QFA President Fetes U-23 Stars Over His Task to Former Morocco Defender El Kark- the PENINSULA the Stars of the Olympic Team Another Significant Milestone

SPORT Tuesday 6 February 2018

PAGE | 26 PAGE | 28-29 PAGE | 30 ResilientRes Barcelona Gutsy Eagles ﬂy high Froome to start set sights on record with maiden Super season in Spain League start Bowl glory under doping cloudd

Umm Salal banking on new coach Talal

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Umm Salal’s new coach Talal El Karkouri got down to business by ready- ing the players, in the presence of the club’s Pres- ident Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, ahead of their Week 16 game against Al Khor which will be played on Friday. RIGHT: Qatar Football Association (QFA) President, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed speaks during an event Umm Salal, currently hosted to honour Qatar Under-23 team which won the bronze medal at the AFC Under-23 Championship in China placed fifth in the QSL recently. TOP: Qatar Under-23 players attend the ceremony.Pictures by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula standings with 21 points, had parted ways with Egyptian coach Mahmoud Jaber by mutual consent following their goalless draw with Al Arabi last week and handed QFA President fetes U-23 stars over his task to former Morocco defender El Kark- THE PENINSULA the stars of the Olympic team another significant milestone. I bright future, and that is what ouri, who is familiar with members including the 21-year- hope they will win the next touched him through his work Qatar football having played DOHA: The Qatar Football Asso- old Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali championship and qualify for the with them. The players showed for Qatar SC and Umm Salal. ciation (QFA) President, Sheikh who scored six goals in the Olympics. The achievement great performance during the Umm Salal Sports Club Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed championship and was named We wanted to compete obtained in China for Qatari championships notably that after Vice-President Sheikh Al Thani received the Qatar U-23 top scorer of the tournament. and win the title but football has been the result of the the tragedy against Vietnam in Tamim bin Mohammed Al national team yesterday to The QFA President wel- our Olympic team did hard work and effort of the tech- the semi-finals penalty shoot- Thani, who is also their Foot- honour the players following comed all the stars of the Annabi their best and worked nical and administrative staff as out, they quickly regained their ball Head, said, “Talal El their third place victory in the Olympic team as well as the hard and earned well as the players,” QFA Presi- balance and stood on their feet Karkouri knows a lot about AFC U-23 Championship which technical and administrative dent said. again to win the third and fourth Umm Salal and we are very was held in China recently. staff, and congratulated them for third place in the Ivan Bravo thanked the Pres- place match.” confident he’ll help us The ceremony was attended their achievement of winning championship: Sheikh ident of QFA for honouring the Saeed Al Misnad also achieve our target of finish- by Director General of Aspire Asian U-23 bronze medal. Hamad bin Khalifa bin Olympic team and said: “The thanked the QFA President for ing in the top four. After the Academy, Ivan Bravo, Technical He said: “We wanted to com- Ahmed Al Thani support of the QFA under the his support for the team and his last match, we decided to go Advisor of the National Teams pete and win the title but our leadership of Sheikh Hamad bin interest in this distinguished for a change for the good of Department of QFA, Saeed Al Olympic team did their best and Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani is group of players. the team.” Misnad, Project Manager of the worked hard and earned third who we will depend on, along one of the reasons for this suc- He said: “The team has made Sheikh Tamim thanked European Project for Players at place in the championship. with the youth team players who cess and the reasons for a great effort to achieve this Mahmoud for all the efforts Aspire Academy, Talal Al Kaabi, “The bronze medal is the will take part to the next AFC achieving third place in Asia.” achievement for their country, he had made with the team the technical staff led by Span- beginning of the road and not the U-23 Championship, which will Coach Sanchez said: “This but at the same time they must since the middle of last sea- ish coach Felix Sanchez, QFA end of it. There is a large number allow them to potentially qual- team includes a number of showcase ongoing effort to con- son and wish him success in Head of Media Ali Al Salat and of players in the Olympic team, ify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, promising players who have a tinue the journey.” his future endeavours. Neymar turnsturns 26

AFP

PARIS: Former Brazil great Ronaldo turnedrned up alongside a host of Paris Saint-Germain starsars andand international team-mates to celebrate Neymar’seymar’s birthday at a glitzy reception in central PParisaris on Sunday. Edinson Cavani and PSG coach Unai EmerEmeryy were notably among the reported 150 guestsuests in attendance, while Marseille midfielder Luizuiz GusGus-- Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari tavo and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesussus alsoalso attended the event. President Nasser Al Khelaiﬁ Al Sadd players in action during a training session on Sunday. (right) arrives at the Pavillon Neymar, the world’s most expensive footballerotballer Cambon in Paris to attend the following his €222m ($264m) move from BarceBarce-- birthday party of Paris Saint- lona in August, turned 26 yesterday. Germain’s Brazilian forward He has scored 27 goals in 26 matches in all comcom-- Khoukhi ruled out, Neymar on Sunday. petitions for the Parisians in his first six monthsonths at the club. Akram joins training ahead of Qatar Clasico THE PENINSULA the Al Sadd ranks from Span- ish club Villarreal, were put Al Khulaiﬁ wins bronze in Athens DOHA: Al Sadd’s Boualem through their paces on Sunday Khoukhi has been ruled out of evening by Portuguese coach their Qatar Clasico against Al Jesualdo Ferreira. Those who THE PENINSULA Khulaifi brothers who all are Rayyan as he is nursing a joined the practice session also into competitive swimming. muscle tear on his left foot, included Salem Al Hajri, who is ATHENS: Qatari swimmer The eldest, 18-year-old, Noah sustained during their 3-1 win back after representing Qatar Yousef Al Khulaifi (pictured) on Al Khulaifi, competed in the over Qatar SC in Week 15 of the at the recent Asian Under-23 Sunday won a bronze medal in men’s 100m backstroke at the QNB Stars League (QSL). Championship in China. the 50m backstroke at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and became A medical examination Meanwhile, left-back Greek International Swimming the youngest Qatari confirmed Khoukhi’s injury and Abdelkarim Hassan too under- Championship clocking 33.31 Olympian. he has to undergo rehabilita- went a medical check-up as he seconds. While Noah has dominated tion and physiotherapy. left the field injured during their The 12-year-old star had set GCC swimming competitions, Al Sadd are preparing for match against Qatar SC last a new record in the 50m free- setting 14 records in the proc- the crunmch tie which will be week. style with a time of 29.79 ess, some of his records have played at the Al Sadd Stadium Al Sadd have 37 points, two seconds in the same tourna- been broken by his younger on Thursday. less than leaders Al Duhail and ment on Saturday. brothers Yacoub and Yousef, The players, including as many more than third- Yousef is one of three who is 16 years of age. Akram Afif who has just joined placed Al Rayyan. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018

Ligue 1: Race for second Resilient Barca set sights hots up as Monaco win on record League start REUTERS PARIS: Rony Lopes struck REUTERS late to give 10-man Monaco a 3-2 home victory over BARCELONA: Luis Enrique’s Olympique Lyonnais as the time at Barcelona was charac- race for second place in Ligue terised by a team that rolled with Barcelona have gone 1 intensified on Sunday. the punches, attacking with 22 league games Portugal striker Lopes abandon and rarely controlling unbeaten in La Liga, a found the back of the net two a game, but his successor Ernesto club record opening to minutes from time, complet- Valverde has gone back to basics. ing a fine Monaco fightback Since taking charge last year a season, and can set from two goals down. the coach has made Barcelona a their sights on Spain’s Olympique Marseille, far more solid side at the back, best start of 32 games who crushed Metz 6-3 away tough to break down and more without defeat set on Friday, are second with 51 resilient. points from 24 games, ahead Real Madrid thrashed Bar- by Real Sociedad in of Monaco on 50 and Lyon on celona 5-1 over two legs in the 1979-80. 48. Paris St Germain lead the Spanish Super Cup in August table with 62 points after a after the Catalans were rocked it will take something special to 3-0 win at Lille on by Neymar’s departure, but since beat the Catalans. Saturday. they have only lost once since. Meanwhile, Barcelona At Monaco’s Louis-II sta- A much-changed Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is poised dium, the visitors made a side were defeated 1-0 by Espan- to miss the King’s Cup semi-final flying start. Mariano Diaz put yol in the King’s Cup second leg against Valencia after Lyon ahead with a 30-metre quarter-final first leg in Cornella, suffering a knee injury, Spanish shot deflected in by Monaco their only loss in any of the three media reported yesterday. midfielder Youri Tielemans major competitions this season The centre back scored the in the 12th minute. At a waterlogged, rain-swept equaliser in a 1-1 La Liga draw They doubled their RCDE Stadium on Sunday they at Espanyol on Sunday but advantage after 28 minutes looked like suffering the same Barcelona’s Spanish defender Gerard Pique (centre) kicks the ball during the Copa del Rey ﬁrst leg strained ligaments in his right when Bertrand Traore fate again but dug deep in the semi-ﬁnal against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona last Thursday. knee during the closing stages of latched on to Ferland Mendy’s mud to muster a late equaliser, the game. cross at the end of a superb headed home by a gleeful Ger- pipped to the title by Real is much better at keeping “A very solid Barca (was left). Early reports said Pique move but Monaco soon pulled ard Pique to level the scores at Madrid. control. We have a lot of quality, experi- could be sidelined for a month one back when Balde sla- 1-1. That will not happen to Bar- Neymar’s departure is a big ence, talent and youth. And on and miss the Champions League lomed through the Lyon The defender’s late interven- celona this season, even if reason for that, with Valverde top of all that, we still have trip to Chelsea on Feb. 20, but he defence and scored with a tion means Barcelona have gone Valverde’s side do slip up, with utilising a fourth midfielder (Lionel) Messi.” now looks set to miss the Valen- low shot. 22 league games unbeaten in La their arch-rivals Madrid trailing behind two forwards, instead of The Argentine forward was cia Cup game on Thursday and After Kamil Glik was Liga, a club record opening to a them by 19 points. a three-pronged attacking line. rested against Espanyol but came the league clash with Getafe on fouled in the box, Radamel season, and can set their sights Although Barcelona do not “(Neymar’s departure) was on from the bench to set up Sunday. Falcao’s penalty was saved on Spain’s best start of 32 games dominate games with the ease a little earthquake because the Pique’s goal with a perfectly New signing Yerry Mina but the Colombian striker without defeat set by Real Socie- they did in the Pep Guardiola trident was gone and Valverde, placed free kick. could make his Barcelona debut tucked in the rebound from dad in 1979-80. years, during which they set their who had just arrived, would be With Messi and Suarez in alongside Samuel Umtiti against close range before Balde The Basque side lost their previous record of 21 games left without him,” Barcelona lethal form up front and Val- Valencia, with Thomas Vermae- picked up his second yellow 33rd league game, against unbeaten at the start of the sea- vice-president Jordi Mestre told verde’s organised defensive unit len not yet fit after injuring his card and was sent off before Sevilla, and no others but were son in 2009-10, Valverde’s side Diario Sport. shutting teams out at the back, hamstring last month. halftime. Rugby: Farrell hails Holders France join Spain and ‘brilliant’ Simmonds Croatia in last 8 as England beat Italy AFP France advance to face Italy in the last eight in AFP PARIS: Adrian Mannarino April, as Fabio Fognini beat (pictured below) sent Japan’s Yuichi Sugita in five ROME: Owen Farrell praised the defending champions hard-fought sets in Mori- “brilliant” Sam Simmonds after Kvitova closes France through to the Davis oka to complete a 3-1 win. the Exeter No.8 marked his Six Cup quarter-finals on Spain, who were with- Nations debut with two tries in in on return Sunday after sealing victory out world number one champions England’s opening over the Netherlands, while Rafael Nadal, will host Ger- 46-15 win away to Italy on to top 20 Croatia knocked off Canada many for a place in the Sunday. to follow Spain through. semi-finals. Simmonds, earning just his The left-handed Man- German number one fourth cap, was only in the start- AFP narino, the world number Alexander Zverev produced ing XV following injuries to Billy 25, atoned for Friday’s some superb tennis to beat Vunipola and Nathan Hughes. PARIS: Two-time Wimbledon cham- straight-sets loss to Thiemo Nick Kyrgios 6-2, 7-6 (7/3), But the 23-year-old more pion Petra Kvitova (pictured above) de Bakker in the opening 6-2 to give his country a 3-1 than justified the faith shown in moved to the brink of a return to the singles rubber by outlast- win over Australia in him by coach Eddie Jones, with world’s top 20 yesterday, after ing Robin Haase 4-6, 7-6 Brisbane. his second-half double part of winning the Saint Petersburg title at (7/5), 7-5, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5 to Borna Coric powered England’s match-haul of seven the weekend. clinch a 3-1 win in past Denis Shapovalov 6-4, tries that saw them launch their The 27-year-old Czech fell out of Albertville. 6-4, 6-4 to propel Croatia bid for an unprecedented third the top 20 in the rankings last year Yannick Noah’s team to a 3-1 success at home to England’s number 8 Sam Simmonds (foreground) runs with weights successive outright Six Nations for the first time since January 2011, were on the cusp of victory Canada in Osijek, with during a team training session on Saturday in London. title in style. but has jumped eight places to 21st on Sunday when Manna- Kazakhstan -- 4-1 winners Simmonds may be some two in the new rankings. rino served for the match over Switzerland in Astana stone (12 kilogrammes) lighter away and work for next week,” Mattia Bellini scored well- at 5-4 in the fourth set, but -- awaiting the 2005 win- than Vunipola but he still made he added ahead of England’s worked tries. WTA RANKINGS Haase broke back and won ners in the next round. his presence felt against an Italy clash with Wales at Twicken- “We were hugely competi- a tie-break to force a decid- Last year’s runners-up back-row featuring Sergio ham on February 10. tive and I thought we played 1. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 7,965 pts ing fifth set. Belgium secured victory Parisse, one of the outstanding Italy may now have lost all some really good rugby,” O’Shea 2. Simona Halep (ROM) 7,616 Mannarino, a late call- over Hungary in Liege as No.8s of his generation. 24 of their Tests against England insisted. 3. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5,835 up after first choices world number seven David “Sam Simmonds was bril- but they were only 17-10 down “I said before the game I Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Goffin defeated Marton liant,” Farrell told ITV Sport. at half-time. wanted the young players to go 4. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 5,690 Lucas Pouille pulled out Fucsovics 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 “He’s quick and powerful and Former England captain Will out and show there’s a real 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,445 injured, kept his nerve in the first reverse singles. we’re pleased to have him in our Carling said he’d been impressed change in what we’re doing as 6. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 5,000 though and closed out a The Belgians will take squad.” by Italy’s attacking threat. a country,” the former Ireland 7. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 4,495 thrilling encounter in four on the United States in the Anthony Watson’s try-dou- “Whatever the final score fullback added. 8. Venus Williams (USA) 4,277 hours and 21 minutes. quarter-finals. ble inside 11 minutes put Italians have been tough oppo- “We played some excellent 9. Angelique Kerber (GER) 3,031 England 10-0 up with Farrell, nents -- offering far more in the rugby and contributed to an unusually, failing to convert backs these days,” Carling, a entertaining game, but I’m 10. Julia Goerges (GER) 2,900 (+2) either score, albeit both kicks centre in his playing days, proud and annoyed. 11. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,825 were from the right touchline. tweeted. “It will be another statistic 12. Sloane Stephens (USA) 2,813 (+1) But the Saracens centre Farrell agreed, saying: “It felt in the book but anyone here 13. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 2,770 (-3) eventually found his range and like they were spending time in today could see what we were 14. Madison Keys (USA) 2,644 also scored a try on the way to our half early on, they put some trying to do. We know we’re off 15. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 2,540 a 16-point return. press on us. in certain areas and the progress 16. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 2,486 “I’m happy. It’s good that we “But our lads held out and we need to make. But we’re built through the game and got we built and built.” making it. 17. Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 2,434 (+1) better and better,” said Farrell Italy coach Conor O’Shea “What they saw out there 18. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 2,363 (+1)

after his 58th England cap. gave Six Nations debuts to seven was a team playing competitive 19. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 2,362 (-2) “We’ll improve. It’s a good players in a match where backs rugby with more to come,” he 20. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,215 start to a campaign; now we go Tommaso Benvenuti and said. TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 27 Near-ﬂawless CHAN hosting boosts Morocco World Cup bid

AFP

CASABLANCA: Morocco were near-flawless hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championship Morocco has (CHAN), which ended at the provided weekend, confirming they are creditable candidates to stage the infrastructure that 2026 World Cup. meets the highest FIFA member nations will this June select the kingdom or international a Canada/Mexico/United States standards. I alliance to host the global foot- am extremely ball showpiece after Russia this year and Qatar in 2022. impressed: The 2026 World Cup will be Rwanda coach the first featuring 48 countries -- up from the current 32 -- and Antoine Hey any serious slip-ups by Morocco in the 16-nation CHAN would have sent damaging signals. time to host the World Cup. However, apart from the “Morocco pulled out all the decades-old African problem of stops and the Libyan footballers, luring crowds to fixtures not coaches and officials were very involving the host nation, comfortable wherever they went Morocco emerged with flying in the country. colours. “The organisation and infra- Morocco could argue that structure were superb and I hope the crowd-pulling appeal of Morocco win the right to host the home-based Africans, however 2026 World Cup.” talented, cannot be compared Morocco national football Morocco’s players hold up the trophy as they celebrate after winning the ﬁnal of the African Nations Championship against Nigeria at with world superstars like Lionel federation head Fouzi Lekjaa, the Mohammed V Casablanca Stadium on Sunday. Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo. who is also a Confederation of “The organisation of this African Football (CAF) vice-pres- tournament has been excep- ident, says his country has a international status despite being nation drew paltry crowds. than Africa. Weather will not be an issue tional,” Germany-born Rwanda compelling case. restricted to home-based foot- Central city Marrakech and An encouraging sign, though, should Morocco be awarded the coach Antoine Hey said. “Since the first World Cup in ballers. Their six matches Agadir in the south on the Atlan- was the number of families who 2026 World Cup as the tourna- “Morocco has provided 1930, Africa has organised the attracted near-capacity crowds tic coast were the other venues came to watch some of the best ment is traditionally staged infrastructure that meets the tournament only once,” he said, to the 65,000-capacity Stade used during the 23-day domestic football talent in Africa. during June and July -- hot highest international standards. referring to the 2010 finals in Mohammed V in commercial tournament. Matches kicked off at 1630 months in the kingdom. I am extremely impressed.” South Africa. capital Casablanca. Cold northern hemisphere and 1930 local/GMT time and Morocco have not officially Libya goalkeeper and cap- Pre-CHAN tournament However, apart from the winter weather was one deter- many crowds decreased notice- named their proposed World tain Mohamed Nashnush also favourites Morocco whipped group game between Nigeria and rent to Moroccans with many ably after the first game as Cup venues, but the four CHAN hailed the organisation by 10-man Nigeria 4-0 to win the Libya in northern city Tangiers, who did attend wearing cloth- temperatures dropped stadiums are sure to be in the list. Morocco, who are bidding a fifth competition, which has full matches not involving the host ing more familiar with Europe significantly. At least one venue in capital Liverpool’s Van Dijk accuses Kane of diving

Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian midﬁelder Erik Lamela (left) goes REUTERS and no-one is talking about that. he just pulled his body in front of the “There is a lot of discussion about ball and he goes down,” Van Dijk said. down from a tackle by Liverpool’s Liverpool defender Virgil whether it is offside, yes or no, but I “The ref said play on and I was Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk (right), LONDON: Van Dijk accused Tottenham Hotspur think it was offside as well. The ref- very disappointed that the linesman leading to the second penalty. striker Harry Kane of diving and Eric eree made his decision together with said otherwise. Unlucky I think. Lamela of exaggerating to get a the linesman. It was good for us that “First of all it was offside and sec- penalty in Sunday’s pulsating 2-2 it was saved.” ondly he just put his body in front of Premier League draw at Anfield. Television sound recording of ref- me. I don’t think that is a pen and the The visitors were awarded two eree Jon Moss and his assistant same with the first one.” penalties, one of which Kane scored revealed confusion about whether The FA will decide whether to with virtually the final kick of the the ball had been accidentally played take retrospective action against game to earn his side a point. on to Kane by Liverpool’s Dejan Kane or Lamela, with both penalties Kane missed the other spot-kick Lovren. Moss decided to award the likely to be reviewed by an independ- after Loris Karius was adjudged to kick even though he said he had “no ent panel. have brought him down. idea” if the defender had touched the Asked if he thought Kane should But Dutchman Van Dijk, who was ball. be punished for diving, Van Dijk penalised for the second penalty, said Van Dijk was equally critical of the added: “That is not something for me. neither should have been given. second decision after Lamela col- “I thought it was a dive - that is “I think the first penalty was off- lapsed theatrically under his my opinion and the referee thought side and I think it is a dive,” Van Dijk challenge. it was no offside and no dive and he said. “For the second penalty, I see him gave a pen. Good for us that we “You see him (Kane) diving clearly coming and I try and hold my leg in, saved it.”

Napoli stay top as Di Biagio to coach Italy Higuain hits in March friendlies hat-trick REUTERS election for his replacement last AFP week failed to find a winnner. MILAN: Italy Under-21 coach Roberto Fabbricini, general MILAN: Napoli clung to top spot Luigi Di Biagio will coach the secretary of the Italian Olympic in Serie A with a 2-0 win over senior side on a caretaker basis Di Biagio, 46, is a Committee, was appointed FIGC tailenders Benevento on Sunday, for the friendlies against Argen- former midﬁelder commissioner on an emergency after Gonzalo Higuain hit a rapid tina and England in March, the who won 31 caps for basis. hat-trick and Sami Khedira two Italian federation (FIGC) said Italy and played at the Earlier yesterday, Fabbricini in three minutes as champions yesterday. told state broadcaster RAI the Juventus’ Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (left) celebrates Juventus piled on the pressure Italy have been without a 1998 and 2002 World search for a long-term coach in the title chase with a 7-0 win with his team-mate Federico Bernardeschi after scoring a goal coach since Gian Piero Ventura Cups and Euro 2000. was complicated because many over Sassuolo. against Sassuolo in Turin on Sunday. resigned in November after they candidates had contracts with Juventus were 4-0 up by failed to qualify for the World clubs abroad. half-time after Alex Sandro bring his league tally to 13. But Allegri said should keep the Cup for the first time since 1958. “If these people do not make opened the scoring on nine min- Napoli replied with goals in French international out of the Di Biagio, 46, is a former Under-20 team between 2011 themselves free, it becomes dip- utes in Turin with a quick-fire either half from Dries Mertens Champions League clash against midfielder who won 31 caps for and 2013 and has led the Under- lomatically difficult to go and Khedira brace and a Miralem and Marek Hamsik keeping Tottenham on February 13. Italy and played at the 1998 and 21 side from 2013 onwards. ask them to consider the possi- Pjanic goal burying an over- Maurizio Sarri’s side one point In Naples, Mertens opened 2002 World Cups and Euro Italy play Argentina in Man- bility of leading the national whelmed Sassuolo who are ahead of the six-time defending the scoring after 20 minutes 2000. His club career included chester on March 23 and England team,” he said. “Even in Serie A, rooted in 15th position. champions. while Slovak Hamsik doubled spells at Inter Milan and AS at Wembley four days later. there are coaches worthy of Argentine ace Higuain dom- The only bad news for Juven- their lead just after the break, Roma as well as Monza, Foggia, The FIGC is itself without a consideration but to ask for their inated the second half with a tus was Blaise Matuidi picking meeting Jose Callejon’s low cross Brescia and Ascoli. president after Carlo Tavecchio availability without following hat-trick in a 20-minute spell to up a muscular injury which for his 118th goal for the club. He coached Italy’s resigned in November and the the rules would be an own goal.” 28 SPORT TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018 TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 29

SUPER BOWL WINNERS Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz celebrates with the Super Bowl trophy at US Bank Stadium in Feb. 4, 2018 Philadelphia 41, New England 33 Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday. The Eagles defeated Feb. 5, 2017 New England 34, Atlanta 28 (OT) New England Patriots 41-33 to win the Super Bowl LII. Philadelphians take to the Feb. 7, 2016 Denver 24, Carolina 10 Feb. 1, 2015 New England 28, Seattle 24 Feb. 2, 2014 Seattle 43, Denver 8 Feb. 3, 2013 Baltimore 34, San Francisco 31 streets to celebrate victory Feb. 5, 2012 New York Giants 21, New England 17 Feb. 6, 2011 Green Bay 31, Pittsburgh 25 Feb. 7, 2010 New Orleans 31, Indianapolis 17 AP Feb. 1, 2009 Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23 PHILADELPHIA: The Philadelphia Feb. 3, 2008 New York Giants 17, New England 14 Eagles’ Super Bowl victory set off a Feb. 4, 2007 Indianapolis 29, Chicago 17 celebration that has been 58 years Feb. 5, 2006 Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10 in the making. Feb. 6, 2005 New England 24, Philadelphia 21 Just as Nick Foles and the Eagles Feb. 1, 2004 New England 32, Carolina 29 clinched a surprising 41-33 victory Jan. 26, 2003 Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21 over the New England Patriots in Feb. 3, 2002 New England 20, St. Louis 17 Minneapolis for the team’s first Super Jan. 28, 2001 Baltimore 34, New York Giants 7 Bowl title Sunday night, the scene Jan. 30, 2000 St. Louis 23, Tennessee 16 more than 1,000 miles away in Philly was jubilation and pandemonium. Jan. 31, 1999 Denver 34, Atlanta 19 As time expired, crowds across Jan. 25, 1998 Denver 31, Green Bay 24 the city spilled out of sports bars, Jan. 26, 1997 Green Bay 35, New England 21 apartments and houses. Jan. 28, 1996 Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17 There were fireworks amid car Jan. 29, 1995 San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 horns blaring, and Philadelphians - Jan. 30, 1994 Dallas 30, Buffalo 13 young and old - descended on Broad Jan. 31, 1993 Dallas 52, Buffalo 17 Street, the iconic thoroughfare that Philadelphia Eagles Jan. 26, 1992 Washington 37, Buffalo 24 will soon host a parade to commem- fans react after Jan. 27, 1991 New York Giants 20, Buffalo 19 orate the city’s first major pro sports the Superbowl LII championship since the Phillies won Jan. 28, 1990 San Francisco 55, Denver 10 game between the the 2008 World Series. It was the Jan. 22, 1989 San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16 and New England Eagles’ first NFL championship since Patriots at Reales Jan. 31, 1988 Washington 42, Denver 10 1960. Jan. 25, 1987 New York Giants 39, Denver 20 Bar in Philadelphia, “The city deserved it,” said Pennsylvania on Jan. 26, 1986 Chicago 46, New England 10 66-year-old Lou Potel, who threw a Sunday. Jan. 20, 1985 San Francisco 38, Miami 16 party at his home just off Broad Jan. 22, 1984 Los Angeles 38, Washington 9 before joining a much bigger party Jan. 30, 1983 Washington 27, Miami 17 outside. “It’s a great city, and now Seidman said. “It’s a once-in-a-life- arrested face criminal charges, and Sam Murphy, 40, actually made Jan. 24, 1982 San Francisco 26, Cincinnati 21 we have a Super Bowl to go along time experience.” if they are students they face pun- the trip from Boston to Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1981 Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10 with it.” Philadelphia was left to deal with ishment under the student code of flying in Sunday morning before Dustin Seidman, 42, and his wife the cleanup on Monday, after some conduct. planning to fly back for work Mon- Jan. 20, 1980 Pittsburgh 31, Los Angeles 19 Staci, 41, decided to bring their overzealous fans smashed windows, In Boston, fans inside the Ban- day. The longtime Eagles fan and Jan. 21, 1979 Pittsburgh 35, Dallas 31 10-year-old son and 8-year-old climbed traffic lights and trashed shee Bar came to terms with a rare Boston resident joked he couldn’t be Jan. 15, 1978 Dallas 27, Denver 10 daughter to the festivities on Broad some convenience stores. loss for Tom Brady. Some, however, within 100 miles of his home, instead Jan. 9, 1977 Oakland 32, Minnesota 14 Street, even as drunken fans sprayed UMass-Amherst campus police took it in stride. deciding to watch the game with his Jan. 18, 1976 Pittsburgh 21, Dallas 17 beer and climbed trash trucks, street said fights broke out, the crowd “I’ve got nothing to complain old University of Pennsylvania Jan. 12, 1975 Pittsburgh 16, Minnesota 6 poles and awnings. Social media threw objects and set off smoke about,” Boston resident Bill Crowley roommate. Jan. 13, 1974 Miami 24, Minnesota 7 video showed the awning outside the bombs and firecrackers. Police used said. “It’s the greatest dynasty in NFL “This is Philly at its best,” said Gutsy Eagles ﬂy high with Ritz-Carlton Hotel collapsing with pepper balls to disperse the crowd. history and this loss tonight doesn’t Murphy, as he, Ballenger and hun- Jan. 14, 1973 Miami 14, Washington 7 Jan. 16, 1972 Dallas 24, Miami 3 more than a dozen people on it, but Officials said those transported change that. dreds of other new friends paraded it was unclear if there were any to hospitals suffered from head inju- “They’ll be back,” Conor Hobert down South Street to get to the party Jan. 17, 1971 Baltimore 16, Dallas 13 injuries. ries, lacerations and alcohol added. “One hundred percent, they’ll on Broad. “This team is what Philly Jan. 11, 1970 Kansas City 23, Minnesota 7 “We wouldn’t miss this,” Dustin intoxication. Police say those be back.” is all about.” Jan. 12, 1969 New York Jets 16, Baltimore 7 Jan. 14, 1968 Green Bay 33, Oakland 14 Jan. 15, 1967 Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10 maiden Super Bowl glory Patriots face rebuild SUPER BOWL MVP WINNERS REUTERS Gronkowski with about nine min- ‘I’ll be back’ vows Eagles quarterback Nick Foles named MVP utes to play -- to give his team Feb. 4, 2018 Nick Foles (Philadelphia) after shock defeat MINNEAPOLIS: For a city that their first lead of the game, 33-32. Feb. 5, 2017 Tom Brady (New England) produced one of Hollywood’s ulti- But the Patriots had no answer AFP The greatest NFL downcast Brady Feb. 7, 2016 Von Miller (Denver) mate underdog stories, the for the Foles-led Eagles. Feb. 1, 2015 Tom Brady (New England) Philadelphia Eagles delivered an Brady throws Super Bowl record 505 passing yards Patriots coach Bill Belichick MINNEAPOLIS: The New dynasty of the last two decades, New AFP he would play next year, he added: Feb. 2, 2014 Malcolm Smith (Seattle Seahawks) equally inspiring script by upset- took the blame for the loss while England Patriots were left “I certainly hope so.” Feb. 3, 2013 Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) ting the New England Patriots on Gronkowski, who was playing in contemplating the possible end England Patriots had MINNEAPOLIS: Tom Brady said he It is the third time Brady has Sunday for their first Super Bowl his first game since suffering a of an era on Sunday as they Feb. 5, 2012 Eli Manning (New York Giants) already shown signs had no plans to retire after the New tasted defeat in the NFL’s show- title. concussion two weeks ago, said struggled to digest their upset Feb. 6, 2011 Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) of breaking apart England Patriots crashed to a shat- piece occasion, following losses to Feb. 7, 2010 Drew Brees (New Orleans) The Eagles were underdogs he knew his team were going to Super Bowl defeat. throughout the NFL playoffs, and be in for a battle. The greatest NFL dynasty of even before their tering Super Bowl defeat against the New York Giants in 2008 and Feb. 1, 2009 Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh) just as most expected little from “You just knew that it was the last two decades had already 41-33 defeat to the the Philadelphia Eagles here 2012. Feb. 3, 2008 Eli Manning (New York Giants) Sunday. “It’s tough to lose these games,” fictional Philadelphia boxer Rocky going to be a shootout the whole shown signs of breaking apart Philadelphia Eagles in Feb. 4, 2007 Peyton Manning (Indianapolis) Balboa, few onlookers outside the game and it was going to take all even before their 41-33 defeat to Brady, 40, could not hide his he said. “You play to win and some- Feb. 5, 2006 Hines Ward (Pittsburgh) City of Brotherly Love expected 60 minutes,” said Gronkowski. the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis. disappointment after a dramatic times you lose. Wish we could have Feb. 6, 2005 Deion Branch (New England) them to beat the defending Super “Unfortunately, we just didn’t Minneapolis. 41-33 loss that ended his bid to done a better job.” Feb. 1, 2004 Tom Brady (New England) Bowl champions. come up with the most opportu- Those fissures widened even On Sunday, Brady said the become the first man to win six Brady blamed a failure to get Jan. 26, 2003 Dexter Jackson (Tampa Bay) But Philadelphia, who nities to make to win the game.” further in the aftermath of a shat- defeat had not changed his Super Bowls. more points on the board in the first Feb. 3, 2002 Tom Brady (New England) embraced their lowly status with Brady finished with a Super tering loss, when star tight end outlook. The Patriots star was also half for the defeat. Jan. 28, 2001 Ray Lewis (Baltimore) some players wearing dog masks Bowl record 505 passing yards and Rob Gronkowski hinted that he “I expect to be back,” Brady involved in the pivotal moment of “First half, we had a lot of yards throughout the playoffs, stunned three touchdowns but could not may have played his last game told reporters. “It’s 15 minutes a thrilling game, when he fumbled but just didn’t have a lot of points,” Jan. 30, 2000 Kurt Warner (St. Louis) New England with a 41-33 victory deliver when it mattered most, his in the NFL. after the game ended, so I would after a strip sack as he attempted he said. “That came back to bite us Jan. 31, 1999 John Elway (Denver) to cap a remarkable turnaround desperate pass falling to the Gronkowski, still only 28, like to process this. I don’t see to mount a game-winning drive. in the end.” Jan. 25, 1998 Terrell Davis (Denver) after finishing last in their division ground in the end zone as time told reporters he planned to take why I wouldn’t be back.” Brady, who has previously spo- Brady said he had been Jan. 26, 1997 Desmond Howard (Green Bay) a year ago. expired. time to consider his future in the Assuming he does return, ken of his desire to play until his attempting to pass when he was Jan. 28, 1996 Larry Brown (Dallas) “We’ve been doubted since “Losing sucks. That’s part of off-season following the loss. Brady is likely to have to adjust mid-40s, said the defeat would not robbed of the ball late in the fourth Jan. 29, 1995 Steve Young (San Francisco) Day One,” said Eagles tight end it,” said Brady. “You try to win and Gronkowski was badly to an entirely new coaching set alter his plans. quarter, effectively ending the Jan. 30, 1994 Emmitt Smith (Dallas) Zach Ertz, who caught what sometimes you lose. That’s the shaken by a concussion last up. “I expect to be back,” Brady told Patriots challenge. Jan. 31, 1993 Troy Aikman (Dallas) proved to be the game-winning way it goes.” month against Jacksonville, an Offensive co-ordinator Josh reporters. “It’s 15 minutes after the “I was just holding the ball try- Jan. 26, 1992 Mark Rypien (Washington) touchdown. “This team, no one The Patriots now enter an off- incident which added to a laun- McDaniels, with whom Brady has game ended, so I would like to proc- ing to get it downfield,” Brady said. Jan. 27, 1991 Ottis Anderson (New York Giants) picked us. We come out here and season some feel could mark the dry list of injuries the 6ft 6in tight forged a close relationship, is ess this. I don’t see why I wouldn’t “Those guys had a good rush and we’re World Champions.” beginning of the end for their end has suffered during his expected to leave in the summer Jan. 28, 1990 Joe Montana (San Francisco) be back.” got in there and made a good play The victory set off a wild cel- dynasty after ESPN reported in career. to pursue a head coaching job Pressed further about whether at the right time.” Jan. 22, 1989 Jerry Rice (San Francisco) ebration among the team’s many January about a rift between Asked about the rumours with the Indianapolis Colts. Jan. 31, 1988 Doug Williams (Washington) green-clad supporters who made Brady, Belichick and owner Rob- suggesting he may retire, McDaniels refused to enter- Jan. 25, 1987 Phil Simms (New York Giants) the trek to chilly Minneapolis, ert Kraft. Gronkowski said: “I don’t know tain questions about his future Jan. 26, 1986 Richard Dent (Chicago) while uplifting music from The trio have denied reports how you heard that, but I’m def- on Sunday. “I’m not talking about Jan. 20, 1985 Joe Montana (San Francisco) “Rocky” blared through the speak- of any off-field tension but there initely going to look at my future that tonight,” he said. Philadelphia Eagles’ Zach Ertz scores a touchdown during the Super Bowl LII on Sunday. Jan. 22, 1984 Marcus Allen (Los Angeles) ers above a field covered in silver will be no shortage of attention for sure.” As well as McDaniels’ Jan. 30, 1983 John Riggins (Washington) and green confetti. paid to their every move between “I’m going to sit down in the expected departure, head coach Jan. 24, 1982 Joe Montana (San Francisco) The Eagles limped into the touchdowns. “We felt confident attempt to leave the door open towards the end of the first half a field goal, snapped the ball to now and next season. next couple of weeks and see Bill Belichick is also likely to have post-season with an offense hand- coming in and we just went out for the Patriots with a little less but intended receiver Alshon Jef- rookie running back Corey Clem- The game, played under a where I’m at.” to find a new defensive co-ordi- Jan. 25, 1981 Jim Plunkett (Oakland) icapped by a seemingly hopeless there and played football.” than two-and-a-half minutes to frey deflected a Foles pass that ent, who flipped the ball to tight translucent US Bank Stadium roof If Gronkowski does retire, it nator, with Matt Patricia linked Jan. 20, 1980 Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh) backup quarterback following an The Eagles, who won three play. was intercepted by Patriots defen- end Trey Burton, who then threw while temperatures outside plum- would leave a gaping hole in the to a move as head coach of the Jan. 21, 1979 Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh) injury to Carson Wentz in Decem- championships in the pre-Super But in a game when both sive back Duron Harmon steps to a wide-open Foles for a walk- meted, capped a season during Patriots’ offense. Detroit Lions. Jan. 15, 1978 Harvey Martin (Dallas), Randy White (Dallas) ber, but Nick Foles proved more Bowl era, had long been a tor- offenses moved up and down the from the end zone. in touchdown and a 22-12 halftime which NFL ratings dropped after Gronkowski is one of the Patriots defensive back Jan. 9, 1977 Fred Biletnikoff (Oakland) than ready to shine on the game’s mented franchise and lost in their field effortlessly and combined for The turnover proved costly as lead. many players kneeled during the favoured targets of quarterback Devin McCourty appeared Jan. 18, 1976 Lynn Swann (Pittsburgh) biggest stage. only two previous Super Bowl a Super Bowl record 1,151 yards, the Patriots marched 90 yards It marked the end of a wild national anthem to protest racial Tom Brady. Brady, who will be resigned to Patricia’s departure. Jan. 12, 1975 Franco Harris (Pittsburgh) Foles, who nearly retired after appearances, including to the Brady had the ball swatted from back down the field in less than opening half that included missed inequality and as the league’s con- 41 when the next season gets “He’s given a big piece of him Jan. 13, 1974 Larry Csonka (Miami) an underwhelming 2015 season Patriots in 2005, but dug deep to his grasp and it was recovered by three minutes, in a drive that was extra points, a missed field goal cussion protocol entered the under way, said on Sunday he each year for eight years now,” Jan. 14, 1973 Jake Scott (Miami) with the St Louis Rams, showed bring home a championship. Philadelphia to all but seal New capped by a James White touch- and a botched Patriots attempt at spotlight. had not altered his career plans McCourty said. no nerves playing in his first Super Trailing by a point late in the England’s fate. down to pull within 15-12. a trick play of their own when a But no players protested while in light of the loss. “I think that’s what makes Jan. 16, 1972 Roger Staubach (Dallas) Bowl and went toe-to-toe with fourth quarter, the Eagles moved The Eagles went on to kick a However, the Eagles replied wide-open Brady failed to haul in Grammy Award-winning pop The Patriots star has previ- him want more.” Jan. 17, 1971 Chuck Howley (Dallas) Patriots counterpart Tom Brady, ahead for good when Foles con- field goal to extend their lead to with an impressive drive of their an intended pass. singer Pink performed “The Star- ously indicated he plans to play Patricia, too, deflected ques- Jan. 11, 1970 Len Dawson (Kansas City) a five-time Super Bowl nected with Ertz on a 11-yard eight points and prevented the own that resulted in a touchdown The Patriots looked poised to Spangled Banner” ahead of the into his mid-40s, fitness permit- tions about his future. Jan. 12, 1969 Joe Namath (New York Jets) champion. touchdown to put his team ahead Patriots from engineering a last- on a gutsy trick play on fourth collect a record-tying sixth Super year’s most-watched US television ting, even though his wife, the “Right now, it is all about the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after Jan. 14, 1968 Bart Starr (Green Bay) “I felt calm,” said Foles, who 38-33. minute, game-tying drive. down from the Patriots one-yard Bowl in 17 seasons when Brady broadcast, attracting an audience Brazilian supermodel Gisele game and Philly and my disap- fumbling the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl Jan. 15, 1967 Bart Starr (Green Bay) was named the game’s Most Val- Philadelphia missed a subse- Up 15-6, the Eagles had a line. threw his third touchdown -- this of more than 100 million Bundchen has made it known pointment in the outcome of the LII at US Bank Stadium on Sunday. uable Player after throwing three quent two-point conversion chance to build a comfortable lead The Eagles, opting not to kick one a short pass to Rob viewers. she would like him to retire. game tonight,” Patricia said. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018

Colombia’s Chaves Froome to start season in wins Herald Sun Tour Spain under doping cloud AFP MELBOURNE: Colombia’s AFP in 2015, when he took overall Esteban Chaves, riding for the victory and picked up a stage win Mitchelton-Scott team, won LONDON: Chris Froome said along the way. Australia’s Herald Sun Tour yesterday he is “confident” of “I have put in a hard train- on Sunday. progress in a probe into his ing block in January,” said Chaves, who finished sec- adverse doping test as the Brit- Froome. “It’s been good to be out ond at the 2016 Giro d’Italia, ish rider prepares for his first on my bike and to get the miles joined reigning Tour de race of the season at this month’s under my belt. France and Vuelta a Espana Ruta del Sol. “It’s been a couple of years champion Chris Froome and Froome will be part of Team now since I was last at Ruta del 2012 Tour de France winner Sky’s line-up for the five-day Sol. It’s a race I’ve enjoyed in the Bradley Wiggins on the hon- stage race in Andalusia, south- past and so I’m looking forward our roll of Australia’s oldest ern Spain, which runs from to going back there.” stage cycling race. February 14 to 18. Last week the British rider Chaves’s 11th placing in Froome and his Team Sky strongly denied a newspaper Sunday’s 152.1-kilometre revealed in December that the report that he is seeking to nego- Gumbuya World stage four 32-year-old had tested for ele- tiate a short ban rather than fight around Kinglake in Victoria vated levels of the asthma to prove his innocence over the was enough to secure the medication salbutamol during adverse test. overall win. He finished 41 the Vuelta a Espana, which he UCI chief David Lappartient seconds ahead of his nearest won for the first time in said earlier this month that non-team-mate challenger. September. Froome should be suspended Sam Crome (Bennelong Although salbutamol is per- over the adverse test and some SwissWellness) took line hon- mitted in certain doses, the of the rider’s main rivals have hit ours in the bunch sprint, edging This ﬁle photo taken on December 14, 2017 shows British cyclist Chris Froome of Sky Team heading four-time Tour de France win- out at cycling authorities for fail- Cameron Meyer (Mitchelton- to a training session in Port de Alcudia on the Spanish island of Mallorca. ner gave a urine reading of twice ing to ban him. Scott) and Portuguese national the allowed limit. In 2016, the Russian hacking champion Ruben Guerreiro However, as the medication can be taken legally, Froome was do that,” Froome said in the Team principal Dave Brails- group Fancy Bears revealed that (Trek-Segafredo) to secure the not suspended by cycling’s gov- statement on the team’s ford said: “We all recognise that British rider and former Tour de stage win. erning body the UCI but merely website. these are difficult circumstances France winner Bradley Wiggins “This was the last chance asked to explain the elevated “Obviously I understand that but it’s important for all sides had received three therapeutic for everyone. We raced from reading. this situation has created a lot of that this process is conducted use exemptions (TUEs) during his the beginning until the end, I’m conﬁdent that we Team Sky said in December uncertainty. I completely get fairly before a final conclusion career at crucial moments -- Chaves said.” they were providing information why there has been so much is reached. before the Tour in 2011 and 2012 Chaves’s team-mates will be able to get to to the UCI over the matter and interest and speculation. “It is a complex situation but and the Giro d’Italia in 2013. Meyer and Damien Howson the bottom of what confirmed in a statement yes- “I hope that people will we’re working as hard as we can Wiggins said he needed to -- both past winners -- has happened and I’m terday that the process was appreciate there are limits to with Chris to resolve things as take the corticosteroid triamci- rounded out the general working hard with the ongoing. what I can say whilst the proc- soon as possible.” nolone to treat allergies but some classification top three with “I’m confident that we will ess is still ongoing but no one is Froome, who will line up in ex-cyclists have spoken out Mitchelton-Scott sweeping team to do that: Chris be able to get to the bottom of keener than me to move things Spain after spending the early against that, saying it would have the overall podium for the Froome what has happened and I’m forward as quickly as part of the year training in South given him a significant perform- first time in the history of the working hard with the team to possible.” Africa, last raced the Ruta del Sol ance boost. Herald Sun Tour. Woodland beats Reavie in Phoenix Open play-off

REUTERS Gary Woodland poses with the trophy NEW YORK: American Gary after winning the Phoenix Open in Woodland parred the first extra Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday. hole to beat compatriot Chez Reavie in a Phoenix Open sudden-death play-off on Ducati Team’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso in action in this Sunday as two of the lesser- ﬁle photo. known players on the PGA Tour battled for victory after the big names fluffed their lines. Woodland needed two Ducati ready for putts from the fringe at the par- four 18th to clinch victory after Reavie missed a 10-foot par putt at TPC Scottsdale in two-pronged Arizona. Earlier, Woodland carded a closing 64 to set the pace on attack on title 18-under-par 266, a total that was only matched by Reavie when he birdied the last to sign REUTERS appreciate the power delivery for a 66. and the new engine,” added the The duo finished three shots LONDON: Ducati can fight for Italian. clear of countrymen Ollie the MotoGP title with both “We tried to make the Schniederjans and Brendan riders this year, works team engine smoother and less Steele. manager Davide Tardozzi has aggressive, this is something the Overnight leader Rickie said after Spaniard Jorge riders requested. During the Fowler faded with a 73 to tie Lorenzo set the pace at the first winter we worked on that and for 11th, while Jon Rahm and pre-season test in Malaysia. it looks like we got the results,” Phil Mickelson, who like Reavie Italian Andrea Dovizioso he said. both played college golf in Ari- was overall runner-up for Lorenzo, who won all his zona, also came up short in Ducati last season but Lorenzo, MotoGP titles with Yamaha, front of another raucous crowd round, before three consecutive challenge. one stroke off the lead but never a triple world champion, strug- said after the test ended on at the biggest party on the PGA bogeys from the 15th ended his Rahm started the final round quite recovered from a bogey at gled and was only seventh in Tuesday that there was still Tour. The long-hitting Wood- the first, shooting 72 to sit along- his first year with the team after plenty of room for land credited his victory to an PHOENIX OPEN SCORES side Fowler at 12-under. nine seasons at Yamaha. improvement. improved short game. “I put a 266 - Gary Woodland (USA) 67-68-67-64, Chez Reavie (USA) 68-65-67-66 The Spanish world number Lorenzo showed this week “I think we still have quite lot of work in this off-season. two won the CareerBuilder that he was back on form, how- a big margin to arrive to our 269 - Brendan Steele (USA) 68-67-67-67, Ollie Schniederjans (USA) 68-68-68-65 Short game needed some adjust- Challenge two weeks ago but ever, by clocking the fastest maximum potential,” said the 270 - Matt Kuchar (USA) 71-68-64-67, Chesson Hadley (USA) 66-68-68-68, Bryson DeChambeau ment,” the 33-year-old said after Sunday marked the second ever lap on two wheels around Mallorcan. clinching his third victory in 207 (USA) 66-66-68-70, Phil Mickelson (USA) 70-65-66-69 straight week that he has failed Malaysia’s Sepang track to end “This is a good sign because starts on the PGA Tour. 271 - Brian Gay (USA) 67-68-68-68, Martin Laird (SCO) 68-67-68-68 to deliver in the final round the three-day test with the top we finished first today and we “We’re just building. I’ve still 272 - Vaughn Taylor (USA) 67-68-70-67, Chris Kirk (USA) 66-68-68-70, Rickie Fowler (USA) 66-66- when sitting near the top of the time. still have some margin. got some work to do but I’m 67-73, Daniel Berger (USA) 68-65-68-71, James Hahn (USA) 70-67-66-69, Jon Rahm (ESP) 67-68- leaderboard. “We’re happy with things “This bike gives more con- excited where we’re at.” 65-72 Mickelson, meanwhile, in our garage. I think we can be fidence and it is more to my Fowler’s collapse, mean- 273 - Patrick Reed (USA) 71-66-69-67, Xander Schauffele (USA) 68-67-66-72, Beau Hossler (USA) remains winless since the 2013 competitive for the champion- riding(style),” he added. while, hardly dispelled his 70-68-64-71, Justin Thomas (USA) 68-68-71-66 British Open. ship this year, with both riders,” Dovizioso, who won in reputation as a player renowned 274 - Martin Flores (USA) 70-68-68-68, Alexander Norén (SWE) 71-68-65-70 The five-times major win- Tardozzi told the official Malaysia last year, was fourth for struggling to close out the 275 - Brandt Snedeker (USA) 69-67-71-68, Scott Stallings (USA) 69-65-74-67, An Byeong-Hun (KOR) ner made a late challenge in the motogp.com website on fastest over the three days with deal, having now converted only 68-67-72-68 contest with three successive Friday. Honda’s four times world one of six 54-hole leads on the 276 - Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 72-68-66-70, Luke List (USA) 69-68-69-70, Bill Haas (USA) 64-72-66- birdies from the 15th, but a “Both our (factory) riders champion Marc Marquez only

PGA Tour into a victory. 74, Nick Watney (USA) 68-68-70-70, Charley Hoffman (USA) 72-68-68-68 double-bogey at the last con- and (Danilo) Petrucci (on a non- eighth. The popular American was demned him to a tie for fifth on works Ducati) have had very The next test starts in Thai- still in contention until late in the 14-under. positive comments. They really land on February 16. TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Horford carries Celtics past Blazers AFP points for the Bucks, who improved to 6-1 since firing LOS ANGELES: Al Horford coach Jason Kidd. rattled in a fadeaway jumper as DeMarre Carroll and Caris the buzzer sounded to lift the LeVert each scored 15 for the Boston Celtics to a 97-96 NBA Nets, who lost for the sixth time win over the Portland Trail Blaz- in seven games. ers on Sunday. In Toronto, Delon Wright “It’s a shot I work on a lot had 15 points off the bench as the and it felt good when it left my Toronto Raptors beat the Mem- hands,” Horford said. phis Grizzlies 101-86. Horford, Semi Ojeleye and The Raptors have won five Jayson Tatum scored consecu- straight at home against the Griz- tive three-pointers late in the zlies. Toronto improved to a fourth quarter as the Celtics took league-best 21-4 on home court the lead with an 11-0 scoring run this season and 7-3 in its past 10 after trailing 85-79. games. Horford said teammate Grizzlies started their NBA Jaylen Brown was supposed to life out as the expansion Vancou- take the last shot but he was ver Grizzlies where they played covered. for six seasons. In 2001 they “That shot epitomizes the moved to Memphis, leaving the work he puts in,” Brown said. Raptors as the lone Canadian “He embraces those opportuni- team in the league. ties and steps up to the Marc Gasol scored 20 points challenge.” and Andrew Harrison had 16 for Horford finished with 22 the Grizzlies, who have lost six points and 10 rebounds for Bos- straight on the road. ton, who won their fourth game In Oklahoma City, Russell in a row. Tatum had 17 points and Westbrook scored 36 points but Brown scored 16 for the Celtics the mistake-prone Oklahoma in front of a crowd of 18,600 at City Thunder couldn’t overcome the Boston Garden arena. some untimely turnovers in a Terry Rozier, starting in Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers centre Brook Lopez (11) during the 108-104 loss to the Los Angeles place of injured guard Kyrie Irv- fourth quarter of their NBA game at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday. Lakers. The Thunder have now ing, had 11 points on five-of-18 lost four straight after going on shooting. an eight-game win streak in Damian Lillard scored the the stretch, made some tough 52. “Wanted to end the game so points, John Henson had 19 with 16 points. January. final eight points for the Blazers, shots,” McCollum said. “Credit we could go watch the Super points and 18 rebounds for the Antetokounmpo said the including a three-point play with them for battling back and then Bowl,” Stevens said. Bucks who stretched their win- injury was not a serious one and NBA RESULTS seven seconds left to give them down the stretch they seemed to Elsewhere, the Milwaukee ning streak over the Nets to 10 he wanted to come back in the Boston 97 Portland 96 the lead 96-95. match every basket.” Bucks breezed past the Brook- games. game but the coaching staff Milwaukee 109 Brooklyn 94 Lillard finished with 21 Celtics coach Brad Stevens lyn Nets 109-94 despite missing Milwaukee led by as many wouldn’t allow it. Atlanta 99 New York 96 points shooting six-of-19 from said they were going to celebrate star Giannis Antetokounmpo as 28 points at one stage and “I knew that if the game was Toronto 101 Memphis 86

the field. C.J. McCollum led the the win by watching the New who left the game in the final were in control when Antetok- close I would definitely be back LA Lakers 108 Oklahoma City 104 Blazers with 22 points. England Patriots battle the Phil- quarter with a sore right ankle. ounmpo twisted his ankle and in,” the All-Star forward said. Charlotte 115 Phoenix 110 “They executed well down adelphia Eagles in Super Bowl Eric Bledsoe scored 28 headed to the bench. He finished Khris Middleton also had 16 Golden Knights beat Caps on Tuch’s goal REUTERS Canadiens 4, Senators 1 into a five-game road trip. Meanwhile, Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, Nashville Predators forward Filip Fors- NEW YORK: Alex Tuch scored with including the eventual winning goal berg has been slapped with a three 5:12 remaining to give the Vegas Golden midway through the second period to game suspension for a late hit on an Knights a 4-3 victory over the Wash- pace host Montreal past Ottawa. unsuspecting New York Rangers player, ington Capitals in a battle of division Carey Price made 25 saves to record the National Hockey League announced leaders on Sunday in Washington. Montreal’s second consecutive win. on Sunday. Tuch approached from goalie Lehkonen’s only two previous goals Forsberg hit Jimmy Vesey in the Philipp Grubauer’s right and got off a of the season came in a game against second period of a game on Saturday, weak shot that Grubauer couldn’t con- the Senators in October. checking the Rangers player in the head trol, and the puck slid through the Sharks 3, Hurricanes 1 area well after he had passed the puck. Hockey pioneer hopes crease and just over the line inside the Brent Burns supplied a goal and an Game officials gave Forsberg an inter- right post. assist as San Jose won at Carolina. ference penalty. The victory put Vegas goalie Marc- Timo Meier and Chris Tierney also Vesey was hurt and did not return Andre Fleury (20 saves) into 13th place scored for the Sharks, who won their in a 5-2 loss to the Predators. to inspire black kids on the all-time wins list (390), moving second game in a row after losing four Former Swedish national team him past Dominik Hasek. straight. member Forsberg is second on the AFP Washington’s Barry Trotz passed San Jose goalie Aaron Dell stopped Predators with 38 points. Lindy Ruff for fifth place on the NHL’s 29 shots in improving his record to His ban begins Monday on the GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA: Jordan Greenway (pictured), the first African- all-time games coached list. Trotz now 13-4-3 this season. road against the New York American US Olympic ice hockey player, hopes to inspire black youth to his sport has coached 1,494 games. The Sharks are 2-1-1 four games Islanders. the way Tiger Woods did in golf or Serena Williams has in tennis. “I just really want kids out there to do something different, go against the colour barrier in the sports world,” Greenway said. “You see African-American players in other sports like basketball and football. I want kids to feel all right to go try something different.” The 20-year-old Boston University star forward is one of four collegians on the US roster and helped the Americans win the 2017 World Junior Championships, scoring three goals and setting up five more. “It’s a proud feeling to win a gold medal for the USA and I want to have that feeling again on the biggest stage,” Greenway said. “Winning a gold medal is a feeling you can’t put into words. That’s motivating me every day to work hard. I couldn’t be more excited. I always had a dream to play in the Olympics. I didn’t think it was going to happen.” Greenway has his chance because the National Hockey League, which had shut down for every Winter Olympics since 1998 so players could compete in the Games, decided against the move this season, opening the door for Europe-based talent, minor-leaguers and top collegians. Not that Greenway isn’t good enough for the NHL. He was a 2015 second-round NHL Draft pick by Minnesota, 50th overall, and at 6-foot-6 (1.97m) and 227 (103kg) pounds he’s the largest player on the US Olympic roster. “Jordan’s size and ability will be a big factor on penalty kills and power play,” US coach Tony Granato said. “His versatility will bring something special as a player.” Jordan accepts his racial pioneer role with pride and responsibility. “Being the first African-American, I’m really honoured by that. Hopefully I’ve been a role model to other African-American kids to go out and do something different. You don’t see a lot of African-Americans playing hockey. Hopefully I can inspire them.” Greenway has 24 goals and 57 assists in under three seasons with a perennial college power and could play a major role in the American men’s quest for their first gold since 1980. San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Lebanc (62) takes a shot against the “Our college guys, I think they can compete in the NHL right now,” Granato said. Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena during their NHL game on Sunday. The “They are going to have a major impact on how we do.” Greenway wouldn’t have it any other way. San Jose Sharks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1. “I want to make an impact any way I can,” Greenway said. “I’ll put in all the effort I’ve got.” TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2018 32

I thought if you look SPORT at the three games in the championship so FOOTBALL Football far, what wonderful Eddie Jones, Birmingham City Sochaux vs Paris Saint Coach of England rugby. vs Huddersﬁeld Town Germain Rugby team FA Cup (Fourth Round) French Coupe De France

‘Wonderful’ Six Nations excites No Olympics for Russians England boss Eddie Jones who had life bans lifted AFP AFP The IOC’s Invitation Review ROME: England coach Eddie Panel, which looked into the Jones forecast fans were in for PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH cases of the Russians, said it had a treat following the KOREA: Fifteen Russians whose “additional information” “wonderful rugby” played on life bans for doping were lifted including data from a leaked the opening weekend of this North Korean last week have been barred from database which showed “traces season’s Six Nations. short track speed the Pyeongchang Winter Games, of prohibited substances (and) Jones’s men launched the International Olympic skater Jong evidence of steroid profile their bid for an unprece- Committee said on Monday, as Kwang Bom manipulation”. dented third successive out- Russia’s drugs conspiracy (second right) “The panel agreed that the right title by rounding off the continued to reverberate just talks with Russian decision of the CAS had not lifted first round of fixtures with a days from the opening cere- athletes during a the suspicion of doping or given 46-15 win away to Italy in mony. training session the panel sufficient confidence Rome on Sunday. The decision was taken after at the Gangneung to recommend to the OAR IG that A crowd of more than a special panel “unanimously Ice Arena in those 13 athletes could be con- 61,000 spectators at the recommended that the IOC not Gangneung sidered as clean,” the IOC said. Stadio Olimpico saw England extend an invitation to the prior to the It is the second successive run in seven tries, with an Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang Olympics where the IOC has emboldened Italy scoring two Pyeongchang 2018 to the 15 indi- 2018 Winter been embroiled in problems of their own before fading viduals”, a statement said. Olympic Games involving Russian doping, after away late on. “The OAR IG (Olympic Ath- yesterday. accusations of systemic drug The fixture capped a lete from Russia Implementation cheating blew up just before Rio weekend where Wales ham- Group) confirmed that no addi- other members of the 28 have decision and called for reforms insufficient evidence to leave the 2016. Russia topped the medals mered Scotland 34-7 in Car- tional invitations will be either retired or are unavailable to the independent sports bans in place. table when it hosted the Sochi diff, while Ireland needed a extended to these 15 individuals,” for undisclosed reasons. tribunal. Australia’s John Coates, 2014 Winter Olympics. But it last-ditch drop goal from the IOC said. The IOC has barred Russia Bach kept up his attack on president of the court’s gov- later emerged that dirty samples Johnny Sexton to see off The 15 were among a group from the Pyeongchang Olympics, Monday, when he told reporters: erning body, said the tribunal involving its athletes were France 15-13 in Paris. of 28 Russians who had been which open on Friday, over a “This CAS decision is extremely would “thoroughly examine” the switched using a “mousehole” in It all promised a truly banned for life from the Olym- widespread doping conspiracy. disappointing and needs a very concerns raised by Bach and the anti-doping laboratory’s competitive tournament, in pics for doping, but whose sus- But 169 Russians who have careful review. We will clearly would issue details of the deci- wall. At Rio, the IOC stopped marked contrast to last year’s pensions were overturned at the passed strict anti-doping proto- review it. If we can appeal it we sions as soon as possible. short of banning Russia and Rugby Championship where Court of Arbitration for Sport on cols will compete under a neu- will appeal it.” “Athletes are entitled to have instead left the decision on their world champions New Zea- Thursday. tral flag. The World Anti-Doping confidence in judicial processes participation up to individual land were yet again the over- They included 13 athletes The announcement comes Agency has also expressed at all levels, more particularly sports federations, creating some whelmingly dominant side in and two ex-athletes now after the body’s president, “serious concern” over the deci- before the CAS,” Coates said in confusion in the build-up to the the southern hemisphere working as support staff. The Thomas Bach, slammed the CAS sion by CAS, which said it had a statement. Games. equivalent of the Six Nations. “I thought if you look at the three games in the championship so far, what wonderful rugby,” said Jones. De Kock adds to “You had Wales and Scot- Bangladesh bolster land throwing the ball from side-to-side, you had Ireland South Africa’s and France in an old-fash- batting for second Test ioned arm wrestle. “You saw today (Sunday) that there was a bit of an arm AFP injury woes wrestle and then it opened up at the end. DHAKA: Bangladesh have REUTERS “We feel honoured to be included batsman Sabbir part of the tournament and Rahman for the second Test CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s worrisome injury-list has been the tournament is only going against Sri Lanka to strengthen lengthened after wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock was to get better,” added the Aus- their batting in the absence of ruled out for up to four weeks with a wrist injury, officials said tralian after overseeing his injured all-rounder Shakib Al yesterday. 23rd victory in 24 Tests in Hasan, a team official said De Kock joins stalwarts Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn and AB de charge of England. yesterday. Villiers on the sidelines, though the latter is expected to resume “We go next week Shakib will miss the second Sabbir Rahman (left) training in the next few days. (against Wales) at Twick- Test starting Thursday in Dhaka during a training session De Kock was injured during South Africa’s heavy nine-wicket enham, there will be 82,00 after he failed to recover from in this ﬁle picture. loss to India in the second match of their six-game series in Pre- people, they’ll be absolutely a finger injury that kept him out toria on Sunday which the hosts lost to go down 2-0 ahead of the pumped and we’ll be pumped of the opening match. third fixture in Cape Town tomorrow. to play in front of them.” Sabbir, who played 10 Tests included Sabbir,” said chief Rubel did not play the first “Quinton suffered an extreme blow to the left wrist while bat- The speedy Watson gave to score 480 runs at an average selector Minhajul Abedin. Test. Mahmudullah Riyad will ting in the second ODI on Sunday and felt severe pain and dis- England an early 10-0 lead of 26.66, was ignored for the The home side dropped left- continue as captain in the comfort,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a media with two unconverted tries first game after he failed to live arm spinner Sunzamul Islam absence of regular skipper release from Cricket South Africa. and Jones, perhaps mindful up to expectations in the one- and pace bowler Rubel Hossain Shakib. “Further investigation revealed severe bony bruising to the he was in Italy, said: “He got day tri-series last month. but retained Abdur Razzak and Squad: Mahmudullah Riyad area, with associated swelling around the tendon in the wrist. the Maserati out of the car The two-Test series uncapped off-break bowler (Capt), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, “This type of injury will require between 2-4 weeks to heal, park today.” remained locked at 0-0 after the Naeem Hasan in the 15-man Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul which subsequently rules him out of the remainder of the ODI and Simmonds might not have first match ended in a draw in squad. Haque, Imrul Kayes, Mosaddek T20 series against India.” even been on the bench had Chittagong on Sunday. Sunzamul claimed just one Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur South Africa already have uncapped wicketkeeper Heinrich both Billy Vunipola and “The wicket of Dhaka is wicket in the just-concluded Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Kamrul Klaasen in their squad. Nathan Hughes been fit, but much different than Chittagong. Test, giving away 153 runs in his Islam, Sabbir Rahman, Abdur Du Plessis (finger), Steyn (heel) and De Kock will now face a the Exeter back-row did not So we thought an extra batsman 45 overs in Sri Lanka’s only Razzak, Naeem Hasan, and race against time to be fit for the first of four home tests against look out of place in what was might be useful. This is why we innings. Tanbir Hayder. Australia that start on March 1. just his fourth Test. London to host new World Cup event

AFP to and including the 1500m, with just “We have eight lanes, eight top this year and there’s certainly space for one man and one woman from each nations, eight teams and a host of a global team event,” he said. “The LONDON: London will host a new nation in each event. world-class athletes lining up in each public likes medals and flags in simple World Cup event this summer featuring Each nation will be competing for event to win the trophy and prize pot. terms. It’s a sugar rush of a 10-day ath- eight top nations including the United a $2m prize pot over two evening ses- This will be a fast-paced and exhila- letics competition crammed into two States and Jamaica, British Athletics sions of athletics under the lights. rating experience for athletes and fans.” days.” announced yesterday. “It’s great to see such an exciting UK Athletics chief executive Niels De Vos said he expected top stars Britain, the United States, Poland, head-to-head event confirmed to be de Vos told AFP he was confident the from the competing nations to take part China, Germany, France, Jamaica and taking place in London this summer -- event would capture the attention of in London, attracted by the substantial South Africa will compete at the London the concept is one that will excite eve- the sporting world, even though it prize pot and the chance to compete Stadium on July 14-15. ryone in athletics and is sure to attract clashes with the World Cup final in for national pride in front of bumper The tournament follows last year’s new fans to the sport,” said Olympic Russia and the Wimbledon finals. crowds. world athletics championships in the and world 400m champion Wayde van “When you have a new concept in “We’ll select the British champion British capital, which also hosted the Niekerk. sport, actually what better time to do (in each event) but we don’t know what Olympics in 2012. Sebastian Coe (pictured), president it than when everyone’s talking about the other nations will do,” he added. The competition format will fea- of athletics’ world governing body the the football World Cup,” he asked. “It’s up to the individual countries how ture all field events and track events up IAAF, hailed the “innovative” event. “There is no global athletics event they select their athletes.”