Sport

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020 SouthS Africa need right blend of youth anda experience, says captain De Kock You need to find that balance (between youth and experience) and Faf camec out and showed his leadership qualities. He has been in a lot of pressurep situations and there is no better player in the team for that.

Quinton de Kock Sport |09

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE: Al Arabi (Ater James Majok 22) 82-74 Al Shamal; Al Wakrah (Nicholas Stover 22) 75-68 Al Gharafa Qatar to host third round of Nicolás Córdova FIM Bajas World Cup in April

THE PENINSULA – DOHA FIM BAJAS WORLD CUP 2021 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR, 28 DECEMBER The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Date FMNR Event Venue, Country Federation (QMMF) will host the third Feb 18 – 20 EMSO Dubai Intl. Baja Dubai, UAE Cordova named round of the FIM Bajas World Cup Mar 18 – 20 RMCJ Jordan Baja Aqaba, Jordan from April 8 to 10 next year, it was Apr 08 – 10 QMMF Qatar International Baja Doha, Qatar Qatar U-23 coach announced by a top QMMF official May 28 – 30 FMP Baja do Pinhal Serta, Portugal yesterday. Jun 17 – 19 CBM Baja Jalapao 500 Sao Felix do Tocantins, Brazil THE PENINSULA – DOHA The FIM released the 2021 cal- Jul 23 – 25 RFME Baja Aragon Teruel, Spain endar with 10 events scheduled from Aug 05 – 08 MAMS Hungarian Baja Varpalota, Hungary Qatar Football Association (QFA) yesterday February to October. The Qatar round Aug 29- Sept 01 FMC Atacama Baja 1 Copiapo, Chile announced Chilean Nicolas Cordova as the will be staged after opening events in Sept 02 – 04 FMC Atacama Baja 2 Copiapo, Chile new Under-23 national team coach. the UAE and Jordan. Oct 28 – 30 FMP Baja Portalegre Portalegre, Portugal The former midfielder will manage the In a major boost for motor sport Qatar’s U-23 squad which is getting ready fans in the country, QMMF success- for riders to compete in the FIM Bajas hugely popular event takes place for key events in 2021 and beyond. fully completed all of its stalled events World Cup. I can’t give an exact over a series of qualifying events as Cordova has played for several South from March and wrapped up the number, but I am confident locally well as a final. Each event in the qual- American clubs and has experienced of amad championships during the October- there will be a lot of riders taking part ifying series has a scoring coefficient representing Chile national teams. December window. Amro Al Hamad in the event,” Al Hamad added. of 1, while the final has a scoring He also coached the Chile U-20 team In November and December, The QMMF Executive Director coefficient of 2. in 2015. QMMF hosted two rounds at the Qatar number of local entries for the World said the World Cup, besides being an The final is open to all compet- Cordova began his career in Colo-Colo National Baja to close out the incom- Cup, having seen a big number of par- international exposure, will also give itors. In order to be included in the of Chile in the top flight. He played from plete season from March this year ticipants at the Qatar National Baja. an idea of local riders’ skill level. ranking of the FIM Bajas World Cup, 1997 until 2001 playing 54 matches and when COVID-19 pandemic put a stop “We are hosting the event after “Will there be anyone from Qatar competitors must have completed and scoring three goals. to sports events around the globe. Jordan, so we expect a lot of compet- who is going to continue participating scored points in at least one of the In the 2004–05 season, he played Earlier this month, the QMMF itors from the Middle East to compete in the World championship? Maybe events of the qualifying series. Only Livorno. In September 2008, he was signed announced that it will host the in Qatar,” Al Hamad said. it’s possible. We will find out that in these competitors will be eligible for for Grosseto. opening round of the 2021 FIA Middle “There are also a lot of riders here the Qatar off-road championship. It’s the final ranking of the FIM Bajas Qatar U-23 squad will take part in the East Rally Championship (MERC) from in Doha, who will also participate. So going to be like a training ground for World Cup. 2022 AFC U-23 Championship qualifying January 28-30, 2021. this is a very good achievement for good riders and we will see if they The final ranking of the FIM Bajas phase at a later date next year. “Qatar is hosting one of the rounds QMMF to host an international event have the skills to compete in the World Cup will be established on the of the FIM World Championships for for our home riders,” the QMMF rest of the World Cup,” Al basis of the two best results of the motorbikes. It’s going to be in April, official said. Hamad said. qualifying series, added to the points just a couple of days before Ramadan. “We already had 30 riders from The FIM Bajas World awarded in the final. This is valid in PL reports highest We got a confirmation from FIM yes- Qatar taking part in the Qatar National Cup will be held in a all three categories (Motorbikes, terday,” QMMF Executive Director Baja, so I do believe, we will have at format in 2021, the Quads and SSV) and in all three weekly number of Amro Al Hamad said yesterday least 15 to 20 riders. There could be FIM said in a classes (Women’s, Junior and Al Hamad said he expects a good more entries as it’s a bucket list event statement. The Veteran). COVID-19 cases

AP – LONDON

The Premier League has reported its highest number of positive coronavirus cases in a single week. In a statement, the league says there were 18 positives after 1,479 tests on players and club staff from Dec. 21-27. No individuals were identified but Man- chester City had previously announced that striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker tested positive last week. Further positives cases at City led to Monday’s game at Everton being postponed. The previous highest number of coronavirus cases after weekly testing in the Premier League was 16 last month. The rise is infections reflects the growth in coronavirus cases across Britain, where the death toll since the pan- demic erupted in March is over 70,000. QSL: Leaders Al Sadd continue their unbeaten run

THE PENINSULA – DOHA QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS AFTER 11 ROUNDS POS CLUB M W L D GF GA GD POINTS The 11th round of the QNB Stars 1 Al Sadd 11 9 0 2 37 9 28 29 League (QSL) provided thrills 2 Al Gharafa 11 7 3 1 25 16 9 22 and scares for some teams, as 3 Al Duhail 11 7 4 0 26 16 10 21 the competition reached the 4 Qatar SC 11 6 4 1 18 10 8 19 halfway mark. 5 Al Ahli 11 6 4 1 17 22 -5 19 As many as 17 goals were 6 Al Rayyan 11 4 3 4 12 9 3 16 scored during the two days. 7 Al Wakrah 11 4 6 1 12 14 -2 13 There was a high-scoring match 8 Al Sailiya 11 3 5 3 13 19 -6 12 and two games ended in draws. 9 Al Arabi 11 3 5 3 13 20 -7 12 All teams, except Al Sailiya and 10 Umm Salal 11 2 5 4 7 15 -8 10 Al Khor, scored goals. 11 Al Khor 11 1 6 4 8 21 -13 7 Al Sadd continued to top the 12 Al Kharaitiyat 11 2 9 0 8 25 -17 6 table with 29 points despite being held to a 1-1 draw by high-flying Qatar SC. succeeded in achieving that,” thus slipped from third to fifth Al Sadd defender the former AFC Player of the place. Abdelkarim Hassan said his Year said. Al Gharafa (22 points) kept side’s 1-1 draw reflected the dif- The result, after a keenly- their second place intact even ficulty of the game. fought encounter between two though they were held 1-1 by Speaking to the media after in-form teams, helped The Umm Salal, who continued their the game, Abdelkarim said: “It Kings storm into the top-four, good performance. The Orange was a hard-fought and difficult from fifth place, with 19 points. Fortress, however, remained match for both teams. We tried Reigning champions Al 10th in the table with 10 points. to take the lead, but Qatar Duhail improved from fourth Al Rayyan remained in sixth Al Sadd's players react after their Round played in an organised manner to third place with 21 points spot with 16 points even after 11 QSL match against Qatar SC on Monday. and were strong defensively, following their 5-3 victory defeating Al Khor 1-0. It was and we couldn’t score the over Al Ahli in a high-scoring The Lions’ fourth victory, second goal after equalising. In thriller. It was The Red whereas The Knights crashed from seventh to eighth place 2-1 to register their fourth 14th rounds, adding that the general, both teams did well.” Knights’ seventh victory and to their sixth loss, but remained with 12 points. victory. The Thunders remained kick-off times and venues have As for going up against it also helped them close the 11th with seven points. Both Al Sailiya and Al Arabi the basement side with six points been finalised in co-ordination Qatar’s attacker Youcef Belaili, gap with leaders Al Sadd from Al Arabi got back to winning have the same number of points, after suffering their ninth defeat, with the authorities concerned. he said: “Everyone saw the style 10 points to eight. ways following their 1-0 win but the former were placed the most by any team. The remaining weeks’ schedule of play that we relied on, as well Qatar SC and Al Ahli are tied over Al Sailiya, their third above on better goal difference The Round 12 action will will be finalised later after as how Qatar played, so we had on 19 points, but the former overall. The Dream Team, (-6 as against the latter’s -7). begin on January 2, 2021. The taking into account the 2021 to close all opening in front of were placed fourth on better despite the victory, stood in Al Wakrah improved from Qatar Stars League yesterday AFC Champions League cal- Qatar’s attack, especially for goal difference (+8 compared ninth position with 12 points, eighth to seventh rank with 13 announced the schedule for the endar, QSL announced Youcef Belaili, and we to Al Ahli’s -5). The Brigadiers while The Peregrines slipped points as they beat Al Kharaitiyat League matches of the 13th and yesterday. WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 PSG confirm sacking of coach Tuchel

AFP – PARIS Importantly, Pochettino, like I would like to thank Tuchel, is at ease in man-managing a Paris Saint-Germain yesterday Thomas Tuchel and his dressing room crammed with a galaxy confirmed the sacking of coach staff for all they have of stars. Thomas Tuchel, who had been at the contributed to the club. Neymar has been at the centre of club since July 2018, but did not name new controversy this week after Bra- his successor. Thomas has put a lot of zilian media reported that he is organ- “After an in-depth analysis of its energy and passion into ising a huge New Year’s Eve party sporting situation, Paris Saint- the job, and we will of despite the coronavirus pandemic -- Germain decided to terminate Thomas course remember the claims his lawyers have denied. Tuchel’s contract,” the French giants good moments we Pochettino is the son of a farmer announced in a statement. from Murphy, in the north of Argentina. Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, shared together. I wish He is known as a stickler for detail, the ex-Tottenham coach and a former him all the best for the which coupled with his tactical PSG player, is widely reported to be future: PSG Chairman acumen, devotion to an attractive style the favourite to take over. Nasser of play and his popularity amongst Tuchel, whose axing was widely Al Khelaifi Parisian fans, makes him a potentially reported but unconfirmed last week, ideal fit as the new occupant of the PSG managed PSG 127 times in all compe- Coach Thomas Tuchel dugout. titions, with 95 wins, 12 draws and 20 He would have under his wing defeats. of recognition at leading PSG to the by Carlo Ancelotti in December 2011. against his compatriot Lionel Messi’s several compatriots such as Mauro His trophy haul featured two Champions League final. Tuchel departs the Parc des Barca, with the return leg on March 6. Icardi, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Ligue 1 titles (2019, 2020) as well as “I would like to thank Thomas Princes having secured a last 16 Pochettino was let go after five and Paredes. the French Cup and French League Tuchel and his staff for all they have Champions League clash with Bar- a half years at Tottenham in the His anticipated arrival before the Cup in 2020. contributed to the club,” said PSG celona and PSG sitting third in Ligue aftermath of leading the north London winter transfer window will allow The 47-year-old German also led chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi. 1 -- a point shy of leaders Lyon -- side to their first ever appearance in a him to bring in new faces, potentially the Parisian club to their first ever “Thomas has put a lot of energy despite being plagued by injuries, sus- Champions League final against Liv- one former Spurs charge, Inter Champions League final last August, and passion into the job, and we will pensions and coronavirus erpool in 2019. Milan’s attacking midfielder Christian which they lost 1-0 to Bayern of course remember the good infections. Although he has yet to win any sil- Eriksen. Munich. moments we shared together. I wish Should Pochettino take over, his verware the former PSG defender’s And looking further ahead, given Despite appearing to be adept him all the best for the future.” opening match in charge will be stock is high in managerial circles. their Argentine ties, Pochettino may be at man-managing PSG’s squad of Less than three months on from January 6’s trip to Saint-Etienne on The Parisians will be keen to com- the catalyst for six-time Ballon d’Or superstar players such as Neymar and the final defeat to Bayern Munich in Ligue 1’s resumption after the winter plete his signing and avoid missing winner Messi to start regarding PSG as Kylian Mbappe, Tuchel reportedly Lisbon, Tuchel has become the first break. their man who has been linked to the potential new employers when he is free upset the Qatari-backed club after PSG coach to leave mid-season since Then, on February 16, the Argen- likes of Real Madrid, Manchester to move from the Camp Nou at the end complaining about an apparent lack Antoine Kombouare was replaced tinian could face his first massive test United and Barca in recent months. of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Striker Costa Gareth Arsenal beat Bale Brighton 1-0 ends second Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette celebrates with a team-mate spell at Atletico after scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion during their Premier REUTERS – MADRID League match played at the American Express Atletico Madrid and their enigmatic striker Diego Community Stadium Costa have parted ways for the second time after the in Brighton, yesterday. La Liga leaders agreed to the player’s request to Arsenal, placed 15th rescind his contract yesterday. in the Premier League An Atletico statement said the 32-year-old, whose table, won 1-0. contract ran out in June 2021, had asked several days ago to leave the club immediately for personal reasons and yesterday he signed his release from the deal. Atletico coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to the Spurs’ Bale out striker who was so influential in the team’s 2013-14 La Liga title. “We have spent a lot of time together over the for ‘few weeks’ years, he has given us a lot and we have given him a lot too,” Simeone told a news conference. with calf injury “We spoke about his personal issues and the club wanted to help him without harming its own interests REUTERS – LONDON and we feel better now we have resolved the issue.” Costa helped Atletico to the Spanish title with 27 goals Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale will and they also reached the 2014 Champions League miss the next “few weeks” after he sustained final but lost 4-1 to rivals Real Madrid in extra-time a calf injury in their League Cup quarter-final after Costa was forced off early with a hamstring win at Stoke City last week, manager Jose injury. Mourinho has said. He joined Chelsea in 2014 for €35m and was an Bale, who is on loan from Spanish side Real instant hit, firing Chelsea to the 2014-15 and 2016-17 Madrid, started and scored in the 3-1 win but Premier League titles with 20 goals in each was withdrawn at halftime. campaign. Mourinho is short of backup options in He could hardly have had a more fitting second attack with the Portuguese manager saying Hazard to return for Real vs Elche debut after returning to Atletico for a reported Lucas Moura and Carlos Vinicius were also €57m, scoring and getting sent off in a 2-0 win over doubts for Wednesday’s match against REUTERS – MADRID a news conference competitions, which has coin- Getafe. Fulham. yesterday. cided with him rotating his The Brazilian-born Spain striker scored the “No, I don’t expect him (Bale) to be fit and Eden Hazard will return to the “The other day we decided squad to a lesser extent than winner in a Europa League semi-final against Arsenal also I have my doubts that Lucas and Vinicius Real Madrid side for today’s not to but we want him to play at the start of the campaign, on their way to winning the competition in 2018 and can be fit for Fulham,” Mourinho told reporters La Liga match away to Elche and to make the most of him.” when the team suffered as a in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Real, although when asked about Bale’s status. after over a month out injured, Hazard’s return comes at the result and lost five matches in his second spell was mostly disappointing. “I wouldn’t say it’s serious (for Bale) but coach Zinedine Zidane has right time for Madrid, who are three months. Injuries limited him to 43 La Liga starts in three I’d say a few weeks.” said. expected to be without Bra- The French coach con- years, scoring 12 goals, and opportunities were Bale, who was named Player of the Year Real’s record signing has zilian forward Rodrygo for up ceded that his recent team further limited by the signings of Joao Felix and Luis in his final season at Spurs before a then-world only been able to make three to three months after injuring selections demanded more of Suarez. record move to Real Madrid in 2013, has yet league starts this season and his hamstring in the 2-0 win his players but said there was Costa scored in Atletico’s 3-1 win over Elche on to live up to those standards, scoring only has not featured since injuring over Granada before the no increased risk of injuries. Dec. 19 and said he was looking forward to healthy three times for the north London side this his hamstring in a November Christmas break. He added it was hard to competition with Suarez, only to ask to leave days season. defeat to Alaves. His last cam- Real are second in the repeatedly leave out long- later. Mourinho was also happy with Tanguy paign was blighted by two standings and level on points serving players such as “He felt the need to find a new challenge, and Ndombele’s improvement in recent games, serious ankle injuries. with leaders Atletico Madrid, Marcelo and Isco, but does not I’m sure wherever he goes he will do well, because especially after he scored in Sunday’s 1-1 draw “Eden will be there who have two games in hand. want to let either of them go he’s a fighter,” added Simeone. at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but said he is tomorrow and our plan is for Zidane’s side are on a run in the January transfer “We want to thank him, Diego has given us eve- not yet fit to play the full 90 minutes. him to play a bit,” Zidane told of six consecutive wins in all window. rything as a player and as a human.” Former Barca President believes he can convince Messi to stay AP – BARCELONA me that ‘you always did what you said Copa del Rey - the last peak of Messi’s contract expires next June, you would,’ and this is something that greatness for the club. meaning he is free to negotiate with Former Barcelona Club President Joan I am very proud of and I don’t want to Bartomeu resigned in October other clubs as of Jan. 1. However, Messi Laporta has a simple pitch in his lose.” when faced with the possibility of being said on Sunday that he won’t make a attempt to get reelected to the post. Laporta knows Messi from when ousted in a no-confidence motion sup- decision on his future until the end of According to Laporta, he is the best he took over the club as its young pres- ported by thousands of club members the season. chance Barcelona has of convincing ident in 2003. A teenage Messi had furious after the team’s poor perform- Barcelona will remain under a Lionel Messi to stay put at Camp Nou. recently joined the Spanish club after ances and the club’s bad financial sit- caretaker board, which lacks powers Laporta is one of a handful of can- leaving Argentina with his family. uation. Barcelona suffered a historic to sign contracts, until February when didates vying to become Barcelona’s At the start of his stint as president, 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Cham- the newly elected board takes over. next president in an election by club Laporta chose the equally inexperi- pions League quarterfinals in August, Laporta said that despite having members called for Jan. 24. enced Frank Rijkaard as his first coach, and its soaring debt forced the club to maintained what he called “informal” Besides having successfully led and brought in Ronaldinho, Samuel practically give away veteran stars like talks with Messi over the years, he has Barcelona a decade ago, Laporta’s Eto’o and Deco to team up with in- Luis Suárez to slash its salary burden. yet to make the player a formal pitch. strongest asset to win over voters is his house talents Carles Puyol and Xavi The big worry, however, is what “I would like to be president of relationship with Messi, whose future Hernández. Messi quickly moved up Guardiola retooled the team around Messi will do now. football club Barcelona, look at the with the club is in serious doubt. through Barcelona’s youth teams and Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, Messi stunned Barcelona in August accounts, know perfectly what the pos- “I hope to convince Messi to stay a joined the top squad in 2004. The team sparking the most glorious period in when he said that he wanted out. The sibilities are that we have to give him few more years with us so that this took off and won two Spanish leagues club history. club, however, resisted, and he backed an economic proposal,” Laporta said. beautiful story he has at Barça can con- and the club’s second European Cup Laporta could not run for a third down - at least for the time being. He “But for me the economic proposal tinue,” Laporta told AP in a recent in 2006. consecutive term in 2010. He tried to has played as hard as ever these past with Messi is not the most relevant interview. When that team began to falter, unseat Josep Bartomeu in a 2015 months with the team still having ups thing. (…) The most important thing is “I have the honour to have the Laporta made another bold move by election, but Bartomeu won with the and downs as new coach Ronald to propose him a very competitive credibility of the player,” Laporta said. replacing Rijkaard with the untested team coming off a triple sweep of the Koeman tries to work in younger team because Leo wants to win “When we meet, Messi always is telling Pep Guardiola and selling Ronaldinho. Champions League, Spanish league and players to rejuvenate the side. championships.” 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020

South Africa Boxing Day Test: India complete need right blend of resounding win in Melbourne youth and experience, AP - MELBOURNE get up and fight, which we did in this second test match. The says De Kock India completed one of the boys deserve all the credit for greatest comebacks in cricket the character issue, real REUTERS - PRETORIA history yesterday by claiming a character.” memorable eight-wicket win Shastri described Rahane, South Africa must find the over Australia on the fourth day who scored 112 and 27 not out right balance between of the second Test at the and steered the side superbly youth and experience, Melbourne Cricket Ground. in the field, as “a very shrewd according to captain India’s comprehensive leader”. Quinton de Kock, who victory, led brilliantly by stand- “His calm composure out praised the performance of in skipper and Man of the Match there in the middle helped the his rookie bowlers in their Ajinkya Rahane, levels the four- bowlers as well. He has a innings and 45-run first match series at one-all. calming influence,” Shastri said. Test victory over Sri Lanka The touring team’s “Both are good readers on the yesterday. remarkable win comes after game. Virat (Kohli) is very pas- South Africa completed India scored a national-record sionate. Virat is more in your their handsome win just low total of 36 in an eight- face.” after lunch on the fourth wicket loss in the first Test in Rahane fittingly hit the day at Centurion Park, their Adelaide just over a week ago. winning run for India, while first Test victory in a year Chasing 70 to win on opener Shubman Gill completed achieved with a new-look Tuesday after bowling Australia a fine debut with scores of 45 bowling attack that out for 200 in its second and 35 not out. improved markedly as the innings, India comfortably India’s pace bowler game went on. The triumph reached 70-2 off 15.5 overs Mohammed Siraj led his side off was also set up by a superb before the tea break. the field at lunch after taking 199 from former captain Faf Leading the side in the 2-40 and 3-37 on debut, du Plessis, the most expe- India’s captain Ajinkya Rahane bumps fists with Australia’s captain Tim Paine at the end of the second absence of star batsman and including claiming two of the rienced member of the Test match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne yesterday. captain Virat Kohli, who has four wickets to fall in yester- squad. returned home to India to be day’s opening session. “You need to find that with his wife for the birth of “The way everyone played Yadav broke down during Aus- “We played pretty poor Test if he can prove he has balance (between youth their first child, Rahane’s was really magnificent. Char- tralia’s second innings with a cricket, pretty sloppy cricket,” overcome a groin strain. “David and experience) and Faf calmness and tactical skills acter and attitude were really calf strain. Australia’s captain Tim Paine looks in really good from what came out and showed his helped India stage a form important going into this Test Resuming yesterday on said. “As a batting group, we are I’ve seen. He has been training leadership qualities. He has reversal that left coach Ravi match,” Rahane said. 133-6, Pat Cummins (22) and very disappointed about what this week in the nets,” Paine been in a lot of pressure sit- Shastri in awe of his side. “I want to give credit to the Cameron Green added another we have put up in the first two said. “The early signs with him uations and there is no “This will go down in the debutants. Shubman batted 23 before Cummins fended a test matches. Dropping a are very good for the third Test.” better player in the team for annals of world cricket as one really well. He showed that bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah number of catches probably Meanwhile the third Test that,” De Kock said. of the great comebacks in the intent, that he can play shots at to second slip. They shared a didn’t help. It was a bit of a between Australia and India will The seam attack of history of the game,” Shastri this level.” seventh-wicket stand of 57. sloppy performance in the field remain in Sydney, cricket chiefs Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, said. Shastri and Rahane also Second-gamer Green, 21, and we didn’t score enough said yesterday despite a coro- Wiaan Mulder and Lutho “We were blown away in praised Siraj’s disciplined effort scored a stylish 45. Australia has runs again.” navirus outbreak in the city, Sipamla went into the game the second innings in one hour with the ball, especially after failed to post an innings total of Star opener David Warner with Brisbane holding the final with only 12 Test appear- (scoring 36 in Adelaide). But you fellow pace bowler Umesh over 200 in the first two Tests. is likely to return for the third clash as scheduled. ances between them, but the latter two, both 22, were particularly impressive. AUSTRALIA VS INDIA South Africa’s “(Mulder’s) results AUSTRALIA, first innings 195 (M. La- (Head), 6-99 (Paine), 7-156 (Cummins), 8-177 Faf du speak for themselves, any buschagne 48; J. Bumrah 4-56, R. Ashwin 3-35) (Green), 9-185 (Lyon), 10-200 (Hazlewood) Plessis (left) team with an all-rounder INDIA first innings 326 (A. Rahane 112, R. Bowling: Bumrah 27-6-54-2, Yadav 3.3-0-5-1, gestures that can add value with the Jadeja 57, S. Gill 45; N. Lyon 3-72, M. Starc 3-78) Siraj 21.3-4-37-3, Ashwin 37.1-6-71-2, Jadeja 14- as he holds ball and the bat is always 5-28-2 a wicket key. It was great to see a AUSTRALIA, second innings (overnight 133 for youngster come out and six) INDIA, second innings after their J. Burns c Pant b Yadav ...... 4 M. Agarwal c Paine b Starc ...... 5 victory over bowl with maturity and M. Wade b Jadeja ...... 40 S. Gill not out ...... 35 Sri Lanka intent,” De Kock said. M. Labuschagne c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 28 C. Pujara c Green b Cummins ...... 3 during the Sipamla was erratic in his S. Smith b Bumrah ...... 8 A. Rahane not out ...... 27 fourth day opening spell on the first T. Head c Agarwal b Siraj ...... 17 Extras ...... 0 of the first morning, but finished with C. Green c Jadeja b Siraj ...... 45 Total (two wickets, 15.5 overs) ...... 70 Test match four wickets in the innings T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Agarwal) 2-19 (Pujara) between and six in the match. P. Cummins c Agarwal b Bumrah ...... 22 Bowling: Starc 4-0-20-1, Cummins 5-0-22-1, South Africa “It was just test match M. Starc not out ...... 14 Hazlewood 3-1-14-0, Lyon 2.5-0-5-0, La- and Sri debut nerves. We spoke to N. Lyon c Pant b Siraj ...... 3 buschagne 1-0-9-0 him and he came back J. Hazlewood b Ashwin ...... 10 Did not bat: Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Lanka at Extras (lb5, nb3) ...... 8 Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, SuperSport really nicely,” De Kock said. Total (10 wickets, 103.1 overs) ...... 200 Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah Park in “He showed great character Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Burns), 2-42 (La- Toss: Australia Centurion and it was great to see his buschagne), 3-71 (Smith), 4-98 (Wade), 5-98 Result: India won by eight wickets yesterday. fight.”

NEW ZEALAND VS PAKISTAN Mulder, Sipamla shine as South Africa NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings 431(K. Wil- liamson 129, B. Watling 73, R. Taylor 70, H. Nicholls 56; Afridi 4-109, Yasir Shah 3-113) post innings victory over Sri Lanka PAKISTAN, 1st innings 239 (F. Ashraf 91, M. Rizwan 71; Jamieson 3-35, Wagner 2-50) REUTERS - PRETORIA The tourists posted an at bat that he was able to get SOUTH AFRICA VS SRI LANKA NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings impressive 396 in their first movement off the wicket with T. Latham c Abid Ali b Naseem Shah ...... 53 SRI LANKA, first innings, 396 T. Blundell b Abbas ...... 64 Rookie seam bowlers Wiaan innings, but allowed South his gentle medium pace, and SOUTH AFRICA, first innings, 621 K. Williamson c Rizwan b Naseem Shah .....21 Mulder and Lutho Sipamla took Africa to amass 621 in reply, and created a number of chances R. Taylor not out ...... 12 two wickets each as South will need to find more potency on the fourth morning before SRI LANKA, second innings H. Nicholls c Abbas b Naseem Shah ...... 11 Africa bowled injury-hit Sri with the ball ahead of the he finally got reward. (overnight 65-2) B. Watling run out (sub/Rizwan) ...... 5 Lanka out for 180 to complete second Test that starts in Johan- An in-swinging delivery D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 6 M. Santner not out ...... 6 a handsome victory by an nesburg on Jan. 3. saw Dinesh Chandimal bowled K. Perera c De Kock b Nortje ...... 64 Extras (lb2, w1, nb5) ...... 8 innings and 45 runs on day four “A Test match is never easy for 25, before Niroshan Dick- K. Mendis c Van der Dussen b Ngidi ...... 0 Total (five wickets dec; 45.3 overs) ...180 of the first Test at Centurion and it has been a year since we wella edged to wicketkeeper De D. Chandimal b Mulder ...... 25 Fall of wickets: 1-111 (Blundell), 2-139 Park yesterday. won one, so it feels good,” South Kock (10). N. Dickwella c De Kock b Mulder ...... 10 (Latham), 3-147 (Williamson), 4-165 (Nicholls), D. Shanaka c De Kock b Sipamla ...... 6 5-170 (Watling) The tourists resumed their Africa captain Quinton de Kock When Anrich Nortje (2-47) W. Hasaranga c Bavuma b Sipamla ...... 59 Bowling:Afridi 11-0-47-0 (1w), Abbas 11-2- second innings on 65 for two said at the post-match induced an edge from the V. Fernando run out (Maharaj) ...... 0 33-1 (1nb), Naseem Shah 12.3-1-55-3 (4nb), on a wicket that provided presentation. blazing bat of opener Perera, K. Rajitha c Maharaj b Nortje ...... 0 Ashraf 4-1-18-0, Yasir Shah 6-0-21-0, Masood plenty of assistance for the “To finish how we did is the game was effectively up for L. Kumara not out ...... 0 1-0-4-0 seam bowlers and when dan- very pleasing. There were a lot the visitors with their score on D. de Silva absent hurt PAKISTAN, 2nd innings gerous opener Kusal Perera was of demons in the wicket. 114 and five wickets down. Extras (b4, lb2, nb3) ...... 10 S. Masood c Taylor b Southee ...... 0 out for 64, their hopes of saving “Day one we were disap- “We were in the driving seat Total (46.1 overs) ...... 180 Abid Ali c Watling b Boult ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne), 2-22 Azhar Ali not out ...... 34 the Test were realistically over. pointed with our bowling per- scoring almost 400 runs (in the Sri Lanka had suffered crip- formance, but we came back first innings), but we lost (Mendis), 3-85 (Chandimal), 4-99 (Dickwella), H. Sohail c Santner b Southee ...... 9 5-114 (Perera), 6-142 (Shanaka), 7-148 (Fern- F. Alam not out ...... 21 pling injuries to their bowling towards the end and then came bowlers to injury and that is ando), 8-179 (Hasaranga), 9-180 (Rajitha) Extras (b4, lb2, w1) ...... 7 attack in the Test and were also out with the bat and showed why it ended up like this,” Sri Bowling: Ngidi 10-2-38-2 (1nb), Nortje 10.1-1- Total (three wickets; 38 overs) ...... 71 without middle-order batsman some great character. Lanka captain Dimuth Karu- 47-2 (1nb), Mulder 12-1-39-2 (1nb), Sipamla Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Abid Ali), 2-0 (Masood), Dhananjaya de Silva for the “Our planning was really naratne said. “As a batting unit 5-0-24-2, Maharaj 6-3-20-0, Markram 3-2-6-0 3-37 (Sohail) second innings, a major concern good and that is what we will I am happy. I hope the young Result: South Africa won by an innings and New Zealand’s Trent Boult Bowling: Southee 9-5-15-2, Boult 10-4-24-1 45 runs celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s (1w), Jamieson 7-6-3-0, Wagner 6-3-4-0, for their home series against take forward to the second test.” fast bowlers can do the job for Series: South Africa lead the two-match se- Abid Ali during the fourth day of Santner 6-1-19-0 England that starts on January All-rounder Mulder (2-39) me in the second Test. We will the first Test match yesterday. 14. showed in Sri Lanka’s first turn need a positive mindset.” ries 1-0 Southee leads NZ charge to have Pakistan on the ropes

AFP - MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND In New Zealand’s second innings, the Pakistan 300 Test wickets. But Southee said the landmark For Pakistan, much hinges on Azhar Ali quicks struggled to get any assistance from the delivery was not the one he was looking for. staying at the crease on a deteriorating wicket if Swing king Tim Southee celebrated his milestone fourth-day wicket, but Southee and Trent Boult “I would have loved one to pitch off and nip they are to avoid defeat. 300th wicket as New Zealand sensed victory over immediately had the ball dancing to their tune. away and get caught behind,” he said. “But the “Obviously losing three wickets doesn’t help,” Pakistan at stumps on day four of the first Test in Abid Ali fended a rising Boult delivery and surface obviously dictates what you’re trying to said Ali. “You’ve seen some balls keep low and it Mount Maunganui yesterday. was caught behind, while Shan Masood was achieve and the wicket is obviously a bit slower (the pitch) is getting slower so it’s hard to time New Zealand declared their second innings caught at first slip off Southee and Pakistan were so those catches in front of the wicket become the ball. It will be will be challenging and all we at 180 for five and Pakistan, set an unlikely target two down for no runs after 14 deliveries. important.” can do is focus on playing the ball on merit as of 373, will go into the final day at 71 for three. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail provided some Southee said the target now was to extend much as we can.” Azhar Ali will resume on 34 with Fawad Alam resistance for 15 overs and 37 runs before Sohail New Zealand’s 15-match unbeaten streak on Southee has two for 15 and Boult one for 24. on 21.The Black Caps need to sweep the two-Test chipped Southee to Mitchell Santner at short cover home pitches. “The boys will recover well tonight Neil Wagner, who was thought to have broken series if they are to be in contention to make the -- making Southee only the third New Zealander, and turn up with that chance of achieving some- one toe while batting on Sunday, sent down six World Test Championship final at Lords in June. after Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori, to take thing special tomorrow.” overs to have none for four. WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 International Friendly Tournament: Spain edge Qatar in thriller THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Qatar went down fighting 26-28 to Spain in their final match at the Qatar International Handball Tournament at the Al Duhail Indoor Hall yesterday. The hosts put up a valiant fight against the European champions, but fell short in the end. At half-time Qatar were just a point behind Spain at 12-13. Spain by virtue of winning two matches and drawing one, topped the four- nation friendly championship with five points. Asian champions Qatar were second with four points, having won two matches prior to their loss against Spain. Argentina finished third after they edged past Tunisia 28-27 yesterday. The friendly tournament was being con- ducted as Qatar and three other teams prepare for the World Championship in Egypt to be Action during yesterday's match. held from January 13-31. Al Marri wins first Al Nashaab Championship Qatari archer Badr Mubarak Al Marri in action during THE PENINSULA – DOHA the first horseback shooting competition (Al Nashaab Championship) organised by the Qatar Equestrian The first horseback Federation and Modern Pentathlon. The event was shooting competition (Al organised in cooperation with the Horseback Archery Nashaab Championship) Society at the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Arena. organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Modern Pentathlon was successfully held in coop- eration with the Horseback Archery Society at the outside arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF). A strong competition on Monday evening ensued where Badr Mubarak Al Marri emerged as the winner in the men’s cat- egory on his mount Mokhlis scoring 22.37 points. Abdulaziz Al Qahtani (also riding Mokhlis) fin- ished second with 20.92 points, while Ali Al Kuwari The podium winners of Qatar's inaugural horseback archery event, Al Nashaab Championship, posing for a photograph on Izz Alzobara was third with Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations (QEF and AEF) President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah and other with a score of 19.51 points. officials. Fuad Al Mudahka, esidentPr of Horseback Archery Society, is also seen. In the youth category, Abdullah Al Jumaili stood good turnout of horseback that the horseback archery achieved the success that of Horseback Archery first on his horse Fajer with archers pointing out that competition is spread in the organizing committee Society, confirmed that 20.72 points. Abdul the championship is one of many countries and is one was aiming for in terms of Qatar is the third country Rahman Al Hajri on Izz the competitions that the of the heritage sports and the presence of a good in the region to organise Alzobara was second with federation aims to set up in is expected to grow in Qatar number of participants at these competitions, which 18.94 points, and order to support sports in the future. both youth and senior level. has an international feder- Muhammad Al Jumaili on tourism in the country. He noted that in the He said that the organ- ation that includes more Fajer third with 18.65 He added that the future the federation will izing committee will study than 30 national federa- points. championship was suc- work to host the champi- the results of the first tions, adding that the Hamad bin Abdul- cessful since its first day of onship at an international edition in order to prepare Horseback Archery Society rahman Al Attiyah, Pres- qualifiers as it witnessed a level and that QEF is happy for its presence in the local along with the Qatar Eques- ident of the Asian and great competition between to include it in the annual calendar of the federation trian Federation will work Qatari Equestrian Federa- the horseback archers who calendar. so that it is held regularly to prepare Qatari tions, and Chairman of the showed high enthusiasm For his part, Fuad Al annually and includes more horseback archers to rep- Organizing Committee of and skills in achieving their Mudahka, the sports than one round in the resent the national teams the Archery Shooting best results. director of the champi- season. in international Championship, praised the Al Attiyah explained onship, said that the event Al Mudahka, President tournaments. Grizzlies’ Morant hurt in NBA win QBF League: Al Arabi, over Nets, Trail Blazers down Lakers Al Wakrah victorious

AFP – LOS ANGELES “I thought we came out with great The Memphis Griz- energy,” said Los zlies’ first win of the Angeles coach NBA season was a Frank Vogel, whose costly one, as Lakers seized a Rookie of the Year 13-point lead in the Okung Ja Morant limped first quarter. out with a sprained “When they becomes first ankle in the first made their runs we half of a 116-111 weren’t able to NFL player overtime triumph sustain the energy over the short- we began the game handed Brooklyn with.” In Salt Lake to be paid Nets on Monday. City, Utah’s Morant rose to Donovan Mitchell in Bitcoin block a shot by Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers scores against the scored the Jazz’s Brooklyn’s French Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Monday. final 12 points -- BLOOMBERG forward Timothe including the Luwawu-Cabarrot with less than this one.” But the loss of Morant game-winner with seven Russell Okung, a Pro Bowl three minutes remaining in the was a potentially huge blow for seconds remaining -- and Rudy tackle for the Carolina Panthers, first half, rolling his ankle as he the Grizzlies. The 21-year-old star Gobert shut down Oklahoma tweeted back in May 2019 that came down and hopping to the had averaged 36 points in the first City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander he wanted to be paid in Bitcoin. baseline where he fell to the two games of the season. at the rim as time expired to give Al Arabi's Kevin Murphy goes past an Al Shamal player during More than a year later, court. Caris LeVert led the Nets with the Jazz a 110-109 victory over their Qatar Basketball League match played at Al Gharafa Okung let the world know that He was taken to the locker 28 points and 11 assists. Brooklyn the Thunder. Indoor Hall yesterday. Ater James Majok led the Al Arabi he’s become the first National room in a wheelchair, with the rested stars Kevin Durant and The game marked the Jazz’s charge with 22 points as they went on to win the game Football League player to collect Grizzlies tweeting that the initial Kyrie Irving -- both coming off return to Oklahoma City for the 82-74. BOTTOM: Al Wakrah and Al Gharafa players vie for the a portion of his check in the diagnosis was a sprained left long injury layoffs after the first time since March 11 -- when ball during their match at the same venue where the hosts cryptocurrency. ankle. abbreviated off-season. Gobert became the first NBA suffered a 68-75 loss. Here’s how it works: The Morant watched from the The Nets were also without player to test positive for Panthers will continue to pay sidelines as the Grizzlies rallied Spencer Dinwiddie, who will Covid-19 and league play shud- the tackle in dollars, but Okung for the victory, standing through have surgery to repair a partially dered to halt, resuming four will convert 50% of his $13m the final minutes -- a protective torn right knee ligament suffered months later in a quarantine salary to Bitcoin using Zap’s boot on his injured ankle. on Sunday. bubble in Orlando, Florida. Strike product, according to a Kyle Anderson led the Griz- The Los Angeles Lakers, The Houston Rockets, without report from CoinDesk, a crypto zlies with 28 points -- with a heavy favorites to win a second John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and blockchain news site. Strike career-best four three-pointers straight title, suffered their Eric Gordon and Mason Jones facilitates payments that are -- and Dillon Brooks added 24. second defeat in four games in because of Covid-19 health and translated into Bitcoin from It was Anderson who drained the new season, falling 115-107 safety protocols, fell 124-111 to the ordinary currency. three of four free-throws in the to the Portland Trail Blazers. Nuggets in Denver, where “NFL players are paid in US waning seconds of overtime, after LeBron James led the Lakers Serbian center Nikola Jokic had dollars,” a league spokesman he’d grabbed the rebound of with 29 points, nine rebounds a triple-double of 19 points, 12 said. “He is then converting that when Brooklyn’s Joe Harris and six assists and Anthony Davis rebounds and 18 assists to lead to Bitcoin.” couldn’t get a potential game- returned from a night off with 13 the hosts. Okung has long been a pro- winning three-pointer to drop points and 10 rebounds. Jamal Murray added 21 points ponent of the cryptocurrency. with 5.6 seconds remaining. Damian Lillard led the Blazers before departing after a hard fall His Twitter bio reads “life, “You always want to get that with 31 points and Gary Trent Jr. in the third quarter and Paul liberty and #bitcoin,” and he’s first one in the books to start added 28 off the bench as Port- Millsap added 19 points as seven written about his talks with rolling, so this was a big one,” land’s reserves out-scored the Nuggets players scored in double teammates about its virtues. Anderson said. “We had to get Lakers bench 45-23. figures. Sport WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020 08 Year in review: Big money brings big disputes, but COVID-19 challenge met

REUTERS - MANCHESTER proposal to reduce the has also been critical of the size of the league from 20 schedule set by broadcasters European football pulled to 18 and hand a bigger and a lack of unity was also together against the odds to share of revenue and evident in rows over pay-cuts complete a season delayed due power to the top clubs, for players during the COVID-19 to the COVID-19 pandemic, but breaking the model that stoppage. off the field unity was harder to has served the Premier UEFA also faces pressure find as threats of breakaways League so well since its from elite clubs as it goes and superleagues caused formation in 1992. through the process of agreeing rancour in the game. The obvious problem the format and structure for the Competition across the con- was that in order to bring Champions League from 2024. tinent came to a halt in March that power shift about, 14 Media reports suggested as the impact of the pandemic votes out of 20 clubs were some clubs were yet again con- was felt, but by June domestic needed and unsurpris- sidering a breakaway super- competitions were back under ingly the Turkeys did not league, although it remains to way across Europe -- albeit vote for Christmas. be seen if that is anything more without fans and in controlled Yet the plan did lead than a bargaining tool in ‘bio-secure’ stadiums. to the Premier League negotiations. Liverpool won the English committing to a full One of the options on the league title for the first time in review of the game’s table, which might satisfy the 30 years while Bayern Munich structures and also demand of some of those clubs won an eighth straight Bun- showed that the big clubs for more European games, is the desliga crown. are now ready to throw so-called ‘Swiss model’, which Real Madrid won their 34th Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp speaks with referee Kevin Friend after the match against West Bromwich around their muscle. would see the group stage Spanish league while Juventus Albion at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain in this December 27, 2020, file photo. The refusal of smaller replaced by a ‘league’ of 32 won Serie A for the ninth year Premier League clubs to clubs playing 10 matches. in a row. accept the temporary FIFA are also braced for a France was the only major 2021. The Champions League Barcelona 8-2 in a stunning October when radical plans for allowance of five substitutes per row with agents as it looks to league unable to complete their was finally concluded in August quarter-final. major changes in English game rather than three, bring in strict new regulations domestic season, with runaway with a ‘final eight’ knockout Spain’s Sevilla won the football were made public. designed to ease the burden on on those who profit from the leaders Paris St Germain format in Lisbon, which was so Europa League tournament in ‘Project Big Picture’ called players dealing with congested transfer market. declared champions. successful it led UEFA President Germany as UEFA managed to for the biggest six clubs in the fixtures, added to the tension. The world’s most popular The backlog of fixtures left Aleksander Ceferin to tell keep their broadcast and com- Premier League, along with Liverpool manager Juergen game managed to survive lock- European governing body UEFA Reuters he would like to repeat mercial partners satisfied by three other long-term members, Klopp and Manchester City boss downs and empty stadiums, but in a quandary as it needed to that format in the future -- with getting the season finished. to be given special voting rights Pep Guardiola have both com- the money in the sport con- complete the Champions fans. Yet the impressive spirit of that would League and deal with the issue An outstanding Bayern cooperation that saw players effectively put of the planned Euro 2020 tour- Munich were crowned and clubs accept flexibility and them in improvisation command of the to avoid the world’s most Bayern Munich’s Robert financial commercially Lewandowski holds a trophy damage of successful after winning the Player of the unfulfilled league -- and Year award in this December seasons -- and leave the rest as 27, 2020 file photo. contracts -- second-class did not last for passengers. long. The plan The domi- was accom- nation, on the panied by a field, of ‘rescue package’ European for lower league football by an clubs and was elite set of fronted by the clubs is Football nothing new, League’s but it is now chairman Rick Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (second left) celebrates his goal during the resulting in a Parry and sold Spanish league football match between Real Madrid and Granada FC at the Alfredo push for as a way to deal di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid, in this December 23, greater power with the 2020, file photo. and revenue financial nament. UEFA opted to finish European champions for the from that small group. troubles facing the 72 clubs in plained about the failure of tinues to ensure there will be off its club competitions in sixth time after beating Paris St The behind-the-scenes the three divisions below the Premier League clubs to follow no shortage of disputes, turf- mini-tournament formats while Germain in the final having plotting of the Premier League’s Premier League. UEFA and many European wars and conflicts in the coming the Euros were postponed until smashed Lionel Messi and ‘Big Six’ came to the fore in Critics honed in on the leagues in that respect. Klopp year.

A spectacular view of the venue that hosts the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells. Pic: atptour.com Indian Wells postponed due to COVID-19 concerns REUTERS - LOS ANGELES confirm dates later in the year to hold the event. “Details will be released in the near future as The BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in plans are finalised,” the statement read. “This Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in decision was made after thorough consultation California in March has been postponed due to with state and local health authorities and tour- COVID-19 concerns, tennis governing body ATP nament owner Larry Ellison.” said yesterday. Meanwhile Gilles Simon, Marcus Daniell and It marks the second consecutive year the Pablo Andujar were voted as the new members tournament, which is considered the most pres- on the 2021-22 ATP Players Council, the gov- tigious event outside the four Grand Slams, has erning body for men’s tennis said yesterday, days been impacted by the virus as the 2019 edition after world number one Novak Djokovic pulled was cancelled. out of the elections. “Due to the impact of COVID-19, the BNP Djokovic set up the breakaway Professional Paribas Open in Indian Wells will not be held on Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) on the eve of its customary dates in March,” ATP said in a the US Open in September after he resigned as statement. the head of the player council. “Alternative dates are being assessed for the Last month, the Serb confirmed he had been tournament to potentially take place later in the nominated for the council election by his fellow year.” professionals. The event, which next year was scheduled to However, the Serb was forced to withdraw be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top from the election after a new ATP rule deemed players from both the men’s and women’s sides. his role with the PTPA a conflict of interest. A statement on the tournament’s website said Canadian Vasek Pospisil had also resigned organisers are working with the ATP and WTA from the council earlier this year to support Djok- Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to ovic’s efforts in the formation of PTPA.