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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Rabia II 23, 1439 AH Guptill shines as GULF TIMES New Zealand hand Pakistan 2nd ODI loss SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL Almoez strikes in Qatar’s winning start over Uzbeks The Al Duhail forward’s goal leaves Qatar second in Group A behind table-topping China who beat Oman 3-0

Qatar responded well however, with Qatar’s Almoez Ali dynamic Ahmad Moein, a Qatar players celebrate their celebrates his goal member of the squad when his coun- win. At bottom, coach Sanchez against Uzbekistan in try fi nished fourth at the tournament’s reacts during the match. Changzou, China, last edition in 2016, fi zzing a shot nar- yesterday. rowly wide shortly after the half hour mark. With Qatar clearly growing in confi - dence, midfi elder Salem al-Hajri then rattled the Uzbekistan bar with a rasp- ing drive from distance as the opening period came to an entertaining close. Urinboev headed just wide of the target from a pinpoint Javokhir Sidikov free-kick shortly after the restart, be- fore Qatar took the lead on 55 minutes in stunning fashion. A swift move down the right saw the impressive Hashim Ali break into the box and deliver a delightful cross that the advancing Almoez rifl ed into the net past the despairing dive of Uz- bekistan goalkeeper Dilshod Kham- raev. As Uzbekistan desperately pushed for an equaliser, successive Qatari counter-attacks saw Khamraev deny both Hisham and, in the game’s dying embers, substitute Khaled Moham- med. “It was always going to be a diffi cult game against Uzbekistan as we know they are tough opponents,” said Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. “I think the team did a very good job today and that they performed well in every department. I feel that one of the great strengths of this group of players Sports Center. advantage just four minutes later. is that they work very hard. They have Goals from Yang Liyu, Li Xiaoming To their credit, Oman rallied briefl y a great spirit.” and Wei Shihao proved the diff erence after the break, but the game was ef- Uzbekistan coach Ravshan Khay- on a bitterly cold afternoon, as China fectively ended as a contest in the 53rd darov admitted the defeat left his team laid down an impressive early marker minute when the impressive Wei pow- with a mountain to climb. in a group which saw Qatar beat Uz- ered home a header after being found “It was a very tough game for us to- bekistan 1-0 in their opening tie. by Yao Junsheng. day, and I feel that some of my players In what would prove to be an enter- Omani defender Thani al-Rushaidi were not able to perform to their best taining opening period, it was China saw a close-range eff ort scrambled ability, “ said Khaydarov. who threatened fi rst, Yang seeing his off the line by Gao Zhunyi shortly af- “The result now leaves us in a rather shot from 12 yards smothered by the ter, before Wei was stretchered off AFC The Al Duhail forward’s goal leaves diffi cult position in what is a very dif- visiting defence, and Beijing Guoan in the 66th minute following a hefty Changzhou Qatar second in Group A behind table- fi cult group. We made too many mis- forward Wei forcing a smart save challenge much to the consternation topping China PR who beat Oman 3-0 takes and we must go away and see from Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim al- of China head coach Massimiliano in the day’s earlier game. where and how we made those errors.” Mukhaini with 18 minutes gone. Maddaloni. lmoez Ali’s second half strike In a closely fought fi rst half, it was Qatar’s next outing comes on Fri- With China in the ascendancy, In the game’s last meaningful ac- proved the diff erence as Qa- Uzbekistan who dominated the early day when they face Oman, while Uz- Oman’s defence was to be breached tion, substitute Liu Ruofan was ex- tar recorded a narrow 1-0 win proceedings, Zabikhillo Urinboev fi r- bekistan will tackle host nation China. twice in quick succession, as fi rst Yang pertly denied by al-Mukhaini on a day over Uzbekistan in their AFC ing inches over following a neat in- Meanwhile, host nation China PR expertly converted Li Shuai’s pinpoint when China took a signifi cant step AU23 Championship 2018 opener at the terchange of passes with Dostonbek began campaign in fi ne fashion yester- on the half hour mark, and towards reaching the knockout phase Changzhou Olympic Sports Center Khamdamov on the edge of the area day thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win then Li Xiaoming headed home Wei’s of the AFC U23 Championship for the yesterday. after 14 minutes. over Oman at the Changzhou Olympic superb fl oated cross to double his side’s fi rst time.

DAKAR RALLY Loeb upstages al-Attiyah to win fourth stage

Agencies he recorded his 10th career Dakar ing into the day, was the big name In the motorcycle category, San Juan de Marcona, Peru Peugeot’s French driver Sebastien Loeb stage win. to drop out of contention during reigning champion Sam Sunder- and co-driver Daniel Elena compete in Loeb led for most of the stage, stage four. land has dropped out of this year’s the Dakar Rally yesterday. briefl y dropping behind reigning The Frenchman, a fi ve-time race with a back injury, allowing ebastien Loeb saw off champion Stephane Peterhansel Dakar winner in the bike class, Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren to Peugeot teammate Carlos only to reclaim fi rst place during was halted by suspension damage take the overall lead after winning Sainz to win the fourth the fi nal stretch. on his 3008DKR Maxi and was the fourth stage. Sstage of the 2018 Dakar He ended the day 1m35s quick- left waiting for assistance just Sunderland, riding for domi- Rally, as yesterday timed test er than nearest rival Carlos Sainz, over the halfway point of the test. nant team KTM and leading the proved treacherous for several with Peterhansel making up an Several kilometres further into overall rankings coming into frontrunners in the car class. all-Peugeot top three as he fi n- the route, Monday stage winner yesterday’s stage in San Juan de Nine-time WRC champion ished three minutes off the pace. Nasser al-Attiyah’s stoppage was Marcona, withdrew after injuring Loeb was fourth heading into This was enough for the 13- marginally less disastrous as he his back while entering a jump ac- yesterday’s stage and had admit- time Dakar champion to end yes- fi nished ninth on the stage and is cording to the rally organisers. ted he lacked experience with the terday seven and 13 minutes ahead now fourth overall Van Beveren fi nished fi ve min- type of terrain prevalent in the of Loeb and Sainz respectively in The Qatari soon resumed utes ahead of teammate Xavier opening Peruvian leg of this year’s the general classifi cation. the rally in his Toyota Hilux but de Soultrait and seven minutes in Dakar. Having escaped any major dra- struggled to maintain pace and front of the Austrian KTM rider Yet the Frenchman followed mas, the trio have had their Dakar went on to complete the test 54 Matthias Walkner. up his comments by topping the 2018 hopes boosted signifi cantly minutes down on Loeb. The Yamaha rider takes the 330km timed special – the long- by another day of high attrition. He is now almost an hour down lead in the the overall standings, 1 est test of the rally so far – around Fellow Peugeot driver Cyril De- on rally leader Peterhansel in the minute 55 seconds ahead of Chile- Peru’s San Juan de Marcona, as spres, who was runner-up head- overall classifi cation. an Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna). Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 10, 2018 CRICKET

OPINION Australia’s riches can deliver an Ashes win in England The pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins, supported by spinner Lyon, are a rare gift for captain Smith

By Jason Gillespie from their past tours. That said, to level The Guardian up some of this Australian optimism it must be noted there remains a chal- lenge for the lineup when it eep the bowling attack fi t comes to conditions. The two wins in and healthy over the next 18 the last away Ashes tour came on the months and there is no reason fl attest pitches, at Lord’s and The Oval. why Australia cannot break a It is here where Australia’s selectors Kdrought that stretches back to 2001 and must back the bulk of the current side win the next Ashes series in England. during the intervening time and not In fact it looks there for the taking chop and change too much. In the re- if they do. Right now is a cent past there has been a bit too much blessed Test captain who possesses an overthinking in played envious blend of bowlers in Mitchell away from home. This has mainly Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins manifested itself on the subcontinent and Nathan Lyon. but there is a danger that past records Never before have a side had only in England could be factored in. four -takers over the course of a Batsmen, in my opinion, need to be fi ve-match series but is easy to see how aff orded the chance to learn from fail- it occurred. Through Starc’s left-arm ings on foreign pitches. Ricky Ponting angle and fuller length, Hazlewood’s averaged 18 after his fi rst two tours of relentless accuracy and heavy ball, India before going on to become a fi ne the ability of Cummins to switch from player in those conditions and yet Us- mid-80s workhorse to 90mph shock man Khawaja has seen early struggles bowler and Lyon both tying up an end in that part of the world result in little and yet still attacking in the process, patience. Will three under-par Tests in pretty much every base is covered. England in 2013 count against him? You When people ask about the greatest would hope not. The same goes for the Australia attack, it is hard to look be- Marsh brothers too. yond any of those that included Glenn The makeup of the England bowl- McGrath and Shane Warne. ing attack Australia will face remains a But while statistically McGrath and great uncertainty. My suspicion is Jim- myself are the most prolifi c Australia my Anderson and Stuart Broad will still fast-bowling pairing in history, sharing be around, although much of this will 484 from the 58 Tests together, hinge on their desire to keep going. And I have maintained for some time that out of the two, it is strange to see Broad, Starc and Hazlewood will go beyond us. the younger man by four years, look the Add Cummins in there and that more vulnerable. is three potential all-time great fast Broad has not fully fi red for a year bowlers in the same side and we are just and 11 wickets over the course of the scratching the surface with him too, Ashes, including fi ve in one Test when following a fi rst home summer in which the urn was gone, is slim pickings for he has ended up the leading wicket- a player of his pedigree. England will taker on either side. probably fi nd themselves hoping for a It is a truly heartening story after renaissance from him, because there battling back from setback after set- appears to be a dearth of seamers ap- back since his debut in 2011. The body plying unanswerable pressure on these has adapted and the mental toughness two at a time when it is needed most. has shone through. Here’s to a long and Can Craig Overton and From left: Australian bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Pat Cummins pose with the Ashes trophy after a dominant series win over England fulfi lling career from now. fi nd a bit more in themselves, now they at the on Monday. (AFP) Smith described winning the Ashes have tasted Test cricket? Will the bod- away from home as being on his bucket ies of , and this tour? He was the big hope during land need more from the chasing pack. them in my new role as the Sussex to play for England. As with any player, list and with these three seamers it can Toby Roland-Jones allow them to push the warmup matches but disappeared Two seamers being talked up are coach. The former is only 20 and the I will do my best to try to help them be achieved, especially if Starc and for a place in 18 months’ time? And after Brisbane. will un- George Garton and and I latter, whose pace has caught the eye, achieve their dreams. (The writer is a Hazlewood remember the right lengths what on earth happened to on doubtedly be a threat at home but Eng- am looking forward to working with is just over three years from qualifying former Australian fast bowler)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Bayliss to stand down as England Ponting named Australia head coach at end of 2019 Ashes assistant coach for T20s

By Ali Martin in Sydney AFP The Guardian Sydney

revor Bayliss intends to stand down icky Ponting will be an assistant coach as England head coach at the end during Australia’s international of the World Cup and Ashes home series against England and New Zealand summer in 2019, but has said he will next month, Cricket Australia said yester- Tstill look to lay the foundations for their next day.R The former Australia captain will work under tour of Australia in four years’ time along- head coach Darren Lehmann, while Troy Cooley side captain . Speaking after the 4-0 and Matthew Mott will help out during the series. Ashes defeat, Bayliss revealed he has already They have been brought on board while regular told , the director of England support staff Graeme Hick, David Saker and Brad cricket who hired the Australian back in May Haddin are in South Africa to assist in preparations 2015, that he will not be renewing his con- for Australia’s four-Test tour from March. Leh- tract when it expires in 18 months time. mann has previously said he will not seek to renew “I’ve never been anywhere more than four his contract when his current deal expires at the end or fi ve years,” said Bayliss. “Whether you’re of 2019, with Ponting seen as a potential successor. going well or not, I have always felt that it’s Ponting undertook the T20 role last year when time for a change around about that four- he worked with the Australia squad for the three- year mark – a new voice, a diff erent ap- match series against Sri Lanka. He has extensive ex- proach reinvigorates things.” perience of the shortest form of the game, captain- Bayliss was hired with the intention of ing his country in the fi rst ever T20 international reviving England’s fortunes in white-ball against New Zealand in 2005, and then leading cricket ahead of the home World Cup in the side in the fi rst two editions of the ICC World 2019 and has overseen a dramatic improve- Twenty20 in 2007 and 2009. ment in this regard. Test results have been “I loved working with the squad last year against up and down, however, and his record now Sri Lanka and I can’t wait to be working alongside sits at 14 wins and 18 defeats. The past two Darren, Troy and Matthew this time around,” Pon- pattern of play that works best for the players.” winters have also included heavy defeats at ting said. “Watching the Big Bash League in my role The T20 series will involve matches against New the hands of India and Australia. as a commentator has shown me we have a wealth of Zealand in Sydney (February 3) and Auckland (Feb- There is clearly no intention to change the talent available to us in this format and a tri-series ruary 16) and England in Hobart (February 7) and coaching set-up as things stand, with Colin like this will give us a great chance to establish a Melbourne (February 10). Graves, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket, having now echoed the re- cent sentiment of chief executive Tom Har- rison in stating that Bayliss is secure despite the Ashes defeat. It will therefore leave the next head coach Head coach Trevor Bayliss (left) has backed captain Joe Root to lead England in the India’s Yusuf Pathan just over two years to plan for the Ashes se- 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia. (AFP) ries in Australia in 2021-22. Asked how he suspended for failed dope test can work towards a tour he personally won’t for the New Zealand tour in March delayed. “Dawid Malan has probably cemented oversee, Bayliss replied: “Root will still be and Mark Stoneman, who one of the spots we were after. Vince and New Delhi: Indian cricket board and a sample showed traces of 50 off just 15 balls. He is only the there as captain and there’s a base of six or averaged in the mid-20s and made just two Stoneman have shown what they are ca- yesterday suspended former Terbutaline. But the board said second Indian cricketer to fail a seven players that will still be young and half-centuries apiece, appear the players pable of, but will be disappointed that they international all-rounder Yusuf it was satisfied with Pathan’s dope test. good enough to be in the team.” most under pressure, but are expected to weren’t able to capitalise on their good play. Pathan for five months for explanation that the substance In 2013 Delhi left-arm pace- “The captain is in charge – we’re there make the cut. Bayliss believes they have the They do deserve a bit more of a chance. taking a banned stimulant. The entered his body through medi- man Pradeep Sangwan was to help out. You leave a coaching position games to succeed and is keen to give the pair “They were playing against one of the ban on the 35-year-old, who last cation while taking a cough banned for 18 months. The hopefully with the team in a better place at least two more matches to show they can best attacks in the world in their home represented India in 2012, was syrup and “not as a perform- BCCI strongly opposes tests than when you started. I’ve got no problem cut it at Test level. conditions. They showed people how they backdated so that it ends on ance-enhancing drug”. by India’s National Anti-Doping working towards a long-term goal, even if He added: “I can’t see any big changes. can play, the potential they have. They are January 14. Pathan, who also bowls Agency. I’m not going to be there.” We’ve known for a couple of years that we aware that it’s about performance and scor- The Board of Control for off -spin, played 57 one-day in- It insists that as a member of The virus that saw Root hospitalised on have been three or four performing players ing enough runs. If over a period of time Cricket in India said the ternationals and 22 T20 games the International Cricket Coun- the fi nal morning of the series, before briefl y short of a very, very good team. We’ve had that doesn’t happen and you have to look for explosive batsman was rou- for India and has been an Indian cil — a signatory to the World emerging to bat for an hour during the fi nal some good performances at home in Test someone else, that is the way of the game. tinely tested during domestic Premier League regular. Anti-Doping Agency — it already rites of the innings and 123-run defeat, has cricket, but that has been on the back of our Hopefully they can learn from it and become Twenty20 competition last year In 2014 he hit the IPL’s fastest has strict anti-doping rules. seen the selection of England’s Test squad big fi ve or six players. even better players.” Gulf Times Wednesday, January 10, 2018 3 CRICKET

SECOND ODI Kohli calls for Indian batsmen Guptill bludgeons New to change mindset

Cape Town: India’s batsmen must show a more positive Zealand to win over Pak mindset to combat the South Africa bowling attack, their captain Virat Kohli said after losing the first Test on Mon- Guptill made 86 not out off 71 deliveries while Taylor remained unbeaten 45 from 43 balls day. The match was eff ectively over in three days with Sun- AFP day washed out as 18 wickets Nelson, New Zealand fell in 64 overs on day four on a seamer-friendly Cape Town wicket and South Africa won artin Guptill was at his bel- the match by 72 runs. ligerent best as New Zea- Set 208 for victory, India land thrashed Pakistan by were bowled out for 135 in eight wickets in Nelson yes- under 43 overs with South Mterday, although captain Kane William- African seamer Vernon Phi- son admitted a rain delay had done the lander collecting career-best hosts a favour. figures of 6-42. “The pitch was The second one-day international outstanding. I really like the was evenly poised when rain forced the type of wicket this was,” Kohli players from the fi eld for more than told reporters. two hours with New Zealand 64 for “It was great for test cricket two after 14 overs in reply to Pakistan’s and we got a result within four 246 for nine. When play resumed un- days having lost a day. It was der the Duckworth-Lewis system New not one-sided, both teams Zealand’s target was revised to 151 in 25 were in it at diff erent stages. overs meaning they had 11 overs left to As a team, we really enjoyed make 87. being part of this test match “Pakistan showed some real resist- and so did South Africa.” ance at the end and put some partner- Kohli says the failure of his ships together which would have been a side to build partnerships was tricky total on that surface,” Williamson ultimately the diff erence be- said, adding the rain break “worked in tween defeat and what would our favour a little bit”. have been a sweet victory in But the New Zealand skipper also such unfamiliar conditions. hailed the “brilliant” partnership in- “It was a wicket where things volving Guptill and Ross Taylor to get were happening every day New Zealand home with seven balls to and we let ourselves down spare. Guptill, 31 off 40 at the break, with the bat,” he said. “We was 86 not out off 71 deliveries at the wanted one big partnership end. Taylor advanced from 14 in as to get the job done, which we many balls to 45 off 43. failed to do.” “For Martin and Ross to come out af- Kohli suggested that with ter that rain break... and play so beauti- tracks that are likely to have fully and to see Martin play with free- even more bounce and pace dom at his best was great to watch,” to come in Pretoria and Jo- Williamson said. “And (with) Ross a hannesburg for the rest of the calming infl uence at the other end it series, his batsmen needed to was a brilliant partnership to get us find a way to transfer the pres- across the line.” sure on to the South African It left Pakistan winless after two rain- bowlers. aff ected matches in New Zealand with “The mindset matters both decided under the Duckworth- when you’re travelling away Lewis method. “We are very disap- from home on pitches which pointed with our batting,” said captain challenge you. You need to be Sarfraz Ahmed.”The fi rst 10 overs is positive in defence and when very important and we lost too many you’re leaving also. You need wickets in the fi rst 10 overs. “Our bat- to grab scoring opportunities. ting is not performing well but later on New Zealand’s Martin Guptill plays a shot en route to an unbeaten 86 in the second ODI against Pakistan at Saxton Oval in Nelson, New Zealand, yesterday. (AFP) “We need to think about our lower order batted really well.” taking the attack to the South After Pakistan won the toss and at 47 for two in the 10th over. Mohammad Hafeez c Guptill b Santner 60 (Shoaib Malik), 5-108 (Sarfraz Ahmed), K. Williamson c Shadab Khan b Faheem 19 African bowlers more. That elected to bat Mohammad Hafeez (60) However, the momentum changed Shoaib Malik c Southee b Astle 27 6-127 (Mohammad Hafeez), 7-141 (Faheem R. Taylor not out 45 is something for all the bats- held the fi rst half of the innings together when Taylor joined Guptill in the mid- Sarfraz Ahmed st Latham b Astle 3 Ashraf), 8-211 (Hasan Ali), 9-239 (Shadab) Extras: (nb 1) 1 men, starting at the very top. as Pakistan struggled to 141 for seven in dle. New Zealand now lead the fi ve- Shadab Khan c Latham b Ferguson 52 Bowling: Southee 10-1-57-2 (3w), Boult Total: (for 2 wickets; 23.5 overs) 151 They (South Africa) force you the 37th over before Shadab Khan (52) match series 2-0 ahead of game three in Faheem Ashraf c Southee b Ferguson 7 10-0-54-1 (1nb), Santner 10-1-34-1, Ferguson Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Munro), 2-47 to play good cricket in every and Hasan Ali (51) struck out with a 70- Dunedin on Saturday. Hasan Ali c Astle b Southee 51 10-0-39-3 (4w), Astle 7-0-50-2 (1w), Munro (Williamson) over that you play against run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mohammad Amir not out 8 3-0-11-0 Bowling: Amir 5-1-18-1, Rumman Raees them, which I think is a good Pakistan still harboured hopes of lev- SCOREBOARD Rumman Raees not out 6 4.5-0-37-0 (1nb), Faheem 5-0-30-1, Hasan credit to their bowling attack. elling the series when they made early PAKISTAN INNINGS Extras: (b1, w12, nb1) 14 NEW ZEALAND INNINGS 5-0-37-0, Shadab 4-0-29-0 As batters we need to step inroads into the New Zealand innings Azhar Ali lbw Southee 6 Total: (for 9 wickets; 50 overs) 246 (revised target 151 in 25 overs) Toss: Pakistan up.” The second Test in Preto- claiming Colin Munro for duck and Imam-ul-Haq c Munro b Boult 2 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Imam-ul-Haq), 2-14 M. Guptill not out 86 Result: New Zealand won by eight wickets ria starts on Saturday. Williamson for 19 to have New Zealand Babar Azam c Taylor b Ferguson 10 (Azhar Ali), 3-39 (Babar Azam), 4-84 C. Munro c Faheem b Amir 0 Five-match Series: New Zealand lead 2-0

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Sri Lanka’s Mathews back Coach Gibson wants South Africa as limited-overs captain to continue pace barrage AFP AFP Colombo Cape Town

ri Lanka yesterday announced Angelo f Ottis Gibson gets his way — and as Mathews would return as skipper for lim- coach and a selector he has a big say — ited-overs cricket ahead of the 2019 World South Africa will continue to challenge Cup, just six months after the all-rounder India with a four-pronged steppedS down from the post. The move comes as a Iattack in the two remaining Test matches. surprise after Mathews, 30, quit last July as captain Refl ecting on South Africa’s 72-run win in all three formats of the game following repeated in the fi rst Test at Newlands, Gibson said: bouts of injury. president Thi- “When you are playing at home you play to langa Sumathipala said the board asked Mathews to your strengths and at the moment we have reconsider following close consultations with new some high-quality fast bowlers.” coach and team selectors. “I’m a very fast bowling-minded kind Mathews said he took a few days to decide before of coach,” said former West Indies player accepting the captaincy of Sri Lanka’s one-day and Gibson, explaining why two fast bowlers, Twenty20 teams. “It is a national duty, and we need Duanne Olivier and Lungi Ngidi, had been stability moving into a World Cup in 18 months,” added to an already big squad following a said Mathews. series-ending heel injury to Dale Steyn. Dinesh Chandimal remains Sri Lanka’s Test cap- Even without Steyn, a pace attack of Ver- tain. Sumathipala said Mathews was expected to non Philander, Morne Morkel and Kagiso South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is lifted by Dean Elgar as he celebrates with prepare the squad ahead of the World Cup in Eng- Rabada sent India crashing to 135 all out in teammates after dismissing India’s Hardik Pandya in Cape Town on Monday. (AFP) land and Wales in 2019. the second innings after they had been set a The returning captain will face his fi rst test this tional Cricket Council had failed to uncover evi- victory target of 208 at Newlands. cricket system and if we want to be No.1 in the batting depth of a team whose fragility month when Sri Lanka travel to Bangladesh for a dence of graft during an investigation into explosive Gibson said the balance of the team de- the world, especially in our conditions, fast was exposed when they were bowled out for tri-nation ODI tournament. The all-rounder bore accusations levelled by former Sri Lankan players. pended on conditions but added that Cen- bowlers are very important to that proc- 130 in the second innings. the brunt of criticism after Sri Lanka’s embarrass- SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva said ICC turion, where the second Test starts on Sat- ess,” Gibson said. “We need to fi nd ways of Morris is capable of bowling at more than ing loss to lowly-ranked Zimbabwe in a home Test anti-corruption investigators visited the island in urday, usually had pace and bounce, which looking after, monitoring, training our fast 140kmh, while Phehlukwayo is a medium- series last year. Mathews at the time described the September and conducted a wide-ranging inquiry. would incline him towards four fast bowlers. bowlers better because there have been a lot pacer. Phehlukwayo’s lack of raw pace could shock defeat to Zimbabwe as the lowest point in his “They do not put out statements after an inquiry, “If you want to beat the best team in the of injuries even before I got here.” count against him. He will remain in Cape career and a “hard pill to swallow”. but if there is anything adverse, they would in- world, which India are, then maybe we have Olivier and Ngidi are specialist fast bowl- Town when the rest of the squad travel to Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the tri-nation form us. To date, they have not told us of anything to do something slightly diff erent to what ers. Olivier, 25, has played in fi ve Test match- Centurion today in order to play in a domes- series: (captain), , Da- (against Sri Lankan players or offi cials),” de Silva we’ve done in the past,” said Gibson. “We es with moderate success, while Ngidi, 21, tic one-day match for the Dolphins fran- nushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, told reporters. There was no immediate comment have to get stuck in and be tough with the is regarded as one of South Africa’s most chise. Team spokesperson Lerato Malekutu Kusal Janith Perera, , Asela Gunaratne, from the ICC. The council’s announcement in bat and the ball. Get in their faces a bit, use promising young bowlers. Gibson admitted said Phehlukwayo had not been released Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, September that it had began an inquiry followed our physicality in terms of our pace.” he had only seen Ngidi on television and was from the Test squad but had been given per- Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Akila corruption allegations by former skipper Arjuna Asked how he intends to keep them all fi r- keen to take a closer look at a bowler who mission to play for his franchise because he Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Wanidu Hasaranga. Ranatunga and ex-player and national selector ing through the summer, Gibson explained made a good impression in three Twenty20 had not played in the Test match. Pramodya Wickremasinghe. that he is working on a national plan that internationals against Sri Lanka before be- South African squad SRI LANKA CRICKET CLEARED OF SLC said its executive committee had directed will cover all the country’s quicks to achieve ing injured. “I’ve heard a lot of good things Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba CORRUPTION, BOARD SAYS players and staff to cooperate with the ICC’s probe. their long-term availability. “Last week we about him,” said Gibson. Ngidi has shown Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock Sri Lanka Cricket said yesterday the sport’s global Ranatunga, who captained the islanders during had a discussion with the medical panel good form for the Titans franchise in all (wkt), AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maha- governing body had found no evidence of wrongdo- their 1996 World Cup win, has alleged that insider about trying to set up a a group of people forms of the game this season. raj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, ing following allegations of match-fi xing and other meddling cost Sri Lanka a repeat tournament crown to look after fast bowlers better. I think that While Chris Morris and Andile Phehluk- Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehluk- forms of corruption. The board said the Interna- during the 2011 fi nal against India. fast bowlers are the bedrock of a really good wayo are both all-rounders who can add to wayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 10, 2018 TENNIS

FOCUS/AUSTRALIAN OPEN UPBEAT Nadal beaten in Melbourne but Federer eyes fresh injured knee ‘fi ne’

AFP last year through illness and Melbourne injury, was happy to get even an informal win over the Spaniard. “It’s always a pleasure to play ‘fairytale’ as Slam orld number one Rafa — I hope to beat him one Rafael Nadal lost day on the ATP before retiring. his first match of He’s a friend of mine and it’s the year 6-4, 7-5 to great to play him,” he said. WRichard Gasquet at the Kooy- “I’m happy with how I’m ong Classic yesterday, but said playing after a test against Rafa, he was happy after his trouble- who along with Federer is the some knee held up “fine”. best in history.” rivals struggle Nadal’s knee injury ham- Gasquet took the opening set, pered the end of his 2017 sea- relying on a single break for 5-4 son and forced him to skip last before serving it out against an ‘I just have to pace myself all the way up to the tournament in Melbourne, and I’ll week’s Brisbane International, opponent still trying to shake but he was able to give it a off the rust of inactivity. be ready,’ he said after his Hopman Cup final victory with Swiss teammate Bencic workout at the non-tour event The Frenchman found him- in Melbourne. self in more of a battle in the AFP played since the World Tour Fi- The Australian Open is the CONFIDENT Though he lost in straight second set despite going up a Melbourne nals in London, had a stellar 2017, second straight Grand Slam to sets, the Spaniard said he would double break for 3-0. winning his 10th French Open, a be badly hit by injury issues. The keep working hard until the The defi cit barely bothered third US Open US Open was missing Wawrin- start of the Australian Open at Nadal, who showed some of his he prospects of an un- crown and ka, Djokovic, Nishikori, Raonic Wawrinka says Melbourne Park on Monday. classic form in closing the gap to precedented 20th Grand the year- and Murray, and after the early “I”m very happy to be back 3-3. Slam victory have ending eliminations of Alexander Zverev, in Australia,” he said. “I had a Gasquet forced Nadal to save strengthened for world Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov and he’s ready for heavy year in 2017 and I started break points throughout as the Tageless wonder Roger Fed- number Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, it was my preparation later than usu- pair stayed level-pegging. erer as his main rivals fl ounder one one of the rare Grand Slams al. But the Frenchman fi nally ahead of the Australian Open. spot. where big names didn’t Australian Open “But I’ve arrived in plenty of broke for 6-5 and claimed victory The 36-year-old is coming off dominate the quar- time. It’s great to get the feeling with a smash winner on his fi rst an extraordinary 2017, when he ter-fi nals. once again of playing a match. match point a game later. won a fi fth Australian Open title If there is “This was a good test for me Separately, Spain’s Pablo and a record eighth at Wimble- to be a win- after some good training, that’s Carreno Busta defeated Belgian don, and there could be yet more ner outside the most important thing.” world number seven David Gof- glory with a depleted fi eld of top the top guns The 16-time Grand Slam fin 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. contenders in Melbourne. in Melbourne, winner was far from his best In the women’s competi- Andy Murray and Japan’s Kei those who look in the exhibition encounter tion, Germany’s Andrea Petko- Nishikori are already out of the most likely are against a player he has beaten vic rallied to defeat Australian year’s opening Grand Slam with Bulgarian Dim- 15-0 on the ATP Tour in a ri- teenager Destanee Aiava 3-6, injuries, while 12-time major itrov, third in the valry dating back to junior 6-3, 6-2 in windy conditions. champion Novak Djokovic is rankings behind days. troubled by an elbow complaint Nadal and Federer, Nadal, 31, heads the entry and hasn’t played for six months. Germany’s Zverev and list for the Australian Open and ‘I’ll train hard World number one Rafael tempestuous Australian said he will be ready to front up over the next few Nadal withdrew from his fi rst Nick Kyrgios. for the first round. tour event of 2018, in Brisbane, Dimitrov, once nick- “The knee is fi ne,” he days for the with continuing knee problems, named ‘Baby Fed’ for his play- said in answer to the Australian Open, and is seeking match practice in ing style, enjoyed the best season inevitable ques- a Melbourne exhibition event of his career in 2017, winning four tion. “I’m here. I will be ready’ ahead of the January 15 start. titles, including his fi rst Mas- “If I was not The 2014 winner Stan ters crown in Cincinnati.Zverev, feeling good I Wawrinka, who hasn’t played 20, has been touted as the “next would not be here, since last year’s Wimbledon and big thing” for some years and is so that’s good subsequent knee surgery, has had coming off fi ve titles last season, news. little warm-up work and is no yet he has never made it past the “I’ll train hard longer with his four-year coach fourth round of a Grand Slam. over the next few Magnus Norman. Kyrgios will have his supporters, AFP Open. days for the Austral- Yet amid it all Federer keeps especially in Australia, after beat- Melbourne “For me, the fi rst thing is ian Open, I will be going, winning all his matches at ing Dimitrov on the way to win- to play a match, to play a ten- ready.” the mixed-teams Hopman Cup ning his fourth ATP Tour title nis match again. It’s been Nadal in Perth this month and seem- and fi rst at home in the lead- ormer winner Stan many months out of the tour,” is not ingly injury-free. up Brisbane International. Wawrinka yesterday Wawrinka said. “It’s not always playing “I just have to pace myself all “Right now it’s all about said he’s hungry to re- the best when you are an ath- any more the way up to the tournament in recovering and feel- turn to action at next lete so I’m looking forward to matches Melbourne, and I’ll be ready,” he ing the ball for the Oz week’sF Australian Open after it, enjoying the crowd. at Kooy- said after his Hopman Cup fi nal Open. Because obvi- six months on the sidelines. “It’s always an amazing at- ong, but victory with Switzerland team- ously I’m playing The three-time Grand Slam mosphere here. The people he is also mate Belinda Bencic. well under pres- champion hasn’t played since love the sport, love the tennis sched- “I’m just excited going back to sure and in pres- Wimbledon, but said he has so I always enjoy to share that uled to Melbourne where I had my fairy- sure situations,” recovered suffi ciently from a with them.” turn out for tale run last year. It was crazy. said Kyrgios, knee injury to feature in the With fi ve-times runner-up a Tie Break “It’s great to be the defending Six- whose talent year’s opening Grand Slam, Andy Murray and Japan’s Kei Tens tourna- champion. I take it the right way. time Aus- has often starting in Melbourne on Mon- Nishikori already ruled out ment at Mel- I won’t put extra pressure on my- tralian Open been un- day. with injuries, Australian Open bourne Park self, regardless of who’s going to champion d e r - mined by “I’m really, really happy to tournament director Craig Ti- on Wednesday play, or not play. “For me it’s just Djokovic petu- lant out- be back on the tour and seeing ley welcomed Wawrinka’s in- evening. important to be in a good mind- pulled out bursts. the sun,” the 32-year-old Swiss tention to play. Gasquet, who set, well prepared, and ready of events in Other told reporters in Melbourne. “There’s been a lot of ques- missed Kooyong to go. And I feel like I Abu Dhabi form “Still a lot to do but I’m feel- tions (around Wawrinka) and am ready.” and Doha with players ing really positive, so looking in fact this is the fi rst time Nadal, who elbow soreness include forward to starting.” publicly in six months that SPOTLIGHT lost to Federer before heading to Mel- France’s Wawrinka, who defeated he’s said anything, so we are in fi ve sets in bourne, and hasn’t hit a ball in Gael Monfils, Rafael Nadal to win the 2014 excited that he agreed to come a vintage anger since the problem forced who won the Australian title, has slipped here and is ready to play,” Tiley Austral- ian him to quit Wimbledon in the lead-up Qatar to nine in the world rankings, said. ATP pledges fi nal last year, quarter-fi nals in July. Open in a de- having not played since his Wawrinka is in Melbourne has opted to join Big-serving Canadian Milos pleted field, and fi rst-round Wimbledon loss without his long-time coach Djokovic at the Raonic is another with a cheq- his countryman to Russian Daniil Medvedev in Magnus Norman after their shake-up as four K o o y o n g Classic uered preparation after wrist Gilles Simon July. split late last year. exhibition event for surgery last year, while American who rolled back He pulled out of an exhibi- Norman ended his four- some match p ractice world number eight Jack Sock the years to claim tion event in Abu Dhabi late year spell with Wawrinka after quit Auckland in the week before the Open. hurt his hip while playing in the the ATP Mahar- last month before travelling deciding to take a break from The Spaniard, who hasn’t Hopman Cup. ashtra Open title. to Australia to prepare for the full-time coaching. AFP to happen. We are currently do- Auckland ing a whole review process of our business and plans for 2019. ROUND-UP “Ranking points, player with- en’s tennis boss drawals and how we deal with Chris Kermode yes- that is something we’ve got to terday pledged a and are looking at.” shake-up in ATP Harrison, who lost the Bris- Mrules as four players pulled out bane International fi nal to Nick of the Auckland Classic before Kyrgios on Sunday, said he was Defending champion Konta, their opening matches, citing too tired to play after arriving in injury or illness. Auckland early on Tuesday. Four lucky losers from the Eighth seed Rublev, who lost qualifying tournament found the Qatar Open fi nal to Gael themselves on centre court as Monfi ls last week, cited injury, Williams exit Sydney event Ryan Harrison, Andrey Rublev, as did Pella, a semi-fi nalist in Guido Pella and Kyle Edmund all Doha, and Edmund, who played Reuters wanska sealed victory in one hour, 49 Konta’s fi rst-round loss continued the sport. She contracted a serious virus withdrew. in Brisbane. Sydney minutes. some worrying early season perform- last year and feared for her life. By turning up in Auckland, the All four players are on the en- Second seed Williams was beaten 5-7 ances for the 26-year-old world number The 33-year-old said she had been psy- players became eligible for fi rst- try list for next week’s Australian efending champion Johanna 6-3 6-1 by Germany’s Angelique Kerber nine. chologically damaged by a relationship that round prize money and avoided Open, the fi rst Grand Slam tour- Konta was bundled out in the in under two hours. She struggled last week in Brisbane be- pushed her to lose a lot of weight, resulting an ATP fi ne. nament of the year. fi rst round of the Sydney Inter- Kerber started the fi rst set stronger fore withdrawing from her quarter-fi nal in her being barred from playing in an invi- Kermode, executive chairman “A lot of it is about wording. national by Agnieszka Radwan- and looked to have Williams on the ropes with a hip injury. tational event at Wimbledon in 2016. of the Association of Tennis Pro- You can withdraw through per- skaD and Venus Williams also lost in her when she opened up a 5-3 lead and creat- Radwanska, who was upset by Ameri- “I let myself get destroyed by someone fessionals (ATP), warned that sonal reasons, fatigue and things fi rst match of the tournament yesterday. ed two set points on the American’s serve can qualifi er Sachia Vickery in the Auck- and I did not think it was possible,” Bar- rules around withdrawals were like this,” Kermode said. Radwanska, overpowered in 82 min- before Williams rallied. land quarter-fi nals last week, meets toli told French sports daily L’Equipe. under review. But he also said he “If there is a good, concrete, utes by Konta in last year’s fi nal, raced The seven-times grand slam champion American qualifi er Catherine Bellis in the “When I retired, I was the happiest in believed the players’ reasons for obvious reason, then I think fans to a 6-3 7-5 victory over the Briton at the survived the Kerber onslaught with an second round in Sydney while Kerber faces the world. Then I met my ex boyfriend in pulling out. realise that sport is live, dynamic Olympic Tennis Centre. ace and a forehand winner and, with her Dominika Cibulkova in the quarter-fi nals. May 2014 and everyday he woud tell me “The bigger concern would be and there are going to be with- Neither player was able to dominate on confi dence restored, took the fi rst set. PARIS: Former Wimbledon champion that I was fat. Every day. He would see players pulling out before they drawals. service in the fi rst set and Konta won just But Kerber fought back strong as Wil- Marion Bartoli just wants to enjoy herself a thin girl on the street and tell me: ‘See got here, that would be an issue,” “When there’s the grey area at two of her 11 second serve points as Rad- liams struggled with her service. and play big matches when she returns to how skinny and pretty she is’.” Kermode told Fairfax Media in the beginning of the year, fatigue wanska converted three of her fi ve break The German levelled the match at a competitive tennis in March after more Bartoli plans to return in March in Mi- Auckland. doesn’t sound that great. At the opportunities. set apiece and raced into a 5-0 lead in the than four years in retirement. ami if she is in shape. “They make the eff ort to come end of the year people would say, Konta again had trouble holding serve decider before Williams rallied again, but The Frenchwoman quit tennis in 2013 “I want to prove to myself that I am to the event and that’s demon- ‘OK, it’s been a long season.’ in the second set but showed signs of a the American succumbed to the inevi- weeks after winning her maiden grand alive. If I come back, it is to try and play strated the desire to play here. “So we’ve got to clear that up, fi ghtback when she broke while trailing table on her fi fth match point, sending a slam title at Wimbledon, saying her body big matches on big courts and feel those “Tennis is such a physical that’s part of this whole process 4-1, but she could not push on as Rad- backhand return wide. could no longer cope with the demands of emotions again,” she said. sport that these things are going we’re doing.” Gulf Times Wednesday, January 10, 2018 5 SPORT

NHL Blue Jackets stun Leafs with overtime victory Agencies around. But they scored on their op- defl ecting a Roman Polak point shot Toronto portunities that we gave them,” said past Bobrovsky for his 18th goal of the Leafs coach Mike Babcock. season. ‘That’s a free point we gave away’ The Leafs maintained momentum olumbus Blue Jackets goal- Nick Foligno started the comeback and Nylander doubled the lead on the tender Sergei Bobrovsky had with 4:55 remaining on a play that power play with 3:58 to go in the sec- a diffi cult time holding back Frederik Andersen lost the bouncing ond, rifl ing a wrist shot over the glove his smile after his team’s puck on before it found its way behind hand of a screened Bobrovsky for his come-from-behindC victory over the him and in the net. Jordan Schroeder ninth of the campaign. Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. was originally credited with the goal Blue Jackets forward Sonny Milano Bobrovsky made 35 saves, and kept before it was changed to the Colum- left the game in the second period his team hanging around in the third bus captain. with an upper-body injury and didn’t period long enough to erase a two- “We knew if we scored one some- return after being on the receiving end goal defi cit en route to a 3-2 overtime how that it changes momentum,” said of a check from Andreas Borgman. win. Tortorella. “The saves (Andersen) Tortorella didn’t have an update post- Toronto looked to have secured two made during the game and that one game. points, but Columbus scored twice in goes in... it’s a funny game.” The 18,933 in attendance at Air the fi nal 4:35 of regulation and Artemi Rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois then tied Canada Centre were chanting “Fred- Panarin completed the comeback at it with 2:47 left on the clock, snapping die, Freddie,” for Andersen, who 3:11 of the extra period. a wrist shot blocker side on Andersen stopped all 25 shots his way through “Those kind of wins make good from the slot after defenceman Mor- 40 minutes. But they were left silent atmosphere in the locker-room, lots gan Rielly turned the puck over on a as Andersen’s near shutout quickly of energy, lots of happiness,” said the long outlet pass. turned into defeat. 2017 Vezina Trophy winner. “Line change where we just could “I think when the overtime really “That’s a good win for us as far as have been patient, we were under no gets going is when there’s chances going through some of the crap we’ve pressure and threw it out and they each way and unfortunately, I wasn’t been going through,” said Blue Jackets came in on an odd-man rush and in able to capitalize on mine and they coach John Tortorella. “I really respect the end that cost us the hockey game. came back and got one there,” said how they kept their head up and kept It’s all part of the learning process,” Tyler Bozak, who was turned away on playing.” said Babcock. a breakaway in overtime by Bobrovsky. The Leafs (25-16-3) entered the “I think Morgan’s having a real good “It’s a tough way to lose but we’ve third period up two goals on Colum- year, made a mistake tonight.” got to look forward to the next game.” bus (25-16-3) and did everything they James van Riemsdyk and William Toronto hosts Ottawa Wednesday could to try and put the game out Nylander scored for the Leafs while before starting its bye week. Colum- of reach. Connor Brown and Nazem Andersen stopped 30 shots in defeat. bus’ next game is Thursday in Buff alo. Kadri had point-blank chances to in- “At least 50 minutes or so we played Toronto defenceman Travis Der- crease the lead as Toronto outshot Co- great, I think we could have put it mott played his second straight game lumbus 13-4 only to have Bobrovsky away in the third and we didn’t. Then since being called up from the AHL keep out everything his way. they get a good bounce and, yeah, it’s Marlies. “Some nights when you’re ahead tied up,” said Andersen. The 34th pick from the 2015 NHL you get on your heels and the other Andersen held the Leafs in it long Draft started on a pairing with Borg- Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Jordan Schroeder (second right) is congratulated by defenseman Markus Nutivaara (left) and team takes it to you. That wasn’t the enough for van Riemsdyk to open the man but quickly found himself along- left wing Nick Foligno (second left) and centre Boone Jenner after scoring a goal in the third period against the Toronto Maple case at all. It was the opposite way scoring at 11:09 of the second period, side Jake Gardiner. Leafs at Air Canada Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA NFL Chicago Bears name Chiefs assistant Wolves trounce Nagy as new coach

AFP The Bears went 0-6 in games Chicago this season against division ri- vals, their fi rst winless season against divisional foes in nearly ansas City Chiefs of- half a century, and Fox departed Cavaliers, Warriors fensive coordinator with a total three-season record Matt Nagy was named of 14-34. Monday as the new Nagy, 39, spent the past fi ve Khead coach of the Chicago Bears, seasons with the Chiefs, initially the NFL team announced. as a quarterbacks coach before The NFL’s oldest club, formed being promoted to off ensive coor- in 1920, will introduce Nagy as dinator after the 2016 campaign. the 16th head coach in franchise Kansas City was sixth in the NFL and Raptors win history on Tuesday. in points with 25.9 a game and Nagy interviewed for the job fi fth in total off ense with 375.4 ‘I apologised right away because I knew I didn’t mean to do that. I’m just glad he’s all right’ on Sunday, a day after the Chiefs yards a game this past season. squandered a second-half lead The Bears were fourth-worst AFP in a 22-21 loss to the Tennes- in the 32-team league in points Los Angeles see Titans in a fi rst-round NFL with 16.5 a game, and third worst playoff game. Nagy will replace in total off ense with 287.4 yards John Fox, who was axed by the a game last season. Nagy also he Minnesota Tim- Bears on Monday after the team served as an assistant with the berwolves humbled fi nished 5-11 and last in the NFC Philadelphia Eagles from 2008- LeBron James and the North division for the third con- 2012 on the staff of Chiefs coach Cleveland Cavaliers on secutive season. Andy Reid during his time there. TMonday, leading by as many as 41 points en route to a 127-99 triumph in Minneapolis. P!nk named to perform US anthem at Super Bowl 52 Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points to pace a Timberwolves Singer P!nk will perform the US national anthem at next month’s team that led from start to fi nish Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis, the National Football League said against a Cavs team that went to Monday. The 38-year-old American will make her first appearance the last three NBA Finals, win- at the NFL’s championship spectacle in the February 4 matchup, ning the title two seasons ago. protected from Minnesota’s winter cold by a domed stadium. Karl-Anthony Towns - the “I’m really looking forward to 2018,” P!nk tweeted. “I’m really excited only Timberwolves starter about the Grammys. Tour. Some other stuff that’s a secret still and I to play in the fourth quarter can’t wait til it’s not a secret.” - added 19 points with 12 re- P!nk follows stars like Lady Gaga, Idina Menzel, Kelly Clarkson, Luke bounds and Wolves forward Bryan, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Billy Joel and Beyonce in Taj Gibson added another performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the annual championship double-double of 16 points game. and 13 rebounds. The singer is from a suburb north of Philadelphia and her home- Jimmy Butler fl irted with region Philadelphia Eagles are among the eight clubs still in conten- a triple-double, amassing 21 tion to play in the Super Bowl. Justin Timberlake will be the half-time points with nine assists and musical performer at Super Bowl 52, returning after a controversial eight rebounds while play- 2004 Super Bowl appearance in which he is infamously remembered ing a key role in limiting four- for a “wardrobe malfunction” that exposed one of Janet Jackson’s time NBA Most Valuable Play- breasts for a moment. P!nk’s latest album, “Beautiful Trauma,” was er James to 10 points, eight released in October while Timberlake is set to unveil his newest rebounds and fi ve assists. collection, “Man of the Woods,” two days before the game. James and the rest of the Cavs starters also sat out the fourth quarter - although for Isaiah Thomas that absence came cour- tesy of his third-quarter ejection. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (left) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the third Curry serious about interest Thomas was tossed when he quarter of their NBA game at Target Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports reached out toward a driving in owning Panthers Wiggins and caught the Min- said. “It’s tough when you’re hosts but missed a driving layup Stephen Curry to beat the Den- Atlanta Hawks. Golden State Warriors guard and Charlotte native Stephen Curry nesota forward under the chin. getting the shots that you want in the fi nal second. ver Nuggets 124-114 in Oakland, In New Orleans, the Pelicans wasn’t kidding about his interest in being part of the Carolina Pan- Assessed a fl agrant-2 foul, Tho- and they’re just not falling - it The Raptors lost Kyle Lowry California. Curry left the game held on for a 112-109 victory thers’ next ownership group. mas was immediately ejected, kind of rubs off on the defensive in over-time as the guard went briefl y after a hard fall, but re- over the Detroit Pistons despite A month after responding “I want in!” to Diddy’s tweet about want- although he said he was merely end.” down hard on a frightening fall turned with his left knee taped losing star forward Anthony ing to buy the Panthers, the 29-year-old told reporters Monday that reaching in for a steal. in which he was sandwiched to score 32 points. Davis to a sprained right ankle he’s “had conversations with plenty of people about the right way “I’ve gotten numerous steals Bruising battle between two Nets players and Warriors forward Draymond in the third quarter. to go about [joining an ownership group].” like that, so it just happened The Cavaliers fell to 26-14. landed on a hip. Green scored 23 points with 10 The Houston Rockets, with- “Obviously, I have a day job, but I’ve got people that are plugged in that I hit him in the throat,” They’re third in the Eastern He got to his feet, but quickly assists and fi ve rebounds and out NBA leading scorer James and trying to see how to make that happen,” Curry said. Thomas said. “I apologised Conference behind Thomas’s crumpled to the court again guard Klay Thompson chipped Harden for a fourth straight The two-time MVP grew up in Charlotte, where his father, Dell right away because I knew I former team, the Boston Celt- clutching his lower back and in 19 points as Golden State game, drained 20 three-point- Curry, played 11 seasons for the Hornets and is now part of the didn’t mean to do that. I’m just ics, and the Toronto Raptors was fi nally carried off by two again coped admirably with the ers in their 116-107 victory over team’s game broadcasts. glad he’s all right.” -- who edged the Nets 114-113 teammates. He was diagnosed absence of Kevin Durant, who the Bulls in Chicago. With the Panthers’ season ending Sunday in New Orleans, the Thomas was playing his third in over-time in a bruising en- with “an acute back spasm” missed his third straight game franchise is off icially up for sale by owner and founder Jerry game for the Cavs after a hip in- counter in Brooklyn. the Raptors said. Brooklyn saw with a strained right calf. RESULTS Richardson, who is the subject of an NFL investigation regarding jury had sidelined him since he DeMar DeRozan’s 35 points guard Allen Crabbe depart with Denver’s Nikola Jokic Golden State ...... 124 Denver ...... 114 workplace misconduct. Sports Illustrated reported last month that joined the team in a pre-season included a three-point play an apparent left ankle injury in notched a triple-double of 22 LA Clippers ...... 108 Atlanta ...... 107 Richardson paid off at least four former employees to keep quiet trade. In his fi rst two games with 26.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. points, 12 rebounds and 11 as- Brooklyn ...... 113 Toronto114 (OT) allegations of sexual harassment and the use of a racial slur toward back, the Cavs averaged 129 over-time that put the Raptors sists. In Los Angeles, C.J. Wil- Sacramento ...... 100 San Antonio 107 a former scout. Richardson owns 49 percent of the franchise, which points a game, but they never up 114-113. Warriors roll liams drained the game-win- Chicago ...... 107 Houston ...... 116 Forbes valued at $2.3 billion in September. The last NFL team to be fi red on Monday. Spencer Dinwiddie, who led The reigning champion ning three-pointer with 9/1 Minnesota ...... 127 Cleveland ...... 99 sold was the Buff alo Bills, with reports pegging the price over $1.1 “As a team, we just had no the Nets with a career-high 31 Golden State Warriors shook seconds left to lift the Clippers New Orleans ...... 112 Detroit ...... 109 billion. rhythm on both ends,” Thomas points, had a last chance for the off an injury scare for superstar to a 108-107 victory over the Indiana ...... 109 Milwaukee ....96 Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 10, 2018 SPORT

NFL GOLF Fritsch banned for three months for Brees’ experience doping violation

Reuters “I’m just so upset with my- Toronto self that I didn’t think to ques- tion what was in the supple- ments. But I never did. And in anadian golfer Brad the program rules, it stipulates could be pivotal for Fritsch has been that a self-report is the same banned for three as a positive test.” months after he re- Fritsch has won once on the portedC himself to PGA Tour Buy.com Tour. DHEA is a hor- offi cials for violating its anti- mone produced by the adre- doping policy, the governing nal glands and its production body said on Monday. peaks when someone is in their The 40-year-old, who plays mid-20s, according to the Saints vs Vikings on the secondary Buy.com webmd.com website. In most Tour and is eligible to return people, production gradually ‘Brees, now in his 17th season, remains one of the game’s great passers as the Saints to competition on Feb. 28, said declines with age. Fritsch joins the banned substance was in a a small list of players suspend- prepare to play the Vikings a day before Brees’ 39th birthday supplement he had been tak- ed since the PGA Tour began ing to assist weight loss. drug testing in 2008. By Ben Goessling “Mr. Fritsch self-reported With the exception of Star Tribune (Minneapolis) this information after discov- former world number on Vijay ering that an ingredient in a Singh, most have been little- supplement that he was taking known journeymen. here’s not much about was on the prohibited list,” the Singh was suspended for the New Orleans Saints, Tour said in a statement. 90 days in 2013 after saying in and certainly not much “He has acknowledged his a magazine interview that he about the Vikings, that inadvertent error and accepted was using deer antler spray. Tremains the same since the two his suspension.” The tour banned Singh for teams’ dramatic NFC Cham- Fritsch, in a Facebook post- using the spray, which con- pionship Game meeting eight ing, said his heart had “sank” tained an insulin-like growth years ago. Perhaps the most when he realised that one of factor on its banned list. important thing for the Saints, the supplements he was taking The suspension was lifted though, is one of the things that included dehydroepiandros- after the World Anti-Doping does remain the same: the iden- terone (DHEA). Agency (WADA) concluded tity of their quarterback. “That... supplement ended that the spray should be re- Drew Brees, now in his 17th up containing a substance moved from its list of banned season, remains one of the called DHEA,” he wrote. substances. game’s great passers as the Saints prepare to play the Vi- kings a day before Brees’ 39th QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE birthday. He reclaimed his NFL single-season completion per- centage record from Sam Brad- ford this year, connecting on 72 Big wins for Gharafa percent of his passes to lead the Saints to the playoff s for the rstfi time since 2013. and Al Sadd The Saints will play in the division round of the playoff s By Sports Reporter James Justice was the sec- for the fi rst time since that sea- Doha ond-highest scorer for 19 son, against a Vikings team that points, while Sammy Mon- hasn’t gone this far since the roe and Abdulrahman Sadd season it lost to the Saints. ychal Ammons chipped in with 18 each. That was the year, of course, scored 23 points Of Justice’s 19 points, 12 the Vikings had Brett Favre as while three others came from three-pointers, their quarterback; they haven’t also excelled with while Sadd had a trio of three- had a starting QB in his 30s since Mdouble-fi gure contributions pointers. For Al Khor, Khobi Favre left. On Sunday, they’ll give New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. as Al Gharafa thrashed Al Khor Williamson scored 24 points Case Keenum his fi rst playoff 95-63 in the Qatar Basketball while Ja’wan Davis had 16. start, while Brees makes his 12th. and younger (Keenum turns 30 terceptions and posting a mod- this time around, and Brees’ ex- Brees has statistically been League yesterday. None of their other players That raises the question, in a in February) started only 13 play- est passer rating of 83.3. In those perience certainly doesn’t mean the NFL’s most accurate QB for Al Gharafa were off to a quick could get into the double digits. week full of matchups between off games in that time, winning same years, QBs 31 and over have the Saints can expect to stroll a long time; he’s also one of its start and never game their ri- In another match, Al Sadd playoff veterans and postseason fi ve and losing eight. connected on 61.7 percent of into U.S. Bank Stadium, silence hardest to sack. vals any opportunity to settle defeated Al Ahli 88-67 with neophytes, how much experi- None of the four under-30 their passes in divisional games, what fi gures to be a deafening He’s thrown six intercep- down to keep their hopes of Darrius Oldham top-scoring ence matters at this point of the QBs who won division playoff throwing 30 touchdowns against roar at the beginning of the game tions in 11 career playoff games winning the title. They led 29- with 27. Julius Coles with 18 season. And while it’s certainly games from 2013-2016 (Rus- 10 interceptions and compiling and cruise to victory. with the Saints, including one 16 at the end of the fi rst quarter and Michael Moser with 14 also not a guarantee of anything in sell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, a collective passer rating of 91.7. But if we’re going to key on one on Sunday, but expecting him to but by the time the third pe- excelled for the winners. the playoff s - particularly in a Andrew Luck and Cam Newton) Now, teams with older quar- stat here, to me, it’s the fact that unload a raft full of bad passes riod ended they had taken an For Al Ahli, Nenad Zivche- stadium where the Vikings have was making his fi rst career play- terbacks are often further along older QBs have thrown half as against the Vikings probably unassailable 77-47 advantage vikk scored 23 points while Ne- lost just once this season - re- off start when he did it. Of those in their roster-building proc- many interceptions in divisional isn’t likely. with10 minutes remaining. manja Besovic had 16. cent history suggests it does car- four QBs, only Kaepernick won ess, and might enjoy better sup- round games than their younger If the Saints do come into U.S. ry some weight. in his fi rst career trip to the divi- porting casts than teams making counterparts over the past four Bank Stadium and beat the Vi- In the last four seasons, quar- sional playoff s. their fi rst run; the Patriots cer- years, despite making six more kings on Sunday, it’s a good bet terbacks who are 31 years and QBs 30 and younger have tainly fi t in that category. starts. In the postseason, where Brees will be a big part of the older have accounted for 19 of 32 completed 60.6 percent of their There’s a strong argument to one turnover can change the reason why. And his experience starts in division playoff games, passes in division playoff games be made that the Vikings have complexion of a close game, the in the playoff s is a big part of the posting 11 of the 16 possible over the past four years, throw- a better team around Keenum wherewithal of a veteran QB can reason he remains such a formi- wins. Quarterbacks who were 30 ing 25 touchdowns against 20 in- than the Saints do around Brees sometimes make the diff erence. dable threat.

FOCUS Serbian Olympic Committee panel impressed by Aspire philosophy By Sports Reporter Al Gharafa and Al Khor players in action during their Qatar Basketball Doha League match yesterday.

uring a recent visit to Aspire Dome last week, the president of the Olympic Committee of SerbiaD (OCS) Božidar Maljkovic spoke of his admiration of As- pire Academy’s philosophy and opportunities it off ers to young athletes. Aspire Academy’s director general Ivan Bravo welcomed Maljkovic and members of the OCS delegation including vice president Zecevic Zarko and Mer- kic Ivan, the chairman of QCS’ International Relations Com- mittee accompanied by the Qatar Olympic Committee secretary Action from Al Sadd-Al Ahli match. general, Jassim Rashid al-Boenin . Following the visit, Maljkovic, who has successfully worked as Qatar beat France youth team in rugby friendly a professional basketball coach in seven diff erent countries Qatar’s senior rugby team defeated France’s youth team 21-14 in a and spent some time in Spain friendly match yesterday at Aspire Zone Stadium. coaching clubs like FC Barcelona The match was part of Qatar team’s preparations for the upcom- and Real Madrid, said: “I have ing tournaments. The French team is also in Doha for a training worked in sports for 40 years, camp before the Youth World Championship. but I have never seen an academy Members of the Olympic Committee of Serbia pose during their visit to Aspire Academy. The head of the Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation, like Aspire. The facilities here Youssef al-Kuwari has expressed his delight over the perform- are second to none. I know the also set up the right team and or- of the individual athletes. Aspire ties. across the globe. ance of the Qatari team in the match. Academy’s Director General Ivan ganisation around them.” Academy’s training programs While at Aspire Academy, Selected players also have an Speaking after the match, al-Kuwari said, it was a useful experi- Bravo very well from my time in The training philosophy of the place each student-athlete at student-athletes also have the opportunity to train in a pro- ence for the Qatari team. Spain and he is a great organizer Academy is tailored to the capa- the centre of an ecosystem con- chance to develop in a com- fessional environment through He also informed that the Qatar has received invitations to and educator. He is defi nitely the bilities, talents and goals of Qa- sisting of world-class coach- petitive environment by playing short training placements with participate in the Asian Rugby Championship (15) in Lebanon and right man not only to develop tar and follows a strategy that is ing and sports science expertise against other youth teams from clubs in Europe organised by the Malaysia Rugby Championship (7) in April. and educate young athletes, but geared towards the development supported by world-class facili- leading clubs and academies Academy. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 10, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW EPL Manchester City make new £20mn Wenger eyes new off er for Sanchez

By Fabrizio Romano and Ed Chelsea on tonight in the League Aarons Cup semi-fi nal fi rst leg at Stam- The Guardian ford Bridge but maintained they had yet to receive a new off er. They agreed a deal with City recruits as Arsenal anchester City have worth £55mn plus £5mn in add- off ered Arsenal ons in the summer. Asked if £20mn in an attempt he expects the Chilean to stay, to secure the signing Wenger said: “I expect nothing.” Mof Alexis Sanchez in the January City had intimated they would transfer window, with the for- wait until the summer to at- ward understood to have already tempt to sign Sanchez but the agreed terms on a contract worth knee injury suff ered by Gabriel face Chelsea test around £250,000 a week. Jesus against Crystal Palace has Sanchez, who came close to increased Guardiola’s desire to ‘It’s very important in this moment of the season to have all the squad in the best joining Pep Guardiola’s side in add him to his squad. The Brazil the summer only for the deal to forward sustained a medial col- physical form, because you have to play a lot of games and everyone must be ready’ collapse when Arsenal failed to lateral injury and is expected to sign a replacement in time, is out miss the next two months. of contract at the end of the sea- Any move in the January win- son and is now permitted to dis- dow is likely to reignite Arsenal’s cuss terms with overseas clubs. interest in Monaco’s Thomas Paris Saint-Germain and Bay- Lemar, with the France interna- ern Munich are believed to be tional having failed to agree per- keen on signing the 29-year-old sonal terms for a £92mn switch. but, regardless of whether Ar- The Monaco manager, Le- senal decide to accept the lat- onardo Jardim, said earlier this est off er, City remain frontrun- week the versatile 22-year-old ners for Sanchez, who played for could be on his way this month, Guardiola at Barcelona. A con- although Arsenal are also be- tract worth £13mn a season until lieved to be interested in Leices- 2023 is understood to have been ter’s Riyad Mahrez and Cristian off ered to Sanchez’s representa- Pavón of Boca Juniors. tives, although City say they have “We are not used to selling in no intention of increasing their the winter,” Jardim said, “but off er if it is rejected by Arsenal. the transfer window lasts until Yesterday, Arsene Wenger said the end of the month and many Sanchez is in contention to face things can happen.”

Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger poses for a selfie with a fan as he arrives for the English FA Cup third round match against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on January 7, 2018. (AFP) SPOTLIGHT

AFP year. London rivals since 2011. Fortu- London Wenger insists the Gunners, nately for Wenger, Chelsea are Conte will ‘not forget’ war who last week signed Greek de- in the midst of a hectic schedule Zidane looks to gee fender Konstantinos Mavro- that Conte admits is stretching of words with Mourinho rsene Wenger has panos, will do further business his squad to breaking point. Antonio Conte says he will match-fixing while in charge warned his Arsenal during the transfer window in an Having complained all season “not forget” Jose Mour- at Serie B side Siena in 2011 – up squad amid talk fl ops that new recruits eff ort to turn things around. that Chelsea don’t have enough inho’s personal slight about said he had no regrets about are on the way as the Unsettled Chile forward Alex- depth to cope with the demands match-fixing, but the Chelsea his response to Mourinho’s furiousA Gunners boss prepares is Sanchez could be sold to Man- of competing in four competi- manager added Tuesday he attack. of Madrid crisis for Wednesday’s League Cup chester City and Wenger wants tion, Conte’s fears are coming wants to call a halt to the The former Juventus and semi-fi nal against Chelsea. several fresh faces to arrival as true. The Italian made a host of increasingly bitter dispute Italy coach labelled Mour- AFP “I am not going to tell you Wenger’s side suff ered one of soon as possible. changes for Saturday’s FA Cup with his Manchester United inho ‘a little man’ over his Madrid what we spoke about, it was just the most chastening defeats of Asked whether there could third round draw at second tier counterpart. remarks on match-fixing, one of these chats that teams his increasingly tarnished reign be developments this week, Norwich, but Chelsea were well The 48-year-old Italian - who and prior to that suggested have. You can analyse it however on Sunday as second tier Not- Wenger said: “Yes, because we below their best, prompting served a four-month ban in the Portuguese was suff er- eal Madrid coach Zin- you like, call it a crisis or what- tingham Forest won 4-2 in the are in the second week of Janu- Conte to bemoan the demands Italy in 2012 in relation to a ing from senile dementia edine Zidane has de- ever, but we are looking for solu- FA Cup third round. ary and, after that, it passes put on his players. “When you match-fixing scandal but has for forgetting how he used fended his players and tions and to make things better,” It was the fi rst time Wenger quickly. “We signed a Greek boy play every three days and you always denied wrongdoing to celebrate wildly on the dismissed talk of a crisis he said. had crashed out at that stage of (Mavropanos) who looks quite have to play many games, it atR the reigning Spanish and Eu- “When things are not going relating to his time as coach touchline. the competition since arriving at good in training but apart from means you are facing every com- of Siena – said he did not Mourinho had provoked the ropean champions after seeing as we want them to, we have the north London club in 1996. that, we have not done anything. petition,” Conte said. want the League Managers’ latter riposte by saying he no them fall further behind La Liga work to do. The players think Wenger’s decision to make nine Will we be out there to do some- “Now on Wednesday we have Association (LMA) to inter- longer ‘acts like a clown’ on leaders Barcelona. the same, we are going to work changes backfi red, with the un- thing? Yes we will.” to play a semi-fi nal against Ar- vene. “He said serious words, the touchline which was seen Madrid ended an outstanding harder than ever, in every sense. derstudies delivering a listless senal. I think we deserved to he has used serious words. as a barb at both Conte and 2017 with a 3-0 defeat at home It is not a physical thing or more display at the City Ground. Breaking point reach this target. “It’s very im- And I won’t forget this,” Liverpool manager Jurgen to their bitter rivals in the Cla- in the head...it is a little bit of The Frenchman prioritised Arsenal’s last League Cup- portant in this moment of the he said ahead of his side’s Klopp. sico and their fi rst La Liga out- everything.” the League Cup showdown with winning campaign came in the season to have all the squad in League Cup semi-final first “Do I have the look of a ing of 2018 saw them draw 2-2 at Zidane said he has no interest Chelsea by keeping his main pre-Wenger era in 1993, with the the best physical form, because leg with Arsenal today. person with regret? I don’t Celta Vigo on Sunday. in signing a striker in the Janu- men fresh for the fi rst leg clash Frenchman’s team losing in both you have to play a lot of games “I think it’s not important, the think so,” said Conte. “I think That means they lie fourth ary transfer window despite an at Stamford Bridge means he his fi nal appearances in 2007 and and everyone must be ready.” association, you understand. we both said things, and we’ll in the table, 16 points behind injury to Karim Benzema. can ill-aff ord a damaging defeat 2011. Chelsea are bidding to reach It’s not important. This is not see what happens in future.” Barca, the unbeaten leaders, as Real may be off the pace in La against Antonio Conte’s men. To return to the fi nal, Wenger the League Cup fi nal for the fi rst a problem for the club, it’s the halfway stage in the season Liga but they are still alive in the But regardless of Arsenal’s knows Arsenal need a positive time since they last won the a problem between me and approaches. They have a game Copa del Rey, a competition they League Cup fortunes, Wenger result at the Bridge ahead of the tournament in 2015. That would him. Now I stop. Stop.” in hand, but their hopes of a suc- have won only twice in the last has clearly had enough of anoth- second leg at the Emirates Stadi- be a huge boost for Conte, who Conte - who was acquitted cessful title defence already ap- 25 years. They also have a Cham- er underachieving season which um on January 24. But the Gun- has found himself embroiled in of sporting fraud charges pear in tatters. pions League last-16 tie against sees his team in danger of fail- ners, who drew both Premier a bitter feud with Manchester in 2016 over accusations he “When things go wrong, I am Paris Saint-Germain to prepare ing to qualify for the Champions League encounters with Chelsea United manager Jose Mourinho failed to report episodes of not someone to throw two or for in February. League for a second successive this season, haven’t won at their in recent weeks. three players into the shit. We “I don’t mind if people think are all in the same boat, all re- the league is over. The most im- sponsible, me the fi rst as coach,” portant thing is to give our best. FOCUS said the Frenchman as he refused We’ll see what happens in the to blame any individual mem- league, but we have the cup and bers of his squad for their slump the Champions League too,” Zi- in form. dane said. Hodgson praises VAR system aft er English debut “We had two spectacular years Holders Barcelona host Celta and people should not forget on Thursday after drawing 1-1 in AFP had had any infl uence on the lots of times like they’ve been fi rst time in an offi cial game in Marriner did not feel the need that. I know the next game is the the fi rst leg at Balaidos last week. London decision. According to Hodgson able to do, from diff erent angles, Britain during the international to consult the pitchside monitor most important. We will not live New signing Philippe Coutin- and Brighton manager Chris it would have been very harsh friendly between England and after Murray’s goal as he felt it in the past, but will not throw ho will not make his debut until Hughton, match referee Andre (to disallow it). “It was a genu- Germany in November, when it was legitimate. The system al- away what has been done either.” later in the month after arriving rystal Palace manager Marriner had been in contact ine goal, and the referee was was not called on. lows for dialogue between the Real are preparing for in Catalonia with a thigh injury. Roy Hodgson praised the with fellow offi cial Neil Swar- helped by the fact he had Swar- Criticised by some fans for on-pitch referee and the VAR Wednesday’s Copa del Rey The draw for the quarter-fi - video assistant referee brick, working with VAR from a brick in the VAR studio making slowing the game down, it is without a formal review. Former last 16, second leg at home to nals is set to take place on Friday, (VAR) system after its de- London studio, about the goal. a judgement that’d help him used for “clear and obvious er- England striker Gary Lineker second-tier Numancia, which with the fi rst legs scheduled for butC in English competitive foot- That Marriner did not indi- out, so I have no complaints.” rors” relating to goals, penalty tweeted: “So VAR so good.” should be a formality after they next midweek. ball following initial confusion cate as such or use the pitch- Hughton said he was “under decisions, straight red cards or But former Palace forward won 3-0 in Soria last week. around Brighton’s winning goal. side VAR monitors contributed the impression that VAR was mistaken identity for red or yel- Mark Bright said the referee Zidane, who was named Fxtures Brighton’s Glenn Murray to the confusion, and Hodgson used. That’s what I am led to be- low cards. The VAR automati- should have looked into the French coach of the year for Last 16, first leg (1830 GMT scored a late winner in the home said: “We had suspicions. The lieve: that it was used and there cally checks every relevant in- incident more carefully. “The 2017 by France Football maga- unless stated; first-leg scores in side’s 2-1 FA Cup third-round people close to it seemed to be was not a decision to be made. cident and informs the referee debate in the boardroom is did zine after leading Madrid to a brackets) defeat of Palace on Monday but, incensed, and from our angle it At the time I wasn’t aware some if necessary. The referee has the the ball or did it not touch Glenn record fi ve trophies in the last 12 Today with suggestions of handball, looks as if he’s guided the ball in thought it was handball.” power to change the original de- Murray’s arm before it went into months, held a meeting with his Villarreal v Leganes (0-1) there was confusion among with his arm. The VAR system is currently cision based on new information the net?” he tweeted. “Clearly & squad on Tuesday that delayed Alaves v Formentera (3-1) players, fans at the ground and “You’ve got to congratulate being trialled in Italy and Ger- provided by the VAR or watch a Obviously missed? Should have the start of his pre-game press Real Madrid v Numancia (3-0) TV viewers over whether VAR the system: when you watch it many and was employed for the replay on the side of the pitch. been viewed #VAR.” conference. (2030 GMT)

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Umm Salal Sneijder’s arrival sign Darragi mm Salal unveiled their The Orange Fortress will play new signing Oussama Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Khor Darragi at the club’s Stadium in the opening fi xture premises yesterday. of 12th round tomorrow. to boost Al Gharafa TheU Tunisian midfi elder was unveiled in the presence of Umm QFA, QSL TO HOLD MATCH Salal Sports Club President ANALYSIS TRAINING COURSE Seventh placed Al Gharafa travel to sixth placed Al Ahli on Friday Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser al- The Football Development Thani and Vice President Sheikh Departments of the Qatar By Sports Reporter Tamim bin Mohammed al- Football Association and Qatar Doha Thani. Umm Salal, placed fi fth in Stars League (QSL) will jointly the QNB Stars League standings organise a Match Analysis train- Dutch star Wesley Sneijder with 16 points, signed Darragi ing course during the forthcom- l Gharafa can take the fi eld with renewed vigour has signed a 18-month as replacement for Moroccan ing annual Al Kass International and boosted confi dence for many reasons, when contract with Al Gharafa. Youssef Sekour, whose contract Cup. The course will be held at the QNB Stars League’s second-phase cam- was terminated by mutual con- the National Team Super Club paign starts this Friday. The seventh-placed sent recently. conference room in Aspire Zone AlA Gharafa (11 points) travel to sixth-placed Al Ahli (14 The deal with Darragi is till on 25th, 27th, 28th January points) for their gameweek 12 on Friday at 4:20pm. the end of this season with a and 1st February from 8am to The Cheetahs saw many positive changes during the clause to extend it for one more 1:30pm. QNB Stars League’s month-long break, during which the season. Sheikh Hamad wished The topics covered will be semi-fi nals and fi nal of QSL Cup was played and also the Darragi all success with the ‘Methodology of off ensive anal- Gulf Cup in Kuwait. club, saying he was added to ysis’, ‘Practical usage of Match First, Al Gharafa triumphed in the sixth edition of QSL the squad after much thought Analysis System — Videobserver Cup, defeating Al Rayyan in the fi nal. Thus, they ended and after rating him as the best software for Live tagging and their long title drought, of fi ve seasons. They had quali- choice in the present scenario. Panoramic System’, ‘STATS fi ed for the semi-fi nals with an unbeaten record. Darragi expressed his delight to Technical and Physical Analysis Turkey’ Bulent Uygun then replaced Jean Fernandez have joined the Umm Salal ranks reports’ and ‘Playing Methodol- as coach after the Frenchman parted ways with the club and be playing in the QNB Stars ogy from two team coaches from by mutual consent. Uygun had a long stint with Qatar’s League. He promised to do his Al Kass tournament’. Umm Salal. His familiarity with Qatar’s football scene best towards the team’s cause. A maximum of only 25 partici- should help him stand in good stead as Al Gharafa em- “I know the Qatar league pants will be allowed to register. bark on the second half of the season with great hopes well because of the presence of Registration will be done on a and high ambitions. a number of Tunisian players, fi rst come, fi rst served basis and Al Gharafa could register only two wins in the fi rst including Al Duhail captain the fee is QR1,500. Registration phase and Bulent straightaway got down to business by Youssef Msakni. I hope to be a deadline is 20th January. putting the players through their paces over two sessions good addition to the squad and Candidates must have foot- daily. The friendly they played against Qatar SC gave Bu- also make the fans happy in the ball background (i.e. coaches, lent an opportunity to try out various combinations be- second half of the season,” said players, sports and physical fore giving a fi nal shape to his strategy. Darragi. education degree holders). They To top it all, Al Gharafa pulled off a coup of sorts by The 30-year-old was the fi rst should be profi cient in Microsoft roping in Dutch star Wesley Sneijder for one-and-a-half signing by any Qatari club in Offi ce and IT. For further details seasons. The 33-year-old attacking midfi elder has an the winter transfer period that contact Mohamed el-Imam at impressive CV in his illustrious club career and is also started on 1st January and will [email protected], or call on the most capped player for the Netherlands. end on 31st January. 44754067 and 55590252. At 33, Sneijder, clearly is well past his best. But what Gharafa want from him is his experience and to carry the club forward by nurturing the young talent. So it wasn’t a surprise that Sneijder has been given the captain’s armband and No. 10 jersey as soon as he touched Doha. “I am very excited to be here,’ said a beaming Sneijder to packed audience. “I feel very welcomed. I am here to bring my experience and quality into the team. Also I want to help out the young players and improve their skills and qualities. From what I have heard, this team has lot of quality and also good young players. I hope we can have a great season together,” he added. The most capped Dutch footballer with 133 match- es under his belt, Sneijder, has played in three World Cups and also won Champions League with Inter Mi- lan in 2010. Sneijder confi rmed that he has signed an 18-month contract with Gharafa, who will be hoping he can change their fortunes with the club occupying sev- enth place in the table. they were on a high after doing well towards the end of champions Bayern Munich, who were in Doha for their In fact, Al Gharafa and Al Ahli, both mid-table teams, fi rst phase. annual winter training camp at Aspire, by a big margin, are the only sides playing their fi rst match post-break Al Ahli had registered shock wins over strong con- the friendly provided Jorge with a chance to assess his under new coaches. Al Ahli handed the reins to youth tenders Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya in the last two rounds. players in a match situation for the fi rst time at the sen- team coach George Jorge immediately after Spaniard They have recorded double the number of wins than Al ior level. Tunisian midfielder Oussama Darragi was unveiled in the presence of Joaquin Caparros quit the job because of personal rea- Gharafa, but have a goal diff erence of -4 as against the The big question is will the result go Al Gharafa’s way Umm Salal Sports Club President Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani sons, dealing a blow to The Brigadiers at a time when rivals’ -1. Although they lost to German Bundesliga this time, after their 1-1 draw in the fi rst phase? and Vice President Sheikh Tamim bin Mohammed al-Thani.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Iceland’s Sigthorsson completes We can still fi nish in the top rehab programme at Aspetar four: Gharafa defender Ali celand national football team striker, efender Almahdi Ali is Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, has success- confi dent Al Gharafa can fully completed his rehabilitation pro- fi nish in the top four in gramme at Qatar’s orthopaedic and Dthe QNB Stars League, Isports medicine hospital, Aspetar. The as the action resumes this Friday footballer, who scored the winning goal after mid-season break. for Iceland against England at the quarter- Ali admitted that this week’s fi nals of the UEFA Euro 2016, sustained a match against Al Ahli would be left knee injury while on international duty diffi cult, especially since it comes in September 2016. after a long gap and at the start of The injury left the striker, who is cur- second phase of league compe- rently signed with France Ligue 1 club FC tition. He said it was a foregone Nantes, out-of-action for a year and a half. conclusion that both mid-table Following successful treatment at Aspetar, sides would go all out for a win and Sigthorsson is hopeful that he’ll return to bag full points to get themselves a the game early next year and may even be strong start to the second half of ready to take part in the 2018 FIFA World the season. Cup Russia. Commenting on his treatment “All these factors make me ad- in Aspetar, Sigthorsson said he was im- mit how tough the encounter will pressed with Aspetar’s facilities, adding: be and no one can predict the re- “(The services) are really top class. The sult,” said Almahdi. Al Gharafa are physiotherapy facilities are great and this seventh in the standings with 11 is the perfect place for me to be in for re- points, only three behind Al Ahli habilitation.” who are sixth. Their fi rst-phase In an interview held in Aspetar, Sigth- match had ended in a 1-1 draw. orsson spoke about his nation’s 2018 FIFA Ali said Al Gharafa had a slight World Cup Russia ambitions, saying: “The Iceland footballer Kolbeinn Sigthorsson trains at Aspetar. advantage over Al Ahli. “Both ambitions of the national team are always teams have quality players. In my Defender Almahdi Ali (right) says Al Gharafa’s match against Al Ahli on high, and the results over the past few years goes. You have everything here to make it tocol. Utilising an evidence-based model, opinion, the team having more Friday would be a diff icult one. have shown that we can beat accomplished happen and hopefully I will come here with Aspetar’s experienced practitioners aim ball possession and making less teams. We will go with the mentality to win my team.” to return patients to their pre-injury life- mistakes will win the game. We’ve their full potential. “We truly aim needed such a big name in the every match and go as far as possible. Why Whilst reminiscing about his stunner style as quickly and safely as possible with many distinguished players in our at changing the team’s image in team. It’s also a great opportunity not have high goals and try to reach them?” against England, the striker said: “Our win a proven track record of treating interna- ranks and, with more harmony the league and improving our po- for young players to benefi t from He added: “It’s my dream to go to the against England, especially for a striker tional athletes from the PGA, WTA, ATP, and team spirit, we can achieve a sition in the table,” he said. his expertise. I’m lucky to be play- World Cup in Russia, (as is the case with) from Iceland, is something you don’t think World leaders in track and fi eld, as well as positive result,” he said. The player gave his takes on Al ing alongside a player of huge re- all other football players. I came (to Doha) is possible as a young kid. It was a great weightlifting and professional footballers Both sides go into the game un- Gharafa’s performance in the fi rst pute such as Sneijder.” with that goal in mind and hopefully I can experience for me and a great moment for from all major leagues. der new coaches. Al Gharafa re- phase and his expectations from The 25-year-old spoke about Al be part of the team. There’s still a long way our country as well. We all watch England Aspetar has become an ideal treat- placed Frenchman Jean Fernandez the second. “Defi nitely, there’s a Gharafa’s chances of winning the to go, but I’m really positive I can make it.” and the English Premier League on TV so ment and rehabilitation destination for with Turk Bulent Uygun, who has huge diff erence between the first QNB Stars League title. “It’s very Sigthorsson also spoke about the 2022 to win against England is something you elite athletes from Europe, including previously coached Umm Salal and second phase mainly because diffi cult. The points we lost during FIFA World Cup Qatar saying, “It’s inter- never forget.” South African 400m world record holder, for long, while Al Ahli now rely of the weather factor. We’re very the fi rst phase made things tough esting. It’s never been held here in the Mid- Aspetar boasts one of the most advanced Wayde van Niekerk, who was recently in on their youth team coach George keen to improve our seventh place, for us. However, we still hope to dle East and I think it’s going to be a great rehabilitation departments in the region, Aspetar for treatment, fellow Icelandic Jorge following the resignation of which belittles Al Gharafa’s repu- be among the top-four teams. tournament. I spoke to people who work which is integral to Aspetar’s multidiscipli- footballers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Alfreo fellow-Spaniard Joaquin Caparros tation and history,” he said. Also, we hope to beat Uzbek side here and everybody is enthusiastic about it nary approach to athlete management. The Finnbogason, Bournemouth striker Cal- due to personal reasons. He commented on Dutch star Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions and they want to make this a great World hospital’s method focuses on assessment lum Wilson, Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Ali pointed out the fact that, Wesley Sneijder joining the side, league play-off and qualify for the Cup. The stadiums here are also quite im- and treatment of injured athletes by im- Butland, Watford’s Craig Cathcart, Sun- with a new coach at the helm, the “There’s no doubt that he’s a big tournament proper. The QSL Cup pressive, so I think it will be a really good plementing personalised injury treatment derland’s Younes Kaboul and Brugge’s Ab- players were more excited and star with huge experience and triumph has further motivated event and it’ll be interesting to see how it programmes, including the hamstring pro- doulay Diaby have also visited the facility. motivated, and are ready to play to credentials. I believe Al Gharafa us,” he concluded. (qsl.com.qa)