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Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Jumada I 28, 1439 AH Rohit century helps GULF TIMES India secure series against South Africa SPORT Page 3 TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN Kvitova shines as seeds ease through to next round Wimbledon champion Muguruza picks up second-round victory; Konta, Georges post straight sets wins

By Sahan Bidappa faces former World No. 2 Agnieszka Doha Radwanska of Poland. Results, Order of Play On her fi ve-month forced injury hiatus in 2017, Kvitova said: “It was RESULTS 6-3, 6-1 he seeds were hardly made my biggest motivation to be back SINGLES 14-Magdalena Ryba- to sweat as Garbine Mugu- playing on the tennis court, com- Second round rikova (SVK) bt (WC) ruza, Petra Kvitova, Julia peting against the best players. The 4-Garbine Muguruza Fatma al Nabhani Georges and Johanna Konta dream came true, so I’m happy to be (ESP) bt (Q) Ying-Ying (OMA) 6-3, 6-1 allT won their matches convincingly in the draw again.” Duan (CHN) 6-3, 6-4 Samantha Stosur (AUS) at the Qatar Total Open yesterday. Fourth seed Muguruza too seemed First round bt Irina-Camelia Begu The stand out victory of the day to be taking Kvitova’s route until she 12-Madison Keys (USA) (ROU) 6-4, 6-2 at the Khalifa International Tennis was stretched by Duan Ying-Ying bt Qiang Wang (CHN) Carina Witthoeft (GER) and Squash Complex, though, came of China in the closing stages of the 6-1, 6-4 bt Tatjana Maria (GER) from Kvitova. The former World match. 11-Kristina Mladenevic 6-3, 6-0 No.1 has had a busy couple of weeks, Duan saved eight match points but (FRA) bt Chuai peng Serana Cirstea (ROU) winning her 21st title at the St. Pe- Muguruza was still too strong for the (CHN) 6-2, 6-4 bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) tersburg Ladies Trophy followed by Chinese as she cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 16-Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6-2, 6-3. two Fed Cup wins for Czech Repub- second-round victory. Muguruza was bt (WC) Carla Buyukak- lic in Prague over the weekend. playing her fi rst event since a surprise cay (TUR) 6-0, 6-3 DOUBLES (1st round) In fact, Kvitova arrived in Doha second round loss to Hsieh Su-Wei at 10-Johanna Konta 7-Hao-Ching Chan only on Monday night, but that the Australian Open. (GBR) bt (Q) Bernerda (TPE)/Zhaoxuan Yang hardly seemed to come in the way “It’s been a while since I am not Pera (USA) 7-6 (5), 6-1 (CHN) bt Oksana of two-time Wimbledon champion competing, and I played her actually Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Kalashnikova (GEO)/ cruising to the second round. recently in the US Open, and we had Anett Kontaveit (EST) Lidziya Marpzava If anything, she seemed to be in a tough match, and today was quite 6-2, 6-1 (BLR) 6-1, 4-6, 10-2 a rush to catch up on some sleep as similar, especially at the end,” Mu- 13-Anastasija Sevas- Gabriela Dabrowski she dispatched wildcard Cagla Buy- guruza said. “It was very interesting. tova (LAT) bt Donna (CAN)/Jelena Ostap- ukakcay of Turkey 6-0, 6-3 in less She was playing better, and took me Vekic (CRO) 6-3, 6-4 enko (LAT) bt Nicole than an hour. Kvitova is coming into a lot of match points, but it was just (Q) Marketa Von- Melichar (USA)/Kveta the season after a horrifi c knife at- an exciting end,” she added. drousova (CZE) bt Peschke (CZE) 4-6, 6-1, tack just over a year ago, where her No.10 seed Konta of Britain let Yulia Putinseva (KAZ) 10-8. left hand was injured badly. out a huge roar on Court No.1 after Kvitova is currently ranked 21st she knocked out American qualifi er Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in action against Duan Ying-Ying of China during their Qatar Total Open second round TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY and is seeded 16th in Doha, but Bernarda Pera 7-6 (5), 6-1 in her fi rst match at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma CENTRE COURT (Starts at 12:00 noon) she looks to be in fi ne form as the round match. Konta had suff ered a Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 27-year-old mounts a comeback to shock defeat to World No.113 Pera at Meanwhile, ninth seed Julia Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) vs Petra Kvitova (CZE) the top of the rankings. Yesterday’s the Australian Open second round Goerges played a near-fl awless fi rst Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) vs Simona Halep (ROU) victory was Kvitova’s eighth in a row last month and the Brit enjoyed set to storm past Lucie Safarova Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs Carina Witthoeft (GER) as she pummelled 34 winners on the avenging that loss yesterday. winning 6-1, 7-5 in just 66 minutes. Not Before 7pm centre court. “I’m very happy to have come In other results, 11th seed Madi- Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs Alizé Cornet (FRA) Buyukakcay could only watch as through that,” she said. “I knew go- son Keys of the US defeated Wang Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) vs Jelena Ostapenko Kvitova lost just four points out of ing into the match that it was go- Qiang 6-1, 6-4 of China, while 13th (LAT) a total 28 played in the fi rst set that ing to be tough, and it was actually seed Anastasija Sevastova recorded lasted just 19 minutes. Buyukak- similar conditions as it was in Mel- a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Donna Vekic. COURT 1 (from 3:30pm) cay made a valiant comeback in the bourne, although it’s a lot windier Romanian Fed Cup teammates Anna Blinkova (RUS) vs Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) second set, twice exchanging breaks today than it was in Melbourne. It Irina-Camelia Begu and Sorana Cir- Julia Goerges (GER) vs B Strycova (CZE) with Kvitova, but the Czech star makes it quite tricky to play against stea had mixed fortunes, with Begu Samantha Stosur (AUS) vs Angelique Kerber proved too strong, converting six of her, so I’m very happy to have fought falling to Samantha Stosur, 6-4, 6-2 (GER) her seven break-point opportunities through that and dealt with the and Cirstea defeating Maria Sakkari, and hitting four aces to close out the quick turnaround coming here from 6-2, 6-3. COURT 2 match in 56 minutes. Fed Cup as well. That was a good Fourteenth seed Magdalena Ry- Catherine Bellis (USA) vs Madison Keys (USA) “I’ve gotten some sleep, just a lit- challenge for me, and I’m just excit- barikova saw off Omani wildcard Johanna Konta (GBR) vs Carla Suárez Navarro tle bit. I’m happy to be here; it was ed that I get to play again tomorrow,” Fatma al-Nabhani, 6-3, 6-1, and Monica Niculescu (ROU) vs Magdalena Rybarikova defi nitely a tough schedule for me, added Konta, who will take on Carla Carina Witthoeft won the all-Ger- (SVK) but getting an eighth win is some- Suarez Navarro today. man clash with Tatjana Maria, 6-3, thing really nice for me. It’s been su- The 2016 champion Suarez Nav- 6-0. Alize Cornet defeated Anett COURT 3 per, really long since I’ve had such a arro came back from a set down to Kontaveit, 6-2, 6-1, while qualifi er Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) vs Naomi Osaka (JPN) good run. I’m just trying to continue beat Ukraine’s Kateryna Bondarenko Marketa Vondrousova posted a 6-3, Elise Mertens (BEL) vs Sorana Cirstea (ROU) with that,” said Kvitova, who next 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. 6-1 win over Yulia Putintseva. Britain’s Johanna Konta in action against Bernarda Pera of the USA yesterday.

BOTTOMLINE Taking positives from Australian Open, says Halep

By Sahan Bidappa fore dropping the fi nal fi ve games. hope that nothing will come back and I will be cause if you pay attention to yourself, it’s much Doha The Australian Open loss was equally a hard able to play,” Halep said. “My mind is set on the better. You don’t get distracted by anything. Just pill to swallow for Halep. She had saved match health fi rst. I have to be very sure that the foot is do your job on court.” points in two matches — in the third round okay and I can push. I’m ready because I prac- At the Australian Open, Halep also made news he smile is back on Simona Halep’s against the unseeded American Lauren Davis tised a few days. I practised today. I will practice for playing without a clothing sponsor after her face. The Romanian shed a few tears and in the titanic semi-fi nal against former No. again today here. So I feel that I’m ready to play, Adidas contract had expired. The red dress she after the heart-breaking loss in the fi - 1 Angelique Kerber. but tomorrow I will see exactly how it is.” wore during the tournament was something she nal of the Australian Open to Caroline But an ankle injury and a determined Wozni- A champion here in Doha in 2014, Halep will designed in a hurry, which was then hand-sewn WozniackiT last month. But a three-week break acki, who herself was chasing her maiden Slam open her campaign today against Russia’s Ekat- by a seamstress in China. It became a social me- from the game seems to have given Halep time — shattered Halep’s dream in a 2-hour-49- erina Makarova, against whom she has won her dia joke, with Halep saying in jest that she had to overcome the agonising defeat at Melbourne minute fi nal played on a sweltering Australian last two complete matches. For Halep, the next ordered her dress online. Park. summer. fi ve days also presents an opportunity to reclaim Yesterday, however she was all smiles as she Halep not just lost her No. 1 ranking to Woz- Now in Doha for the Qatar Total Open, after Everything was beautiful at that tournament, her No. 1 ranking. revealed that she had signed a deal with Nike, niacki in the aftermath of the Australian Open a much-needed break to her bruised body and even if I lost the fi nal, I took only the positives Seeded second, the Romanian must make the which the Romanian media reported to be worth defeat, she is now 0-3 in major single fi nals and recovering from mental fatigue, Halep is ready and I’m really motivated to go ahead. So every- quarter-fi nals to have a chance to unseat Woz- $2 million a year. Some money earned from that has lost all of them in three sets. to restart her season. Having had time to refl ect thing was really good for me. Also the game, I niacki. If both Halep and Wozniacki advance deal might go to shopping in Doha! Every time she thought she was closer to re- her Australian Open loss, she even said “every- changed a little bit, so I want just to keep it, and to the quarter-fi nals then Halep will need to go “Well, for sure the shopping,” Halep said alising her Grand Slam dream, the 27-year-old thing was beautiful at that tournament”. now just to play every match like there. But I will one round further than the Dane to overtake her. when asked what she liked about Doha. “And I has seen the trophy slip away. “It was really nice to see that the people ap- be careful with my health, of course,” she added. The two can only meet in the fi nal, and it would have already planned something. It’s a nice city. In the 2014 French Open fi nal, Halep lost 6-4, preciated the way I fought and the way I played,” Halep was back on court practising only last be quite a title clash if both women manage to The weather is perfect this period, and also the 6-7 (5), 6-4 to Maria Sharapova, while a free- Halep said yesterday at the Khalifa International week and hopes that her ankle and foot is ready come out unscathed till that stage. people are very nice with me. So I enjoy the time swinging unseeded 20-year-old Jelena Ostap- Tennis and Squash Complex. for match play for the upcoming hard-court “Everyone from Top 10 is able to win any here,” she added. enko from Latvia came back from the brink of “They also appreciated my speech, which tournaments. tournament and any match,” Halep said, not Halep might like Doha even more if she goes defeat to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, in last year’s French I was a little bit surprised because I didn’t feel “The foot is okay now, but I have just to play looking far ahead of herself. “So I’m just ready to on to lift the Qatar Total Open title this Sunday Open fi nal. Halep was up, 3-1, in the fi nal set be- that it was something special. But it was nice. an offi cial match to see if it stays like that. I really face anyone, and I’m just focusing on myself be- and wrestle back the No. 1 ranking. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS TENNIS Breaks, lighter schedules can help Dodgeball makes players improve, says Federer

Reuters — and what Rafa (Nadal) is doing foray into Qatar on Bengaluru also — is maybe a bit of a lighter schedule, and it shows to oth- ers by working or practising a bit wiss ace Roger Federer more... you become a diff erent or believes he has benefi ted better player.” from a lighter schedule World number one Nadal, who and says players should evenly split the four grand slam notS be afraid of taking breaks titles with Federer last season, National Sport Day from tennis to improve their also had a similar lay-off in 2016 game. with a wrist problem and came The 36-year-old was sidelined back stronger to take his major ‘The great thing about Qatar is that we embrace sports as part of our community’ for a signifi cant period in 2016 title tally to 16. with a knee injury and upon his “Say I go out for six months return in 2017, Federer competed and I only work on my serve- in just 12 tournaments and the and-volley game. I feel like I’d move appears to have paid off . be a diff erent player six months Federer, who stormed to his later but everybody’s scared to 20th major title at the Australian do it...,” Federer added. Open last month, says he under- “I hope I take that fear away stands the demands of the sport a little bit, that sometimes it’s after playing a full schedule for OK to take time. That would be over 15 years and believes that a wish for me: that players would players can improve from inter- read something into that — not vals. that they just start doing it be- “You can always play more if cause the top guys are doing it. you want to,” Federer told the “We’re doing it because we’re Guardian newspaper. older and we have thousands of “You can always play less if matches in our bodies. That’s you want to. I just hope people why we have to do it this way.” don’t think that what I’m doing Federer is set to play Belgian at 36 they can start doing at 25. I Ruben Bemelmans in the open- played full schedule from 1998 or ing round of the ABN Amro 1999 to 2016. Until I was injured. World Tennis event in Rotterdam “My philosophy is I play when today and is in contention to re- I’m ready... What I did last year claim the top spot in rankings.

Children take part in a dodgeball demonstration at Aspire Park yesterday.

Supreme Committee of and Legacy (SC) secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi (right) with World Dodgeball Association president Tom Hickson during the National Basic WDA dodgeball rules Sport Day celebrations at Aspire Park yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram Number of players: Six players a side sets, 15 minute halves. By Mikhil Bhat made a foray into Qatar, with the launch on court. Squads of 12, can inter- Gameplay: Throw the ball, if it hits the Doha of Qatar Dodgeball Federation yesterday. change between sets opponent without bouncing on the WDA, according to its president Tom Court: 17m x 8m floor, the player is out of the match. Hickson, has partnered with Ministry Balls: Five balls (diameter 7 inches) If a player throws the ball, and the op- upreme Committee of Delivery of Culture and Sport, and Aspire Zone in play at any given point in time. The posing team’s player catches the ball, and Legacy (SC) secretary-gen- Foundation to help lay the foundations balls are placed on the half line of the then the player who threw the ball is eral Hassan al-Thawadi has said in the country for a sport that many had court. The opening act is also called out of the match. Also, the player who that the National Sport Day (NSD) heard of through a 2004 comedy movie a ‘rush’, which involves players from catches the ball has the opportunity hasS spurred the participation of people in starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller. each team rushing towards the centre of bringing a teammate back into the sporting activities across the country. The movie, understandably so, may to pick up two balls for each side. The match. “The great thing about Qatar is that we not be an accurate portrayal of the sport, challenge is the fifth ball, which is You can score a point, by sending out embrace sports as part of our commu- but in reality, dodgeball will see its share placed in the centre, and the teams every player of the opposing team nity. I think there is always room for new of glamour and eyeballs when the 2018 generally place their fastest sprinter within a three-minute set. Or the team sports,” he said. edition of the World Cup is hosted at the in the middle to ensure they have the that has more members on the court “Since the inception (of NSD), there famed Madison Square Garden in New majority of the balls in possession to at the end of a set, scores a point. has been a huge spike in participa- York City in August. start with. At the end of 30 minutes, the team tion across various sporting disciplines. “The top 10 teams in the world, across Time: 30-minute matches, 3-minute with most points wins. Sports that were considered traditional three categories — men, women and ’s Roger Federer looks on during a training session at the in a certain way but participating in it mixed — will be participating in the tour- ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Monday. (AFP) wasn’t, now there is room and opportu- nament, with current champions, England Yesterday, the Englishman was at the not about being rigid around rules and nity for people to do so. Cycling, mara- (men and mixed) and Australia (women), Aspire Park, talking to visitors, kids, me- regulations, it’s about accessibility,” he thons, jiu-jitsu, combat sports, rugby, granted automatic entries,” Hickson said. dia and offi cials, hosting demo sessions said. SPOTLIGHT have all taken off . They have launched Teams have qualifi ed for the tourna- alongside. The Qatar federation, he said, com- dodgeball today, there is defi nitely going ment through continental qualifying “Qatar has some magnifi cent aspira- prises eight people at the moment, in- to be involvement in it.” tournaments in 2017. African qualifi - tions around wanting to engage in com- cluding board members and grassroots And so, World Dodgeball Association ers were held in Cairo, Asian in Kuala munity sport. Secondly, there are sport- coaches. “Ramy Ramzy is the current Runner-up Goffi n (WDA), with an eye on becoming “the Lumpur, Americas in Washington, DC, ing opportunities that dodgeball off ers head coach and executive board member, most accessible sport on the planet”, and European in Glasgow. in terms of accessibility, resonates with who is a national level qualifi ed coach. He cultural values here in Qatar, and is responsible for making sure that the makes fl ying start in it’s really about an opportunity grassroots programme, from the strate- for everyone to take part in a com- gic point of view, is embedded across the munity friendly sport. That’s why country,” Hickson said. Rotterdam we are here on the National Sport The others involved from WDA are Sin- Day,” Hickson told Gulf Times. gapore’s Emmanuel Tan, world body’s cur- DPA Cup fi nal to . The 32-year-old, who helped rent Africa and Middle East continental Rotterdam Goffi n beat the 101st-ranked establish the world governing manager Hany Nabil, and Hickson himself. Mahut for the fourth time in body a little more than four years “We are looking at Qatar from the glo- fi ve meetings, with the pair last ago, explained the process of es- bal partnership perspective, a potential avid Goffi n got to work squaring off in 2016. tablishing a federation. of being based out of here in the future,” shaking off his recent The fourth seed spent barely “So we have three main stages Hickson said. reputation as a runner- an hour in defeating the 35-year- — grassroots, competition, high “At the moment we are focused on up, with the fourth seed old Mahut, fi ring seven aces and performance. When you get to establishing new dodgeball activities, poweringD into the second round breaking four times. competitive elements, the inter- whether that’s in schools, universities, of the Rotterdam World Tennis Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, national rules guide of the WDA colleges, in places of work or sports clubs. 6-1, 6-3 over Nicolas Mahut yes- seeded ninth after the pre-event will apply. But at grassroots, it’s We want to make sure that grassroots terday. injury pullout of defending about engaging with people, dodgeball is available everywhere.” After winning Asian titles in champion and eighth seed Jo- Shenzhen and Tokyo last au- Wilfried Tsonga, lost to Russian tumn, the Belgian then played qualifi er Daniil Medvedev 6-4, TENNIS / NEW YORK OPEN the fi nal of the ATP year-end 7-6 (9). event in London in November, Muller had to fi ght as he saved losing to Grigor Dimitrov, this 11 of 14 break points in defeat. week’s second seed in Rotterdam Serb Viktor Troicki beat Ger- Harrison denies wrongdoing behind Roger Federer. man Jan-Lennard Struff 1-6, In addition, Goffi n fi nished 7-6 (5), 6-2. Philipp Kohlsch- runner-up at the 2017 Dutch reiber earned a German win as aft er clash with Young tournament and played on the he stopped Karol Khachanov of Reuters was actually said between the pair, Belgian side, which lost the Davis Russia 3-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5). New York but Harrison was quick to respond. “The accusations made by Donald Young tonight following our match yan Harrison has denied any are absolutely untrue,” he said on wrongdoing after comments Twitter. by fellow American Donald “I’m extremely disappointed that Young following their stormy someone would say this in reaction fiR rst-round clash at the New York to a lost tennis match. Any video/ Open on Monday. audio will 100 percent clear me and I The two players had a heated debate encourage anyone with the available at a change of ends during the match resources to fi nd it.” won by world number 44 Harrison, Straight after the match Harrison with the intervening to calm gave an interview in which he said any the situation. bad feeling had been in the heat of the Following his 6-3, 7-6 (4) defeat moment. Young took to Twitter to off er his “At the end of the day, you see eve- views on what had happened. rybody, you like everybody and you “I’m shocked and disappointed, want to be friends and friendly with Ryan Harrison, to hear you tell me how everybody, but everybody out here I you really feel about me as a black tennis compete against, even the ones I like, player in the middle of our NY match. they are the ones trying to take away “I thought this was supposed to be my livelihood,” he said. an inclusive gentleman’s sport,” the “I have to do what I can to get 28-year-old world number 65 said. through, and I was proud of myself for Young did not elaborate on what doing that.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 3 CRICKET

TWENTY20 TRI-SERIES Williamson fi res Kiwis to victory over England AFP after three straight T20 losses. Hales blasted three sixes and six fours (Williamson), 5-181 (Chapman) Wellington “The obviously played a lot bet- in 24 balls to depart on 47, and England : Willey 4-0-36-0, Wood 4-0-51-2 ter than everyone thought and produced a looked comfortable as they reached 95 (3w), Jordan 4-0-34-1 (2w), Plunkett 4-0- really good game,” said Buttler, who was for two. However when a dawdling James 33-0 (2w), Rashid 4-0-36-2 aptain Kane Williamson silenced standing in as captain for the injured Eoin Vince was run out by Williamson, it start- England his critics with a half century as Morgan. Williamson said it was a crucial ed a steady stream of that stole J. Roy c Boult b Southee ...... 8 New Zealand defeated England win for New Zealand, who can seal a spot England’s momentum. A. Hales c de Grandhomme b Sodhi .....47 by 12 runs in the fourth match of in the fi nal of the triangular series with a valiantly tried to revive D. Malan c Boult b Santner ...... 59 theC T20 tri-series in Wellington yester- win over Australia on Friday in Auckland. the innings with 59 off 40 balls, but the J. Vince run out (Williamson) ...... 10 day, severely denting the tourists’ hopes On a personal note, his captain’s knock only other batsman to off er any resistance J. Buttler c Southee b Sodhi ...... 2 of making the fi nal. was also rewarding after he had come un- was David Willey, whose departure on 21 S. Billings c Sodhi b Santner ...... 12 Williamson top-scored with 72 from 46 der fi re for a recent lean spell in the short- spelled the end of England’s chances. D. Willey run out (Seifert) ...... 21 balls and opener Martin Guptill contrib- est form of the game. C. Jordan b Boult ...... 6 uted 65 as the Black Caps battled to a tight “There’s been a number of occasions SCOREBOARD L. Plunkett b Boult ...... 0 victory over England. recently when I’ve wanted to contribute New Zealand A. Rashid ...... 8 The hosts had set a target of 197, and more, so it was nice to spend some time in M. Guptill c Plunkett b Rashid ...... 65 M. Wood not out ...... 5 restricted England to 184 for nine in reply. the middle today,” he said. C. Munro c Billings b Wood ...... 11 Extras (b2, w2, lb2) ...... 6 The result leaves Jos Buttler’s men New Zealand’s move to shore up the K. Williamson b Jordan ...... 72 Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) ...... 184 without a win in the series after losses to also paid off as former Hong Kong C. de Grandhomme c Jordon b Rashid .0 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Roy), 2-79 (Hales), Australia in their previous two matches. international Mark Chapman made a use- M. Chapman c Billings b Wood ...... 20 3-95 (Vince), 4-109 (Buttler), 5-129 (Bill- Buttler put the hosts in after winning ful cameo of 20 off 13 on his New Zealand R. Taylor not out...... 1 ings), 6-158 (Malan), 7-168 (Jordan), 8-168 the toss, hoping an mottled-looking debut. But the target was still achievable T. Seifert not out ...... 14 (Plunkett), 9-172 (Willey) drop-in pitch with huge bald patches given Westpac Stadium’s small bounda- Extras (b1, lb5, w7) ...... 13 Bowling: Boult 4-0-46-2, Santner 4-0-29- would prove unplayable. But the gamble ries, and England shrugged off the early Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) ...... 196 2 (w1), Southee 4-0-30-1 (w1), Sodhi 4-0- backfi red as the wicket held up and New loss of Jason Roy as fellow opener Alex Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Munro), 2-121 49-2, Munro 2-0-11-0, de Grandhomme New Zealand’s Kane Williamson bats during the first match Zealand’s batsmen fi nally hit their stride Hales took up the cudgels. (Guptill), 3-121 (de Grandhomme), 4-169 2-0-15-0. against England at Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday. (AFP)

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Qatar beat Uganda Rohit century helps in Twenty20 match By Sports Reporter Doha

atar registered a su- perb 14-run victory over visiting Uganda in National Sport Day India secure series Twenty20Q match at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium yesterday. Qatar’s Noman Sarvar ‘It was a long time coming. I just had to keep myself in a good frame of mind. I Batting fi rst, Qatar lost six wickets for just 49 runs in 10 Uganda slumped to 97 for seven. didn’t feel I had to change a lot and I knew that the runs would come’ overs against the fi ne spells In the next over, Chaudhry sent of Deusdedit Muhumuza and back Muhumuza to make it 98 AFP Charles Waiswa. for eight. In the remaining two Port Elizabeth Qatar bounced back through overs, Qatar looked better off an unbeaten 72-run seventh- as they needed two wickets and wicket stand between Noman Uganda required 23 runs. ohit Sharma’s century Sarvar and Mohamed Rizlan. The hosts picked another helped India wrap up Sarvar had a boundary in 32-ball wicket through Mohamed Awais the One Day Interna- 35 not out, while Rizlan smashed and the tourists ended with 107 tional series against two sixes and a four during his for nine, falling short of the tar- hostsR South Africa with a 73- knock of 35 not out. Uganda’s get by 14 runs. run victory at St George’s Park Deusdedit Muhumuza claimed Qatar’s Sarvar was declared yesterday. three for 10, while Charles the Man of the Match for his all- India took an unassailable Waiswa clinched two for 19. round contribution (35 not out 4-1 lead in the six-match series Uganda, who had beaten Qatar and one wicket). as Sharma fi nally came good in previous two matches – one with the bat, scoring 115 after T20 game and other 50-over- BRIEF SCORES India were asked to bat fi rst and a-side game, appeared to be Qatar beat Uganda by 14 runs amassed 274 for seven wickets cantering towards the victory Qatar 121 for six in 20 overs in their 50 overs. with Riazat Ali Shah and Irfan (Noman Sarvar 35 not out in 32 South Africa, who needed Sahibzada getting the runs with balls, Mohamed Rizlan 35 runs victory to keep alive their hopes ease. But, Mohamed Nadeem in 35 balls, Mohamed Tanveer 22 of levelling the series, were all triggered a collapse as his three in 16 balls, Charles Waiswa 2/19, out for 201 in response. for 12 lifted the hosts to a superb Deusdedit Muhumuza 3/10) India replace South Africa 14-run victory. Uganda 107 for nine in 20 overs at the top of the International Nadeem in his fourth and fi - (Riazat Ali Shah 23 runs in 26 Cricket Council’s ODI rankings. nal over removed Riazat (23 in balls, Irfan Sahibzada 22 off 15 India’s ODI series victory came 26 balls) and Frank Nsubuga (0). balls, Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry after they lost 2-1 in the three And in between, Brian Msaba (0) 2/17, Mohamed Nadeem 3/12) tests played between the two was run out brilliantly. Man of the Match: Noman countries last month. From a healthy-looking score, Sarvar (Qatar). Sharma had struggled with his batting on tour but got In- dia off to a storming start as Aussie paceman Bird out of South Africa tour he fi nally found form. He was dropped on 96 by Tabraiz Paceman Jackson Bird was ruled out of Australia’s Test squad Shamsi before going onto make for South Africa with a hamstring injury and replaced by fellow his 17th ODI century, reached speedster Chadd Sayers. Bird pulled his hamstring while bowling in off just 107 balls. a domestic match in Brisbane last weekend and is expected to be “It was a long time coming. I sidelined for up to three weeks, opening the door for the uncapped just had to keep myself in a good Sayers. “It’s disappointing for Jackson, but it is exciting for Chadd at frame of mind. I didn’t feel I had India batsman Rohit Sharma in action during the fifth match against South Africa at St. George Park in Port Elizabeth the same time,” Australian captain Steve Smith said. to change a lot and I knew that yesterday. (AFP) “It’s kind of a like for like sort of bowler, they’re pretty similar. They the runs would come,” he said both stand the seam up nicely and Chadd’s been rewarded for what after being named man of the could not stem the inevitable. SCOREBOARD he has done in Shield cricket over the last couple of years, which is match. Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the great.” Sayers was the leading wicket-taker in the Sheff ield Shield But his dismissal, for India’s tail to fi nish with 4-57 in his 10 India A. Markram c Kohli b Bumrah ...... 32 last season with 62 victims. fourth wicket, precipitated a overs. S. Dhawan c Phehlukwayo b Rabada ...... 34 J. Duminy c Sharma b Pandya ...... 1 mini collapse as 21-year-old “We lost wickets in clumps R. Sharma c Klaasen b Ngidi ...... 115 A. de Villiers c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 6 fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi and never got any momentum V. Kohli run out (Duminy) ...... 36 D. Miller b Chahal ...... 36 took four wickets in quick suc- although it was a decent tally to A. Rahane run out (Morkel) ...... 8 H. Klaasen st Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 39 DEVELOPMENT cession to fi nish with fi gures of chase,” South Africa’s stand-in S. Iyer c Klaasen b Ngidi ...... 30 A. Phehlukwayo b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 0 4-51. captain Aiden Markram said. H. Pandya c Klaasen b Ngidi ...... 0 K. Rabada c Chahal b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 3 India’s last 10 overs produced The last match of the series M. Dhoni c Markram b Ngidi ...... 13 M. Morkel lbw b Chahal ...... 1 only 55 runs and handed South is at Centurion in Pretoria on B. Kumar not out ...... 19 T. Shamsi c Pandya b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 0 Stokes to join England Africa a gettable target at a run Friday and will be followed by K Yadav not out ...... 2 L. Ngidi not out ...... 4 rate of 5.50. three Twenty20 clashes. Extras (b1, lb9, w7) ...... 17 Extras (lb6, w2) ...... 8 But the hosts were 65-3 when Most of South Africa’s Test Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 274 Total (42.2 overs) ...... 201 in New Zealand AB de Villiers went cheaply af- players will sit out a three- Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Dhawan), 2-153 (Kohli), Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Markram), 2-55 (Duminy), ter a rash shot in the 13th over match Twenty20 series against 3-176 (Rahane), 4-236 (Sharma), 5-236 (Pandya), 3-65 (De Villiers), 4-127 (Miller), 5-166 (Amla), AFP Wednesday 14 February, and and once Hashim Amla depart- India, starting at the Wanderers 7-265 (Dhoni) 6-168 (Phehlukwayo), 7-196 (Rabada), 8-197 Bristol, United Kingdom will arrive on Friday 16 Febru- ed for 71 after a needless run Stadium on Sunday. JP Duminy, Bowling: Morkel 10-2-44-0 (1w), Rabada 9-0-58-1 (Klaasen), 9-197 (Shamsi) ary, ready to train with England out, home hopes were dashed. who has retired from Test crick- (1w), Ngidi 9-1-51-4 (2w), Phehlukwayo 8-0-34-0 Bowling: Kumar 7-0-43-0, Bumrah 7-0-22-1, teammates in Hamilton.” A cameo 39 from wicket- et, will captain a squad which (1w), Duminy 4-0-29-0 (2w), Shamsi 10-0-48-0 Pandya 9-0-30-2 (1w), Kuldeep Yadav 10-0-57-4, en Stokes will join the The statement said any deci- keeper Heinrich Klaasen, who includes only batsman AB de South Africa Chahal 9.2-0-43-2 (1w) England squad in New sion to include him in upcoming had been the hero of South Af- Villiers of the country’s likely H. Amla run out (Pandya) ...... 71 Result: India won by 73 runs Zealand after the star matches would be made by the rica’s victory in the last match, fi rst-choice Test players. all-rounder pleaded not England management team. guiltyB yesterday to a charge of af- He is not currently being con- fray over a nightclub incident that sidered for the ongoing Inter- FOCUS forced him out of the Ashes tour. national Twenty20 tri-series The 26-year-old all-rounder against New Zealand and Aus- appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ tralia. Court in the southwest of Eng- England start a fi ve-match Khan skittles Zimbabwe to give Afghanistan victory land along with two other men one-day international series and will next appear at Bristol against New Zealand on Febru- AFP fi rst, but collapsed from 117-3 to 154 all pressed opening the bowling with his B of World Cup qualifying on March 6. Crown Court on March 12. ary 25, followed by two Tests. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates out as 19-year-old Khan fi nished with leg-breaks and claimed the key wicket of Qualifi cation for the 10-team World The England and Wales Cricket “(The) ECB fully respects his fi gures of 5-24. Rahmat Shah and Na- second-match centurion Brendan Taylor Cup in England and Wales next year Board issued a statement shortly right to defend himself in court sir Jamal both struck half-centuries in on his way to 3-45. would continue Afghanistan’s remarka- after Stokes’s fi rst court appear- and any obligations he has with- eg-spin sensation Rashid Khan Afghanistan’s reply as they wrapped up Big-hitting Afghanistan wicketkeeper ble rise, with the war-torn nation to play ance confi rming his travel plans in the legal process will always took fi ve wickets as Afghanistan victory with 22.3 overs remaining. Mohamed Shahzad – continuing his re- their maiden Test match against India at but he is not expected to make an take precedence over England cruised to a six-wicket win over Zimbabwe recovered from 44-3 with turn from a drugs ban – fell early, but Bangalore in June. immediate return after nearly fi ve commitments,” added the state- Zimbabwe in the third one-day Sikandar Raza hitting 38 and Craig Er- Shah and Jamal combined to put on 69, months out of the side. ment. Linternational at Sharjah yesterday. vine 39, but both fell LBW to Khan as before Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah “Having entered his plea at Stokes, who missed England’s BRIEF SCORES The Afghans now lead the series 2-1 the teenager, who was bought by Sun- Zadran fi nished the job with some lusty Zimbabwe 154 all out in 34.3 overs (Rash- Bristol Magistrates’ Court today, 4-0 Ashes drubbing after be- with two matches remaining, as the risers Hyderabad for $1.41 million in last blows. id Khan 5-24, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3-45) v Ben Stokes will now travel to ing suspended from playing for teams warm up for the 2019 World Cup month’s IPL auction, ran through the Afghanistan will look to win the series Afghanistan 158-4 in 27.3 overs (Rahmat New Zealand to join the England England, appeared at the court qualifi ers in Zimbabwe next month. middle order. in the fourth ODI at Sharjah on Friday, Shah 56, Nasir Jamal 51) squad,” said an ECB spokesman. in Bristol along with Ryan Ali Zimbabwe won the toss and batted Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 16, again im- with the sides set to meet again in Group Afghanistan won by six wickets “He departs tomorrow, and Ryan Hale. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS

ALPINE SKIING FOCUS Japanese vows to clear name in fi rst Hirscher dominates Olympics drug case

AFP testers who took two samples. Pyeongchang “Both samples tested posi- tive,” said the head of the del- egation, who is also the vice- apanese short-track president of the Japan Olympic tough course for fi rst speed skater Kei Saito Committee. vowed to clear his name Short-track speed skater Saito ‘I was in the top 30 which shows we yesterday after testing was a member of Japan’s 3,000m positiveJ for a banned substance relay team that fi nished third at made the right decision... because if in the fi rst doping case to hit the the 2013 and 2014 world junior Pyeongchang Olympics. championships. you’re in the top 30 you have a real The 21-year-old is the fi rst He was pencilled in as a sub- Japanese to test positive at a stitute for the 5,000m yesterday gold medal chance for a medal’ Winter Olympics and he was and could have raced in other immediately thrown out of the events in Pyeongchang. AFP Games on Monday. Saito was summoned before a Pyeongchang The case will no doubt em- CAS tribunal on Monday follow- barrass Japan, organisers of the ing the positive tests for aceta- Summer Games in 2020, and zolamide, a medication used to ustrian ace Marcel Hir- again forces the drug issue to the treat complaints ranging from scher’s long wait for fore after Russia were formally epilepsy to heart failure. Olympic gold ended banned for state-sponsored However, it works also as a yesterday when he pro- doping. masking agent that can hide ducedA a brilliant slalom run to Saito returned positive tests or make it harder for testers to storm to a dominant victory in for acetazolamide, an unauthor- detect the presence of doping the men’s alpine combined. ised diuretic which can be used products. claimed sil- to mask powerful performance- Saito said he was innocent of ver for France with his teammate enhancing drugs. any wrongdoing and had been Victor Muff at-Jeandet taking an “I want to fi ght to prove my tested prior to the Games, on astonishing bronze after fi nish- innocence because I don’t re- January 29, and been found to be ing 29th fastest in the opening member (taking the drug) and drug-free. downhill. it’s incomprehensible,” Saito “As for the test results this Hirscher, 28, has been the said in a statement. time, the only possibility I can outstanding skier in the World The Court of Arbitration for think of is that I accidentally Cup in recent years, his 55 career Sport (CAS), which handles and unconsciously put a banned wins the bedrock of a startling doping cases during the Games, substance in my mouth,” he six consecutive overall crystal said Saito had left the athletes’ added. globes. Olympic Village voluntarily and He had no need to ingest Already guaranteed to go would be provisionally suspend- masking agents, he said. down in alpine history as one of ed from all competition pending “I’ve never used body- the best skiers of all time, Hir- a full investigation. enhancing drugs so I don’t scher had said he was after an The head of the Japa- think about hiding it,” he said. “amazing” Olympic gold to cap nese Olympic delegation in “There’s no merit or motive for his career, his previous best a Pyeongchang, Yasuo Saito, said me in using this medicine.” slalom silver from Sochi four the skater was the fi rst Japanese The IOC and anti-doping au- years ago. athlete to test positive for doping thorities have stepped up test- Hirscher admitted he had at a Winter Olympic Games. ing for the Pyeongchang Games thought of Olympic glory “every The athlete was “surprised following revelations of a state- day”. and dismayed” by the outcome sponsored doping scheme at the “Now it is over and this is a of the drugs test, he said. last Winter Olympics in Sochi, positive thing!” he said. Saito, a human biology stu- Russia in 2014. The racer had played down his dent whose sister Hitomi is also The entire Russian team was medal hopes in the combined competing in Pyeongchang, ar- banned from Pyeongchang but following a couple of mediocre rived at the Athletes Village on a loophole allowed 168 “clean” downhill training runs. February 4. athletes to compete as inde- “We had no expectations for Gold medallist (centre) of Austria, silver medallist Alexis Pinturault (left) of France and bronze medallist Victor Muff at-Jean- He was woken up at 2:00am pendent athletes under a neutral this combined,” he said. det of France on the podium of Alpine combined at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics yesterday. (Reuters) the following morning by doping fl ag. “We made a decision to start here, which was a high risk deci- this season on the Pinturault, winner of Bormio’s the combined back in Torino in MEDALS TABLE sion because (Norwegian slalom World Cup circuit, Austria’s World Cup combined in Decem- 2006. rival) Henrik Kristoff ersen has favourite sporting son stepped ber. “He was just stronger than The Norwegian threat petered Country G S B T already had fi ve days’ training up to the gate and promptly me today.” out disappointingly despite two- Germany 5 2 2 9 slalom. What if I’d fi nished 20th, delivered the fastest time of Muff at-Jeandet laid down a time former world combined Netherlands 4 4 2 10 people would be asking whether 45.96sec. slalom run just one-hundredth champion Norway 3 5 3 11 that was the right decision or It was an aggressive yet meas- of a second slower than Hirscher, fi nishing second fastest in the Canada 3 4 3 10 not.” ured piece of skiing that gave paying the price for a big mistake downhill. US 3 1 2 6 There was to be no messing him a combined time of 2min on the top third of the downhill. Svindal, 35, was a non-starter France 2 1 2 5 on a downhill course shortened 06.52sec, 0.23sec ahead of Pin- “I was so annoyed by the down- in the slalom, while team-mate Sweden 2 1 0 3 because of blustery winds, how- turault, with Muff at-Jeandet at hill,” he said. , fourth fastest in Austria 2 0 0 2 ever, and the canny Austrian took 1.02sec. “But at the end of the day I the downhill, eventually came in Italy 1 1 1 3 full advantage of the abbreviated “I was the favourite after the stayed very focused. I always be- seventh, 2.15sec off the pace and South Korea 1 0 1 2 run to fi nish an impressive 12th downhill,” said Pinturault, who lieved in it.” one place behind a third French- OAR 0 1 4 5 fastest, 1.32sec off German Tho- was 10th fastest in the speed It was France’s fi rst podium man, Thomas Mermillod Japan 0 1 2 3 mas Dressen’s lead time. event and started his slalom with showing in the combined since Blondin. Czech Republic 0 1 1 2 “I was in the top 30 which a 0.28sec lead over Hirscher. Henri Oreiller (gold) and James Among the top eight, Aus- Australia 0 1 0 1 shows we made the right deci- “But after what Marcel has Couttet (bronze) in 1948. trian pair China 0 1 0 1 sion... because if you’re in the shown since the start of the sea- Austrian slalom specialist and reigning Olympic downhill Switzerland 0 1 0 1 top 30 you have a real chance for son, especially in slalom, it was was fourth, one champion , along Slovakia 0 1 0 1 a medal,” Hirscher said. very tough for me to be able to place ahead of American Ted with Italian duo Dominik Finland 0 0 2 2 Japan’s Kei Saito skates ahead of South Korea’s Lim Hyo-Jun during Come the slalom, a discipline come close. Ligety, who was seeking a third and Peter Fill, all failed to fi nish Kazakhstan 0 0 1 1 the men’s 500m short track semi-finals at the first winter Youth in which he has won six times “I’m just very happy,” said Olympic gold medal having won the slalom course. Olympic Games in Innsbruck. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Kim melts hearts with tearful snowboarding gold AFP who found time to take to Twitter between Pyeongchang runs to complain she was having trouble Canada sweep past Swiss for first keeping down her breakfast. mixed doubles gold “I wanted to go bigger and better on that merican teenage sensation Chloe third run,” said the four-time X Games Canada were crowned the first Olympics mixed doubles curling Kim romped to Olympic snow- champion. “I messed up on my second run champions yesterday, claiming gold with a 10-3 blowout win over boarding gold in the women’s so I’m kind of annoyed but I got redemp- world champions Switzerland. The victory placed John Morris halfpipe yesterday before burst- tion on my third. and Kaitlyn Lawes in elite company, the Canadians adding their ingA into tears as the enormity of her “Those were obviously tears of joy,” Kim names to a short list of four curlers who have won two Olympic achievement sunk in. joked after the medallists were presented gold medals. Lawes, a member of Canada’s gold medal women’s The 17-year-old, who has melted the with cuddly toys. team in Sochi, and Morris, part of the men’s gold medal foursome hearts of home fans in Pyeongchang thanks “The mascots are cute but standing on at the 2010 Vancouver Games, got the Pyeongchang Games off to to her ever-ready smile and Korean herit- top of that podium was an insane feeling.” a rocky start by dropping their opener but that would be their only age, justifi ed her status as the hot favourite Kim also revealed that her number one blemish on an otherwise flawless run to the gold medal. with an eye-popping top score of 98.25. fan — her Seoul-based grandmother — had Swiss pair Jenny Perret and Martin Rios added an Olympic silver to Kim had been assured of gold before her been in the crowd cheering her on. their world championship title. “You never know how many times pulsating fi nal run after China’s Liu Jiayu “I actually only found out my grandma you are going to get to an Olympics, it’s such a privilege if you can crashed on her last descent. was at the bottom before my second run,” get to one,” Morris told reporters. Pumping her fi sts after fi nishing with she said. “The pressure is always on whether you are a hockey player or a back-to-back 1080 spins, Kim was ser- “So I thought ‘this one’s for grams!’ I Chloe Kim of the US celebrates her snowboarding victory in the Pyeongchang Winter hockey fan everyone wants you to bring home the gold and it just enaded by a pumped-up crowd chanting: can’t wait to go shopping with her.” Olympics yesterday. (Reuters) feels so great that we were able to do that.” “Chloe Kim, Chloe Kim!” While his daughter was bewitching the The final was at first a strategic tug-of-war between Olympic and But after wrapping herself in the Ameri- local fans, Kim’s father, Jong Jin, was spot- Bach for Nobel peace prize? No ‘formal discussion’, says IOC world champions with Canada scoring two in the opening end and can fl ag, Kim was suddenly overcome with ted waving a hand-made sign which read: the Swiss answering with a pair in the second. But the turning- emotion and the tears fl owed as she cel- “Go, Chloe!” Olympic off icials played down a sugges- When asked if Bach should be proposed point came early in the third end when Rios missed a takeout and ebrated with her Korean parents. Afterwards, the proud father admitted to tion that the unified Korean ice hockey for the prize, after helping broker North Lawes with her final stone made a superb raise tap to give Canada “I’m a little overwhelmed,” she said af- feeling the pressure of his daughter’s quest team could be nominated for the Nobel Korea’s attendance, Adams said: “There’s a four and a commanding 6-2 lead the Swiss could never over- ter composing herself. “I don’t really know for Olympic gold. Peace Prize and said there had been “no no formal discussion yet at all.” come. what’s happening and I’m actually feeling a “It was very stressful because the media formal discussion” about proposing IOC Bach is scheduled to visit North Korea After Canada scored a pair in the fifth end and stole a pair in the little anxious right now. kept saying Chloe was going to win,” he told chief Thomas Bach for the honour. after the Games, where their athletes sixth the Swiss waved the white flag, conceding the gold to Lawes “There was a lot of pressure,” added Kim, AFP. Mark Adams, spokesman for the Inter- marched together with South Korea at and Morris with two ends still to play. who was so good at 13 she might have won “But nobody knows. We can control the national Olympic Committee, said there the opening ceremony. “The game of mixed doubles the strategy is off ence,” said Morris. gold in Sochi — but she was too young to process but we can’t control the result. I had been “no consideration whatsoever” The two Koreas also formed their first “That’s why I think it is such a great sport because when you get compete. never thought about gold. All I ever think within the body of nominating the joint unified Olympic team in the women’s ice up a few points unlike team curling where you can coast and play “You wait for four years and it’s pretty about is how dangerous snowboarding is Korean team, following a suggestion by hockey. defensive, the best defence in mixed-doubles is a good off ence you nerve-wracking. There defi nitely was a lot and what if she falls,” added the worried American IOC member Angela Ruggiero. North Korea’s participation has triggered have to keep the pressure on. “As a result you are either going to of hype but I’m proud of how I was able to dad. “From an IOC administrative level there’s a burst of reconciliation with South get games that are 12-11 or games that are lopsided.” handle the pressure today.” “But grandma of course was very happy. been no consideration whatsoever of Korea, including a visit by Kim Jong-un’s For all the success Canada has had in the traditional format, win- Liu claimed silver with a score of 89.75 She’s very sweet to Chloe and when she this. Obviously members are able to sister Kim Yo-jong and an invitation to ning the last three Olympic gold in the men’s competition and the points and American Arielle Gold the goes to church next I’m sure she’s going have their own personal views... but Pyongyang for South Korean leader women’s twice, the curling powerhouse has never won a mixed bronze four points further back. to tell all her friends about Chloe’s gold there’s been no discussion,” he said. Moon Jae-in. doubles world title. But neither looked like threatening Kim, medal.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 5 SPORT

NHL Coyotes send Blackhawks to sixth loss in row Reuters ripped a shot from the left point, hopes by making 27 saves in his and Drake Caggiula scored. Chicago and Domi defl ected it in the slot. return to action after missing six Not only did the Oilers sur- The puck eluded Anton Fors- games due to a groin injury. render the fi rst goal in a game berg, the start of a forgettable The Oilers, on a night when for the 33rd time in 55 outings, he Chicago Blackhawks’ night for the Blackhawks goalie. they honoured the 1984-85 but they were torched for three longest losing streak Keller made it 2-0 at 9:22, team that was voted the greatest more power-play goals against. in six years continued rapping in the rebound of a in league history on the NHL’s Edmonton has allowed 38 man- Monday night, this time Derek Stepan shot for his 16th website, received a major blow advantage markers in its 28 Tfor the benefi t of the NHL’s marker of the season. Keller took to their playoff chances. What home games. Goalie Cam Talbot worst team. advantage of a giveaway behind started out a sleepy Monday af- stopped 33 shots for the Oilers, Max Domi, Clayton Keller, the Chicago net and fed Stepan, fair between two non-conference who are now on a four-game Alex Goligoski and Tobias Rieder then backhanded the puck past clubs became a wild and crazy losing skid. The score was 3-3 each notched a goal and an as- Forsberg. Alex DeBrincat drew clash because the defensive play before Trocheck put the visi- sist while Antti Raanta made the Blackhawks within 2-1 on a and goaltending provided memo- tors on top 18 seconds into the 37 saves as the Arizona Coyotes power-play tally at 4:33 of the ries of mid-1980s hockey. third period. His second power- cruised to a 6-1 win at Gila River second period, taking advantage For the Panthers, Evgenii Da- play goal of the night, at 6:05 of Arena in Glendale, Ariz. of a Lance Bouma screen to wire a donov scored twice, his second the third, doubled the lead, but It was just the 14th victory in slapper past Raanta from atop the on a third-period penalty shot Slepyshev replied for Edmon- 56 games for Arizona, which has left circle. The goal was DeBrin- that ended up being the game- ton 48 seconds later. Dadonov’s a league-low 38 points. However, cat’s 20th, making him the second Arizona Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta (left) and defenseman Alex Goligoski celebrate after defeating the winner, while Aaron Ekblad and penalty shot put Florida up 6-4 the Coyotes led 2-0 before the rookie this season to reach 20. Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 in their NHL game at Gila River Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Denis Malgin added singles. at 10:46, but McDavid’s goal fi rst period was half-over and Chicago’s momentum lasted Ekblad, Malgin, Jonathan Hu- at 14:58 kept the Oilers close. answered Chicago’s only goal only 2:33. With Arizona short- Jeff Glass came into the game, seventh tally of the season. scored two power-play goals in berdeau, Michael Matheson and Trocheck’s empty-netter with with four unanswered markers to handed, Goligoski took a wrister but was beaten by Rieder on a Nick Cousins added his 10th the third period, then completed Keith Yandle also had two-point exactly a minute left sealed the enjoy a rare two-point evening. at a bad angle along the left rebound at 9:33 of the second goal on a defl ection of Goli- the hat trick with an empty-netter nights for the visitors. Panthers’ victory. The Blackhawks fell to 0-5-1 boards that squirted through period. Glass made the initial goski’s shot at 7:11 of the third as the visiting Florida Panthers For the Oilers, Patrick Maroon in a six-game losing streak. Forsberg’s pads for his seventh save on Christian Fischer’s shot, period. Christian Dvorak fi n- beat the Edmonton Oilers 7-5 on and Connor McDavid collected RESULTS Domi got the scoring started goal. It was the end of Forsberg’s but Rieder pounced on the puck ished the scoring with his ninth Monday night at Rogers Place. one goal and one assist apiece, Toronto 4 Tampa Bay 3 92 seconds into the game with night, as he allowed three goals and swatted a backhander into goal on a wrister at 15:38. Florida goalie James Reimer while Leon Draisaitl, also on a Florida 7 Edmonton 5 his fourth goal. Jakob Chychrun on only 13 shots. the net for a power-play goal, his Meanwhile, Vincent Trocheck buoyed his team’s shaky playoff penalty shot, Anton Slepyshev Arizona 6 Chicago 1

NBA SPOTLIGHT Bjorn, Johnston to lead strong fi eld in LaVine lift s Bulls Indian Open golf

AFP lead Europe in this year’s Ryder New Delhi Cup at Le Golf National in Paris — has claimed 15 European tour titles. yder Cup captain Tho- Johnston will bolster the list past Magic, Jazz mas Bjorn and popular of marquee players, which will England golfer Andrew include Argentina’s Emiliano Johnston will head a Grillo — a PGA Tour winner and ‘Everybody wants to have the ball in their strongR fi eld at the 54th Hero In- member of the 2017 Presidents dian Open in March. Cup team. Sharma, 21, will be hands at the end of games. But you have to They will join top Indian play- the local favourite, having won ers including rising star Shub- two European Tour events in- have the confidence and the ability to do it’ hankar Sharma and defending cluding the $3mn Maybank on a roll champ SSP Chawrasia in the Championship in Malaysia in AFP event which off ers $1.75mn in under two months. Los Angeles prize money. Sharma — ranked 71st in the The Asian Tour tournament is world — will be joined by Indian co-sanctioned by the European stars Shiv Kapur, Team Asia cap- ach LaVine’s scored 18 Tour. tain Arjun Atwal and past tour- points but his biggest “The Indian Open has be- nament winner Anirban Lahiri at contributions came late come a key date on the Asian the DLF Golf and Country Club in the game as the Chi- Tour schedule over the years and in Gurgaon for the event starting Zcago Bulls eased past the Orlan- a welcome edition to the Euro- March 8. do Magic 105-101 on Monday. pean Tour’s international ros- “There is lot of healthy com- LaVine busted loose for a ter of tournaments since 2015,” petition from the younger guys thunderous go-ahead dunk to said Charlie Tingey, EurAsia golf and the older ones are still break a 101-101 tie then iced the senior director, in New Delhi knocking on the door... there is a win with two free throws for the yesterday. golden generation of Indian golf Bulls, who won despite blowing Denmark’s Bjorn — who will that is pushing each other on,” an 18-point lead in the fourth become the fi rst Scandinavian to Kapur told reporters. quarter. Lauri Markkanen de- livered 21 points as Chicago won their second straight after los- CRICKET ing seven in a row. LaVine stole Jonathon Sim- mons’ inbounds pass with 15 seconds left and fi nished with a ACC retain CDC First slam. He added the free throws after Mario Hezonja missed a three-pointer. Division Trophy “I was trying to be aggressive on the inbounds,” LaVine said. By Sports Reporter ACC batsmen achieved the “I wasn’t trying to obviously go Doha target in 19.5 overs after losing for a steal and be able to get out eight wickets. Adnan remained of position, but it opened up like not out on 58 runs. He faced 27 it did. sian Cricket Club (ACC) balls and slammed six sixes and “I embrace it. You have to defeated Hanan XII by a two fours. Bilal also scored 38 get it done. Everybody wants to two wickets in the CDC runs with the help of four sixes. have the ball in their hands at Cricket Tournament fi - Parvez and Gyan took two wick- the end of games. But you have Anal to retain the fi rst division tro- ets each for Hanan. to have the confi dence and the phy. Last year also ACC defeated Adnan was declared man-of ability to do it. And I think I do.” Hanan XII in the fi nal. the-match, while best batmen Bobby Portis added 19 points With the help of a fi ne half- trophy went to Farooq of CRCC and seven rebounds, and Jerian century by Hamid (58runs), Warriors. Mannu of ACC and Grant had 14 points and seven Hanan XII scored 192 in their 20 Imran of Hanan were adjudged assists in the win. Hezonja led overs. Gyan and Said also con- best bowler and best all-rounder Orlando with 24 points, and tributed 18 and 14 runs, respec- of the tournament. Sammer of Evan Fournier scored 22. tively. Hanan won the best wicket- The Bulls appeared to be For ACC, Sarfaraz took three keeper award. headed to victory after going wickets for 18 runs and Mannu Construction Development on an 11-0 run that gave them claimed two wickets for 27 runs. Company (CDC) Business De- a 93-75 lead with eight minutes Sameer and Bilal also claimed velopment Manager Sanjiv Jain remaining. one wicket each. gave away the prizes. But the Magic didn’t give up as Hezonja nailed a three- pointer with just over three minutes left in regulation to Zach LaVine (left) of the Chicago Bulls is pressured by Evan Fournier of the Orlando Magic during their NBA game at the United Centre in give them a two point, 98-96, Chicago, Illinois. (AFP) lead. Portis later tied it 101-101 by hitting a shot from beyond points and for the Spurs, who the Suns lost for the sixth con- and his dad, Dell, into a tie with TJ Warren had 14 points for the arc with 2:29 left, setting lost to Utah for the third time secutive time on a night when Rick and Brent Barry for third the Suns, who played for the the stage for LaVine’s fi nal this season. they were formally eliminated place in career scoring among fourth straight time without minute heroics. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry from the Pacifi c Division title NBA father/son combinations. leading scorer Devin Booker, In Salt Lake City, Donovan scored 10 of his team-high race. Both duos have 26,883 points. sidelined due to a hip pointer. Mitchell hit the go-ahead pull- 22 points in the second quar- Kevin Durant had 17 points Curry also had nine rebounds Payton had 19 points, six re- up jumper with 39 seconds left ter Monday night, helping the and Klay Thompson 16 for the and a game-high seven assists bounds and nine assists in his as the Utah Jazz stretched their Golden State Warriors over- Warriors, who beat Phoenix in 30 minutes. Suns debut Saturday against league-best winning streak to come an early defi cit en route to for the 12th straight time, their The Warriors played without the Denver Nuggets. ACC players pose with the trophy after retaining the CDC first division title. 10 games with a 101-99 win a 129-83 blowout of the Phoenix longest active streak against Draymond Green, out due to a Elsewhere, Anthony Davis over the San Antonio Spurs. Suns in Oakland, Calif. any opponent. It was the clubs’ sprained left index fi nger. His fi nished with 38 points and 10 Mitchell, who fi nished with The Warriors’ third consecu- fi rst meeting this season. replacement, Omri Casspi, re- rebounds, Jrue Holiday and 25 points, hit a pair of go-ahead tive win to close a four-game With Payton hitting his fi rst corded a 19-point, game-high Nikola Mirotic each scored 21, baskets and a free throw to give homestand came despite a sec- seven shots and scoring 16 early 10-rebound double-double, and the New Orleans Pelicans the Jazz the lead in the fi nal ond straight impressive per- points, the Suns led 26-25 in the and Young added 16 points. stopped the Detroit Pistons minute. Joe Ingles fi nished with formance by the Suns’ Elfrid fi rst minute of the second quar- Golden State shot 58.4% 118-103. 20 points, seven rebounds and Payton, who led all scorers with ter before the Warriors took from the fi eld in a matchup of fi ve assists for the Jazz who had 29 points. control. Nick Young, Patrick the league’s highest-scoring RESULTS to rally from a 13-point defi cit in Payton, acquired from the McCaw, Thompson and Curry team and the most porous de- Golden State 129 Phoenix 83 the fourth. Derrick Favors tallied Orlando Magic for just a sec- all sank 3-pointers in a 37-point fensive squad. Brooklyn 101 LA Clippers 114 19 points and eight rebounds. ond-round pick last week, hit 11 Warriors explosion in the sec- The Warriors won for the Utah 101 San Antonio 99 Pau Gasol scored 15 points of his 18 shots and also had eight ond quarter that opened as 25th consecutive time this sea- Chicago 105 Orlando 101 and grabbed 15 rebounds and rebounds and a team-high fi ve much as a 17-point lead. son when scoring 120 or more Detroit 103 New Orleans 118 Kyle Anderson delivered 16 assists in 31 minutes. However, Curry’s 22 points vaulted him points. Philadelphia 108 New York 92 Hanan XII pose with their runners-up trophy. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 14, 2017 SPORT

BOXING ARGENTINA WANT MESSI TO PLAY LESS FOR BARCA — PRESIDENT Groves warns Reuters The coach did leave Messi out of the Tapia also said Argentina are plan- Barcelona starting line-up for the fi rst time in the ning to play a friendly against Catalonia league against Espanyol on Feb. 4 but in June as part of their preparations for ‘ignorant’ Eubank threw the Argentine on as a substitute to the World Cup in Russia, where they will rgentina’s national football as- help salvage a 1-1 draw. hope to better their runners-up fi nish sociation (AFA) president Clau- “I hope all the players arrive in the level four years ago in Brazil. Jnr ahead of fi ght dio Tapia has said he has spoken they are at the moment. Sergio Aguero is A game against Catalonia could theo- to captain Lionel Messi about playing outstanding right now and Lionel retically see Messi come up against Barca playingA fewer games for La Liga side Bar- Messi is always at the top of his game,” team mates Sergio Busquets, Sergi Rober- celona in order to stay fresh for his coun- Tapia told Argentine network TYC Sports. to and Gerard Pique among others. How- try ahead of the 2018 World Cup. “That’s vital for the directors and the ever, such a fi xture could prove contro- Tapia’s pleas have largely gone unheed- 39 games this season, only leaving him coaching staff . We have spoken to Messi versial in Spain after increased tensions ed by Barca coach Ernesto Valverde, who out of the matchday squad in three King’s about taking care of himself and about between the central government and the has started Messi in 33 of the team’s total Cup games. playing less for Barcelona.” region over its independence drive.

FOOTBALL Liverpool ready to

George Groves during his public work-out in Manchester yesterday.

AFP self off to Vegas and do a camp London out there, work with some sort unleash Salah and of decent trainer, you’d defi nitely be getting good sparring. But he BA super-middle- hasn’t — he’s decided to come weight champion back home, train himself, spar George Groves has anyone he can get hold of. warned Chris Eu- “He’s got success through Wbank Jnr that a lack of profes- putting out videos, and attach- sionalism is setting him up for ing himself to big names and not Firmino on Porto failure ahead of Saturday’s title having a real fi ght. The diff erence fi ght in Manchester. here is he’s in a real fi ght.” While Egyptian Salah’s goals have been a revelation since his move to the club last year, Groves, 29, defends his title “I remember thinking Eubank against fellow British fi ghter Eu- Jnr’s got the right ingredients,” it has been the performances of Brazilian Firmino that have been just as important bank Jnr in their World Boxing Groves added. “He’s got the Super Series semi-fi nal at the right attitude, he’s tough — he’d Manchester Arena on Saturday get bashed up in sparring but be — Groves’s highest-profi le bout there again the next day ready — since two defeats against Carl and ambitious. Froch in 2013 and 2014. “Now he’s gone so far the oth- Eubank Jnr, the son of former er way, the bad habits are per- middleweight and super-mid- manently ingrained in him from dleweight champion Chris Eu- doing so much casual work from bank, makes little secret of the hitting bags and pads.” fact he does not work with a Almost four years have passed traditional trainer or training since Groves lost his rematch set-up, and similarly to Groves with Froch and suff ered what he before he fought Froch, has regu- called the “fall from grace” from larly promoted himself on social which he had to rebuild his repu- media. tation. Since this weekend’s fi ght “Jnr might be looking beyond was confi rmed the champion this fi ght, like I did,” he said. has maintained a signifi cantly “I defi nitely looked beyond the lower profi le, and he said of Eu- Froch rematch — not because I bank Jnr: “He is that ignorant he thought it was a foregone con- thinks he can do it himself. ‘The clusion, but I was supremely cornermen give me water: I do confi dent that I was going to do the rest, I train myself, I know the job, I’d done a bit too much what I’m doing’. PR in the build-up, which was “It doesn’t work — the greatest taxing, and come fi ght night I’d fi ghters in the world have a great obviously got it wrong. team or trainer around them just “It was a whirlwind. It was to nudge them in the right direc- draining, it was taxing. tion. The dad is supposed to be “He wants to do that, he is that, but it’s the blind leading the looking beyond this fi ght. It’s blind. He doesn’t know what he’s who’s better on the night, and doing, especially the dad. He’s have you prepared correctly? lost his grip on reality. This is about who’s better, and Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder “I thought he might take him- he’s not.” Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal during their English Premier League match RUGBY against Southampton on Feb 11. France drop eight players

AFP the second half. Paris “With their inappropriate behaviour they did not respect DPA Daniel Sturridge in 2013/14 and with a zilian Firmino that have been just as im- signifi cance of Liverpool’s presence in their status as international London third of the season to go, they look sure to portant. the knockout stages of the Champions ight France players players and the responsibilities set a new mark. “Everybody knows Roberto is not as League. There’s a buzz and rightly so.” who went out in Edin- that brings,” the French rugby Though Philippe Coutinho has gone to quick as Mo but in the right moment he Liverpool’s defence has been the sub- burgh after the Six Na- federation said in a statement. iverpool will unleash one of Eu- Barcelona, with Senegal forward Sadio is there because he wants to be there with ject of much discussion over the past few tions loss to Scotland The night out became public rope’s most prolifi c attacking Mane also on board, Liverpool’s front each part of his body,” Klopp said of his seasons, an area twice champions Porto, onE Sunday were omitted from when Scottish police delayed partnerships on Porto when the three is the envy of many teams. But it is side’s pressing, high up the pitch. “Then who scored eight times from dead ball the squad announced yester- the departure of the French two sides meet in the last 16 of the the goalscoring eff orts of Salah and Firmi- there’s Mo and Sadio as well.” situations in the group stages, will look to day for the next game, against team’s fl ight home on Monday ChampionsL League today. no in particular which has manager Juer- Having won the trophy fi ve times, most exploit. But the addition of Dutch defend- Italy. morning. The police wanted Back in the competition for only the gen Klopp purring as he ponders options recently in 2005, Liverpool have a pedi- er Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer Those omitted from the to talk to six players because second time since 2009, Liverpool topped for the trip to Portugal for the fi rst leg. gree in European competition that few window has added stability to their side. 31-man squad for the match they were potential witnesses, their qualifi cation group and are third in “Both profi t from our style of play clubs can rival. But their return to the As the Liverpool Echo said: “His lead- on February 23 in Marseille rather than perpetrators, in the Premier League. Their style of high- that’s for sure,” Klopp said. “We have competition after four years away is be- ership...and ability to keep his cool when are Teddy Thomas, Louis a possible sexual assault but press and pace in attack has yielded 61 these three (including Mane) play in the ing celebrated on Merseyside, with local the pressure is on is going to be key,” it Picamoles, Arthur Iturria, An- quickly concluded that no goals in 27 league games, 34 of them on areas where they like to have the ball, it’s newspaper The Liverpool Echo heralding wrote. Klopp is already popular with thony Belleau, Jonathan Danty, crime had been committed. their travels. good. In this strong league, you cannot be their return. Liverpool fans after rebuilding the side Sekou Macalou, Remi Lamerat Of the six players inter- In all competitions, Mohamed Salah, third without fantastic players. They are “For a club which has lifted the trophy and playing such an attractive style of and Felix Lambey. viewed by police only Ya- with 29, and Roberto Firmino, with 20, two of them.” on fi ve occasions, a last 16 tie with Porto football. Reaching the fi nal of the Europa Of those eight, only wing- couba Camara, who started at have ripped defences apart both at home While Egyptian Salah’s goals have been shouldn’t be much to write home about,” League in 2016 gave them a taste. If Salah er Thomas, who scored two fl anker against Scotland, has and abroad. Their combined tally of 49 is a revelation since his move to the club last it said yesterday. and Firmino perform, even Champions tries against Scotland and kept his place. Thomas, Iturria second only to the 55 of Luis Suarez and year, it has been the performances of Bra- “However, there is no escaping the League glory may not be beyond them. one against Ireland the previ- and Macalou were not among ous week, and Iturria, a lock, those taken off the plane but started at Murrayfi eld. Veteran have also been punished by the BOTTOMLINE No.8 Picamoles and fl y-half French rugby federation for Belleau came off the bench in being in a bar late at night.

Chinese authorities move to plug transfer loopholes Motorcycle Grands Prix shortened for TV

Reuters rampant spending in the country’s top the right to investigate transfers con- 36mn euro ($44.43mn). The structuring Paris: The distance of several in a statement. Hong Kong flight. ducted last summer. of the deal was seen as a way to avoid Grands Prix on the motorcycle Seven courses at the elite In a statement issued on Monday “Should the CFA be in any doubt re- paying the levy. world circuit are to be short- MotoGP level will be reduced evening, the Chinese Football Associa- garding a player’s eligibility, the regis- Beijing Guoan have also been involved ened in a bid to standardise in distance for the 2018 season, hinese football authorities tion (CFA) said clubs, or third parties tration of this player will be suspended,” in a drawn out process over attempts to their durations and help televi- while changes to races in the have threatened to hand out acting on their behalf, paying the buy- the statement said. acquire former Villarreal striker Cedric sion broadcasters, MotoGP Moto2 and Moto3 classes suspensions and huge points out clauses for overseas players would “Anyone can report any suspicious at- Bakambu. The Congolese striker paid his said yesterday. will be implemented over the Cdeductions in a move to curb be deemed to have paid a transfer fee tempts to avoid the transfer adjustment 40mn euro release clause to the Spanish “This is to ensure that races course of the next two sea- attempts to circumvent strict regula- and will be subject to the tax should the fee. Once the CFA receives these reports club, who announced he was to join Bei- have a similar duration at each sons. In MotoGP, the Americas tions on transfer spending in the Chi- amount exceed 45mn yuan. and finds them to be true, clubs will be jing. venue on the World Champi- GP, French GP, Catalan GP, nese Super League (CSL). In addition, clubs who pay loan fees deducted 15 points in the 2018 season.” Bakambu has been photographed onship calendar, enhancing Czech GP and San Marino GP The move comes after several clubs to sign players on a temporary basis will The statement could have a signifi- training with Beijing in Portugal but event organisation and aiding will all be shortened by a lap, have sought to find a way to avoid pay- also be hit with the levy should the total cant impact on big spending Tianjin the club have yet to make an official an- television broadcasters to with the Spanish GP to lose two ing the 100 % levy on transfers of for- sum paid exceed the threshold set last Quanjian, who signed French striker nouncement on the matter, despite re- better structure race day laps and the Valencia GP to be eign players over 45mn yuan ($7.10mn) summer. The move covers the current Anthony Modeste from FC Koln in Ger- ports in the Chinese media that he has programming,” organisers said trimmed by three laps. imposed on clubs last summer after transfer window, with the CFA reserving many on a two-year loan deal for almost signed a five-year contract. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Conte relieved to have striker solutions in Giroud, Morata AFP only having joined from Arsenal The blues host Barcelona in tinuously throughout the second London on January 31. the fi rst leg of their Champions half. “For sure to feel this atmos- “We must be pleased for the League last 16 tie on February phere around me is very impor- Giroud performance,” Conte 20 before back-to-back Premier tant,” added Conte. ntonio Conte is relieved said of the Frenchman, who was League visits to Manchester “It’s very important to feel the to have options again replaced by Morata on the hour United and runaway league lead- people is appreciating my work up front in Olivier Gi- after a battling display in which ers Manchester City. here in Chelsea. Me and the play- roud and fi t-again Al- he had his head bandaged and “Today was very important ers, we are trying to do our best to Avaro Morata ahead of what the took a blow to the ankle. to get three points because only give them the best satisfaction. Italian says is a “massive” few “(It) was the fi rst time to play after a win you can consider “Sometimes we are able to do weeks for Chelsea. from the start with us. For sure a game as easy,” added Conte. this, sometimes we are not able, Giroud’s touch set up Eden he needs to improve to go into “We want to go to the next round but the will is always present.” Hazard for the opening goal as our way of football, but to have (against Hull) then to prepare the A strike from Victor Moses Chelsea rolled over rock-bottom a point of reference like Olivier game against Barcelona and then and Hazard’s brilliant second of West Bromwich Albion 3-0 on is very important. “We must United and City. Three massive the game rounded off another Monday. It moved them back be pleased because in the same games for us.” costly night for West Brom, who into the Premier League top four night we found also Morata. Chelsea’s recent slump and are seven points adrift of safety and eased the mounting pres- “I think he played very well in Conte’s outspoken comments at the bottom of the table and sure on Conte following shock the last 30 minutes with great over his lack of input to the lost Daniel Sturridge to a ham- defeats to Bournemouth and personality, with great spirit.” club’s recruitment strategy had string injury. Watford in their previous two Conte confi rmed Giroud will seen the odds slashed on him “He was distraught really be- outings. be fi t for Hull City’s visit to becoming the latest coach to be cause his personality and way he Conte had been unable to Stamford Bridge on Friday in the fi red by Chelsea owner Roman has worked at our place has been name a recognised striker in ei- FA Cup fi fth round before three Abramovich. of the highest order,” manager ther of those matches with Mor- blockbuster clashes that will go But the Chelsea fans showed Alan Pardew said of the on-loan ata sidelined for nearly a month a long way to deciding the out- they were still fully behind Con- Liverpool striker, whose career due to a back injury and Giroud come of Chelsea’s season. te by chanting his name con- has been dogged by injuries. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates after the EPL match against West Bromwich Albion. (Reuters)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OPINION Mourinho backs VAR technology amid Zidane relaxed as mixed response

Reuters supporters in the stadium are Manchester unhappy at being left in the dark about replays that TV viewers can watch over again. anchester Unit- English clubs are not alone in Real Madrid get ed manager Jose experiencing teething trouble Mourinho supports related to the use of the system, the use of the video with VAR decisions seemingly Massistant referee (VAR) system only adding to the confusion despite the mixed response it rather than stopping it in Italy’s has generated since its debut in Seria A. English football in the FA Cup VAR induced more controver- last month. sy on Monday when the Portu- ready for PSG clash United play their fi rst match guese football federation (FPF) with VAR when they travel to said it had been wrongly used to ‘I’m very happy. We all live for these moments. I don’t feel any particular pressure’ Huddersfi eld Town for their FA disallow a goal at the weekend. Cup fi fth round clash on Satur- Backing the referees, Mour- AFP day and Mourinho stressed that inho added: “They want to per- Madrid the technology had to be em- form the best they can, they braced, although it needed to don’t like to make mistakes... iron out some issues. “Of course so if the referees are happy with inedine Zidane insists they (VAR) need adjustments,” technological support, then yes, he is not letting the Mourinho told the club’s website let’s go for the VAR.” pressure get to him as (www.manutd.com). he prepares his Real “They need to make sure they ZMadrid side for today’s huge don’t change the dynamic of the Champions League last-16 game too much, the emotion clash with Paris Saint-Germain of the game too much — people at the Santiago Bernabeu. waiting a couple of minutes to “I’m very happy. We all live know if they can jump (and cel- for these moments. I don’t feel ebrate) because it was a goal. any particular pressure,” a re- “But from my professional laxed Zidane said at a press perspective, I like the feeling conference at Real’s Valdebebas of a right decision coming. It’s training complex yesterday. a penalty or not a penalty, it’s “We have prepared as we usu- handball or not handball, it’s a ally do. Certainly tomorrow red card or not a red card. I think (Wednesday) there will be a bit a fair decision is a feeling that I more pressure than usual, but I’m like.” going to enjoy it. My future does The technology is also being not bother me much just now.” trialled around the world, how- Zidane has been going ever critics have pointed out the through the toughest period of length of the reviews while some his short managerial career, with Real fourth in La Liga, a huge 17 points behind leaders Barcelona, LA LIGA albeit with a game in hand. That has led to speculation that the Frenchman’s future Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane during the press conference in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) as coach is on the line against Seedorf suff ers losing a feared PSG side, with the in a PSG side also featuring the in a tough neighbourhood of two-time defending European likes of Edinson Cavani and REAL V PSG FACTFILE Marseille needs the tonic of a champions putting all their Kylian Mbappe. “Of course Previous meetings win over the Parisian aristocrats. start as Deportivo hopes in the Champions League Neymar is a great player who is Real Madrid 1 PSG 0 — 2015/16 Champions League group stage “We also must not dismiss going into the fi rst leg of this tie. on top of his game, but we are PSG 0 Real Madrid 0 — 2015/16 Champions League group stage everything we have done be- “I am just trying to get on with not only thinking about him.” PSG 1 Real Madrid 1 — 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final cause of our form at the mo- lose to Real Betis 1-0 my work. This is my passion,” said Zidane inspired France to World second leg ment,” he told RTL, mindful that Zidane, who has won eight trophies Cup glory as a player, but his Real Madrid 0 PSG 1 — 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter- recent improved results in La Reuters drid and AC Milan (twice), was as Real coach. “I have nothing that extraordinary career has to a final first leg Liga have not completely shaken Madrid the surprise choice last week to I need to demonstrate.” The tie is a large degree been defi ned by the PSG 4 Real Madrid 1 — 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg away the doubts. succeed the sacked Cristobal special one for the Marseille-born Champions League. Real Madrid 3 PSG 1 — 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg “This is not some other club Parralo given his limited expe- Zidane, as he faces a French club His magnifi cent volleyed goal — the slightest negative thing etherlands great rience as a manager, having had for the fi rst time since being ap- for Real Madrid in their 2002 Group stage performances here and the media make a song Clarence Seedorf got only brief stints at Milan and pointed Real coach in January 2016. win over Bayer Leverkusen at Real Madrid — second in Group H behind Tottenham Hotspur and dance out of it.” off on the wrong foot in Chinese side Shenzhen FC. The second leg will be in Paris on Hampden Park in Glasgow is PSG — winners of Group B ahead of Bayern Munich with group- Zidane last month revealed his fi rst game in charge However, despite Monday’s March 6. one of the greatest to be scored that he had signed a new con- ofN struggling Deportivo La Coru- defeat, the enthusiastic Dutch- stage record of 25 goals scored “Playing against PSG as some- in a European Cup fi nal. tract at the Bernabeu until na as his side lost 1-0 at home to man felt his Depor side had one from Marseille, there has al- As such, it is up there with his Leading scorers in all competitions 2020, and the respect with Real Betis in La Liga on Monday. shown signs of life. “Right now ways been a rivalry there, but I’m brace in France’s 1998 win over Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo (23 goals) which he is held by those within Betis forward Lorenzo Moron we have to look at the things not going to think about that. I just Brazil, his country’s Euro 2000 PSG: Neymar, Edinson Cavani (both 28 goals) the club, the supporters and the kicked on from his dream debut that we did well. It was a diffi cult want a beautiful game of football.” triumph and the infamous head- media means there has been no against Villarreal last weekend game because they use the ball Zidane got the full backing butt on Marco Materazzi during European Cup/Champions League best performances: campaign calling for his head. by netting the only goal of the very well, but the team always of Real’s Brazilian left-back the 2006 World Cup fi nal among Real Madrid — winners 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, President Florentino Perez game in the 55th minute, his stayed organised, leaving little Marcelo, who said the former the most memorable moments 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017 cannot make Zidane the scape- third strike in his second appear- space for them to create proper World Cup winner has a great of his playing days. He has car- Paris Saint-Germain — semi-finals 1995 goat for the lowering of stand- ance in the Betis fi rst team. chances,” Seedorf told reporters. relationship with the stars in ried on his love aff air with the ards as he did with Benitez be- The Spaniard, known as “The team fought well, we the Madrid dressing room. Champions League as a coach, Quick facts fore. But, equally, Zidane is fully Loren, slid in to meet a low cross played as a team and this is “He is a person who is very from his role as assistant to Car- Real Madrid have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the aware that coaches at the Berna- and scuff ed it into the net off the the path we need to follow. We close to us and who helped us lo Ancelotti in Real’s 2014 tri- last seven seasons. When they last fell in the last 16, in 2010, it was beu do not have long shelf-lives. foot of hapless Depor goalkeeper wanted a diff erent result but so much when he arrived here,” umph to leading Madrid to glory against another French side in Lyon. Since Vicente del Bosque was Ruben Martinez. there are more games to come said the 29-year-old. “He is a himself in the last two seasons. unceremoniously sacked in 2003, Deportivo rallied after going and we are convinced this is the great coach who has done so But now Zidane’s future in Cristiano Ronaldo is one goal away from reaching the 100 mark for Real have appointed a new coach behind and striker Florin Andone way to go. We have already seen much for this team and will charge at the Santiago Bernabeu Real Madrid in the Champions League. 13 times. The longest-serving in hit the post and in added time a change in energy and attitude.” keep on doing so to get things is hanging by a thread, possibly that time has been Jose Mour- fi red just wide of goal, moments Betis forward Loren said he back to how they used to be.” tied to the outcome of the loom- Paris coach Unai Emery won just five of 20 games against Real inho, who survived for three sea- after team mate Celso Borges had was still in dreamland after add- Marcelo will be coming up ing showdown with this for- Madrid as a coach when in charge of Almeria, Valencia and Sevilla. sons. When asked last month if come agonisingly close to scoring ing to his brace in the 2-1 win against his international team- midable Paris Saint-Germain he felt able to turn things around, for the home side. over Villarreal on his debut. mate Neymar, who he claimed outfi t. For 18 months after his he replied: “If I thought I could Boos and whistles rang around “I’m still dreaming from my ahead of the game in an interview appointment in January 2016, day. He has won eight trophies But now they stand fourth in not, I would leave tomorrow.” the Riazor stadium at full time debut and it has continued to with Brazilian television would the Frenchman could do no since replacing the unpopular La Liga, at risk of fi nishing off But to RTL he added: “I like following Depor’s a fourth de- this week but the most impor- “one day play for Real Madrid”. wrong, but a little of the magic Rafa Benitez in the Madrid dug- the podium in their domestic what I do. Not everyone can do feat in six games in 2018. They tant thing is how my team mates “Madrid fans like good play- has deserted him recently. out, including an unprecedented league for the fi rst time since this. I am making the most of it, are 19th in the standings, three have welcomed me and how well ers, and Neymar is a world star. “This is an unprecedented fi ve in one calendar year in 2017. 2004. Finishing second behind I know it won’t last forever.” points adrift of the safety zone, they are working as it’s not just Any fan would like to have Ney- situation, but we must live with Zidane also oversaw the club’s Tottenham Hotspur in their Meanwhile PSG have omit- while Betis climbed to eighth. about goals,” he said. mar in their team,” he added it, hold our course,” Zidane said fi rst La Liga and European Cup Champions League group also ted veteran midfi elder Thiago Seedorf, a Champions League “We had to suff er a little for yesterday. Real, though, are in an interview with French ra- double since 1958 as well as a exposed them to this tougher Motta from their squad for the winner four times as a player, the three points today but that wary of the threats elsewhere dio station RTL aired on Mon- record 40-match unbeaten run. draw. The man born and raised trip to Madrid yesterday. with Ajax Amsterdam, Real Ma- makes them taste even better.”

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Baghdad’s double seals Al Sadd win over Al Wasl LATE GOAL IN DOHA HELPS ESTHEGLAL OF IRAN CLINCH A 2-2 DRAW AGAINST QATAR’S AL RAYYAN

Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates scoring against Al Wasl in Dubai yesterday. At right, he is congratulated by coach Jesualdo Ferreira after the match.

By Sports Reporter It was the versatile Brazilian’s 100th evening as his side played out an en- Dubai/Doha goal for Al Wasl since he joined them tertaining 2-2 draw against Iran’s Es- in 2014, but the hosts thereafter found teghlal at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium the Al Sadd defence too tough to crack. in Group D. aghdad Bounedjah underlined Bounedjah had a fi rst crack at the Al Two-time AFC Player of the Year his tremendous importance Wasl goal with an overhead kick in the Server Djeparov found space inside Al for Al Sadd by powering the 70th minute but eventually found the Rayyan’s box and sent a pacey cross Qatar giants to a 2-1 win over target in the 79th minute when he con- that was defl ected off Tabata and into theB UAE’s Al Wasl in their AFC Cham- nected a sublime Xavi pass with a shot his own net to hand Esteghlal the lead pions League Group C clash yesterday. on the turn. inside six minutes. Having only made his return to ac- In the fi nal minute of the game, Tabata shortly made amends, send- tion last week after more than two and Bounedjah was on target again, after he ing a pinpoint delivery from a free-kick a half months after suff ering a fracture got on the end of a cross by substitute to fi nd Abderrazzak Hamdallah. The in late November, the Algerian struck Akram Afi f which the Al Wasl defence Moroccan directed his header accu- twice late in the second half to help the failed deal with. The striker fi nished rately to beat goalkeeper Seyed Hos- 2011 continental champions gain three on the half-volley to seal an important seini and bring Al Rayyan level in the points at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai. victory for the former champions. 18th minute. It marked a signifi cant fi rst victory “I am very pleased with the victory The duo combined again 10 minutes for a Qatari side in the Emirates since especially it is our fi rst match of the later to turn the tie around. This time the illegal blockade was imposed on tournament,” Ferreira said. “ We have Hamed-Allah was the creator as he cut Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata the country last June by Saudi Arabia, a team full of capable players who also inside from the left fl ank and laid off is congratulated by teammate the UAE and Bahrain with support don’t lack in confi dence,” he added. a pass for Tabata who applied a fi rst- Sebastian Soria after from Egypt. He also had a word of praise for time fi nish from inside the box, leaving his goal against Estheglal. On Monday, Qatar’s Al Gharafa had Bounedjah. Hosseini helpless. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil fallen to a 3-2 defeat against the UAE’s “He is one of our key players who Al Rayyan were reduced to 10 men and agencies Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi marking the fi rst never fails to deliver. He was unfortu- for the fi nal 10 minutes after Tabata visit by a team from Qatar to the UAE. nately injured in a QNB Stars League was dismissed for a late challenge on The Asian Football Confederation game in November but he has made a Pejman Montazeri. had earlier rejected demands by the tremendous recovery which will be a Esteghlal took advantage of their UAE and Saudi football federations to boost for us as the season progresses,” numerical superiority to equalise two have their Champions League matches the Portuguese added. minutes from time as Ali Ghorbani involving Qatari sides played on neu- Al Sadd welcome Persepolis to headed home Omid Ebrahimi’s cross tral venues. to what was expected of him by making their inexperience was clearly on dis- the right fl ank and scored past Al Sadd Doha next week while Al Wasl travel to from the right wing. Bounedjah, who was introduced as an immediate impact on the game. play, although it was they who scored goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb with a low Qarshi in Uzbekistan to face Nasaf. Esteghlal face Saudi champions Al a substitute in the second half by Al Al Wasl were returning to the conti- fi rst, in the 26th minute by Fabio Lima. shot from a tight angle after hood- Meanwhile in Doha, Al Rayyan Hilal next while Al Rayyan travel to the Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira, lived up nental competition after a decade and Lima advanced into the area from winking two defenders. captain Rodrigo Tabata had a mixed UAE to play Al Ain.

BOTTOMLINE Koora Time off ers football for everyone

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Shell cel- ebrated this year’s National TSport Day at Katara with their award-winning corporate social re- sponsibility programme “Koora Time”. With over 7,000 people attending, participants of all age groups actively engaged in a fun-fi lled day of football activities. The all-day event off ered visitors a variety of football activities, including a ‘head-to-head’ dribbling challenge, a ‘Dive and Save’ goalkeeping com- activities in Katara this year and guar- National Sport Day that healthy living petition, a virtual reality goal keeper antee that everyone will have a won- can be both benefi cial and fun.” game, open play football and aerobics derful time.” In recognition for its positive impact classes. Wejdan al-Malki, CSR Manager at on the health of youth, Koora Time has Koora Time is an initiative devel- Qatar Shell, said: “Koora Time helps been the recipient of numerous rec- oped by Qatar Shell in partnership children develop positive habits such ognition awards including the ‘Sports with QFA. The programme is designed as healthy eating and regular exercise Industry Award’ for Best CSR Initia- to improve the health and wellbeing of Off icials and participants pose at the National Sport Day celebrations at Katara yesterday. At right, kids in action. that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. tive in 2014 and 2016, the ‘CSR Award young people in Qatar through foot- National Sport Day is the perfect time Qatar’ for Best CSR Impact Initiative ball. Since its launch in March 2013, the Commenting on the occasion, Kha- dren, adults and families and were aim at involving the community in our to emphasise the importance of good in 2015, the ‘Dar Al Sharq Corporate programme has benefi ted over 17,500 lid al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing planned to be suitable for all ages so all events and activities. The fun-packed health, particularly among children Social Responsibility Award’ for the children across Qatar. Last year’s pro- and Communications at the Qatar members of the community can join in day emphasises our passion for foot- who represent Qatar’s future. We are Best Sports Initiative in 2014, the ‘AFC gramme saw a signifi cant reduction in Football Association said: “This year’s the fun.” ball which is precisely why we have especially proud to partner with the Dream of Asia Award’ in 2014, 2016 & Body Mass Index (BMI) by 80% of par- Koora Time activities which we are He added: “Our participation in organised most of the activities to be Qatar Football Association to organise 2017 in the area of social responsibil- ticipants. BMI is a measure of body fat organising alongside Qatar Shell pro- sports day is a real opportunity for us football-related this year. We invite these Koora Time events. We hope that ity, and the ‘QFA Awards’ for Best CSR based on height and weight. vides various fun activities for chil- to express our love for sports and our everyone to take part in Koora Time’s everyone will take the message from Programme in 2017.