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Friday, February 2, 2018 CRICKET Jumada I 16, 1439 AH Kohli’s 33rd ODI GULF TIMES ton fires India to win over South Africa SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT 2.38m leap gives Olympic Qatar’s Barshim fifth confusion as bans on 28 Asian indoor gold Russians lift ed by CAS AFP among 42 Russians — bobsleigh- Pyeongchang, South Korea ers, cross-country skiers, com- petitors in the skeleton and ice hockey players — to appeal their port’s top court CAS yes- bans. terday overturned Olym- In addition to clearing the 28, pic life bans on 28 Rus- CAS also lifted the life bans of an- sians accused of doping, other 11 Russians but barred them aS decision hailed by Moscow but from competing at Pyeongchang. a major embarrassment for the Delivering its judgement CAS International Olympic Com- said: “In 28 cases, the evidence mittee just days away from the collected was found to be insuf- start of the Winter Games in fi cient to establish that an anti- Pyeongchang. doping rule violation was com- The Court of Arbitration for mitted by the athletes concerned. Sport ruled that the there was “The evidence put forward by “insuffi cient” evidence that the the IOC in relation to this matter athletes had benefi ted from a sys- did not have the same weight in tem of state-sponsored doping at each individual case.” the 2014 Winter Games, hosted CAS’s decision was warmly Mutaz Barshim (C) by Russia. welcomed by Russian President celebrates on the The cleared 28, which in- Vladimir Putin. podium in Tehran cludes Sochi cross-country gold “We are very glad for our ath- along with medallist Alexander Legkov, are letes,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry compatriot Hamdi now eligible to compete in the Peskov told reporters. Amin (R) who won Pyeongchang Olympics starting “The information about the the bronze. next week, but their participation decision of the Court of Arbitra- is by no means certain. tion for Sport proves that en- “Not being sanctioned does ergetic work to stand up for our not automatically confer the rights in court and elsewhere — it privilege of an invitation” to the is justifi ed, it can be eff ective and 2018 Games in South Korea, the it should continue,” Peskov add- IOC explained in a statement. ed. And we are hoping that this the IAAF World Indoor Championships, due to take “It was an excellent day for Qatar as we won four med- Russia are banned from work will certainly continue.” orld champion Mutaz Barshim gave place in Birmingham between March 1 and 4. He will als, including a gold for Mutaz. We hope to continue Pyeongchang over the doping He said it was unclear whether Qatar a flying start in the Asian Indoor he hoping to regain the title he last won at Sopot in our medal hunt over the next two days of the compe- scandal but 169 Russian competi- the 28 who had their appeals up- Athletics championships by winning the 2014. tition,” he said. tors have been cleared to take part held would now compete in South high jump gold with a brilliant leap of Hamdi Amin, also of Qatar, took the bronze in the high Nadiya Dusaniva of Uzbekistan clinched the gold as neutrals. Korea. W The IOC warned that CAS’s “It is a diffi cult question,” the 2.38m here yesterday. jump with a leap of 2.15m while Iran’s Jahani claimed medal in women’s high jump, clearing 1.87m while Barshim, who was crowned world champion for the the silver with a jump of 2.25m. Iran’s Sepideh Tavakoli took the silver with 1.80m and verdict “may have a serious im- Kremlin spokesman added, not- first time in August at the London IAAF World Champi- Qatar also won two silver medals through Tosin Ogu- Nadezhda Dubovitskaya of Kazakhstan the bronze in pact on the future fi ght against ing Russian offi cials would con- onships, easily won the continental competition at the node in the 60m and Yasser Salem in the 3000m to 1.80m. doping”. tinue talking to the IOC. Aftab-e-Enqelab sports Complex in the Iranian capital. take their medal tally to four at the end of the first day Chu Yu Wang of China won the gold in the women “Therefore, the IOC will ana- Last week’s mass CAS hearings It was his fifth consecutive Asian indoor title, hav- of the three-day event. 800m final with a performance of 2:09.30. Her team- lyse the reasoned decisions very were as a result of allegations of a ing won it earlier in 2010 (Tehran), 2012 and 2014 Mohamed Issa Fadhala, general secretary of the Qatar mate Hu Zhiying secured the silver medal in 2:10.81. carefully once they are available vast state-sponsored doping pro- (Hangzhou, China) and 2016 (Doha). Athletics Federation congratulated the athletes on Meanwhile, Tatyana Nerozak of Kazakhstan won and consider consequences, in- gramme contained in the report The event is important for Barshim’s preparations for their performance. 3000m final with a time of 9mins:33.65secs. cluding an appeal to the Swiss into Sochi authored by sports law Federal Tribunal.” professor Richard McLaren for The exonerated group were the World Anti-Doping Agency.

CONFIRMATION FOOTBALL Germany’s Ozil Bayern women’s team to play friendly against Qatar

By Sports Reporter QWSC Chairperson Lulua al-Marri Bayern Munich players during a trip to commits to 3-year Doha with the Bayern Munich team the desert during their camp in Qatar. at an event in Doha. deal at Arsenal ayern Munich’s women’s foot- ball team will play a friendly AFP Ozil’s previous deal had just against Qatar at the Qatar Wom- London six months left to run and his en’s Sports Committee ground decision to stay caps a momen- Bin Aspire Zone today as part of an ini- tous few days for the Gunners tiative to promote bilateral sporting ties erman playmaker following the capture of Pierre- between Qatar and Germany. The match Mesut Ozil ended Emerick Aubameyang from begins at 5.30pm. speculation over his Borussia Dortmund for a club Bayern Munich have been camping in future at Arsenal by record fee. Qatar for a few days now during which Gagreeing a new three-year deal Aubameyang and Ozil will be they took part in several local engage- with the Premier League giants joined by Henrikh Mkhitaryan ments. They were also feted by the Qatar yesterday. in a new-look frontline after Women’s Sports Committee at the Qatar to the support of Her Highness Sheikha “3 more years with @Arse- the Armenian joined as part of Islamic Museum. Moza bint Nasser, who has made a rich nal! It’s been one of the most a swap deal that saw the wanta- Ms. Lulua al-Marri, Chairperson of the contribution to the cause of women’s important decisions of my way Alexis Sanchez join Man- Qatar Women Sports Committee said: empowerment.” footballing career and that’s chester United last month. “We are happy to welcome the Bayern During their camp in Qatar, the Bay- why I had to think hard and talk “We’re delighted to an- Munich team which is one of the most ern team also visited the Qatar Olympic with everyone who’s important nounce that Mesut Ozil has well known teams in the world. I thank Committee’s Sealine camp besides get- to me,” Ozil, 29, posted on his signed a new long-term con- them for choosing Qatar for their train- ting themselves acquainted with Qatar’s Instagram account. tract with us,” Arsenal said in a ing camp. I hope that the Qatar wom- culture and traditions. “Good things take time! In statement. en’s team will benefi t from their match Germany’s ambassador to Qatar Hans the end I let my heart decide. “Mesut has won the FA Cup against Bayern Munich. Udo Moselle praised the sporting ties As I always said, I feel at home three times since joining us in “Qatar has been hosting several wom- between the two countries and thanked here and I’m highly motivated 2013, making 182 appearances, en’s events and has also won several the Qatar Women’s Sports Committee to achieve big things in the next scoring 36 goals and racking up medals at the international level. Girls for their initiative in inviting the Bayern few years.” 61 assists.” are taking a keen interest in sports thanks Munich team. Gulf Times 2 Friday, February 2, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT DURBAN ODI Aussie Open Kohli and Rahane and beIN extend deal until star in India win 2024 ‘The first game of the series is always important and we wanted to take the confidence of the last Test into here’

AFP DURBAN SCORECARD Durban South Africa India Q. de Kock lbw b Chahal ...... 34 R. Sharma c De Kock b Morkel ..... 20 irat Kohli and Ajinkya H. Amla lbw b Bumrah ...... 16 S. Dhawan run out (Markram) ...... 35 Rahane shared a 189- F. du Plessis c Pandya b Kumar . 120 V. Kohli c Rabada b Phehlukwayo 112 Daniel Markham and run third wicket part- A. Markram c Pandya b Chahal ...... 9 A. Rahane c Imran Tahir b Phehluk- Richard Heaselgrave nership and took India J. Duminy b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 12 wayo ...... 79 V D. Miller c Kohli b Kuldeep Yadav ..7 H. Pandya not out ...... 3 ollowing the success of to a comfortable six-wicket win in the first one-day international C. Morris b Kuldeep Yadav ...... 37 M. Dhoni not out ...... 4 Australian Open 2018, against South Africa at Kings- A. Phehlukwayo not out ...... 27 Extras (lb6, w11) ...... 17 Tennis Australia Chief mead yesterday. K. Rabada run out (Dhoni) ...... 1 Total (4 wkts, 45.3 Overs) ...... 270 Revenue Offi cer Richard M. Morkel not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Sharma), 2-67 HeaselgraveF and beIN MEDIA Kohli made 112 — extending his record of centuries in one- Extras (lb3, nb1, w2) ...... 6 (Dhawan), 3-256 (Rahane), 4-262 GROUP’s Executive Director of day run chases to 20 — and Ra- Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 269 (Kohli) Sports Content Daniel Markham hane scored 79 as India reached Did not bat: Imran Tahir Did not bat: K. Jadhav, B. Kumar, yesterday announced a long- the winning target of 270 with Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Amla), 2-83 Kuldeep Yadav, J. Bumrah, Y. Chahal term extension and expansion 27 balls to spare. (De Kock), 3-103 (Markram), 4-122 Bowling: Morkel 7-0-35-0 (1w), Rab- of their broadcast relationship “It was quite special,” said (Duminy), 5-134 (Miller), 6-208 ada 9.3-0-48-0, Morris 7-0-52-0 (2w), through to 2024. Kohli. “The first game of the se- (Morris), 7-264 (Du Plessis), 8-268 Imran Tahir 10-0-51-0, Phehlukwayo Along with extensive coverage ries is always important and we (Rabada) 8-0-42-2 (2w), Duminy 2-0-16-0 (1w), of the Australian Open includ- wanted to take the confidence Bowling: Kumar 10- 1-71-1 (1w), Bum- Markram 2-0-20-0 (1w) ing juniors, wheelchairs and leg- of the last Test into here.” Kohli, rah 10-0-56-1 (1w), Pandya 7-0-41-0 Result: India won by six wickets ends, the deal also includes lead- who now has 33 one-day centu- (1nb), Chahal 10-0-45-2, Kuldeep Toss: South Africa in tournaments, AO qualifying ries, said he enjoyed batting in a Yadav 10-0-34-3, Jadhav 3-0-19-0 Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG), Bongani and the Laver Cup which will be chase. Jele (RSA) broadcast in the Middle East and “It’s easier. You can break North Africa (Mena). down a total when you have a “beIN are delighted to con- number on the board, you know tinue our long-term relationship exactly what you want to do mainly responsible for restrict- played really well and had all the with Tennis Australia. Tennis is against each bowler. It suits my ing South Africa to 269 for eight. answers.” one of the central pillars of our game plan.” Du Plessis made 120 off 112 Kohli made his runs off 119 premium sports content and The India captain praised balls but it was only late in the balls with ten fours, while Ra- today’s announcement cements Rahane after their partnership innings that South Africa were hane struck five fours and two beIN as the continuing long- took India to within 14 runs of able to lift their scoring rate on a sixes in an 86-ball innings. term home of tennis in the Mid- victory before both fell to catch- slow pitch after slumping to 134 There was a scare for India dle East and North Africa. The es in the deep. for five in 27.5 overs. early in the South African in- Australian Open is the perfect “He capitalised on that Du Plessis shared partner- nings when Kohli jarred his left way to start the sporting year number four spot which we ships of 74 with Chris Morris and knee when attempting a sliding and we are very excited to bring have been wanting to sort out 56 with Andile Phehlukwayo for stop on a soft outfield. this event to our audiences for for a while now,” said Kohli. the sixth and seventh wickets. He left the field twice to re- the foreseeable future,” Daniel India ended a sequence of 17 “Those two wrist spinners ceive treatment. He said he had Markham said. successive home wins by South have been the diff erence for us,” also strained his groin. “The extension of our part- Africa and comprehensively said Kohli. “Breaking that mid- “I’m fine for now,” he said. nership with beIN MEDIA outplayed the team that went dle order was very crucial.” Leg- Du Plessis reached his ninth GROUP now includes the full into the match as the top-ranked spinner Chahal took two for 45 one-day international century eight weeks of the Australian one-day international team. and left-arm wrist spinner Yadav off 101 balls with 11 fours and summer of tennis, the brand Second-ranked India controlled took three for 45. added two sixes before being new global event the Laver Cup, most of the match despite a cen- Du Plessis admitted: “We caught at long-off in the last along with other quality original tury by South Africa captain Faf didn’t bat well enough. India over after a 112-ball innings. content throughout the year,” du Plessis. bowled really well and we were Du Plessis left the field with Richard Heaselgrave said. India’s decision to pick two 50 to 70 runs short.” a finger injury during India’s “beIN’s commitment to their wrist spinners paid off as Yuzv- He said of the Kohli-Rahane innings but said he expected most comprehensive cover- endra Chahal and Kuldeep Ya- partnership: “We tried every- to be fit for the remaining five age of the Australian summer of dav shared five wickets and were thing but Virat and Rahane matches. tennis will allow our fans in the Mena region to follow the action right across Australia through- out December and January. With more channels, content and live feed capabilities, we will be able to tell a more compelling story CHITTAGONG TEST that shows the power, passion and glory of tennis,” Heaselgrave continued. In addition to producing all matches live from each tourna- ment, Tennis Australia will also provide quality original pro- De Silva hits ton in strong Lankan reply gramming content year round, including match highlights, AFP Sandakan at mid-on after making just player, tournament and city pro- Chittagong eight. fi les, best-of, behind the scenes Mehedi took Bangladesh past 400 and more. Sri Lanka cricketer Dhananjaya de Silva (R) plays with a lovely straight drive off pace- beIN will be working closely hananjaya de Silva struck a a shot as the Bangladesh wicket-keeper Liton Das man Lakmal, before smashing Herath with Tennis Australia to pro- century and shared 187 runs (L) looks on during the second day of the first Test for a six. duce extensive magazine and in an unbroken second wick- match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in But he was soon run out for 20 by build up programming and daily et stand with Kushal Mendis Chittagong yesterday. Lahiru Kumara at third man. studio coverage for the Austral- Das Sri Lanka gave a strong reply to Sunzamul made 24 runs before he ian Open, with all of the action Bangladesh in the fi rst Test in Chit- was stumped off left-arm wrist spin- available simultaneously in Eng- tagong yesterday. ner Sandakan. lish and Arabic across beIN’s De Silva made an unbeaten 104 suite of linear channels as well while Mendis hit 83 not out, guiding Bangladesh first innings as via the beIN Connect app and Sri Lanka to 187-1 at stumps on the (374-4 overnight) online services. second day. Tamim Iqbal b Perera ...... 52 Earlier, Rangana Herath and Suran- Imrul Kayes lbw b Sandakan ..... 40 ga Lakmal took three wickets each to Mominul Haque c Mendis b Herath help the visitors dismiss Bangladesh ...... 176 Russia wants to for 513 in their fi rst innings. Mushfiqur Rahim c Dickwella b Lak- send 33 athletes The pair came together after spin- mal ...... 92 to Paralympics ner Mehedi Hasan got rid of Dimuth Liton Das b Lakmal ...... 0 Karunaratne for a duck shortly af- Mahmudullah not out ...... 83 Moscow: Russia said yesterday ter Bangladesh’s innings ended with Mosaddek Hossain c Sandakan b it wants 33 athletes to go to the skipper Mahmudullah Riyad unbeaten Herath ...... 8 Paralympic Winter Games in on 83. Mehedi Hasan run out ...... 20 Pyeongchang where they will De Silva led Sri Lanka’s batting Sunzamul Islam st Dickwella b compete under a neutral flag as charge with his aggressive approach Sandakan ...... 24 the country remains suspended and brought his fourth Test hundred Taijul Islam b Herath ...... 1 following revelations of state- off 122 balls with a cover drive off left- Mustafizur Rahman c Dickwella b sponsored doping. arm spinner Taijul Islam. Lakmal ...... 8 The Russian Paralympic Commit- This is de Silva’s second successive Extras (nb 4, w5) ...... 9 tee (RPC) statement said that the Test century after scoring an unbeaten Total (all out; 129.5 overs) ...... 513 list submitted to the international 119 in Sri Lanka’s last match against Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Tamim), 2-120 body features a 79-strong delega- India in New Delhi in December. (Kayes), 3-356 (Mushfiqur), 4-356 tion which includes 33 athletes Bangladesh, who are now lead- (Liton), 5-376 (Mominul), 6-390 and seven guides for the visually ing Sri Lanka by 326 runs, wasted (Mosaddek), 7-417 (Mehedi), 8-475 impaired competitors. They will two reviews against Mendis and also (Sunzamul), 9-478 (Taijul), 10-513 compete in five sports at the dropped two chances off ered by the (Mustafizur) March 9-18 Paralympics under the right-hander. Bowling: Lakmal 23.5-4-68-3 (nb2, Neutral Paralympic Athlete (NPA) Mehedi dropped Mendis on four off w1), Kumara 15-1-79-0 (w1), D. Perera banner. Russia was suspended paceman Mustafi zur Rahman at sec- 27-4-112-1 (nb2), Herath 37-2-150-3, by the International Paralympic ond slip, before Imrul Kayes grassed night score with Mahmudullah lead- morning. made 176. Sandakan 22-1-92-2(w3), Dhananjaya Committee (IPC) in August 2016 another chance — this time off Me- ing the charge on the second day. Spinner Herath brought Mominul Mominul who hit 16 fours and a six, 5-0-12-0 following revelations of wide- hedi’s bowling — with the batsman Mahmudullah added 58 runs with Haque’s majestic knock to an end in faced 214 balls and added just one run Toss: Bangladesh spread state-sponsored doping on 57. debutant Sunzamul Islam for the the third over of the day when the to his overnight score. Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS), Marais uncovered in a report by Richard The hosts, who resumed the day on eighth wicket, after three quick wick- left-handed batsman fl icked a catch Herath struck again as Mosaddek Erasmus (SA) McLaren. 374-4, added 139 runs to their over- ets rattled the home side early in the to Mendis at forward short-leg. He Hossain lofted a catch to Lakshan TV Umpire: Joel Wilson (WI) Gulf Times Friday, February 2, 2018 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s al-Hanzab elected SIGA vice chairman atar’s Mohamed al- which launched the initiative to the chairman and council mem- one shares in order to protect in- Hanzab has been establish SIGA and led the in- bers to allow a bigger role for ternational sport through SIGA. elected as vice chair- ternational eff orts in this regard, women in international sport. For his part, SIGA Co-ordina- man of Sports Integ- placing Qatar as one of the world Speaking following the Sport tor Emanuel Macedo de Medei- rityQ Global Alliance (SIGA) in countries that combat corrup- Integrity Forum, SIGA Chair- ros highlighted the substantial Rome on Wednesday. tion and support integrity in man Frattini said that sport is challenges ahead, expressing Al-Hanzab’s victory culmi- world sport. capable of bringing people closer confi dence in the ability to over- nates fi ve years of eff orts backed Al-Hanzab said his success together, reducing tension and come them. “We understand the by the Qatari government to was a success for Qatar, noting can also “help diplomacy take enormity of the challenges ahead build a global alliance that re- that the Qatari people always the place of war and confl ict.” but we feel very confi dent about sulted in the establishment of prove through their actions that “This is the message we the future. We are encouraged by the fi rst international organisa- Qatar is a global leader in the launched in Rome. We intend to the strong words of support we tion on sport integrity. diff erent fi elds and in combat- fi ght for the independence and have heard today. We believe the Following a secret ballot, ing corruption and enhancing neutrality of sport. We want to en- tide is changing; that a new era is SIGA chairman Franco Frat- integrity in sport. sure that only the spirt and purity being ushered in. tini announced the names of fi ve Al-Hanzab is one of the major of sports positive values prevail. “We are coming together with vice chairs led by Al-Hanzab international personalities in the “Our SIGA coalition is only one voice and working towards who also chairs the International fi eld of integrity and transparen- as strong as our members and one vision. But in today’s society Centre for Sport Security (ICSS). cy and was the fi rst Arab to ap- supporters and as we saw at the what matters are not words but SIGA was founded in 2017 as a pear on the 2016 list of 100 Most Sport Integrity Forum we have actions. All of us will be judged Qatari initiative backed by ICSS Infl uential in Business Ethics, the support of governments, by how we respond to the cur- eff orts, which lasted for nearly which is compiled by US-based sports institutions, individuals, rent challenges which is why fi ve years to build a global alli- foundation Ethisphere. of an international self-fi nanc- Cleanthis Georgiades of Cyprus sembly, Al-Shawa highlighted companies and free citizens. it was important to determine ance to protect the future of in- He led the international ef- ing organisation that is adopted Sports Organisation (KOA). Qatar Airways’ keenness as a “All those who recognise in conclusions which will help us ternational sport. forts to build an international by the entire world before being Under SIGA chairman Frat- pioneering global institution themselves the message we sent usher in a new era for sport,” De In his fi rst remarks following alliance for sports integrity and elected today as the vice chair- tini’s proposal, the general as- on social responsibility issues, out from Rome, that by working Medeiros added. his election, Al-Hanzab reaf- was behind the fi rst internation- man of SIGA. sembly also approved co-opted which is not only related to the together and setting aside diff er- Pope Francis delivered a mes- fi rmed the support of the wise al initiative directly concerned Al-Hanzab was elected vice- members for the council, name- business sectors but also in other ences sport can repair its repu- sage to the delegates via a repre- leadership for enhancing integ- with safety, security and integ- chairman along with four oth- ly: Qatar Airways’ Salam al- areas such as sport. tation and regain peoples trust,” sentative in which he “wished that rity in sport has been receiving rity in sports, with the establish- ers, namely: La Liga chairman Shawa, UNESCO’s Angela Melo, Qatar Airways is ready to Frattini added. such an important event could wide acclaim from the major in- ment of ICSS in 2010. Javier Tebas, MasterCard vice Cindy McCain of McCain Insti- transfer its social responsibil- He praised the eff orts of Al- be an occasion for deep thought ternational institutions and dig- He also became the fi rst Arab president of global sponsor- tute and Shellie Pfohl from the ity expertise to SIGA, Al-Shawa Hanzab, noting that he will carry about sport and its high values nitaries, highlighting the wise and Muslim fi gure to initiate and ships Michael Robichaud, Turkic US Center for SafeSport. said, adding that as a member of out his role in an ideal manner as a means of fair competition to leadership’s backing for ICSS, contribute to the establishment Council’s Ramil Hasanov and Addressing the general as- the new SIGA council, she urges and in the same spirit that every- build a fairer society.” (QNA)

GOLF MOTORSPORT Formula E welcomes F1 ‘to the 21st century’ England’s Paisley on Wednesday to drop the dec- Reuters London ades-old custom of using female models by saying it “does not resonate with our brand values lectric racing series For- and clearly is at odds with mod- mula E has welcomed, ern day societal norms.” with a little dig, Formula “We don’t believe the practice One’s decision to end the is appropriate or relevant to For- takes early lead in useE of female models who stand mula One and its fans, old and on the starting grid holding up new, across the world,” he added. drivers’ name boards before The decision, a major talk- races. ing point on social media, was “We are glad to welcome F1 welcomed by many in and to the 21st century,” a Formula around the sport but angering E spokesman said yesterday in other fans. The sport’s former response to Formula One’s an- commercial supremo Bernie Maybank Malaysia nouncement that the women Ecclestone, who was ousted would not feature from this sea- when US-based Liberty Media ‘I just played really solid, hit it well off the tee so gave myself a lot of wedges and short son onwards. took over last year, told the Sun “Formula E has stopped using newspaper that part of the show irons into the greens which were really good and gave myself a lot of birdie chances’ Grid Girls last year already and would be lost. we just didn’t feel the need to “I can’t see how a good-look- AFP shout about it.” ing girl standing with a driver Kuala Lumpur Formula E, now in its fourth and a number in front of a For- season but with far less expo- mula One car can be off ensive to sure and following than Formula anybody,” said the 87-year-old ngland’s Chris Pais- One, has instead focused on us- Briton. ley took a one-stroke ing young and aspiring drivers to “They are all nicely dressed. clubhouse lead in the perform the role as ‘Grid Kids’. I would think people like Rolex fi rst round of the May- The electric series, which will and Heineken wouldn’t have bankE Championship in Malay- be racing in the Chilean capital girls there who weren’t present- sia yesterday as top players fell Santiago this weekend, said the able.” off the pace. new concept was working well. Austria’s retired triple world The world number 80 post- “It’s a great and emotional champion Niki Lauda, who won ed a bogey-free round of 65, experience for these kids to be his titles in the 1970s and 1980s gaining a slim advantage over on the starting grid, next to the and is also a non-executive di- compatriot David Horsey as drivers and cars that they might rector of champions Mercedes, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and drive one day, so hopefully it also denounced what he saw as a China’s Li Haotong failed to set works as a good motivation for “decision against women” and the tempo in stop-start condi- them,” it added. hoped it could be reviewed. tions. Formula One has yet to give “Where is this leading to?” “It was great and nice to keep details about the grid procedures he asked Austria’s Der Standard the form going,” the 31-year- for the 2018 season, which starts newspaper. old Paisley, who is chasing a in Australia on March 25. “If you follow through like second European Tour title this Commercial manager Sean this, you soon won’t have any year, said at an after-game press Bratches explained the decision cheerleaders anymore in the US.” conference. “I just played really solid, hit it well off the tee so gave myself a lot of wedges and short irons into the greens which were re- ally good and gave myself a lot of birdie chances. Couldn’t have gone better.” “It’s very hot and not much wind, so scoring wise it is quite easy but to keep your focus is quite diffi cult with how tiring the heat is but it is good fun,” he said. Horsey set the early pace as he recovered from an opening bogey by birdieing the 11th and 12th, and eagling the 13th. An- other dropped shot came on the Formula One said the motorsport will no longer use grid girls during 16th but he added further gains races. (Reuters) on the 17th, 18th and third. Paisley also started on the tenth and turned in 32 after England’s Chris Paisley in action during the first round of the Maybank Championship in Malaysia yesterday. Formula 1 races to start later in Europe birdies on the 11th, 13th, 17th and 18th. Another birdie on the Fabrizio Zanotti’s spectacu- seventh before bogeying the the Saujana Golf and Coun- contention after the Paraguayan Formula One races in Europe and Brazil will start an hour later this second gave him a share of the lar birdie-eagle fi nish last year ninth in the fading light. try Club. Other top fi nishers fi nished the day tied-10 with a season in a move aimed at boosting television audiences, organis- lead and when he put an ap- denied Lipsky the title but the There was then a group of 15 included India’s Arjun Atwal, 68. ers said yesterday. Grands prix will also start at 10 minutes past the proach to six feet on the next, he American made sure he was in players in the clubhouse at four Asia’s captain at the EurAsia Leading scores after the first hour to allow more time for broadcasters to show an expanded pre- was ahead on his own. contention again, making bird- under including Zanotti and Cup who fi nished tied-fourth at round race buildup. The 21 race season starts in Australia on March 25. Johnston had his fi rst top ten ies on the 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th, Ryder Cup Captain Thomas fi ve-under par 67. 65-Chris Paisley (ENG) “Some broadcasters usually go on air precisely on the hour, hence since September 2016 in Abu fi rst and eighth before dropping Bjørn. Thomas Bjorn, who led Eu- 66-David Horsey (ENG) missing the tension and emotion that characterise the minutes be- Dhabi a fortnight ago and after a shot on his fi nal hole. Australian Todd Sinnott rope to the EurAsia Cup title, 67-Andrew Johnston (ENG), fore the start of each Grand Prix,” Formula One said in a statement. being one over after six holes Wattel made just fi ve pars in made the fourth hole-in-one meanwhile fi nished tied-10th David Lipsky (USA), Arjun Atwal “Thanks to this change, television viewers will be brought closer to he birdied the 16th, 17th and a roller coaster of a round con- of the season as he aced the after posting a 68. (IND), Romain Wattel (FRA), Lee the teams and the drivers and fully enjoy the spectacle off ered just 18th and made an eagle on the taining nine birdies and four fourth from 195 yards with a Another 40 golfers will tee off Soo-Min (KOR) before the red lights go out.” fi rst. bogeys, while Atwal made fi ve seven iron. Stenson, ranked early Friday morning to fi nish 68-Ryan Fox (NZL), Chris Han- The change to the European and Brazilian timings was due to He made further birdies on gains with two dropped shots. 12th worldwide, only managed the fi rst round, before the sec- son (ENG), Gaganjeet Bhullar research, Formula One said, that indicated more people would the fourth and fi fth to join the Lee had a single bogey on an even par-72 after four bogeys ond round kicks off with more (IND), Robert Karlsson (SWE), watch if those races started later in the afternoons, especially in the lead and when Horsey picked the 16th with birdies on the to fi nish tied-95th. wet weather forecast. Thomas Detry (BEL), Scott summer. Races in continental Europe will now start at 1510 local, up a shot on the ninth to set the fi rst, fi fth, eighth, 14th, 17th Li, 22, China’s fi rst men’s Hopes are high for Li to do Jamieson (SCO), Chan Shih- with the exception of France (1610) and Britain (1410). Brazil’s round clubhouse target, there was a and last. golfer to break into the world well after he triumphed over chang (TPE), Thomas Bjorn at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit now starts at 1510 instead of 1400. three-way tie. Levy had just turned in 33 top 50 last week, ended the day four-time Major winner Irish- (DEN), Phachara Khongwatmai All practice sessions and qualifying at those European rounds will Johnston’s par putt on the with birdies on the 11th, 16th tied-133rd. man Rory McIlroy at the Du- (THA), Jazz Janewattanaond also start an hour later. “Other minor adjustments have been made ninth was just a roll short as he and 18th when the hooter Rainy afternoon weather bai Desert Classic last week to (THA), Nino Bertasio (ITA), in order to avoid clashes with other major sports events like the dropped back to fi ve under and sounded but the delay did not saw play halted for close to two surge to 32 on the world rank- Gavin Green (MAS), Fabrizio FIFA World Cup, to allow for diff ering sunset times, and to attract a when Paisley put his approach prove a distraction as he picked hours, as the 156-strong fi eld ings. Defending champion Fab- Zanotti (PAR), Daisuke Takaoka wider attendance to promoters’ events,” Formula One added. to six feet, he led on his own. up shots on the fi rst, fourth and failed to gather momentum at rizio Zanotti also lurked within (JPN). Gulf Times 4 Friday, February 2, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS France lose Tsonga for Dutch Davis Cup date AFP bertville later in the day. Germany’s Zverev in the open- He opted for Matthew Ebden “50 percent” fi t, according to Albertville, France France remain fi rm favourites ing singles match at Pat Rafter to partner doubles specialist team captain Leon Smith. to win the match with the Dutch, Arena in Brisbane. “The calibre John Peers against Germany’s With Andy Murray sidelined lining up with Lucas Pouille, of player he has beaten this sum- Peter Gojowczyk and Tim Puetz following hip surgery, world rance embark upon the Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Rich- mer has been pretty impressive,” on Saturday before Sunday’s number 26 Edmund was ex- defence of their Davis ard Gasquet, Nicolas Mahut and Hewitt said of de Minaur. reverse singles rubbers. Hewitt, pected to lead Britain’s challenge Cup title without the Mannarino. “He’s obviously got a big task 36, said that he was never se- against a Spain team also miss- services of their star Noah, the 1983 Roland Garros in the fi rst match but he’s got riously considering playing in ing Rafael Nadal. player,F the injured Jo-Wilfried champion, led France to victory nothing to lose.” Brisbane. Liam Broady, ranked 165th, Tsonga, when they face the in the Davis Cup fi nal against The dangerous Zverev reached “It’s not happening,” he said. will replace Edmund in Fri- Netherlands this weekend. Belgium last November. the third round of the open- The doubles and reverse sin- day’s opening singles rubber Tsonga will be with the team ing Grand Slam of the year last gles match-ups of the fi rst round against Albert Ramos-Vinolas, but sat alongside captain Yan- Germany’s Zverev faces month before falling to tourna- tie can be changed up to an hour with world number 114 Cam- nick Noah in the stands due to a Aussie rookie de Minaur first ment surprise package Chung before the players take the court eron Norrie then facing Roberto knee strain, while Adrian Man- up Hyeon. on Saturday and Sunday. Bautista-Agut. narino has been drafted in as a World number fi ve Alexan- The maturing Kyrgios – Aus- Jamie Murray and Dominic replacement. der Zverev will face rookie Alex tralia’s No 1 – then faces Struff , Edmund doubtful Inglot are scheduled to meet Pa- The French Tennis Federation de Minaur fi rst up in Germany’s (L-R) France’s David Cup players Nicolas Mahut, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who was knocked out of the Britain’s Kyle Edmund is an blo Carreno Busta and Feliciano tweeted the news on Thursday Davis Cup tie against Australia Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille and Captain Yannick Noah after the Australian Open by eventual injury doubt for this weekend’s Lopez in Saturday’s doubles, and confi rmed that Mannarino, today, with Jan-Lennard Struff draw before the first round of the Davis Cup match against the Nether- champion Roger Federer. Hewitt Davis Cup fi rst round tie against while Broady and Norrie were ranked 25th in the world as op- opening against Nick Kyrgios. lands at The Halle Olympique Stadium in Albertville yesterday. (AFP) resisted the urge to play himself Spain on clay in Marbella. Ed- also named to play in the reverse posed to Tsonga’s 19th ranking De Minaur was rewarded with in the doubles despite training mund reached the semi-fi nals of singles on Sunday. However, Ed- and picking up his fi rst selection a place in the Australian team last month and the fi nal in Syd- Team captain Lleyton Hewitt with the team this week after his the Australian Open before los- mund remains in the squad and for the national team, would ar- after making the semi-fi nals ney before going out in the fi rst confi rmed the 18-year-old run to the quarter-fi nals at Mel- ing to Marin Cilic but sustained could still feature if his injury rive at their training base at Al- at the Brisbane International round of the Australian Open. would make his debut against bourne Park with Sam Groth. a hip injury that has left him only situation improves.

RUGBY QATAR TOTAL OPEN Qatar’s Mubarka gets qualifying Teenager Jalibert round wildcard

By Sports Reporter director Saad al-Mohannadi Doha said, “Giving the wildcard to our national team player Mubarka al-Nuaimi comes in light of our atar’s Mubarka al- strategy to invest in the Qatar ready for France Nuaimi has been players as they are the future of awarded a wildcard the Qatari tennis. into the qualifying “The federation is keen to give roundsQ of 2018 Qatar Total Open the chance to its Qatari players by the Qatar Tennis Federation to participate in this event, so (QTF). we decided to give the wild card The seven-day fi esta of tennis to al-Nuami wishing she can will be held from February 12 to benefi t from this great experi- debut, says Brunel 18 at the Khalifa International ence.” Tennis & Squash Complex in Former world number one ‘From the moment we thought he was up to playing at this level there was no reason not to pick him’ Doha. Maria Sharapova of Russia, the This is the second appearance 2005 and 2008 champion, as AFP for the 17-year-old Mubarka al- well as 2012 and 2013 champion Marcoussis, France Nuaimi in the tournament as she Victoria Azarenka of Belaraus participated in the doubles event have also been granted a wild- of the last year’s edition along- card entry to contest in the main eenager Matthieu Ja- side Oman’s Fatima al-Nabhani. draw of the tournament. libert can “handle” “I want to thank the Qatar Other wildcard entrants for his France debut after Tennis Federation for giving me the main draw are Oman’s Fate- coach Jacques Brunel this opportunity to participate ma al-Nabhani and Cagla Buyu- Tpicked him yesterday to play in in Qatar Total Open for the sec- kakcay of Turkey. Saturday’s Six Nations opener ond time in a step that refl ects The sensational player fi eld against tournament favourites the belief of the federation in the will feature World No 1 Caro- Ireland. abilities of its players,” al-Nuai- line Wozniacki, who will come After the inexperienced mi said. to Doha as the new WTA World 19-year-old fl y-half’s surprise I promise the federation which No 1 after winning her fi rst-ever call-up to new coach Brunel’s trusted me to show my best and Grand Slam in Australia defeat- fi rst squad, Jalibert has been to benefi t from this experience ing Halep in an epic battle. thrust straight into the lion’s as the tournament will feature Germany’s Angelique Kerber den at the Stade de France by the participation of the best and rising star Jelena Ostapenko his former coach at Bordeaux- players in the world,” she said. among others will also partici- Begles. For his part, the tournament pate in the Doha event. “From the moment we thought he was up to playing at this level there was no reason not to pick him,” said Brunel of a player who has made just 15 senior appearances since his Bordeaux debut in September. “We think he’s able to handle this role.” And Brunel is sure that Jalib- ert, who says he wants to emu- late England’s Andy Farrell, will have no problem dealing the intensity the Irish will no doubt bring to the Stade de France cauldron. “I think he’s settled and well French scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud (left) and French flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert during a training session of the team for the upcoming Six Qatar’s Mubarka al-Nuaimi. integrated into the group,” add- Nations game against Ireland in Marcoussis. (AFP) ed Brunel. “He’s got his bearings. Any Youngster Ryan gets nod ahead of Toner for French clash SQUASH nerves he might have had would have been when he was selected Young Irish lock James Ryan has been Schmidt also brought back a couple of to in 2014 and 2015. (for the squad two weeks ago) handed a vote of confidence by being se- players who missed the three Test wins “I’d hope that it’s not. I think protecting the because that’s when everyone lected to play France in Paris on Saturday last November. Keith Earls will win his 64th players has been ramped up since we were Kuwait’s al-Muzayen to took an interest in him. in what will be his Six Nations debut. cap on the wing while flanker Josh van der involved two years ago. We hope with the “Now he’s settled in the The 21-year-old – who made his Test debut Flier fills the considerable vacuum left by referee we’ve got that it won’t even enter group and knew he was chal- last summer even before he had played for the injured British and Irish Lions star Sean into the fray,” added the 52-year-old New meet India’s Singh in fi nal lenging for a start, or a least a the Leinster senior team – is preferred to O’Brien. The side will be once again cap- Zealander. The match is being off iciated by place on the bench. the veteran Devin Toner and will partner tained by the vastly-experienced hooker Nigel Owens, the Welshman who refereed By Sports Reporter In the second semifi nal, the “So he can’t be unsure of Iain Henderson in the second row. Rory Best who wins his 107th cap. The the 2015 World Cup final. The Irish will start Doha Junior British Open runner-up himself, I think he has the nec- There are great expectations for Ryan, world class half-back pairing of Johnny as warm favourites to record only their and the second seed Singh took essary maturity. a former Ireland Under-20 captain, with Sexton and Conor Murray, with almost fourth win in Paris in the last 40 years as just 25 minutes to beat seventh “Of course, he’ll have to pre- murmurings that he is destined to skipper 130 caps between them, have far more the hosts under new coach Brunel seek to uwait’s Abdullah al- seed Yannik Omlor. pare a bit because I’m sure the the senior side one day. Ireland head coach experience than their French counterparts, end a run of six Tests without a win. Muzayen and India’s The fi nal will be played at Irish will have looked at the vid- Joe Schmidt said playing France in Paris Maxime Machenaud, 31 caps, and 19-year- Abhay Singh entered 6.00pm today. eos and asked ‘who’s this guy, was an ideal place to test Ryan’s tempera- old Matthieu Jalibert who is making his Team (15-1) the fi nal of the Qatar what can he do?’” Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, KCircuit No6 Squash Tournament ment and mettle. “One of the reasons is to debut. Sexton took some heavy hits in RESULTS find out,” said Schmidt when asked if Ryan Paris two years ago – as the French won Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny yesterday. SEMI-FINALS ‘More responsibility’ was ready for such a challenge. 10-9 – which went unpunished by South Sexton, Conor Murray; CJ Stander, Josh At the Khalifa International Abdullah al-Muzayen (KUW) Maxime Machenaud will “We want to be able to keep building in African referee Jaco Peyper upsetting both van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, Tennis and Squash Complex, beat [1] Iker Pajares Bernabeu partner Jalibert at half-back that position. “It’s a position we don’t have Schmidt and Best. Schmidt, though, hoped Iain Henderson; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best Al-Muzayen stunned the top (ESP) 12-14, 16-14, 9-11, 11-8, 12-10 but Brunel insisted that choice huge depth in, we’ve got young guys for better tomorrow. (capt), Cian Healy seed Iker Pajares Bernabeu of (83m) was more about the Racing 92 pushing through and we’ve given James “It hasn’t been part of the game in the Replacements (16-23): Sean Cronin, Jack Spain 12-14, 16-14, 9-11, 11-8, [2] Abhay Singh (IND) beat [7] scrum-half’s current form than an opportunity. “We felt he went really well teams I’ve seen Jacques (Brunel his French McGrath, John Ryan, Devin Toner, Dan 12-10 in 83 minutes in the fi rst Yannik Omlor (GER) 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 to off set his teenage partner’s against Montpellier recently (for Leinster counterpart) coach in the past,” said Leavy, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Fergus semi-fi nal. (25m). inexperience. in the European Champions Cup pool Schmidt, who is bidding to add a third Six McFadden “Firstly it’s because he’s clash) against what is a very big side.” Nations title to the ones he guided Ireland Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL). been in very good form for sev- eral weeks, so it’s about his per- formances,” said Brunel, who As well as Jalibert, Castres boot which can be useful to us.” full confi dence who had a great erat, Virimi Vakatawa; Matthieu revealed Machenaud will be the full-back Geoff rey Palis will There are another four un- last year (2017), beating Eng- Jalibert, Maxime Machenaud; team’s kicker. make his debut at the age of capped players on the replace- land and winning all their No- Kevin Gourdon, Yacouba “He deserves his position. 26. ments bench: hooker Adrien vember tests,” he said. Camara, Wenceslas Lauret; It’s true that he’s more mature “Palis is coming back from Pelissie, props Cedate Gomes “We know we’re not favour- Sebastien Vahaamahina, Arthur and that can give balance at the injury but he’s had a great re- Sa and Dany Priso, and back- ites but these two weeks we’ve Iturria; Rabah Slimani, Guilhem start of the match at halfback – turn to league action. He’s been row forward Marco Tauleigne. built a spirit that will allow us to Guirado (capt), Jeff erson Poirot he’ll take more responsibility at here for two weeks now, we Brunel is not hiding from the compete with this team.” Replacements: Adrien Pelissie, fi rst and will analyse the match know his qualities, especially challenge ahead and admits that Dany Priso, Cedate Gomes context, taking the initiative and against the Irish kicking game. few people will expect a home Team (15-1) Sa, Paul Gabrillagues, Marco freeing the fl y-half of certain “I think he’ll give us security, victory on Saturday. Geoff rey Palis, Teddy Thomas, Tauleigne, Antoine Dupont, India’s Abhay Singh (foreground) and Germany’s Yannik Omlor in action choices.” he’s well built and has a big left “We’re up against a team in Henry Chavancy, Remi Lam- Anthony Belleau, Benjamin Fall. during their Qatar Circuit No 6 Squash Tournament semi-final yesterday. Gulf Times Friday, February 2, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Leafs total 50 shots in 5-0 rout of Islanders Cavaliers edge Heat, stop the rebound by Matthews, Reuters Toronto whose shot sailed over Greiss’ glove hand. Marner extended the lead to ive diff erent players 3-0 just beyond the midway scored a goal apiece for point of the second, when he was Toronto on Wednesday stationed in front of the net, took night and goalie Frederik Nazem Kadri’s pass from the Celtics thump Knicks AndersenF stopped all 28 shots right faceoff circle and tucked he faced as the Maple Leafs re- the puck past Islanders defense- ‘We needed a win like this, where we win a game on our defense’ turned from the All-Star break man Nick Leddy and Greiss with with a 5-0 rout of the New York 9:28 remaining. AFP Islanders at Air Canada Centre. Dermott scored off a Bar- Los Angeles Kasperi Kapanen and Auston zal turnover deep in the Maple Matthews scored in the fi rst pe- Leafs’ zone with 1:01 left in the riod, Mitchell Marner and Travis second before Holt capped the eBron James scored Dermott scored in the second scoring 3:42 into the third. 24 points and came up period and Justin Holl scored in with a crucial late block the third for the Maple Leafs, Stephenson snaps goal as the Cleveland Cava- who have won three straight. The drought in Caps’ win Lliers edged the Miami Heat 91- goals by Dermott and Holl were Chandler Stephenson scored 89 on Wednesday in a duel for the fi rst of their NHL careers. twice after going 28 games with- third place in the NBA’s Eastern While the Maple Leafs pep- out a goal, sparking a comeback Conference. pered the Islanders with 50 from an early two-goal defi - “King” James prevented shots, Andersen was rarely test- cit that helped the Washington James Johnson from getting a ed in earning his fourth shutout Capitals to a 5-3 victory over the shot off at the fi nal buzzer as of the season and the 14th of his visiting Philadelphia Flyers on Cleveland held on for the win career. New York’s biggest threat Wednesday. Stephenson scored in their fi rst game since Kevin came in the fi rst two minutes of his third and fourth goals of the Love was sidelined with a bro- the third period, when Andersen season 47 seconds apart early in ken hand. turned back a point-blank back- the second period. That seemed Love is expected to miss six handed attempt by center John to give Washington a jolt after it to eight weeks – just more bad Tavares. fell behind 2-0 in the fi rst period news in a tough January for the Thomas Greiss made 45 saves – and started a fi ve-goal run. Cavs, who fi nished the month for the Islanders, who lost for the Andre Burakovsky and TJ Os- with a 6-8 record. second time in as many nights. hie then added power-play goals “I just wanted to keep the ball New York fell to the Florida Pan- for the Capitals. Devante Smith- between me and the basket,” thers, 4-1, on Tuesday. Pelly added a goal to give Wash- James said of his late-game The scoring began with what ington a 5-2 edge. stop. “That’s just the rules I’ve amounted to an “own goal” for Capitals goalie Braden Holtby always been taught and I was the Islanders 5:37 into the fi rst. fi nished with 27 saves against happy to be able to get that last Mathew Barzal tried clearing the the Flyers, who had won eight stop. puck from in front of the net, of their previous 10 games. No- “It’s a good win for us.” but the puck bounced off Ka- lan Patrick, Travis Konecny and Jae Crowder drained a three- panen and skittered to the red Jakub Voracek scored for Phila- pointer from a James assist with line, where Barzal accidentally delphia. 1:21 left to play to give Cleveland shoved it into the net. a three-point lead. Miami’s Josh The Maple Leafs doubled their RESULTS Richardson answered with a lead with 6:21 left. Greiss turned Toronto ...... 5 NY Islanders ..0 fl oater with a minute remaining back a semi-breakaway shot by Detroit ...... 2 San Jose ...... 1 before Cleveland’s Isaiah Tho- Zach Hyman but was unable to Washington ....5 Philadelphia ...3 mas made two free-throws to build the margin to 90-87 with 18.8 seconds to play. Kelly Olynyk’s layup trimmed the defi cit to one point with 12.1 seconds remaining. With seven left Cleveland’s Kyle Korver made the fi rst of two free throws and Johnson, with James de- fending him, was unable to re- lease the potential game-tying jump shot before time expired. “We needed a win like this, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (AFP) where we win a game on our de- fense,” said James. Marreese Speights scored a leading Celtics overcame the the Chicago Bulls. leg twisting beneath him. The Cavs entered the contest game-high 21 points and Evan absence of Kyrie Irving to down McCollum scored 28 points He sat still on the court as the NBA’s worst-ranked de- Fournier added 20 points for the the New York Knicks 103-73. in the fi rst quarter, a club record awaiting aid from medical staff fensive team but limited Miami Magic, who made 18 of their 32 The Celtics, up by fi ve mid- for a quarter and the most in a and was eventually taken off on to 3-of-28 from three-point three-point attempts and set way through the third quarter, single period in the NBA this a stretcher as shocked team- range. a season-high for three-point more than doubled that lead in season. mates and opponents looked They harried the Heat into 20 percentage. less than two minutes, seizing McCollum joined Houston’s on. The Suns quickly issued a turnovers as they held an oppo- The Brooklyn Nets snapped a an 11 point lead and never let- James Harden as the only play- brief statement saying he had a nent to less than 90 points for four-game skid with a 116-108 ting the Knicks get within single ers to score 50 points in just broken ankle. the fi rst time since November. victory over the Philadelphia digits again. three quarters this season. “It’s a good step in the right 76ers. Terry Rozier, making his fi rst In Phoenix, a horrifying bro- RESULTS direction,” James said. Spencer Dinwiddie scored career NBA start, produced his ken left ankle to Suns reserve Phoenix..... 102 Dallas ...... 88 nine of his 27 points in the fi rst career triple-double with guard Isaiah Canaan overshad- Boston ...... 103 New York...... 73 Blowout in Boston fourth quarter for the Nets and 17 points, 10 assists and 11 re- owed the hosts’ 102-88 victory Atlanta ...... 110 Charlotte ...... 123 Elsewhere, the Orlando D’Angelo Russell, playing his bounds for Boston, adding two over the Dallas Mavericks. Brooklyn ... 116 Philadelphia 108 Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott (No 23) celebrates Magic rebounded from a heart- fi fth game back after knee sur- steals and two blocked shots. Canaan had slashed to the Cleveland . 91 Miami ...... 89 with defenceman Justin Holl and forwards Zach Hyman (No 11) and breaking loss to the Houston gery, added 22 points. In Portland, CJ McCollum rim for a layup in the waning Portland .... 124 Chicago ...... 108 William Nylander (No 29) after scoring his first career NHL goal in Rockets with a 126-105 victory It was a blowout in Boston, scored 50 points to lead the Trail seconds of the fi st quarter and Indiana ...... 105 Memphis ...... 101 the second period against New York Islanders at Air Canada Centre. over the Los Angeles Lakers. where the Eastern Conference- Blazers to a 124-108 victory over came down awkwardly, his left Orlando..... 12 LA Lakers ...... 105 PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Eagles’ Schwartz has tall NFL order in stopping Brady, Pats Jim Schwartz has done won- regardless of who the opponent ders for the Philadelphia Eagles is,” said Schwartz. “We always Evergreen Brady not the retiring type defense but will need to find one respect our opponent and we final trick up his sleeve to slow always want to sort of tailor our down the New England Patriots gameplan for the talent that in the Super Bowl, something we are playing. But we never AFP tably eclipse his great rival Peyton Manning’s only two men have done before want to get too far from who we New York record for being the oldest quarterback to win in the Tom Brady era. The Eagles are and what we do. We’ve got the championship if he bags another Super defensive coordinator knows full confidence in our matchups and Bowl against the Eagles. well there is no way of shut- we’ve got confidence in our abil- om Brady said yesterday he has no plans Manning was 39 when he led the Denver Bron- ting down an off ense led by ity to create stops.” to retire anytime soon as he prepares to cos to a fairytale win over the Carolina Panthers five-times Super Bowl-winning Schwartz, a former Detroit Lions lead the New England Patriots into his in Super Bowl 50 two years ago. If Brady plays quarterback Brady but he is head coach, has every reason to eighth Super Bowl against the Philadel- into his mid-40s, he could rival records set by also confident in his players and be confident. He inherited one of Tphia Eagles this weekend. Steve DeBerg, who became the oldest quar- not about to rewrite a winning the NFL’s worst defenses when The 40-year-old quarterback could win an terback to start an NFL game when he led the playbook. “We’re confident in the Eagles hired him in 2016 extraordinary sixth Super Bowl ring in Min- Atlanta Falcons against the New York Jets in ourselves too. They are going and has since turned them into neapolis on Sunday at an age when most NFL 1998. to have to come up with a one of the best in the league. players are already comfortably settling into DeBerg, a back-up quarterback, also became gameplan to defend us also. It The Eagles defense, which was a life beyond the sport. Brady, however, who the oldest player ever included on a Super Bowl works both ways,” Schwartz told the fourth stingiest during the attributes his remarkable longevity to his strict roster, at the age of 45 years and 12 days, when reporters on Wednesday. regular season, have allowed a diet and fitness regime, told reporters he would the Falcons appeared in Super Bowl 33 in 1999. “We’re certainly going to take total of 17 points in two playoff s like to play on until his mid-40s after another “I’ve always wanted to play until my mid-40s, into account what they do well games. Schwartz said the only dazzling season in which he amassed a league- so we’ll see,” Brady said of breaking DeBerg’s and we’re going to take into ac- two stats that really matter to leading 4,577 yards. records. count their schemes and person- him are points allowed and The California-born signal-caller was re- “Football is such a physical sport. Every game nel packages and matchups that takeaways and credits his players sponding to comments by Patriots president could be your last game. It’s the reality of sport. we need to be aware of. for excelling at both, something Jonathan Kraft earlier Thursday in which he I’d love to plan for those things. I try to work “But we also can’t get too far that he feels could be just said Brady had earned the right to choose his hard at the things I need to to allow my body to from our personality. We have enough to knock off the defend- own retirement date. feel good week after week, year after year. to sort of play the way that we ing champion Patriots. But Brady was having none of it. “I’ve got a good routine that’s really worked played that has gotten us to this “I’ve been a part of teams that “Why does everyone want me to retire so bad?” for me over the past 12 years. So as long as I point.” were good stopping the run he said. “I’m having fun. The team’s doing good. feel like I’m willing to make the commitment to The Patriots’ two Super Bowl or maybe could create some I’m really enjoying it. I obviously really enjoy the doing those things, then I feel like my body will losses since Brady was drafted turnovers or maybe were good experience of playing in this (Super Bowl) game. allow me to be able to do that.” have each come at the hands on third down but maybe were It’s been a dream come true for me, many times Brady’s first Super Bowl title came way back in of the New York Giants, whose weak in a diff erent area,” said over, and you know it takes a lot of hard work to 2002 in a 20-17 win over the St.Louis Rams. defensive coordinators did Schwartz. get here. Since then, he said, he has learned to prepare not allow more than 17 points “We’re working hard this week, we had a good more eff iciently for the championship game. in either game. But that could practice today. I’m not thinking about retirement “I know what I need to do to get myself men- prove tough as the Patriots were – I’m thinking about the Super Bowl and trying to tally prepared,” Brady said. “I think when you’re the second-highest scoring win the most important game of the year.” young you try lots of diff erent things and you team in the NFL this season Brady will already become the oldest non-kicker don’t always know what you’re getting out of and averaged nearly 30 points to play in the Super Bowl when he suits up at them. in their two playoff games. “We the US Bank Stadium on Sunday. And at five “Now I don’t think there’s any wasted moments have confidence in ourselves months past his 40th birthday, he will comfor in the day.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, February 2, 2018 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE LEAGUE CUP Falcao scores We have to be at our double as best against Al Sadd, Monaco set up PSG title clash

AFP keeper Benjamin Lecomte, but Paris they didn’t have to wait long to take the lead. Full-back Djibril says Qatar SC coach Sidibe burst his way through be- adamel Falcao struck fore laying the ball off for captain twice as Monaco saw Falcao to sweep home. In tomorrow’s another match, Al Gharafa take on Al Khor off Montpellier 2-0 on Monaco thought they had Wednesday night to set been awarded a penalty just sec- upR a French League Cup fi nal onds later when Stevan Jovetic By Sports Reporter Doha against Paris Saint-Germain. was brought down by Lecomte, Falcao put the hosts ahead in the but a VAR review showed that the 15th minute at the Stade Louis keeper had played the ball before atar SC coach Abdullah Mu- II, before Monaco were denied taking down the Montenegrin barak has said his side has to be a penalty by the video assistant international. Montpellier, who at their best when they face AL referee system. were thrashed 4-0 by PSG at the Sadd in the QNB Stars League The Colombian doubled the weekend, continued to struggle matchQ tomorrow. lead before the half-hour mark, and Monaco doubled their lead Al Sadd, led by midfi eld general Xavi and although Rony Lopes had a in the 29th minute. Fabinho un- Hernandez, are high in confi dence as second-period strike ruled out locked the away defence with a they have registered two big-margin wins by video technology for off side, clever pass, before Lopes broke against Al Sailiya (6-0) and Al Gharafa Leonardo Jardim’s men eased to free and crossed for Falcao to tap (4-0). The Wolves thus made up for their victory to book a fi nal date with in his 22nd goal of the season in sedate start to the QNB Stars League’s PSG on March 31. The reigning all competitions. second phase when they were held goal- Ligue 1 champions will be look- Lopes thought he had added less by minnows Al Markhiya. ing for a measure of revenge after further gloss to the scoreline Al Sadd (34) have also cut the gap with being thrashed 4-1 by PSG in last with 22 minutes to play, but an- leaders Al Duhail (36) from four to two year’s fi nal. “He (Falcao) hadn’t other referral to the VAR showed points and stayed clear of third-placed Al scored in three games but every- that Falcao was narrowly off - Rayyan by as many points after the duo one knows he’s a big player and side before laying the ball back had equal number of points, with Al Sadd all players know there are times to the Portuguese midfi elder. ahead on goal diff erence for many weeks. when they don’t score,” said PSG continued their bid for a “Al Sadd are coming off two big vic- Monaco coach Jardim. “Now we fi fth straight League Cup title by tories and we must be wary of them. We have time to think about the fi - edging to a 3-2 win at Rennes in have to perform in the best possible way. nal, we will prepare better for the the fi rst semi-fi nal on Tuesday, Our players are all staying focused ahead fi nal than last season.” as they held off a spirited ght-fi of the big match,” Mubarak said. The hosts started brightly, back from the hosts after Kylian Qatar SC, ninth in the table with 12 with Andrea Raggi seeing a shot Mbappe was sent off on a VAR points, are the team that made the most well saved by Montpellier goal- decision. of the January transfer window. They have added to their ranks attacking mid- fi elder Luis Jimenez till the end of this season on loan from Al Gharafa. The Chilean signed the deal a day be- fore the winter transfer window closes and will replace Iranian Sajad Mujtaba, who was hired recently but could not continue due to an injury. “Replacing injured Mujtaba with Luis Jimenez was purely a technical deci- sion. Sajad was our fi rst choice but since he was not fi t, we went for the next best Qatar SC are lying in ninth place in the QNB Stars League table with 12 points. option and Jimenez has already started training with us,” said Mubarak. low card against Al Gharafa. And ace gian club KAS Eupen). They blended into all be fi t and ready for the league game. “We will miss injured players Patrick striker Baghdad Bounedjah will again be the team quickly. We could score so many “The AFC Champions League match Fabiano and Ali Jassemi in this match. missing in action with a persisting injury. goals against Al Sailiya and Al Gharafa is behind us and we have to fully focus on You cannot go with a fi xed plan against Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira sound- because our performance was very good the game versus Al Khor. We have done such a strong side like Al Sadd. We will ed pleased about his team’s overall per- despite playing without a proper striker,” our best to correct some mistakes from not be going all out against them. At the formance. the Portuguese added. our big defeat at the hands of Al Sadd last same time, we will not be defending full “I’m very happy with the improve- Going by form and strength, Al Sadd week. 90 minutes,” the Qatar SC coach added. ment in the team’s level during the last should have it easy, but a revamped Qatar “Conceding four goals was not a big “After I took charge two months ago, I two games. We kept a clean sheet for four SC are capable of springing a surprise. deal considering Al Sadd are strong title have seen the team now has an identity. consecutive matches and this is impor- In tomorrow’s another match, Al contenders and that they can beat any The players are fi ghting and I am sure we tant to know the strength of our defence,” Gharafa take on Al Khor. Gharafa are side on their day. Having achieved our can continue in a good way. The competi- said Ferreira, referring to the fact that Al riding high after their win in the AFC target of qualifying for the AFC Cham- tion is tough with fi ve or six teams fi ght- Sadd have not conceded a goal in their Champions League play-off against Uz- pions League, our focus is now mainly on ing to avoid relegation. If you lose two last four league games. bekistan’s Pakhtakor. the QNB Stars League. games, you can get relegated,” he said. “We’re in a battle and I’m sad that we Coach Bulent Uygun said: “We just had “We had two wins in the second phase, Al Sadd will sorely miss Algerian at- dropped two points against Al Markhiya. an important game, the AFC Champions the same number of victories we had in tacking midfi elder Jugurtha Hamroun, I’m also very happy with the return of big League play-off against Uzbekistan’s Pa- the entire fi rst phase. We have not decid- who scored a brace in their last two players such as Hamed Ismail (from Al khtakor which we won, and we gave the ed on Mehdi Taremi for the Al Khor game Monaco’s Radamel Falcao (right) celebrates after scoring a goal games, as he had picked up a fourth yel- Arabi) and Abdelkarim Hassan (from Bel- players a day’s rest. I hope my players will as he is nursing an injury,” said Bulent. against Montpellier on Wednesday. (Reuters) Stage set for 6th Workers’ Cup ITALIAN CUP Doha: The Workers’ Cup, the annual football company Shapoorji Pallonji. tournament organised by the Qatar Stars Ardent fans are expected to turn out in large Calhanoglu blunder as Lazio hold Milan League (QSL) and sponsored by the Supreme numbers to cheer on the players from all over AFP best chance of the night came deep into the the rebound over an open goal. “We were Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), is into its Qatar. The annual tournament’s main objective Milan game when Calhanoglu fi red over the bar on lucky too, Donnarumma pulled off a miracle sixth edition. The competition is expected to be is to promote a culture of sport and healthy front of an empty goal after 75 minutes. on Immobile — that’s football, mistakes are tough like in the previous years. lifestyles in the community of migrant workers “It’s part of the game, but it’s important there,” added Gattuso. More than 640 players and 32 teams repre- engaged in various projects across the State of akan Calhanoglu missed an open to be there and in the right place, at the end “It was important not to concede a goal, a senting various companies in Qatar, including 12 Qatar, especially those related to the infrastruc- goal as Lazio held AC Milan 0-0 in of the game he was in a terrible state and it goal that is worth double away from home, we former and current contractors engaged on the ture of 2022 FIFA World Cup, by using the power the Italian Cup semi-fi nal, fi rst leg seemed like the end of the world,” said Gat- were good and in the fi rst half it went well,” 2022 FIFA World Cup projects and seven sides of football, thereby encouraging positive social in the San Siro on Wednesday night, tuso of the Turkish midfi elder. he added. leavingH all the play for in Rome next month. Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile returned Meanwhile, Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi engaged with the SC’s flagship CSR programme changes within Qatar. Generation Amazing, are vying for honours in Teams have been divided into eight groups of The winner will play either Juventus or Ata- from injury but was rusty and missed sev- revealed Cutrone had approached him after this year’s tournament that will kick off at the Al four each. More than 5,000 fans had attended lanta with Massimiliano Allegri’s side win- eral chances to break the stalemate notably the game to apologise after scoring a contro- Duhail Stadium at 19:30 today. last year’s opening ceremony and match at the ning 1-0 in Bergamo on Tuesday night to keep a header cleared by Gianluigi Donnarumma versial goal on Sunday with his arm. The duration of the tournament, to be played Qatar Sports Club, while the final attracted over on track for a fourth straight Cup crown. after 62 minutes. The second leg will take place at Rome’s on Fridays, is eight weeks. The title clash is 10,000 supporters. But Gennaro Gattuso’s home side failed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also tested goal- Stadio Olimpico on February 28. Lazio have scheduled for 23rd March. Nakheel Landscapes defeated Al Asmakh 3-0 to get a fourth consecutive win on the trot keeper Donnarumma, before substitute reached the fi nal in three of the past fi ve years, Entry is free for the public. In the opening in last year’s final. The full list of fixtures and against the battling Romans who had fallen Patrick Cutrone’s header was cleared by Tho- and were beaten in 2015 and 2017 by Juventus, match, SC contractor Gulf Contracting Company more information on the tournament can be 2-1 to Milan in the San Siro last Sunday. The mas Strakosha only for Calhanoglu to send who also beat Milan in 2016. are up against Generation Amazing programme found at www.workerscup.com.

FOCUS Blatter considering legal action against FIFA Reuters The 81-year-old Swiss said FIFA did not immediately re- Manchester that while “for the time being spond to a request for com- there is no legal action”, he and ment. In December 2016, Blat- his lawyers were working on a ter lost an appeal in the Court ormer FIFA president potential case. “My aim is to of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Sepp Blatter, currently look into the decision of FIFA’s against the suspension. serving a ban from the Ethic-Committee in view of in- CAS ruled that Blatter had sport, said yesterday formations, and even evidences authorised payments to Michel heF is considering legal ac- that I have received, in the Platini, then the European foot- tion against the global football meantime, in connection with ball boss, worth over $2mn that body in an attempt to clear his my suspension,” Blatter said via amounted to “undue gifts” and name. Blatter, who led FIFA e-mail. “We are working on this therefore violated FIFA’s code for 17 years, was handed a six- case — and looking forward for of ethics. Blatter had resigned year ban for ethics violations, development.” in June 2015 after several dozen imposed amid the biggest cor- It is likely that any legal ac- football offi cials had been in- ruption scandal to shake world tion from Blatter would take dicted in the United States on soccer’s governing body in 2015. place in the Swiss civil courts. graft charges. Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (right) is hit by a ball shot from AC Milan’s Lucas Biglia (L) during the Italian Cup match in Milan. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, February 2, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE

Spurs’ Eriksen Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium stuns United as in London on Wednesday night. (AFP) Chelsea crash Chelsea concede three second-half goals to Bournemouth

AFP half. right moment to speak of the transfer London The goal, timed at 10.48 seconds, market for me. It’s not important, it’s was the fi rst United have conceded in important to work and do best with my 2018 but despite some bright moments players.” ottenham’s Christian Eriksen of their own they were 2-0 down just It was business as usual for Guar- scored within 11 seconds on before the half-hour after Phil Jones diola’s City, who handed a debut to Wednesday night to overshad- lashed the ball into his own net. £57-million-pound ($80mn, 65mn eu- ow Alexis Sanchez’s Premier Tottenham, who announced the sign- ros) defender Aymeric Laporte, who TLeague debut for Manchester United, ing of Moura from Paris Saint-Germain only signed for the club from Athletic while Chelsea crashed to a 3-0 defeat by shortly before kick-off , were a constant Bilbao on Tuesday. Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. threat and had multiple chances to City struck through Fernandinho Manchester City ignored the car- stretch their lead. Mourinho threw on midway through the fi rst half and dou- nage around them to march serenely Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini in the bled their lead through Kevin De Bruyne on, widening their lead to an enormous 63rd minute but bizarrely took Fellaini in the second half before Sergio Aguero 15 points with a 3-0 victory at home off just seven minutes later, replacing struck late on. City earlier opted out of to West Brom with just 13 games still him with Ander Herrera. a bid for Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, with to play. The build-up to Wednesday’s The Belgium international took off reports putting the transfer package matches was dominated by late moves in his shirt and marched straight down the at £95mn, after ending their chase of the transfer window but Spurs ensured tunnel. The impressive win for Spurs Sanchez earlier in the transfer window, the focus switched back to the pitch im- puts them right back at the heart of the due to slam shut at 2300 GMT. mediately, stunning Jose Mourinho’s hunt for a Champions League quali- In other big-money moves on men with a performance full of attack- fi cation spot, just two points behind Wednesday, Pierre-Emerick Aubam- ing verve in a 2-0 win. fourth-placed Chelsea. eyang sealed a move to Arsenal from Chelsea, who earlier announced the “It’s a performance that starts with a Borussia Dortmund for a club-record signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, ridiculous goal,” said Mourinho. “That fee of around £56mn. In other results conceded three second-half goals while goal after a few seconds has a big infl u- on Wednesday, Newcastle drew 1-1 with Theo Walcott scored twice for his new ence in the game because Tottenham Burnley, Southampton drew 1-1 at home club Everton in a 2-1 win against Leices- can play the way they like to play. In the to Brighton and Stoke were involved in ter. “We always try to be aggressive from end we played against a very good team. a goalless stalemate with Watford. On the beginning,” said delighted Spurs Both goals were ridiculous goals.” Tuesday, Swansea shocked Arsenal 3-1 boss Mauricio Pochettino. “Our aim is Pochettino’s men were further bu- while Liverpool beat Huddersfi eld 3-0 to be focused from the beginning. You oyed by the defeat for Chelsea, who and West Ham drew 1-1 with Crystal can win a game if you’re ready to fi ght. It fi elded only Pedro up front, showing Palace. was massive to be up early in the game. their need for more fi repower. Callum Three more points puts us in a very good Wilson, Junior Stanislas and Nathan RESULTS position to fi ght for the top four. I’m Ake scored the goals for Bournemouth. Chelsea 0 Bournemouth 3 (Wilson 51, Stan- sure new signing Lucas Moura enjoyed “We have to accept it’s a bad result islas 64, Ake 67) that a lot.” and understand that we have to fi ght Everton 2 (Walcott 25, 39) Leicester 1 The painful defeat for United realisti- this season — if someone didn’t under- (Vardy 71-pen) cally ends any lingering hopes they may stand this they don’t understand foot- Manchester City 3 (Fernandinho 19, De have harboured of catching runaway ball,” said Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. Bruyne 68, Aguero 89) West Brom 0 leaders City. Mourinho signed Sanchez “Football is not simple.” Newcastle 1 (Lascelles 65) Burnley 1 (Vokes 85) this month to bolster his attacking op- He said the signing of Giroud would Southampton 1 (Stephens 64) Brighton 1 tions but Spurs caught the visitors cold not necessarily solve the club’s prob- (Murray 14-pen) at a packed Wembley, Eriksen opening lems in front of goal. “In the past with Stoke 0 Watford 0 the scoring from the kick-off following a striker we have chances and still don’t Tottenham 2 (Eriksen 1, Jones 28-og) a long ball from inside the Tottenham score,” he said. “I think now is not the Manchester United 0

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Mahrez’s failed transfer to Man City Conte under pressure aft er defeat to Bournemouth poses new challenge for Leicester AFP squad at the maximum level. But, danger... But the players are fan- London if someone doesn’t agree about tastic in their commitment. They Reuters this, I’m here. I have to accept understand very well what our Manchester every situation. I’m very relaxed situation is in this season.” ntonio Conte had no about this. I know that I’m doing Goals from Callum Wilson, doubt the pressure on a great job, a great work, me and Junior Stanislas and Nathan Ake he trouble with transfer deadlines his position would in- the staff and the players.” in 16 second-half minutes se- is that while dreams can come true tensify after his Chel- There have been reports that cured Bournemouth’s impres- amidst the rush of deals, players can seaA side’s stunning 3-0 defeat by Conte has angered Chelsea’s sive victory. The win moved also have their hopes dashed and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge Russian billionaire owner Roman Bournemouth up to tenth place, Tclubs can be left with the awkward task of on Wednesday. The Blues head Abramovich with thinly veiled although they remain just fi ve patching up damaged relationships. coach insists his Chelsea team, criticism of the London club’s points clear of the bottom three. That is exactly the situation that Leices- the reigning Premier League transfer policy. Asked whether Eddie Howe said the victory ter City and their manager Claude Puel champions, are over-achieving the transfer business conducted at Stamford Bridge was the best fi nd themselves in after they were unable this season — but claims he is by Chelsea’s top four rivals had moment in his nine years, spread to agree terms with Manchester City over “relaxed” if members of the made the task of claiming a top over two spells, as Bournemouth the sale of Foxes winger Riyad Mahrez. club’s hierarchy view things four fi nish harder, Conte replied: manager. Howe, who has steered The Leicester Mercury newspaper said the diff erently. Defeat left Chelsea “We have to understand that, if the club through the leagues Foxes turned down City’s fi nal bid of 65mn in fourth place in the Premier we want to speak about football from third division League One, pounds ($92mn) plus an unnamed player for League, just two points above and if we think to understand said: “This is the best (feeling) Mahrez, a deal that would have broken the Tottenham Hotspur and Conte football we know very well this because of the performance. Manchester club’s transfer record. accepted there were concerns (a top four place) will be very dif- “When we won here in our fi rst Leicester valued Mahrez at around 95mn over whether the Blues would fi cult for us. “If we want only to season in the Premier League it pounds, but City were unwilling to meet Leicester City valued Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez at around 95mn pounds, but qualify for next season’s Cham- dream and not see the reality — was an historic performance, that fee, according to British media reports. Premier League leaders Manchester City were unwilling to meet that fee. (AFP) pions League. in this case, I can tell you now but it was backs against the wall. Mahrez had submitted a transfer request, “The pressure, it’s normal. It’s we can fi ght to win the title this There was no luck connected missed training and was not included in him to come back with a smile, to enjoy his fans, on the whole, forgave him for his push normal for a coach, for a man- season!”, added Conte, whose today. It was a very strong per- Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Everton follow- football with his team mates because he to leave. Whether the fans and players react ager,” Conte said. “It’s normal side area huge 18 points behind formance. We’re improving, ing reports that he was “depressed” by the is a great player, fantastic, a good man and with the same tolerance this time around if you are Chelsea’s coach. After leaders Manchester City. “It will we’re getting stronger, we were club’s failure to sell him. Some media re- he likes football,” said Puel. “Of course, for remains to be seen, as does the issue of the fi rst game this season, you be very important to look at the very brave in our approach.” ports also suggested he was not willing to the moment, I did not speak with Riyad but whether he will even try to fi t back in again. (the media) tried to put pressure reality and to know that, if we “Full credit to the players: play for the club again. But while a summer perhaps there is a lot of disappointment. We “I think the players know it will be diffi cult on my job. But I’m trying to do are able to reach a place in the Chelsea are an outstanding team, departure may eventually satisfy the Alge- will see when we can manage all this for the sometimes for Riyad and we have a fantastic my best.” Champions League, it will be a but we defended very well, at- rian, who was a key fi gure in Leicester’s 2016 future,” he added. group, squad, all the players have a fantas- The Italian added: “If some- great success for us. Otherwise tacked with purpose, and the Premier League title win, Puel now has to During the summer transfer window, tic relationship and understanding between one doesn’t think this club de- we have a normal season. shape and balance were very ensure the situation does not upset his team, Mahrez left Algeria’s training camp in or- themselves. All the players will give their serves this table (position) or “My task is to try to be more good. We were unbeaten in fi ve who are in eighth place ahead of tomorrow’s der to wait for a move to AS Roma which best for Riyad,” said Puel. “We know the sit- deserve this situation. I repeat: realistic and try to transfer this to coming here and wanted to keep game against a revived Swansea City. also failed to materialise. He was eventually uation. We can understand his reaction. It we are doing everything, we are the players, because the players... that going, picking up points,” “All the players, all the staff , will help reintegrated into the squad and Leicester’s is a diffi cult situation for him and the club.” doing 120%. I’m exploiting this if they know and understand the Howe added.

Giroud relishing Champions League challenge at Chelsea

London: Olivier Giroud pinpointed a also host Barcelona in the first leg of a to go through.” most important thing was talking with return to Champions League football blockbuster Champions League last 16 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s arrival the coach. I felt like he really wanted me as a key factor in his decision to join tie on February 20. at Arsenal paved the way for Giroud to and he really wanted to work with me,” Chelsea from Arsenal on the final day “The Champions League is massive leave after five-and-a-half years at the Giroud added. of the January transfer window. Giroud for a football player. There is nothing Emirates as he sought more minutes on “I wanted to sign for Chelsea and no- was a helpless spectator as Chelsea above it when you’re playing for a club,” the field to further his case for inclusion where else. I really wanted to play more. crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth said the French international, who made in France’s World Cup squad. I wanted to stay in the Premier League, on Wednesday to harm their chances six of his 10 starts for Arsenal this sea- And his physical presence is just what and Chelsea for me is perfect because of qualifying for next season’s Cham- son in the Europa League. “There will Chelsea manager Antonio Conte sought I can even stay in London. But the first pions League. However, they remain be two nice games against Barcelona. during a frustrating January for the reason is the sporting challenge. That eight points better off than Arsenal in We know their qualities and I think Italian with first-choice striker Alvaro has always been my first priority. Every- Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud watches as manager Antonio Conte reacts during the the battle to finish in the top four, and everybody will need to be 100 per cent Morata sidelined by a back injury. “The thing is here for me to be happy.” loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Friday, February 2, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Yazeed, Barwod light up Trials; Avranche wins four ‘The goal was to run today and to see if he can stay the distance with a possible Emir’s Sword in mind’

By Mikhil Bhat three. Doha Poets Dream was Hussain’s sec- ond winner of the day, with Qatari rider Mohamed Abdulla Juma guid- mm Qarn’s Yazeed and ing Dhafi Rashid al-Marri’s Tahri Al Shahania Stud’s Bar- Baha to a close victory in the fi rst wod posted contrasting race of the day, a seven furlong Lo- wins ahead of the HH The cal Purebred Arabian Novice Cup for UEmir’s Sword Festival at the Tri- Qatari riders only. als Day yesterday. While Alban de Avranche managed to keep Al Mieulle-trained Yazeed, favourite Thumama Racing’s Poets Dream to win his outing yesterday, stayed just ahead at the line, beating Ghaz- unbeaten in Qatar this season, Julian ali-trained duo, Anima Rock and Smart’s Barwod edged out the top- Mualah, for the win in the Thor- rated horse of the fi eld, The Blue Eye, oughbred 3 Year Old Trial event. at the line for a thrilling victory. The owner-trainer-jockey trio Earlier in the day, jockey Gerald of Injaaz Stud, Ghazali and Bentley Avranche had an impressive day picked up two victories on the day. guiding four winners. Black Granite led a one-two in In the fi nal race of the day, Theo the Class 2 Thoroughbred Cup Trial Bachelot-ridden Barwod stayed edging out stablemate Sir Guy Por- midfi eld as Ahmed Kobeissi’s Fort teous in a thrilling fi nish for his fi rst Moville set the pace in the 2200 victory this season. Smart-trained Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with the winners of the Thoroughbred Trophy Trial after Al Shahania Stud’s Barwod won Thoroughbred Trophy Trial. Oryx was third under Bachelot. the 2200m race at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim As the fi eld opened up coming on Izzthatright improved his strike to the home straight, Harry Bentley rate as the gelding raced to his eighth had Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s straight victory, topping the Class The Blue Eye take a slight advantage 2 Thoroughbred Sprint Trial event but soon, with a furlong to go, Bar- under Champion Jockey Bentley. wod and another Al Shahania horse, Ghazali’s ward, the favourite Qatari Gold, helmed by Avranche, to win the six furlong sprint, beat mounted an attack. Eventually Bar- Bachelot-ridden Binzart comfort- wod beat Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s ably by a length while Hussain- charge by a quarter of a length. trained Risk Adjusted had to settle “We were running this horse (Bar- for third under Avranche. wod) predominantly over a mile but we could fi gure that he could go fur- RESULTS ther. The goal was to run today and Race 1: 1. Tahri Baha (Mohamed to see if he can stay the distance with Abdulla Juma), 2. Al Eshrah (Meteb a possible Emir’s Sword in mind. Ali al-Marri), 3. Zakhir Al Majd (Rashid Now look he has beaten The Blue Ali al-Marri), 4. Walaa (Ali Hamad al- Eye, which is the best horse in Doha,” Marri). Won by: ½, ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:35.75. Smart told Gulf Times yesterday. Owner: Dhafi Rashid al-Marri. Trainer: “It doesn’t mean he can beat him Mohamed Hussain. again, but we now have a chance, Race 2: 1. Izzthatright (Harry Bentley), and with Sheikh Mohamed’s oth- 2. Binzart (Theo Bachelot), 3. Risk er horse fi nishing third… I don’t Adjusted (Gerald Avranche), 4. Sandbe- think Sheikh Mohamed has won the tweenourtoes (JP Guillambert), Black Emir’s Thoroughbred Trophy be- Beach (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1, fore. So if we can win that for him, No, 2 ½, Dh. Time: 1:12.37. Owner: Injaaz me or any one of the other trainers, Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. we would be happy.” Race 3: 1. Poets Dream (Gerald In the penultimate race of the day, Avranche), 2. Anima Rock (Harry Bent- the 2200m Purebred Arabian Sword ley), 3. Mualah (Jean Baptiste Hamel), Trial, Olivier Peslier guided Yazeed 4. Black Orange (Pier Convertino). Won to a dominant victory, the horse’s by: Hd, ¾, ¾. Time: 2:25.64. Owner: Al third this season in Qatar. Smart’s Thumama Racing. Trainer: Mohamed Shabih Alreeh fi nished second, a lit- Hussain. tle more than four lengths behind, Race 4: 1. Salman Bu Thaila (Gerald while De Mieulle-saddled Sehab Avranche), 2. Moaddie (Marc Lerner), completed the top three. 3. Al Hareth (Harry Bentley), 4. Al Ajdal “It’s a good preparation for him (Vaclav Janacek). Won by: Shd, 2 ¼, ¾. (Yazeed) for the Emir’s Sword. We Time: 1:56.68. Owner: Abdulhadi Mana Theo Bachelot (left) rides Al Shahania Stud’s Barwod to victory ahead of The Blue Eye, ridden by Harry Bentley, during the Thoroughbred Trophy Trial at the QREC yesterday. have to beat some good horses like al-Hajri. Trainer: Stefano Ibido. (Smart-trained) Ebraz. Today we Race 5: 1. Black Granite (Harry Bentley), wanted him to relax a bit because the 2. Sir Guy Porteous (JP Guillambert), next time he has to go for 2400m, 3. Oryx (Theo Bachelot), 4. Parkes 200m longer than he did today. So and Ride. Won by: Nk, Shd, 1 ¼. Time: I told the jockey, Olivier Peslier, to 1:25.00. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: hold him back a bit early on, and Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. then let him do what he wants to Race 6: 1. Molheb Al Naif (Gerald on the straight, and he said it was Avranche), 2. AJS Gannas (Tomas easy handling him. No problem,” de Lukasek), 3. Caid De L’Ardus (Harry Mieulle said. Bentley), 4. Nairouz (Theo Bachelot). Avranche was astride Hadi Nasser Won by: 4 ¾, ¾, 1 ½. Time: 1:45.70. al-Ramzani-schooled AJS Dhabi as Owner: Al Naif Racing. Trainer: Yousef the fi lly shed her maiden status edg- Ben Taher. ing out Hassan al-Matwi’s Raqee for Race 7: 1. AJS Dhabi (Gerald Avranche), a win in the Purebred Arabian Silver 2. Raqee (Marc Lerner), 3. Jethjath (JP Sword Trial. Guillambert), 4. Samhan Al Shajaa (Sal- Avranche had earlier guided eem Golam). Won by: Shd, 2 ¼, 5. Time: Yousef Ben Taher’s in-form Molheb 1:47.51. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Al Naif to a smashing fi ve length vic- Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. tory in the Purebred Arabian Trial, Race 8: 1. Yazeed (Olivier Peslier), after having won astride Mohamed 2. Shabih Alreeh (Theo Bachelot), 3. Hussain’s Poets Dream and Ibido- Sehab (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. AJS Al saddled Salman Bu Thaila. Rayyan (Gerald Avranche). Won by: 4 Salman Bu Thaila’s blistering run ¼, 1 ¾, ½. Time: 2:33.69. Owner: Umm in the last 100m saw the fi ve-year- Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. old pick up a magnifi cient victory at Race 9: 1. Barwod (Theo Bachelot), 2. the line, edging out Hamad Ahmed The Blue Eye (Harry Bentley), 3. Qatari al-Malki al-Jehani-trained Moad- Gold (Gerald Avranche), 4. Hall of Mir- die by a short head in the 1850m rors (Adnan Hawa). Won by: ¼ 1 ¼, 3 ¾. Local Thoroughbred Trial. Ghazali- Time: 2:18.17. Owner: Al Shahania Stud. QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi (second from right) with the winners of the Gerald Avranche rides Molheb Al Naif to victory in the Purebred Arabian Trial saddled Al Hareth completed the top Trainer: Julian Smart. Purebred Arabian Sword Trial after Umm Qarn’s Yazeed won the 2200m race yesterday. at the QREC yesterday.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Rachid helps Kharaitiyat to a draw against Al Sailiya

By Sports Reporter tireless Rachid produced a brace pulled of a spectacular equaliser. Doha (45th and 85th) to help his side share Anwar Diba clipped a cross for Ra- points at the Al Khor Stadium. chid who fl icked the ball into the net Wagner broke the deadlock after with the minutest of angles to work xperienced Moroccan numerous attempts by Al Sailiya on from the edge of the Al Sailiya player Rachid Tiberkanine at the Al Kharaitiyat goal. Follow- box. It was Rachid’s ninth goal of produced two classy goals ing a goalmouth melee, he pro- the season. to help Al Kharaitiyat hold duced a classy left-footed drive that Al Sailiya scored their second powerfulE Al Sailiya to a 2-2 draw in crashed into the net past a host of goal when Majdi found the net Week 15 of the QNB Stars League Al Kharaitiyat players. Two minutes with a long-range eff ort. Five min- yesterday. from the fi rst-half whistle, Wagner utes from the fi nal whistle, Rachid Wagner Ribeiro’s strike (35th wasted an easy opportunity to score fl icked the ball into the net off a minute) and a powerful long-range from close range when he had only cross from Mohammed Al Yazidi shot by Majdi Siddiq (58th) twice the goalkeeper to beat. to bring Al Kharaitiyat level with Al Al Sailiya players celebrate after scoring a goal against Al Kharaitiyat. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil gave Al Sailiya the lead. However, In injury time, Al Kharaitiyat Sailiya.