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Friday, December 25, 2020 FOOTBALL Jumada I 10, 1442 AH Salah is happy at GULF TIMES Liverpool, says manager Klopp SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Organisations, individuals honoured for 2030 bid success Ceremony was held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Olympic Committee President

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Olympic Committee held a celebration last evening in honour of organisations and individuals who played a role in Doha winning the bid toT host the 2030 Asian Games. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellen- cy Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Presi- dent of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Doha 2030 Bid Committee. HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al- Subaie, Minister of Municipality and Envi- ronment and Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Rail, HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the Qatar Foot- ball Association, HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Sec- retary-General of the Supreme Committee, HE Saad bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, Chairman of The Public Works Authority (Ashghal), sports leaders, heads of federations and the media were among the dignitaries felicitated by HE Sheikh Joaan on the occasion. At the beginning of the ceremony, Sheikh Joaan praised those who worked hard to make the bid a success, saying he was proud of each HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Doha 2030 Bid one of them. Committee, presents a memento to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the Qatar Football HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani with Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General “More than two months ago we submitted Association during a celebration for winning the bid to host the 2030 Asian Games. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. to the Olympic Council of Asia the Doha bid document in order for Qatar to host the Asian Games for the second time after hosting the “Games of your life” in 2006,” Sheikh Joaan said. “And we meet tonight in celebration of this achievement where you proved your compe- tence and lived up to the confi dence that was placed in you to take on this national mission.” Sheikh Joaan added: “This victory in real- ity is a promise that we made in the name of our beloved country for the sports community in Asia and even of the world, and it is no se- cret to all of us that this is only the beginning. We have a lot to accomplish in the coming days and years in order to fulfi l our promises with our deep appreciation for everyone who stayed up and continued to work creatively and sincerely.” He concluded by saying: “Brothers and sis- ters, we will embark on a new phase of contin- HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani honours Asian Athletics Association uous, serious and professional work starting President Dahlan al-Hamad. from now. Our ambition has no limits espe- cially as we work according to the strategy of achieving and building the national and con- tinental heritage.” Abdul Hadi al-Sahli from the Marketing and Communications Department of the Qa- tar Olympic Committee said the 2030 Asian Games will be an epochal event in the history of the continent. “Doha is the choice of Asia, We say hello to the people of Asia, hello to the future! Wel- come to the Games that will change the face of the continent. We will write the most beauti- ful pages of the present and the future when Off icials attend the Qatar Olympic Committee’s celebration yesterday in Msheireb Downtown in honour of organisations and we host the Asian Games,” said al-Sahli. individuals who played a role in Doha winning the bid to host the 2030 Asian Games.

FOCUS Diffi cult for any country to compete with Qatar in infrastructure: UEFA chief

By Sports Reporter cessful tournament. “It is very impor- that the fans should look forward to the for their home World Cup by virtue of Doha tant to get to know the country that will World Cup. I am sure everything will be being the hosts, have been included host the next World Cup in 2022. I have organised in a fantastic way,” the Slov- in Group A of the European qualifi ers heard a lot about Qatar, and I have some enian added. along with Portugal, Serbia, Azerbai- EFA President Aleksander Qatari colleagues and friends from the Ceferin also said he was impressed by jan, Luxembourg and Ireland. Ceferin has lauded Qatar’s football fi eld, and I spoke to the author- Qatar’s leaders passion towards foot- Matches played by Qatar will be preparations for the FIFA ities who confi rmed Qatar’s readiness ball. “I have seen the leaders of Qatar treated as friendlies and their results World Cup in 2022, describing to host the event. But when you see it are fond of football. Therefore, it would won’t be taken into account while de- UQatar as ‘the Switzerland of the Middle with your own eyes, you will be more be great to attend and play football in ciding the qualifying spots from the East.’ The European football’s govern- impressed and your admiration for the a country like this. And also the World group when action gets underway in ing body chief attended the Amir Cup infrastructure will go beyond. It is very Cup in 2022 will be held in November March next year. “This is the fi rst time fi nal last Friday, when Qatar inaugu- diffi cult for any other country to com- and December, when the atmosphere in that a team from outside the conti- rated the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, its pete with Qatar when it comes to infra- Qatar is wonderful. It is the ideal time nent will participate in the European fourth FIFA World Cup venue. structure,” Ceferin told Bein Sport. for players to play football,” he said. qualifi ers. It will do Qatar players a lot Ceferin is the latest prominent fi g- “I have said many times that Qatar The UEFA President said Qatar team of good, as they prepare for the World ure to express admiration of Qatar’s is the Switzerland of the Middle East, will gain a lot by playing as a guest team Cup. They need to play against best progress as he spoke of his confi dence there is a lot of regulation and there is in the European qualifi ers for the World teams and European qualifi ers will help that the country will host a hugely suc- a lot of attention to hygiene, and I think Cup. Qatar, who have already qualifi ed them do that,” Ceferin said. Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 25, 2020 FOOTBALL

SERIE A LIGUE 1 Lyon end year top of Ligue 1 as Lille, PSG Hernandez strikes stay within a point

AFP Rafi nha had an eff ort well saved Paris by Strasbourg goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. Mbappe wasted a golden chance to double the ad- late to keep Milan yon cruised past Nantes vantage just after the hour mark, 3-0 on Wednesday night but blazed over the crossbar. to take top spot in Ligue The World Cup winner did get 1 heading into the winter his 14th goal of the campaign in Lbreak from Lille, despite Burak the 80th minute, though, scoring Yilmaz’s late strike earning from Di Maria’s assist to fi nally the previous leaders victory at secure the three points. Paris ahead of Inter Montpellier. added two more late on, with Id- Rudi Garcia’s Lyon lead Lille rissa Gueye scoring in the 89th Milan shook off the continued absence of Ibrahimovic to extend their unbeaten run on goal diff erence, by just one minute and Moise Kean, on as a goal, with reigning champions substitute for Mbappe, netting in AFP Paris Saint-Germain one point injury time. Milan further adrift after thrashing Lille had looked set to drop to Strasbourg 4-0 at the Parc des third before Yilmaz rescued two Princes. It is the fi rst time Lyon points. Timothy Weah, the son heo Hernandez nodded in a late have been top at Christmas since of former Ballon d’Or winner winner to keep AC Milan top of the 2008/09 season, when their George Weah, gave Lille a fi rst- heading into the win- run of seven straight titles was half lead with his third goal in ter break with a 3-2 victory over ultimately ended by Bordeaux. fi ve games, but Montpellier lev- TLazio on Wednesday night. Milan are one “This rewards a fairly excep- elled through Gaetan Laborde in point ahead of city rivals Inter who ear- tional 2020 even with the league the 57th minute. lier extended their winning run to seven cut short in the spring,” said Jonathan Ikone’s penalty put games with a 2-1 success over Hellas Garcia, whose side missed out on the visitors back in front, but Verona. Lazio had come from two goals European qualifi cation after last Montpellier hit back again as down thanks to Luis Alberto and Ciro Im- season’s Ligue 1 campaign was Andy Delort struck 20 minutes mobile but French defender Hernandez ended early due to the coronavi- from time. Lille refused to be headed in his third goal in as many games rus pandemic. beaten, though, and Turkish in- in injury time to seal all three points. Lyon usurped Lille at the sum- ternational Yilmaz came off the Milan shook off the continued absence mit after a ruthless fi rst-half dis- bench to grab an 86th-minute of injured star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic play against managerless Nantes. winner. The 35-year-old striker to continue their unbeaten run which Karl Toko Ekambi put the hosts has now scored seven league goes back to last March as they target a on their way in the fourth minute goals since signing from Besiktas fi rst Serie A title since 2011. The two Mi- at Groupama Stadium and Tino in the close season and is proving lan clubs have surged ahead of their rivals, Kadewere netted his seventh goal crucial to Lille’s challenge. with Roma moving up to third, six points of the season seven minutes be- behind Inter, after a 3-2 win over Cagliari. fore the interval. There was still LIGUE 1 RESULTS “I’m very proud of these lads,” said coach time for former AC Milan mid- Bordeaux 1 (Hwang 73) Reims 3 whose side have 34 points in fi elder Lucas Paqueta to put the (Abdelhamid 15, Dia 18, Munetsi 14 Serie A games, twice as many as at this result beyond any doubt on the 88); Lens 2 (Kalimuendo 11, So- stage last season. stroke of half-time with the goal toca 34-pen) Brest 1 (Charbonier “They are doing something important. that put Lyon above Lille. 90+4-pen); Nice 2 (Lotomba 18, With Ibra on the pitch we are stronger, In the capital, PSG coach Tho- Reine-Adelaide 34) Lorient 2 but we are taking advantage of everyone’s mas Tuchel made fi ve changes (Moff i 49, Grbic 82-pen); Nimes characteristics even without him. The fi re from the side which drew 0-0 1 (Ahlinvi 31) Dijon 3 (Konate 15, we have inside is making a diff erence and with Lille at the weekend, with 90+3, Balde 77); Rennes 1 (Greni- we must keep it alight.” Kylian Mbappe fi t to start after er 52) Metz 0; Angers 2 (Pereira Napoli dropped from third to fi fth, two recovering from a muscle injury. 4, Diony 23) Marseille 1 (Rongier points behind Roma, despite Lorenzo In- PSG dominated the early stages, 75); Lyon 3 (Ekambi 4, Kadawere signe scoring late to rescue a 1-1 draw at with Mbappe having a penalty 37, Paqueta 44) Nantes 0; Mo- home with rock-bottom Torino. Reigning appeal waved away, before teen- naco 2 (Diop 7, Volland 48) Saint- champions Juventus are sixth — 10 points age defender Timothee Pembele Etienne 2 (Debuchy 21, Bouanga adrift of top spot — after crashing to their pounced in the 18th minute to 29-pen); Montpellier 2 (Laborde fi rst Serie A defeat of the season, 3-0 at score his fi rst Ligue 1 goal after 57, Delort 70) Lille 3 (Weah 23, home against Fiorentina on Tuesday. Angel Di Maria’s shot was saved. Ikone 67-pen, Yilmaz 86); Paris “It’ll certainly be a more even league, The home side failed to turn Saint-Germain 4 (Pembele 18, because many teams have strengthened their possession into a two-goal Mbappe 80, Gueye 89, Kean and want to have their say,” said Inter lead before half-time, though, as 90+1) Strasbourg 0 coach Antonio Conte, as they try to deny AC Milan’s (centre) celebrates with teammates Hakan Calhanoglu (right) and after scoring against Juventus a 10th consecutive Scudetto. Lazio in the Serie A at the San Siro in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday night. (Reuters) “There are seven teams that can fi ght for SERIE A RESULTS it.” berto headed in the rebound. the Serb tapping in his fi rst Verona goal. Sassuolo, boosted by the return of But Lazio’s top scorer grabbed the But Slovak Skriniar made up for his er- Hellas Verona 1 (Ilic 63) 2 Francesco Caputo, moved up fourth with equaliser before the hour mark, fi nishing ror six minutes later, getting his head to (Martinez 52, Skriniar 69); Udinese 0 a 3-2 win over Sampdoria. In seventh, off a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic cross for his a Marcelo Brozovic cross to beat Verona Benevento 2 (Caprari 9, Letizia 77); Atalanta threw away a two-goal advan- ninth league goal of the campaign, only ‘keeper Marco Silvestri. Inter equalled Roma 3 (Veretout 11, Dzeko 71, Mancini tage after Luis Muriel scored twice within for Hernandez to have the fi nal say. their best goalscoring start to a season 77) Cagliari 2 (João Pedro 59, 90+1-pen); a minute midway through the fi rst half, In Verona, Inter extended their win- since 1960/1961, when they also scored AC Milan 3 (Rebic 10, Calhanoglu 17-pen, only to settle for a 2-2 draw at Bologna. ning run as they target a fi rst Scudetto 34 goals after 14 games. “We showed Hernandez 90+2) Lazio 2 (Alberto 27, “It’s a terrible result, we had absolute since 2010 with their European hopes great ruthlessness and determination,” Immobile 59); Spezia 1 (Nzola 10) Genoa domination of the match and we could now over. Lautaro Martinez broke said Conte. “Now we need to unplug for 2 (Destro 16, Criscito 73-pen); Bologna 2 never have predicted this ending,” fumed through in the 52nd minute, connecting a few days and then be even readier to go (Tomiyasu 73, Paz 82) Atalanta 2 (Muriel coach Gian Piero Gasperini. with an Achraf Hakimi cross to volley in again.” 22-pen, 23); Sampdoria 2 (Quagliarella 55, At the San Siro, Ante Rebic headed in his sixth goal this season and fi rst since In Rome, Jordan Veretout scored the Balde 84) Sassuolo 3 (Traore 2, Caputo the opener for Milan from a Hakan Cal- November 8. opener on 11 minutes, with Edin Dzeko 56, Berardi 58); Napoli 1 (Insigne 90+2) hanoglu corner on 10 minutes, with the On-loan Manchester City midfi eld- also on target in the second half before Torino 1 (Izzo 56) Turkish midfi elder adding a second from er Ivan Ilic pulled the hosts level on 63 Gianluca Mancini’s header proved de- Played Tuesday: Crotone 2 (Messias the penalty spot seven minutes later. Mi- minutes after Inter goalkeeper Samir cisive with 13 minutes remaining. Joao 24, 44) Parma 1 (Kucka 57); Juventus 0 lan goalkeeper Handanovic let a Davide Faraoni cross Pedro scored both Cagliari goals, the sec- Fiorentina 3 (Vlahovic 3, Alex Sandro 76- Lyon’s Memphis Depay (centre) is tackled by Nantes’ Andrei Girotto saved an Immobile penalty but Luis Al- slip, with Milan Skriniar failing to stop ond from the penalty spot in injury time. og, Caceres 81) during the French Ligue 1 match on Wednesday. (AFP)

FOCUS PREMIER LEAGUE Napoli coach Gattuso reveals Captain Aubameyang urges young struggles with eye disease Arsenal players to ‘be patient’ AFP AFP CHELSEA’S ZIYECH OUT OF Milan London ARSENAL CLASH, CHILWELL, JAMES DOUBTFUL Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech apoli coach Gennaro aptain Pierre-Emerick will miss tomorrow’s Premier Gattuso believes his Aubameyang said the League encounter at Arsenal struggles with an eye young players eager to due to a muscle problem while disease has had an im- establish themselves defenders Ben Chilwell and Npact on the team who extended atC struggling Arsenal must “be Reece James are doubtful af- their winless run in Serie A to patient” in their wait for fi rst ter picking up knocks, manager three games with a 1-1 draw team action. The Gunners have Frank Lampard said. against Torino on Wednesday. endured their worst start to a Ziyech joined Chelsea from “For a month now there have league campaign in almost half Ajax Amsterdam during the been rumours that I am dying, a century (the 1974/75 season) close-season for a reported but don’t worry, I am not dy- and last won a domestic match 40mn euros ($48.81mn) but the ing,” said the 42-year-old former on November 1. 27-year-old missed the start of World Cup winner. “I suff er Heading into tomorrow’s the campaign through injury. from an auto-immune disease, tricky home game with fi fth- The Morocco international has myasthenia,” he explained of the placed Chelsea they are just not played since Chelsea’s 3-1 illness that aff ects the muscles four points above the relega- win over promoted Leeds Unit- which control the eyes. Seeing tion zone. Aubameyang’s lack of ed on Dec. 5. double is a big diffi culty and I goals is one of the reasons they too because we have great play- been maybe more opportunities “Ziyech won’t be fi t for Ar- haven’t been myself for a month. are in such a predicament hav- ers who are playing in the fi rst for the young guys to get min- senal... he’s got another muscle I think the lads also suff ered be- ing scored just four times. team so it’s always hard to fi nd utes,” he said. injury. You have to wait for it to cause of this.” Napoli’s Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso said he is suff ering from an The form of other experi- your way through. I remember “We saw a few young players recover,” Lampard told a news Captain Lorenzo Insigne auto-immune disease called myasthenia, that aff ects the muscles enced players like Granit Xhaka when I was playing at AC Milan in our last European game and conference. “It’s not a long- struck late to rescue a point which control the eyes. (AFP) and Willian has fallen away (2008-11) it was always really, we also have them joining in term concern, we hope to have against their rock bottom rivals leading to calls for young play- really diffi cult to get into the with training quite a lot lately. him back within the next week as Napoli dropped from third Juventus in Turin because of eye problem am not myself. This ers to be selected by coach Mikel fi rst team, so I know that type of For them it is not easy, but when or so, and hopefully off ering to fi fth in Serie A, nine points coronavirus cases last October. is the third time this disease has Arteta. Folarin Balogun, Eddie feeling.” you get the chance you have to what he was before.” behind leaders AC Milan. The “We arrived at this (Torino) game hit me in 10 years, but it will pass, Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and The former Borussia Dort- take it and I think they are do- Chilwell and James both suf- southerners have taken just one exhausted, we have so many tired my eye will return to its place and , all under 21, are mund attacker said the Europa ing well when they have had the fered knocks in the past week point from the last three league players,” said Gattuso, whose I’ll be more beautiful than before. those most frequently men- League group stage — one of the chance so far. You can see that and are doubtful for the clash at games and were also held in their side lost to Inter Milan and Lazio I’ve struggled a lot, now I’m a lit- tioned. rare bright spots in their sea- the young lads always perform the Emirates Stadium as well as last two Europa League games. in the last week. tle better, but I was very tired and “When you are a young player son so far as they reached the when they come in because the the visit of Aston Villa two days But on Tuesday they won their “We’ve been playing every I was seeing double. Only a mad- trying to come through at a club knockout stages — had off ered coaches are doing great work later. “I can’t give you an answer appeal after being handed a 3-0 three days for four months. You man like me would keep going,” like Arsenal then for sure there’s valuable experience for the with them to get them ready for at the moment. I’m not sure if defeat and a one-point deduc- need to have your legs, muscles added the former AC Milan and a lot of pressure,” said Aubam- youngsters. “With the Europa the games. The rest is down to they’ll be fi t for either game,” tion for failing to turn up to play and head ready, even I with the Glasgow Rangers midfi elder. eyang. “You have to be patient League this season, there have them.” Lampard added. Gulf Times Friday, December 25, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rangers cruise as Manchester rivals to clash Celtic remain in second

AFP Glasgow in League Cup semi-fi nals cottish Premiership leaders Rangers cruised to a 3-0 win at St John- Tottenham Hotspur and second-tier Brentford will meet in the other semi-final in January first week stone, while champions CelticS kept up the chase with a AFP 2-0 victory over Ross County on London Wednesday. The side managed by Steven Gerrard are 16 points clear at the top as they bid to anchester United will face block Celtic's attempt to win 10 bitter rivals Manchester successive Scottish titles. City in the League Cup Kemar Roofe netted his ninth semi-fi nals after a dramatic goal in as many starts, with Glen M2-0 win at Everton, while Tottenham Kamara adding a well-crafted joined them in the last four with victory second and Ianis Hagi scoring against Stoke on Wednesday night. on his fi rst league start for two United dominated for long periods months. of their quarter-fi nal at Goodison Park, St Johnstone were reduced to but it took until the 88th minute before 10 men for the fi nal seven min- Edinson Cavani broke the deadlock. The utes after substitute Michael former Paris Saint-Germain striker’s O'Halloran was dismissed for a fourth goal for United since joining on second yellow card just fi ve min- a free transfer in October came at the utes after taking the fi eld. "The same venue where he opened his ac- challenge is to keep people fi t count for the club last month. and healthy and in a good place Anthony Martial bagged United’s and in good form," said Ger- second goal in stoppage time. “Cav- rard. "This is a diff erent situa- ani’s fi nish wasn’t bad! He is a quality tion with Covid and this type of striker. We know when we defend well stuff , so we need to guard against we have got players to win us the game,” anything that can come our way. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer But if we keep everyone fi t and said. “The spirit in the camp is good and fresh we're a good team and we'll this will give us a boost going into the win football matches. That's the Christmas period.” challenge for me, just go game After a rocky period that raised ques- to game. Don't get too ahead of tions about Solskjaer’s future following ourselves and stay balanced." their exit from the Champions League, After a turbulent period, United have recovered their equilib- Celtic are edging back to form rium. They are third in the Premier and were too strong for strug- League and have won their last three gling Ross County at Parkhead. matches in all competitions. United last Celtic midfi elder David Turnbull lifted silverware when they won the Eu- knocked in the opener before ropa League in 2017. Leigh Griffi ths headed in a sec- Solskjaer, who won nine major tro- ond in the 62nd minute. phies as a player with United, took Kevin Nisbet's curler secured charge at Old Traff ord in 2018 and saw a 1-0 win for third placed Hiber- his side lose in three semi-fi nals last nian and ended St Mirren's 11- term. He now has a chance to go one game unbeaten run. Both sides better this season after United were were reduced to 10 men, with drawn to face holders City in the last Brandon Mason sent off in the four. Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani (centre) scores against Everton during the League Cuo quarter-finals at Goodison Park, Liverpool, on Wednesday night. (Reuters) 83rd minute for St Mirren before United were beaten by City at the Christian Doidge also received same stage of the competition last sea- at the weekend, with Paul Pogba re- Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said: boyant fl ick was intercepted in the son hitting a new low in his fi rst start his second yellow card just fi ve son and Solskjaer said: “We are in the turning to the starting line-up. “The rules were that VAR was not in this build-up to Jordan Thompson’s equal- since November 26. minutes later. semi-fi nals, so we are one step away. “It With just two minutes left before game, if the referee decided that Cavani iser for Stoke. Alli’s latest mistake drew “Yes, for me a player that plays in Dundee United climbed to is the worst game to lose, a semi-fi nal. a penalty shoot-out, Martial slipped didn’t do anything wrong we have to an angry response on the touchline that position is a player that has to link fi fth after a comfortable 2-0 win We are going to do everything we can to a pass to Cavani, who drove a superb accept it. Full stop.” from Mourinho, who rebuked the star and create and not to create problems over Kilmarnock at Tannadice, get to that game in a good state.” strike past Everton goalkeeper Robin Jose Mourinho accused Tottenham before substituting him minutes later. for his own team,” said Mourinho, who with Marc McNulty and Law- Tottenham and second-tier Brent- Olsen from the edge of the area. midfi elder Dele Alli of creating “prob- Ben Davies put Tottenham back in has exiled Alli for long periods this sea- rence Shankland netting in the ford will meet in the other semi-fi nal, Martial then slotted home with vir- lems” for his own team during their 3-1 front with his fi rst goal since 2017 be- son amid talk of a move to Paris Saint- fi rst half. Livingston secured with the matches to be played over one tually the last kick. win against Stoke. Wales forward Ga- fore England captain Harry Kane sealed Germain. “In that situation, an objec- their fi fth successive victory un- leg in the week commencing January 4. Cavani’s goal came after he had reth Bale made the most of a rare start Spurs’ place in the semi-fi nals. tive counter-attack would probably end der new manager David Martin- Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes fl icked a hand in Yerry Mina’s face ear- to put Mourinho’s team ahead at the But it was Alli’s public dressing- with a goal, and it ended with a coun- dale with a 2-0 victory at Hamil- were the only United players to retain lier in the match, but there was no VAR Bet365 Stadium. down that took the spotlight, with the ter-attack behind our defenders. So yes, ton, while Motherwell drew 0-0 their places after the 6-2 rout of Leeds available to potentially punish him. But Alli was at fault when his fl am- England international’s wretched sea- I am upset.” with Aberdeen.

PREMIER LEAGUE Salah is happy at Liverpool, Real win to keep pace with Atletico Reuters says manager Klopp Madrid

towering header from Casemiro and an added-time strike from Ka- rim Benzema saw Real Madrid beat a stubborn Granada side 2-0 at homeA on Wednesday to notch a fi fth consec- utive La Liga victory and go level on points with leaders Atletico Madrid. The champions lacked sparkle in the fi rst half but came alive in the second period and after a fl urry of chances from the home side, Brazilian midfi elder Casemiro powered in a cross from to give them the lead in the 57th minute. Real had been lucky to not fall behind in the fi rst minute when Raphael Varane gave away possession and Roberto Soldado found Antonio Puertas, who sent his shot way over the bar. Granada continued to trouble Zin- edine Zidane’s side deep into the second half until Benzema raced clear and thumped the ball low into the net to seal the points. Real Madrid’s Isco (left) vies for the ball with Granada’s Luis Suarez during the La Liga Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (right) gave an interview in Spain last week in which he Real have 32 points from 15 games heading match at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid. (AFP) said Barcelona and Real Madrid were top clubs and “who knows what will happen in the future”. (AFP) into a seven-day break from matches, level with Atletico who are top on goal diff erence said goalscorer Casemiro. “There’s still a struck the far post. Play continued and Toni AFP struggling West Brom. start the last game, all the things and have two games in hand. long way to go in the season and many more Kroos then fi red a shot at Granada keeper London “Mo is in a good mood, always I heard after about what could be The victory also took Zidane’s side six games, and every team will have their ups Rui Silva, who saved well and also kept out a good moment. He is in really the reason and then he came on points clear of third-placed and downs.” the follow up shot from Federico Valverde. good shape and that is the most and scored two,” said Klopp. “I and the title race looks more and more like Madrid’s Brazilian forward Rodrygo was But Real kept up the momentum and iverpool coach Jurgen important thing for me. We did think in his fi rst season he didn’t being a two-horse race between the two ri- carried off on a stretcher in the first half soon had the opening goal they craved when Klopp moved to dis- not have pictures (from the train- start against Stoke, came on and vals from the Spanish capital. and his replacement Asensio almost put the Casemiro showed his immense physical miss speculation over ing ground) this morning but if scored two. He obviously doesn’t “We want to keep this great run going hosts in front in the second half, conjur- prowess to out-jump his marker and get on Egypt forward Mohamed we did you would have seen him need a long time.” but we are also looking forward to a rest,” ing an outrageous backheeled volley which the end of Asensio’s cross. LSalah’s future saying yesterday laughing, he enjoyed the session. Klopp said he hoped his play- he is happy at the Premier League All the rest is nice for all of you ers would build on their lead champions. The 28-year-old to write about but internally, no, over their rivals — they presently gave an interview in Spain last nothing really.” have a four point advantage over Leeds’ Bielsa launches broadside at media for ridiculing him week in which he said Barcelona If Salah is unsettled it has not Leicester. and Real Madrid were top clubs been refl ected by his perform- The Reds have a hectic sched- London: Leeds United coach been some heavy defeats, most than 40 minutes analysing his allow. It doesn’t matter if in the and “who knows what will hap- ances on the pitch this season. ule over the festive period with a Marcelo Bielsa yesterday hit recently last Sunday’s 6-2 ham- team’s loss at Old Traff ord in previous game, the opinion was pen in the future”. He has scored 13 goals in as many home game with Newcastle next out at the press who according mering at Manchester United. answering questions about completely diff erent.” This led to speculation over league games, missing just one Wednesday and Southampton to the ex-Marseille boss are Leeds approach the busy their style. “I don’t worry too The former Argentina and whether he was seeking a new because of Covid-19 isolation. the following Monday. trying to destabilise his players festive period beginning with much about what the press Chile boss said it is only normal longer-term contract beyond It is his best start to a Premier “All the boys were in a good by suggesting he changes his Sunday’s home game with think,” Bielsa said. that when someone is down 2023 or he was upset Trent Al- League term, even better than his moment, that is why we have the attacking tactics. Burnley in 14th place, seven “What does worry me is the media put the boot in. “The exander-Arnold had been given debut campaign when he went points we have so far,” he said. The 65-year-old Argentinian points above the relegation what is written influences best way to win is to play well. the captain’s armband for the on to score 32 in 38 appearances “Now it is much more important has transformed the fortunes zone. “It’s just another way to the public, they decrease the So nobody can say I put style Champions League group match having registered 12 goals at the we really keep going. Everyone of the once ailing giants restor- try to ridicule me,” said Bielsa capacity to understand for the over results,” said Bielsa. “Nor- with Midtjylland. same 14-match stage. He came knows the toughest point of the ing their Premier League status at a press conference refer- public. Also, they try to desta- mally, when there is adversity, “We do not speak about deals off the bench last Saturday to season is now ahead of us. The after a 16-year hiatus. His strat- ring to the questioning of his bilise things by suggesting to what the press do is try to — well, not with you (the media). score a brace in the 7-0 thrashing Christmas period is always tough egy of all out attack and eff ec- strategy. Bielsa, known as ‘El the players the style needs to weaken the one who is facing Why should we start now?” said of Crystal Palace. so we have to make sure we get tively shoot on sight has drawn Loco’ (The Crazy One), arrived be changed. Of course, this adversity or to ridicule the style Klopp at his press conference “I think there are all these through this with the right re- plenty of praise but there have with a dossier and spent more happens when the results of play of a team.” ahead of Sunday’s game with things to talk about: he didn’t sults.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, December 25, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS QOC BEACH GAMES 22 Youth Initiative trounce A7, Seashore win in ladies football Sun’s doping By Sports Reporter Doha

he ladies football event of the QOC Beach Games kicked off at the Aspire Park on Wednesday with ban referred Ttwo matches played in Group C. In the fi rst match, the Seashore Ladies beat the Qatar team 2-1 while the 22 Youth Initiative were simply in a world of their own as they took their Team A7 oppo- nents to the cleaners, scoring an unbelievable 13 goals with no re- back to CAS ply from the opposing side, in the second match of the day. Swiss court upholds his appeal against the ban on grounds of bias Such was the gulf in the class between the two sides that play Reuters was pegged to the A7 half of Lausanne, Switzerland the pitch, with the team barely touching the ball, for a long pe- riod in the game. Seashore Ladies players celebrate a goal during their QOC Beach hinese swimmer Sun Meanwhile, Al Maha and Al Games ladies football match against Qatar team at Aspire Park on Yang has had his eight- Amal secured their quarter-fi - Wednesday. year ban for doping nals tickets of the ladies beach violations referred back volleyball event after posting toC the Court of Arbitration for straight-set wins against Qatar Sport (CAS) after the Swiss Fed- Academy and Al Mahaba respec- eral Supreme Court upheld his tively. appeal against the ban on the With the conclusion of the grounds of bias by one of the ladies beach volleyball event’s CAS panel. group stages, attention has now The decision could poten- shifted to the men’s section later tially clear the way for Sun to yesterday. The fi rst match was compete at next year’s delayed scheduled to be the Group B en- Tokyo Olympics, depending on counter between Lusail and Al when the case is heard. Jazeera while the second match Sun was banned for eight years was between Al Adaam and by CAS in February after it ac- Zekreet in Group A. cepted an appeal from the World Over 500 male and female Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) athletes are participating in the against a decision by swimming fi rst edition of the QOC Beach governing body FINA to clear him Games, which will be held over The ladies beach volleyball group stages came to an end with Al Maha of wrongdoing for his conduct two weeks until January 2, 2021. and Al Amal teams securing their quarter-final spots. during a 2018 test. Sun appealed that decision and the Swiss court confi rmed TENNIS on Thursday that it had upheld a In this July 23, 2019, picture, China’s Sun Yang poses with his gold medal after the final of the men’s 200m challenge against the CAS Panel freestyle event at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. (AFP) “on the grounds of bias of one of the arbitrators of the CAS”. that the objections against the were found to have smashed Korea, a move that was ap- “The award of the CAS is President of the Panel have not vials containing blood samples plauded by other swimmers but Federer, Serena among set aside. The CAS will have to been raised earlier and that they taken at an out-of-competition condemned by FINA. render a new award in the case could not be examined during test in September 2018. Swimming Australia said they of Sun Yang in a diff erent com- the CAS proceedings,” it said. Sun has questioned the cre- and Horton had no comment on entries for Australian Open position of the panel,” it said. “Obviously, the personal state- dentials and identity of the the decision. WADA said it would “present ments published by the President testers and has constantly pro- Offi cial reaction in China was AFP its case robustly again when the of the Panel on his personal Twit- claimed his innocence. muted early yesterday, although Melbourne, Australia matter returns to the CAS Panel, ter account in 2018 do not repre- The 29-year-old, who won the news managed to get into which will be chaired by a dif- sent the view of CAS.” two gold medals at the 2012 the top-20 trending topics on ferent president.” It said the case would resume London Games and another at China’s Weibo, a Twitter-like oger Federer and Serena The New York Times reported “immediately.” Rio de Janeiro in 2016, is a con- social media platform. Williams were among Sun’s lawyers had successfully CAS is sport’s highest tri- troversial fi gure in the sport. Most users supported the the entries announced argued to the Tribunal that the bunal but its decisions can be He served a three-month Swiss court’s decision to refer yesterday for the coro- head of the CAS Panel had made appealed to the Swiss Federal doping suspension in 2014 for his case back to CAS, although navirus-disruptedR Australian public comments that expressed Supreme Court, which can rule taking the stimulant trimetazi- many held out little hope of a Open, with tournament direc- anti-Chinese sentiments. on procedural issues but not the dine, which he said he took to reversal of the original result. tor Craig Tiley vowing a “happy CAS, based in Switzerland, substance of the case. treat a heart condition, while “The overturn of the case is Slam” after months of painstak- confi rmed in a statement to Re- Australian swimmer Mack Hor- due to procedural violations, ing planning. uters that Sun’s objections were BLOOD SAMPLES ton openly called him a drug not because of factual fl aws,” All the world’s top players have raised against the head of the Sun, the reigning world and Ol- cheat at the 2016 Rio Olympics. one user wrote. signed on, led by world number panel and remarks he made on ympic champion in 200 metres Horton refused to share the “The case will be heard by the ones Novak Djokovic and Ash- social media. freestyle, was banned after he podium with Sun at the 2019 CAS once more, it is unlikely to leigh Barty. “The CAS very much regrets and members of his entourage world championships in South reverse the result.” There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a SPOTLIGHT “race against time” to be fi t after SANZAAR boss Marinos named two rounds of knee surgery. But he has begun training in new Rugby Australia chief Dubai and was among those en- ‘Confl icted’ skating star AFP in the job temporarily. tered to play at Melbourne Park Sydney, Australia Rugby Australia chairman as he targets a seventh title. Hamish McLennan said Ma- US superstar Williams, who Serena Williams (left) and Roger Federer. Hanyu makes return rinos was the standout can- like Federer turns 40 next year, is ANZAAR boss Andy didate with a strong global also committed as she once again All players must undergo a ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide despite virus fears Marinos has been network, commercial and attempts to pull level with Mar- mandatory 14-day quarantine International, and a ATP 250 Sappointed chief broadcast experience and garet Court as a 24-time Grand on arrival, during which they will tournament will all be played in AFP executive of Rugby Australia proven connections within Slam champion. constantly be tested for Covid-19 Melbourne once players are out Tokyo, Japan and said he plans to hit the the Australian game. Her last triumph at the majors but allowed to train for fi ve hours of isolation. ground running with a busy “Andy has an exciting vi- came in Australia in 2017 when a day in a bio-secure bubble. Two WTA 500 tournaments domestic calendar looming. sion for rugby in Australia, she was pregnant. “Although the AO will look a are also planned to be held con- apan’s two-time Olympic The Zimbabwe-born and he knows what needs “There are so many great sto- bit diff erent to previous years, currently at Melbourne Park on fi gure skating champion 48-year-old takes over to be done to continue the rylines for AO 2021,” said Tiley. the safety of everyone is our top January 31-February 7. Yuzuru Hanyu said yes- from Rob Clarke, who code’s success into 2021 “Serena is gunning for her priority,” said Tiley. Melbourne only emerged from terday he felt compelled to stepped in on an interim and beyond,” said McLen- eighth title while Novak, who “We have the opportunity a months-long lockdown in Oc- returnJ to competition this week basis in May after the nan in a statement. often seems invincible at Mel- to stage a very safe, and happy tober following a second wave of despite being “confl icted” about acrimonious departure of “Rob stepped into the role bourne Park, is going for a record Slam, and give the players the ex- Covid-19, complicating planning his safety as coronavirus infec- Raelene Castle, who left on short notice and has ninth title. perience of competing in front of for the Grand Slam and how to tions surge nationwide. amid internal divisions and done an incredible job in “Our own world No.1 Ash crowds again, something they’ve allow so many players and sup- Hanyu skipped this season’s a financial crisis. re-structuring rugby to be Barty will return to Grand Slam missed for most of this year.” port staff to enter the country Grand Prix series over concerns it was compulsory that I com- Former ACT Brumbies and set up for future success.” competition, as will Roger Feder- The men’s and women’s quali- safely. that his asthma would put him at pete.” Melbourne Rebels chief Marinos will take over in er as he comes back from injury.” fi ers will be held in Doha and Australia has largely contained higher risk if he caught the virus, Hanyu said he has been liv- Clarke steadied the ship February after five years The opening Grand Slam of Dubai respectively from January the coronavirus although a new meaning he has not competed ing a virtual hermit’s existence and steered rugby through running the southern hemi- the year, which will be played in 10-13, with players arriving in outbreak in Sydney last week since winning the Four Conti- since he returned to Japan from the coronavirus crisis, but sphere governing body front of at least 50% of normal Melbourne from January 15 on has sparked fresh restrictions in nents title in February. his Toronto training base when was adamant he was only SANZAAR. crowds, has been pushed back special charter fl ights. parts of the city and even state The 26-year-old star will re- the pandemic hit, barricading three weeks until February 8. A slimmed-down, 12-team border closures. turn at Japan’s national cham- himself indoors and limiting his pionships in Nagano starting interactions to his close family. Friday, which also double as the He has been unable to train BOTTOMLINE fi nal qualifi er for next March’s with his Canadian coach Brian world championships in Stock- Orser because of travel restric- holm. tions, but he said he feels in good Hanyu admitted yesterday he shape heading into this week- felt he had no choice but to enter end’s competition. Tokyo sponsors to extend contracts: organisers as he eyes a third world title next “I practiced every day on spring. my own without a coach,” said AFP “basic agreement” meant they were now diffi cult situation that each of them are released this month by national broad- “My thinking hasn’t changed,” Hanyu, who competed in last Tokyo, Japan “proceeding with the conclusion of con- facing in the midst of the Covid-19 pan- caster NHK fi nding a majority back ei- said Hanyu, who became the fi rst year’s nationals but missed the tracts with all partners.” demic and the unprecedented economic ther further postponement or an outright male skater to complete the so- previous three years with either But organisers declined to be drawn on crisis.” cancellation. called “Super Slam” by winning injury or illness. rganisers for the virus-post- just when the fi nal details would be ironed “At the same time, we received pow- Organisers said this week the Games the Four Continents in Seoul in “It was diffi cult to take care of poned Tokyo 2020 Olym- out, nor give details on how much indi- erful messages from all partner compa- will now cost at least 1.64tn yen ($15.9bn), his previous outing. myself. I tried as much as I could pics said yesterday they have vidual contract extensions were worth. nies... (saying) we defi nitely want you almost $3bn more than their revised “I want to do as much as I can not to see anyone outside my reached “basic agreement” Overall, they said the extensions were to hold the Games and we will support budget produced last year. to avoid getting the virus. As family, and I didn’t go out at all. withO all domestic sponsors to extend expected to bring in another 22bn yen Tokyo 2020 as much as possible,” he told That could make Tokyo 2020 the most the national championships got That meant I was able to concen- their contracts by a year, securing much- ($212mn). reporters. expensive Summer Games in history, and closer, the third wave hit and I trate on my skating, and I think I needed additional funds. Domestic sponsors are stumping While organisers insist that the Games some research suggests the real costs will felt very confl icted over whether put in some good work. Keeping all 68 domestic sponsors on up more money at the Tokyo Summer can open as now scheduled, on July 23, be even higher. I should compete or not. “Because I was alone, I could board for another year is all the more im- Games than any previous Olympics, and 2021, rising new infections at home and Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto de- “But thinking about the world analyse things deeply. Rather portant for organisers as the cost of the there have been sporadic reports of mis- abroad and the slow roll-out of vaccines fended the price tag earlier this week, championship, the Four Conti- than hearing it from someone Games balloons because of the unprec- givings among fi rms on extending their have some unconvinced that the event calling it a “positive investment.” nents has been cancelled so the else, I had to look within myself edented delay and the need for coronavi- contracts. can or should proceed. “Whether you see this budget as ex- national championship is the to see whether I was performing rus countermeasures. Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori Domestic support for holding the pensive or not depends on how you look qualifying event for worlds, and better or worse.” In a statement, Tokyo 2020 said the said sponsors had “spoken about the Games next year is limited, with a poll at it,” he told reporters. Gulf Times Friday, December 25, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT 76ers exec Morey Tatum hits winner says he feared HK tweet would end NBA career

AFP Rockets basketball operations as Celtics edge Bucks Los Angeles, United States since 2007, China’s state broad- caster — which blacked out NBA One day after Lakers’ loss, Heat, who fell in the championship series, fell to Magic games for a year — hinted he had aryl Morey, embark- “paid a price” for the tweet. ing on his fi rst season Two weeks later, however, as Philadelphia 76ers Morey landed with the 76ers, President of Basket- although he acknowledged in ballD Operations, told ESPN in an his ESPN interview that the fi re- article published Wednesday he storm had caused him to won- once feared his tweet last year der if he would end up out of the supporting Hong Kong activists league. could end his NBA career. “In the last 12 months, I had Morey was general manager moments where I thought I might of the Houston Rockets when never work in the NBA again, for he tweeted: “Fight for Freedom, reasons I was willing to go down stand with Hong Kong,” referring for,” Morey said. “But I love work- to protests Beijing calls separa- ing, I love what I do, and I didn’t tist and seditious. want that to happen.” The tweet triggered a fi erce Morey said he remained “very backlash in China — the NBA’s comfortable with what I did” most lucrative market outside even though he didn’t anticipate the United States — and the rift the outrage he would face. cost the league hundreds of mil- “You don’t want the second- lions of dollars. most powerful government on When Morey stepped down in Earth mad at you, if you can October of this year after guiding avoid it,” he said.

White Sox to sign top prospect Yoelqui Cespedes: report Top international prospect Yoelqui Cespedes is expected to Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (right), guard Jeff Teague (second from left), and guard Jaylen Brown (foreground) celebrate after making a basket against the Milwaukee sign with the Chicago White Sox when the international signing Bucks during the second half at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) period opens next month, MLB.com reported. He reportedly will receive a signing bonus in the $2mn range. The White Sox have AFP that, the more you can succeed, the more adelphia 76ers. not confirmed the pending signing of Cespedes, the 23-year-old Los Angeles, United States RESULTS you can get the best out of moments like Westbrook notched the 147th triple- half-brother of former All-Star and free-agent outfielder Yoenis that,” he said. double of his career as he chases Oscar Cespedes. The younger Cespedes defected from the Cuban Cleveland 121-114 Charlotte “So I want to be in those moments. Robertson’s NBA record of 181. National Team in June 2019 while playing in New York. He settled oston Forward Jayson Tatum Indiana 121-107 New York I want to be down the stretch, I want to Bradley Beal added 31 points for the in the Bahamas and later was declared an MLB free agent. The banked in a game-winning three Orlando 113-107 Miami shoot the last two free throws, I want to Wizards, but 76ers big man Joel Embiid outfielder previously played for Cuba’s World Baseball Classic pointer over Giannis Antetok- shoot the last shot because if you think scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth and Caribbean Series teams. When the signing period opens on ounmpo with 1.5 seconds left to Philadelphia 113-107 Washington about it, if you do that 1,000 times, some quarter and pulled down 14 rebounds for Jan. 15, the White Sox also are expected to add Cuban right-hand- giveB the Celtics an 122-121 NBA season- New Orleans 113-99 Toronto of the time it’s going to go in.” the 76ers, playing for the fi rst time under er Norge Vera. The White Sox had four prominent players from opening victory over the Milwaukee Boston 122-121 Milwaukee The nail-biter in Boston was one of a new coach Doc Rivers. Cuba in the lineup last season: Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Bucks on Wednesday. dozen games on the second night of the Elsewhere, number one draft pick An- Gold Glove winner Luis Robert and American League MVP Jose Atlanta 124-104 Chicago Antetokounmpo, the two-time de- 2020-21 season. thony Edwards came off the bench to Abreu. fending NBA Most Valuable Player, had a San Antonio 131-119 Memphis One day after the Los Angeles Lakers score 15 points for Minnesota and the chance to tie it from the free-throw line Minnesota 111-101 Detroit launched their title defense with a loss to Timberwolves — led by Malik Beasley’s 23 with four-tenths of a second left, but the the LA Clippers, the Miami Heat — who points — rallied for a 111-101 victory over Dodgers signing Kahnle to two-year Sacramento 124-122 Denver Greek superstar missed his second free fell to the Lakers in the championship se- the Detroit Pistons. deal: report throw after being fouled at the rim and (OT) ries — fell 113-107 to the Orlando Magic. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points, the Celtics came away with the win on Utah 120-100 Portland Evan Fournier scored 25 points for Or- 11 rebounds and seven assists, his three- The Los Angeles Dodgers are signing free agent reliever Tommy their home fl oor. Phoenix 106-102 Dallas lando, who trailed by two points with less pointer with 3:38 to play giving Minne- Kahnle to a two-year deal, The Athletic reported Wednesday. MLB “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be in than fi ve minutes remaining. sota their fi rst lead of the game 98-97. Network said the contract is valued at $5.25mn. The 31-year-old that position,” Tatum said of stepping up worth a record $228mn, led Milwaukee It was close in Denver, where Sacramen- It was a less auspicious debut for the right-hander spent the past three-plus seasons with the New despite a relatively poor shooting night. with 35 points, 13 rebounds, two assists to’s Buddy Hield produced a put-back bas- third overall pick in November’s draft, York Yankees. He is coming off Tommy John surgery on his right Tatum, who said he “played terrible” and two blocked shots. ket at the buzzer to give the Kings a 124-122 LaMelo Ball, who went scoreless in 16 elbow in August and is expected to miss most or all of the 2021 after making only 12 of 28 shots from the Khris Middleton added 27 points and overtime victory over the Nuggets. minutes for the Charlotte Hornets, who season. Kahnle made only one appearance in 2020, allowing fl oor, still fi nished with 30 points with 14 rebounds for the Bucks, who fi nished fell 121-114 to the Cavaliers in Cleveland. one hit and one walk with three strikeouts in one inning in a 3-2 seven rebounds and two assists. the 2019-20 regular season with the best WESTBROOK TRIPLE-DOUBLE Ball, younger brother of New Orleans win at Washington on July 26. He declined an outright assign- Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 record in the NBA but fell to the Miami Heat Russell Westbrook looked just the same Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, handed out ment by the Yankees and became a free agent on Oct. 31. Kahnle points, fi ve rebounds and four assists. in the Eastern Conference semi-fi nals. in new surroundings, notching the fi rst three assists and came up with two steals. owns a career record of 9-9 with four saves and a 3.82 ERA in “It’s the fi rst one of the season, so it felt Antetokounmpo’s fi nal free-throw triple-double of the fl edgling season with Ten-time All-Star Chris Paul, traded 285 bullpen appearances with the Colorado Rockies (2014-15), good to get a win,” Tatum said. miss was just his second in eight attempts 21 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists for by the Thunder to Phoenix in November, Chicago White Sox (2016-17) and Yankees. He has struck out 344 Antetokounmpo, who last week signed from the foul line in the game. his new team the Washington Wizards, opened his Suns tenure with a 106-102 batters and walked 132 in 277 2/3 innings. a fi ve-year contract extension reportedly “The more you’re in situations like who nevertheless fell 113-107 to the Phil- victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

FOCUS Rockets game postponed as Covid bites NBA on second day of season AFP unavailable because of an injury. ell said in a statement about two ditionally, James Harden is una- Los Angeles, United States “The National Basketball As- hours after the game was post- vailable due to a violation of the sociation game scheduled for poned. Health and Safety Protocols. tonight between the Oklahoma “Harden violated these rules “Houston has one additional ovid-19 precautions City Thunder and the Houston when he attended a private in- player who is unavailable due forced the fi rst post- Rockets at Toyota Center has door party on Monday, Dec. 21.” to injury. As such, the Rockets ponement of the NBA been postponed in accordance The Rockets had noted in their do not have the league-required season on just the sec- with the league’s Health and offi cial injury report that rookie eight available players to proceed ondC day of action Wednesday Safety Protocols,” the NBA said Kenyon Martin Jr. was in “self- with tonight’s game against the as the Houston Rockets’ home in a statement. isolation” after a coronavirus test. Oklahoma City Thunder.” game against Oklahoma City was The postponement was the ESPN and The Athletic web- The league said all other Rock- called off . last thing the league was hoping site had reported that Martin ets players were tested again on Rockets superstar James for on the second day of the sea- was among a group of players Wednesday and returned nega- Harden was fi ned $50,000 for son, when a full slate of 13 games who gathered on Tuesday night tive results. violating protocols aimed at pre- were scheduled. at a player’s apartment to receive NBA commissioner Adam Sil- venting the spread of coronavi- ESPN reported Wednesday haircuts. ver, who shepherded the league rus — a violation that left him in- that the league was investigating through its return from last sea- eligible for the team’s scheduled Harden for a possible violation VIRUS ‘IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID’ son’s coronavirus hiatus in a season opener against the Okla- of protocols after video surfaced The Rockets had already record- quarantine bubble in Orlando, homa City Thunder, which was on social media that apparently ed another positive coronavirus Florida, had said Tuesday that postponed because the Rockets showed him at a club without test days earlier, that of backup with teams playing in their home didn’t have the required eight wearing a mask. guard Ben McLemore. arenas he “wouldn’t be sur- players available. Harden — who was a late arriv- “Three Houston Rockets play- prised” to see postponements The NBA said in a statement al at training camp and has been Harden wrote. “I went to show times people try to drag my name for violating the league’s Health ers have returned tests that were related to Covid-19. that three Rockets players had at the centre of reports that he love to my homegirl at her event under you can’t.” and Safety Protocols, which either positive or inconclusive That’s why the league released returned positive or inconclusive has demanded a trade — issued a (not a strip club) because she is But the league’s coronavirus among other things prohibit at- for coronavirus under the NBA’s a schedule only for the fi rst half coronavirus tests. statement on Instagram, denying becoming a boss and putting her protocols prohibit players from tending indoor social gatherings testing programme,” the league of the season, with the second Four other Rockets players the video showed him at a strip people in position of success and attending indoor gatherings of of 15 or more people or entering said in a statement. half slate to be fi lled in later. had also been quarantined due to club but acknowledging he was now it’s a problem. more than 15 people. bars, lounges, clubs or similar es- “Following the contact trac- “When you’re playing outside contact tracing measures. at an event hosted by a friend. “Everyday it’s something dif- “Houston Rockets guard James tablishments,” NBA President of ing protocol, four other players a bubble it’s almost impossible to One other Rockets player was “One thing after another,” ferent. No matter how many Harden has been fi ned $50,000 League Operations Byron Spru- are quarantined at this time. Ad- avoid this virus,” Silver said. Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 25, 2020 SPORT

NFL NHL Lightning lose Saints look for Stanley Cup hero Kucherov bounce-back win for season

AFP know how much it pains him that Los Angeles, United States he will be missing the regular season. I also know how hard he’s going to work to get back as soon ikita Kucherov, who as possible.” against Vikings led the 2020 NHL The news came on the same playoff s in scoring in day that the NHL released the helping the Tampa Bay upcoming regular season sched- Vikings need two wins and hope other results go their way to reach playoff s NLightning to the Stanley Cup ule – which will open on January crown, will miss the regular sea- 13 with fi ve games. Reuters son with a hip injury, the team That includes the Lightning New York, United States said Wednesday. raising their second Stanley Cup The Lightning said Kucherov banner before hosting the Chi- will have surgery next week, and cago Blackhawks. he New Orleans Saints he could be able to return for the The other four games on the are in the playoff s. 2020 Stanley Cup playoff s af- fi rst night include the Pittsburgh But they’ve lost two ter the shortened regular season Penguins at the Philadelphia games in a row after concludes on May 8. Flyers, the Montreal Canadiens Twinning nine straight. They “Our hope, and it’s a realistic at the Toronto Maple Leafs, the have failed two weeks in a row hope, based on the expected time- Vancouver Canucks at the Ed- to clinch the NFC South title. line of recovery for this type of monton Oilers and the St. Louis They have dropped from the No. surgery, is that he would be ready Blues at the Colorado Avalanche. 1 seed to the No. 2 seed in the for the playoff s,” Lightning general Each team will play 56 games NFC. manager Julien BriseBois said. – down from the usual 80 games And now they get a reminder Kucherov played through a – as the NHL like other sports of the disappointing end to last groin injury as he led the NHL aims to get back on track after the season as they host the Minne- with 34 points (seven goals, 27 coronavirus-disrupted 2019-20 sota Vikings in the penultimate assists) in 25 post-season games season even as the virus remains game of this season on Christ- to help Tampa Bay win the rampant in the United States. mas afternoon. Stanley Cup in the pandemic- The shortened regular season It was 51 weeks ago that the disrupted season. is to be followed by a traditional Vikings went into the Super- “No one loves playing hockey format post-season with four dome and upset the Saints 26- more than Nikita Kucherov. I rounds of seven-game series. 20 in a wild-card game. “Last year, we were fl at and we played poorly,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. New Orleans (10-4) is hardly panicking though. It’s still the No. 2 seed in the conference and can pass Green Bay with some help. It needs just one win or one Tampa Bay loss to clinch its fourth con- secutive division title. Nonetheless, Payton said, “this has got to be a bounce- back week.” The Saints lost to Philadel- phia two weeks ago to drop to Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (bottom) runs the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter against Minnesota Vikings 3-1 in the games that Drew Brees defensive back Harrison Smith (top, right) at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) missed because of rib and lung injuries. ascend, going into the playoff s.” The Vikings (6-8) need to win rush for a career-high 146 yards Bears). We didn’t tackle very Brees returned last week and New Orleans has lost back- their last two games and see Ar- and two touchdowns last week well,” Zimmer said. “Kamara’s showed plenty of rust in the to-back games for the fi rst time izona lose its last two and Chi- in Chicago’s win. obviously a great back. He’s got fi rst half before fi nding some since the fi rst two games of the cago lose at least once to qualify. With Brees less than 100% really, really good feet. He’s hard LOSS rhythm. Despite the slow start, 2017 season, which also includ- Minnesota’s injury-plagued and All-Pro receiver Michael to tackle. They use him in more the Saints stayed with the Super ed a 29-19 loss to the Vikings. defense had nine players on the Thomas on injured reserve, New variety of ways. We’re just going Bowl champion Chiefs before “It’s been a long time since injury report Tuesday, including Orleans might be inclined to to have to do a better job in some narrowly losing, 32-29. we lost back to back,” said safety star linebacker Eric Kendricks, emphasize the run with Alvin of the cutback and power runs Widby, punter on “You want to be playing your CJ Gardner-Johnson, who was who has missed the last three Kamara and former Viking Lata- than we did last week.” best football going into the play- a sophomore at Florida when it games because of a calf injury. vius Murray. Vikings running back Dalvin off s,” Brees said. “We under- last happened. “We’re not going “I have seen some strides Kamara has gained nearly 800 Cook, who had 132 yards and Cowboys’ fi rst title stand that we’ve sealed a playoff to let that happen again.” from the guys we’re playing with yards both rushing and receiving a touchdown against Chicago, spot. But, the most important One thing the Saints likely (on defense),” coach Mike Zim- yards and has scored 15 touch- and rookie wide receiver Justin factor right now is for us to win don’t have to worry about hap- mer said. downs. Jeff erson, who had eight catch- team, dies at 75 and win the division, and then, pening again is a playoff game The Vikings allowed the “We didn’t play very well es for 104 yards, were both Pro continue to kind of build on and against Minnesota. Bears’ David Montgomery to against the run (against the Bowl selections this week. Reuters 1968, with an 84-yard punt. New York, United States In Super Bowl VI, when the Cowboys defeated the Miami SPOTLIGHT Dolphins 24-3, Widby punted on Widby, the punter fi ve times for a 37.2-yard average. for the Dallas Cowboys’ Widby also was remembered fi rst two Super Bowl for a diff erent type of number. He teams, including the gave up his No. 12 jersey so rookie Focusing on Falcons not a problem, Chiefs insist SuperR Bowl champions after the Roger Staubach could wear it 1971 season, died Wednesday at starting in 1969, the quarter- Reuters kept the outcome to a one-score age 75, the team announced. The back keeping the same number New York, United States margin could encourage Atlanta, cause of death wasn’t revealed. he wore in his Heisman Trophy- which has seven losses by one Widby, a fourth-round draft winner career at Navy. score. choice of the New Orleans Saints Gil Brandt, a longtime player- ome-fi eld advantage in Discouraging, however, is that out of Tennessee in 1967, played personnel executive for the Cow- the playoff s is a select the Falcons are No. 31 in the NFL six seasons in the NFL, the fi rst boys, tweeted, “Condolences prize this season after in passing yards allowed, es- four for the Cowboys and the fi nal to the family of Ron Widby, our the NFL amended its pecially going against a Chiefs two with the Green Bay Packers. punter for fi ve years in Dallas Hplayoff structure so seven teams team ranked fi rst in average The Knoxville, Tenn., native who passed away today. He orig- from each conference qualify passing yards. averaged 42 yards per punt in his inally wore No. 12 is his fi rst two and only the top seed draws a Mahomes has thrown for 36 career. He twice averaged just years for us but then switched to fi rst-round bye. touchdowns against fi ve inter- over 43 yards per kick, and he led 10 in 1969, freeing 12 up for Roger The Kansas City Chiefs (13- ceptions. He leads the NFL with the league in his rookie season, Staubach. Rest easy, my friend.” 1) are in prime position to earn 4,462 passing yards. The Fal- the weekend off in the AFC. cons’ Matt Ryan is third (4,016). Nonetheless, the reigning Super Much of the attention thrust Bowl champions are reluctant to on the Falcons regards open- Blackhawks’ Nylander has surgery, acknowledge their superiority ings for a head coach and general out four to six months entering a home game Sunday manager. The team confi rmed against the Atlanta Falcons (4- Wednesday that Raheem Morris Forward Alex Nylander is expected to miss four to six months after 10). will receive an interview. The in- undergoing surgery to repair a torn left meniscus, the Chicago “Never bank on others; get terim coach said he looks at the Blackhawks announced Wednesday. He sustained the injury in your guys ready to go,’’ said totality of his job in that prism. the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff s and tried to recover without going Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who “Everything you do in these the surgical route. “He initially rested and trained conservatively; insisted he would not study moments are interview-type unfortunately, his symptoms came back when he started to skate,” playoff scenarios to shape alter- moments,’’ Morris said. team physician Dr Michael Terry said in a statement. He had the native lineup plans. Morris will use the last two surgery on Monday. Nylander, 22, was expected to skate on a “If you go there,” he added, games to look at running back line with Kirby Dach and Patrick Kane. In his first season with the “then you get your tail kicked. I Ito Smith, who moved ahead of Blackhawks, Nylander played in 65 games and scored 26 points don’t allow myself to go in that Todd Gurley in the rotation. (10 goals, 16 assists). His father, Michael Nylander, played 15 sea- direction. We’ve got to max- Receiver Julio Jones contin- sons in the NHL, and older brother William Nylander is a forward imise ourselves against a team ues to be slowed by a hamstring with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 84 career games, the younger that’s playing hard. These games injury that kept him out the Nylander has 13 goals and 19 assists. that they’ve lost, over half of last two games. Other Atlanta them have gone into the fourth starters who missed practice quarter.” Wednesday were cornerback Hurricanes’ outdoor Stadium Series By beating or tying the Fal- Darqueze Dennard (quad), cent- game postponed cons, the Chiefs can clinch the er Alex Mack (concussion) and top seed in the AFC playoff s and guard James Carpenter (groin). The Carolina Hurricanes’ first chance to play in an outdoor game with it, a fi rst-round bye and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (centre) has thrown for 36 touchdowns against five Rookie running back Clyde will have to wait a little longer after the NHL postponed the team’s home-fi eld advantage. Oth- interceptions and leads the NFL with 4,462 passing yards. (USA TODAY Sports) Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip) Stadium Series contest set for February. The Hurricanes did not er scenarios could assure the will miss the game for the Chiefs, yet have an opponent for the Feb. 20 contest, but it was scheduled Chiefs of the top spot, but they Kansas City’s dominance lections. Francisco’s George Kittle (1,377). though his injury is not as severe to be played at Carter-Finley Stadium, home to the North Carolina seem focused on variables they during a season marred by un- A 14th regular-season win Kelce also needs two receptions as initially thought. Tyreek Hill State football team. With no fans, or at least reduced capacity early can control. precedented challenges caused would establish a franchise to become the fi rst NFL tight (hamstring) was withheld from in the season, a smaller gate would severely hamper the league’s “If you keep winning games,’’ by the Covid-19 pandemic in- record. end with 100 catches in back- Wednesday’s practice as a pre- ability to recoup the cost for putting on an outdoor game. The said quarterback Patrick Maho- cludes a nine-game winning Travis Kelce needs 60 yards to-back seasons. caution. Linebacker Anthony outdoor game is expected to be played at some point, although a mes, “those things have a way of streak and the announcement receiving to break the NFL The fact that each of Kansas Hitchens is in Covid-19 protocol reschedule date has not been announced. working out on their own.” this week of seven Pro Bowl se- record for tight ends held by San City’s last six opponents have but could play. Gulf Times Friday, December 25, 2020 7 CRICKET

PREVIEW FOCUS Aussie players stick together, no families S Africa seek red for Christmas

IANS for the job they have done in ar- Melbourne ranging a full summer amid the global pandemic, Langer said, “We know the complications, or the fi rst time in 40 the stake holders, the very fact ball revenge in years, Australia cricket- that we played the Adelaide Test ers will spend Christmas last week was brilliant...The guys and take fi eld for the Box- who have known me have heard ingF Day Test on Saturday without me say that it is the favourite day their families. The Boxing Day in my calendar for as long as I can Test, beginning on December 26 remember. Boxing Day this year i.e. the day after Christmas, has is a bit diff erent this year without been a regular fi xture in Austral- our families.” fi rst Test v Lanka ian summer since 1980. Prior to 1980, Tests on Box- ‘First time in 50 years I They have lost eight of their last nine Tests, a run that began in February 2019 with a shock ing Day were played only on fi ve am not with my family. I occasions — in 1950, 1952, 1968, think it will be nice to have 2-0 home defeat by Sri Lanka who became the first Asian side to win a series in the country 1974 and 1975. But since 1980, it players together. There are has become an iconic Test with a number of players and families joining the players. the staff who are without However, in the absence of families‘ their families this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aussie He, however, acknowledged cricketers are holding together the sacrifi ces people have made as a family unit amid the series to make the Test happen this against Team India. year, even though the crowd will “First time in 50 years I am be restricted to less than one- not with my family. I think it will third at 30,000. be nice to have players together. “The fact that we are playing There are a number of players the Boxing Day Test...30,000 is and the staff who are without better than none. It wasn’t that families. It is one of the sacrifi ces long ago, probably a few months we have had to make in 2020. It ago, we wondered whether we is not ideal. But it is what it is. would have a Boxing Day test in Such an amazing feel within the Melbourne. Every time I come team. Honestly, it is a family feel. here, I pinch myself. I have come The guys look after each other. It here a lot. It’s just an amazing is one of our values to look after stadium. There’s so much hype each other in mateship. It is not about it and the boys love playing ideal but we will get on with it for here. The Indians will love it. It the bigger picture,” said Austral- won’t be the same as 90, but the ia head coach Justin Langer on 30,000 who come will provide Thursday while speaking to the thrill,” said the 50-year-old, who media during an interaction. played 105 Tests and eight ODIs Praising Cricket Australia (CA) for Australia.

Paine a great leader & our most important player: Langer

New captain Quinton de Kock has a tough task on hand as South Africa aim to revive their Test fortunes.

Reuters world, behind fi fth-placed Sri Lanka, and Left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks much harder to predict after they brought Pretoria have a host of questions to answer, not has been withdrawn from the squad along a squad of 21 players “to cover all posi- least around a brittle top six and the bal- with batsman Keegan Petersen. Neither tions”, according to coach Mickey Arthur. ance of the side. player entered the tour bubble when the They are missing injured stalwart An- outh Africa return to the Test are- “We’ve got a young team,” captain players gathered on Saturday, after two gelo Mathews and Oshada Fernando in na for the fi rst time in 11 months Quinton de Kock said this week. “We positive Covid-19 results were detected their top-six batting lineup, but Arthur tomorrow hoping to arrest a dis- need our younger guys to come through last week. is upbeat about their ability to cope with mal slide in the fi ve-day game and and learn fast so we can have a structured Hendricks’ absence means Glenton South Africa’s quicks. withS revenge on their minds as they host team. Stuurman is almost certain to make his “We have had camps and intra-squad Sri Lanka in the fi rst of a two-Test series “That’s what I would hope for from this test debut at the age of 29, with his abil- games and have tried to keep the players at Centurion Park. season, for the new guys to come in and ity to move the ball both ways off the pitch as sharp as they can be,” he said. They have lost eight of their last nine start scoring runs and putting up their and his excellent recent domestic form “We’ve got good seam bowling, good Tests, a run that began in February 2019 hands.” They start the fi rst test without putting him ahead of rivals. spin bowling and I am confi dent our top with a shock 2-0 home defeat by Sri Lan- key fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has a The retirement of Vernon Philander six batsmen can handle the conditions.” ka who became the fi rst Asian side to win groin problem, but will be buoyed by the suggests Wiaan Mulder or Dwaine Pre- Sri Lanka have not played any Tests a series in the country. fact both matches will be played on fast, torius are likely to play in an all-rounder since a victorious tour to Zimbabwe that They have slipped to number six in the bouncy Highveld pitches. role. The make-up of Sri Lanka’s side is ended in late January.

IANS Gilchrist is an all-time great SPOTLIGHT Melbourne player because he trans- formed the game,” Langer told reporters yesterday. ustralia head coach “I have got enormous faith No captaincy thoughts as Markram looks for reset Justin Langer has in Tim Paine, whether it is his praised his team’s wicket-keeping, batting and I Reuters “In terms of captaincy, it is some- Test captain Tim have said publicly and private- thing I really enjoy doing, but I have not PaineA for his performance and ly last year that he is our most Johannesburg put much focus on that,” Markram told leadership, calling him their important player. Because he reporters. “most important player”. Lang- is our lead wicketkeeper, his iden Markram must fi rst ce- “I am playing for my spot again, so for er, however, added that Adam leadership on and off the field ment his place in the side be- me to be thinking about the captaincy is Gilchrist remains the best- is incredible and we saw how fore he can realise his dream certainly not on my radar. I haven’t been ever wicketkeeper-batsman he can play. He batted very of captaining South Africa, good enough over the past 18 months.” for transforming the game of well in the first innings under Athough the opening batsman feels re- The tall opener scored exactly 1,000 cricket. pressure...He is a great player, freshed ahead of a two-Test home series runs in his fi rst 10 Tests, averaging 55.55, Paine scored an unbeaten 73 great leader and I love having against Sri Lanka that starts on Boxing but managed just 424 in the next 10 at against India in the first Test him in our team,” he added. Day. 22.31 with no centuries. at the Adelaide Oval, rescuing “Paine has made some good Markram, 26, was earmarked early in He feels the time away from inter- his side from a precarious situ- contributions, had very impor- his career as a future Test captain, but national cricket, brought about by the ation of 111/7 in first innings tant partnerships. During the the poor form in a turbulent 18 months Covid-19 pandemic, could turn out to and taking it to 191, just 53 Ashes and the summer last where he lost his place in the side means be a blessing in disguise. runs short of India’s total of year. I don’t lose sleep over he is back to square one and looking to “I played a lot of cricket where I was 244. Australia then bundled him,” the head coach further reignite his career. struggling, so I didn’t have time to re- out India for mere 36 in the said. White-ball skipper Quinton de Kock fl ect on things that maybe worked in the second innings and went on Australia will look to extend has agreed to lead the Test team for the past and just slow things down,” he said. to win the match by eight their lead when they take on 2020-21 international season until a “It felt like everything was becoming wickets. Team India in the second Test long-term appointment can be made, more and more rushed, and when you “You think of Adam Gilchrist, beginning Saturday at the and Markram is concentrating only on are out of form it is a tough place to be. I guess who transformed the Melbourne Cricket Ground scoring runs before thinking of any- It can be a snowball eff ect. So that time game in a sense. That is why (MCG). thing else. we had off was great to clear the mind.”

BOTTOMLINE Grit, discipline, & planning: Tendulkar’s mantra IANS score more than you. One will have to be pends on which part of the world you are Only a good performance is going to help New Delhi gritty in the next three Tests. It’s going to playing in,” said the master batsman who you overcome this disappointment.” be a combination of grit, discipline, and always meticulously prepared during his The last three Test matches will be planning. We have to plan, then we’ve to 25-year fi rst-class/international career. played with the red ball and under natural he Indian cricket team can stage a show grit, and we should be able to execute Tendulkar said a good performance sunlight, unlike the fl oodlit fi rst game at comeback in the Test series against our plans,” Tendulkar told IANS in an ex- in the second Test in Melbourne would the Adelaide Oval. Australia after the fi rst Test revers- clusive interview. quickly make the players’ mindset positive. The Indian team hasn’t announced its al by sticking to the golden mantra Tendulkar, 47, also suggested that the In- “These kinds of performances [defeat playing XI so far while Australia on Thurs- Tof “grit, discipline, and planning” and dian team should stick to its routine prepa- in the fi rst Test] are a big disappointment, day retained the same team that won the making fi ne adjustments needed for suc- ration instead of making drastic changes. without any doubt. It’s not easy to over- fi rst Test inside three days. cess, says cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. “I would say they should stick to their come this and get on with the next game. Ajinkya Rahane will step in as captain India trail 0-1 in the four-match series af- routine, which has brought them to this People might say ‘one bad performance’, for Virat Kohli who has returned to India to ter losing the day-night opening Test by level and given them a lot of success. Sud- but performances like these stay with you be with his wife for the birth of their fi rst eight wickets in Adelaide. The second Test denly, you can’t change all those things. It’s as players,” he averred. child. starts on December 26 in Melbourne. just those fi ner adjustments that are need- “I would say that the only way is to fi ght India had made history on their last tour “The strategy should be simple: you ed to be successful, otherwise it becomes it out in the next match, do something of Australia in 2018-19 when Kohli’s boys score more runs and don’t allow them to more and more challenging. And that de- magnifi cent that changes your thinking. won the four-match series 2-1.

Friday, December 25, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Australia looking to pile on misery for Kohli-less India ‘We need to start well on Boxing Day morning and then be consistent because India, we know, will fight back’

AFP cause he’s so miserly, he’s very, very Melbourne skilful,” he said. “So of course it gives us an advantage. But we just know we have to keep work- oach Justin Langer said the ing hard in the all the processes we’ve mark of a great team was to keep been talking about for some time. winning as he threw down a “We know we have to start strongly challenge to Australia against a on day one, we know we need to keep the depletedC India desperate to restore pride pressure on (Ajinkya) Rahane if he is the in the second Test this week. new captain. Australia head into the Boxing Day “So our processes don’t change, but clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when you take the best players out of on a high after crushing the visitors by any cricket team, then of course it weak- eight wickets inside three days in the ens them, that is just reality, and it gives opening Test at Adelaide. us an advantage.” The dramatic victory was built on Kohli pointed to his team being too the back of devastating spells from pace timid with the bat against Cummins, spearheads Josh Hazlewood and Pat Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in their Cummins, who skittled India in the sec- second innings collapse last week, and ond innings for their lowest Test score also rued a slew of dropped catches. of 36. But he expressed confi dence the Langer said it was an incredible eff ort, team would bounce back in Melbourne and he wants to see it repeated. where 30,000 fans will be allowed each “I’ve said that to become a great team day, around one third capacity under we have got to get better at winning after coronavirus restrictions. His senti- we win. Really good teams keep winning ments were supported by former Test and winning... it’s an area that we have captain and chief national selector Kris addressed,” he said. Srikkanth. “We need to start well on Boxing Day “The mindset I think was too defen- morning and then be consistent be- sive. They have to regroup. They have to cause India, we know, will fi ght back, as have a bit more positive intent. The best we saw in the fi rst two days of the Test way is just to go for it,” he told the Mel- match in Adelaide.” bourne Age. With star opener David Warner again “But when you miss King Kohli, it’s ruled out with a groin injury, Langer said going to make it diffi cult let’s be honest. Australia would stick with the same XI, And Shami. But I’m sure they’ll come barring last-minute issues. out and fi ght.” Srikkanth did see a posi- That means the under-pressure Joe tive for India with Warner missing out Burns retains his spot as opener after a again. handy 51 not out in Adelaide, with Mat- Australia’s Steve Smith (L) chats with teammate Josh Hazlewood (R) during a training session in Melbourne yesterday. “My belief is the Aussies’ batting is 30 thew Wade again moving up the order to % Warner, 30 % (Steve) Smith, all others accompany him, while allrounder Cam- the uncapped Shubman Gill are tipped being hit by a Cummins thunderbolt in Natarajan, none of whom have played at “When you take the best players out of put together is 30 %. But the bowling is eron Green earns his second cap. to take his place at number four, while Adelaide. Test level, to step in as the third seamer any cricket team, then of course it weak- very good,” he said. India have far more selection dilem- Ajinkya Rahane assumes the captaincy. It means they will be without two of alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh ens them, that is just reality, and it gives Australia (probable): Joe Burns, Mat- mas, with captain Virat Kohli missing Although India haven’t offi cially con- their fi rst-choice bowlers, with Ishant Yadav. us an advantage. thew Wade, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve the fi nal three Tests for the birth of his fi rmed it, star paceman Mohammed Sharma still injured. Langer said Kohli and Shami’s ab- “Virat Kohli is one of the all-time Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, fi rst child. Shami is also expected to be absent af- The setback opens the door for either sence would not change how Aus- great players and Shami I think is a real Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitch- Either the experienced KL Rahul or ter reportedly fracturing his wrist after Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj or T tralia approached the game, but added: glue for the Indian bowling attack, be- ell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

FOCUS Melbourne on standby for 3rd Test Reuters Year’s test in Melbourne and Sydney then go straight to Brisbane.” “We’ve been really buoyed by the way that the New South Wales and Sydney communities he Melbourne Cricket seem to be getting on top of this.” Ground (MCG) has been “So we are currently planning placed on standby if all systems go for the New Year’s Australia are unable to test to take place in Sydney as Tplay the third Test against India scheduled.” in Sydney following a fresh coro- Australia’s most populous city navirus outbreak in New South has been virtually isolated from Wales, Cricket Australia (CA) the rest of the country with state said yesterday. border closures or mandatory The third Test venue has been 14-day quarantine for Sydney the subject of debate after a new arrivals. community outbreak emerged in The touring India team, who Sydney’s northern beach sub- lost the day-night series opener urbs late last week. in Adelaide, would prefer stick- CA interim chief executive ing to the original itinerary, said Nick Hockley, however, said they Hockley who also ruled out play- intended to play the Jan. 7-11 ing back-to-back tests in Syd- game in Sydney but would move ney. it to Melbourne if required. A de- “There’s a relatively short gap cision would be made during the between the third and fourth second test at the MCG. Tests, so from a pitch perspec- The fourth Test at Brisbane’s tive it’s highly, highly problem- Gabba ground from Jan. 15 would atic,” he said. then go ahead as scheduled. The CA is working with the “We’ve got a range of contin- Queensland state government gencies for every eventuality,” on exemptions to enable play- Hockley told reporters in a Zoom ers, match offi cials, broadcast- conference. ers, media and staff to move from “If situation worsens in Syd- Sydney to Brisbane following the ney, one of those options is to third Test if the border was still India’s Ravichandran Ashwin (L), Ajinkya Rahane (2nd L), Ravindra Jadeja (2nd R) and Cheteshwar Pujara (R) watch teammates during a training session in Melbourne yesterday. stay in Melbourne, play the New closed.

BOTTOMLINE Two more IPL franchises approved from 2022 Reuters ty20 competition. of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chise for two IPL seasons, have shown (from ICC),” Dhumal said. New Delhi Local media has reported The eight-team league, with an es- treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Reu- interest in buying new teams. Another vexed issue that came up at in the past that Indian timated brand value of $6.8bn, drew ters after the AGM in Ahmedabad. The board also discussed the pos- the meeting was securing tax exemp- conglomerates Adani Group and record television and digital viewer- “Now the issue will be discussed in sible inclusion of cricket in the 2028 tions, as demanded by the ICC from he Indian Premier League RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which ship this year despite being staged in the IPL Governing Council — how and Los Angeles Olympics, something the host nations, for the 2021 Twenty20 (IPL) is set to become a 10- owned the now-defunct Pune the United Arab Emirates following the when to add the teams.” game’s governing International Cricket World Cup and the 50-over World Cup team aff air from 2022 after the franchise for two IPL seasons, Covid-19 surge in India. Local media has reported in the past Council (ICC) is very keen on, but did in 2023. TIndian cricket board yesterday have shown interest in buying “We have received an in-principle that Indian conglomerates Adani Group not specify its stance. “We will have to talk to the govern- approved a proposal to add two more new teams approval to add two more teams after and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which “That still needs to be discussed. We ment and secure the exemption,” said franchises to the world’s richest Twen- talking to all the stakeholders,” Board owned the now-defunct Pune fran- need some more clarity on this issue Dhumal.