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MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 PSGPS players must show they deserve to wearw the shirt, says new coach Pochettino

OurOu main goal is to make sure everyone is heading in the same direction.dir The idea is for everyone to want to win for the club more than anythingany else. We want to be a strong club with a strong structure.

PSG Manager Mauricio Roberto Sport | 11

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE: Al Ahli (Ndoye Seydou 30) beat Qatar SC 72-71; Al Sadd (Konstantinos Vasileiadis 38) beat Al Rayyan 112-95 Sainz leads Dakar after first stage; Al Attiyah determined to strike back

started 28th after a puncture in the prologue but came back aggressively in his X-Raid Mini JCW REUTERS buggy. – “We had a puncture and a problem with the roadbook made us lose four minutes. Happy with Defending the P1 and with the lead tomorrow,” the 58-year- champion Carlos old said on Twitter. Sainz took the lead in the Peterhansel lost time with a puncture in the car category after last 50km. winning yesterday’s first proper Nine-times world rally champion Sebastien stage in the Saudi Arabian desert ahead Loeb had a difficult day, the Frenchman suffering of Mini team mate Stephane Peterhansel. three punctures and dropping nearly 24 minutes The Spaniard was eight seconds clear of ‘Mr behind for the Bahrain Raid Xtreme team. Dakar’ Peterhansel -- the Frenchman who has In the bikes category, Australian two-times won a record 13 times on two wheels and four -- champion was 23 seconds clear of overall after the 277-km timed stage from the port Argentina’s overall while city of Jeddah to . American 2020 champion lost his Overnight leader Nasser Al Attiyah, who won way and ended up 17 minutes adrift. Saturday’s short prologue for the factory Toyota “Today quite difficult with the navigation. I got team, dropped back to 10th and nearly 12 minutes lost a little bit about seven km from the finish,” off the lead. said KTM rider Price. “I took a little bit of time just “We decided to win the prologue, and we trying to get back on track here.” The Dakar, one expected to lose time opening the road today. of motorsport’s most dangerous and gruelling Tomorrow’s stage is what really matters,” said the events, is being held entirely in for Toyota's Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah and navigator Qatari. the second time, with competitors in a protective Matthieu Baumel in their during Sainz, a triple Dakar winner whose son and bubble after testing negative for COVID-19. yesterday's opening stage of the . namesake is a Ferrari Formula One driver, had The rally ends in Jeddah on Jan. 15. QSL: Al Duhail climb to second spot City surge to 3-1 with hard-fought win over Umm Salal win over Chelsea AP – LONDON THE PNEINSULA – DOHA Al Duhail's Eduardo Rodriguez vying for the ball with Umm Salal players during their QNB Stars League Manchester City left Chelsea in disarray by sweeping Al Duhail yesterday overtook Al Round 12 match played at Qatar SC Stadium, yesterday. to a 3-1 victory yesterday with a ruthless attacking Gharafa in the QNB Stars League display that consigned Frank Lampard's team to a points table thanks to a hard- fourth loss in its past six Premier League games. fought win over Umm Salal at the İlkay Gündoğan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne Qatar SC Stadium. scored in a devastating 16-minute first-half spell as Eduardo Rodriguez scored the City rose to fifth in the standings despite coronavirus only goal of the match in the 12th cases depleting the squad. minute as Al Duhail raised their Chelsea are only three points behind City but have points tally to 24 as they climbed played two games more. The absence of any crowd to the second spot with their eighth due to coronavirus restrictions spared Lampard from win of the season. any negativity from his own fans at least. Umm Salal remain on 10 points With Ederson in isolation recovering from following their sixth defeat. COVID-19, goalkeeper Zack Steffen started his first Going into the match, Umm Premier League game. It was a nervy start for the Salal had not lost their last four 25-year-old American, earning a booking for han- games. However, they could not dling outside the penalty area after five minutes. do much against reigning cham- But thanks to City’s scintillating forays forward pions Al Duhail, who are in their and Chelsea’s attacking deficiencies, Steffen wasn’t usual selves of late after initial tested. Instead it was opposite number Edouard Mendy struggles. picking the ball out of his net three times. Al Duhail had stormed into the In the 18th minute, Foden received a pass from De top four by beating Al Khor (6-1) Bruyne and teed up Gündoğan on the turn to net his in Week 10 and The Red Knights third goal in four games. City was in devastating form, then beat Al Ahli 5-3 to finish the orchestrated as so often by De Bruyne with less than first leg of the tournament in third three minutes between the opening two goals. An initial position. Al Gharafa now stands in the tap a cross into the net from close cross from the Belgium playmaker was intercepted Sabri Lamouchi’s side is well third spot, one point behind Al range. by Thiago Silva, but he regained the ball to set up Foden on course to retain the title even Duhail, while Qatar SC have 20 in Then, Kodjia converted a for the second. It was a slick final touch from Foden though they lag behind leaders Al front of their name. penalty kick awarded after he was that allowed him to beat Mendy at his near post. Sadd on points. The match kicked off in spec- brought down inside the box and Chelsea were in disarray. The third was started Dudu scored the winner in the tacular fashion with Belaili aiming the referee awarded the penalty and completed by De Bruyne. He headed to Sterling YESTERDAY'S RESULTS 12th minute and the stalemate for the goal on the second touch a after a VAR review. to launch a breakaway down half the length of the remained right throughout. couple of feet away from the half- Umm Salal 0-1 Al Duhail A quarter of an hour later, pitch unchallenged before hitting the goal frame with Al Duhail dominated the ball line. His long-range shot was not Qatar SC 2-2 Al Gharafa Kodjia nearly scored a winner from a shot. By that time, De Bruyne had arrived to meet with 65 per cent in the first half. way off the mark as the ball sailed Al Arabi 3-0 Al Khor close range on a long cross from the rebound in the 34th minute. Only Mendy's quick Abdullah Al Ahrak set up Almoez above keeper Yousef Hassan’s Hanni. However, Kodjia’s quick- reaction in the Chelsea goal prevented a close-range Ali in the 39th minute, but the latter head and landed on top of the net. and space to work on his shot close footed drive was pouched by Qatar header from Rodri going into the top corner at the could not find the target. As the players settled into a to the half hour mark. SC keeper. start of the second half. For Umm Salal, Kayke Rod- groove, Al Gharafa’s Koo Ja-Cheol The long session of hits and Elsewhere, at Al Arabi Stadium, There was consolation in stoppage time with riguez and Abdennour Belhosini attempted a long-range shot in the misses came to end – via a VAR the hosts beat Al Khor 3-0. Callum Hudson-Odoi netting from Kai Havertz's cross. made serious attempts in the first 13th minute, close to the edge of call in the 43rd minute - when Mehrdad Mohammadi (18), half. the box, that went wayward. Fadel on an assist by Alejandro Mehdi Torabi (38) and Abdul- Manchester City’s Phil Foden Both teams continued to create Belaili’s second serious attempt Galvez fired into the lower right of rahman Anad (71) scored the celebrates after scoring their second chances in the second session, but at goal – this time from close range the Al Gharafa goal. The referee goals as Al Arabi completed a goal against Chelsea yesterday. the deadlock remained. – was made possible by a long used the VAR review to check the hat-trick of wins. The Dream Meanwhile, Al Gharafa, failed cross from Hamed Ismail. Chased potential off-side call before Team now have four victories to secure their second spot despite by an Al Gharafa defender, Belaili allowing the goal to stay. and 15 points. a second-half fightback against charged into the box but his header In injury time, Al Gharafa’s Al Khor’s miseries com- Qatar SC as they shared points with – lacking in speed – was parried Tameem Al Muhaza brought Belaili pounded as they crashed to their Qatar SC following a 2-2 draw at away by the goalkeeper in the 18th down with a rough sliding tackle seventh defeat and stood on seven the Qatar SC Stadium yesterday. minute. resulting in a penalty. Qatar SC points, very much in the danger Ahmed Fadel (41) and Youcef Al Gharafa’s influential went 2-0 up as Belaili easily con- zone, as the tournament entered Belaili (45+2 penalty) were on Algerian midfielder Sofiane Hanni verted the spot kick. the second leg. target for Qatar SC, while Al – after a short cross from Homam Trailing by two goals, Al Al Khor now have their back Gharafa replied through goals from Elamin – also failed to find the net Gharafa hit back with two quick to the wall as The Knights have Ahmed Al Janehi (54) and Jonathan as he hit the ball straight to keeper goals in the second half. only one point more than bottom- Kodjia (59 penalty). Jassim Al Hail despite having time First, Al Janehi jumped high to placed Al Kharaitiyat. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11 PSG players must show they deserve Ayed and Al Ruwaili to wear the shirt, says Pochettino named best

REUTERS – PARIS accomplish what this club and the players want referees for because they are competitors and they want to lift tro- New Paris St. Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino phies.” The 48-year-old, who has signed a deal until December is relishing the opportunity to take charge of a star- June 2022, said his first task would be to ensure eve- studded squad but has warned the club’s top players ryone at the club worked together. QNA – DOHA that they must prove they deserve to wear the jersey “Our main goal is to make sure everyone is heading of the French champions. in the same direction. The idea is for everyone to want Abdulhadi Al Ruwaili (match Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino was to win for the club more than anything else. referee) and Khalid Ayed named head coach of PSG on Saturday, with the We want to be a strong club with a (international assistant Argentine replacing Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked strong structure,” he added. referee) have been named as on Christmas Eve after a 4-0 victory over Racing Stras- Pochettino was to take his the Best Referee and Assistant bourg as the side sat in third in the league. first training session later yes- Referee for December 2020 “In this club it’s always been about excellence, the terday ahead of his first game by the Referees Department players have to deserve to wear the jersey,” Pochettino, in charge, a trip to St. Etienne at Qatar Football Association who played for PSG as a defender in the early 2000s on Wednesday when the (QFA). and also captained the side, told the club’s website. “I league resumes following the New Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino The two aforementioned think that it’s a fantastic squad and I think that we can winter break. waves as he arrives for training yesterday. referees were named the best referee and assistant referee according to the standards of the Referees Department, and after the analysis of refereeing PL: City’s performance followed by the Martinez scores hat-trick as department, which it carries Mendy out after each round of the Qatari League (QNB Stars latest player League), and other competi- Inter hit six to go top of Serie A tions in which the referees participate. to breach REUTERS – MILAN Abdulhadi Al Ruwaili is scheduled to be the for Qatar virus rules Lautaro Martinez’s first hat- SC vs Al Gharafa SC match in trick for Inter Milan helped his the 12th round of the QNB AP – LONDON side crush Crotone 6-2, earning Stars League, and Khalid Ayed their eighth successive Serie A will be his second assistant. Manchester City expressed win yesterday and sending disappointment yesterday Antonio Conte’s team top of the that defender Benjamin standings above AC Milan. Mendy became the latest With their local rivals in partying Premier League action later yesterday, Inter player to breach English coro- knew a win would see them go navirus rules by hosting top, if only temporarily, but it friends at his house on New was not looking promising as Year’s Eve. second-bottom Crotone took a Mendy’s rule-breaking shock 12th minute lead through took place as City was already Niccolo Zanellato. dealing with the impact of a However, coronavirus outbreak at the sent strike partner Martinez club that led to the post- through to level eight minutes ponement of today’s match at later, before an own goal from Everton and has forced six Luca Marrone put Inter in front. players into self-isolation, A Vladimir Golemic penalty with defender Eric Garcia’s then levelled things up once Mikel Arteta positive test announced again. yesterday. With the quality Inter Mendy allowed a chef and possess up front, it was only a two friends of his partner to matter of time until they put Arsenal attend his home, a represent- Crotone to the sword in the Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez scoring ative for the player was cited second half, with Martinez bril- their first goal against Crotone yesterday. playing with as telling “The Sun” news- liantly giving Inter the lead in paper. People from different the 57th minute before Lukaku handbrake households are banned from added another seven minutes Crotone remain 19th with But Conte’s side struggled clumsy tackle from Arturo Vidal mixing indoors in the later. just two league wins all season. early on, and could have con- saw Inter again pegged back. northern English area where Martinez completed his first Inter had the opportunity to ceded more than Zanellato’s The link up pay between off: Arteta Mendy lives. Inter hat-trick 12 minutes from get a head start in the only early opener ahead of Lukaku’s Martinez and Lukaku was too “The club is aware of a time, before Achraf Hakimi put kick off in the first round of superb assist for Martinez much for Crotone in the end, REUTERS – LONDON New Year’s Eve COVID-19 the icing on the cake with a late Serie A matches after the winter settled the hosts. however, as Martinez helped breach involving Benjamin sixth to put Inter top on 36 break - the first time in over Yet, even on this run of suc- himself to two more and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Mendy and the subsequent points, two clear of AC Milan eight years that all 10 Serie A cessive wins, Inter have often Lukaku scored his 50th Inter was delighted with his team’s media reporting of it,” City and seven clear of Roma, who games will be played on a single made life difficult for them- goal in all competitions to put 4-0 thrashing of West said. also played later yesterday. Sunday. selves, and sure enough a the title chasers out of sight. Bromwich Albion on Saturday “While it is understood and said the players have that elements of this incident finally released the handbrake have been misinterpreted in Leeds boss Real Madrid’s Marco and are playing with much the reports, and that the Asensio scoring their more freedom. player has publicly apologised second goal on Saturday. Full back Kieran Tierney for his error, the club is dis- Bielsa defends got the ball rolling, cutting in appointed to learn of the from the left flank and firing transgression and will be con- goalkeeper home his second goal for ducting an internal investi- Arsenal in the 23rd minute gation.” A statement from Meslier after before teenage winger Bukayo Mendy’s representative to Saka finished off a superb “The Sun” newspaper Spurs defeat team effort. expressed regret on behalf of Alexandre Lacazette then the Frenchman. REUTERS – LONDON struck twice in the second half “Ben accepts that this is a to seal Arsenal’s third straight breach of COVID-19 protocols Leeds United manager Marcelo Premier League victory and lift and is sorry for his actions in Bielsa has defended goalkeeper them to 11th place in the table this matter,” the statement Illan Meslier after the on 23 points, six points off said. Frenchman suffered a qualifying spots for European “Ben has had a COVID test nightmare game in the 3-0 competition. and is liaising with Manchester defeat by Tottenham Hotspur “I think previously we lost City about this.” Mendy has on Saturday. games that we were really tweeted urging people “to take Spurs’ opener came from a unlucky in and most of them care of you and yours” as mid- wayward pass from Meslier, was our own fault, because we night approached on Thursday which was picked off by Harry made some errors and lacked night. Winks before Ezgjan Alioski some discipline,” Arteta told On Saturday, a social clipped Steven Bergwijn inside reporters. media image was published of the penalty area. Harry Kane La Liga: Real see off Celta “But obviously you need to Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, converted the spot-kick. win football matches and now Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Meslier then fumbled Toby REUTERS – MADRID recovered the ball high in Celta’s biggest test so far and they this brings a different Lo Celso attending a large Alderweireld’s header over the half. Zinedine Zidane’s side almost took the lead when tal- momentum and energy, the house party in London over line in the second-half fol- Real Madrid beat an in-form comfortably saw out the victory, ismanic striker Iago Aspas ran players they get the handbrake the Christmas period in clear lowing a Son Heung-min Celta Vigo 2-0 at home on ending Celta’s unbeaten run of through and knocked the ball off and you can see that they breach of the regulations. corner kick. Saturday thanks to a goal and six games under new coach past keeper Thibaut Courtois but are more free to play.” “This is Tottenham condemned the It was an uncharacteristic assist apiece from Spanish pair Eduardo Coudet. Real defender Nacho recovered an Arsenal team with the idea players, who could now face performance from the Lucas Vazquez and Marco “We said before the game to clear it off the line. that I want.” Arteta also said internal disciplinary action. Frenchman, who has been a Asensio, putting the side above that after slipping up against Madrid broke immediately the imminent return to fitness West Ham’s Manuel standout player for the team city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Elche we wanted to show our with a long ball to Asensio, of Ghana midfielder Thomas Lanzini was also in this season. Bielsa said the Liga. usual aggression and win the whose cross was nodded in by Partey, who has missed the attendance at the same party. 20-year-old should not be The win took the Spanish ball back high up the pitch,” said Vazquez. Real nearly doubled last six league games due to The player issued an apology judged on the basis of one champions to 36 points. Vazquez. their lead when Dani Carvajal injury, would provide a huge on social media for his “bad game. Real were smarting from a “Right now every game is tried his luck from outside the boost. mistake” while the club said “What we have to look at is surprise 1-1 draw at struggling key, we are on a good run, we box and saw his shot whistle “We’ve been missing him. the matter had been dealt how the goalkeeper performs Elche in their last match and didn’t expect to draw the other past the post. He brings something different with internally. in all the fixtures, not in one were missing captain Sergio day but the team is in good Celta had failed to pull off to the team. He’s a player with Meanwhile Fulham, game,” Bielsa told reporters. Ramos, who was out with a shape and if we keep playing their usual style of intense an enormous talent, but as whose match at Burnley on “It was an undeniable error stomach bug. like this we’ll be fighting for eve- pressing and they suffered a well someone who can Sunday has been postponed but if you look back at all our But they got off to an ideal rything.” Celta had won five of huge blow when Aspas, La transform the team the way due to positive cases at the games you will see how effi- start thanks to a towering their previous six league games Liga’s joint-top scorer with nine we want,” Arteta added. club, is investigating pictures cient Illan is with his feet.” header from Vazquez, who out- since Argentine Coudet took goals, was forced off in visible “He is feeling good. He that emerged on social media Leeds enjoyed a far larger jumped two Celta defenders to charge in November after Oscar pain with a suspected muscle needs another two or three on Friday showing Aleksandar share of possession and created power home a cross from Garcia was sacked, taking them injury. good sessions to see if he is Mitrovic and his fellow Serb several goal-scoring opportu- Asensio. from the bottom of the standings Asensio’s goal moments 100% available to play. If that Luka Milivojevic of Crystal nities, but were made to pay for Vazquez returned the favour to within striking distance of the later delivered a knockout blow is the case, great news for us.” Palace, along with their two their profligacy and attempts early in the second half to tee up European places. and they later also lost forward Arsenal face Newcastle United families on Dec. 31. to play out from the back. Asensio after Madrid had The trip to Madrid was their Nolito to an injury. in the FA Cup on Saturday. 10 SPORT MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021

Bayern retain top spot with Guardiola comeback 5-2 might prolong win over Mainz managerial REUTERS – MUNICH

Champions Bayern Munich career held on to the ’s top spot after fighting back from REUTERS – LONDON two goals down to beat second-bottom Mainz 5-2 in Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said a rip-roaring contest yesterday the wealth of experience he has gained from as Robert Lewandowski previous coaching stints has better equipped contined his scoring run. him for the top job at City and he might stay in The Polish striker took his management longer than he had anticipated. tally to 19 league goals with a The 49-year-old Spaniard’s current five- late brace to seal Bayern’s year stay at City is his longest spell in charge comeback after they trailed of a club since he began his managerial career 2-0 at halftime as Jonathan Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring their second goal. in 2008. Burkardt and Alexander Hack Guardiola managed Barcelona from gave the visitors a shock first- 2008-12 and spent three years in charge of half lead. Bayern Munich before joining City, who he has Danny Latza missed a gilt- guided to two Premier League titles, three edged chance to add a third for Late Suarez winner sinks League Cups and an FA Cup since his arrival Mainz shortly after the break in 2016. before Joshua Kimmich pulled “Of course I am better now, definitely. Expe- one back with a close-range rience helps you - especially the way I live my header and Leroy Sane profession,” Guardiola, who signed a new two- equalised with a scorcher from Alaves as Atletico go top year contract in November, told the City 20 metres into the bottom LA LIGA RESULTS website.site. REUTERS – VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN right corner. cut the ball across goal SATURDAY a great piece of play “BeforeBefore I thought I Halftime substitute Niklas and Suarez pounced and it allows us to keep wouldld retire soon, now Suele turned the tide when he Luis Suarez struck late to snatch a from less than a metre Villarreal 2, Levante 1 focusing on our maybebe I am thinking I volleyed home from inside the 2-1 victory for Atletico Madrid away out to bundle it into the Betis 1, Sevilla 1 objective.” Atletico had mightht retire older.older. 50 area before Lewandowski to Alaves yesterday and send his side net. Getafe 0, Valladolid 1 been boosted by the already,ady, it is a nice converted a penalty and then two points clear of Real Madrid at Atletico went into Madrid 2, Celta Vigo 0 news Kieran Trippier’s age!”” City are eightheighth in YESTERDAY bundled in a Thomas Mueller the top of La Liga. the match trailing Real 10-week suspension the Premier LeaLeaguegue cross from the right as Mainz Atletico had taken the lead late Madrid by a point but 1, Elche 0 from the English with 26 points, seven Alaves 1, Atletico 2 collapsed in the final 20 in the first half when Suarez teed up the last-gasp victory FIXTURES Football Association adriftft of leadersleaders minutes. a deflected goal by Marcos Llorente took them on to 38 TODAY for violating betting Liverpoolerpool The result left Bayern on and the task should have got easier points, two ahead of rules had been put on but withwith Valencia vs. Cadiz 33 points from 14 games, two for the visitors when Alaves defender their city rivals and WEDNESDAY hold by world organ- twow o more than second-placed RB Victor Laguardia was sent off in the with two games in ising body FIFA, gamesmes Leipzig who were 1-0 winners second half. hand. Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona although the right back inn at Vfb Stuttgart on Saturday. But Alaves had a flurry of late Alaves are 13th on did not travel to the hand.d. chances and levelled in the 84th 18. match as the squad had been named BUNDESLIGA TOP SCORERS minute when Atleti defender Felipe “We knew it would be a difficult before the announcement was made. 1: R. Lewandowski (Bayern München) 17 diverted a cross from Joselu into his game as Alaves always make things Sime Vrsaljko started in Trip- 2: E. Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) 10 own net. tough and they proved that by pier’s place while record signing 3: André Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt) 9 W. Atletico would not be undone, drawing level with one player less Felix began the game on the bench Weghorst (Wolfsburg) however, and they clinched a vital but it was so important for us to get but was introduced after the hour 4: L. Alario (Bayer Leverkusen), A. victory for their title charge when the win,” said goalscorer Llorente. mark and the Portuguese played a Kramari (Hoffenheim), L. Stindl (Borussia substitute Saul Niguez picked out “Our substitutions worked very decisive role in the win, with his Mönchengladbach) 8 fellow late addition Joao Felix, who well and we got the second goal after incisive late pass to the feet of Suarez. Leicester move up to third with win at Newcastle Lacazette nets a double as

REUTERS – NEWCASTLE open Newcastle shortly after, Leicester City’s scores their second goal. Arsenal thrash West Brom while Vardy also had a goal from Leicester City moved up to third a tight angle disallowed for REUTERS – LONDON place in the Premier League as offside. second-half goals by James Newcastle were well- A rare Kieran Tierney goal, a superb team effort finished Maddison and Youri Tielemans organised without offering much by Bukayo Saka and a brace from Alexandre Lacazette gave secured a 2-1 victory away at in attack in a largely forgettable Arsenal their third Premier League win in a row as they Newcastle United yesterday. first half, but the hosts started the beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 in snowy conditions on Substitute Andy Carroll’s second half with greater purpose. Saturday. strike for the hosts set up a tense They were stopped in their Fullback Hector Bellerin signalled Arsenal’s attacking finale but Leicester were worthy tracks though when Harvey intent with an early effort that was parried by Sam John- winners. Barnes surged forward and stone before Tierney cut in from the left and curled home They moved above Tot- slipped a pass to Vardy who held his second goal for Arsenal in the 23rd minute. tenham Hotspur with 32 points the ball up before teeing it up for With his direct running and superb close control, teenage from 17 games played, one point Maddison to lash home. winger Saka tormented West Brom throughout, and he com- behind co-leaders Liverpool and Leicester’s slick attacking bined brilliantly with Lacazette and Emile Smith-Rowe before Manchester United, who have football was evident again for tapping home a simple second goal for the visitors five played one game less. their second goal as Marc minutes later. Maddison blasted Leicester Albrighton slid an astute pass West Brom finished the first half strongly and had an in front in the 55th minute, and inside towards Tielemans, who early second-half strike ruled out for offside before Arsenal when the outstanding Tielemans did not even need a touch before took control of the game again, never to relinquish it. produced a great finish to double burying the ball past a helpless Saka’s cross on the hour mark was volleyed on to his the lead after 72 minutes it Karl Darlow. own post by Semi Ajayi and Smith-Rowe’s follow-up was seemed that Leicester’s seventh Newcastle manager Steve blocked, but Lacazette blasted home to make it 3-0 as the away win in the league was in Bruce sent on Carroll, and the big Baggies’ woeful defence, which with 39 goals conceded is the bag. striker rewarded him almost the leakiest in the league, fell apart once again. Carroll’s first Premier League immediately with a clinical volley Minutes later it was 4-0 as the tireless Tierney crossed goal for Newcastle for 10 years -- his first league goal since for Lacazette to steer the ball home with his shin to com- offered a late twist. returning to the club in 2019. plete the comprehensive victory. Leicester began well, and Suddenly the hosts came “The perfect way to start the New Year, we’ve won three Maddison came close to giving alive and Leicester were living in a row so we want to keep building. We’re really happy them an early lead with a curling dangerously at times until they with the performance,” Saka told the BBC. effort that fizzed just wide. were relieved to hear the whistle. “It was so cold but I was getting so many touches in good Manager Brendan Rodgers Newcastle’s winless run in positions, so I enjoyed the game a lot.” was livid when Jamie Vardy and the league now extends to five The win lifts Arsenal to 11th place in the table on 23 points, Tielemans were guilty of over- games and they stay in 15th spot six points off the European places. West Brom remain second elaborating once they had sliced with 19 points. from bottom with eight points after 17 games. QVA Beach Volleyball League Action during the General Beach Volleyball League matches, conducted by the Qatar Volleyball Association. In yesterday's matches, Al Sadd defeated Al Shamal 2-1 while Al Gharafa recorded a 2-0 win over Police.

Qatar Basketball League: Al Ahli, Al Sadd win

Qatar SC and Al Ahli players in action during their Qatar Basketball League match played at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Ahli won the 72-71 after a keen battle. LEFT: Al Rayyan and Al Sadd players vying for the ball. Konstantinos Vasileiadis scored 38 points as Al Sadd defeated Al Rayyan with a margin of 112-95 at the same venue. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09

2021 SPORTS CALENDAR - JANUARY 4 TO 20 Jamieson takes 5 as The 2021 sports calendar. (Note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events are likely to be cancelled or rescheduled).

Monday, January 4 NZ dismiss Pakistan for 297 : New Zealand v Pakistan at Christchurch, 2nd : South Africa v SL at , 2nd Test Alpine skiing: men and women's World Cup at Zagreb REUTERS - WELLINGTON zone you must score off it, on Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Pakistan these kind of wickets, because captain Paceman Kyle Jamieson took you're going to get one good ball Tuesday, January 5 Mohammed five for 69 as New Zealand at some stage. Cricket: New Zealand v Pakistan at Christchurch, 2nd Test Rizwan works overcame some stiff Pakistan “You have seen the run rate Cricket: South Africa v SL at Johannesburg, 2nd Test one to the leg resistance to dismiss the tourists was good so it's a good enough Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi for 297 at close of play on the side during his pitch to score runs but obvi- Alpine skiing: men and women's World Cup at Zagreb opening day of the second and innings against ously in between you need to Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia final Test at Christchurch New Zealand leave on length, which was the yesterday. on the first day key in my . Wednesday, January 6 Already 1-0 up in the series of the second “If you look at the pitch it's Cricket: New Zealand v Pakistan at Christchurch, 2nd Test; and needing only a draw to rise Test at the a decent total, especially batting South Africa v Sri Lanka at Johannesburg, 2nd Test to the top of the world rankings Hagley Oval first. It's been tough all day so Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi for the first time, the Black Caps in Wellington we feel we have enough runs Alpine skiing: men and women's World Cup at Zagreb won the toss and elected to field yesterday. on the board and we can build Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on what looked like a Hagley @therealpcb on it tomorrow.” Ski jumping: Four Hills at Bischofshofen Oval track tailor-made for their Azhar faced 37 balls from attack. the 6'8" Jamieson, scoring 26 Thursday, January 7 Pakistan had shown great The hosts rattled off the last Azhar Ali and Rizwan runs including five fours. Cricket: New Zealand v Pakistan at Christchurch, 2nd Test fight at the end of their 101-run two wickets in short order to stalled the New Zealand attack “The guy is quite tall and Cricket: South Africa v Sri Lanka at Johannesburg, 2nd Test defeat in the first Test, however, bring up stumps, giving New with a partnership of 88 for the hitting good lines and lengths Cricket: Australia v India at Sydney, 3rd Test and started out as they had fin- Zealand’s openers the night to fifth during which the and swinging the ball both Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi ished at Mount Maunganui with rest up before going out again stand-in skipper secured his ways, so it was fun and tough Golf: USPGA Tournament of Champions in Hawaii some batting of real intent on a to bat. fifth consecutive half century as well,” Azhar said of his Alpine skiing: women's World Cup at St Anton, Austria day largely uninterrupted by Given the swing and seam before edging a Jamieson contest with Jamieson. Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia the Christchurch rain. in the pitch, New Zealand’s delivery behind. “With this height we obvi- Azhar Ali led the way with attack would have hoped to Seamer Matt Henry, brought ously needed to consolidate as Friday, January 8 a superb innings of 93 but there have got the job done more in to replace the injured Neil much as we can. Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi were also cameos from quickly and it looked like they Wagner, finally winkled out “But when the ball is there Cricket: Australia v India at Sydney, 3rd Test; United Arab Mohammad Rizwan, who was would when Jamieson ripped Azhar Ali in the final session to hit and whenever we got the Emirates v Ireland at Abu Dhabi, 1st ODI again forced to stand-in as through the Pakistan top order before Faheem Ashraf departed opportunity we did score Golf: USPGA Tournament of Champions in Hawaii captain for the injured Babar to reduce the tourists to 88-4 at to give Jamieson his third five- boundaries as well. Alpine skiing: women's World Cup at St Anton, Austria; men's Azam and scored 61, as well as lunch. wicket haul in six Tests. But it was a tough spell to World Cup at Adelboden, Switzerland Faheem Ashraf, who hit 48. Bowling with real venom “I knew that the first couple negotiate and at the end of the Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Left-arm spinner Zafar and bounce, the 26-year-old of hours will be tough and obvi- spell Rizwan got out when he Gohar extended the tail with a sent back opener Abid Ali, Haris ously when you see this much was hitting the ball quite nicely Saturday, January 9 62-ball 34 in his first Test Sohail and Fawad Alam in three grass on the pitch you have to but as far as that partnership Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi innings until he top edged a overs, the latter with an focus for a longer time,” Azhar was concerned we were very Cricket: Australia v India at Sydney, 3rd Test short delivery from Tim unplayable delivery that the said at the end of the day's play. happy, especially the way we Golf: USPGA Tournament of Champions in Hawaii Southee just after New Zealand batsman could only fend away “We were positive, espe- scored the runs during that Alpine skiing: women's World Cup at St Anton, Austria; men's took the second new ball. from his helmet with his glove. cially when the ball is in your period, it was fantastic.” World Cup at Adelboden, Switzerland Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia In this photo posted on Twitter handle @BLACKCAPS, former New Zealand player Grant Elliot signs autographs SCOREBOARD for fans on the first day of the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Wellington yesterday. Elliott played all Sunday, January 10 PAKISTAN, 1st innings formats of the game for Black Caps. Primarily a batting all-rounder, Elliott contributed a man of the match S. Masood lbw Southee ...... 0 Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi performance to provide entrance to New Zealand’s first ever World Cup final, by beating South Africa in 2015. Abid Ali c Southee b Jamieson ...... 25 Cricket: Australia v India at Sydney, 3rd Test; United Arab Azhar Ali c Taylor b Henry ...... 93 Emirates v Ireland at Abu Dhabi, 2nd ODI H. Sohail c Nicholls b Jamieson ...... 1 Golf: USPGA Tournament of Champions in Hawaii F. Alam c Watling b Jamieson...... 2 Alpine skiing: women's World Cup at St Anton, Austria; men's M. Rizwan c watling b Jamieson ...... 61 World Cup at Adelboden, Switzerland F. Ashraf c Watling by Jamieson ...... 48 Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Z. Gohar c Jamieson b Southee ...... 34 S. Afridi c Nicholls b Boult ...... 4 Monday, January 11 M. Abbas ...... 0 N. Shah c Latham b Boult ...... 12 Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi Extras (b2, lb9, w6) ...... 17 American football: College Football Playoff National Champi- Total (10 wickets; 83.5 overs) ...... 297 onship at Miami, Florida Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Masood), 2-66 (Abid Ali), Cricket: Australia v India at Sydney, 3rd Test 3-70 (Sohail), 4-83 (Alam), 5-171 (Rizwan), Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia 6-227 (Azhar Ali), 7-260 (Ashraf), 8-282 (Gohar), 9-285 (Afridi), 10-297 (Shah) Tuesday, January 12 Bowling: Southee 23-7-61-2, Boult 20.5-3- Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi 82-2, Jamieson 21-8-69-5 (1w), Henry 17-2- Alpine skiing: women's World Cup at Flachau, Austria; men's 68-1 (5w), Mitchell 2-1-6-0 World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Henry Cricket: United Arab Emirates v Ireland at Abu Dhabi, 3rd ODI Nicholls, BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamie- Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia son, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult Wednesday, January 13 Football: Spanish Super Cup; French Champions Trophy Tennis: ATP at Delray Beach and Antalya; WTA at Abu Dhabi Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland Question marks over Sydney Test Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Thursday, January 14 Football: Spanish Super Cup after boycott threat reports Cricket: Sri Lanka v England at Galle, 1st Test; United Arab Emirates v Ireland at Abu Dhabi, 4th ODI Golf: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii REUTERS - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA'S TEST SERIES form of quarantine or other for six Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland months, would refuse to travel if Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia The schedule for Australia’s Test VS INDIA 2020-21 they were going to be subjected to series against India was under a hard lockdown. Friday, January 15 threat again yesterday after reports AUSTRALIA TEST SQUAD: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, A spokesman for the India team Cricket: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4th Test; Sri Lanka v the tourists were unhappy at the Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh did not immediately respond to a England at Galle, 1st Test prospect of re-entering strict quar- Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus request for comment on the reports. Golf: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii antine for the fourth Test in Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James India’s players underwent 14 Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland Brisbane. days of strict quarantine after their Rugby Union: European Cups Round 3 Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, The third Test in the four- arrival in Australia but have since Motor Racing: Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner match series is slated to start at enjoyed more freedom while pre- Sydney Cricket Ground on paring for and playing matches in Saturday, January 16 INDIA TEST SQUAD: Thursday after Cricket Australia Virat Kohli (c) (first Test only), Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney and Mel- Football: African Nations Championship, Cameroon decided not to move the match in Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank bourne. There are still some restric- Cricket: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4th Test the wake of an outbreak of Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, tions, however, and five Indian Cricket: Sri Lanka v England at Galle, 1st Test COVID-19 cases in the city’s Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), players were placed in isolation on Golf: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii northern beaches. (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Saturday after a video surfaced Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland; Today, both squads will fly to Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra showing them eating inside a Mel- women's World Cup at Maribor, Slovenia New South Wales, which reported Jadeja, , Mohammed Siraj bourne restaurant on New Year’s Rugby Union: European Cups Round 3 eight new locally transmitted cases Day. of the virus and ramped up social FIRST TEST: Australia won by eight wickets The Australian and Indian cricket Sunday, January 17 distancing measures yesterday. SECOND TEST: India won by eight wickets boards are investigating the alleged Football: Spanish Super Cup; African Nations Championship, Queensland state has closed its THIRD TEST: January 7-11, SCG, breach of biosecurity protocols with Cameroon border with New South Wales and FOURTH TEST: January 15-19, Gabba, precedent suggesting the players Cricket: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4th Test although agreement has been might be fined for their actions. Cricket: Sri Lanka v England at Galle, 1st Test reached to allow the players to fly Sydney, which at one stage Golf: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii to Brisbane for the fourth test on quarantine,” Queensland’s chief health looked like losing the third Test to Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Wengen, Switzerland; Jan. 15, they will have to quarantine having officer, Doctor Jeannette Young, said Melbourne, would be the most likely ben- women's World Cup at Maribor, Slovenia been in Sydney. yesterday. eficiary if it was decided to move the fourth Rugby Union: European Cups Round 3 “No different from “That is a discussion Cricket Australia match from Brisbane. anyoneanyone else, iif they are will need to have with the players.” The acting Premier of New South Wales Monday, January 18 comingcoming fromf a Reports in the Australian media, citing state, John Barilaro, told reporters yesterday Football: African Nations Championship, Cameroon declared hhotspoto they sources within the touring party, said India’s that the government was focusing on Cricket: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4th Test; Afghanistan v willwill haveha to players, many of whom have been in some staging the third Test safely in front of a Ireland at Abu Dhabi, 1st ODI; Sri Lanka v England at Galle, 1st crowd of up to 20,000 fans. Test “We’re going to commit to the Test we There’s a lot of talk out there but for us as a have,” he said. “If an opportunity arises post Tuesday, January 19 that, we’ll take that opportunity then.” Football: African Nations Championship, Cameroon group and me position personally, we’ll go Australia batsman Matthew Wade Cricket: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4th Test Sydney and play the SCG and then we’ll go rejected the idea that there was now uncer- Alpine skiing: men's World Cup at Kitzbuehel, Austria tainty over the schedule. “There’s a lot of the Brisbane and play the Gabba. Until the talk out there but for us as a group and me Wednesday, January 20 powers that be knock on the door and tell position personally, we’ll go Sydney and Football: Italian Super Cup; African Nations Championship, play the SCG and then we’ll go the Brisbane Cameroon us that that’s going to change, we just roll and play the Gabba,” he told reporters. Cricket: Bangladesh v West Indies, Dhaka, 1st ODI; South onto the next game: Matthew Wade “Until the powers that be knock on the Africa Women v Pakistan Women at Durban, 1st ODI (day/ door and tell us that that’s going to change, night) we just roll onto the next game...” Sport MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 08 Japan team NBA: Bledsoe, Ingram lead Pelicans to miss events after Momota past Raptors in hard-fought game tests positive REUTERS - BANGKOK AP - NEW ORLEANS left-wing 3 with 41.6 seconds left. World number one Badminton Eric Bledsoe capped a 19-point, “I was kind of locked in,” player Kento Momota has 10-assist performance with a Beldsoe said, noting that he tested positive for COVID-19, go-ahead 3-pointer in the final expected Toronto to double- prompting the withdrawal of minute, and the New Orleans team Ingram and leave all Japan's players from this Pelicans held on for a 120-116 someone open on the month's tournaments in victory over the Toronto Raptors. perimeter. “I was just trying to Thailand, the Badminton Brandon Ingram added 31 stay ready and when I got the World Federation said points, capped by four free throws ball I was going to shoot it with yesterday. in the last 13 seconds to seal the confidence.” Momota, 26, was looking victory. VanVleet scored 11 of his 21 to make his international Zion Williamson scored 21 first-half points during the last comeback in Bangkok after points, highlighted by a pair of seven minutes of the second almost a year out following a driving spin moves in the lane to New Orleans Pelicans period to push Toronto in front car crash that left him with set up left-handed leaners off the forward Brandon late in the half. Lowery added a serious injuries. glass. Ingram (14) loses 3 from 30 feet away to put the The two-time reigning The Pelicans lost a 12-point control of the ball NBA RESULTS Raptors up 60-50 before a 3 by world champion tested pos- lead in the fourth quarter, briefly against Toronto Raptors HOUSTON 102, Sacramento 94 Lonzo Ball and Steven Adams’ itive after undergoing a man- falling behind in the final four forward OG Anunoby New York 106, INDIANA 102 putback dunk trimmed it to datory COVID-19 test at the minutes, but were able clamp down (3) during the fourth Oklahoma City 108, ORLANDO 99 60-55 at halftime. Although Narita Airport ahead of the defensively and limit the Raptors quarter of their NBA PHILADELPHIA 127, Charlotte 112 they’ve lost four of their first five Japan team's departure for game at the Smoothie to just one point during the final Cleveland 96, ATLANTA 91 games, the Raptors didn’t sound Thailand. 2:47. King Centre in New inclined to start panicking yet. The absence of the Jap- “The thing I like the best is our Orleans, Louisiana, USA. NEW ORLEANS 120, Toronto 116 “Once we start winning anese contingent further resilience,” Pelicans coach Stan some games and get a lot of affects the quality of the field Van Gundy said. “It’s not easy to give “He struggled, there was no doubt But Kyle Lowry quickly responded minutes - good minutes - at the two Thailand Opens, up a double-digit lead with (8:30) to go about it,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said with a 3, igniting a 22-9 run that ended together as a team playing solid defense, with Chinese players already and then go behind. A lot of teams sort of Siakam. “He had a few decent plays with 3s by OG Anunoby, Powell and Van- and getting stops, and running, and things skipping the tournaments due of fade away at that point.” and a few good drives in there, but again Vleet to put Toronto up 111-110 with 3:16 like that, you know, it’ll get back to to COVID-19 concerns. Fred VanVleet scored 27 points and he obviously struggled.” to go. normal,” Siakam said. “I just think that The events are the last two Chris Boucher added 24 for Toronto. The Pelicans led 101-89 when Josh Ingram’s free throws tied it at 113 the game is focusing on little things and qualifying opportunities for the Pascal Siakam scored 10 points, but Hart made a free throw just after Siakam with 1:08 left. And after Toronto lost the continuing to get better as a team and an World Tour Finals to be held fouled out with 8:30 remaining. fouled out. ball out of bounds, Bledsoe hit his pivotal individual.” from January 27-31. No cancellation: NFL season set to end on time AP - NEW YORK is and the NFL can be,” Broncos safety Justin Simmons said, “and there could be a lot of good During the summer, with baseball just returning change coming with that support.” from its hiatus and the NHL and NBA scrambling On the field, there was the rise of the Dolphins to build “bubbles” to complete their interrupted and Browns, both on the verge of qualifying for seasons, many scoffed at the prospect of the NFL the postseason in their finales Sunday. Tampa Bay, going through a four-month schedule on time. with some 43-year-old guy named Tom Brady at Without cancellations or significant delays, too, quarterback, snapped a 12-season postseason likely even to the staging of the Super Bowl. drought. And the demise of the Texans, Jets, Eagles, It’s now 2021, and while the league isn’t Vikings and, most notably, the 2019 NFC champion gloating about getting every regular-season game In this file 49ers, and the Brady-less Patriots. played in an NFL stadium, maybe it should. When photo taken on Rookies made their mark, too, including quar- the Eagles host Washington for the season finale, November 23, terbacks Justin Herbert of the Chargers and Joe a sense of achievement and relief would be natural. 2020, Cooper Burrow of the Bengals, whose season was cut short “It’s been a tremendous accomplishment by Kupp of the Los by a knee injury as he was setting first-year QB our players and clubs, all personnel who have Angeles Rams records that Herbert eventually surpassed. Running worked on this, and certainly our relationship with runs the ball backs James Robinson in Jacksonville, Antonio the players association,” says Jeff Miller, the during the first Gibson in Washington, Clyde Edwards-Helaire in league’s executive vice president of communica- quarter in the Kansas City, Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis, and tions, public affairs and policy. game against J.K. Dobbins in Baltimore were terrific. So were “As we are thinking about February 7 and the Tampa Bey receivers Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, CeeDee getting to the Super Bowl, we all think about the Buccaneers in Lamb in Dallas, Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco many weeks it has taken to get here with an appre- Tampa, Florida. and Chase Claypool in Pittsburgh. Offensive ciation and gratitude.” linemen went high in the draft, and a few came Miller is understating the timeline. The NFL through right away: Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs, began formulating its plans and protocols to mit- at $2bn in revenue losses. No, that doesn’t mean “It’s kind of the times that we’re living in right the Jets’ Mekhi Becton, Cleveland’s Jedrick Wills, igate COVID-19 even before the 2020 business franchises will beg poverty or disappear. Broadcast now,” Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell said Miami’s Austin Jackson and the Giants’ Andrew year began in March. Virtual reality became, well, contracts make up for much of the negative impact. when he was forced to sit out a matchup with Thomas. Defensive rookies making their marks virtual reality when such events as free agency, But the lack of ticket sales and spending at games Tampa Bay. ranged from Chase Young in Washington to Jeremy the draft, and all offseason activities went remote. and at the draft that was planned for last April in Along with the Lions’ Matt Patricia, head Chinn in Carolina to Patrick Queen in Baltimore A series of protocols, updated throughout the year, Las Vegas, plus a scaled-down Super Bowl week, coaches losing their jobs during the season were to Raekwon Davis in Miami to Julian Blackmon in were designed to make team practice facilities affects everything from the profit line to the salary Dan Quinn in Atlanta and Bill O’Brien in Houston, Indianapolis. and stadiums as safe as possible during the cap - which could be stagnant for 2021, forcing where he also was general manager. Fellow GMs But for every newcomer who turned heads, pandemic. most every team to scramble. Scrambling became Bob Quinn in Detroit, Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta there were the injuries that sidelined stars. Denver Preseason games were cancelled - a four-game a necessity for the clubs experiencing COVID-19 and Dave Caldwell in Jacksonville were fired. didn’t have LB Von Miller all season. Dallas lost exhibition schedule would seem a thing of the past outbreaks (Baltimore, Tennessee, Denver, New ALSO GONE: Redskins. The Washington fran- QB Dak Prescott, the Giants were without RB - and the schedule kicked off on time in England, Cleveland) and even some of their oppo- chise, after years of social and racial protests about Saquon Barkley, Cleveland saw WR Odell Beckham September. nents as games were delayed and moved. the nickname, ditched it in a year of social and Jr. go down, and Carolina barely had 2019 All-Pro Stadiums generally were empty of fans, cre- For the first time in the modern era, the NFL racial reckoning. running back Christian McCaffrey. ating an eerie environment in places such as played on every day of the week, with a juicy Players and franchises across the pro football Perennial offensive line dominators Tyron Lambeau Field and the Linc that usually rock with Thanksgiving night matchup between Baltimore landscape launched or took part in initiatives Smith of the Cowboys and Mike Pouncey of the noise and enthusiasm from the stands. and Pittsburgh winding up hitting the field the fol- emphasizing equality, education, voter registration, Chargers were absent. So were DE Nick Bosa, LB Eventually, enough places allowed socially dis- lowing Wednesday. Denver used a converted wide police and prison reform, and economic irregu- Chandler Jones, and CB Richard Sherman. tanced fans in some buildings, and the NFL reached receiver at quarterback when its entire QB group larities. They donated time and money - lots of All of that on top of the COVID-19 1 million in attendance, something it approaches was barred for a game against New Orleans. both - to those programs, even during the complications. in one full week of regular-season games under Cleveland saw its top four wideouts sidelined for pandemic. So here we are, beginning 2021 with a rela- normal circumstances. a game, too. Both the Broncos and Browns were “I hope that happens for years and years to tively bright outlook. No one can say that was The financial hit has been enormous, estimated beaten in those contests. come because we know how powerful the shield totally expected. Canada approve camps, but Nortje takes six wickets, Elgar scores provinces must rule on games 92 to put South Africa in driving seat REUTERS – JOHANNESBURG elected to bat, losing captain SCOREBOARD AP - OTTAWA, ONTARIO Dimuth Karunaratne cheaply to SRI LANKA, 1st innings South African seamer Anrich a rising ball from Nortje but with D. Karunaratne c De Kock b Nortje ...... 2 The Canadian government, citing “national Nortje claimed a career-best six- Kusal Perera looking to again set K. Perera c Markram b Mulder ...... 60 interest grounds,” gave its approval for the wicket haul and opener Dean about the home bowling. L. Thirimanne c Du Plessis b Mulder ...... 17 start of NHL training camps. Elgar backed it up with an Perera has had a golden streak K. Mendis c Van der Dussen b Mulder ...... 0 M. Bhanuka c Van der Dussen b Nortje ...... 5 It issued an exemption to the mandatory unbeaten 92 runs as the home of form against South Africa over N. Dickwella c De Kock b Nortje ...... 7 14-day quarantine period for NHL players team forged an early advantage the last two series between the D. Shanaka c De Kock b Nortje ...... 4 and team staff to return to the country. over Sri Lanka on the opening day two countries and despite little W. Hasaranga c De Kock b Sipamla ...... 29 The five provinces with NHL franchises, of the second Test. foot movement, rushed to a half D. Chameera c De Kock b Nortje ...... 22 however, must give their approval for games Nortje made full use of seamer- century off only 54 balls. V. Fernando not out ...... 2 New York A Fernando b Nortje ...... 4 between Canadian teams during the regular Rangers' Henrik friendly conditions at The Wan- But one loose shot too many Extras (lb5) ...... 5 season, which is scheduled to start January Lundqvist in derers Stadium for a return of 6-56 saw him perish on 60 and precip- Total (40.3 overs) ...... 157 13. action during off 14.3 overs as Sri Lanka col- itate a procession of batsmen to Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-71, 3-71, 4-80, 5-84, 6-93, The seven Canadian teams will play in lapsed from 71-1 to be dismissed and from the wicket. 7-110, 8-149, 9-151 a NHL workout Bowling: Ngidi 10-3-44-0, Nortje 14.3-1-56-6, a new North Division. in this July 13, for 157 before tea yesterday. Elgar Seamer Wiaan Mulder, Sipamla 9-3-27-1, Mulder 7-3-25-3 Alberta became the first province to say 2020, file photo. then set about consolidating the brought belatedly into the home South Africa, first innings the NHL can play games in its arenas. advantage as he moved tantalis- attack, took three wickets in 11 D. Elgar not out ...... 92 The provincial government told The ingly close to a century at the close balls to see Sri Lanka slump to A. Markram c Mendis b A. Fernando ...... 5 H. van der Dussen not out ...... 40 Canadian Press on Thursday it approved written support for the plan. The statement added of play, steering South Africa to 148 80-4, after which Nortje bagged Extras (b4, lb4, w3) ...... 11 Edmonton and Calgary following a review of pro- that all teams must operate within provincial rules for one wicket in reply - trailing by regular victims to complete a Total (1 wkt, 37 overs) ...... 148 tocols outlined in the league’s return-to-play plan, for regular-season play. just nine runs. second test five-wicket haul. Fall of wicket: 1-34 (Markram) along with additional enhancements. The Canadian teams will play each other only Elgar featured in an unbeaten Aiden Markram was the only Bowling: V. Fernando 10-0-40-0 (1w), A. Fern- The Manitoba government said discussions during the regular season and the first two rounds 114-run partnership for the second South African to be dismissed in ando 10-2-30-1 (1w), Chameera 7-0-34-0, Shana- ka 6-1-13-0 (1w), Hasaranga 4-0-23-0 about hosting games in Winnipeg are of the play-offs. They also won’t cross the US- wicket with Rassie van der reply, caught behind for five, as To bat: F. du Plessis, Q. de Kock, T. Bavuma, W. proceeding. Canada border, which remains closed to nones- Dussen. debutant Asitha Fernando bagged Mulder, K. Maharaj, A. Nortje, L. Sipamla, L. Ngidi All provinces with NHL clubs have provided sential travel. Sri Lanka won the toss and a first Test scalp.