Stokes, Woakes add to uncertainties against South Africa page 14

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 25, 2019

Entries open for Manateq QCCR The 2020 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally in NBA February is expected to draw a big fieldpag e 15 TORONTO RAPTORS vs BOSTON CELTICS Off-the-field Solskjaer hails Pogba as ‘best midfielder in the world’ AFP down stubborn opposition can get it higher up and com- said. Solskjaer admitted pro- London defences. bine like he did today.” “We haven’t kept the con- gress had been slower than ex- “Let’s see how he reacts to “That’s the beauty of hav- sistency as we would have pected but said he was focused Paul Pogba has been hailed this, how he feels,” said Solsk- ing Paul, because he is the best liked the other way but we’ve on developing a team that as the “best midfielder in the jaer. “He did really well when all-round midfielder in the never gone on a big (bad) run could dominate and break world” by Manchester United he came on. Big, big plus and world,” added the United boss, like we did towards the end of sides down. Chelsea’s Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga throws a drink can manager Ole Gunnar Sol- it might be that we do get him who has said the 26-year-old last season so there will be a “It’s taken Liverpool a few off the playing surface during the English Premier League football skjaer after the Frenchman in from the start.” will not be leaving in the Janu- reaction, definitely.” years to get to that stage and match against Tottenham Hotspur in London on Sunday. (AFP) returned from a long injury Pogba, who had only ary transfer window despite United are struggling we need to keep on building lay-off. played twice since the end of links with Real Madrid. in eighth place in the because that’s what we want Tottenham ban fan as inquiry into The World Cup winner August due to an ankle injury, Solskjaer said he was Premier League, to get to,” he said. racism claims continues was in action for United for was introduced on Sunday looking for a reaction seven points “Yes, we’re good at coun- the first time since late Sep- with United already trailing from his players against behind fourth- ter-attacking. Yes, we’ve got London: Tottenham Hotspur said on Tuesday they have banned tember as a substitute in their by two goals and went close to Newcastle after United placed Chelsea pace and fast players. We a fan for throwing a cup at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga chastening 2-0 defeat at Wat- scoring during a late attacking again failed to turn despite recent should always keep that be- during Sunday’s Premier League clash at White Hart Lane. “We can ford on Sunday. flurry from the visitors. dominance of posses- morale-boost- cause that’s in our tradition. confirm that we have identified and issued an immediate ban to the He could be in the start- “He can play anywhere, he sion into a positive re- ing wins against Now we need to be better at individual responsible,” Spurs said. “We shall continue to take the ing team against Newcastle can play the whole midfield,” sult at Watford. Tottenham and breaking lower blocks.” strongest action possible against anyone found to be behaving in on Thursday as Solskjaer said Solskjaer. “One of the good Manchester Pogba could make his first this way.” Tottenham said they were continuing to investigate the desperately seeks the creativ- “He’s a box-to-box mid- things about the team City. start since September when claims of racial abuse made by Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ity the team needs to break fielder. He can drop deep, this year, we have reacted his side face Newcastle on after the same match. Rudiger said he had heard “monkey noises” get it, play long passes. He after bad results,” he Boxing Day. during the match, while fans were told that racism had no place in football in three announcements on the loud speaker. Spurs said their initial findings after the alleged racist abuse of Rudiger are “inconclusive”. Rudiger put a statement on Twitter and Chelsea manager Frank Lampard gave his backing to his player. “I saw Toni’s social media post, I thought it was well put, from the heart and something that he feels very strongly about,” Lampard said. “I would like to think the players know I am with them on anything like this. I’ll have the same conversation with Toni that I had with Tammy after the incident earlier this year. “And I will tell them and take the time to make sure he knows I support him, and that I support all my players in this situation.” (DPA) Beauty of Paul He can play anywhere, he Liverpool’s Klopp turns South African can play the whole midfield. Du Plessis into fan He’s a box-to-box midfielder. Centurion: South African cricket captain said on He can drop deep, get it, Tuesday that a chance meeting with Liv- play long passes. He can erpool manager Jurgen Klopp had turned get it higher up and him into a fan. Du Plessis was having combine. That’s the beauty dinner with Springbok rugby captain Siya of having Paul, because he Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba before the start Kolisi in a restaurant in No- is the best all-round of the English Premier League football match between Watford and vember when Klopp, on a private visit to Manchester United at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, London, South Africa, walked in. Kolisi has been midfielder in the world. on Sunday. (AFP) a long-time Liverpool fan and Du Ples- Manchester United manager sis posted a picture on both Instagram Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Twitter showing the two captains and Klopp, commenting that Kolisi had a “man-crush moment”. Klopp recognised Kolisi after watching the Springboks South Africa cricket win the Rugby World Cup final in Japan captain Faf Du Plessis. some 10 days earlier and came across Australian Open offers record prize money for tennis tournament to congratulate him. “Did he recognise you?” asked a journalist at Du Plessis’ press conference ahead of DPA million dollars (US$49 mil- The increase is an impor- prize money has more than tri- the first Test against England, starting on Thursday. N“ o,” admitted Sydney lion) will be up for grabs at tant step in attracting the very pled from 20 million in 2007. the cricket captain to laughter. “But he said he watches cricket. The the tournament in best players, Australian Open “This year, as we do every Liverpool guys watched the and saw how well Tennis pros competing in the in January, marking a 13.6 Tournament Director Craig year, we worked with the tours England did.” Du Plessis said he had never become a close follower upcoming Australian Open will per cent increase to the over- Tiley said in a statement. to establish the weighting for of football but said meeting Klopp had changed that. “For someone have their eye on a bigger prize, all prize purse from 2019. First-round qualifiers will “We have long been com- prize money increases round- to be that famous, he is a great guy and that’s what I believe real after organizers announced an In the singles tournament, get 20,000 dollars – up 33 per mitted to improving the pay by-round, and we pushed to leadership is about. It’s about connecting with people, having great increase to the multi-million- winners will take home around cent on 2019 – while semifinal- and conditions for a deeper reward players competing ear- relationships with people, so I became a massive fan.” (AFP) dollar reward on Tuesday. 4 million, with the runners-up ists will earn just over 1 million, pool of international tennis ly in the tournament in both A total of Australian 71 taking 2 million. marking a 13 per cent increase. players,” Tiley said, adding that singles and doubles,” he said. Djokovic seeks to secure legacy, not trophy-hunting drives

AFP ly give yourself fuel from aware of the privilege that Abu Dhabi the source, whatever the I have to fight for history Kim Clijsters eyes March source is,” Djokovic said at and to be able to possibly Novak Djokovic says the the Mubadala World Ten- achieve even greater things comeback after injury setback main source of his motivation nis Championship exhibition and that’s something that at this stage of his career is se- event where he secured third drives me of course, along- DPA curing a lasting legacy rather place with victory over Karen side other things.” Stuttgart than simply trying to win ten- Khachanov. Djokovic will begin his nis matches and trophies. “I think it’s always about 2020 season by represent- Former world one For nearly two years, from finding that purpose, and the ing Serbia in the ATP Cup in Kim Clijsters has said that she mid-2016 until mid-2018, reason, the meaning of actu- . will make her delayed return the 32-year-old Serb had ad- ally playing. For me, especially He remains midway to women’s tennis after a sev- mittedly struggled with mo- in the last couple of years, it’s through his pre-season prepa- en-year absence in March. tivation after pulling off the not only about winning a ten- rations, and leaves Abu Dhabi The Belgian Clijsters, 36, A file photo of Kim Clijsters historic feat of winning four nis match or a trophy. with one loss, to Stefanos said on Twitter she plans to taken on August 29, 2012. (AFP) Grand Slams in a row – a first “It had to be something Tsitsipas, and one win over play at the March 2-8 Mexi- in men’s tennis since 1969. greater than my own achieve- Khachanov. can tournament in Monterrey, go,” the mother-of-three said. Djokovic recaptured his ments. Something that would “I got what I came here for, followed by the Indian Wells Clijsters won 41 career ti- spark and has since added a be related to legacy, some- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. two good matches,” he said Masters and the Charleston tles, include four grand slams, quartet of majors to his overall thing that would really be last Saturday. clay court event. and became number one for tally, which now stands at 16. inspiring the lives of others, two rivals. I do like to be on the practice Later the same day, Nadal Clijsters announced her the first time in 2003. While the world number particularly kids.” “That’s a goal,” said Djoko- court. But competitive tennis battled past Tsitsipas 6-7(7/3), 2020 return in September but She retired for the first two remains in a tight bat- Federer holds the men’s vic, when asked if he is fuelled is different. In order to com- 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) in a 3hr 12min fi- a January start was made im- time in 2007, returning two tle with Rafael Nadal and all-time record of most majors by breaking records. pete to be a professional tennis nal showdown. possible by a knee injury. years later and lifting a second Roger Federer in the race for won, with 20, and Nadal is “I’m motivated by break- player and to compete at the The Spaniard looked in “I am looking forward US Open title following 2005 most Grand Slam titles won, breathing down his neck with ing my own records and mov- highest level, you really need supreme form against the to playing my first tourna- in only her third tourno. She Djokovic believes what cur- a total of 19. ing my own boundaries and goals, daily goals, monthly 21-year-old Tsitsipas and ment. Practice has been long also won the New York Grand rently drives him in the sport Djokovic is younger than that”s something that moti- goals, yearly goals. can head to Australia for enough but I have to be pa- Slam in 2010, the 2011 Aus- is something deeper than that. both of them though, and has vates me to compete. “So I do have them, as the ATP Cup brimming with tient for a few more weeks tralian Open and retired again “You need to constant- a shot at closing the gap on his “I do love to play tennis so everyone else. Of course I’m confidence. and then I will be ready to in 2012. Sports Wednesday, December 25, 2019 13 Leaders Liverpool look to stay clear in packed festive season Victory at second-placed Leicester in a Boxing Day topper would put the Reds 13 points ahead, with a game in hand, as they aim for a first English Premier League title in 30 years

DPA London EPL: Thursday

After six months in which Fixtures they have won three tro- phies, including the Cham- ● Tottenham Hotspur vs pions League, leaders Liver- Brighton & Hove Albion pool travel to second-placed ● Leicester on Boxing Day for a Aston Villa vs match which could prove vital Norwich City in their bid for a first top-flight ● AFC Bournemouth title since 1990. Juergen Klopp’s side sit 10 vs Arsenal points clear of Leicester at the ● Chelsea vs Southampton top of the Premier League and 11 ahead of champions Man- ● Crystal Palace vs chester City, with a game in West Ham United hand over both teams. This is the fourth year Liv- ● Everton vs Burnley erpool have topped the Pre- mier League table at Christ- ● Sheffield United mas and each time, they have vs Watford failed to go on to win the title. But unbeaten in 34 league ● Manchester United games and with 16 wins out of vs Newcastle United 17 this season, Liverpool are ● high on confidence, having Tottenham Hotspur vs added the Club World Cup to Brighton & Hove Albion their trophy cabinet last week. ● Leicester City Klopp, though, refuses to be drawn on title talk and is vs Liverpool focused instead on the task of beating a Leicester side who have enjoyed a superb ting a smile on the fans’ faces first half of the season under will be his first ambition. former Liverpool manager “I want to start and I want Brendan Rodgers. to try my best to help the team “Brendan’s done an excel- to be better and help the club lent job and they are an excel- to be competitive and give lent, top-class team,” Klopp happiness to the supporters, told reporters. because there’s been a lot of “Jamie Vardy is a massive time that this club didn’t win threat, he’s an exceptional Liverpool’s players lift the trophy following their 2019 FIFA Club World Cup triumph at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha last Saturday. (AFP) (a trophy),” he said. striker, always scoring, diffi- “It will not be overnight cult to defend, always on the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Leicester unscathed, they away from the top of the table kind of attitude he showed as this in the right manner, I but we have to be patient, with shoulder, running behind. as he recovers from an ankle will be confident of overcom- clash will be the performances a player. think it will be difficult.” Carlo a clear idea and a clear focus, The only thing is you can ligament injury, but Georginio ing Wolves three days later of Arsenal and Everton, with “That’s commitment, ac- Ancelotti takes charge of Ever- and I am sure we are going to avoid is too many passes to Wijnaldum should be fit to re- in the traditional, crowded both sides having newly-in- countability, aggression and ton for the first time after ar- improve quickly.” him. But it’s not only him.” turn in midfield. Christmas fixture list. stalled managers. passion to play this sport riving at Goodison this week, Among othetr fixtures, This is the fifth time the two “To come through a season If there are any slip-ups, Arsenal, who named Mikel and to represent this football starting with a home clash fourth-placed Chelsea host sides have met on Boxing you need to be lucky in these though, champions Manches- Arteta as their new manager club,” he said. against Burnley and then a Southampton on Boxing Day, with Liverpool winning moments,” Klopp said. ter City, away to Wolves on this week, travel to Bourne- “From there we can start trip to Newcastle. Day while bottom side Wat- three of the previous four, “You need luck in these Boxing Day and then home to mouth on Boxing Day and to build things and improve The vastly-experienced ford will try to build on their though Leicester did win at moments...so far we were able Sheffield United, will be ready then host Chelsea on Dec 29. all the things, obviously, that Italian had already targeted win over Manchester United Anfield in 1984. to find a solution.” Should Liv- to take advantage. Former Arsenal captain have to be done as quickly as the Champions League as by winning at sixth-placed Liverpool will be without erpool come through their trip But much of the attention Arteta wants to instil the same possible, but if we don’t have a long-term goal but said put- Sheffield United.

Tottenham fail with Five talking points in European football this weekend appeal against any of Europe’s big- be wise to expect a dog-fight gest clubs can go if they are to make it to the Minto Christmas with Champions League quarter- Son red card something to cheer. Bayern finals. “Small details win Munich, who have been sack- games,” said Simeone. “Cor- AFP ing Day, and at Norwich and happy in recent seasons, seem rea showed what he’s made of London Southampton on Saturday and to be content with their tem- today, we’ve been training him New Year’s Day respectively. porary manager, at least for hard. He put on good pressure Tottenham Hotspur have Chelsea manager Jose the present. Kylian Mbappe to get the first goal and a nice failed with their appeal against Mourinho was unhappy with proved to be a not-so-secret pass for the second. But I was Son Heung-min’s red card, Rudiger’s reaction in the Santa in France, Atletico Ma- just as pleased to see him fight- the Football Association an- build-up to Son’s dismissal, drid were touched by an Angel, ing for the win right at the end, nounced on Tuesday. saying he should “stand up Ajax and Inter Milan can enjoy when the team needed him.” The South Korean winger and play man” but Blues boss a merry Christmas on top of saw red in the second half of Frank Lampard defended his the pile. But AC Milan are still Ajax rebound Spurs’ 2-0 loss at home to player’s conduct on Tuesday. not giving their fans what they Ajax can feel a little happier Chelsea in a spiteful London “It (the sending off) wasn’t want. AFP Sport looks at five heading into the Christmas derby on Sunday after VAR brutal but it was instinctive of the big talking points round break after opening some confirmed he had kicked out that warrants a red card in Europe this season. daylight at the top of the at Blues defender Antonio Ru- the modern day,” said former Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera (left) and French forward Kylian Mbappe Dutch Eredivise on Sunday. diger after being fouled. England midfielder Lampard, Bayern stick with Flick dressed as Santa Claus pose for a picture as they give gifts to children from the Paris Saint-Germain’s Ajax were knocked out of the Tottenham launched an who played under Mourinho Bayern Munich have plenty to foundation at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday. (AFP) Champions League by Va- appeal but the FA upheld his when the Portuguese was in be pleased about going into the lencia on December 10. Five red card, meaning Son will charge of Chelsea. Bundesliga’s four-week winter pected back for their winter Serie A in 21 years. the time he reached the player days later they conceded an now serve a three-game ban “It was pretty clear that break with interim boss Hansi training camp in Doha from Milan coach Stefano Pioli, after being pursued by securi- added time goal to lose to ruling him out of the matches was the case. I wouldn’t ques- Flick having been rewarded January 4-10. whose team conceded four ty staff. Mbappe then went on their closest Dutch challeng- at home to Brighton on Box- tion Toni’s integrity on that.” for eight wins in 10 games by Defending champions Bayern goals in the last 30 minutes, to dress up in full Santa Claus ers, AZ Alkmaar. being kept on until “at least” are four points behind lead- admitted: “We got everything regalia at a charity function Then, on Saturday, the Am- the end of the season. ers RB Leipzig and face Her- wrong from the start.” following the match. sterdam club announced that “Hansi deserves our trust,” tha Berlin in their first league veteran international defend- said sports director Hasan game of 2020 on January 19. Mbappe shines on and All in the detail for Atletico er Daley Blind had been diag- Salihamidzic after Saturday’s off pitch Liverpool’s opponents in the nosed with a heart condition 2-0 home win over Wolfsburg Two tales, one city World Cup winner Kylian last-16 of the Champions after suffering dizziness in thanks to late goals by Dutch In Milan, there will be mixed Mbappe illustrated his star League Atletico Madrid have the loss to Valencia. teenager Joshua Zirkzee and emotions this Christmas for quality both on and off the had a chequered first half of Alkmaar started the weekend Germany winger Serge Gnabry. the fans of Inter and AC Mi- pitch on Saturday as PSG the season but Diego Sime- level on points with leaders The club say “a continuation lan. While Inter sit top of kept up their stroll towards one’s well drilled side proved Ajax but helpfully crashed 3-0 of Hansi Flick as head coach” the table and eye their first the Ligue 1 title with a 4-1 win once more this weekend they away to mid-table Sparta in beyond next May is “a very Serie A crown in a decade over Amiens. A day after his can be counted on to fight Rotterdam on Saturday. Ajax conceivable option for FC after a 4-0 rout of Genoa on 21st birthday, Mbappe scored every inch of the pitch. seized the opportunity by pul- Bayern” with Paris Saint-Ger- Saturday, for their rivals the either side of Neymar’s effort With goals hard to find since verising struggling ADO Den main coach Thomas Tuchel new year cannot come soon before Mauro Icardi added Antoine Griezmann left for Haag 6-1 on Sunday. and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, who enough. Milan are down in a late fourth at the Parc de Barcelona, the feisty Simeone Six different players scored as have been linked to the role, 11th spot after suffering a 5-0 Princes. Mbappe finishes the shuffled his pack in the second Ajax hit six in 38 minutes ei- under contract at their respec- demolition at the hands of year with 41 goals and at least half at Betis and saw sub Angel ther side of half time. They let tive clubs until at least 2021. Atalanta on Sunday. one more admirer in his fan Correa score one and create a up after the 63rd minute even More good news followed on It was the first time since club after he consoled a young goal after being dropped from though the visitors played the Sunday as a groin operation 1955 that Atalanta had put boy who evaded security to the staring line up. last 10 minutes with 10 men. Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-Min (left) on their top-scorer Robert four goals past Milan in Serie run on the pitch to grab an au- The demanding trainer’s They will resume on Janu- appeals to Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger after the Lewandowski went well and A while for the fallen giants it tograph with the star striker. words after the match spoke ary 19 with a three-point lead two players clashed during their English Premier League match the Poland hot-shot is ex- was their heaviest defeat in The youngster was in tears by volumes and Liverpool would over AZ. on Saturday. (AFP) 14 Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Sports Stokes, Woakes add to England’s uncertainties against South Africa

AFP Centurion Proteas seek happy end to bad year

England will have to make AFP the series. 3-0 in their World Test Cham- “a very late call” on their play- Centurion It is not only at Centu- pionship debut in . ing XI for the firstT est against rion where England have en- It has emerged that the South Africa, starting at Cen- South Africa will seek a hap- joyed success in South Africa. World Cup campaign was un- turion on Thursday, captain py end to what has been a mis- Cheered on by large groups dermined by interference from Joe Root said on Tuesday. erable year for the country’s of travelling supporters, they officials, while a long-running With all-rounder Ben cricket team when they play won series in 2004/05 and feud between Cricket South Stokes at the bedside of his England in the first match of 2015/16 and shared the hon- Africa and the South African critically ill father and Chris a World Test Championship ours in 2009/10. Cricketers’ Association culmi- Woakes the latest victim of ill- series, starting at SuperSport South Africa have not nated in calls, as yet unheed- ness that has swept through Park on Thursday. vanquished England at home ed, for the board to resign and the touring squad, Root ad- They will be playing at a since 1999/2000, when they the suspension of chief execu- mitted that the build-up to ground which has been a for- had already secured the se- tive Thabang Moroe. the four-match World Test tress for the hosts, where they ries before Hansie Cronje Since then, former captain Championship series had been have won 19 of 24 Tests. persuaded Nasser Hussain to has been made “frustrating”. England, though, have seek a one-innings after interim director of cricket and But Root said he was con- England all-rounder Ben Stokes (left), and bowler Chris Woakes. bucked the trend, being in- three full days had been lost was named fident thatE ngland could field volved in four of the five to rain. It was later revealed head coach. Boucher quickly “a very competitive team” ence of head coach Boucher matches at the ground which that Cronje, who was eventu- brought in , even if some leading players The Teams (from) and batting consultant Kallis have not ended in victory for ally banned after a corruption South Africa’s most-capped were not available. had been like a breath of fresh South Africa - a win, albeit in scandal, had been in contact player, as batting consultant South Africa England air. “There’s a real energy in contrived circumstances, and with a bookmaker. and a mood of optimism has the squad, a real positive feel three draws. South African cricket has emerged in the South African With all-rounder Ben Stokes Faf du Plessis (capt), Dean Joe Root (capt), Rory to what we’ve been doing, how Only once have South Af- been in upheaval after a tur- camp. at the bedside of his criti- Elgar, Aiden Markram, Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe we have been training in the rica come out on top against bulent year during which the The reality, though, is that cally ill father and Chris Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van Denly, Ben Stokes, Ollie last week and the information their oldest foes at Centurion, Proteas lost a home Test series the South African team has Woakes the latest victim of der Dussen, Quinton de Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), that’s been spoken about.” on England’s previous tour against - the first been hit hard by the retire- illness that has swept Kock (wkt), Dwaine Preto- Chris Woakes or Sam Du Plessis said that al- four years when Kagiso Raba- team other than England and ment of some of the country’s rius or Andile Phehlukwayo, though he was now a highly- da, then aged 20, had match Australia to win in South Africa all-time great players, includ- through the touring squad. Vernon Philander, Keshav Curran or Jack Leach, experienced international figures of 13 for 144 in what - before enduring a miserable ing AB de Villiers, Hashim Captain Joe Root admitted Maharaj, , Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, player, the “wisdom” that had was a dead rubber game, with Cricket World Cup in England Amla, and Morne that the build-up to the Anrich Nortje. James Anderson. come into the team set-up had England having already won and Wales and being trounced Morkel. four-match World Test helped him as well. Championship series had make sure that Ben and his look at the pitch. “You almost ask, why have family get all the support they Du Plessis confirmed that these guys not been here for been “frustrating”. need.” Rassie van der Dussen would the last 10 years,” he said. “It’s The England captain add- make his Test debut, batting so important to have guys like Stokes’ father Ged was ad- ed: “It’s been quite frustrating at number five behind Zubayr that in a dressing room. If you mitted to hospital in nearby in many ways but we have to Hamza at three and himself look around at international on Monday handle it and get on with it and at four. cricket, other teams have got with what an England state- make sure the guys who are He indicated that all- that. You look at the Austral- ment said was a “serious ill- selected are ready to go. rounder Dwaine Pretorius ian team, you look at (Justin) ness”. “We’ve got some very com- would also win a first cap, bat- Langer, (Ricky) Ponting, (Ste- Fellow all-rounder Woakes petitive players who are des- ting at number seven. ve) Waugh.” did not train on Tuesday be- perate to prove themselves. If The South African captain Du Plessis paid tribute to cause of illness, but Root said they get an opportunity they enthused about the value that opening bowler Vernon Phi- the recovering Stuart Broad, will want to come out and put former international stars lander, who announced on Jofra Archer and Jack Leach in a performance for England. Mark Boucher and Jacques Monday that he would retire were making good progress. We’re going to have to make a Kallis brought to his team - but from international cricket af- “We will have to keep them very late call on our team.” warned that good preparation ter the series. monitored over the next cou- would mean “nothing” if it “Vern has been the leader ple of days and see how things Debut for van der Dussen was not backed up by perfor- of the attack for a long time go.” While England appeared to mances. in all conditions, especially in Root did not speculate on have several selection head- “We will get measured on South Africa,” said Du Plessis. the chances of Stokes being aches, South African cap- the way that we play,” he said. “He’s a huge weapon for able to play. tain Faf du Plessis said the “We’ve done the right things us. I think this series is going “It puts things in perspec- only uncertainty in his team this week as a team and now to be a big one for him. He tive,” he said. “We need to play concerned the composition it’s about going out there and looks very, very motivated, full good hard cricket and win this of the attack, which putting in performances on of energy. He wants to leave South Africa’s keeper (left), team captain Faf Du Plessis (2nd right) and bolwer series but most important for would be decided on the the field.” this team with a big perfor- Vernon Philander (right) play football during a team training session at the Supersport Park Cricket Sta- us as a squad is we need to morning of the match after a Du Plessis said the influ- mance.” dium in Centurion ahead of a four-match Test series against England starting on December 26. (AFP) ’s pace sensation Naseem look to Boult turns quickly from cub to lion Find of the tour nis - Dennis was a big guy - in rare Boxing Day Test but when he gets it right, he’s a handful. He’s very talented with his pace the key.” AFP revelation. Naseem made people take Melbourne The 25-year-old smashed a notice with his short burst of first-innings century in Perth eight overs against Australia New Zealand are hopeful of – his third in a row – and a A, claiming Marcus Harris’s having pace spearhead Trent second-innings 50. wicket with a sharp bouncer. Boult back to help halt a ram- Australia had a scare this That was after he received pant Australia in the Black week when David Warner was Pakistan’s Naseem Shah the news of his mother’s death Caps’ first Boxing Day Test at struck on the hand during a in action during the back home. But he showed the Melbourne Cricket Ground net session and needed treat- second Test against steely resolve as a week later in more than 30 years. ment, but Langer confirmed Sri Lanka at the National he was played in the firstT est The veteran, suffering a Tuesday he would be fit. Cricket Stadium in in Brisbane. side strain, was badly missed “There was a little concern Karachi on Sunday. (AFP) He claimed dashing Aus- during the opening Test in for about two seconds, but tralian opener David Warner Perth, when the visitors were then he saw the doctor and twice, first off a no-ball on 56 thrashed by 296 runs in sti- he’s hitting balls again. AFP ginning and if I keep up the and then on 154. fling conditions. But he has “He’ll be ready to go,” said Karachi hard work more rewards will Warner appreciated Na- been toiling in the nets and the coach. come my way.” seem’s talent. “He charged in, expects to be ready for a rare Boult said patience and Pakistan’s Naseem Shah may and there’s a superstar there,” appearance by his country on consistency would be New be just a teenager but his fiery Rapid rise said Warner. one of the best-known dates of will spearhead Kiwis’ pace attack against Australia. Zealand’s best weapons in bowling has given him a top po- Naseem’s landmark moment It was a tough baptism for the cricket calendar. Melbourne. sition on the bowling charts. capped a three-month fast track Naseem, who hails from the “I want to really embrace for demand. of three Tests without bowling “Basically, I think the same On Monday, Naseem progress from a precocious tal- small town of Lower Dir, in it and appreciate that stage The last time New Zealand kingpin Josh Hazlewood who rules apply to a lot of bats- grabbed 5-31 in Pakistan’s ent to one of the leaders of Pa- the north-west Khyber Pakh- for what it is,” the left-armer faced Australia in a Boxing Day was injured in Perth. James men,” he said. series-clinching win over Sri kistan’s bowling attack. tunkhwa province. told reporters of the spe- Test was 1987, before many of Pattinson is set to replace him “If you can kind of be pa- Lanka in Karachi to become the He has been in the lime- Naseem said his father was cial atmosphere that comes the current squad were born, as the third quick alongside tient and outlast them and try youngest fast bowler at 16 years light for sometime but it was in against his playing cricket. with a Boxing Day Test in the with the home side holding on and Mitchell to put some pressure on them 307 days to achieve the feat. October this year that national “Those were tough days,” 100,000-capacity arena. for a draw despite blistering Starc, who has been lethal this to draw the error, then that He broke the record of an- selectors decided to throw him recalls Naseem. “My father “This is the stage that a lot bowling from legendary quick summer. would be the starting point.” other Pakistan Mohammad in the deep when he took nine used to say ‘why you play the of people dream of being on so . “, we The teams Amir who also made his mark in a domestic match. sport of foreigners, instead to get this opportunity in my What sort of wicket they know what he brings to the Australia squad: David with his first five wicket haul at Four days later he was on study.” career, it’s definitely something find on Thursday is the great team – he brings so much Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus 17 years 257 days against Aus- the plane to Australia for the But cricket was at the core that I’m looking forward to. unknown. energy, bowls good pace, he’s Labuschagne, Steve Smith, tralia in Melbourne 10 years ago. two-match Test series -- a of his life. “There were not “If I can tick all the right Only a fortnight ago, play played a lot at the MCG,” Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Naseem’s feat has prompt- move described as ‘throwing a much facilities in my village boxes with my body and get was abandoned during a do- coach Justin Langer said. Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cum- ed the cricket world to take no- cub before the wolves.’ so I used to play with tape ball. myself fit, then I can’t wait to mestic SheffieldS hield game New Zealand will need mins, Mitch Starc, Nathan tice of the precocious ability. Pakistan’s bowling coach I watched Waqar and Shoaib get out there,” he added. at the ground due to a danger- everything in their arsenal Lyon, James Pattinson, Mi- Belief in his talent, Naseem – himself a Akhtar on television but I liked A big crowd is expected ous pitch, with erratic bounce to stymie Australia who have chael Neser, Peter Siddle says, has been the key. lethal fast bowler – likened Shane Bond’s (New Zealand with New Zealand fans snap- seeing balls rise sharply and won all three Tests at home New Zealand: Todd Astle, Tom “I had belief in my hard Naseem to former Australian fast bowler) action. ping up thousands of tickets unexpectedly to pummel the this summer after retaining Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de work and talent so when I got great paceman Dennis Lillee. “Then I moved to Lahore to witness the December 26 batsmen. the Ashes in England. Grandhomme, Lockie Fergu- the chance I tried my best,” “He’s got a very strong ac- and played cricket there and it appearance by their team at Ground curator Matt Page Starc and hard-working son, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, said Naseem. “I am elated that tion. He reminds me of Dennis was there I got more opportu- one of cricket’s most famous has since been working to pre- spinner Nathan Lyon have Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, my feat on a home ground and Lillee actually. He’s got a very nities and then I was selected grounds. pare a new pitch. been instrumental, although , , before my own people has con- similar action,” Waqar said be- for Pakistan Under-16.” Extra flights were report- it has been the batting exploits , BJ Watling, Neil tributed in the win. fore the firstT est in Brisbane. The rest is, as they say, edly scheduled between Auck- Patience of number three Marnus La- Wagner, Kane Williamson “I know this is just the be- “He’s not as big as Den- history. land and Melbourne to cater Australia go into the second buschagne that have been a (captain). Sports Wednesday, December 25, 2019 15 Warriors taste first Entries open for 2020 NBA back-to-back wins in season TCA/DPA results Manateq Qatar CCR San Francisco NBA Results on Monday It had been seven months, one Golden State 113, Minnesota 104 Miami 107, Utah 104 ACL tear, a superstar depar- Portland 94, New Orleans 102 ture and a broken hand since Sacramento 104, Houston 113 the Golden State Warriors last Phoenix 111, Denver 113 won consecutive games. Memphis 115, San Antonio 145 Cleveland 121, Atlanta 118 The Warriors’ 113-104 win Detroit 109, Philadelphia 125 over the Minnesota Timber- Indiana 120, Toronto 115 (OT) wolves on Monday night at the New York 115, Washington 121 Chase Center marked the first Orlando 103, Chicago 95 win streak of the season, as the team’s committed pursuit of Durant sniping, it was Cauley- development is finally show- Stein dunking and Burks cut- ing dividends. ting off a connected offence. On the heels of Friday’s The Warriors extended a win over the New Orleans Pel- 14-point halftime lead to 24 icans, the Warriors (7-24) put with less than four minutes together their best 48 minutes left in the third quarter, which of basketball this season. A re- marked the largest lead they’ve lentless stream of crisp passes, ever had at the Chase Centre. determined rebounds and Minnesota outscored timely runs overwhelmed the Golden State 37-29 in the fi- Timberwolves. nal frame, but Russell’s timely Golden State assisted 3-pointer with 6:52 left end- on 26 of their 38 made field ed a 7-0 run and extended The 2020 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally is scheduled on February 22 to 27 and expected to draw a big field of drivers and riders. goals, muscled their way to a the Warriors’ lead to 92-83. 55-41 advantage on the boards When the Timberwolves cut and showed resolve when the the Warriors’ lead to six with  Souq Waqif to host ceremonial start Timberwolves (10-19) threat- 5:26 left to play, Burks scored ened late. back-to-back baskets, found & prize-giving ceremonies After hanging 52 points Cauley-Stein for an alley-oop the last time these two teams and drained a 3-pointer to put played, guard D’Angelo Russell the game away.  Manateq Baja Qatar confirmed as set the tone early. He scored In all, the Warriors’ start- eight of the Warriors’ first 10 ers outscored the Timber- opening round of FIM Cross-Country points, and finished with 30 wolves’ 90-39. points on 8-for-18 shooting Burks finished with 25 Bajas World Cup (5-for-11 from 3-point range) points on 8-for-13 shooting and four assists. and eight assists. Tribune News Network ers and there will be no road A 20-5 run in the middle of Cauley-Stein recorded 12 DOHA books issued. Refuelling the second quarter guided by points, seven rebounds, three points will be positioned every guard Alec Burks and centre blocks and two steals, while Entries are now open for the 125km. Further details will be Willie Cauley-Stein broke the guard Damion Lee chipped in Manateq Qatar Cross-Country available soon in the supple- game open. 14 points. Rally (MQCCR), the opening mentary regulations. The run was reminiscent of Golden State’s two wins round of the 2020 FIA World The opening round of the the snowball effect the Warri- in the last four days came Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, FIA World Cup for Cross- ors of old used to conquer the against sub-.500 teams, but which takes place on February Country Rallies will run over league. Only, instead of Steph that shouldn’t lessen the value 22 to 27. Historic Souq Waqif five days (February 23-27) The Manateq Baja Qatar will be the opening round of the 2020 FIM Cross-Country Bajas World Cup. Curry (left hand surgery) and of these wins. Not for a team in downtown Doha will host and around 1,430 competi- Klay Thompson (left knee that entered the night with the the ceremonial start and prize tive kilometres in a route of Prize fund ter, a sleeping area and a range surgery) splashing and Kevin league’s worst record. giving ceremony. 2,200km across the length of entertainment activities. The Qatar Motor and Mo- and breadth of Qatar. Admin- Full details of the prize fund are as follows: T3 final classification The substantial prize torcycle Federation (QMMF) istration checks, scrutineering First 2 trophies and $6,000 fund for the Manateq Qatar T1 final classification Second $4,000 has confirmed that the event and the ceremonial start will First 2 trophies and $10,000 Third $3,000 Cross-Country Rally has also will host the opening round of take place on February 22. Second $7,000 been finalised. This will be the FIM Cross-Country Bajas Supplementary regula- Third $6,000 SSV final classification awarded in groups that have World Cup for the first time. tions and entry forms are now Fourth $5,000 First 2 trophies and $10,000 a minimum of five entrants. The Manateq Baja Qatar will available for download from Fifth $4,000 Second $7,000 The winner of the prestig- take place over three competi- www.qatarcrosscountry.com. Third $6,000 ious T1 category, for exam- tive stages (two on leg one and Entries close at reduced rates T2 final classification Fourth $5,000 ple, will receive two trophies one on leg two) and offer a to- on Tuesday (January 21) and First 2 trophies and $8,000 Fifth $4,000 and $10,000 with $7000 for Second $5,000 tal length of around 600 com- at full rates on Sunday (Febru- Third $4,000 T4 final classification second place, and $6,000 for petitive kilometres in a route ary 9, 2020. Fourth $3,000 First 2 trophies and $10,000 third overall. of 920km. The QMMF has also final- Fifth $2,000 Second $7,000 Manateq – Economic Riders will pass adminis- ised shipping details for vehi- Third $6,000 Zones Company is the title tration and technical checks cles and equipment travelling sponsor for the third succes- before a briefing on February from Europe. Organisers will park/Gruppo Spinelli, GEN- World Cup for Cross-Country sive season. Established in 25 and then tackle their open- cover return shipping costs OVA SECH on January 16-17 Rallies. 2011, the company is posi- ing leg on February 26, which for a 20-foot container from from 08.00hrs to 17.00hrs. Teams will also be eligible tioned as a vital component will be similar to the fourth Genoa to Qatar using the CMA Further information is avail- for 600 litres of petrol (mo- in achieving the economic day of the Manateq Qatar direct service to Hamad. able from Patrick Impeco: torcycle riders will receive development goals of the Qa- Cross-Country Rally. Action The ship will depart from Tel: + 31 622 470212, Email: 250 litres of fuel), in addition tar National Vision 2030, concludes with FIM registered Genoa on January 22 and ar- [email protected]. to free WiFi, preparation and through providing premium riders tackling the fifth stage rive in Qatar on February 12. Free shipping will also be warehousing facilities, electric- infrastructure within strategic of the MQCCR on February 27. Teams need to ensure their available for all Dakar com- ity within the service park at economic zones to promote Alec Burks (No. 8) of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot on GPS navigation will be equipment arrives at Impeco/ petitors keen to tackle the the Losail Sports Arena, a car the logistics and industrial Noah Vonleh (No. 1) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA provided by rally organis- BFG, c/o Warehouse Distri- opening round of the FIA washing area, free drinking wa- sectors in Qatar. match in San Francisco, California on Monday. (AFP) Big wins for Arabi, Gharafa cagers Qatar’s Nawaf runner-up at

Tribune News Network who were coming off a two- DOHA match win streak. Orange Bowl international tennis Al Arabi Club, sparked by an Gharafa win again Tribune News Network early 14-point charge, posted Al Gharafa Club posted DOHA a one-sided 95-75 victory over second successive win as they Al Rayyan Club in the QBF crushed Al Sadd 117-69, lead- Qatar’s Rashed Nawaf League at the Al Gharafa Club ing 63-21 at the interval. Ab- finished runner-up at 57th Indoor Hall on Tuesday, dulrahman Sadd was the star Orange Bowl International Al Arabi had a 14-point of their victory with the point Tennis Championship held sequence which helped them guard collecting a massive 42 recently in Miami, USA. shoot 21-5 ahead and finish the points alone. The annual junior tennis first quarter 17 points ahead A 16-5 push in the opening championship was held from five minutes sent Al Gharafa December 14 to 23. This event 34-13 clear after the first quar- brought together over 1,500 results ter. Then they raced to 48-17 in of the top ranked male and fe- Al Gharafa beat Al Sadd 117-69 (half-time 63-21) the second quarter and forged male players from more than Main performers - Al Gharafa: (Abdulrahman Sadd ahead by more than 50 points 75 nations in the under-12 and 42 pts, Aaron Jovan Nelson 25 pts & 16 rebounds, Asem Shalfawi 17 pts & 13 rebounds, Joshua shortly before the close when under-14 age groups. Caldwell 14 pts) they were leading 117-64. In the final match, Nawaf Al Sadd: Faisal Abuissa 23 pts, Yassin Taha 14 pts & Besides Saad, Aaron Jovan suffered a 6-4, 6-3 defeat 13 rebounds, Omar Saad 11 pts) Aaron Jovan Nelson of Al Gharafa scores a layup against Al Sadd Nelson and Asem Shalfawi had at the hands of Nishesh Ba- Al Arabi Club beat Al Rayyan Club 95-75 (half-time during a QBF League match in Al Gharafa on Tuesday. a double-double each to cele- savareddy. “I’m proud of tak- 49-30) brate in the team’s second win ing the second place in pres- Main performers – Al Arabi Club: Miroslav Todic 33 match to leaders Qatar Sports five matches - the same as lead- in five games. Nelson had 25 tigious tournament as it was pts & 10 rebounds, Mohammed Harat 24 pts & 14 Club, kept charging along and ers Al Wakrah and Qatar SC. points and 16 rebounds, while really an exciting week for me” rebounds, Kevin Galloway 18 pts, Khalid Suliman Abdi 14 pts) won the match easily with Mi- Al Rayyan, whose bench Shalfawi posted 17 points and said Nawaf after the match. Al Rayyan: Eric Lockett 21 pts, Tony Farmer 19 pts, Carl roslav Todic and Mohammed contributed 19 points to three collected 13 rebounds. Joshua “I think the semi-final, Montgomery 14 pts, Mohamed Abdelkawy 11 pts) Harat both getting a double- by the rivals, were led by Eric Caldwell, with 14 points, was which lasted for more than four double apiece. Lockett 21 points, including the fourth double-digit con- Qatar’s Rashed Nawaf finished hours, had its toll on me during (29-12). From there, they built Todic came up with 33 three three-pointers. Tony tributor. second at the 57th Orange Bowl the final match,” he added. on the advantage and got a points and 10 rebounds, while Farmer secured 19, while Carl For Al Sadd, who suf- International Tennis Champion- En route to the final,N awaf commanding and their biggest Harat posted 24 points and 14 Montgomery and Mohamed fered fifth straight loss, Faisal ship held in Miami, USA. edged past Rodrigo Mendez in lead of 24 points shortly before rebounds. Kevin Galloway (18 Abdelkawy collected 14 and 11 Abuissa top-scored with 23. the semi-finals, Lennon Jones the interval (49-25). points) and Khalid Suliman points, respectively. Yassin Taha had 14 points and in the quarter-finals, Nikita Fi- In the next two quarter, Abdi (14 points) played well to This was the second defeat 13 rebounds and Omar Saad lin in last 16 round, Benjamin Al Arabi, who had lost the last take the team to fourth victory in in five matches for Al Rayyan, added 11 points. Kreynes in the last 32 round.