – Els could Woods completes captain again in 2021

AFP Melbourne

rnie Els said he might road to redemption be like a crack at be- ing Presidents Cup ‘To have won a major championship, a green jacket, to have tied Sam and to have captain again in 2021 afterE seeing his young Interna- won a cup with all these guys, I couldn’t have asked for a better year’ tional team fall to an agonising defeat. AFP The big South African spent Melbourne months plotting a way to top- ple the United States for only the second time in Presidents wo years ago the future Cup history after playing in the for Tiger Woods looked only team to achieve the feat in bleak to the point of 1998, also at Royal Melbourne. darkness. He saw enough in the 16- TFour back surgeries, countless 14 loss to Tiger Woods’ star- knee operations, marital strife laden Americans to hint about and run-ins with the law meant leading again at the next Presi- Woods had not won a major since dents Cup at Quail Hollow, 2008, had no tournament victo- North Carolina in two years’ ries since 2013 and had seen his time. world ranking plummet to 656. “We will see... I’m not sure But on Sunday, US player- yet,” said Els in the aftermath captain Tiger Woods capped of a defeat made all the more a year that has seen one of the painful by his side never being most memorable comebacks in behind until the pivotal Sun- sporting history by driving his day singles. team to a 16-14 victory over Ernie “We’ll have to discuss that. Els’ Internationals in the 13th There’s been a lot of work go- Presidents Cup in Melbourne. ing in this. I love these guys.” The second coming of Tiger His charges had nothing but the matchplay showdown. began with a drought-ending praise for the way Els went The US PGA Tour’s Presi- victory at the Tour Champion- about his business, schooling dents Cup director said that ship 15 months ago and acceler- them on the treacherous Royal the event had been such a suc- ated with a 15th major and fi fth Melbourne course, where he cess, with big crowds, that they green jacket at the US Masters in holds the course record. were comtemplating returning Augusta. “He had a system going in. to the venue for a fourth time, Having returned to the world’s We are his soldiers, so we fol- possibly as early as 2023, after top 10, Woods needed yet more low his instruction,” said Tai- previously hosting in 1998 and surgery to his troublesome left wan’s CT Pan of Taiwan, one 2011. knee in August before writing of seven rookies in the young- “We are already talking with another remarkable chapter of est team in Presidents Cup the Victorian (state) govern- his storied career. history. ment.” said Matt Kamienski, In his fi rst tournament ap- On rankings alone, to run a who is also a US PGA Tour pearance after the arthroscopic US team stacked with major vice-president, told local operation, Woods equalled Sam champions and top 10 players media. Snead’s record of 82 US PGA so close was an achievement “From an overall success Tour wins when he won the in- not to be overlooked, said Els. standpoint, Royal Melbourne augural Zozo Championship in “If you compare our team stood the test and it was just Japan. on paper with other teams in a great course. Everyone loved “It’s been an amazing year,” a other sport, you would have playing it. Hats off to them. beaming Woods told Golf TV in laughed us out of the building,” It lived up to everything and Melbourne. “I’m speechless. said Els. more,” added Kamienski “To have won a major cham- “But we gave it a hell of a go The players were universal pionship, a green jacket, to have and we came mightily close to in their praise for the course. tied Sam and to have won a cup winning and upsetting one of “This is the ultimate in golf,” with all these guys, I couldn’t the greatest golf teams of all said Woods. have asked for a better year.” time.” “It is like an Open Champi- The road to redemption began Adding to the drama was the onship with Augusta greens, with his long-awaited win at the unforgivingly slick sandbelt it’s diffi cult. It’s the way golf Tour Championship, the FedEx region course, acknowledged should be played - on the Cup fi nale, at East Lake, Atlanta, by both captains as a great test ground, or up in the air if you in September 2018. of golf adding to the drama of need to.” Woods had endured two years out of the game and shuffl ed out of the February 2018 Du- bai Desert Classic, his tourna- Malaysian Open to return to Asian Tour ment return, with back spasms, calendar in 2020 causing observers to question whether he could compete again The Malaysian Open will back into our fold,” Asian at the highest level. return to the Asian Tour next Tour Commissioner and Chief ‘I don’t think I’ll play again’ year following a four-year hia- Executive Off icer Cho Minn The thought had also crossed tus, off icials said yesterday. Thant said in a statement. the mind of Woods. The event will off er a purse of “The tournament’s return to Less than a year earlier he had $1 million and be held at Kota our schedule is a massive hobbled into the Champions USA team member and captain Tiger Woods holds the Presidents Cup after their win over the International team in Melbourne. (AFP) Permai Golf and Country Club boost for the Tour as we Dinner on the eve of the 2017 March 5-8. continue to strive in promot- US Masters nursing yet another told his win-loss-tie Cup record words on the eve of the tourna- a match in the singles would be ing of Tiger, with no one doubt- The Malaysian Open became ing professional golf across back injury, telling those assem- was now 27-15-1 against his ment. very special.” ing more majors can follow to the first tournament to be co- Asia.” bled: “I’m done, I don’t think I’ll great rival Mickelson’s 26-16-13. “I don’t think today (Woods) He came up against a ruthless put him closer to Jack Nicklaus’s sanctioned by the Asian and The last Malaysian Open in ever play golf again.” It left Els, not for the fi rst has the same kind of aura he had Woods who won 3 and 2. all-time mark of 18. European tours in 1999, but 2015 was won by Indian golfer But two-and-a-half years time in his career, having to pick in the past,” Els had said. “Abe wanted it,” chided There could also be a crack at next year’s event will be Anirban Lahiri. later, Woods was unsurpassed up the pieces after a defeat to Young Mexican Abraham An- Woods. “And he got it.” Olympic gold in Tokyo. sanctioned only by the Asian Other champions include at Royal Melbourne as he won all Woods. cer is another player who might Woods will fl y home today to But fi rst he can be forgiven for Tour. “The Malaysian Open South African Louis Oost- three of his matches and over- The big South African, widely want to be careful about what he celebrate Christmas and then putting his feet up. is one of the oldest National huizen, two-times winner Lee took Phil Mickelson for the most praised for his captaincy which says in future. his 44th birthday on December “I am now retired for the year,” Opens in the region and we Westwood of England, Italy’s wins in Presidents Cup history. saw the Internationals lead after “I would like to play against 30. laughed Woods, before heading are excited and honoured to Matteo Manassero and Thai- “How about that? I like that every session until Sunday when Tiger,” Ancer said before the Soon it will be 2020 and the off to join the US team’s celebra- welcome the storied event land’s Thongchai Jaidee. stat,” smiled Woods, after being it mattered, might also regret his Presidents Cup began. “Winning continuation of the second com- tions.

BADMINTON Momota trumps greats with record-smashing year AFP even himself with his blistering Channel at the weekend, having ton, fade from view. In June, Lee, Shanghai form. been forced out of badminton for now 37, retired after fi ghting off Malaysia’s Lee won 10 titles more than a year. “I’d be lying if nose cancer. in 2010, but Momota said: “Al- I said I don’t think about the Ol- His nemesis, the 36-year-old ento Momota was though I broke the record of Lee ympics (next year). I troubled a Lin, is desperate to end his career banned from badmin- Chong Wei, I don’t think I can be lot of people last time. with a tilt at a third Olympic gold ton for gambling in compared to him as a player and “For those who supported me but faces a battle to even qualify 2016. Fast forward to as a human being. when I wasn’t playing, I want to for Tokyo. K2019 and the Japanese has en- “I feel like I am not yet a leg- repay them somehow at Tokyo.” Steen Pedersen, Denmark’s joyed one of the most successful endary player but I will work Momota was down at 282 former chief coach, says Mo- years in the sport’s history. hard in order to play well in fu- in the world rankings in July mota is a “very complete” player. Momota has cleaned up in ture tournaments.” 2017, but his ascension since Speaking as a television com- men’s badminton over the past There is now only one major his return to the sport has been mentator at the BWF Finals, 12 months, winning a record individual title missing from the breathtaking. Pedersen added: “Momota is 11 titles including the World all-action Japanese player’s tro- He was seventh in the rank- right up there in every category Championships, Asia Champi- phy haul - Olympic gold. ings in August last year when he of the skill sets for men’s singles, onships and All England Open. Barring injury, loss of form or became the fi rst Japanese man to very few weak areas.” The 25-year-old capped his more controversy, Momota will win the singles title at the World The Olympics are still seven remarkable campaign by fi ghting be hot favourite to rectify that on Championships. months away but there is already back from a game down to defeat home soil in Tokyo next summer. In August this year, by then a clamour in Japan for Momota Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting Winning gold would be par- the undisputed number one, to turn his dominance into home in Sunday’s decider at the BWF ticularly satisfying for Momota Momota retained his crown. gold next year. World Tour Finals in Guangzhou. after Japanese badminton chiefs It is all a far cry from the days “Gaining momentum for gold No men’s badminton player, barred him from the Rio 2016 when as a youngster he would in Tokyo!! A clean sweep of big not even Malaysia’s Lee Chong Olympics for visiting an illegal follow his sister to her badmin- titles in the pre-Olympic year,” Wei or Chinese great Lin Dan, casino. He did not watch any of ton practice. Sports Nippon declared yester- has won as many tournaments the Olympics because it was too “Before I knew it, I was also day in a headline. in a season. The left-handed painful. playing,” Momota said. “He has become the undisput- Momota has played 73 matches “I still feel remorse and can- Momota’s dominance comes ed king by enhancing his speed this year, losing just six times, not be sorry enough for what as Lin and Lee, two of the biggest on top of his solid defence,” the Kento Momota of Japan poses with his trophy after winning his singles final against Anthony Sinisuka and admits that he has surprised happened,” he told the Olympic names to grace men’s badmin- daily added. Ginting of Indonesia at the BWF World Tour Finals badminton tournament in Guangzhou. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 17, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 LA LIGA Backdrop of protest awaits rescheduled Mbappe brace helps El Clasico

Reuters for dialogue between Spanish Barcelona and Catalan authorities on the region’s independence drive. Authorities have assembled wo months after Spain’s a 3,000-strong force of public PSG extend lead, biggest soccer match and private security offi cers to was postponed due to guarantee the match will not be political unrest, Barce- disrupted, but declined to say Tlona host Real Madrid tomorrow how that compared to other “El in a La Liga fi xture that could Clasico” games. have a huge impact on the ti- Barca president Josep Maria tle race and will take place amid Bartomeu said the club, which fresh protests. had condemned the jailing of Depay’s Euros at risk Champions Barca lead the separatist leaders, will make no standings after 16 games but are eff ort to quell dissenting voices ‘Memphis injury is a catastrophe for us because he is our most decisive player’ locked on 35 points with second- but added he was certain the placed Real ahead of the eagerly game would go ahead without AFP anticipated match at the Camp major incident. Paris Nou, known as “El Clasico”. “Whoever wants to protest The Catalan city is far calmer peacefully can do so, the Camp than in the aftermath of long Nou is a space for freedom of ylian Mbappe helped jail sentencing to nine separa- expression,” he told reporters on Paris Saint-Germain tist leaders in October which Thursday. “The game will not be extend their Ligue 1 unleashed waves of sometimes postponed again, it’s everyone’s lead on Sunday with a violent protests and saw the Oct responsibility to ensure it goes Kbrace in a comfortable 4-0 win 26 game called off at the request ahead.” over 10-man Saint-Etienne, of the league’s organising body Former Real and Barca striker while Memphis Depay’s cruci- over security concerns. Alfonso Perez added: “There is a ate ligament tear looks to have But secretive Catalan protest big security issue but it doesn’t ruled him out of Euro 2020. group Democratic Tsunami has change the fact it’s a huge match France forward Mbappe took called supporters of the north- that millions will watch. It has to his league tally to nine in 11 ap- eastern region’s independence to be played by any means possible, pearances as his side took ad- gather in several areas surround- for the good of everyone.” vantage of second-placed Mar- ing the stadium four hours ahead Real goalkeeper Thibaut seille only drawing at Metz on of the game’s kickoff . Courtois, meanwhile, was not Saturday to move seven points The group, which organised concerned about his side’s safe- clear and tighten their grip mass protests at Barcelona’s air- ty. on the French championship, port in October and blocked a “We’re only focusing on which they have won six out of major highway, said on its social football,” the Belgian said after the last seven seasons. media accounts that more than Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Valencia. Leandro Paredes set the ball 25,000 people have confi rmed “We’re not worried about secu- rolling in the 10th minute with they would take part in tomor- rity, we wouldn’t be travelling to a defl ected strike and once Jean row’s protests. the match if it wasn’t safe.” Eudes Aholou was sent off in It said it does not wish to Democratic Tsunami also said the 25th minute for a dreadful blockade or suspend the match, it has given instructions to sup- late tackle on the Argentine PSG though, stressing that the pro- porters inside the stadium for could stroll their way to three tests are part of its eff ort to call yet unspecifi ed actions. points. Mbappe then ended any question of a Saint-Etienne DECISION comeback a minute before the break when he swiftly collected Neymar’s brilliant through ball before sweeping his fi nish past Oman fi re Dutch Stephane Ruffi er. Brazilian Neymar then missed the chance to make it coach Koeman three from the penalty spot just after the hour mark, his Reuters Oman are currently in second spot-kick clipping the outside Hong Kong place in their qualifying group of the post, before Mauro Icardi for the next round of eliminators made it 13 goals in all competi- for the 2022 World Cup fi nals, tions with a tap-in 11 minutes utchman Erwin Koe- where they trail Asian Cup hold- later. man has been fi red ers Qatar by a point. Mbappe put the cherry on the from his role as Oman cake in the fi nal minute as the head coach, the coun- PSV EINDHOVEN SACK home fans let off a cascade of try’sD football association an- MANAGER MARK VAN BOMMEL fi reworks in the stands to cele- nounced following a disappoint- PSV Eindhoven have sacked brate the birthday of one of their ing performance at the Gulf Cup. manager Mark van Bommel due hardcore supporters groups. Oman went into the compe- to “recent disappointing re- The 20-year-old collected tition as defending champions sults”, the Dutch top-fl ight club another Neymar pass and burst having won the keenly contested said in a statement on Monday. past Wesley Fofana before lash- regional title two years ago un- PSV, who were beaten 3-1 by ing his shot in the far corner, cel- der Koeman’s late compatriot rivals Feyenoord in the league on ebrating by the stands as fl ares Pim Verbeek. Sunday, are fourth in the table and fi reworks billowed smoke But Koeman, who replaced on 31 points, 10 fewer that fi rst- and fl ame towards the pitch. Verbeek at the helm earlier this placed Ajax Amsterdam, who are Earlier Lyon fell further be- year, was unable to lead his team level on 41 with AZ Alkmaar in hind in the reckoning after los- to the knockout rounds of the second. Van Bommel, who has ing 1-0 at home to Rennes, but competition, missing out on a managed PSV since June last year, the worst news of the night for place in the semi-fi nals on goal- leaves after a run of six defeats, Rudi Garcia’s side was the cru- diff erence. four draws and two wins in his ciate ligament injury that ended “After discussing the recom- last 12 games in all competitions. star attacker Memphis Depay’s mendations of the technical “Performances and results season. committee and evaluating the have been far below what is ex- Lyon said that Depay would participation of the national pected at PSV,” the club’s general be out for “no less than six team in the 24th Gulf Cup in manager Toon Gerbrands said in months”, which if correct would Qatar, the board decided to end a statement. also rule him out of Euro 2020. the services of Koeman as head “Matches are measuring mo- Depay has scored eight times coach of the national team,” the ments but we also keep a close in his last eight matches in all Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (second left and above) celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Saint-Etienne with teammates. (Reuters) Oman Football Association said eye on the progress down the competitions for Lyon, includ- in a statement on Twitter. road. Following a review of the ing the goal that took them to “Memphis injury is a catas- who moved into fourth thanks spot, just one point away from and Bertrand Traore. The Omanis started the de- current status in and around the the last 16 of the Champions trophe for us because he is our to youngster Eduardo Ca- the Champions League places. However, Camavinga fence of their title with a 0-0 fi rst team, we have come to this League midweek. most decisive player... we’ll mavinga’s late strike that gave The game looked to be head- stunned the home fans after 89 draw against eventual cham- painful decision. We have all On a dreadful day for Lyon, have to forget about him for the Rennes their fourth league win ing for a goalless draw when minutes when he collected Ro- pions Bahrain before defeating tried hard to turn things around Depay’s teammate Jeff Reine- rest of the season,” said Lyon’s in a row. Rennes goalkeeper Edouard main Del Castillo’s pass and sla- Kuwait. but unfortunately failed to do Adelaide is also out for the sea- sporting director Juninho. The 17-year-old’s fi rst ever Mendy pulled off a sensational lomed past Rafael and Joachim However, a loss to Saudi Ara- so.” PSV said they would appoint son after tearing the same liga- Lyon were booed off follow- Ligue 1 goal moved his side to double save with six minutes Andersen before squeezing his bia in their fi nal group game saw a temporary replacement to Van ment in his right knee. ing a dismal defeat to Rennes, 30 points in the Europa League left to deny Maxence Caqueret shot past Anthony Lopes. them exit the competition. Bommel later on Monday.

FOCUS Man Utd draw Club Brugge in Europa League Reuters Getafe, while Inter Milan face lish clubs in the last 32 with Ar- London Bulgarians Ludogorets. senal handed a testing tie against “We’ve not had a lot of luck Greek club Olympiakos Piraeus. in the draw,” Getafe’s sporting Wolverhampton Wanderers face anchester United director Angel Martin Gonzales Espanyol in what will be their will continue their said. “They’re a big side but that fi rst clash with a Spanish club Europa League cam- helps us grow, too.” since losing 9-2 on aggregate to paign against Bel- Two other clubs who failed Barcelona in the 1959-60 Euro- Mgian side Club Brugge after yes- to progress to the Champions pean Cup quarter-fi nals. terday’s draw for the last 32 of League knockout rounds face off “It’s a big challenge for us to the competition at UEFA head- with Benfi ca up against Shakhtar play against Arsenal, last year’s quarters. Donetsk. AS Roma play Gent UEFA Europa League fi nal- Three-time European cham- while former European champi- ists,” Olympiakos coach Pedro pions United, arguably the big- ons Porto face Bayer Leverkusen, Martins said. “They may not gest name in the draw, qualifi ed one of three German clubs in the have started well in the Premier as group winners while Brugge draw. Sevilla, the most success- League this season, but they drop in from the Champions ful club in Europa League history have great players, are dangerous League after fi nishing behind with fi ve titles, play Romanian and deserve our respect.” Paris St Germain and Real outfi t CFR Cluj. Scotland’s former European Madrid. Eintracht Frankfurt face champions Celtic are up against Ajax Amsterdam’s consola- Champions League drop-outs Copenhagen while Rangers face tion for exiting the Champions Salzburg while VfL Wolfsburg Portuguese club Braga. Sport- League at the group phase is a take on Malmo. ing take on Turkish side Istanbul two-legged tie with Spanish side United are one of three Eng- Basaksehir. Manchester United players at the end of their EPL match against Everton at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Sunday. (AFP)

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MOTORSPORT Al-Maadeed and al-Abdulghani Liverpool face start QTCC season with style By Sports Reporter Doha

hanim al-Maadeed and Ibrahim al-Abdulghani won the opening races of the Qatar Touring Atletico in last GCar Championship held at Losail International Circuit on Satur- day. Paris Saint-Germain, who A total of 23 drivers joined the opening round of the QTCC, impressed in the group forming the Championship’s biggest grid ever. Barring Ire- stage, will face Dortmund land’s John Ralph, all others who 16 clash lined up on the grid were Qatari AFP drivers. Nyon, Switzerland In the fi rst race, the victory was for Ghanim al-Maadeed, driv- ing a Lotus Elise in a total time of olders Liverpool will 22:19.191. Although al-Maadeed return to the scene of started from the 17th position last season’s Cham- on the grid, after the second lap pions League triumph he managed to reach the fourth Hafter they were drawn against place, taking the lead in the fi fth Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of lap until the checkered fl ag. the competition yesterday and The second place was for the Manchester City face 13-time Honda S2000 driver, Ibrahim winners Real Madrid. al-Abdulghani, who started from Jurgen Klopp’s side will travel fi rst place on the grid and com- to the Wanda Metropolitano, pleted the race with a total time Winner Ghanim al-Maadeed (centre), second-placed Ibrahim where Liverpool lifted the tro- of 22:20.151. Friday’s pole posi- al-Abdulghani (left) and third-placed Nasser al-Ahbabi pose on the phy in June, for the fi rst leg of tion was for Saadon al-Kuwari podium for Race 1 of the opening round of the Qatar Touring Car their tie against three-time but he had a problem with the Championship at Losail International Circuit on Saturday. runners-up Atletico. engine and couldn’t fi x it to take “Madrid is the place where we part in the races. Khelaifi . from 8th place and got the fi rst only have fantastic memories, all Nasser al-Ahbabi completed “It was a tough weekend for us. place by the fi rst lap. I managed of us, so that’s great, but this time the podium with a total time of At the start of the second race, to keep the fi rst position al- we play Atletico there and it’s 22:36.181 in his Toyota GT86. in the beginning we had a really though there was a tough battle their home ground,” said Klopp. Hamad al-Asam driving a good start, the car was perform- with the champion, al-Khelaifi . I “It’s a tough one, but if you go Honda DC5 and Mohamed al- ing good until fourth lap when I would like to thank AMSOIL for through all of the draws, there are UEFA Champions League’s ambassador Hamit Altintop holds the slip of Liverpool FC during the Round Khaiat with a Toyota GT86, fi n- started to feel it was pulling pow- their support.” pretty much four or fi ve potential of 16 draw ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday. (AFP) ished fourth and fi fth respec- er and temperature too high so I Al-Maadeed is second in the fi nals already in the last 16.” tively. decided to cool down and keep standings with 27 points. “Race 1 Pep Guardiola’s City, who are Bayern Munich in a repeat of the semi-final loss to Liverpool. competition, with Porto in 2004 With the reverse grid on the my third position. I would like was fantastic. We started the grid trying to win a fi rst Champions 2012 fi nal won by the Blues. Napoli appointed Gennaro and Inter Milan in 2010. second race, al-Abdulghani took to thank QMMF, Qatar Scientifi c on 17th position and I fi nished League crown, face a tough task However, Bayern goalkeeper Gattuso as coach last week after The Portuguese is one of fi ve the victory starting from the Club (QSC), and AMSOIL for fi rst. So it was a good start for us against Real, the record winners Manuel Neuer has fond memo- Carlo Ancelotti was sacked just managers appointed by clubs eight position on the grid. He led their support,” added al-Khelaifi . in the new season. Race 2 I again of Europe’s top club prize, for a ries of London, where the Ba- hours after a 4-0 win over Genk who made it through to the the race from the second lap and Nasser al-Ahbabi and Ab- started from back and fi nished place in the quarter-fi nals. varians beat Borussia Dortmund which sent the Italian side into knockout rounds who were not had an intense battle with the dulaziz al-Jabri fi nished fourth third. It was a podium (in both The two clubs met in the in the 2013 fi nal at Wembley. the last 16. in charge when the draw for the defending champion Abdulla al- and fi fth respectively. races) and I hope we can keep this 2015-16 semi-fi nals, the fur- “We’re happy to go to London, Italian champions Juven- group stage was made. Khelaifi . Al-Abdulghani leads the car the whole season,” al-Maa- thest City have progressed in we have great experiences from tus and Cristiano Ronaldo will Champions League debutants Al-Khelaifi , who couldn’t par- championship with 29 points. deed said. the tournament. That tie was there. Chelsea are a dangerous fancy their chances of over- Atalanta continue their adven- ticipate in the fi rst race as his “It was a great and strong Trophies were presented by won 1-0 on aggregate by Real. team and we must take them ex- coming French side Lyon, who ture against two-time former Honda S2000 was not ready at weekend. I was lucky I didn’t QMMF president Abdulrahman “It is a diffi cult one, of course. tremely seriously,” said Neuer. lost captain Memphis Depay to fi nalists Valencia, who knocked all, fi nished in second place. The have any mechanical issues, no al-Mannai, LCSC vice president Real Madrid have won 13 times so Bayern forward Robert a season-ending injury Sunday. out Ajax in midweek to fi nish third position was for al-Maa- problems. I tried to keep the fi rst and general manager Khalid al- they are the best,” City director of Lewandowski is the competi- “We can’t complain. Last year top of their group. deed. place on the fi rst race but I let Remaihi, and QMMF general football Txiki Begiristain told BT tion’s leading scorer this season we faced Atletico which was a This is the fi rst time since the “We replaced the engine for down too easy in the middle and secretary Abdulrazak al-Kuwari. Sport. “We want to be the best so after netting 10 times in fi ve harder draw, I think,” Juventus current Champions League for- the fi rst race but we didn’t have al-Maadeed caught me at the The second round of Qatar we want to beat them.” group stage games. vice-president Pavel Nedved mat was introduced in 2003 that time to enter the race as the end,” he said. Touring Car Championship will The clash is a fi rst competitive Paris Saint-Germain, who im- told Sky. “We can be happy, but if every club through to the last 16 car has to be checked,” said al- “In the second race, I started be held on January 10-11, 2020. meeting between Guardiola and pressed in the group stage and you’re not in form come February, has come from Europe’s biggest Zinedine Zidane, who won the will be trying to avoid a fourth March you won’t get through.” fi ve domestic leagues. Champions League three times in successive last-16 exit, will take Tottenham Hotspur, beaten The fi rst legs will be played SPOTLIGHT a row with Real from 2016. on 1997 champions Dortmund. 2-0 by Liverpool in last season’s over February 18-19 and Febru- “They are a big opponent, very fi nal in Spain, will lock horns with ary 25-26 with the return fi x- powerful in every sense,” said Real BARCELONA MEET NAPOLI Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, tures scheduled for March 10, director Emilio Butragueno. “It’s Barcelona will play Napoli for who are through to the knockout 11, 17 and 18. The fi nal is on May beIN Sports and Generation going to be an exciting tie — one the first time as the Catalan stages for the fi rst time. 30 at the Ataturk Stadium in Is- of those that makes us love this giants, five-time European Spurs can count on the expe- tanbul, where Liverpool won a wonderful sport.” champions, attempt to move rience of new coach Jose Mour- thrilling 2005 fi nal on penalties Amazing in strategic partnership Chelsea face German giants on from last season’s painful inho — a two-time winner of the against AC Milan. By Sports Reporter UEFA Champions League last 16 fi xtures Doha

FIRST LEGS SECOND LEGS eIN Sports, beIN Media February 18 February 25 March 10 March 17 Group’s fl agship sports Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Valencia (ESP) v Atalanta Manchester City (ENG) v network, has signed a Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Munich (GER) (ITA) Real Madrid (ESP) Memorandum of Un-     derstandingb (MoU) with the Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona RB Leipzig (GER) v Totten- Juventus (ITA) v Lyon Liverpool (ENG) (ESP) ham Hotspur (ENG) (FRA) Supreme Committee for Deliv- February 19 February 26 March 11 March 18 ery & Legacy’s (SC) Generation Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Real Madrid (ESP) v Man- Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Bayern Munich (GER) v Amazing programme, which uses RB Leipzig (GER) chester City (ENG) Borussia Dortmund (GER) Chelsea (ENG) football for development pro- Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia Lyon (FRA) v Juventus Liverpool (ENG) v Atletico Barcelona (ESP) v Napoli grammes to educate young peo- (ESP) (ITA) Madrid (ESP) (ITA) ple across Qatar, the Middle East, Asia and the world. beIN Sports and Generation Amazing will work together over FOCUS the coming years on several joint programmes and events in Qa- tar and across the Middle East & North Africa (Mena), includ- Qatargas hosts 19th Golf Open tourney ing joining forces to reach, edu- cate and empower over 1 million young people by 2022. Estab- lished in 2010 during Qatar’s successful bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Generation Amazing uses football for development in- itiatives that teach social and life skills to address issues in coun- tries with an identifi ed need, beIN Sports Head of Sports Jonathan Whitehead (left) and Generation in line with the United Nations Amazing Marketing and Communications Director Moza al-Muhannadi. Sustainable Development Goals. As Generation Amazing’s of- participating. sport, regardless of gender, race, fi cial Media Partner, beIN Sports With beIN Sports being the or background.” will take part in the Generation leading sports network in Mena Generation Amazing Director Amazing 2019 Festival which is and broadcasting across 24 of Marketing and Communica- the kick-off event within a se- countries in the region, it is well tions, Moza al-Mohannadi said: ries of festivals leading up to placed to support and showcase “We are delighted and proud to 2022. The festival aims to set new Generation Amazing’s work and sign this long term strategic glo- standards regarding the use of inspire even more people over the bal partnership which will see football for good to achieve total next few years. beIN Sports coming on board as inclusivity regardless of gender, On the strategic partner- our Media Partner as we work religion, race or age. ship with Generation Amaz- towards our shared values and By Sports Reporter main tournament, there was also in the ladies category with 37 Open is the oldest and one of the The Generation Amazing Fes- ing, Jonathan Whitehead, Head vision of showcasing the in- Doha a competition of juniors on the points countback. Priest did the most popular events in the cor- tival 2019 kicked off on Sunday of Sports at beIN Sports Mena spirational power of football to Academy Course in which nearly ‘double’ by also being declared porate golfi ng calendar in Qatar, and will conclude on Thursday at said: “We are extremely excited change lives and communities 20 young golfers participated. the top player among the Qatar- eagerly awaited by the golfi ng Qatar Foundation’s Oxygen Park, to be partnering with Generation for the better. With beIN Sports atargas Operating The tournament concluded gas employees. The team made community. I would like to thank aiming to inspire a generation of Amazing to support and facilitate and their fantastic broadcast Company Limited with an awards ceremony and up of Adam Abousabana, Lee Yu the Doha Golf Club and the Qatar young leaders to make a diff erence such inspiring initiatives. beIN and communications reach we (Qatargas) held its 19th dinner at the Doha Golf Club. Tong and Ali Mahammed Azfar Golf Association for their sup- in their communities from Qatar, Sports and Generation Amaz- are confi dent that Generation edition of the annual Qatargas chief commercial and took home the winner’s trophy port over the years in making this the Middle East, Asia, Europe and ing share similar values when it Amazing will be able to reach ‘QatargasQ Golf Open’ tournament shipping offi cer Alaa Abu Jbara in the Academy juniors scram- tournament a grand success. the Americas, by using the in- comes to the positive role that new audiences and inspire an en- at the Doha Golf Club this past and chief fi nancial offi cer Garry ble. “Our continued commitment spiring power of football to create sport can play in society, and tire generation of young people weekend. Looker presented the prizes to the Addressing the players and to promoting and supporting social change. Running alongside this partnership will help both in Qatar, across the region and The popular tournament at- winners. guests present at the ceremony, sports is a key element of Qatar- the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar entities achieve their positive the world, and empower them to tracted nearly 320 golfers, in- Following two days of excit- Abu Jbara said, “On behalf of Qa- gas’ corporate social responsi- 2019, over 170 youth participants common goals. For beIN, this change their communities for the cluding players of the Qatar Golf ing competition, Sam Priest targas, I would like to congratu- bility programme, in alignment from 12 countries, including Qatar, partnership represents a key better. We look forward to a suc- Association, employees of Qa- claimed the overall winner’s late all the winners and thank with the objectives of the Hu- Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, milestone for our beINSPIRED cessful and inspiring partnership targas, its shareholders and other trophy with 40 points while everyone for their wonderful man Development pillar of the India, the Philippines, Nepal, Italy, project, aimed at inspiring the with beIN Sports leading up to stakeholders. In parallel to the Nada Mir secured the top prize participation. The Qatargas Golf Qatar National Vision 2030.” Belgium, the UK and Brazil will be next generation to participate in and beyond 2022.”