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Wednesday, January 23, 2019 SPOTLIGHT Jumada I 17, 1440 AH Cardiff ’s Sala GULF TIMES missing aft er plane disappears SPORT Page 2 REPORT S Korea oust Bahrain to reach last 8

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on Heung-min’s South Korea needed an extra-time winner to beat world ranked 113th Bahrain S2-1 as they stumbled into the Asian Cup quarter-finals in unconvinc- ing fashion yesterday. Kim Jin-su’s diving header at the end of the first extra period proved the dif- ference as the two-time champions met unexpected resistance before winning in Dubai. But Paulo Bento’s side, runners- up in 2015 and one of the favourites for the title, survived to reach the last eight, where they will face Qatar. Tottenham star Son took a boot to the head as he weathered some robust challenges in a first half which South Korea dominated with 73% of possession. Bahrain nearly stunned the Koreans with Mohamed Marhoon’s stinging early shot as South Korea took time to settle into their rhythm. Qatar players celebrate their win over Iraq in the Asian Cup yesterday. At right coach Felix Sanchez shows his joy. But from the half-hour Son started to make his presence felt with some typi- cally direct running which caused panic SPOTLIGHT in the Bahrain defence. South Korea broke the deadlock two minutes from half-time, when Son laid off to Lee Yong whose cross was parried by the goalkeeper to Hwang Hee-chan, who snaffled the easy chance. South Korea threatened to run riot after the break before Bahrain hit back and it took a magnificent flying stop from Kim Qatar show they are Seung-gyu to keep out Jamal Rashed’s thumping effort. And against all expectations, Bahrain were suddenly level with 13 minutes remaining when Mohamed al-Romaihi smashed in the rebound from Mahdi al- Humaidan’s shot. The goal stunned South Korea, who made of steel as had only conceded twice at an Asian Cup game since 2011 — the 2015 final, which they lost 2-1 to Australia after extra time. Hwang Ui-jo nearly snatched the victory in injury time, when a defensive mix-up put him one-on-one with Sayed Shubbar Alawi, but he spooned his shot last-4 spot beckons wide to set up the additional 30 minutes of play. QUARTER-FINAL South Korea’s first goal had been their LINE-UP only shot on target but they looked de- Coach Felix Sanchez: I just congratulate the players for their termined to put that right and substitute THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 Lee Seung-woo should have done better performance against one of the best teams in the competition At Dubai when he was set up in the box by Son’s Vietnam v Japan (4pm) strong run. Bahrain goalkeeper Alawi At Abu Dhabi withdrew with an apparent hamstring By Sports Reporter in the 23rd minute as the 2007 cham- China v Iran (7pm) injury but one of the first tasks for his Doha pions started to make some progress replacement, Abdulkarim Fardan, was with the ball over the top of the Qa- to pick the ball out of the net. Substi- FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 tari defence. The young striker raced tute Kim Jin-su found time and space to his Qatar team is surely made through on goal but Saad al-Sheeb At Abu Dhabi steady himself and drive home a header of steel. bravely dived at his feet, with the goal- South Korea v Qatar (4pm) from Lee Yong’s cross, a goal which the Imagine playing in a country keeper getting a boot to the face for his At Al Ain team celebrated by holding up the 16 so hostile that home specta- eff orts. UAE v Australia (7pm) shirt of injured Newcastle United mid- torsT forget the basics of sportsmanship A defensive error put Qatar winger fielder Ki Sung-yueng. and subject you to unrelenting abuse. Akram Afi f through early in the second Imagine playing in front of a crowd half but his touch woefully betrayed among whom there are hardly any him, and the ball trickled harmlessly to FOCUS Qataris due to travel restrictions and Iraq keeper Jalal Hassan. other obstacles imposed by the hosts. It was a foul on the dangerous Afi f Imagine a tournament which jour- on the left-hand corner of the box that nalists from your country cannot cover led to the breakthrough just after the FIFA, UEFA, AFC blast from up close because they are banned hour mark, defender Bassam stepping in sheer disregard of international up and curling the ball over the wall norms. and into the bottom left-hand corner Saudi pirate channel But then this is sport, which has a of the net. habit of imitating life and dealing you The Qataris were charged with con- AFP clear and fl agrant breach of our in- a blow from which you can hardly re- fi dence by the goal and poured forward Geneva tellectual property rights”. cover. to pepper Hassan’s goal with shots “Collectively, we, as rights- Bahrain, one of the blockading in the next 10 minutes before Iraq re- holders in various football compe- countries were knocked out by South gained their grip on the midfi eld. IFA, UEFA and several of the titions, condemn the pirate entity Korea. Three-times Saudi Arabia suf- Bassam al-Rawi is congratulated by teammates after he scored the winner Iraq defender Ali Adnan went close world’s top football leagues beoutQ, which continues to abuse fered at the hands of Qatar in the group against Iraq yesterday. to matching Bassam’s eff ort from a yesterday condemned al- the operations of rights holders and phase and then were bundled out by free kick slightly further out in the leged piracy of television legitimate broadcasters through its Japan in the round of 16. wi, meanwhile, created his own piece best teams in the competition.” 78th minute and twice Iraqi forwards rightsF by the “beoutQ” network, persistent and illegal screening of Only the UAE remains, but they of history, scoring the team’s only Qatar, who scored 10 goals and fl ashed headers wide as they laid siege which is backed by Saudi Arabia. events for which it has made no ef- must be wary of bad karma catching up goal against Iraq yesterday. His fa- conceded none in the group stage, to the Qatar goal in the last few min- Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World fort to secure the rights,” the pow- as they are lined up to face Australia. ther Hisham had played for Iraq in made the brighter start and left back utes. But the Qataris held them out to Cup, and the Doha-based beIN Me- erful football bodies said in a joint Amid the mayhem, it’s Qatar which the 1990s. Iraq, the 2007 champions, Abdelkarim Hassan hit the bar in the register a fourth clean sheet in four dia Group have described beoutQ statement. is standing tall. Its young players have gave their all but paid the price for fail- fourth minute. matches at the tournament, almost as a vast and sophisticated Saudi FIFA and the Premier League have caught the fancy of fans worldwide. ing to take their chances and departed That was pretty much the extent of outnumbering their small band of fans bootlegging network that has been previously said they were preparing Almoez Ali is already the top scorer, the continental tournament before the their threat on goal until he had a shot when they celebrated with them at the transmitting stolen programmes via to take legal action in Saudi Arabia with the Asian Cup record within his quarter-fi nal stage for the fi rst time defl ected onto the post just before the end. Riyadh-based satellite provider Ar- against the pirates. sights. Coach Felix Sanchez, who was since 1972.“I thought it was a great break, though, as the Qataris were “I think the game was equal,” said absat. FIFA, UEFA, the English Pre- In October, beIN launched a com- earlier in charge of the juniors, is now performance from both teams,” said muscled out of the game in midfi eld. Iraq coach Srecko Katanec. “We mier League, La Liga, the German pensation claim worth $1bn (880mn a much-admired man and possibly will Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. Iraq fared little better at the other pushed, we pushed but we didn’t Bundesliga and the Asian Football euros) against the Saudi piracy be fl ooded with lucrative off ers. “I just congratulate the players for end with Mohanad Ali having their score. The players gave everything. Confederation weighed in yesterday channel while Qatar fi led an action Qatar’s young star Bassam al-Ra- their performance against one of the best chance of breaking the deadlock That’s it.” by blasting beoutQ’s actions as “a at the World Trade Organization. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 23, 2019 FOOTBALL

Unstoppable Qatar in Asian Cup quarters

Qatar players pose for a group picture before their AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 match against Iraq at the Qatar players celebrate after the victory Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. (AFP) Qatar’s Abdelaziz Hatim shoots as Iraq’s Safaa Hadi attempts to defend. (Reuters) over Iraq. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Spurs’ Alli ruled out until March

London: Tottenham have suf- fered a fresh injury blow after Cardiff ’s Sala missing England midfielder Dele Alli was ruled out until March with a hamstring strain. Alli was forced off in the closing stages of Tottenham’s 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday and scans have confirmed the extent of the star’s injury. aft er plane disappears The 22-year-old’s absence is a massive setback for Totten- ham, who are already without Argentine forward Sala, who signed for Cardiff for club record fee, was flying from Nantes England striker Harry Kane until March due to an ankle Reuters statement. British authorities contact- ligament problem. Tottenham Paris ed airfi elds along the coast to check if manager Mauricio Pochettino the plane had made an unplanned land- is also without South Korea ing, but there was no sign it had, Guern- forward Son Heung-Min, who ardiff City’s new football star sey police said. is on international duty for Emiliano Sala was on board a The plane had been cruising at 5,000 several weeks. light aircraft that disappeared feet when the pilot requested to descend Alli has already endured Cen route to the Welsh capital to a lower altitude on passing Guernsey. two spells on the sidelines where he was to join up with the team, It lost radar contact at 2,300 feet, the this season with hamstring France’s civil aviation authority said police said. John Fitzgerald, chief ex- problems as injuries continues yesterday. Argentine Sala was fl ying ecutive of Channel Islands Air Search, to ravage Tottenham’s season. from the French city of Nantes to Car- said: “If they are wearing the right dry He is set to miss a host of diff when the plane lost radar contact suits or they got into a life raft, then the crucial games, including Tot- off the English Channel island Guernsey probability is not too bad. If they are in tenham’s Champions League late on Monday. the water without any protection, the last 16 tie against Borussia Rescue aircraft and boats scoured water is really too cold at the moment Dortmund. His injury also puts more than 1,000 square miles of sea for for any form of survival beyond an hour a huge dent in third-placed the single-engine Piper Malibu yester- or so,” Fitzgerald told Sky TV. Spurs’ slender hopes of chas- day. Guernsey police said a number of Sala’s father Horacio told Argentine ing down Premier League fl oating objects had been seen in the TV channel C5N: “I didn’t know any- leaders Liverpool. Tottenham water but they were unable to confi rm thing because I’m away from home, I’m will now face Chelsea in whether any were from the missing air- a truck driver. A friend who saw it on TV tomorrow’s League Cup semi- craft. As night fell, search operations told me. I’m in despair.” final second leg without three were suspended. Police said they will Julio Muller, the mayor of Progreso, of their key players. resume at sunrise today. the small town in the farming province England midfielder Eric Forward Sala, 28, joined Premier of Santa Fe where Sala grew up, told Dier, just back from appendix League strugglers Cardiff from FC Clarin online: “The town is in shock. surgery, is a contender to step Nantes last week for a club record fee The only thing we were talking about in for Alli, while Fernando of about 17mn euros ($19mn). He had was his transfer.” Daniel Rivero, the Llorente deputised for Kane played in France since 2012. “We ex- president of Sala’s fi rst club, San Mar- in the win over Fulham. Lucas pected Emiliano to arrive last night tin de Progreso, told radio LT9 he was Moura is nearing a return from into Cardiff and today was due to be his “hoping for some kind of a miracle.” a knee injury and Pochettino fi rst day with the team,” club CEO Ken Sala scored 12 goals for Nantes this might feel he has no choice Choo said in a statement. “We continue season. France’s football federation but to throw him back into to pray for positive news.” Yesterday’s postponed Nantes’s French Cup last- action at Stamford Bridge as training session was called off . 32 game against Entente Sannois-Saint Tottenham try to hold onto “The management and the whole Gratien that was scheduled for today. their 1-0 first leg lead. club are staying hopeful and the whole Sala on Monday tweeted a photo of Alli’s latest problems might FC Nantes family is praying for Emil- himself bidding farewell to his Nantes force Pochettino to push to iano Sala and the other passengers to be teammates, saying “The last one. Ciao buy a midfielder. found safe and sound,” Nantes said in a @FCNantes.” Emiliano Sala joined Premier League strugglers Cardiff from FC Nantes last week for a club record fee of about 17mn euros.

FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Training at Khalifa stadium inspired Lokomotiv sail past Zenit England stars: coach Phil Neville in Match Premier Cup he second day of the ‘Match Premier Cup’ he England women’s did not disappoint: Hundreds of fans team has been inspired found their way to Aspire Academy to see by training at one of the clash of the Russian titans, FC Zenit Qatar’s FIFA World Cup TSt. Petersburg and FC Lokomotiv Moscow last Tstadiums as they aim for glory in night. Lokomotiv won 3-1. The game truly sheet two major tournaments this year. showed some big names: Zenit-coach Sergey Se- The Lionesses arrived in Doha mak’s starting XI featured Italian international last week for a week-long train- Claudio Marchisio, who had joined the Russian ing camp at Khalifa International club in September 2018 after spending 25 years in Stadium. Led by head coach Phil the Juventus system, in which he won seven Serie Neville, the players are prepar- A titles with the ‘the Old Lady’. ing for next month’s SheBelieves The last championship with the Italians he Cup in the United States, while celebrated with a player that was facing him yes- also having one eye on the FIFA terday as an opponent: After the 2017-18 season Women’s World Cup, which will with Juventus, 2014 FIFA World Cup winner Ben- kick off on 7 June in France. England women’s team head coach Phil Neville (left), Baroness Sue Campbell (second right), Head of edikt Howedes also decided to continue his career Neville, who won six Premier England Women’s Football, and David Faulkner, Head of Women’s Performance with Nasser al-Khater, the in the Russian Premier League and signed with League titles and one Champions SC’s Chief of Tournament Readiness & Experience Group during their visit to the SC’s Legacy Pavilion. the three-times Russian champion Lok Moscow. League with Manchester United, While the German followed the fi rst half of the told sc.qa his side had been in- and what I’ve witnessed over the of Women’s Football, and David lunchtime and then go and watch match on the reserve bench next to midfi elder spired by their surroundings. past few days is that the players Faulkner, Head of Women’s Per- Brazil play at night. This is some- Manuel Fernandes, member of Russia’s team at He said: “I didn’t tell the play- have risen their standards. This formance. “The facilities for the thing that’s probably never hap- the 2018 FIFA World Cup or striker Eder, scorer ers we would be training at Kha- was the perfect setting to get World Cup are going to be abso- pened before at a World Cup. If of Portugal’s winning goal in the fi nal of the 2016 lifa Stadium – I kept it as a sur- people thinking about winning lutely amazing and the unbeliev- I was a player, I’d be dying to get EURO in France, his former Juventus teammate Action from the ‘Match Premier Cup’ encounter prise for them – and when they the World Cup.” able warmth of the people means out here. I don’t see the negativ- Marchisio found himself a good scoring opportu- between Zenit St. Petersburg and Lokomotiv came into the stadium, they were Neville said he expected the this could be one of the greatest ity – all I see is great infrastruc- nity after 28 minutes, but his shot missed the goal Moscow at Aspire Academy. blown away. To be in a World Cup 2022 men’s tournament to be one World Cups of all time.” ture, great ambition and the by a few centimetres. stadium was a big moment for of the greatest ever. “I’ve been Neville, who took over as head legacy the Qataris want to leave. That shot obviously gave Lok Moscow a push Semin changed the entire team, their game plan, them.” here about 15 times and every coach of the Lionesses a year ago, It’s the fi rst World Cup in this re- and within two minutes they went ahead by two however, – putting Zenit under constant pressure Neville added: “I preach to the time I come there’s been more said he was impressed with Qa- gion and when you talk about the goals scored by the Russian internationals Fyodor – remained the same. Midfi elder Alexey Mirnonv players every day about raising development,” said Neville, who tar’s compact tournament plans World Cup, you want to inspire Smolov (35th minute) and Anton Miranchuk (37). did not need more than fi ve minutes to put his standards – and we’ve come to visited the SC’s Legacy Pavilion – saying they’d be a massive the world, so you’ve got to take it Zenit tried to get back into the game, but Loko- stamp on the game, scoring the third goal with a a country where nothing but the with two colleagues from the boost for players and fans. “The to other parts of the world. Com- motiv goalkeeper Marinato Guilherme made two real screamer. Close to the end, substitute Emil- best is acceptable. The facilities, English Football Association: lack of distance between venues ing to Qatar is the next step on great saves. iano Rigoni found the net to score the consolation weather and conditions are great, Baroness Sue Campbell, Head means you can play a game at the World Cup journey.” In the second half, Lokomotiv coach Yuri goal for Zenit (82’). Gulf Times Wednesday, January 23, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A Ronaldo misses penalty but Juve Ronaldo avoids ease past Chievo AFP the run-up to the Scudetto.” Milan Chievo started their season with a 3-2 defeat to Juventus in Verona during which Sorrentino ristiano Ronaldo missed was knocked unconscious after jail but hit by heft y a penalty but Italian colliding with Ronaldo. But ‘The league leaders Juventus Flying Donkeys’ — who had been eased past bottom club deducted three points for false CChievo 3-0 to pull nine points accounting — ended 2018 with clear on top of Serie A on Monday their fi rst win and had lost just night as AC Milan returned to the one of the previous eight games Champions League berths with a holding Napoli, Lazio and Inter 2-0 win in Genoa. Milan. Brazilian winger Costa fi ne for tax fraud Portuguese superstar Ronaldo got Juventus off the mark with a had sealed Juventus’s fi rst title of stunning solo run from midfi eld Prosecutors accuse Ronaldo of having used companies in low-tax foreign the season — a record eighth Ital- after 13 minutes. ian Super Cup trophy against AC Paulo Dybala set up Can for the jurisdictions to avoid paying the tax due in Spain on payments for his image rights Milan last Wednesday in Saudi German international’s fi rst goal Arabia. But the 33-year-old was since moving from Liverpool last AFP off -form in the fi rst league game summer just before the break. Madrid after a three-week winter break Juventus were awarded a penalty and on the eve of his return to for a Mattia Bani handball with Madrid where he appeared in 39-year-old Sorrentino clearing uventus star Cristiano Ronaldo court for tax fraud charges dat- having also earlier denied Alex avoided jail yesterday but was or- ing back to his time with Real Sandro’s close-range header. dered by a Spanish court to pay Madrid. Ronaldo missed two more 3.57mn euros ($4.1mn) for com- The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or chances before Rugani headed mittingJ tax fraud when he was at Real winner missed numerous chanc- in a Federico Bernardeschi free Madrid. The court sentenced him to a es with Chievo goalkeeper Ste- kick to keep unbeaten Juventus, two-year jail sentence that it immediately fano Sorrentino denying Ron- with 56 points from 20 games, on reduced to a fi ne of 365,000 euros, which aldo, who has scored 14 times in track for an eighth consecutive adds on to another penalty of 3.2mn eu- the league, a fi rst goal from the Scudetto. ros, the sentence read. spot this season. But Juventus Second-placed Napoli beat A court spokesman said he did not were never worried by Chievo Lazio 2-1 on Sunday, with the know whether this would be added on with Douglas Costa and Emre Roman club now two games to the 18.8mn euros that Ronaldo had Can scoring in the fi rst half and without a win before hosting Ju- agreed to pay Spain’s taxman under a deal Daniele Rugani heading in a third ventus next weekend. reached in June with the player’s law- six minutes from time. Earlier Fabio Borini and Suso yers. Ronaldo, who last year joined Italian “I don’t think it’s the fi rst time scored late as AC Milan bounced champions Juventus, returned to Madrid it has happened in his career,” back from their Super Cup defeat for the court appearance which lasted said coach Massimiliano Allegri to reclaim fourth spot. Gennaro around 40 minutes as the deal was offi - of Ronaldo’s miss, “the impor- Gattuso’s side occupy the fi nal cially presented to the judge. tant thing is that the team won. Champions League berth, over- “I am very well,” the fi ve-time Ballon “He was looking for a goal, but taking Roma who are one point d’Or winner told the crowd of reporters in the fi rst half he tried too hard, behind in fi fth and Lazio, who are gathered outside of the court in north- he did better in the second half. It a further point behind in sixth. eastern Madrid as he left the hearing. He was a pleasant game,” continued Just four points separate Milan signed a few autographs before leaving in Allegri. and eighth-placed Sampdoria a black van. The court refused the player’s “The team had a good match, in a tight race to qualify for Eu- request to appear by video or to enter the another fundamental success in rope’s premier club competition. building by car to avoid the spotlight. Ronaldo, 33, smiled broadly as he arrived at the court dressed in black trou- sers, a black turtleneck and dark sun- glasses, holding hands with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. Police offi cers es- corted him. He had played for Juventus on Monday night, missing a penalty as the Italian league leaders eased past bottom club Chievo 3-0. Madrid prosecutors opened a probe into Ronaldo in June 2017 and he was questioned in July that same Juventus’ forward and former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo arrives with his Spanish girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez to year. “I have never hidden anything, nor attend a court hearing for tax evasion in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) have I had the intention of evading taxes,” he told the court then, according to a But under the deal between Spain’s prison sentence was later reduced to a 37, told reporters as he left the court. statement from the sports agency which tax authorities and his lawyers, Ronaldo further fi ne of 252,000 euros, equivalent Ronaldo is also facing accusations in the represents him, Gestifute. pleaded guilty to four counts of tax fraud. to 400 euros per day of the original term. United States where a former American Prosecutors accused him of having The agreement allowed Ronaldo to avoid Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team- model accused him of raping her in Las used companies in low-tax foreign ju- sitting through a long trial that could mate Xabi Alonso appeared at the same Vegas in 2009. risdictions — notably the British Virgin have damaged his image and seen him Madrid court yesterday for the fi rst time Police in the US city recently asked Islands and Ireland — to avoid paying handed a heftier sentence. Ronaldo is one on a separate tax evasion charge. Public Italian authorities for a DNA sample the tax due in Spain on payments for his of several footballers to have fallen foul of prosecutors are seeking a fi ve-year jail from the footballer. Ronaldo has always image rights between 2011 and 2014. His Spain’s tax authorities in recent years. sentence and a fi ne of four million euros. denied the accusations. In a New Year’s lawyers argued there had been a diff er- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, once Ronal- The trial was suspended while the Eve interview with Portuguese sports ence in interpretation of what was and do’s big La Liga rival, paid a two-million- court considers whether it has jurisdic- daily Record, he said he had a “calm con- was not taxable in Spain, and deny any euro fi ne in 2016 in his own tax wrangle tion to hear the case. “I never hid any- science” and was “confi dent that every- Juventus’ Paulo Dybala (right) outruns Chievo’s Emanuele deliberate attempt to evade tax. and received a 21-month jail term. The thing, I have to defend myself,” Alonso, thing will very soon be clarifi ed”. Giaccherini during the Italian Serie A match in Turin. (AFP)

Mendy return boosts Man PREMIER LEAGUE City’s quadruple quest Arsenal defender Bellerin out for up to nine months Manchester: Pep Guardiola season, we can use him. When believes the fit-again Benjamin he pushes from the outside, he AFP Hector out of action for the remainder Mendy can make a telling is unstoppable and especially London of this season. Everyone at the club will contribution to Manchester in the last third. He is so clever. now be working as hard as we can to en- City’s push for four trophies in It’s not simply cross to cross, sure Hector is back on the pitch as soon as the second half of the season. it’s clever when he does these rsenal announced yesterday possible next season.” Mendy is set to make his first kinds of actions.” that defender Hector Bellerin Head coach Unai Emery said after the appearance in two months in While Mendy is only likely will be out of action for up to Chelsea game that Bellerin could have City’s League Cup semi-final, to be a substitute as he begins nine months after rupturing an “important” injury and that the ini- kneeA ligaments in his team’s win against tial prognosis was not positive. Bellerin’s second leg against Burton his comeback, Kevin De Bruyne Albion today. will start at the 6,000-capac- Chelsea. Bellerin, 23, went down unchal- Arsenal teammate Rob Holding suff ered a The English champions hold ity Pirelli Stadium. The Belgian lenged during the second half of Arsenal’s similar injury in a 2-2 draw at Manchester an unprecedented 9-0 lead played his first full 90 minutes 2-0 victory at the Emirates on Saturday United on December 5. While the January from the first leg over the team of the season in Sunday’s 3-0 and was carried off on a stretcher. transfer window would allow Arsenal to from League One — English win at Huddersfield and City’s The 23-year-old was making his fi rst bring in cover at right-back, Emery does football’s third tier — so the tie star midfielder has only started start since mid-December, having over- have options in Stephan Lichtsteiner, is over as a contest. Therefore, twice in the Premier League come a calf problem, but will now miss Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Carl Jenkin- Guardiola wants to use the so far. Having suff ered two the remainder of the season, and possibly son, who was expected to be allowed to match to blood youngsters and separate knee injuries this the start of the 2019/20 campaign. leave the Emirates Stadium this month give more game time to players campaign, De Bruyne is short “Further to the injury sustained during before Bellerin’s setback. in need of minutes. of games and Guardiola wants our match against Chelsea on Saturday, Emery is on record as saying that Mendy falls into that latter him up to speed with tougher we can confi rm that Hector has ruptured his room for manoeuvre in the January category, having suff ered a tests to come in the Premier the anterior cruciate ligament of his left transfer window will be limited to loans, knee injury following a 3-1 derby League, Champions League, FA knee,” the club said in a statement. at best. The club spent £63.8mn in net victory over Manchester United Cup and the League Cup final “Hector will undergo surgery to repair terms last summer to try to drive a return on November 11. It required next month. this in the coming days. The rehabilita- to the Champions League. Arsenal are treatment in Barcelona for Phil Foden and goalkeeper Arsenal’s defender Hector Bellerin reacts in pain after picking up an knee injury tion process is expected to take between fi fth in the Premier League, three points the French World Cup winner Arijanet Muric will also start during the Premier League football match against Cheslea on Saturday. (AFP) six to nine months and therefore rules behind fourth-placed Chelsea. and comes after he missed while five teenagers — Felix eight months of football last Nmecha, Luke Bolton, Iker Pozo, season with an anterior cruci- Ian Carlo Poveda and Taylor FOCUS ate ligament injury. Mendy’s Richards — are in the first-team injury absences have caused squad for the first time. Guardiola a headache with “Some players need rhythm no other natural left-back in and are going to play,” said New Huddersfi eld boss Siewert won’t copy Wagner’s ways City’s expensively assembled Guardiola. “The guys who’ve squad. Fabian Delph, Oleksandr had a lot of games will rest. AFP Wagner held the same role as Siewert at ing with professional players. At Dort- Zinchenko and Aymeric Laporte They will do what they need to London Dortmund before he arrived at Hudders- mund I had some great opportunities and have all deputised in that role, be fit, but the ones who’ve not fi eld in November 2015. He left the club now I’d like to challenge myself.” but the return of the attacking played too much or are back by mutual consent last week after guid- Siewert takes over with Huddersfi eld thrust off ered by Mendy will be from long-term injuries are go- uddersfi eld’s new manager ing Huddersfi eld into the top fl ight for rooted to the foot of the table, 10 points a huge boost to City’s challenge ing to play. Jan Siewert has promised the fi rst time in 45 years before defying all from safety after losing nine of their last on four fronts in the second half “We are going to play some to do things his own way de- odds to keep them up last season. 10 league games, but he insisted Town’s of the season. youngsters and some will be spite following a similar career “I always did it my way so I can’t be survival fi ght was not a lost cause. “We pathH to former Terriers boss David Wag- compared to David Wagner because he’s a have to work hard, do our very best and “I miss him a lot,” said Guar- on the bench. Two or three will diola. “I have a feeling he can play and two, three or four will ner. Siewert, 36, becomes the Premier fantastic manager and had so much suc- prepare for everything,” he added. “There give us something extra and be on the bench, but Kevin is League’s youngest manager having pre- cess here,” said Siewert. “But now it’s my are 15 more games and my only focus at hopefully in the last part of the going to play.” viously been in charge of Borussia Dort- role here. It’s a new chapter and the most the moment is the task I have to do with mund’s reserve side. important thing is that I’m used to work- the team and I will give everything.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 23, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS Kvitova crashes Barty party to reach semi-fi nals Reuters “Yeah, it just took me a bit to edged Barty in the fi nal. Melbourne the tears, but it was happy tears, She has not lost a set at Mel- for sure.” bourne Park and is playing the The left-hander has not been sort of tennis that could bring ruthless Petra Kvitova to the last four of a Grand Slam her a third Grand Slam title. trampled on the hopes since the second of her Wimble- Home fans had barely set- of the host nation at don titles in 2014. tled in their seats at centre court the Australian Open She doubted she would ever before the fi rst set was over in a byA thrashing Ashleigh Barty 6-1 make it back after forced out of dizzying 27 minutes. 6-4 to reach her fi rst Grand Slam the game for a period in 2017 to Fifteenth seed Barty described semi-fi nals in fi ve years. recover from hand surgery in the it as a “Petra start”, the eighth The twice Wimbledon cham- wake of the attack. seeded Czech having pounded pion will meet American sensa- Her win over Barty, the last 12 winners in a furious assault tion Danielle Collins tomorrow Australian at the tournament, to give the Australian no time for a place in the fi nal, less than had the added eff ect of dis- to settle. Kvitova faced stiff er two years after bravely return- lodging Simona Halep from the resistance in the second set but ing to the tour after a traumatic world number one ranking. broke the former professional attack by a knife-wielding home Depending on the progress of cricketer in the ninth game be- intruder. fourth seed Naomi Osaka and fore sealing her second Mel- The weight of her achievement Elina Svitolina, who meet in the bourne semi-fi nal when Barty proved overwhelming for the tall quarter-fi nals today, Kvitova netted a return on match point. 28-year-old, who cried during her could be crowned the new world Kvitova said it was a diff er- on-court interview at Rod Laver number one when the rankings ent feeling to her fi rst trip to the Arena. “Really, I didn’t really update after the tournament. semi-fi nals in 2012, when she imagine to be back at this great “Actually that’s the fi rst time was at the peak of her career. stadium with the best. And it’s what I’m hearing this. I don’t “It is, for sure. I’m calling it great,” a teary-eyed Kvitova said. really care, to be honest. I’m my second career,” she said. “I always wanted to come back in the tournament, in a Slam. “I’m really enjoying it.” and play on the highest level I don’t think there’s any room I can, compete with the best, here to think about it,” she said, Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova play the Grand Slams, actually pointing to her head. Kvitova is hits a return against Australia’s be very deep in the Grand Slam, now riding a 10-match winning Ashleigh Barty during their which is happening,” she told re- streak, having won the Sydney Australian Open quarter-final porters. International warmup where she yesterday. (AFP)

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Late bloomer Collins enjoying ride into Ruthless Nadal sees Open semi-fi nals

AFP shots at the right time.” Melbourne ‘HARD WORKER’ Collins had never won a match at a Grand Slam in fi ve previ- nheralded Danielle ous attempts before her Cin- off Tiafoe to cruise Collins marched into derella run at Melbourne Park. the Australian Open She has been a late bloomer semi-fi nals on her in a sport notorious for putting Nadal through to semis Utournament debut yesterday, talented youngsters under then revealed she never thought pressure from an early age, without dropping a set, will she had the talent to make it as a saying she was not a standout professional Tennis player. player as a teen and took “a meet Greek Tsitsipas next The 25-year-old American diff erent route” to the top. into last four is enjoying a dream run in her “I think not being a child Reuters fi rst appearance at the season- prodigy, not being a superstar Melbourne opening Grand Slam, making at a young age certainly hum- the fi nal four with a 2-6, 7-5, bled me, made me in a way 6-1 win over Russia’s Anasta- work harder for things,” she afa Nadal kept the fl ag sia Pavlyuchenkova. said. “I was talented and ath- fl ying for the old guard It was Collins’ toughest test letic, but maybe not to the level at the Australian Open yet at Melbourne Park but the that other players were at, like, with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win Florida native said she was 14, 15, 16. overR American Frances Tia- mentally tough after working “I was kind of like playing from foe yesterday for a place in the her way up through the sport’s behind because I wasn’t a child semi-fi nals where he will meet backblocks. prodigy, I went a diff erent route. another next generation player “It’s a little bit new to me,” I wasn’t really sure if I could make in Stefanos Tsitsipas. she said when asked how she it playing professional Tennis Nadal’s match against Tiafoe, was enjoying playing on the when I was that age.” who turned 21 on Sunday, was Grand Slam stage. Instead of going on the billed as an intriguing clash of “This time last year I was women’s tour, Collins gradu- generations after Roger Federer’s playing a challenger in New- ated in media studies while loss to Tsitsipas, but the second port Beach. But, yeah, I’m re- playing Tennis in the US col- seed was ruthless as he reached ally embracing it.” lege system, crediting it with the last four without dropping Collins, who has mostly making her a more mature per- a set. The 17-times Grand Slam played on the US college cir- son and keeping her humble. champion broke Tiafoe’s fi rst cuit, grabbed the Tennis “It’s kind of made me hun- service game in each set and with world’s attention with a 6-0, grier in some ways,” she said. a second break in the third set 6-2 drubbing of second seed “Not having that, ‘Oh, I’ve wrapped up victory in an hour Angelique Kerber in the fourth always been really amazing at and 47 minutes. round. Tennis’ (attitude). It wasn’t al- “I felt having the break at the She was unable to repeat ways like that for me. I wasn’t beginning of every set, that gave that sizzling form against Pav- always great or good.” me a lot of confi dence. Then I lyuchenkova but was pleased Collins was full of praise for was serving well, playing solid,” she worked out a way to come Kvitova, who defeated her at a Nadal told reporters. from behind and make her warm-up tournament in Bris- Nadal was forced to retire hurt more experienced opponent bane earlier this month. in the fi fth set of last year’s quar- wilt under pressure. “I followed a lot of her ca- ter-fi nal against eventual fi nal- “I knew that she was nerv- reer. She’s an incredible cham- ist Marin Cilic, eight years after ous. I knew that she was phys- pion, she’s has gone through a pulling out midway through his ically deteriorating,” said Col- lot,” Collins said. last-eight clash against Andy lins, who will play two-time “We had a really great bat- Murray with a knee injury. Wimbledon champion Petra tle a couple weeks ago, one of “It’s very emotional for me to Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory against Frances Tiafoe of the US in their Australian Open quarter-final in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) Kvitova in the last four. the best matches I’ve played be back in the semi-fi nal in Mel- “I decided that I wanted to even though I didn’t even win bourne,” Nadal said on court. “I Grand Slams twice, saved both play some long points, extend the match. So I’m very familiar had some troubles in this event breakpoints he faced. some rallies. I went after my with her.” all my career. Tiafoe, the son of immigrants “To be back to the semi-fi - from Sierra Leone, was content nal without playing for a while with his performance and said means everything to me. So I just it was an “unbelievable” experi- want to say thank you very, very ence on Rod Laver Arena. much everybody. Great feelings, “I knew he was going to bring to be able to play in this court is crazy intensity, I knew the ball always so special. was going to be jumping. I knew “And of course I’m very happy if he got hold of a forehand, it was with the way I played tonight.” going to be barbecued chicken,” Doubts about his ability to Tiafoe said. “But point in, point withstand seven matches on out, I’ve never seen someone so hardcourts were reinforced locked in.” when he retired in the US Open For a place in the fi nal, Nadal semi-fi nal against Juan Martin will meet 20-year-old Greek del Potro last year. sensation Tsitsipas, who earlier His season also ended early on Tuesday became his coun- with ankle surgery and an ab- try’s fi rst player to reach the last dominal injury. four at a major with a 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) triumph over Span- REMODELLED SERVE iard Roberto Bautista Agut. Nadal is leaving no stone un- After destroying Alex de turned in Melbourne to win an- Minaur, the highly-regarded other major and has brought a 19-year-old local, in straight remodelled serve aimed at gen- sets in the third round and Tia- erating more pace which once foe in the last eight, Tsitsipas again worked eff ectively yester- will be the latest youngster to day. test Nadal. His serve was only threatened “When you face these young Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas reacts after a point against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut during their Australian in the fourth game of the second players, they are in permanent Open quarter-final in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) set but the Spaniard, who is bid- improvement. He’s with con- ding to become the fi rst man in fi dence. He won a lot of good “For me is always the same: easy opponent. Stefanos is one in that fi nal, I need to play my Danielle Collins of the US hits a return against Russia’s Anastasia the Open Era, and only the third matches. Will be a tough one,” you are in the semi-fi nals of a of the best players of the world. best, and that’s what I am look- Pavlyuchenkova during their quarter-final on day nine of the man ever, to win each of the four Nadal said. Grand Slam, you can’t expect an “To have the chance to be ing for.” Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, January 23, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Trubisky, Watson to replace Goff , Warriors romp past Brady in Pro Bowl

Reuters New York

ared Goff and Tom Brady have plans, opening Pro Lakers, 76ers shoot Bowl roster spots for Chicago quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and Houston’s Deshaun Watson to partici- pate in the all-star game in Florida this weekend. ‘It’s one of those games in JGoff and the Los Angeles Rams are bound for Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, winning the NFC Championship game on the course of season that Sunday in New Orleans. Brady and the New England Patri- ots are making the familiar trip for the AFC after a victory you just have to wash away’ in Kansas City. Trubisky, whose Bears won the NFC North, down Rockets guided Chicago to a win over Goff ’s Rams in December. AFP Watson and the Texans lost to Brady’s Patriots in Week 3. New York It is the fi rst Pro Bowl for both quarterbacks, who were drafted in the fi rst round in 2017. One teammate Watson won’t reunite with this week is defensive lineman J.J. Watt. lay Thompson’s blistering per- Watt was replaced Monday by Jaguars defensive end Calais formance from three-point range Campbell. propelled the Golden State War- Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees riors to a 130-111 NBA victory over and Michael Thomas are both passing on the Pro Bowl, and Kthe injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers on they’ll be replaced by another dynamic NFC duo: Dallas Monday. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Am- Thompson joined former Denver Nug- ari Cooper, who blossomed in nine games with the Cow- gets point guard Ty Lawson as the only NBA boys after arriving midseason via trade from Oakland. players to make their fi rst 10 attempts from Raiders tight end Jared Cook was also added to the Pro three-point range, fi nishing 10-for-11 from Bowl roster on Monday, replacing Kansas City Chiefs tight beyond the arc and 17-of-20 overall for 44 end Travis Kelce. Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane points before sitting out the fourth quarter. Johnson is another joining the group. He was named as a By then the two-time defending champi- replacement for Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith. on Warriors were up 110-80 against a Lak- Pro Bowl practice begins Wednesday and the game will ers team missing injured superstar LeBron be played Sunday in Orlando, Fla. In 2018, Watson became James along with guards Rajon Rondo and the fi rst player with 4,000 passing yards, 25 passing touch- Lonzo Ball. downs, 500 rushing yards and fi ve rushing touchdowns in “Regardless, it’s a good win,” Thomp- a single season in NFL history. Trubisky is the fi rst Bears son said after the Warriors wrapped up an quarterback to make the Pro Bowl since Jim McMahon in eighth straight victory. 1986. He passed for 3,223 yards and 24 touchdowns and Kevin Durant added 20 points for the rushed for 421 yards and three scores. Warriors and Stephen Curry supplied 11 Meanwhile the NFL is “looking into” a report by a Kan- points and 12 assists, but it was Thompson sas City television station that a laser pointer was aimed at in the spotlight having clearly sorted out the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the shooting troubles plaguing him in late De- AFC Championship game on Sunday. KMBC shot video cember. that showed a green dot fl ickering around Brady’s shoulder and face. ESPN reported an NFL spokesman confi rmed the RESULTS incident was being investigated. According to the television station report, the laser was visible around Brady’s face Philadelphia 121-93 Houston and shoulder before he threw an interception in the fourth Golden State 130-111 Lakers quarter. The Patriots declined to comment on the report and the Chiefs said they were not aware of the incident Portland 109-104 Utah during the game, won by New England 37-31 in overtime. Boston 107-99 Miami New Orleans 105-85 Memphis Brooklyn 123-94 Sacramento Wild acquire Hunt from Orlando 122-103 Atlanta Golden Knights Washington 101-87 Detroit Milwaukee 116-106 Dallas The Wild acquired defenseman Brad Hunt from Vegas on Monday evening, shortly after Minnesota beat the Chicago 104-88 Cleveland Golden Knights 4-2 in Las Vegas. Oklahoma 127-109 New York Minnesota sent a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft to Vegas and also received a 2019 sixth-rounder in “When you’ve got the hot hand you’re return. just looking for an ounce of space - that’s all Hunt, 30, hasn’t played since Jan. 4 and had been a you need is an inch or two, that thing’s just Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors drives on Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 130-111 Warriors win at Staples healthy scratch in 29 of the Golden Knights’ past 33 fl icking off the wrist so easy,” Thompson Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images/AFP) games. He has two goals and five assists and is plus-3 in said. “It was one of those nights.” 13 games this season after posting career highs of three In Philadelphia, 76ers big man Joel Embi- behind as the half ended with the 76ers Thunder routed the Knicks 127-109. scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to goals and 15 assists in 45 games with Vegas last season. id scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds leading 65-50. Philadelphia out-scored the Germany’s Dennis Schroder added 17 power the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks over Hunt averaged less ice time (15:10 per game) than any as the hosts withstood a 37-point perform- Rockets 29-13 in the third period pushing points off the bench while Jerami Grant visiting Dallas 116-106. other defenseman on Vegas’ roster this season, his sixth ance from James Harden in a 121-93 victory their lead to as many as 31 points. With the and reserve Abdel Nader each contributed Slovenian rookie Luka Doncic led Dallas NHL campaign. He began his career with three partial over the Houston Rockets. Harden notched game out of reach, Harden sat out a fourth 16 points for Oklahoma City (28-18) in the with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists - years with the Edmonton Oilers (2013-16) before stints his 20th straight game with 30 or more quarter that saw both team’s starters mostly Martin Luther King Jr. holiday romp. the fi rst triple-double of his NBA career. with the St. Louis Blues (2016-17) and Nashville Preda- points, but the Rockets were no match for on the bench. Harden admitted that the The Thunder jumped ahead 34-16 after The 19-year-old joined 76ers guard Mar- tors (2016-17). the 76ers in a sometimes testy encounter. Rockets may have been feeling the eff ects the fi rst quarter and never looked back after kelle Fultz as the only teenagers ever to post Hunt then signed with Vegas in July 2017. Embiid added two assists, two steals and of two straight overtime games – a loss to quieting the Madison Square Garden crowd. triple-doubles – scoring in double fi gures in To make room on their roster, the Wild reassigned de- three blocked shots, provoking the ire of Brooklyn on Wednesday and a win over the The Thunder, third in the Western Con- three key statistical categories - but didn’t fenseman Louie Belpedio to the AHL Iowa Wild. Harden in the fi nal minute of the fi rst half Lakers on Saturday. ference behind Golden State and Denver, is feel much like celebrating. “I’m happy for Belpedio, 22, has played in just two NHL games this sea- when he leaned in to guard the reigning NBA “It’s one of those games in the course keeping a focus on the playoff s even as they my triple-double, but I would prefer a win son, Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Most Valuable Player as he drove toward the of an 82-game season that you just have take care of business during the season. for sure and I didn’t play good at all,” Doncic Monday at Vegas. He had no points and an even rating basket. Harden hit the court and as he rose to wash away,” Harden said. In New York, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks (10-36) said. D’Angelo Russell scored 31 points and in an average of 13:08 in ice time. In his only previous the two traded words, both drawing techni- Oklahoma City’s Paul George scored 31 with 23 points, but New York’s losing streak handed out eight assists to lead the Brook- NHL appearance, he produced two assists last season in cal fouls. points while Russell Westbrook added 17 stretched to six games. lyn Nets to a fourth straight victory, 123-94 his Minnesota debut. Embiid then blocked a Harden shot from points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo over the Sacramento Kings

NHL Panthers push past Sharks with big third period Reuters over the Los Angeles Kings. Nashville Miami RESULTS center Ryan Johansen served the last of his two-game suspension for high Predators 4-1 Avalanche sticking. rank Vatrano recorded his fi rst Los Angeles 4-3 St. Louis After a scoreless fi rst period, the four-point game, Florida broke Minnesota 4-2 Las Vegas second had plenty of off ense. The Ava- a third-period tie with three lanche had a chance to take the early Florida 6-2 San Jose quick goals, and the Panthers lead, but Rinne stopped Matt Nieto’s cruisedF to a 6-2 win over the San Jose shot from just inside the blue line, and penalty shot at 3:30. Sharks on Monday in Sunrise, Fla. Couture defl ected it past Luongo for Soon after, Nashville struck. Calle Vatrano had a goal and a career- his 18th goal. Jarnkrok, who had two assists, stole a high three assists, and Aaron Ekblad, Florida broke out in a two-on-one clearing pass by Colorado defenseman Mike Matheson, Keith Yandle, Vin- rush less than two minutes later, and Nikita Zadorov at the blue line and fed cent Trocheck and Nick Bjugstad also Matheson cashed in on a pass from Bonino, who beat Varlamov between scored for Florida. Aleksander Barkov Dadonov by one-timing his fourth goal the pads at 5:01. It was his 100th career had three assists, and Evgenii Dadonov for a 2-1 lead at 6:07. goal. added two. Meier shoved a puck past Luongo at The Predators struck again when Goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 27 13:20 of the middle period to tie it at 2. Filip Forsberg sent a stretch pass to shots for the Panthers, who enter the The Panthers challenged for goalie in- Arvidsson along the far boards, and All-Star break on a three-game win- terference, but the play was reviewed he skated behind the net and scored ning streak. and confi rmed, giving Meier his 19th a wraparound goal before Varlamov Timo Meier had a goal and an assist, goal. Florida regained the lead in the could get his skate to the post at 6:35. It and Logan Couture also scored for the third period for the third time by scor- was his 19th of the season. Sharks, who lost their third straight. ing two power-play goals in nine sec- Colorado got one back when Sam- San Jose plays the Capitals in Wash- onds after a double-minor penalty uel Girard sent a pass from the point ington on Tuesday before entering the on San Jose’s Evander Kane for high- to Kerfoot, who was positioned to the All-Star break. San Jose goalie Martin sticking Bjugstad. Yandle fi red in his right of Rinne and tipped it in for his Jones stopped 16 of 21 shots before he seventh at 2:27, and shortly after the ninth at 16:43 of the second period. was replaced in the third period by ensuing faceoff , Trocheck rifl ed in his The Predators came right back when Aaron Dell, who made eight saves on fi fth off a pass from Vatrano. Josi beat Varlamov on a give-and-go the nine shots he faced. After going Vatrano recorded his 16th goal on a with Austin Watson at 17:58 to make without a shot for more than 10 min- backhander on a two-on-one breaka- it 3-1. The Avalanche nearly scored utes, Florida tallied when Barkov fed way to chase Jones from the game at Florida Panthers center Frank Vatrano scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones during the third period at early in the third period when JT Com- a pass to a trailing Ekblad, and the de- 7:22 of the third. Bjugstad scored Flor- BB&T Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports pher came out of the box and picked fenseman snapped in his 10th marker ida’s third power-play goal at 19:22. up a loose puck in the neutral zone. He at 17:21 of the fi rst period. Ellis also scored, and the Nashville gave coach Peter Laviolette his 600th its last 14 games, played without Erik skated in wide, but Rinne stopped his San Jose tied it 4:21 into the second PREDATORS POST WIN OVER Predators beat the Colorado Avalanche career victory. Johnson. The Avalanche’s top defense- shot to keep it a two-goal lead. period with relentless pressure around SINKING AVALANCHE 4-1 on Monday in Denver. Pekka Rinne Alexander Kerfoot had a goal, and man went into the concussion protocol Varlamov came off for an extra skat- Luongo as the Panthers failed to clear Nick Bonino had a goal and an assist, stopped 35 shots for the Predators, who Semyon Varlamov had 23 saves for the after being hit in the jaw with the puck er with 3:17 left, and Ellis scored into the zone. Brent Burns zipped in a long Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi and Ryan ended a two-game losing streak and Avalanche. Colorado, which is 3-9-2 in in the fi rst period of a Saturday win the empty net 24 seconds later. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 23, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Education City Golf Club is the latest destination to achieve worldclass.golf recognition Agencies Education City’s six-hole Education City Golf Club has all Doha course features two par 3’s, three the necessary facets to become par 4’s and one par fi ve and has one of the foremost golf acad- been designed by Olazabal to al- emies in world golf, and really esigned by José Maria low juniors, beginners and fami- does have to be seen to be be- Olazabal, the Educa- lies the opportunity to experi- lieved,” said Lenihan. tion City Golf Club ence a world-class golf course in “In fact the entire golf opera- in Doha is the latest a shorter format. tion is truly world-class, and the world-classD destination to join A fl oodlit nine-hole par 3 visitor journey and on-course worldclass.golf – a portfolio of course completes the off ering, experience for guests will un- the world’s premier golf courses, with holes ranging from 100-175 questionably be one of the fi nest destinations and resorts. yards in length. in the region.” Located on the outskirts of The Centre of Excellence at Accepting the invitation to Doha, Education City Golf Club Education City provides world- join woldclass.golf, general is set against the backdrop of class practice facilities, and is manager at Education City Golf the Education City Stadium that destined to become one the Club, Michael Braidwood said: will host FIFA World Cup 2022 regions best seats of learning. “I read with interest the launch matches up-to the quarter fi nal With state-of-the-art equip- last Autumn of worldclass.golf, stages. ment including Trackman, and knew instantly that Educa- Olazá bal has designed a 33- Putting Lab, Swing Studio and a tion City Golf Club would meet hole facility that includes as its double-ended driving range, the the key criteria for entry. We’ve centrepiece, an 18-hole champi- Centre of Excellence at Educa- worked hard behind the scenes onship course that weaves it way tion City was the crowning glory to ensure that we have one of the through desert and wadi terrain, which lead to an invitation to join best facilities in the world, and with the fi rst few holes purpose- worldclass.golf, according to when the invitation to join likely designed to route golfers to an publisher and managing direc- minded destinations within the ancient wadi wall that sets the tor, Michael Lenihan who visited worldclass.golf portfolio was tone for the remainder of the on- the destination last month. extended, I had no hesitation in course experience. “The Centre of Excellence at accepting.” Education City Golf Club in Doha.

RUGBY BOXING Pacquiao on the mend aft er Gatland taking stock scratched cornea

AFP Los Angeles

he eye injury Manny Pacquiao suff ered in a unanimous- of options as ‘Wexit’ decision win over Adrian Broner is a scratched cornea, and the Filipino ring icon is already on the mend, a Tspokesman for Pacquiao’s camp said. ‘I’ve had a couple of discussions with some people at the The New York Daily News had reported that some in Pacqui- ao’s camp feared he had suff ered a potentially career-threatening moment but there is definitely nothing concrete. Maybe detached retina in beating Broner to retain the World Boxing As- sociation “regular” welterweight world title – the lesser of two at the end of the World Cup I’ll be unemployed’ WBA welterweight belts to that of unbeaten US “super cham- looms pion” Keith Thurman. Reuters Nations campaign in 2007 and In fact, the 40-year-old fi ghter had already shed his eye patch Cardiff what will be his last. “What’s and was feeling fi t enough to attend Monday night’s NBA game changed about it is how com- between the reigning champion Golden State Warriors and the petitive the Six Nations has be- Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. utgoing Wales coach come,” he added. But the eye injury – possibly caused by loose tape on Broner’s Warren Gatland is gloves – wasn’t the only bad news for Pacquiao in an otherwise keeping his options LOCAL FOCUS productive weekend. A Los Angeles home owned by Pacquiao was wide open as he seeks “There was a period when every- burgled while he was in Las Vegas, sources said, but it wasn’t im- newO challenges after his swan one said it was between England mediately clear what was taken. song with the side at the Rugby and France and that those two It’s not the fi rst time a prominent sportsman has had a home World Cup in Japan later this year. teams should play on the fi nal burglarised in Los Angeles. The 55-year-old has an- weekend, and everyone else just Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig was the victim of nounced he will not extend his made up the numbers. at least four burglaries in an 18-month period while he was play- 12-year stay with Wales after the “Italy are still playing a bit ing in Major League Baseball games or otherwise fulfi lling team global showpiece tournament of catch-up but the other fi ve duties. Thieves have also targeted the home of Los Angeles Rams that concludes in early Novem- teams, on their day, are capa- receiver Robert Woods. ber and despite talks with vari- ble of beating each other and of Pacquiao, who improved to 61-7 with two drawn and 39 knock- ous parties, he has no defi nite winning the Six Nations. outs after his win over Broner, has indicated that he will continue plans for his next move. “It is great for the game and to fi ght even though he has obligations as a Philippines senator. “I’ve had a couple of discus- for northern hemisphere rugby, “I will ask my promoters who’s next and we will announce that sions with some people at the the fans and the sponsors (that) in proper time,” promised Pacquiao, who said he would be more moment but there is defi nitely we don’t have one or two teams than willing to climb into the ring again with Floyd Mayweather nothing concrete. Maybe at the dominating.” in a bid to avenge his 2015 loss to the undefeated American which end of the World Cup I’ll be un- Gatland added that for him, became the richest one-day sporting event in history. employed,” the New Zealander Six Nations success had always “Tell him to come back to the ring and we will fi ght,” Pacquiao told reporters. been the biggest goal outside of said. “I was looking to take a few World Cup tournaments ahead months off and then start look- of success against southern ing in the middle of 2020, po- hemisphere teams. FOCUS tentially do some Super Rugby “This is the competition we in New Zealand if there was an really focus on. We’re in no opportunity. doubt that during my tenure “But I am also aware that there we’re disappointed we haven’t Russia avoids new are not a lot of jobs in New Zea- had more success against south- land. That might not be an op- ern hemisphere teams, but that tion. So it’s whether it is back in hasn’t always been our focus,” doping penalties over club rugby in the (English) Pre- he said. miership or France or Japan, or “Our focus has been on doing something like that.” well in the Six Nations, where missed deadline: WADA Gatland is seeking to lead history and points, and pride are AFP Wales to a fourth Six Nations at stake. I think we’ll do well in Montreal triumph during his tenure when this Six Nations.” they begin their 2019 campaign Wales have been drawn in against France in Paris on Febru- Pool D at the World Cup, open- ussia remains under scrutiny even though it will not be ary 1. ing against Georgia in Toyota punished for missing a December deadline to allow access He also admitted that there on Sept. 23, before concluding to the Moscow laboratory at the centre of alleged state- had been a levelling of the play- group play with matches against sponsored doping, the World Anti Doping Agency said ing fi eld between his fi rst Six Australia, Fiji and Uruguay. yesterday.R WADA’s Executive Committee decided to take no further Outgoing Wales coach Warren Gatland. action at a meeting earlier in the day and the agency announced the decision in a press release followed by a press conference. “Several members of the (Executive Committee) voiced their disappointment that the deadline had been missed but agreed SOUQ WAQIF EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL that no sanction in that regard should be imposed,” WADA Pres- ident Craig Reedie said. WADA had conditionally lifted a ban on RUSADA in September last year, with one of the conditions being the granting of access to thousands of samples at the tainted Moscow lab by the end of 2018. But when a WADA team arrived last month, Russian authorities raised issues with the certifi ca- tion of their equipment under Russian law. Reedie and Jonathan Taylor, who heads WADA’s Compliance Review Committee, both said that the agency had followed its rules and precedents set in other cases. “Data was provided late. Data was provided after the deadline,” Taylor said, before adding: “We decided this case should be treated the same as others.” Reedie said “signifi cant progress” had been made in “resolv- ing the Russian doping matter”, but WADA warned though that if any doping data from Russia was tampered with, it would take swift action. “If that review were to confi rm tampering, the CRC would consider that to be extremely serious non-compliance and can be expected to recommend that WADA pursues the most stringent sanctions.” Gunter Younger, Director of the WADA In- Julaibeeb Al Fahad with connections after it won Class 8 A in the Souq Waqif nternational Equestrian telligence and Investigations Department, explained in a letter Festival yesterday. Hilal Al Waab with connections after it topped Class 8 B. that his team of experts “have obtained a forensic image of the entire central server”. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 23, 2019 7 CRICKET

SECOND ODI TEST SERIES England begin Van der Dussen leads crucial year with tour to West Indies AFP elegant left-handed style would Bridgetown, Barbados normally make him an automatic selection except that a Twit- South Africa to victory ter tirade against CWI president ngland are solid favour- Dave Cameron in November of ites although history is 2016 led to his alienation from Van der Dussen and Phehlukwayo put on an unbeaten 127 stand for the sixth wicket on the side of the under- the team until now. dog West Indies ahead of A polarising fi gure in West In- theE fi rst Test of the three-match dies cricket at the best of times, series starting today at Kensing- Cameron has also become the ton Oval in Bridgetown. Riding centre of an internal squabble in a wave of fi ve consecutive vic- the regional cricket administra- tories — eight in nine matches tion with representatives of the going back to the last English Leeward Islands making public summer — which includes series their dissatisfaction with the wins over top-ranked India and process of the appointment of an historic sweep in Sri Lanka, Richard Pybus as interim head the tourists appear supremely coach for the period covering the confi dent of overturning the dis- England visit, the 2019 World appointments of their last two Cup and the India tour to the Caribbean campaigns. Caribbean in July and August. England have only won one Pybus is viewed as a con- Test series in the West Indies in troversial fi gure in Caribbean the past 50 years, a 3-0 triumph cricket circles notwithstanding in 2004, and failed to live up to the historic treble of successes expectations in 2009, when they in 2016 — men’s and women’s lost 1-0, and again in 2015 when a World T20 and Under-19 World fi ve-wicket triumph inside three Cup — when he was Director of days by the unfancied hosts at Cricket. He returned to West In- the same Kensington Oval venue dies administration in the post resulted in a shared series. of High Performance Director a While the weight of expec- year ago and the Englishman’s tation will be on the visitors’ appointment as coach to re- shoulders, West Indies face a place Australian Stuart Law has daunting task to halt a run of four prompted criticism from nota- consecutive defeats, all with- ble personalities in the region, South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen plays a pull shot during the second one-day international against Pakistan at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. (AFP) in three days, on a disastrous including two-time World T20- Asian tour late last year which winning captain Darren Sammy. AFP Pakistan crashed to 112 for eight after be- saw them being brushed aside England’s build-up to the se- Durban, South Africa ing sent in to bat. But Hasan Ali, batting SCOREBOARD by both India and Bangladesh in ries has been serene by compari- at number ten, hit a career-best 59 off 45 two-Test series. son although in a year which in- balls and helped captain Sarfraz Ahmed PAKISTAN INNINGS H. Amla b Shaheen Shah Afridi 8 England have a settled look to cludes their hosting of the World endrick ‘Rassie’ van der Dus- (41) put on 90 for the ninth wicket to en- Imam-ul-Haq c Phehlukwayo b Rabada 5 H. van der Dussen not out 80 their team and took the weekend Cup, where they are expected to sen and Andile Phehlukwayo able Pakistan to reach 203. off training following two satis- be one of the favourites, followed guided South Africa to a series- Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Fakhar Zaman c Miller b Olivier 26 F. du Plessis c Sarfraz b Afridi 8 factory two-day matches against by the Ashes series against arch- levelling win in a roller-coaster Afridi took wickets in each of his fi rst Babar Azam c Phehlukwayo b Rabada 12 D. Miller c Imam-ul-Haq b Shadab 31 a Cricket West Indies XI at the rivals Australia, they can ill af- secondH one-day international against three overs to reduce South Africa to 29 3Ws Oval just outside Bridget- ford to stumble so early against M Hafeez c Du Plessis b Phehlukwayo 9 H. Klaasen b Shadab Khan 0 Pakistan at Kingsmead yesterday. for three. Van der Dussen and David Mill- own. By contrast the West Indies a team they will be expected to S Malik c Hendricks b Phehlukwayo 21 A. Phehlukwayo not out 69 The pair came together when South er (31) put on 51 for the fourth wicket but squad refl ects both a lack of con- defeat comfortably. Africa were 80 for fi ve in reply to Paki- leg-spinner Shadab Khan struck with his Shadab K c Van der Dussen b Shamsi 18 Extras (lb2, w4) 6 tinuity in selection and the par- On a Kensington Oval pitch stan’s 203. They put on an unbeaten 127 second and third deliveries to swing the Hussain Talat st Klaasen b Shamsi 2 Total (5 wkts, 42 overs) 207 lous state of the domestic game. expected to off er assistance to as South Africa won by fi ve wickets with odds back towards Pakistan. John Campbell looks certain to the faster bowlers, the tourists Sarfraz Ahmed b Phehlukwayo 41 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Amla), 2-15 eight overs to spare. Van der Dussen, 29, Phehlukwayo seemed unable to read make his Test debut opening the are likely to go into the opening (Hendricks), 3-29 (Du Plessis), 4-80 playing in his second one-day interna- Shadab’s deliveries and a key moment Faheem Ashraf lbw b Shamsi 0 batting alongside the established Test with one specialist spinner (Miller), 5-80 (Klaasen) tional, made an unbeaten 80 after scoring came with his score on seven when he was Hasan Ali c Du Plessis b Phehlukwayo 59 Kraigg Brathwaite. However the in Moeen Ali while seam bowling Bowling: Faheem Ashraf 7-0-32-0, 93 on debut in South Africa’s fi ve-wicket given out leg before wicket to Shadab. He Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 1 25-year-old’s fi rst-class average all-rounders Ben Stokes and Sam defeat in the fi rst match in Port Elizabeth. asked for a review which showed the ball Shaheen Shah Afridi 9-0-44-3 (2w), of 30 suggests he will face a stern Curran should provide ample “What you look for in new players is was spinning past his leg stump. “There Extras (lb2, w7) 9 Mohammad Hafeez 6-0-36-0, Hasan Ali challenge from England senior support to Anderson and Broad. composure and calmness at the crease. were too many soft wickets,” Sarfraz said Total (45.5 overs) 203 8-0-31-0, Shadab Khan 10-0-46-2, Hus- pace spearheads Jimmy Ander- sain Talat 2-0-16-0 (1w) We’re looking for big-match players. of Pakistan’s top-order batting. “Hasan Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Imam), 2-37 (Azam), son and Stuart Broad, who need TEAMS (PROBABLE): Ali batted very well. We had a chance at just two more wickets to lift their He’s smashing that door down for a per- 3-58 (Hafeez), 4-58 (Zaman), 5-85 Did not bat: K. Rabada, D. Paterson, D. West Indies — Jason Holder manent position in our strongest XI,” said 80 for fi ve. We needed one more wicket.” combined tally of Test victims (Shadab), 6-92 (Talat), 7-107 (Malik), 8-112 Olivier, T. Shamsi (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, John South African captain Faf du Plessis. South Africa dominated the early ex- to 1,000. Another newcomer (Ashraf), 9-202 (Sarfraz) Result: South Africa won by five wickets Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shai Phehlukwayo was named man-of-the- changes. Four batsmen succumbed to in the West Indies squad of 13, match after two career-best performanc- short-pitched bowling from South Afri- Bowling: Rabada 9-1-35-2 (2w), Pater- Series: The 5-match series is level at 1-1 30-year-old middle-order bats- Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston es. He took four for 22 in Pakistan’s in- ca’s seam bowlers, while three fell to left- son 8-1-37-0 (2w), Olivier 9-0-51-1 (1w), Remaining matches: man Shamarh Brooks who aver- Chase, Shane Dowrich (wicket- Phehlukwayo 9.5-2-22-4 (1w), Shamsi keeper), Kemar Roach, Alzarri nings and then scored 69 not out to share arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. January 25, Centurion ages 33 but has endured a poor Du Plessis’s praise for what he said was an Kagiso Rabada started Pakistan’s slide 10-0-56-3 (1w) season so far in the inter-terri- Joseph, Shannon Gabriel. January 27, Johannesburg outstanding partnership. when he dismissed Imam-ul-Haq and SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS torial fi rst-class competition, is England — Joe Root (captain), The match went through several phas- Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman and Shoaib R. Hendricks c Sarfraz b Afridi 5 January 30, Cape Town unlikely to make the fi nal 11 es- Keaton Jennings, Rory Burns, es. An early fi nish seemed likely when Malik also fell to short balls. pecially given the return to Test Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos duty of Darren Bravo after more Buttler, Ben Foakes (wicketkeep- than two years out of the team. er), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Stuart FOCUS Bravo’s Test average of 40 and Broad, Jimmy Anderson. Kohli vs Taylor headline India-New Zealand series AFP Zealand’s Tom Latham showing just how They go into this series with Taylor Indian batsmen following the veteran’s Wellington ripe the pitch is by smashing 110 off just fresh from scoring 54, 90 and 137 in the 51, 55 not out and 87 not out to show 60 deliveries, including 10 fours and six 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka, while Kohli he was clearly in form during the three sixes, in a domestic Twenty20 match last produced innings of three, 104 and 46 in matches against Australia. irat Kohli and Ross Taylor will week. the 2-1 series win against Australia. But The last time New Zealand played India vie to prove they are the world’s “I think it’s going to be a high-scoring Taylor — with Latham, Kane Williamson at McLean Park was four years ago when best one-day international aff air,” declared New Zealand coach Dav- and Martin Guptill to back him up in the Kohli scored 123, but his 111-ball knock batsman as India and New Zea- id Stead yesterday. “I’ll be surprised if it’s runs department — cautioned against was in vain as Williamson (71) and Taylor Vland clash in the fi rst of fi ve ODIs in Na- not. The wicket is hard and bouncy and New Zealand focusing too much on Kohli. (55) set up a 24-run win for New Zealand. pier today. For both sides, the series is an the outfi eld is lightning fast as well.” “He’s a sensational player, the best And although India have the higher opportunity to fi ne-tune planning ahead Since the start of last year Taylor has one-day player going around, easily. It’s ranking, their history in New Zealand — of the World Cup. averaged a stunning 92 from 13 innings easy to get caught up in him. You’ve got where conditions are similar to what they But for Kohli and Taylor — currently and became the fi rst New Zealander to two pretty good openers at the top, Shar- can expect in the upcoming World Cup in ranked fi rst and third in the world respec- score 20 ODI hundreds. However, his ma and Dhawan, before he gets in.” England and Wales — is not so good. They tively — it’s a more personal battle, with performance has been shaded by an even Rohit Sharma ranks ahead of Taylor at have only won 10 of 35 matches in New both in electric form and looking to gain more phenomenal average of 113 in 17 in- number two in the world, while Shikhar Zealand, with a sole series win nine years a psychological edge. The McLean Park nings by Kohli, who has 39 ODI hundreds Dhawan is ranked ninth. Taylor could also ago. The last time they were in New Zea- England’s Ben Stokes (right) and James Anderson at nets session at wicket promises to be a belter, with New to his name in total. have added MS Dhoni to the list of feared land, in 2014, they were beaten 4-0. Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Langer calls on Australian batsmen to step up against Sri Lanka AFP recalled to the squad for the fi rst time Pat Cummins, with veteran Peter Sid- Brisbane, Australia since the South Africa tour early last dle also included. But Hazlewood has year and could open the innings with since been ruled out of the series with rookie Marcus Harris, who did enough a back injury, opening the door for Jhye oach Justin Langer yester- against India to keep his place. Richardson, who impressed in the one- day said senior batsman Us- But they face competition from Matt day series against India. man Khawaja must convert Renshaw, who has been handed anoth- Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh were solid starts into hundreds, as er opportunity despite misfi ring in the co-vice captains of Australia and with AustraliaC look to bounce back from a domestic Sheffi eld Shield this season. both now missing, Travis Head and crushing loss to India when they face Young batting prodigy Will Pucovski Cummins were elevated to the roles Sri Lanka this week. was the surprise pick for the series and yesterday. “It is a fi tting reward for Australia axed Aaron Finch, Peter is widely tipped to make his debut this their professionalism and dedication Handscomb and the Marsh broth- week. Langer wouldn’t reveal whether to drive the elite standards of the Aus- ers, Shaun and Mitch, after the India the 20-year-old would be in the start- tralian men’s Test team,” said national humbling. But Khawaja survived and ing XI, but said he watched him in the selector Trevor Hohns. Langer is looking for fi reworks from his nets on Tuesday and “he’s a very, very India’s series win was the fi rst time number three. “I had a good hit with good-looking player”. “There’s always they had achieved the feat in 70 years him yesterday actually in the nets up those considerations (whether Pucov- of trying in Australia, and Sri Lanka here at Allan Border Field in Brisbane,” ski is ready for Test cricket)... probably are taking confi dence from what Virat Langer told SEN radio of Khawaja, who the toughest part of the job is selection Kohli’s men were able to do. “I think has a top score of just 72 this summer and you weigh it up and that’s all that’s India speaks loud,” Sri Lanka bowling across Tests and ODIs. on your mind really,” said Langer. “But coach Rumesh Ratnayake said yester- “He admitted he’s been frustrated. he’s a terrifi c young bloke. Regardless day. “For the Indians to come here, in But he seems fi ne. He’s in the best Australian cricket team pose for a photo before a practice session at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) of if he plays or not, it’s a great learning batting and bowling and even in the physical condition of his life, he’s train- experience for him at the moment.” fi elding, they showed the world every ing hard, he’s playing well, but that’s our most senior batsman. He needs and Australia play two Tests against Sri all their batsmen under pressure to do Despite the 2-1 India series loss, se- place they go to is a home (away) from often the way in Test cricket. We need we need him to turn some of those great Lanka, starting under lights and with a better against the sixth-ranked team in lectors kept faith with their pace attack home. I believe we can take that from him to stand up. He knows that, he’s starts into hundreds for us.” pink ball at the Gabba tomorrow, with the world. In-form Joe Burns has been of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and the Indians, and we can go forward.”

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ACC WESTER REGION T20 Qatar record dramatic victory against Kuwait

atar beat Kuwait in a Super In the day’s other game yester- Over eliminator after the day, Saudi Arabia defeated winless Qatar batsman Mohamed Tanveer receives match ended in a tie after Maldives by 6 wickets, registering his Man of the Match award from Ali Moosa regulation overs in the ACC its first victory of the tournament of Oman Cricket Association. QT20 Western Region championship after two straight losses to Bahrain in Muscat yesterday. and Qatar. Having scored the required six Riding on Ibrarul haq’s brilliant runs off the fi rst three balls, Qatar all-round performance, Saudi se- owed their Super Over victory to a cured an easy win. Rishwan Moham- superb over by Iqbal Hussain, who ed made another half-century (67 off restricted Kuwait to only fi ve runs, 54) while Ibrar claimed three wickets laying the foundation for a comfort- and Abdul Wahid picked up two for able win after the teams’ 20-over Qatar. Saudi raced to the target in clash ended in a stalemate. just 17 overs, scoring 14 for 7 thanks Mohamed Tanveer’s (53 not out) to Ibrar’s whirlwind 49 off 23 and and Faisal Javed (25) made signifi cant Mohamed Nadeem’s 43 off 30. contributions to Qatar’s total of 155 for 6. Kuwait couldn’t do any better Brief scores and had to settle for 155 for 8 in its Qatar 155 for 6 off 20 overs quota of 20 overs, Mohamed Kashif (M.Tanveer 53*; I.Ali 3-26) vs Kuwait (53), Meet Bhavsar (38) and Moham- 155 for 8 off 20 overs (M Asghar 35, ed Asghar (35) being its main scorers. M Kashif 53, M Bhavsar 38). Player Bahrain and Qatar are now the only of the Match: Mohamed Tanveer undefeated teams in the fi ve-nation (Qatar) tournament with two wins from as Maldives: 139 for 7 off 20 overs (R. many games so far. In today’s match, Mohamed 67; I. Ul-Haq 3-28) lost to Maldives will play their last game Saudi Arabia: 140 for 4 off 17 overs against Qatar, while Kuwait will take on (I. Ul-Haq 49, M Naeem 31*, M Na- in-form Bahrain and will look for a vital deem 43). Player of the Match: Ibrar win to stay alive in the championship. Ul Haq (Saudi Arabia)

SPOTLIGHT Kohli fi rst player to sweep top three ICC awards The highest scorer in both forms of the game in 2018, he was one of only two batsmen to score more than 1,000 runs in Tests and only among three to do so in ODI cricket

In this file photo taken on January 7, 2019, India’s captain Virat Kohli kisses the Border-Gavaskar trophy as the Indian team celebrate their series win on the fifth day of the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Finch bags T20 award, Pant is ICC Emerging Player of the Year

ICC to score more than 1,000 runs in something you feel proud of as a continued importance. To be rec- Dubai Tests and only among three to do cricketer because you understand ognised as a true cricketing great so in ODI cricket. that there are many players play- you need to be successful at all Kohli was the unanimous ing the game. formats of the game and Virat has irat Kohli has become choice of the ‘Voting Academy’ “To be rewarded in this manner become a great ambassador for the fi rst player in his- for the Sir Garfi eld Sobers Trophy from amongst all of them is obvi- our sport.” tory to win the Sir Gar- ously a very proud moment for Kohli had won the Sir Garfi eld fi eld Sobers Trophy for It feels amazing. It’s a me and something that gives you Trophy and ICC ODI Player of the ICCV Cricketer of the Year, the ICC more motivation to keep repeating Year awards last year and was also reward for all the hard Men’s Test Player of the Year and work that you through- the same things because you have the ICC ODI Player of the Year in the ICC ODI Player of the Year out the calendar year.’ to keep the standard of cricket up 2012. Australia’s Aaron Finch (L) and India’s Rishabh Pant awards following an extraordinary ‘ and keep bringing in consistent The ‘voting academy’ was: — Virat Kohli 2018. performances. From that point of Javed Hamid Kakar, Emal Pasarly Finch, who has been leading I started to middle consistently, said after winning the ICC ICC Not only is Kohli the fi rst play- view, these awards give you that (Afghanistan); Lisa Sthalekar, An- Cricketer of the Year, the ICC Dubai Australia in white-ball cricket, that is when I knew it was going er to win these three major ICC extra motivation.” drew Wu, Mike Hussey (Australia) Men’s Test Player of the Year and was an easy winner of the T20I to be a big one. It all happened awards together but he has also ICC Chief Executive David Ri- Utpal Shuvro, M. Farid Ahmed, the ICC ODI Player of the Year award after breaking the world pretty quick.” been named the captain of the ICC chardson praised Kohli: “Sincere Athar Ali Khan (Bangladesh); awards ustralia opener Aaron record for the highest score for Left-handed Pant produced Test and ODI teams of the year for congratulations to every one of Julian Guyer, Lawrence Booth, Finch has won the ICC the second time. The 32-year- some fine knocks during the a fabulous run in international our individual winners and those Nasser Hussain (England); Deep Men’s T20I Perform- old had struck 16 fours and 10 voting period and getting off the cricket. Kohli scored 1,322 runs at with South Africa fast bowler Ka- players named in our ICC Test Dasgupta, Sunandan Lele, Jas- ance of the Year award sixes during that 76-ball knock mark in Test cricket with a six an average of 55.08 in 13 Tests with giso Rabada coming in second to and ODI teams of the year. Spe- vinder Sidhu (India); Ian Callendar, A for the second time after his to eclipse his own record of 156 only highlighted his potential. He fi ve hundreds during the calendar him for both this award and the cial mention must go to Virat Barry Chambers (Ireland); Mark world record 172 against Zimba- against England in Southampton, scored 537 runs with a century year while in 14 ODIs he amassed ICC Test Player of the Year award. Kohli, who becomes the fi rst ever Geenty, Ian Smith (New Zealand); bwe in Harare last July was cho- which had won him the same and two fifties in eight Tests 1202 runs at an astonishing aver- Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid player to win the Sir Garfi eld So- Peter Borren (Netherlands); Ram- sen by the ICC Voting Academy. award for the year 2013-14. The during the voting period with 40 age of 133.55 with six centuries. He Khan was runner up to Kohli for bers award along with Test Player iz Raja, Abdul Mohi Shah, Mazhar Rishabh Pant of India has been knock in Harare was the second catches and two stumpings. In also scored 211 runs in 10 T20Is. the ICC ODI Player of the Year of the Year and ODI Player of the Arshad, Bazid Khan (Pakistan); named as the ICC Emerging highest in all T20 cricket and his three ODIs, he scored 4 The 30-year-old from Delhi, award. Year and be named as captain of Shaun Pollock, Neil Manthorp, Player of the Year, Scotland’s 26 boundary hits the most in a Meanwhile, India winning the ICC who fi rst came into limelight when Kohli said: “It feels amazing. both teams. Firdose Moonda (South Africa); Calum MacLeod crowned the ICC T20I innings. U19 World Cup in New Zealand he led India to victory at the ICC It’s a reward for all the hard work “This is well deserved recogni- Saroj Pathirana, Russel Arnold, Associate Player of the Year, Kane Aaron Finch, remembering the has been voted as the Fans’ U19 Cricket World Cup in Malay- that you do throughout the calen- tion for an extraordinary talent. Rex Clementine (Sri Lanka); Peter Williamson won the ICC Spirit of knock, said: “It was just one of Moment of the Year with 48 per sia in 2008, fi nished the year as dar year. I feel really grateful and His regard for the game and par- Della Penna (USA), Ian Bishop, Cricket award and Kumar Dhar- those days that things seemed cent of the votes. Afghanistan’s the top-ranked batsman in Tests very, very happy with the team ticularly for Test cricket is also Barry Wilkinson, Vinode Mam- masena is the ICC Umpire of the to go my way, so it was nice to miracle comeback at the ICC and ODIs. The highest scorer in doing well at the same time myself recognised and appreciated. He chan (West Indies); Trisan Holme, Year 2018, winning the prestigious break my own record and get Cricket World Cup Qualifier came both forms of the game in 2018, performing. Having recognition is passionate in his support of the Mehluli Sibanda, Mpumelelo David Shepherd Trophy. a 172. After I got a hundred and in second with 36 per cent votes. he was one of only two batsmen at the global level from the ICC is longest form of the game and its Mbangwa (Zimbabwe).