CRICKET | Page 3 RUGBY | Page 6 Mathews in Jones wants control as Sri England to Lanka close clear air over in on lead World Cup

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 TENNIS Jumada I 27, 1441 AH Zverev pledges GULF TIMES A$4mn to bushfi re fund if he wins Open SPORT Page 2 Nadal in the pink, Sharapova

hits all-time low Spain’s Rafael Nadal in AFP The 32-year-old, playing on a wildcard Jannik Sinner, last year’s NextGen cham- action against Bolivia’s Melbourne as she wrestles with a shoulder injury, pion, who earned his first Grand Slam Hugo Dellien in the first lost 6-3, 6-4 to Croatian 19th seed Donna victory against Australia’s Max Purcell. round of the Australian Vekic, making her an opening-round Australia’s Kyrgios, who has spear- Open yesterday. op seed Rafael Nadal turned on loser at three straight Grand Slams for headed fundraising efforts for the the style as he launched his bid the first time. country’s deadly bushfire disaster, kept for a record-equalling 20th Ma- The future looks uncertain for the former his notorious temper in check despite Tjor title at the Australian Open world number one, who won Wimbledon being taken to two tie-breaks in a 6-2, yesterday, but falling star Maria Shara- when she was just 17 but has not reached 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7-1) win over Lorenzo pova hit a career low. a Grand Slam final since she lifted the Sonego of Italy. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios also cantered 2014 French Open trophy. “I feel super-comfortable, you guys are into the second round, but fourth seed “I can speak about my struggles and the the best. I feel the support.... I am ready Daniil Medvedev had to fight his way past things that I’ve gone through with my to go again,” Kyrgios told the crowd. American Frances Tiafoe in four sets. shoulder, but it’s not really in my charac- Medvedev, the narrow loser to Nadal in Nadal, one shy of Roger Federer’s Grand ter to,” Sharapova said. September’s US Open final, dropped the Slam mark, dropped only five games as “I was there, I put myself out there (play- second set against Tiafoe before recover- he swatted aside Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien ing). As tough as it was, I finished the ing to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 in just over two hours at a match — it wasn’t the way that I wanted.” Austria’s Dominic Thiem, who has sunny Rod Laver Arena. Britain’s Johanna Konta, a two-time Slam reached the last two French Open finals, “It was a positive start,” said the reigning semi-finalist, also fell at the first hurdle as went through in straight sets against Roland Garros and US Open champion, she battles to overcome a knee problem, Adrian Mannarino, while 2014 champion wearing a bright pink singlet and match- losing 4-6, 2-6 to unseeded Tunisian Ons Stan Wawrinka needed four to get past ing trainers. Jabeur. Damir Dzumhur. “What you want in the first round is just to On a bumper day of 88 first-round Seventh seed Alexander Zverev beat win, and it’s better if it’s in straight sets.” matches, after rain wiped out half of Marco Cecchinato in straight sets but He joins Federer and defending cham- Monday’s schedule, former US Open there was disappointment for France’s pion Novak Djokovic in round two as the champion Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 2008 finalist, Big Three look to tighten a stranglehold both moved safely through. who retired with a back injury against that has brought them all but one of the Italy’s Fabio Fognini, two sets down Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. last 14 Australian Open titles. against America’s Reilly Opelka when Elsewhere, women’s fourth seed Simona Nadal, the first player to be world their match was suspended on Monday, Halep survived some painful-looking number one in three diff erent decades, returned to win it in five after a stormy falls to beat America’s Jennifer Brady, is still thriving at 33 but it’s a diff erent encounter when both players argued and 2016 champion Angelique Kerber story for five-time Grand Slam winner furiously with the umpire. dropped only four games against Elisa- Sharapova. A new star emerged in 18-year-old Italian betta Cocciaretto of Italy.

SPOTLIGHT QNB Stars League on way to becoming Asia’s best

By Anil John have foreign players from more than 20 Doha countries in the league. It refl ects our diversity. QNB STARS LEAGUE FACTS AND FIGURES “We also have some top coaches in hen Qatar won the Asian Cup Xavi (Al Sadd), Rui Faria (Al Duhail) U-23 players in league to 25% at the end of first leg as only against all expectations last and former Iceland boss Heimir Hall- The level of participation of under-23 three coaches were changed. Wyear, it marked a pivotal mo- grimsson (Al Arabi). players in the QNB Stars League in ment in the country’s footballing his- Apart from the quality of the players the past three seasons reached 10%. Goal difference tory. It was a tour de force that in one and coaches, a whole lot of statistics It increased to 14.5% in the current After 11 rounds (at the end of the instant stripped away the self-doubt also point to the QNB Stars League’s su- season (2019-20). In this respect, the league’s first leg last season), the Qatari teams were affl icted with when it periority, for example the average pace QSL is better than the Saudi, Chinese, goal difference percentage reached came to a sport which they professed to of matches. UAE and English leagues. Qatar aims 3 goals in 28.7% of the matches. be passionate about but couldn’t claim The playing pace is calculated through to increase this number to 20% as is One victory was by a 10-1 margin as their own. the number of passes per minute. The the case of the German, French and and 3 games were won by 6-0 That it happened against the back- higher the number, the faster the playing Belgian Leagues. margins. The number of matches drop of a cruel regional blockade only pace. Previously, the playing pace in the in which the difference was 3 goals came as poetic justice. Not only were league reached 16.3 passes per minute. More rapid playing pace in the first leg last season reached the perpetrators of the blockade forced It is now 16.5 passes and this number is The league wants to get faster. The 19. At the end of the league, the to eat humble pie on the fi eld – Qatar one of the best in Asian leagues com- playing pace is calculated through number reached 38 games. beat both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in pared to European leagues, where the the number of passes per minute. That percentage changed for the the tournament on the way to the title – ratio in the English, Italian, German and The higher the number, the faster best at the end of this season’s they were also reminded that sport is a French leagues reaches 17.3 passes. The the playing pace. Previously, the league and reached 12 games, great leveller, that sometimes it can even league aims to top17 passes per minute playing pace in the league reached down to 18%. The ratio in Europe trump the viciousness of politics with in order to reach European levels. 16.3 passes per minute. is 17-18%, which indicates that the nothing more than a gentle slap on the “These sort of indicators help set the It is now 16.5 passes and this teams have evolved and the level wrist. benchmark. On a technical level we are number is one of the best in Asian has become closer among the The victory couldn’t have come at a better than the Chinese, In certain as- leagues compared to European clubs. more opportune time: Qatar was just a pects better we are better than Japan and leagues, where the ratio in the Examples are second-placed Al little over three years away from hosting Saudi. We are in a better position than English, Italian, German and French Rayyan being held to a 2-2 draw by the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and prepa- most of the top teams.” Abbassi added leagues reaches 17.3 passes. The lowly-placed Al Shahania in Week rations had gathered an extra zing. The that even off the fi eld, the QNB Stars league wants to top17 passes per 10 of the QNB Stars League. traditional bastions of football which League steals a march over its peers. minute. had previously been condescending “We have the most developed frame- Goal ratio of Qatar if not brazenly contemptuous Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, the QNB Stars League’s Executive Director of work when it comes to fi nancial, social Change of coaches With regards to the percentage after it won the hosting bid, suddenly Competitions and Football Development. and environmental sustainability, be- Qatar has seen a significant drop in of goals, the number reached 212 developed a new admiration. Respect sides club professionalism.” the percentage of change among goals at the end of first leg in the started replacing snobbery, reason be- nised by the Asian Football Confedera- last year with the AFC recognising of- Another factor is that the gap be- the coaches. In the last three sea- 2018-19 season at an average of 3.2 gan prevailing over scorn. tion (AFC) as the second best in Asia, fi cially declaring it as the second best in tween the teams is getting smaller. sons, it was 50% at the end of the goals in each match. This season, it One of the main reasons for Qatar’s and by the time Qatar hosts the World the continent,” Abbassi told journalists “This season, matches have been league’s first leg, meaning half of was 201 goals at an average of 3.1 fi rst Asian Cup title was the quality of Cup, it could be the topmost league during an interaction. hard to predict. They are getting more the 12 clubs changed their coaches. goals in each match. The worldwide the league. Offi cials have in the past of- in the continent, according to Ahmed “On the fi eld we are already one of the exciting. For example, Shahania drew In the current season, it decreased average is between 2.7 and 2.8 goals. ten spoken of their ambition to make the Khellil Abbassi, the QSL’s Executive best in Asia according to several param- 2-2 with Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah beat Al league the best in Asia. It seemed a tall Director of Competitions and Football eters. We have some great professional Sadd. There were other upsets.” order with continental giants like Japan, Development. players in the league like Gabi (Al Sadd), Abbassi said Qatar is a pioneer when it analysis. Coaches receive stats live on a row now – Abdelkarim Hassan in 2018 South Korea and Saudi Arabia seemingly “The Qatar Stars League has a vision, Pierre-Michel Lasogga (Al Arabi), Mario comes to innovation in football. their iPads. We do a lot of research and and Akram Afi f in 2019. streets ahead. But now that’s no longer to be the best in Asia by 2022, both on Mandzukic (Al Duhail) etc. Mandzukic “We are among the fi rst to use track- rely heavily on adaptive change.” With the FIFA World Cup fast ap- the case. and off the fi eld. We had aimed to be in even scored for Croatia in the fi nal of ing devices to evaluate players and the On top of all this, Qataris have won proaching, Qatari football is surely on an In fact, it has been offi cially recog- the top three by 2020. We achieved that the 2018 World Cup against France. We second league after Denmark to use live the AFC Player of the Year two times in upward curve. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 22, 2020 TENNIS

FOCUS TALENT Sinner, 18, revels Zverev pledges A$4mn in Federer, Nadal praise aft er fi rst Slam win

AFP for bushfi re fund if he Melbourne

ast-rising teenager Jannik Sinner won his fi rst Grand Slam match yesterday and baskedF in praise from Roger wins Australian Open Federer, who said “we’ll see a lot more of” the Italian. ‘If I win the Australian Open, I will be the happiest person on the planet. I think that The 18-year-old, a former champion skier before switch- the (money) will be in much better use in the hands that know what to do with it’ ing to tennis, swept past Aus- tralian Max Purcell 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-4 at the Australian Open. The win reinforced Sinner’s credentials after he won the NextGen ATP Finals in Milan last November - a tournament that features the eight best men’s players aged year and also practised with 21 or under. him after the Laureus sports His progress has caught the awards in Monaco. eye of 20-time Grand Slam “What I like about him is champion Federer, who said: that he’s almost got the same “I think we’ll see so much speed of off -shot on forehand, more from him. He’s an excit- backhand,” said the Swiss ing guy and super-sweet kid, great on Monday. which I always love to see.” “He has great footwork for a Rafael Nadal has also tak- big guy, because we forget how en note. The Spanish world tall he is, as well. number one said he had seen a “And then he can play, lot of promising teenagers fail again, like most of the best to live up to their potential, but movers in the game right now, he felt Sinner was diff erent. he can also play open stance “Personally I think that this and closed stance, which I will not be the case because think is a huge advantage for my feeling he’s a humble guy, movement for the future.” he’s a hard worker. I practised Sinner, who is coached by with him the other day, he has Riccardo Piatti, who has pre- a good character on court, he’s viously worked with Novak positive,” he said. Djokovic, Ivan Ljubicic, and “I see him having a great Milos Raonic, welcomed Fe- tennis career. He has every- derer’s input but said he was thing to achieve a great tennis still improving. career. The only thing that he “Because I’m young, fore- needs to do, in my opinion, is hand and backhand are quite have the right people around solid. The shot is getting bet- and work.” ter and better, which is our Sinner, the youngest player goal,” he said. in the year-end top 80 last “And of course there will year since a 17-year-old Nadal be matches where maybe you in 2003, said he was honoured cannot feel the shot so you by the comments. have to maybe slow down a “What he (Federer) said is little bit, trying to fi nd another nice for me. But, you know, we solution. You cannot play the still have to work,” said Sin- whole match with the same ner, who was speaking before speed. Nadal lavished praise. “You have to change a lit- tle bit the ball some heights, ‘I HAVE TO LEARN which I have to learn. I have to EVERYTHING’ learn everything.” Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his first-round Australian Open match against Italy’s Marco Cecchinato in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) Federer played with Sin- The 82nd-ranked Sinner ner, who made his Grand Slam next faces Hungarian Marton Reuters he did, the A$4.12 million ($2.84 season at the ATP Cup. In those consecutive breaks of the Ital- Slam champion McEnroe inter- debut at last year’s US Open, Fucsovics, who upset Cana- Melbourne million) fi rst prize would be by contests, his faltering serve had ian’s serve and wrapped up the viewed Australia’s Nick Kyrgios losing in the fi rst round to dian world number 13 Denis far the largest individual dona- undermined his confi dence and fi rst set after 40 minutes. after his fi rst round win over Stan Wawrinka, in Rome last Shapovalov in the fi rst round. tion to the Aces for Bushfi res ap- only four double faults com- The second set was an hour- Lorenzo Sonego. lexander Zverev peal. bined with a fi rst serve comple- long battle which the German McEnroe congratulated the reached the second “Obviously I’m more fortu- tion rate of 84% was another won on a tiebreaker, and an early 24-year-old for his eff orts in round of the Austral- nate than maybe other people big plus from his baseline battle break of serve in the third set raising funds victims of the bush French player denies disrespect ian Open with a 6-4 are. Every cent can help the Aus- with the big Italian. sent him on his way to victory fi res and pledged to donate 1,000 aft er banana request 7-6A (4) 6-3 victory over Mar- tralian people, the Australian “I didn’t play well at the ATP and a meeting with Egor Gerasi- dollars for every set won by the co Cecchinato yesterday and animals, the Australian nature in Cup,” he said. “Everybody saw mov of Belarus. Australian in the slam. French player Elliot Benchetrit yesterday denied having showed promptly pledged to donate his general,” he said. that. I was struggling a lot with Swiss player Belinda Bencic “I hope you go a long way,” a lack of respect to a ball girl at the Australian Open after asking prize money to the bushfi re ap- “If I win the Australian Open, my serve, I was struggling a lot last week pledged a donation McEnroe told Kyrgios. her to peel a banana for him during a qualifications match last peal if he lands a maiden Grand I will be the happiest person with my groundstrokes. I think I to the bushfi re appeal for every Kyrgios sparked a fundraising weekend. Slam title at Melbourne Park. on the planet. I think that the was much more stable than I was double fault at the Australian movement in the tennis com- The umpire told Benchetrit the girl did not have to do this for The 22-year-old seventh seed (money) will be in much better there. Open and suggested Zverev did munity when he said he would him, but the player had an explanation for the unusual request. has not been in the best of form, use in the hands that know what “This is a positive for me. Ob- the same after his problems at donate money for every ace he “I had put some powder on my hands to stop sweating,” however, so his further pledge of to do with it, and know how to viously there’s a lot still to build. the ATP Cup. hit in tournaments entered in Benchetrit told reporters after his 6-2 6-0 6-3 defeat in the first $10,000 for every match he wins help others.” I think this is already getting But the suggestion got short January. round in Melbourne against Japan’s Yuichi Sugita. in the tournament might work Zverev made heavy work at better. So hopefully I can still shrift from the German. “Obviously I felt like he want- “The bananas are very hard to peel here because they don’t out to be a more realistic dona- times of his fi rst-round victory get better in the next few days, “Yeah, no,” he said. ed to help. I mean, I’m sure a lot have a stem. I asked the ball kid nicely because she had already tion. over world number 77 Cecchina- maybe weeks.” “It was fun and all that, but of people appreciate that,” the peeled one for me at the beginning of the match,” he explained. The German conceded that to but was just pleased to be back Zverev found himself in a bit I think it should be a positive Australian told journalists when “The umpire intervened and told me: ‘She’s not your slave, you he was not the favourite to raise in the winners’ circle after los- of a hole at 4-2 down in the fi rst thing, not double-faulting.” asked about McEnroe’s generos- cannot ask her that’. He said ‘Slave’!” the trophy on February 2 but, if ing his fi rst three matches of the set, but he dug himself out with Meanwhile Seven-time Grand ity.

SPOTLIGHT Sharapova uncertain over return aft er fi rst-round loss AFP Sharapova, who won the Aus- and really think about it in depth,” Melbourne tralian Open in 2008, was similarly she said, cutting a forlorn fi gure. vague about the months or even “Just because I really haven’t weeks ahead. “Honestly, I’d give played and I was injured most of the ive-time Grand Slam you the answer, I just don’t know,” year. You know, I certainly have to champion Maria Shara- she said about what tournaments take that into account.” pova admitted she does not she will play in the near future. Sharapova, who last lost in the know if she will be back at “I haven’t thought of my sched- Melbourne fi rst round in 2010, has theF Australian Open next year af- ule moving forward from here yet.” struggled for form and fi tness since ter suff ering a fi rst-round defeat in Against Vekic there were fl ash- returning from the ban for taking Melbourne yesterday. es of the form that helped make meldonium. Sharapova, once a ri- The former world number one, Sharapova one of the most market- val to Serena Williams at the top of playing on a wildcard, is set to drop able women in sport, but she car- women’s tennis, refused to blame below 350 in the rankings follow- ried a haunted look at times, too. her right shoulder problem for her ing her 3-6, 4-6 defeat to Croatia’s After missing large chunks of latest early exit. “I can speak about 19th-seeded Donna Vekic. last year with a shoulder injury, she my struggles and the things that It was the 32-year-old Sharapo- needed a wildcard to compete in I’ve gone through with my shoul- va’s third fi rst-round exit in a row Melbourne. der, but it’s not really in my charac- at Grand Slam tournaments, and Playing on the centre court, Rod ter to,” she said. will increase speculation over her Laver Arena - a sign of Sharapova’s “I was there, I put myself out future. Sharapova, banned for 15 enduring pulling power - she lost there (playing). As tough as it was, months for failing a drugs test at the the fi rst set in 36 minutes. I fi nished the match - it wasn’t the 2016 Australian Open, was unable She broke to go 4-1 up in the sec- way that I wanted.” to say whether she would return ond set, but Vekic struck back and Vekic plays France’s Alize Cornet next year. sealed victory on the second match or qualifi er Monica Niculescu of “I don’t know, I don’t know,” point when Sharapova fi red wildly Romania in round two. said the Russian, already ranked wide. Sharapova said she was not a lowly 145th, when asked by AFP taking much notice of her plum- if she would be back at Melbourne meting ranking. Russia’s Maria Sharapova hits a return Park in 2021. “It’s tough for me to “Last year I think I played seven against Croatia’s Donna Vekic during tell what’s going to happen in 12 or eight tournaments so I don’t their singles match at the Australian months’ time.” know if I can look at the ranking Open in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, January 22, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Dhawan out of ODI, T20 squad for Mathews in control New Zealand tour

AFP New Delhi

hikhar Dhawan has as Sri Lanka close in been ruled out of In- dia’s limited-overs teams for their tour of NewS Zealand after injuring his shoulder in their series- clinching one-day interna- tional with Australia, the country’s cricket board said It was one of the many in- on lead in Harare yesterday. juries that the 34-year-old Opening batsman Dhawan, Dhawan sustained in the last Mathews struck an unbeaten 92 as SL posted 295 for four at the close of the third day who hurt this left shoulder eight months starting with a while fi elding in Sunday’s broken thumb that cut short seven-wicket victory in Ban- his World Cup campaign in galore, will be replaced by England in June. youngster Prithvi Shaw in the Dhawan was ruled out of the 16-man one-day international ODIs against the West Indies squad. after sustaining a “deep cut” Wicketkeeper-batsman to his left knee in a domestic Sanju Samson will take Dha- game in December. wan’s place in the T20 team He was also hit on his that is in New Zealand for the rib cage by a Pat Cummins fi ve matches starting January bouncer in the second ODI 24. with Australia last week and The T20s will be followed did not take fi eld. by three ODI matches starting Meanwhile the 20-year-old February 5 and two Tests be- Shaw, who returned from a ginning on February 21. doping ban in November 2019 “An MRI of his (Dhawan’s) and is already in New Zealand shoulder was conducted, and with the India A team, will be the results have confi rmed a in line for an ODI debut. grade II injury of his acromio- clavicular joint,” said Board of T20I SQUAD: Virat Kohli Control for Cricket in India (capt), Rohit Sharma, Sanju (BCCI). Samson, KL Rahul, Shreyas “His hand will be in a sling Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh and he has been advised rest Pant, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep for some time. He will start Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, his active rehab management Washington Sundar, Jasprit in the fi rst week of February Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, at the National Cricket Acad- Navdeep Saini, Ravindra emy.” Jadeja, Shardul Thakur. The left-handed opener suff ered a fall after trying to ODI SQUAD: Virat Kohli stop the ball in the fi fth over of (capt), Rohit Sharma, Prithvi the Australian innings and left Shaw, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, the fi eld in pain. Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, He did not come out to bat Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, as India chased down their Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravin- target of 287 to clinch the dra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, three-match ODI series 2-1 Mohammed Shami, Navdeep after their 10-wicket drubbing Saini, Shardul Thakur, Kedar in the opening game. Jadhav.

Sri Lanka batsman Angelo Mathews (centre) in action as Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine looks on during the third day of the first Test at the Harare Sports Club in Harare yesterday. (AFP)

AFP morning, 81 in the afternoon and the catch. Zimbabwe delayed Tendulkar, Walsh to coach Aussie Harare 90 in the evening while losing a Sri Lanka to host West Indies taking the second new ball until bushfi re relief match single wicket in each session. for limited overs series the 88th over and in spite of Kyle The 24-year-old Mendis Jarvis beating the bat on several Cricket legends Sachin “We are absolutely honoured ngelo Mathews and struck eight boundaries in his Sri Lanka will host the West THE SCHEDULE occasions, failed to make anoth- Tendulkar and Courtney to be welcoming Sachin and Kusal Mendis both 163-ball innings, including three Indies for a limited overs series er breakthrough. Walsh will coach star- Courtney back to Australia struck measured half- off successive deliveries from of three One Day Internationals February 22: First ODI, Their medical team will make studded teams in a charity where they both enjoyed centuries as Sri Lanka Sikandar Raza, before fl ashing and two T20 matches from Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo a decision today on whether match to raise funds for a lot of success as players, reachedA 295 for four at close of at an outswinger from debu- Kevin Kasuza is fi t to continue in next month, the cricket board February 26: Second ODI, day/ victims of Australia’s and we can’t wait to have play on a stodgy third day of the tant Victor Nyauchi that fl ew to said yesterday. night at Hambantota the match. Kasuza was struck on bushfires, organisers said them involved,” said Cricket fi rst Test against Zimbabwe in Brendan Taylor at fi rst slip. The Windies are due in Sri March 1: Third ODI, day/night the back of the helmet at short yesterday. The former Test Australia chief Kevin Roberts. Harare yesterday. It marked a second success for Lanka on February 10 and at Kandy leg by a pull from Mendis just captains are the latest The February 8 game will be Mendis battled his way to 80 Nyauchi who collected his fi rst return after the final T20 match March 4: First T20, Kandy before lunch. players to come out of played as a curtain raiser to while former skipper Mathews wicket in Test cricket during the on March 6. March 6: Second T20, Kandy He left the fi eld shortly after retirement for the appeal, the Big Bash League final, was far from fl uent in reach- morning session when Sri Lanka and scans showed that, while joining Aussie greats Adam with match profits and funds ing 92 not out from 253 balls as captain Dimuth Karunaratne not suff ering concussion, he Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Michael raised to go to the Australian Sri Lanka closed 63 runs in ar- fl icked a low catch to Ainsley ews joined Mendis in a third umpire Marais Erasmus initially sustained a soft tissue injury on Clarke and Shane Watson. Red Cross. Cricket Australia rears on the fi rst innings with six Ndlovu at midwicket. wicket partnership of 92. gave him not out. the skull. He will undergo fur- India’s Tendulkar and has also injected Aus$2mn wickets in hand. Nyauchi was the pick of the Mathews hit three fours and Attempting to attack the ther tests in the morning. Windies fast bowler Walsh (US$1.38mn) into a fund to With two days remaining, the attack, taking two for 38 from 22 two towering sixes off Ndlovu spin of Williams, Chandimal will coach teams skippered assist community cricket visitors appear to hold the upper overs. and the left-arm spin of Zimba- got himself into a tangle and BRIEF SCORES by Shane Warne and Ricky clubs impacted by the fires, hand although the pitch looks Karunaratne had resumed his bwe captain Sean Williams. bottom-edged the ball on to Zimbabwe, first innings: 358 Ponting respectively. Steve which have killed 29 people likely to have the fi nal say. partnership with Mendis after The only wicket to fall in the his boot, leading Erasmus into Sri Lanka 295-4 (A. Mathews 92 Waugh and Australian coach and destroyed more than The Sri Lankan batsmen bad light stopped Monday’s play fi nal session was Dinesh Chan- thinking it was a bump-ball. not out, K. Mendis 80, D. de Silva Justin Langer will also have 2,000 homes in recent struggled hard all day to impose with Sri Lanka on 42 for one. dimal who only made 12 before The ball lobbed back to Wil- 42 not out, F. Karunaratne 37; V. non-playing roles. months. AFP themselves, scoring 82 in the They added 60 before Math- being dismissed on review after liams who gratefully accepted Nyauchi 2-38)

U19 WORLD CUP ANNOUNCEMENT Ravi, Kartik help India thrash De Kock named SA ODI captain

AFP Zondi said the appointment Johannesburg of De Kock was part of suc- Japan; Bangladesh beat Scotland cession planning leading up to IANS (Yashasvi Jaiswal 29*, Kumar the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Bloemfontein Kushagra 13*) uinton de Kock was In his press conference af- yesterday named as ter the third Test against Eng- BANGLADESH WIN South Africa’s one- land on Monday, Du Plessis ndian colts yesterday made a BY 7 WICKETS day international said there was an opportunity mockery of Japan, who were Bangladesh secured a seven- captainQ as part of a long term to relieve some of the pressure making their debut in the Un- wicket victory over Scotland at transition plan. on his captaincy. der 19 World Cup, as they won Witrand Cricket Field in the ongo- His fi rst assignment will be De Kock, 27, has previously theirI second Group A game by 10 ing ICC U19 World Cup yesterday. to lead the team in a three- captained South Africa in two wickets in what turned out to be a Chasing 90, Bangladesh suf- match series against World one-day internationals and completely one-sided contest. fered an early blow as Tanzid Has- Cup champions England, two T20 internationals. Making their debut at the an (0) got out in the fi rst over of the starting in Cape Town on Feb- Graeme Smith, CSA act- tournament after having their innings. ruary 4. Test and Twenty20 ing director of cricket, said fi rst match washed out against Shamim Hossain then joined captain Faf du Plessis was not De Kock was one of the best New Zealand, Japan were bun- Parvez Hossain Emon at the crease in a 15-man squad named by wicketkeeper-batsmen in the dled out for a mere 41 runs inside but his stay was brief as he was Cricket South Africa yester- world. 23 overs after being put into bat dismissed by Sean Fischer Keogh day despite committing him- “He has a unique outlook at the Mangaung Oval. None of in the third over. Hossain scored self to the organisation until and manner in which he goes their batsmen were able to reach tens runs in 9 balls, reducing the the World Cup T20 in October about his business and is tac- the double-digit mark and fi ve of team to 18/2. and November. Independent tically very street smart,” said them were dismissed for a duck. In Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudul selector Linda Zondi said Du Smith. fact, the highest contribution was Hasan Joy chased off the remain- Plessis’ omission did not sig- made by extras — 19. Ravi Bishnoi of India (second from right) celebrates a wicket with teammates during the ICC U19 World ing runs securing a seven-wicket nal the end of his ODI career. SQUAD Shu Noguchi (7) and Kento Do- Cup Group A match against Japan at Mangaung Oval yesterday. (ICC) victory over Scotland. Hridoy re- “We decided to rest Faf and Quinton de Kock (captain), bell (7) emerged as the joint high- mained not out on 17 while Hasan Kagiso Rabada for this series Temba Bavuma, Bjorn For- est run-scorer among the Japan Spinner Ravi Bishnoi was pick Chasing the target, Yashasvi continue with this performance Joy played an unbeaten knock of because they have both played tuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza batters. Japan’s total of 41 was the of the Indian bowlers as he picked Jaiswal and Kumar Kushagra took in the upcoming matches too,” 35 runs. a lot of cricket,” said Zondi. Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, joint second-lowest score in the up four wickets and fi nished with the Indian colts across the line in- said Bishnoi who was adjudged the “A diff erent squad will be Janneman Malan, David history of Under 19 World Cup. astounding fi gures of 4/5. Kar- side fi ve overs. “I am really happy, Player of the Match. BRIEF SCORES picked for a T20 series against Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Canada and Bangladesh were the tik Tyagi scalped three whereas it is my fi rst Man of the Match Bangladesh: 91 for 3 (Mahmudul England after the one-day Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, other teams to get bowled out for Akash Singh and Vidyadhar Patil award for my country and I am BRIEF SCORES 35*, Fischer-Keogh 3-27) beat Scot- games and after that there are Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon 41 in 2002 and 2008 editions of picked up two and one wicket re- very excited. Planning was pretty Japan: 41 all out (Shu Noguchi land: 89 (Uzzair 28, Rakibul 4-20, still T20s and ODIs against Smuts, Rassie van der Dus- the tournament respectively. spectively. clear and I executed well. I will 7; Ravi Bishnoi 4/5); India: 42/0 Shoriful 2-13) by seven wickets. Australia.” sen, Kyle Verreynne. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 22, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING FOCUS Russia, heat cloud Tokyo 2020 with Ireland’s Bennett six months to go

AFP over safety concerns. Tokyo In 1964, the Games were held in October to avoid the hot and humid Tokyo summer where the ncertainty over Rus- temperatures can exceed 40C takes early lead at sia’s participation for (104F). the third consecutive But athletes in 2020 will have Olympics and concerns no such respite, with some doc- Uover the heat hang heavy over tors warning there could be Tokyo 2020 preparations, with deadly emergencies, and con- only six months until the open- cerns have been raised for vol- ing ceremony. unteers, spectators and the The Japanese capital has competitors. Test events last Tour Down Under avoided many of the crises that summer gave organisers a taste dogged previous Games - In- of what could be to come. A ‘I’d be lying if I’d said I didn’t feel the pressure to get that first win’ ternational Olympic Committee French triathlete was hospital- (IOC) chief Thomas Bach said ised with suspected heatstroke the city is the best prepared host and several spectators were tak- city he has seen, with facilities en ill at a rowing event. complete well ahead of schedule and tickets massively oversub- scribed. But elements largely out of organisers’ control have overshadowed the run-up to the 2020 Games, the second time they will have been held in To- kyo after 1964, when a post-war Japan wowed the world with its technological prowess and eco- nomic “miracle”. Chief among these is whether Russian athletes will compete after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) imposed a four-year ban from interna- tional sporting events over what it views as a state-sponsored Tokyo 2020 has rolled out a doping scheme. Moscow has series of measures designed to appealed to the Court of Ar- counter the heat, including arti- bitration for Sport (CAS), but fi cial snow, cooling mist sprays, sources have told AFP a decision paper fans and towels to cool the is not expected before May, just neck. Events have been brought weeks before the Games open forward earlier to avoid the burn- on July 24. Bach has urged CAS, ing afternoon sun but the most the world’s highest sports court, extraordinary change was shifting to give a decision that “does not the marathon and race walk 800 leave room for any kind of inter- kilometres (500 miles) north to pretation”, warning of “real, to- Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. tal confusion” if the ruling is not The move, which appar- watertight. ently caught Tokyo offi cials off Russia’s up-in-the-air par- guard when it was announced ticipation follows confusion by the IOC, sparked fury in the at the Rio Games, where the capital, with city mayor Yuriko IOC allowed individual fed- Koike describing it as “a decision erations to decide whether to without an agreement”. permit athletes to compete. At Kazunori Asaba - training the 2018 Winter Olympics in chief of the Japan Association Pyeongchang, the IOC barred the of Athletics Federations - went Russian Olympic Committee but further. “It’s like the athletes allowed clean Russian athletes to who had been training for many take part as neutral competitors. years to climb Everest were told just nine months before they ‘DECISION WITHOUT would go to a diff erent moun- AGREEMENT’ tain,” he said. Tokyo offi cials are Even less predictable than Rus- also carrying out drills in case Irish rider Sam Bennett from team Deceuninck-Quick Step (right) wins stage one of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) sian participation is the Tokyo of natural disaster in one of the weather, which has resulted in world’s most active seismic re- AFP RESULTS AFTER THE FIRST STAGE in Australia, was seven seconds the unprecedented moving of gions, which also gets battered Adelaide behind Bennett in the general the marathon from the host city by several typhoons each year. STAGE 10. Alberto Dainese (ITA/Team 9. Michael Storer (AUS/Team classifi cation. 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/Deceuninck- Sunweb) s.t. Sunweb) s.t. “Tomorrow is a key day,” Im- am Bennett won a tight Quick-Step) 3hr 28min 54sec GENERAL CLASSIFICATION 10. Elia Viviani (ITA/Cofidis) +10 pey’s Mitchelton-Scott team sprint fi nish to take the 2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE- 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/Deceuninck- sport director Matt White said. BWF approves synthetic feather Tour Down Under’s fi rst Team Emirates) same time Quick-Step) 3hr 28min 44sec SPRINT LEADER “It’s a course we know and it’s shuttlecocks from 2021 stage yesterday in a quick 3. Erik Baska (SVK/BORA-hans- 2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE- 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/Deceuninck- a crucial day for Daryl’s ambi- earlyS return for his new Deceun- tions overall.” grohe) s.t. Team Emirates) at 4 seconds Quick-Step) 15 pts Badminton World Federation (BWF) said it has approved synthetic inck-QuickStep team. 4. Elia Viviani (ITA/Cofidis) s.t. 3. Erik Baska (SVK/BORA-hans- 2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE- The opening stage, a fi ve- feather shuttlecocks for its international tournaments from next The Irish national champion 5. Andre Greipel (GER/Israel grohe) +6 Team Emirates) 14 pts lap circuit through South Aus- year as it bids to cut down on waste. The governing body said it col- swept home in the fi nal mo- Start-Up Nation) s.t. 4. Daryl Impey (RSA/Mitchelton- 3. Erik Baska (SVK/BORA-hans- tralia’s famous Barossa Valley laborated with Japanese sports equipment manufacturer Yonex to ments of the 150-kilometre stage 6. Kristoff er Halvorsen (NOR/EF SCOTT) +7 grohe) 13 pts wine district, was not aff ected develop the synthetic version, which was used at three BWF-sanc- to cross half a bike ahead of Bel- Pro Cycling) s.t. 5. Jarrad Drizners (AUS/UniSA- KING OF THE MOUNTAIN by bushfi res which scorched the tioned international tournaments last year. “Feedback indicated that gium’s Jasper Philipsen. 7. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Lotto Australia) same time 1. Jarrad Drizners (AUS/UniSA- Adelaide Hills region last month. the Yonex synthetic feather shuttle was more durable and economi- Bennett’s teammates Iljo Soudal) s.t. 6. Christopher Lawless (GBR/ Australia) 5pts Stages two and three will take cal compared to a traditional natural feathered shuttle, whilst at the Keisse and Michael Morkov took 8. Marc Sarreau (FRA/Groupa- Team Ineos) +8 2. Joseph Rosskopf (USA/CCC teams and spectators through same time providing a very similar flight and performance,” it said to the front of the peloton to ma-FDJ) s.t. 7. Dylan Sunderland (AUS/NTT Team) 5pts areas where properties were de- in a statement. “...the synthetic feather shuttle could reduce shut- guide the Irishman to the head of 9. Sam Welsford (AUS/UniSA- Pro Cycling Team) s.t. 3. Laurens De Vreese (BEL/As- stroyed in the blazes, which also tlecock usage up to 25%, providing a significant environmental and the pack and clinch his victory. Australia) s.t. 8. Nathan Haas (AUS/Cofidis) +9 tana Pro Team) 1 pt killed one person and injured economic edge for badminton going forward.” “I’d be lying if I’d said I didn’t others. Elite shuttlers involved in the testing quickly adjusted to the vari- feel the pressure to get that fi rst “We’ve been working fever- ance, BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said. “The vision is to win,” said Bennett, the fi rst thank my incredible teammates almost pulled off the win at the winner Elia Viviani was fourth ishly to make sure that the route ensure the long-term sustainability of badminton and become less Irishman to lead the Tour Down enough, because the result is line in Tanunda, northeast of for Cofi dis, ahead of former win- is safe and lots of tree clearance dependent of using natural feathers for shuttlecocks,” Lund added. Under general classifi cation. down to their amazing eff ort.” Adelaide. Slovakia’s Erik Baska ner Andre Greipel of Israel Start- and some minor road repairs BWF said it was updating technical guidelines and that manufac- “I am very happy it came to- Philipsen, riding for UAE was third for Bora-Hansgrohe Up Nation. have been done,” Adelaide Hills turers could seek approval for their versions of synthetic feather day, on the very fi rst stage of the Team Emirates, was the only at the UCI World Tour season- South African Daryl Impey, Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said shuttlecocks to be used in international competitions. season’s fi rst race, and I can’t rider to challenge Bennett and opener. Last year’s opening stage chasing a third straight victory prior to the race.

GYMNASTICS Miller keen to see Biles eclipse her in Tokyo Reuters An explosive combination of power, ing are focused on their gymnastics and New Delhi agility and creativity, Biles has already their competition,” she said. “We want vaulted into the debate as the greatest to celebrate their hard work and all that gymnast of all time. they’re doing, especially leading into hannon Miller thinks her time Miller, who won fi ve medals at the and at the Olympic Games.” as the United States’ most dec- 1992 Barcelona Olympics and two at Teams in Tokyo will comprise four orated Olympic gymnast will Atlanta four years later, said she was gymnasts, down from fi ve in Lon- come to an end this summer amazed at how Biles, the most decorat- don 2012, which is likely to discourage andS the 42-year-old will be in Tokyo ed gymnast in world championship his- teams from picking specialists who cheering on Simone Biles as she bids to tory, continues to dominate the sport. could be required in other events in case supplant her. “What strikes me is really the incred- a teammate gets injured. Biles bagged fi ve medals, includ- ible amount of diffi culty that she has in Smaller team sizes should not be a ing four gold, in her dazzling Olym- her skills combined with the consist- headache for the United States wom- pic debut at Rio four years ago and the ency with which she competes those en’s squad, who are eyeing a hat-trick 22-year-old is widely expected to sur- skills. That’s fairly rare,” she added. of Olympic golds at Tokyo, said Miller. pass Miller’s haul of seven at Tokyo “A lot of times you have diffi cult skills “There are pros and cons but what later this year. but you are not as consistent, or you’re we as athletes do is we fi nd out the rules “I’m excited about it,” Miller, who very consistent but you don’t have as and then we focus on what our best was in India as an ambassador for Tata much diffi culty. She has the combina- strategy is to not only make the team Mumbai Marathon, told Reuters in an tion of both.” but then how best to create a makeup of interview. USA Gymnastics is still recovering the team,” she said. “For me and for so many athletes, we from a scandal that saw former team “So, you kind of control what you can feel that records are made to be bro- doctor Larry Nassar sentenced to up to control and then you go out and do the ken. It’s how sport thrives, it’s how it 300 years in prison in 2018 after more very best you can. evolves, and it’s how it progresses. than 300 women, including Biles, ac- “You never want to have an athlete “It’s important for athletes to be in- cused him of sexual abuse. Miller does get injured but it happens. So you want spired to do more and be more each and not think the scandal would hinder the to make sure that you have enough peo- every year along the way. I’ll be among gymnasts’ performance in Tokyo. ple on the team that can compete all the fans cheering her on.” “I think the athletes that are compet- four events.” United States’ most decorated Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 22, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Panthers nip Wild in fi nal seconds for Celtics hand Lakers 5th straight victory

Reuters er at 4:01. Los Angeles The helper gave Hoff man a nine-game point streak (fi ve goals, six assists), the longest lorida’s Noel Acciari run by a Panthers player this worst loss of season; chipped in the game- season. winning goal with 5.6 Florida’s Anton Stralman seconds left as the committed a delay-of-game PanthersF won for the fi rst time penalty late in the opening ever in regulation at Min- period, creating Minnesota’s nesota, beating the Wild 5-4 second man advantage. Spur- on Monday night in St. Paul, geon cashed in with 17 sec- Minnesota. onds remaining before the Sixers, Bucks win Mark Pysyk fi red in a long intermission to tie the game shot in the closing seconds at 1 — the Wild’s ninth power- ‘OBVIOUSLY, A GAME LIKE THIS IS KIND OF A TRICKY GAME’ that Aaron Ekblad tipped and play goal in nine games. then Acciari redirected in for Josh Brown’s stretch pass his 18th goal, giving Florida went over half of the length of its season-high fi fth consecu- the ice, sending Barkov in on a tive victory. breakaway in the second peri- Keith Yandle scored his od. The Florida captain skated 99th career goal and assisted in and chipped the puck back on three markers, Aleksander high over the goalie’s glove at Barkov scored and recorded 7:28 for a 2-1 lead for the visi- an assist, and Evgenii Dado- tors. nov and Vincent Trocheck Minnesota tied it when netted goals for the Panthers, Kunin scored just the second who are 7-2-0 in January. short-handed goal of the sea- Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 29 son against Florida, fi nishing shots. a cross-ice pass from Eriks- Luke Kunin found the net son Ek at 10:59 of the middle twice, Jared Spurgeon had a period for his 11th tally. goal and an assist, and Zach The Panthers grabbed their Parise potted a goal for the third lead when Dadonov Wild. Joel Eriksson Ek and scored his 10th power-play Ryan Suter posted two assists goal (and 22nd overall) by re- apiece, and Alex Stalock made directing Yandle’s point shot 20 saves. Victor Rask played at 2:02 of the third. However, in his 400th NHL game. Parise notched his 19th tally Frank Vatrano led a quick on the man advantage just breakout for Florida in the 2:17 later to knot it at 3. fi rst period, then dropped a Minnesota took its fi rst pass back to Mike Hoff man. lead at 7:06 of the third when The high-scoring winger, Kunin scored his 12th of the known more for his one-tim- season, but Trocheck evened ers, found Yandle all alone on the score at 4 with his seventh the far post for his fi fth mark- at 15:52.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (left) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP of injured big man Joel Embiid. The Aussie Paris where they take on the Charlotte RESULTS Los Angeles star connected on 12 of 14 from the fi eld Hornets on Friday in the fi rst NBA regu- in his fi fth straight game with 20 or more lar-season game in the French capital. Boston 139-107 Lakers points, achieving his fourth triple-double “Obviously, a game like this is kind of a he Boston Celtics handed LeBron Portland 129-124 Golden State — posting double fi gures in three key sta- tricky game,” Antetokounmpo said, add- James and the Los Angeles Lakers San Antonio 120-1118 Phoenix tistical categories — of the season. ing that preparations for the trip to France their worst defeat of the NBA sea- For good measure, he added fi ve steals were a bit distracting. Utah 118-88 Indiana son on Monday, routing the West- and two blocked shots. “I think we did a better job coming out Tern Conference leaders 139-107 Denver 107-100 Minnesota “Ben was ridiculously dominant to- in the second half, playing with some Jayson Tatum scored 27 points, and Orlando 106-83 Charlotte night,” 76ers coach Brett Brown said. “He energy, being more aggressive and be- Kemba Walker returned from injury to add Cleveland 106-86 New York was just multi-skilled, used all over the ing more sharp.” The Miami Heat needed 20 for the Celtics, who snapped a three- place in multiple positions, ball-handler, overtime to stay in second place in the game skid with the upset triumph. Miami 118-113 Sacramento screen setter, post target. He was incred- East, rallying from an eight-point fourth- Enes Kanter came off the bench to score Oklahoma 112-107 Houston ible.” Spencer Dinwiddie scored 22 points quarter defi cit to triumph 118-113. 18 points and pull down 11 rebounds for New Orleans 111-98 Memphis for the Nets, who led by 10 in the third The Heat, trailing the Bucks by eight the Celtics, who had lost six of their past quarter but dropped their fourth straight. games, remained a game in front of the eight games. Milwaukee 117-111 Chicago Philadelphia, holding down sixth place reigning champion Toronto Raptors, who “Listen, it was just a good, old-fash- Philadelphia 122-117 Brooklyn in the Eastern Conference, notched their pushed their winning streak to four games ioned butt-whipping, that’s all,” said Toronto 122-117 Atlanta fourth straight win. with a 122-117 victory over the Hawks in James, who scored 15 points and handed Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Atlanta. out 18 assists for the Lakers — who had Washington 106-100 Detroit improved their league-leading record to Houston’s Russell Westbrook notched won 10 of their last 11. 39-6 with a 111-98 victory over the Chi- another iconic triple-double moment, but “They beat us in all facets of the game,” SIMMONS FUELS 76ERS cago Bulls. his 32-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist per- added James, who said 15 Lakers turnovers Philadelphia’s star guard Ben Simmons Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player formance for the Rockets wasn’t enough leading to 28 Celtics points and Boston’s matched his career high with 34 points Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple- in a 112-107 loss to the Oklahoma City 48-36 rebounding advantage were too and added 12 rebounds and 12 assists in a double of 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 Thunder. much to overcome. The Celtics spoiled triple-double that propelled the 76ers to a assists as the Bucks notched a seventh Westbrook played his fi rst 11 seasons the return from injury of Anthony Davis, 117-111 victory over the Nets in Brooklyn. straight win. for Oklahoma City, and they were the only who missed fi ve games with a bruised Simmons, named during the game as The Bucks were slowed by 23 turnovers team he hadn’t recorded a triple-double backside suff ered during an in-game fall. the NBA’s Eastern Conference player of — 15 in the fi rst half — but held on to beat against. For Walker, it was a fi rst career win the week, did it all in a dominant perform- the Bulls for a 10th straight time. He joined James as the only players against James. He’d gone 0-28 in prior ance for a 76ers team trying to keep their Khris Middleton added 24 points for the in NBA history to notch a triple-double games against James-led teams. playoff push on track despite the absence Bucks, who were headed Monday night to against every team in the league. File photo of Noel Acciari (front) of the Florida Panthers. (TNS)

NFL Chiefs and 49ers headed to Miami for 54th Super Bowl Reuters paid off for us the last couple of weeks.” the Super Bowl for the fi rst time in 50 years. Los Angeles How the 49ers and Chiefs reached the 54th A week earlier in the division playoff s against Super Bowl is a contrast of style and philosophy. Houston, Mahomes tossed fi ve touchdowns, in- In two playoff contests, San Francisco quar- cluding four in the second quarter, as the Chiefs he NFL will cap its centennial season terback Jimmy Garoppolo, 28, completed just 17 erased a 24-0 defi cit and wiped out the Texans with a compelling Super Bowl featuring of 27 passes for 191 yards. 51-31. the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco During one stretch of Sunday’s NFC cham- With the help of a speedy receiving corps of 49ers that will highlight a clash of styles pionship game against the Green Bay Packers, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman Tand two dynamic young quarterbacks poised to Garoppolo went 90 minutes without throwing a and running back Damien Williams that looks lead the league into its next hundred years. single pass. like it could contend for a 4x100 metre relay Ol- Back in Miami for a record 11th time, the Na- Instead the Niners leaned on a top-ranked de- ympic gold medal, Mahomes has thrown for 608 tional Football League is planning a week-long fence and the running of Raheem Mostert, who yards and eight touchdowns in two postseason party of the century with something for every- rumbled for 220 yards — second most in NFL contests. one including a championship game on February playoff history — and four touchdowns, to brush So there lies the storyline that will dominate 2 between the throwback 49ers and high-octane aside the Packers 37-20. the two-week buildup to the big game, and it Chiefs. Earlier on Sunday, the Chiefs were tackling is an intriguing one that will be dissected, dis- The 49ers, coached by Kyle Shanahan who another run-fi rst outfi t in the Tennessee Titans, cussed and debated ad nauseam by experts and turned just 40 in December, play a run-fi rst, led by Derrick Henry, the NFL’s leading rusher. bar stool pundits alike. hard-hitting style that was more in vogue when Henry had steamrolled over Tom Brady and the Can the 49ers do what the Titans could not Jim Brown and Gayle Sayers were blasting defending champion New England Patriots and do against Kansas City and run the ball with through defences back in the 60s. the top seed Baltimore Ravens on the way to the enough eff ectiveness to keep pace with a Chiefs The Chiefs, coached by 61-year-old Andy AFC title game. attack that has become known as the “Legion of Reid, are explosive and creative with a play book The Titans ground game, however, was no Zoom”? that looks like it was lifted from a video game. match for the Chiefs explosive, quick-strike of- And can the Chiefs protect Mahomes from “Fired up, fi red up to go Miami, I need to go fence led by 24-year-old phenom quarterback the NFL’s top pass rush long enough to give their on a diet so I can fi t into my clothes,” Reid told Patrick Mahomes, who threw for nearly 300 young quarterback time to fi nd cracks in a fero- Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes (centre) and Tyrann Mathieu (right) celebrate after beat- reporters. “They don’t care about the score,” he yards and three touchdowns and ran for another cious San Francisco defence that has been rock ing the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. said of his team, “they just bring it and that’s score in a 35-24 win to send Kansas City back to solid? PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 22, 2020 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Former physio Jones wants England to Nienaber set to be Springboks coach

AFP clear the air over World Johannesburg

acques Nienaber is poised to take charge of world champions South Cup, Saracens scandal Africa this month despite neverJ playing fi rst-team rugby nor being a head coach. Now 47 years old, he was a loose forward Jones insists dealing with club rivalries was a common issue for all Test nations for the fourth team at his Bloem- fontein school and, after switch- ing to inside centre, the third side at university. As a coach, Nienaber has al- ways been part of the backroom staff of departing Springboks England head coach Eddie boss Rassie Erasmus, working Jones speaks during a press with him in South Africa and conference in London. (Reuters) Ireland. Nienaber was the de- fence coach of the Springboks when they won the World Cup a record-equalling third time last November by defeating England was the physio. Rassie is a su- 32-12 in the fi nal in Yokohama. perb tactician and a great per- Erasmus quit as head coach son to work with. It helps a lot post after that triumph to con- that neither he nor I suffer from centrate on his South African di- ego problems.” rector of rugby role, which places That bond is set to continue him in charge of all national male as Erasmus may have a new role, and female teams. Erasmus hast- but has no intention of abandon- ily assumed the head coach post ing the Springboks. “I defi nitely in 2018 to speed up the revival of will not be sitting in an offi ce a South African team reduced to giving instructions. When it a laughing stock after a string of comes to the Springboks, I will humiliating losses. be hands-on and very close to He has made no secret of the head coach.” his admiration for Nienaber, The expected elevation of a former physiotherapist and Nienaber will be one of several conditioning coach, who has changes to the coaching team as worked with Erasmus for almost South Africa prepare to defend two decades. “I began coaching being ranked number one in the almost immediately after retir- world. Matthew Proudfoot, the ing and immediately brought Springboks forwards coach at Jacques on board as the condi- the World Cup, has taken a simi- tioning coach,” former Spring- lar role with England. bok loose forward Erasmus said. The other two assistants to “His passion, knowledge and Erasmus — Mzwandile Stick work ethic around defence were and Ireland-born Felix Jones — evident from the start. Jacques are expected to be off ered new deals brilliantly with people, contracts. Jones was a late addi- getting messages across clearly. tion as a consultant ahead of the AFP fi ne, amid suggestions the London club to debrief Sarries. If there are any other England’s squad for the Six Nations, with He is a wonderful person and, if World Cup and is now set to be Twickenham, United Kingdom had failed to reduce their wage bill by issues, we have got to sort it out.” Jones having come within 80 minutes of chosen, would be a great replace- given a full-time position. some £2mn in order to comply with this Asked how any lingering tensions completing his four-year project to turn ment. From physiotherapist to Deon Davids and Daan Hu- season’s regulations. would be defused ahead of England’s them into world champions following Springboks head coach — what man are possible newcomers ddie Jones hopes a “long debrief” There are seven Saracens players in tournament opener to France in Paris on his initial appointment after their fi rst- a story.” as the Springboks prepare for will allow England to focus fi rmly England’s Six Nations squad, including February 2, the former Australia and Ja- round exit on home soil in 2015. The respect is mutual with at a 12 or 13-Test season, start- on the Six Nations without their key fi gures such as Owen Farrell, Jones’s pan coach added: “It is common sense. “Some people will still be hurting, Nienaber describing as “great’ a ing with a July 4 home fixture upcoming Championship cam- captain in Japan, and lock Maro Itoje. But Say what you feel. If players are angry some won’t remember it and will just get relationship that has taken them against Scotland. Davids is paignE being overshadowed by any linger- Jones is determined any uncertainty over about it then say it... I don’t envisage any on with it. Everyone is diff erent. We’ve to the Free State Cheetahs, West- highly rated by Erasmus despite ing World Cup regrets and the Saracens their long-term club and Test futures, or problems at all, in fact I think it is an op- got to make sure we learn from it. It was a ern Stormers, Munster and the being sacked by the Southern salary-cap scandal. the bitterness felt by many within English portunity for the team to get tighter.” failure for us in the fi nal.” Springboks. “Our partnership Kings after they won only three The England coach’s task in bolstering rugby towards Saracens, does not derail Jones insisted dealing with club rival- Immediately afterwards Jones, also does not end when we leave the of 42 Pro 14 matches over two his squad’s morale after a comprehensive his squad’s Six Nations title ambitions. ries was a common issue for all Test na- Australia’s coach when they lost the 2003 rugby fi eld — sometimes we have seasons. 32-12 defeat by South Africa in Novem- To that end, the Australian plans to tions. “We are like a family around the World Cup fi nal to England in Sydney, a meal and a drink together,” he Former Springbok forward ber’s World Cup fi nal in Yokohama has hold a clear the air meeting with his play- dinner table, someone wants to have shouldered the blame for the defeat and said. Human is part of the North- been compounded by the crisis engulfi ng ers at the start of England’s warm-weath- pasta for dinner and the other one wants he underlined that point on Monday. “I “We sometimes disagree over ern Bulls coaching staff and has Premiership and European champions er training camp in Portugal tomorrow. to have rice. Every national team I have accept full responsibility for the perform- tactics, but we share the same been credited with turning Lizo Saracens since England returned from “It is a great opportunity for us to get it all coached has those problems. I remember ance. It was my fault. I didn’t prepare the aim of making teams consist- Gqoboka and Trevor Nyakane Japan. Last weekend saw Saracens ac- out on the table,” Jones told reporters at coaching Japan and the Panasonic players team well enough and I know how to fi x it. ently successful. I first met into world-class props. cept relegation rather than open up their Twickenham on Monday after unveiling a hated the Suntory players — hated each He added: “There were various things in Rassie when we were army con- Asked when the new head books to further scrutiny for the salary- 34-man party for the Six Nations. other. So we had to sort it out. That al- hindsight I’d do diff erently which I’m not scripts and our rugby relation- coach would be named, a South cap breaches, which have already cost “It is going to be a long meeting. We ways happens.” going to go into detail. I can live with that ship began at university where Africa Rugby spokesman said them 35 points and a £5.36mn ($6.97mn) have got a World Cup debrief, we have got There are 22 survivors from Japan in because I know I can do it better.” he was the team captain and I “soon” without elaborating.

MOTOR RACING SPOTLIGHT Alonso a free agent Family to mark Sala’s anniversary in ‘quiet contemplation’ for Indy aft er McLaren AFP London Nantes to wear Argentine colours contract ends he death of Cardiff forward Emil- Reuters complete the so-called Triple iano Sala in a plane crash a year in tribute to Sala London Crown of Motorsport. Now 38, ago was marked by his family the Spaniard failed to qualify in yesterday in “private, quiet con- Paris: Nantes will drop their usual a McLaren for last year’s Indy templationT of their loss”, their lawyer green and yellow colours for Argen- ernando Alonso will be 500 after leading the race on his said. The 28-year-old striker was killed tina’s blue and white-striped “Albi- free to drive for whom- debut in 2017 with Andretti Aut- when the small plane taking him to join celeste” strip to pay tribute to their ever he chooses at this osport. McLaren are returning the then Premier League side after be- former player Emiliano Sala when they year’s Indianapolis 500 to The Brickyard in May as part ing bought from French side Nantes for host Girondins de Bordeaux in Ligue 1 afterF ending his relationship with of a fulltime IndyCar return in £15mn ($19.5mn, 17.6mn euros) crashed on Sunday. McLaren. The Formula One team partnership with Arrow Schmidt off the Channel island of Guernsey. Nantes made the announcement confi rmed on Monday that the Peterson Motorsports. The There are still unresolved issues sur- yesterday, one year on from Sala’s double world champion’s con- team have been renamed Arrow rounding the player’s death, such as who death in a plane crash while travel- tract had expired at the end of McLaren Racing SP, competing was responsible for the crash in which ling to Cardiff to join the then Premier last year and was not renewed. with two Chevrolet-powered pilot David Ibottson also died, and, above League club from the French side. “Fernando is a world-class cars and a possible third entry for all, the payment of the 17-million-euro Nantes said the one-off jerseys would competitor and we wish him Indianapolis. ($18.85mn, 17.6mn euros) fee agreed for be for sale and all profits would go to well for the future,” said a team Alonso, who left Formula One his transfer. Sala’s training clubs in his native Ar- spokesman. “While our relation- as a McLaren driver at the end of British aviation accident investigators gentina. “Because he was dreaming of ship has come to a natural con- the 2018 season and competed in said yesterday they would release their wearing the Argentine team shirt, the clusion, he will always remain this year’s Dakar Rally in Saudi fi nal report into the crash by the end of FC Nantes players will, for one league part of the McLaren family.” Arabia, has since been linked March. In September, football’s world game, forsake their traditional yellow Alonso, twice a winner of the with a return to Honda-powered governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff , rel- and green shirt for a blue and white Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race, Andretti. He had also carried egated last year to the Championship, to Argentinian forward Emiliano Sala Sala on Jan. 21, 2019, in a crash off the Channel jersey,” the club said in a statement. has made winning Indianapo- out an ambassadorial role for pay the fi rst instalment of the transfer fee Islands, and his body was recovered from the wreckage two weeks later. (AFP) lis his major focus of the year to McLaren last year. of 6mn euros. But the Welsh club has tak- son. “I can’t say I found peace, unfortu- en the matter to the Court of Arbitration family has to suff er a similar preventable to go over to France every year to celebrate nately,” she said. “I’m still fi ghting. I am for Sport, whose decision is not expected loss of a loved one.” Sala’s birthday on October 31 and stay practically dead while living. It’s been until June.I The Air Accidents Investigation Branch with him, bringing with her ingredients a terrible, terrible year. I loved him so The Sala family — who suffered an- (AAIB) said its investigation “is now at an for traditional Argentinian dishes such as much. I would tell him every day... what other tragic loss when his father Hora- advanced stage and we intend to pub- empanadas. a son he was.” cio died of a heart attack three months lish our fi nal report by the end of March “He (Sala) was shy, but he would al- Cardiff issued a statement encourag- after his son — said their priority was 2020.” Sala’s death was commemorated ways stop, open the windows and start ing fans to lay bouquets and scarves by for a full inquest to take place so they by supporters in Cardiff yesterday and signing autographs and taking selfi es,” the statue of Fred Keenor — the captain of could find out what happened on that Nantes will remember their former player said Mercedes. “All those fans, today, are their 1927 FA Cup winning team. “All of our fateful night. on Sunday when they play another of his the ones that I want to thank, because thoughts are with the family and friends of “The Sala family will mark the anni- former clubs, Bordeaux. they are still sending me pictures I had Emiliano Sala and (pilot) David Ibbotson,” versary of the untimely death of Emiliano The family — Sala’s mother Mercedes never seen before. I receive so much stuff said a club statement on behalf of the owner in private, quiet contemplation of their and his younger siblings Dario and Romi- from France, from England, from the rest Vincent Tan and the board. “The pain they loss,” the family’s lawyer in Britain, Dan- na — told the BBC when they visited them of Argentina.” have been through over the last 12 months iel Machover, said in a statement. “The in Argentina in late December they were Dario spoke of how tight-knit a unit must be indescribable.” family’s primary concern remains for the overcome by the outpouring of grief and they were while Mercedes said she would Among the many bouquets, shirts and full inquest to take place as soon as possi- gifts they had received. speak with Sala as often as two or three banners left was an Argentinian fl ag laid ble, so that they can fi nally learn the truth Even Sala’s French hairdresser had paid times a day. Mercedes says she had never next to the statue, with the name ‘Sala’ about what happened and ensure that no the family a visit. Mercedes said she used recovered from the death of her eldest written on it. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 22, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SERIE A Petagna ignites SPAL Barcelona considering comeback to shock Atalanta AFP signing a striker: Setien Milan ndrea Petagna ignited a come-from-behind Suarez is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing surgery on his knee earlier this month victory for strug- gling SPAL to hand his formerA club Atalanta a shock 2-1 AFP Madrid defeat in Serie A on Monday. The Champions League-chasing side from Bergamo had won their last uique Setien said yesterday two home games against AC Mi- that Barcelona are consider- lan and Parma with 5-0 score- ing signing another striker lines each time. before the end of the Janu- But they slipped up against aryQ transfer window to replace the in- SPAL who snatched just their jured Luis Suarez. Suarez is unlikely to fourth win of the season to move play again this season after undergoing off the bottom of the table. Gian surgery on his knee earlier this month, Piero Gasperini’s team missed which has left Barca short in the centre the chance to climb above Roma of their front three. into the fi nal Champions League Lionel Messi played more centrally in place, and are now three points Setien’s fi rst game against Granada on behind the side from the capital Sunday but the Argentinian prefers to in fi fth. play off the right. Antoine Griezmann “Today more than a few play- thrived down the middle for Atleti- ers were not at their best,” said co Madrid but off ers less of a direct, Gasperini. “It was clear we were physical presence than Suarez, who has down a gear. But we will have to scored 14 goals in 23 appearances this be ready to immediately redeem term. a bad performance, because the “We are considering it,” said Set- standings are very tight.” ien, when asked if Barca would buy Slovenian forward Josip Ilicic another forward in January. “We are put Atalanta ahead after 16 min- talking about that but we still have to utes with a clever back-heel fl ick think about it a bit more, it’s not an is- beating Etrit Berisha in the SPAL sue that worries me too much. I’m wor- goal. But Petagna pulled SPAL ried about the match tomorrow and the level after 54 minutes by scor- match against Valencia. It’s an issue ing his fi fth goal in four meetings that the sports department will con- against his former club. sider in more depth.” Mattia Valoti snatched the Barcelona face Segunda B side Ibiza winner six minutes later with today in the Copa del Rey when Setien new signing Bryan Dabo playing could rest key players, including Messi. a role in the goal on his fi rst start “I have more or less planned an idea for SPAL. “I left a piece of heart for him but I have to see what happens in Bergamo because I started in training and see how we can make a here,” said Petagna. “But today competitive and balanced XI,” Setien we had to win, now we must said. Ousmane Dembele has resumed continue like this if we want to training this week after recovering from save ourselves.” a hamstring injury and the Frenchman’s Duvan Zapata missed chances return in the coming weeks would be a to equalise for the hosts follow- major boost to the team’s attacking op- ing a long injury layoff with fel- tions. “Dembele is an important player low Colombian forward Luis without a doubt,” Setien said. “He’s an Barcelona coach Quique Setien reacts during the La Liga game against Granada on Sunday. (Reuters) Muriel coming on for the fi nal extraordinary player, who hasn’t had half an hour in place of defender much consistency but for sure he will be on Saturday and Zidane said after the ez, who has hardly featured in the last problems preparing for the tie given in a sporting sense as well because we Mattia Caldara, who started on an important player for the club and we match he had picked up a knock. two months, have disappeared”, Zidane their stadium at Las Pistas del Helman- know where we are going to play and we his return on loan from AC Mi- are sure he will help us a lot.” The Welshman trained with his said: “They haven’t disappeared. They tico can hold 3,000 spectators, with know what to expect. Perhaps it was 10 lan. teammates last week, after also missing were both injured the other day. They only one stand and insuffi cient lighting. or 15 years ago but we have all played on But despite laying siege to ZIDANE SAYS BALE FIT the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia are both ready to play.” The pitch is surrounded by an athletics pitches like this, in diffi cult situations. the SPAL goal the hosts fell to FOR COPA DEL REY TEST through illness. It means Bale has not Real Madrid play in the last 32 of track. It will not be a problem for us.” their fi fth defeat of the season Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has played for Real Madrid since January the Copa del Rey against Unionistas “All the players have started playing Zidane is likely to rest key players, and fourth at home. “You have said Gareth Bale is fi t and ready to play 4, when he started their 3-0 win away de Salamanca, the fan-owned club on pitches like this, me as well,” said with a trip to Real Valladolid to come in to give credit to SPAL, despite against Unionistas de Salamanca today Getafe. He has not scored for his club launched in 2013 after UD Salamanca Zidane, when it was suggested the pitch La Liga on Sunday and the Madrid derby being last in the standings, they in the Copa del Rey. Bale was left out of since September 1. went out of business. Unionistas, who could cause Real Madrid problems. against Atletico scheduled for the fol- tried to play a decent game,” said the squad for Madrid’s win over Sevilla Asked why Bale and James Rodrigu- now play in Spain’s third tier, have faced “We are prepared both mentally and lowing weekend. Gasperini.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Mourinho says Forward Hernandez joins LA Galaxy from Sevilla exico striker Javier Hernan- Cup, without featuring in the fi nal, and there are no issues dez has joined Major League retired from international duty in March Soccer team LA Galaxy from 2017 after he scored the only goal in a 1-0 Sevilla, the La Liga club an- friendly win over England. with defender Rose Mnounced yesterday. Hernandez, who has also played for Manchester United NEWCASTLE SIGN BENTALEB AFP what you mean by tension in the and Real Madrid, has left after only fi ve ON LOAN FROM SCHALKE London air, I don’t have a problem with months with Sevilla, who signed him Newcastle have signed Algeria midfi elder him.” from West Ham last summer. Nabil Bentaleb on loan from Schalke Mourinho, whose side are The 31-year-old had become a fringe for the rest of the season, the club an- ose Mourinho denied yes- eighth going into the match eight player under coach Julen Lopetegui, nounced. Newcastle have negotiated an terday he had a row with points adrift of Chelsea who oc- making only 15 appearances this season option to make the move permanent at Danny Rose at the Tot- cupy the fourth and fi nal Cham- and scoring three goals. “I say goodbye the end of the season for a fee reported to tenham Hotspur training pions League spot, said he left to a club where I spent a short time but be around £8.5mn ($11mn). groundJ for omitting him from Rose out of the game after being enough to hold it in special aff ection The 25-year-old has not played for the the team for last Saturday’s 0-0 told late on Thursday he had a and know what it means in the world of Bundesliga club this season after being draw with Watford. back injury. football,” wrote Hernandez in a message dropped from the fi rst-team squad due The 29-year-old left-back was “Then on the Thursday be- on Twitter. “It is a goodbye with some to disciplinary issues. A knee injury has reported by the Daily Mail to have fore Watford late evening I got a sadness because I am sure that if I had also hampered his chances but Newcastle confronted Mourinho as he was call from my medical staff say- had more minutes, I would not have had manager Steve Bruce believes the former unhappy at being left out of both ing that Danny was calling them to leave so soon.” Tottenham youngster will be revitalised the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough with a problem in his back and he At LA Galaxy, Hernandez will be by a return to the Premier League. Ben- in the third round FA Cup replay wouldn’t train the next day,” said tasked with fi lling the void left by Zlatan taleb’s arrival at Newcastle is well-timed last week and then for the Wat- Mourinho. “Friday it was a bit Ibrahimovic, who left to join AC Milan for Bruce, who has seen his team hit by a ford match. of a surprise to see him training, in December. According to reports, Her- series of injuries to key players. Youngster Japhet Tanganga but even so I decided to play with nandez will earn $6mn (5.41mn euros) played instead and won rave (Japhet) Tanganga and have Ryan a year at his new club and become the WEST HAM’S ANDERSON reviews for his performances. (Sessegnon) on the bench. That highest paid player in MLS, alongside the club through lost ticket sales and the 2014 World Cup winner Lukas Podolski RULED OUT FOR A MONTH However, Mourinho said there is the situation.” Toronto’s Michael Bradley. fi ne at “at least 50,000 euros”. when the ex-Germany striker fi nishes West Ham manager David Moyes will be was no issue between himself Rose’s future at the club has his career. Cologne president Werner without injured Brazilian winger Felipe and Rose, who has also fallen out been a constant source of specu- LAZIO DEMAND FANS REPAY KEITA DOUBLE PILOTS MONACO Wolf told the club’s website they are in Anderson for a month. Anderson missed of favour with England manager lation. Rose has been with them FASCIST SALUTE FINE INTO FRENCH CUP LAST 16 talks with Podolski about a future role last weekend’s draw against Everton Gareth Southgate. since joining from Leeds in 2007 Italian Serie A side Lazio has ordered 16 A fi rst-half double from Keita Balde with a “concept and a time frame” to be after suff ering a back injury when he fell “No. Between me and Danny, for £100,000 but whilst he says fans caught making Fascists salutes at a helped AS Monaco through to the last decided. awkwardly in a defeat against Sheffi eld no,” said Mourinho at his press he will wait until his contract home game to contribute to paying a fi ne 16 of the French Cup on Monday with Podolski last played for Cologne in United earlier in January. conference ahead of today’s expires in June 2021 Spurs are imposed by UEFA over the incident. Ital- a 3-1 win at fourth tier giant-killers 2012, but as a product of their youth Moyes revealed yesterday that An- match with Premier League bot- believed to be keen to cash in on ian sports paper Corriere dello Sport said Saint-Pryve Saint-Hilaire. The home academy, the striker is still highly re- derson is set to be absent for longer than tom side Norwich. “I don’t know him before then. individual letters had been sent to the side, who beat Ligue 1 side Toulouse 1-0 garded at the Rhineland club, for whom fi rst expected. “Felipe’s got a problem fans banning them for three matches and in the round of 64, were 3-0 down at he scored 86 goals and made 181 appear- with his back, which looks like it’s going demanding a contribution to fi nancial halftime in Orleans but pulled one back ances in two separate stints. to keep him out for about four weeks,” losses incurred by the club. eight minutes from time through Carnejy Podolski, who made 130 appearances Moyes said. Lazio said the letters were “authentic” Antoine. for Germany, said he had “a comfortable Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko after a photograph of one letter appeared Spanish-born Senegalese winger Keita and open discussion” with the club’s has also been ruled out until February in several news outlets. Lazio were fi ned scored in the 11th and 28th minutes, board and is “looking forward to plan- but the Hammers could be boosted by 20,000 euros by European football’s the fi rst coming when he struck on the ning how I can support FC (Cologne) in the return of forward Michail Antonio, governing body after home fans were rebound after Stevan Jovetic’s header the future”. who has been missing since December caught on video making Fascist salutes was parried by goalkeeper Charles-Henri The 34-year-old helped Japanese with a hamstring issue. during the Europa tie against Rennes on Chatelin. France international Wissam club Vissel Kobe win the national cup West Ham head to Leicester today October 3. Ben Yedder then added his name to the title for their fi rst time in their history with just one victory from their previous A section of the Stadio Olympico stand scoresheet in the 36th minute. Roberto this month, Podolski is negotiating with fi ve Premier League games. They sit only was ordered closed for the next home Moreno’s side will play Saint-Etienne in Turkish club Antalyaspor as his Kobe one point above the relegation zone as Europa tie, reducing income from ticket the next round on Jan. 29. contract expires shortly. they fi ght to secure their top-fl ight sta- sales. “From the footage taken by UEFA The German forward with a deadly tus. Moyes has taken four points from his and the consequent police investigation, PODOLSKI TO WORK FOR shot has played for Bayern Munich, opening three matches since he returned it emerged that you are responsible for COLOGNE AFTER RETIREMENT Arsenal, Galatasaray and Inter Milan in a to the club to replace the sacked Manuel the sanctionable behaviour...,” the letter Bundesliga side Cologne confi rmed they glittering career. He was part of the Ger- Pellegrini but said they were heading in Danny Rose (right) with manager Jose Mourinho. (Reuters) read. It estimated economic damage to plan to work with cult club fi gure and many squad which won the 2014 World the right direction. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE QATAR QUALIFY FOR 2021 WORLD Afi f injury time winner HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP stuns spirited Al Khor By Sports Reporter Doha

kram Afi f’s injury-time winner sealed a comeback win for Al Sadd against Al Khor in the QNB Stars League match yesterday. The Week 7A fi xture was rescheduled due to the Sadd’s AFC Champions League commitment. Tiago Bezerra had given Al Khor the lead in the fourth minute, before Nam Tae-hee equalised for Al Sadd in the 29th minute. It looked like both the teams were sharing points but Afi f’s strike in the 96th minute broke Al Khor’s hearts. The hard-fought victory meant defend- ing champions Sadd are sixth points behind leaders Duhail in the points table. Sadd are in third place with 24 points, four behind second-placed Al Rayyan. Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez was a relieved man after the victory, which the Spaniard called an important one. “I am very happy Qatar sealed a place in the 2021 World Handball Championship to be held in Egypt after they entered with the victory, especially as it came after the semi-finals of the 19th Asian Championship in Kuwait yesterday. The defending Asian champions we went a goal behind,” he said. “It was a beat Iran 31-25 for their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament. Tomorrow Qatar will take on diffi cult match but we deserved to win. We hosts Kuwait in their last group match. played an attacking game against a strong line of defence for Al Khor,” he added. It was Sadd’s eighth victory as Al Khor re- mained in the 10th position with nine points following their seventh defeat. Al Khor gave Al Sadd a scare by scoring an early goal as Tiago volleyed the ball home amid confusion among the Al Sadd defend- ers following Ahmed Hammoudan’s fi rst at- tempt at the goal. Barring the goal, it was all Al Sadd in the fi rst half as The Wolves attacked in waves, with Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afi f and Nam at the helm of aff airs. Nam helped Al Sadd draw level with a diving volley from close after Bounedjah set him up by chesting down a cross from the right by Hashim Ali. Bounedjah, Nam and Akram kept mak- ing attempts at the rival goal even after the game resumed. Al Sadd attackers gave a har- rowing time to Al Khor, whose performance upped considerably in the second half, often through counter-attacks. Tiago could not properly connect a free- kick in the 55th minute and Al Khor’s new recruit Lucca Borges sent his shot wide in the 68th minute. Soon, Al Sadd’s Ali Asad had a goal ruled out off side through VAR, but their persistent eff orts paid off fi nally when Akram slammed home a weak clearance from Al Khor goal- keeper Baba Djibril following a Nam free- kick from the left. Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (right) celebrates after scoring the winner against Al Khor in the QNB Xavi praised Afi f for bailing the team out Stars League match yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil of trouble. “Afi f’s goal is very important be- cause he gave us three points and put us six players that, and this made it diffi cult for us matches diffi cult for ourselves, and I hope points away from topping the table. I was to match today,” he said that we will be in full focus during the up- worried after winning the Qatar Cup that “We have a great personality and the abil- coming matches and that we will not accept the performance would fall and I told the ity to make a comeback. We are making the early goals,” he added.

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Mbappe dreams of Solskjaer rejects ‘Champions League, Euro, Olympic treble’

AFP criticism as Rashford Bagnolet, France ylian Mbappe says he is dreaming of helping Paris Saint-Germain win a fi rst Champi- Kons League trophy this year, as begins recovery well as leading France to the title at Euro 2020 and the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The 21-year-old PSG and ‘We know at Man United we’re not where we want to be and should be, historically’ France star, a World Cup win- ner in 2018, was asked what was AFP been here, the players that I’ve brought in on his wish list for the new year Manchester, United Kingdom have been good, so I have no complaints while launching his charity in whatsoever.” the Paris suburbs on Monday. “It On the pitch, United will give Marcus would be a treble of Champions anchester United manager Rashford all the time he needs to recover League, European Champion- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has from a double stress fracture to his back. ship and Olympic Games. That contradicted former team- Rashford picked up the injury in the 1-0 wouldn’t be bad,” said Mbappe, the Olympics for fears over his mate Gary Neville by saying win over Wolves in the FA Cup replay last with a smile. fi tness. Euro 2020 will be held Myesterday United are on the “right track”. Wednesday, and will miss at least three “That seems unattainable for across 12 diff erent cities over the Outspoken TV pundit Neville had said months. the time being but I’m going to continent from June 12 to July 12, in a podcast after United’s 2-0 defeat at The England striker, who has scored make sure I fulfi l this dream. It with the men’s Olympic football leaders Liverpool on Sunday, which left 19 times for United this season, had been would be a proud moment to be tournament scheduled for July 23 the Red Devils 30 points behind their ri- monitoring his back following the away able win the fi rst European title to August 8. vals in the Premier League, the club was match at Burnley on December 28, but for PSG and for our country to Mbappe described Liverpool in a mess. Solskjaer says it was not a previous injury. keep winning.” as “a machine” as they aim to The former United captain pinned “Marcus will be out for a while, but he Mbappe’s charity, “Inspired by clinch their fi rst league title since much of the blame for the team’s current will get the time he needs to recover,” he KM”, was set up to help 98 chil- 1990, and has told BBC Sport he problems on the recruitment undertaken said. “He’s not had that injury before. He dren — a nod to his birth year — is “100%” happy in the French by chief executive Ed Woodward. But complained a little bit after the last time between the ages of nine and 16 capital as he continues to be with United still fi fth in the league and we played Burnley. We managed him as from various social backgrounds linked with Real Madrid. competing in three cup competitions, well as we could then. He had some days to accomplish “their dreams”. Liverpool have also been Solskjaer believes it is not the right time off for treatment, we took him off in some Last month, Mbappe put him- linked with Mbappe - regarded to start a blame game. games and then suddenly this was a new self forward for the French team by many as the best young player “We’ve just lost to Liverpool, who you injury.” at the Tokyo Olympics, while in the world - despite manager all say are fantastic and we have been in Solskjaer must now decide whether to adding he would not want to Jurgen Klopp saying the striker is the game until the last kick of the ball,” make a late move in the transfer window fi ght his club over taking part in out of his club’s price range. he said at his press conference on the eve for a striker to cover for Rashford’s ab- Japan. “Playing in the Olympics, “What Liverpool do in this of United’s Premier League game with sence. If he cannot bring anyone in, the I don’t control everything,” he moment is amazing,” Mbappe Burnley today. Norwegian will look to 18-year-old Ma- told France Football magazine. said. “They’re like a machine, “For me, that is strides forward. The son Greenwood and veteran midfi elder “Of course I want to go, but if they’ve found a rhythm and are signs are there that we’re on the right Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford faces at least six weeks on the sidelines Juan Mata — who scored the goal that my club, which is my employer, like ‘we play again, we play again’. track, defi nitely. For me, now is not the after he suff ered a stress fracture of the back. (AFP) knocked Wolves out of the FA Cup — to doesn’t want me to go, I won’t “They’ve lost zero games. time to talk about recruitment. We are try and plug the gap. force a clash.” When you watch you think eve- always looking to improve the squad, so Champions League spot — is not what we’re not where we want to be and should “Mason will get more chances now and He said he would hold talks rything’s easy but that’s not easy. now is not the time to start that discus- is expected of a club of United’s stature, be, historically,” he admitted. Juan will have to step up again,” he said. with PSG sporting director Le- The guys are focused, they play sion, Gary.” but the manager remains confi dent they “It’s down to us to work better and from “We know we’re stretched with the inju- onardo, who is said to be hesi- games every three days and they Fighting for fourth place — the fi nal are doing things to rectify that. “We know my experience in the 12, 13 months I’ve ries we’ve had but we’ll cope with that.” tant to allow Mbappe to play at win, they win, they win.”