CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 NZ win series Messi takes aft er rain brings leadership in early end to his stride to win second Test 6th Ballon d’Or

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Rabia II 7, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS My players deserve all the credit, says humble Sanchez Asian Cup champions bounced back after a loss in the opener against with victories over Yemen and the UAE

By Sahan Bidappa

elix Sanchez is a calm- ing infl uence in the Qa- tar camp. As the Khalifa International stadium, fiF lled with more than 44,000 spectators, went berserk every time a Qatar goal was scored against the UAE on Monday, Sanchez merely did a fi st pump on the touchline. Qatar’s head coach is not the one to show too many emotions, be it in a victory or defeat. While the players led by Asian player of the year Akram Afi f celebrated on the pitch after a 4-2 win over UAE to confi rm Qatar’s place in the 24th semi- fi nals, Sanchez disappeared into the dressing room. The 43-year-old may well have Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (also left). been planning Qatar’s tactics for the last-four fi xture against Sau- beyond doubt when he headed “We conceded goals too easily di Arabia, which will be held at Qatar’s fourth in stoppage time. at crucial moments against Qa- the Al Janoub Stadium tomorrow. “It was a good game. The draw tar. We lost to a strong team, who Sanchez has been given much was not on our mind. It was our are the champions of Asia. They credit for turning a talented game and the team deserved to have been playing together for a bunch of footballers into Asia’s win. When you have 40,000 fans long time. Unfortunately, a few best but the Spaniard chooses to supporting the team it gives a of our players were injured and stay away from the limelight, as good feeling and motivation. It couldn’t play, we were also a bit he praised his players for their was a nice game for us. We are unlucky,” Van Marwijk said. worth ethic. happy as we could achieve our Van Marwijk is now looking “My players deserve all the target to qualify for the semis,” forward to the future with ut- credit,” said Sanchez on Monday. Sanchez said. most optimism. “Our project “They are working hard because “In the fi rst half, we did not started months ago with new they live the game. They are play for the draw. We started of- players, but there is a positive showing their ability to the world Iraq in the opening game dis- ers showed good level. In the sign. We are now going to rest home side ahead after 28 min- fensively and played with a win- development despite the short and deserve all the success. They rupted their Gulf Cup campaign, fi rst game against Iraq, we were and recover for the semi-fi nals,” utes before pulled ning mentality and scored two preparation period,” said the are really professionals and they albeit temporarily, Sanchez has not lucky but in the second and Sanchez said. one back for the UAE in the 33rd goals. In the second half, we 67-year-old former Netherlands don’t need to be motivated by rejuvenated the Qatar side as the third games we showed our true A draw would have been minute. But Qatar Has- scored another two goals, while and Australia manager. me. They don’t have to be pushed shown by their 6-0 thumping of potential, especially in attack enough against UAE for Qa- san al-Haydos made it 3-1 for the we did concede two goals but “We have to work hard to hard in training. My target for Yemen and then an equally au- and scored many goals. We will tar to march into the semis, but Asian champions eight minutes we are happy with our perform- achieve further development. them is to show improvements thoritative 4-2 win over UAE. continue to work hard. My play- Sanchez has drilled in a winning after half time. Mabkhout scored ance,” he added. Our project started a few months ahead of the 2022 World Cup in “I think in all the group games ers have shown great character to mentality into his players, which again for the UAE, his fi fth goal in UAE’s Dutch coach Bert van ago with new players, but there Qatar,” he added. were diff erent. We were upset af- bounce back. We are growing in was on ample display on Monday. three games, after 77 minutes but Marwijk praised the Qatar side, have been positive developments After a shock 1-2 loss against ter the fi rst match, but the play- the competition and that’s a good Afi f scored twice to put the Boualem Khoukhi put the result who he called a ‘strong team’. and we know what we have to do.”

(From left) Qatar players Abdulkarim Hassan, Tarek Salman and take part in a training session during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup. (Right) Qatar goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb during a training session. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad Gulf Times Wednesday, December 4, 2019 2

Arabian Gulf Cup personalities honoured Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) and Qatar Football Association (QFA) president HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (third from left) poses with the winners of Gulf Cup awards during a ceremony in Doha yesterday. The ceremony was held to honour personalities for their contribu- tion in the development of the regional tournament throughout its long 50-year history. The awardees are Ali al-Buanain of Bahrain, who hosted the first-ever Gulf Cup in 1970, legendary former Iraq player Hussein Saeed, 1992 Gulf Cup winner Late Mahmoud Soufi of Qatar, 2009 Gulf Cup winner Mohamed Rabie of Oman and two-time Gulf Cup winner Bashar Abdullah of .

FOCUS Deserved semi-fi nalists, beams Bahrain coach Sousa ‘We were not waiting for the mistakes of the opponent. We executed our game plan well and reached the last-four stage’

By Sports Reporter Doha

fter reaching their sec- ond straight Arabian Gulf Cup semi-fi nal, Bahrain coach Helio SousaA felt his side deserved the last-four spot in the 24th edition of the tournament. Bahrain, who are looking for their fi rst Gulf Cup title, entered the semi-fi nals defeating Kuwait 4-2 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday, and will take on Iraq for a spot in the fi nals tomorrow. Ten-man Iraq played out a goalless draw with Yemen. “We have played a very good game against Kuwait. I think the result is the refl ection of our hard work we have done in the past months. In my opinion we are a Bahrain coach Helio Sousa. deserving semi-fi nalists,” Sousa said. Defending champions Oman es and the objectives that must “The changes that I made in lost out on a spot in the semi- be achieved. I will not stand idly the three games have contrib- fi nals on goal diff erence after los- about this situation. The federa- uted to our march in the tourna- ing to Saudi Arabia (1-3). tion must do what it has to do, ment. We were not waiting for Understandably, Oman coach and as a technical body, we have the mistakes of the opponent. We Erwin Koeman regretted the loss. to play our roles. This team must executed our game plan well and “It is diffi cult to lose in a deci- evolve if we are to fi ght big teams, reached the last-four stage of the sive game and leave the tourna- like the Saudi,” the Dutchman tournament.” ment,” he said. said. Talking about their semi-fi nal Bahrain’s Ali Haram (centre) in action during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup match against Kuwait on Tuesday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma “We have to evaluate our- Oman lost the match against opponent Iraq, he said, they are selves. We have good players, and Saudi Arabia to fi nish third in the the best in Asia. Bahrain drew with Iraq in the Former champions Iraq, the game for us, I am happy with the Katanec’s side shocked hosts we must develop them, especial- group. Saudi Arabia topped the “They are one of the best teams both their recent World Cup fi rst to secure semi-fi nal spot, outcome of the match. We were Qatar in their fi rst match and in ly after we saw Saudi Arabia and table with six points, followed in Asia. We will play the fourth qualifi ers while they registered a are also confi dent of a good show challenged by the Yemeni players the second defeated two-time its high level of speed at the fi rst by Bahrain, who qualifi ed for the game against them in just three 1-0 victory in the WAFF Cham- against Bahrain. who did well. We have qualifi ed champions UAE 2-0 to claim touch.” knockouts on better goal diff er- months. I am very happy to play pionship held in Karbala in Au- “The match (against Yemen) without a defeat,” said Iraq coach their second successive victory in “I will go back to explain to the ence, having secured four points against them again,” Sousa said. gust. was not easy. It was an important Srecko Katanec. the event. Omani federation the weakness- just like Oman.

BOTTOMLINE Saudi coach Renard excited about match ‘between two big teams’

By Sports Reporter Renard said the semi-fi nal Doha against Qatar would be good for the whole region and was excited to face the Asian champions. audi Arabia look a serious “It is good to face a strong team contender for the 24th who are the Asian champions. We Arabian Gulf Cup title af- have an excellent team and good ter a dominating 3-1 win players. I know Qatar are doing well overS defending champions Oman and are a capable team. I congratu- on Monday. late Qatar coach Felix Sanchez for Herve Renard’s side had got to his good work,” he said. a worst possible start with a 1-3 “I am excited about this match loss to Kuwait in their opening because it will be between two match, but bounced back with big teams, and in a stadium full easy wins over Bahrain and Oman of fans. This is the fun of foot- to fi nish as Group B toppers. ball. It is true that our fans will Saudi will now face hosts Qatar be less on the pitch, but I have in the semi-fi nal at the Al Janoub trust in my team. It will be a good Stadium tomorrow, in what will match for the Gulf region and the be a blockbuster show. Arab region as a whole. It will be a Saudi have won the Gulf Cup beautiful match and we will work three times, but the last of it to prepare for it as required,” he came in 2003, a drought Renard’s Saudi Arabia had lost their first match of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup against Kuwait before bouncing back added. side will be keen to bring an end. with wins over Bahrain and Oman. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed The Green Falcons will be Renard was pleased with his looking to make the fi nal at the team’s performance against fi rst game and won in the second game. We managed to score two cently memories in big tourna- 2019 WAFF Championship with- Asian Cup joint qualifi ers and Gulf Cup for the fi rst time since Oman, but said his players are despite the bad performance. goals, and then quickly scored ments. out a win to show, albeit with will provide a stern test for Qatar. 2014 — when they lost to Qatar— capable of playing much better. Our performance improved sig- the third after their goal which At the AFC Asian Cup earlier second string players. In Renard, Saudi has a tactically and for a fi rst win at the tour- “We are delighted with this nifi cantly in this game,” said Re- reduced the diff erence,” the this year, they were knocked out But since then their fortunes astute coach who has won two nament since 2004 when they precious win against Oman nard. Frenchman added. in the last 16 by Japan, and fi n- have improved. They are un- African Cup of Nations titles and topped the round-robin format which came after we lost in the “Our players made a good Saudi have not had happy re- ished bottom of their group in the defeated in the World Cup and will be no pushover. to become champions. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 4, 2019 3

Sights from the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Jayan Orma, Anas Khalid, Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 4, 2019

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT NZ Cricket lodges police complaint NZ win series aft er over racist abuse

Reuters a statement yesterday. Wellington “Should the person re- sponsible ever reoff end, we believe we have enough in- ew Zealand Cricket formation to link him to the rain brings early have fi led a com- Bay Oval incident.” plaint with police NZC added they had exam- after their own in- ined CCTV footage, reviewed Nvestigation failed to “con- audio, interviewed spectators clusively identify” a specta- and monitored social media tor who England fast bowler in an eff ort to identify the Jofra Archer said had racially person responsible for the abused him during the fi rst abuse. end to second Test test at Mt. Maunganui. “While the information- Archer said on social media gathering exercise was use- ‘WE WORKED VERY HARD TO TRY AND CREATE CHANCES ON A VERY FLAT ’ at the end of the match at Bay ful, NZC has been unable to Oval last week that he was conclusively identify the per- abused while in Eng- son responsible,” the organi- land’s second innings. sation said in the statement. NZC condemned the be- “Despite this, NZC’s David haviour and formally apolo- White believed there was gised to Archer ahead of the enough material garnered second test at Seddon Park in from the inquiry to justify Hamilton, which ended in a lodging a complaint with the draw yesterday. police.” “What happened to Jofra White said they would was reprehensible and has look to impose a lengthy ban led to a general upscaling of from attending cricket in the security around the area of country if a positive identifi - racial abuse at all our inter- cation was made. He said last national venues,” NZC Chief week it would likely be a life- Executive David White said in time ban.

England’s paceman Jofra Archer reacts after bowling to New Zealand’s Kane Williamson during the fifth day of the second Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday. (AFP)

Ganguly wants India to play pink-ball Tests in every series New Zealand players pose with the trophy after winning England series at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. (AFP) Reuters Not every test, but at least AFP Heavy rain arrived soon after Scorecard lie Pope and then Denly spilled “We worked very hard to one test in a series.” Hamilton, New Zealand lunch to end play on the fi fth simple chances from William- try and create chances on The world’s richest cricket day when New Zealand were NEW ZEALAND 1st innings son. a very flat wicket and they board aggressively marketed 241 for two in their second in- 375 (T. Latham 105, D. Mitchell 73, The New Zealand skipper don’t come around very of- ndian cricket board chief India’s maiden pink-ball test, enturies from Kane nings, 140 ahead with Taylor B. Watling 55, R. Taylor 53; Broad was on 39 when wicketkeeper ten. It’s very frustrating and Sourav Ganguly believes illuminating prominent city Williamson and Ross on 105 and Williamson on 104. 4-73, Woakes 3-83) Pope put down a regulation of- I’m sure Joe will not hear the pink-ball tests are here to landmarks in pink and overall Taylor ensured New It ensured the spoils went ENGLAND 1st innings 476 fering off the gloves, much to end of it for a long while,” stay and wants the team creating a buzz around the Zealand drew the rain- to New Zealand after their in- bowler Ben Stokes annoyance, added Root Iunder Virat Kohli to play at (J. Root 226, R. Burns 101, O. Pope match. hitC second Test against Eng- nings victory in the fi rst Test, and on 62 Denly inexplicably Williamson had another life least one such match in every 75; Wagner 5-124) Encouraged by the turnout in land in Hamilton yesterday, and improved their record to dropped an even easier chance. when he should have been run series. Kolkata, other Indian venues NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings sealing a 1-0 series win. eight wins, a draw and one loss out on 97 but Sam Curran’s India became the last major are now ready to host day- (overnight 96-2) New Zealand batted the fi - to South Africa in their past 10 ‘ONE-OFF GOOBER’ shy at the bowler’s end from cricket nation to embrace night tests, Ganguly said. nal day needing a substantial Test series. T. Latham c Root b Woakes 18 Williamson gently chipped mid-off was so far wide of the day-night tests when they “I will share my experiences innings to avoid defeat and Williamson brought up his J. Raval lbw b Curran 0 a slower from Jofra stumps that the batsmen had hosted neighbours Bang- with the board and we will were helped by sloppy England 21st Test century with a four off Archer straight to Denly at time to return for a second ladesh in front of a sellout try and implement it in other K. Williamson 104 fi elding. Joe Root in the third over after short midwicket and, as the run. Despite the errors, Root crowd at Kolkata’s Eden places.” Williamson, who had three lunch, while Taylor reached R. Taylor not out 105 bowler leapt in celebration and saw the improved England Gardens last month. “After this, everyone is ready. lives including a howler of a century number 19 with a Extras (b2, lb3, w3, nb1, pen5) 14 Williamson made an apolo- performance between the two As the president of the Board Nobody wants to play test fl ourish in Root’s next over getic gesture to Taylor, the ball Tests as “very pleasing” ahead dropped catch by Joe Denly, Total (for two wkts, 75 overs) 241 of Control for Cricket in India cricket in front of 5,000 described it as a “good eff ort” when he smacked a four and popped out of Denly’s hands. of a four-Test tour of South Af- (BCCI), Ganguly’s nudge people,” added the former to end up with a draw. two sixes in consecutive balls. Fall of : 1-2 (Raval), 2-28 “It was a one-off goober,” rica. prompted India to take the India captain. “A lot of hard work had to Two balls after Taylor had (Latham) said Root using cricketing Root enjoyed a return to form plunge into day-night tests, Kohli has welcomed the go into saving the match when raised his bat and poked his Bowling: Broad 9-0-28-0, slang for a shocking error. with his man-of-the-match which pundits believe can innovation but said pink-ball time didn’t allow us an oppor- tongue out in his signature Curran 16-2-56-1 (2w), Archer There were comparisons 226 at the end a poor year when address ’s dwin- tests should be an exception tunity to win it,” he said. celebration, the rain arrived 12-1-27-0, Woakes 11-4-12-1, drawn on social media to the the skipper averaged below 30. dling attendance in most and not the rule. However, England captain to wash out England’s faint Stokes 14-1-58-0 (1w, 1nb), widely regarded worst dropped New Zealand, meanwhile, venues. “I think (day-night tests) can Joe Root felt the Test was always hopes. Denly 9-1-27-0, Root 4-1-23-0 catch in Test history when head to Australia on Saturday “I am pretty upbeat about be a one-off thing, it should heading for a draw, saying even New Zealand resumed the Result: Match drawn England’s Mike Gatting put for a three-Test series with the it,” Ganguly told The Week not be a regular scenario,” if the weather and fi elding had day at 96 for two with England down a sitter off the gloves of 1-0 win over England cement- magazine. Kohli said in Kolkata on the gone England’s way “we still hunting early wickets but their Series: New Zealand win 1-0 India batsman Kiran More in ing their number two world “I feel this is the way forward. eve of the test match. couldn’t have forced a result.” plans went off track when Ol- 1993. ranking behind India.

BOTTOMLINE Australia stick to winning formula for NZ AFP who made a monumental 335 not out in Adelaide, Australia Adelaide, ably supported by Marnus La- buschagne who hit a second successive cen- tury. ustralia heavily hinted yesterday “ has been in exceptional they will fi eld the same XI for their form with the bat. The support he received opening Test against New Zealand from Joe Burns in Brisbane and Marnus La- to the one that beat Pakistan, with buschagne in Adelaide was exactly what we selectorsA keen to build a core group of play- had been asking for from the top order,” said ers. Hohns. Tim Paine’s men have proven to far more “They delivered, setting up both matches consistent in recent months, having re- in what was an outstanding all-round per- tained the Ashes in England before a 2-0 formance. We are backing the current bat- series sweep against Pakistan, culminating ting line-up to continue their form across in their thumping innings and 48-run win in the next three Tests.” Adelaide on Monday. A fi ery six-wicket haul from Mitchell Tough opposition awaits with the arrival Starc in Adelaide all but ensured he will this month of New Zealand for three Tests — start in Perth alongside Josh Hazlewood, in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney — and se- Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon with Hohns lectors named an unchanged 13-man squad. saying squad members Michael Neser and “As we said prior to the Pakistan series we James Pattinson “will continue as cover”. are striving to maintain a core group of play- Australia reserved the right to add anoth- ers,” said national selector Trevor Hohns. er player to the squad, particularly if condi- “The performance of the team against Pa- tions in Melbourne or Sydney call for an all- kistan was very impressive across all areas.” rounder or second spinner. The only omission from the squad was spare batsman Cameron Bancroft, who was AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Tim Paine (capt), on standby but did not play against Paki- Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, stan. Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan That means the same batting line-up will Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve start against New Zealand in Perth on De- Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David cember 12, spearheaded by David Warner Warner. Australia’s (left) speaks with captain Tim Paine on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Adelaide on Monday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, December 4, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Grant nets pair as Ducks hand Kings Bucks keep streak another road loss

Reuters blue line. Rowney got the sec- New York ondary assist. Silfverberg scored a rare power-play goal on a one- erek Grant scored timer from the left faceoff dot alive; Sixers still twice, including an at 9:47 off a pass from Lind- empty-netter, as holm. Rickard Rakell also as- the Anaheim Ducks sisted for the Ducks, who en- defeatedD the visiting Los An- tered the game next-to-last geles Kings 4-2 Monday night in the league with the man in the fi rst Freeway Faceoff of advantage at just 10%. the season between the NHL’s MacDermid scored on a Southern California rivals. wrist shot from the left point undefeated at home Carter Rowney added a goal through a maze of players and an assist, Jakob Silfver- at 6:01 of the second to pull ‘I know we’re playing great basketball, everybody’s having fun but that’s in the past’ berg also scored, and Hampus the Kings within 2-1. Trevor Lindholm had three assists for Lewis and Michael Amadio the Ducks. Goaltender Ryan were credited with assists. Miller, 39, who started be- Rowney restored the two- cause John Gibson was side- goal edge less than a minute lined by an illness, made 34 later, taking a cross-crease saves to improve to 4-1-0 this pass through the legs of two season. players from Lindholm and Kurtis MacDermid and fi ring the puck into the net at Nikolai Prokhorkin scored, 6:57. Michael Del Zotto, who and Jack Campbell stopped was a healthy scratch the pre- 16 of the 19 shots he faced vious four games, also got a for the Kings, whose winless helper on what proved to be streak on the road reached the winner. nine games (0-8-1). Los An- The Kings again pulled geles last won an away game within a goal at 11:42 of the on Oct. 22 at Winnipeg. second as Prokhorkin took a The Ducks took a 2-0 lead pass from Sean Walker at the in the opening 10 minutes, blue line, split two Anaheim and the Kings never caught defenders and beat Miller with up. a nifty backhander. Tyler Tof- Grant opened the scoring foli got the secondary assist. 5:14 into the game, powering Grant’s empty-netter at home the rebound of Nico- 19:22 of the third period sealed las Deslauriers’ shot from the the victory.

RESULTS Buff alo 7-1 New Jersey Las Vegas 4-1 NY Rangers NY Islanders 4-1 Detroit St. Louis 4-0 Blackhawks Anaheim 4-2 Los Angeles

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) lays up a shot against New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett (9) and forward Julius Randle (30) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP RESULTS “I don’t think we came into this game Eastern Conference, with 15 wins and six Los Angeles believing we can win this game,” Fizdale defeats. Phoenix 109-104 Charlotte remarked. “That was the most disappoint- Philadelphia 103-94 Utah ing. I feel like every other game we felt like WARRIORS THUMPED iannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 Atlanta 104-79 Golden State we could compete tonight we didn’t come In Atlanta, meanwhile, Golden State’s mis- Los Angeles Kings left wing Alex Iafallo (19) controls the puck points as the Milwaukee Bucks out with the idea we can beat this team.” erable start to the season continued with a against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Erik Gudbranson (6) during stretched their winning streak to Indiana 117-104 Memphis The Bucks are two games clear of sec- 104-79 thumping by the Hawks. the first period at Honda Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 12 games on Monday with a 132- Milwaukee 132-88 New York ond-placed Toronto, who stand at 15-4, Trae Young led the Atlanta rout with 24 G88 demolition of the hapless New York just ahead of the Miami Heat and Bos- points, while De’Andre Hunter had 18 and Chicago 113-106 Sacramento Knicks. ton Celtics (14-5). The Philadelphia 76ers Damian Jones 16. The Eastern Conference leaders showed meanwhile remained in the hunt on Mon- The Warriors, who have been ravaged by Lions place rookie Hockenson on IR no mercy to the worst side in the division, of the standings with just four wins against day, claiming a 103-94 win over the Utah injuries and departures from their previ- outscoring the Knicks by 33-15 in the fi rst 17 defeats. Jazz. ously dominant roster that had reached the The Detroit Lions placed catches for 131 yards and a quarter and showing no let-up through a Antetokounmpo meanwhile said Mil- Tobias Harris led the scoring for the Six- last fi ve NBA fi nals, remain bottom of the rookie tight end T.J. touchdown in Detroit’s 27-27 one-sided encounter. waukee were not thinking about their win- ers with 26 points, while Joel Embiid added Western Conference with just four wins Hockenson on injured reserve, season-opening tie against Antetokounmpo was on court for just 21 ning streak but rather looking ahead to 16 points and 11 rebounds in what had against 18 defeats. the team announced Monday. Arizona on Sept. 8. minutes, adding 15 rebounds and shooting their next game. threatened to become a rout at Philadel- Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted Hockenson injured his Hockenson finishes the 10-of-14 while leading the scoring. “I know we’re playing great basketball, phia’s Wells Fargo Center. maintaining the morale of his inexperi- ankle during the fourth season with 32 receptions The Greek star was backed by Khris everybody’s having fun but that’s in the The Sixers had surged into a 60-42 lead enced squad was a challenge. quarter of the Lions’ 24-20 for 367 yards and two Middleton with 16 points and DJ Wilson, past,” Antetokounmpo said. at half-time and looked to be in control un- “It’s not easy for everybody to lose,” Kerr loss to the Chicago Bears touchdowns for the Lions who added 19 off the bench. “We’ve got to keep getting better, keep til a sustained Utah fi ghtback. said after the defeat. on Thanksgiving Day. The (3-8-1), who have Jesse James, No fewer than six Milwaukee players improving our game, keep improving as a The Jazz had trailed by 19 points after “Especially given that our team has 22-year-old was spotted in Logan Thomas and rookie fi nished in double digits, including An- team, because at the end of the day we try three quarters and managed to claw back fought really hard throughout the fi rst a protective boot after the Isaac Nauta as their other tight tetokounmpo’s elder brother Thanasis who to translate everything we do right now at the defi cit to seven points with one minute quarter of the season and had some really game. ends on the roster. chipped in with 10 points from his 12 min- the end of the year. We’ve got to keep taking remaining before the Sixers steadied the diffi cult losses. It wears on you. Selected with the eighth “Certainly, I think a guy that utes on the court. steps forward.” ship for the win. “Because you want those eff orts to be re- overall pick of the 2019 NFL was consistent from Day 1,” The win saw the Bucks improve to 18-3 Knicks coach David Fizdale admitted The victory means Philadelphia preserve warded. But you have to keep the faith and Draft, Hockenson enjoyed Lions head coach Matt Patricia at the top of the Eastern Conference, while his team had been bracing for an onslaught their unbeaten home record with 10 wins keep fi ghting, and it’s my job to keep their quite the debut with six said Monday of Hockenson. the Knicks remained rooted to the bottom from the tip-off . and no defeats. The Sixers are fi fth in the spirits up and try and turn it around.”

BADMINTON NVBS players accomplish overwhelming success By Sports Reporter girls’ and under-9 boys’ singles event re- Doha spectively. Adlyn defeated Samah Sajeer (21-11, 21- 18) in the fi nals of under-9 girls’ singles. layers of New Vision Badminton Mashal overpowered Shreyas C Reddy of Sport came out with fl ying colours the same New Vision crew by defeating him in the second Qatar Oruma Open on 21-6, 21-13. Badminton Championship 2019 Dilan Togi and Mashal reached the fi nals in Pwhich was held at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah the under-11 boys’ doubles by defeating the Arena from November 28-30. opponents Aarav Menon and Selvin Remus A large number of players from NVBS Suresh (13-21, 21-12, 21-13) in the semi-fi nals. took part in diff erent events and categories In the fi nal against Pridhav Shyam Go- of the tournament. The tournament be- pan and Viraj Pranshu, team of Dilan and came one of the esteemed competitions, by Mashal had to surrender in a straight set having more than 35 events, 515 entries and (21-10, 21-7). 442 players from diff erent nationalities. In Shreyas C Reddy and Mashal became the team championship event for kids; New the champions in the under-9 boys’ dou- Vision Badminton Sport overpowered all bles event for the second consecutive time other clubs and became toppers of the list defeating Aman Anas and Arjun Rao of the by achieving the championship trophy. New Vision team in the fi nals of the un- The sub-junior squad of NVBS, which der-9 boys’ doubles. includes Adlyn Mary Sojan, Mashal Sa- Coach Manoj said that all the players are hibjan, Dilan Togi, Shreyas C reddy, Aman one of the immense expectations for the fu- Anas, Arjun Rao, added glory for their ture of badminton. “For every player to be coaches by giving spectacular perform- successful, along with his or her dedication, ances in different events of their respec- eff orts, regular training and daily routines tive age categories. the continuous support and patience of the Adlyn and Mashal successfully attained parents are the most compulsory entity,” their third consecutive crown in under-9 the coach said. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 SPORT

GOLF TENNIS World No. 1 Barty hopes 2020 will Oosthuizen says be golden year

Reuters not change her approach. Melbourne “There are 127 other girls in the draw that I have to try and beat as well,” she said. sh Barty won her “Regardless of the number Presidents Cup team third Newcombe next to your name, everyone’s Medal as Australia’s trying to do the same thing. top tennis player this “It’s about me preparing in weekA but the world number the right way over the next fi ve one says she hopes to earn a or six weeks to give myself the more coveted medal at the best chance to be ready and to 2020 Tokyo Olympics. be feeling really good coming The 23-year-old has had a into the Australian Open.” ‘like 12 brothers’ whirlwind 2019, claiming her (Reporting by Ian Ransom; maiden Grand Slam title at the Editing by Peter Rutherford) ‘We need to get our name on the trophy again and show the Americans we’re here to play’ French Open to become the fi rst Australian to win one of SUAREZ TO RETIRE AFTER the four majors since Sam Sto- 2020 SEASON sur’s 2011 U.S. Open triumph. Spanish tennis player Carla Barty also became Austral- Suarez Navarro said yesterday ia’s fi rst woman to earn the No. that she will retire from the 1 ranking since Evonne Gool- sport at the end of the 2020 agong in the 1970s and led the season to focus on “other pri- nation to the Fed Cup fi nal for orities”. the fi rst time in over a quarter The 31-year-old has slipped of a century. to 55th in the WTA rankings, “I’m really excited to hope- down from a career-high of fully be a part of my very fi rst sixth in 2016. Olympics,” Barty told report- “I am beginning to have ers in Melbourne on Tuesday. other priorities and tennis is “I think it could make the year a very demanding sport that extra special, but there are so requires a lot of sacrifi ce,” said many parts of the year that I’m Suarez Navarro, who has won looking forward to.” $11.58 million in career prize Her fi rst big goal in 2020 money. will be to end her country’s “This last year will be a year long wait for a home winner with the same expectations, at the Australian Open which just as intense, just as de- starts next month. The last manding.” was Chris O’Neil, who claimed Suarez Navarro has won two the women’s title at the 1978 WTA singles titles and lost an- tournament. other nine fi nals, while she has Barty will be the centre of reached Grand Slam quarter- attention as top seed at Mel- fi nals seven times without ever bourne Park but said it would making the last four.

British Open 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen.

AFP ful of the International team are “We need to get our name on vantage we can have.” we want the home-crowd ad- Sydney playing, including Adam Scott, the trophy again and show the vantage, and I’ll be disappointed Mark Leishman and Els. Americans we’re here to play. DON’T CHEER TIGER AT if they are cheering enthusiasti- “Everyone always says that we We’re here to win the trophy, to PRESIDENTS CUP, SCOTT cally for Tiger or anyone on the ouis Oosthuizen yester- don’t have team spirit or don’t win the Cup and not just show URGES FANS US team.” dayt said the Interna- have enough. up to just have a good week.” Australian Adam Scott knows The Ernie Els-led Interna- Australian Ash Barty. tional team that will tee “I can promise you, when The Internationals have won fans at the Presidents Cup will tionals need all the help they can off at the Presidents Cup Thursday (next week) comes, only once in the event’s 25-year be excited to see Tiger Woods get, having won only once in the Lnext week are “like 12 brothers” we’re like 12 brothers in that history, but it was in Melbourne play, but he has urged them not event’s 25-year history - in Mel- who have a real shot at ending team. We’ve bonded, we’re ready in 1998 and Oosthuizen said cheer for the golf superstar or bourne in 1998. Fijian fl yer Vunivalu switches the United States’ dominance of to go, we want to win, we’ve got they would never have a better anyone else on the US team. They have a young and mostly to Rugby Union the event. the same energy and just want to chance to do it again. Scott has played in eight edi- inexperienced team, in contrast The South African 2010 Brit- get the tournament done.” Skipper Els knows the ven- tions of the biennial match- to the Americans who boost Star Rugby league wing Suliasi Vunivalu yesterday signed a ish Open champion will be com- Oosthuizen likened the Presi- ue well and holds the course play tournament and is the only some of the world’s top-ranked two-year deal to switch codes and play for the Queensland Reds peting in his fourth edition of the dents Cup camaraderie to the record 12-under-par 60, while member of the International players such as Woods, Dustin in Super Rugby. biennial match play showdown, Ryder Cup, played between Eu- the hugely experienced Scott, team who appeared in 2011, Johnson and Justin Thomas. The Fijian-born flyer played Rugby Union as a schoolboy in New heading to Royal Melbourne as rope and the US, and said it was who has played in eight Presi- which was also at Royal Mel- “I’m not saying be a poor Zealand before linking up with Melbourne Storm, quickly setting one of the more experienced essential to muster that type of dents Cups, also has an intimate bourne where next week’s tour- sport, but one challenge our the National Rugby League alight with 72 tries in 94 appear- campaigners. team spirit in Melbourne. knowledge of Royal Melbourne. nament is being held. Woods, team has always had is gaining ances. Now 24, the electrifying back is one of the game’s most Skipper Ernie Els has seven “I think the history with the “I think we all sort of feel Roy- who is playing captain this time a home-soil advantage because feared finishers after topping the NRL’s try-scoring list in his first rookies in his 12-man team that Ryder Cup, there is a lot more in al Melbourne is the place we’ve round, secured the winning it’s rare that stars like Tiger and two seasons. will face a powerful US outfi t led there, and that’s why you always got probably the best shot,” said point in 2011 and Scott said the DJ (Johnson) come to Australia He is contracted to the Storm until 2020 and will move to the by playing captain Tiger Woods, see the guys a little bit more Oosthuizen. “We’ve got a team Australian crowd were too nice. or Korea where we play these Reds in 2021. but Oosthuizen said they are up pumped and we need that,” he that’s really in form. We’ve got a “Last time it was too friendly,” things,” Scott said. “He’s an impressive talent and has an awesome ability to find the for the challenge. said. young side coming through. he told News Corp newspapers “And the locals are excited to tryline,” said Queensland coach Brad Thorn. “It’s a very unique set up, “We need that in the Presi- “I think having an Aussie ahead of teeing up Thursday at see them as much as anyone on “He brings good experience too with almost 100 NRL games for the President’s Cup,” he said in dent’s Cup. I think the only way crowd behind us, playing Royal the Australian Open in Sydney, our team. “But while we appre- Melbourne and 12 Rugby league Tests for Fiji. Suliasi will be a Sydney ahead of the Australian to get that is if Internationals Melbourne especially, I think it where he will fi ne tune for the ciate them very much, we don’t great addition to our program.” Open this week, where a hand- win. will be the best home course ad- Presidents Cup. “Quite bluntly, have to cheer for them.”

MOTORSPORT W Series winner Chadwick to compete in Asian F3 Reuters whatever 2020 throws at me,” Formula E given FIA London said Chadwick, who will also be returning to the W Series next world championship status year. The all-electric Formula E series will have full amie Chadwick, winner “Due to other commitments, FIA world championship status from the start of this year’s inaugural I will only get my fi rst opportu- of the 2020-21 season after approval by the all-female W Series, will nity to drive the car at the open- sport’s governing body, it announced yester- race in the Asian F3 cham- ing race in Sepang next week, day. The city-based series last month started pionshipJ that starts in Malaysia so it will be a steep learning its sixth season, with a cast of manufacturers on December 14, the Absolute curve. including Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Audi Racing team said on Monday. “But that’s all part of the involved. Recognition means there will be two The 15-race series, which process and I can’t wait to get single-seater FIA world championships, with also ends at Malaysia’s Sepang back out on the track,” added Formula E alongside Formula One. “The crea- circuit, includes rounds in the 21-year-old, who served as a tion and development of Formula E has been , and Thailand Williams Formula One develop- a great adventure,” FIA president Jean Todt between December and Febru- ment driver this year. said in a statement. “I am proud that today we ary with three races at each lo- The Briton, who banked confirm its FIA world championship status. cation. $500,000 for winning the W Se- “Since its first race in Beijing in 2014 and with The FIA-sanctioned regional ries, will miss pre-season testing every ePrix thereafter, Formula E has proven championship, like next year’s due to being one of four fi nalists that the concept of cutting-edge electric rac- W Series, also off ers points to- in the Aston Martin BRDC Aut- ing works.” wards the Super Licence that osport Young Driver of the Year Formula E founder and chairman Alejandro drivers need to graduate to For- award that will be announced in Agag said full championship status had mula One. London on Sunday. always been the aim and it would add credibil- “It is important for me to use The driver who wins the ity. “This agreement and announcement truly this series as part of my testing prestigious award gets a test in puts Formula E in the top tier of international and development programme a Red Bull Formula One car plus single-seater racing,” added the Spaniard. to ensure that I am race-fi t for 200,000 pounds ($256,600.00). Gulf Times Wednesday, December 4, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Van Dijk deserved Messi takes leadership Ballon d’Or, says Liverpool boss Klopp

AFP between the two remains the in his stride to clinch London “standout” fi xture of the season for Liverpool. “This is the stan- dout game for both teams during iverpool manager Jurgen the season and both teams al- Klopp believes Virgil van ways showed that and respected Dijk would have been that. We have to make sure that sixth Ballon d’Or a worthy winner of the we are ready,” added the German. LBallon d’Or but understands why Marco Silva’s position at Good- Lionel Messi lifted it for a sixth ison Park is under huge threat but time. The Dutch captain came the Portuguese has been given the Four years after his last Ballon d’Or, Messi pulled clear of Ronaldo, who has won five second to the Argentina forward chance to turn his time at Everton despite playing a huge role as around by recording a fi rst victory Liverpool won the Champions over Liverpool at Anfi eld since League last season, overcoming 1999. “They want to strike back, Barcelona’s Argentinian Messi’s Barcelona in the semi- they want to show that they can forward Lionel Messi reacts after fi nal. “I see it slightly diff erent do diff erent. They can sort a lot winning the Ballon d’Or award and a lot of people see it slightly of problems in one game,” said at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris diff erent but that’s absolutely no Klopp. “When you are connected on Monday night. (AFP) problem,” said Klopp. to this club then this is a game — “Lionel Messi, I’ve said prob- whichever situation you are in — ably 500,000 times in my life al- you want to win and that’s what ready, is probably the best player we have to show.” I saw in my lifetime. But I can- Silva earned plaudits for a not remember a more impres- change of system and upturn in sive season from a defender ever. performance for Sunday’s trip to Honestly. So it would have been second-placed Leicester, which right if Virg won it. I heard it was only ended in a 2-1 defeat thanks pretty close.” to Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage- Klopp’s men are likely to be in time winner for the Foxes. contention for individual awards And he is hoping a historic again next year should they fi - upset could transform Everton’s nally end a 30-year wait to win season. “It would have a very a league title. Liverpool lead the good impact, no doubt about it. Premier League by eight points It will not wipe out anything we and host local rivals Everton did in the last one-and-a-half, in the 234th Merseyside derby two months, but it will be very looking to infl ict more pain on important for us,” said Silva. the blue half of the city. “It can give us the chance to get Everton are just two points points which we need and for above the relegation zone in sure it can give confi dence to our 17th, but Klopp insists the clash players.”

AFP March. “Every time he gets the ball some- the top corner and ended with a sweep- Yet he made up for lost time by scor- Madrid thing extraordinary seems to happen.” ing chip from the edge of the area that ing six goals in fi ve games and then a hat- Messi’s fi rst season as club captain was so good even the Real Betis fans felt trick against Celta Vigo, this time a treble brought a third consecutive La Liga title compelled to applaud. When asked about made up of set-pieces, two from free- ionel Messi won a record-break- and he scored the winner in the game that their reaction, Messi said: “To be honest I kicks and one a penalty. It was his 34th ing sixth Ballon d’Or on Monday clinched it, a 1-0 win over Levante. He don’t remember anything like that.” hat-trick in La Liga, equalling Ronaldo’s after another sublime year for the also claimed his sixth Pichichi Trophy as His goal was nominated in the FIFA record in the Spanish top fl ight.Free- Argentinian, whose familiar bril- the division’s top scorer, with 36 goals in Puskas Award’s 10-long shortlist.”I have kicks have become an increasingly potent Lliance remained undimmed even through 34 matches. not seen any player like Messi in the his- weapon for Messi and his improvement is diffi cult times for club and country. But Barcelona unravelled as their 3-0 tory of football,” said Betis coach Quique more evidence of a player still adding to Despite Barcelona’s collapse at the advantage over Liverpool — to which Setien. “His goal was something you do his skill-set in what can be assumed will end of last season and Argentina los- Messi contributed a brace — went up in playing Playstation.” be his twilight years. “It’s clear that when ing to Brazil in the semi-fi nals of the smoke at Anfi eld and the club crashed After fi nishing the Champions League games are close we have the advantage of Copa America, Messi’s genius was ever- out in the semi-fi nals of the Champions as top scorer with 12 goals and collect- having the best player in the world and present in 2019, for which he now stands League. They were then beaten by Valen- ing his sixth Golden Shoe for a record the best free-kick taker in the world,” said alone in the history of the game’s most cia in the fi nal of the Copa del Rey, when third consecutive year, Messi joined up Barca midfi elder Sergio Busquets. prestigious individual prize. Messi’s tap-in proved a consolation, but with Argentina for the Copa America, a Another milestone came at the end of Four years after his last Ballon d’Or, it was his voice that spoke loudest in de- tournament that kickstarted a frustrating November when his goal and two assists Messi pulled clear of the fi ve next to the fence of coach Valverde, whose survival three months for the 32-year-old. in a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund co- name of , and now owed much to the support of his captain. Messi was sent off against Chile in the incided with his 700th appearance for owns twice as many as Johan Cruyff , Messi had led the way on the pitch too, third-place play-off and his comments Barcelona. On Sunday, he scored the win- Michel Platini and Marco van Basten. particularly during the run-in when he about the refereeing drew him a three- ner in a 1-0 victory at Atletico Madrid. In 54 appearances this year, Messi has scored 16 goals in 12 games as Barcelona month suspension from international Barca lona insist they have plans for managed an astonishing 46 goals and put together a relentless winning streak. football. A return to Barcelona should coping with Messi’s dreaded retirement 17 assists while for Barca alone he hit 41 “This league has one person’s name on have off ered some respite but Messi suf- but the truth is their number 10 will be goals and 15 assists in 44 matches, which it,” wrote Diario Sport. fered a calf injury on the fi rst day of pre- irreplaceable. He has unfulfi lled ambi- included seven doubles and three hat- He scored his 50th career hat-trick in season before a thigh strain meant he tions too, including another Champions Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk and his wife Rike tricks. “It’s like he is extra-terrestrial,” a 4-2 win at Sevilla and in April, another would not begin playing regularly again League crown, not to mention an elusive Nooitgedagt attend the Ballon d’Or France ceremony at the said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde in hat-trick began with a free-kick into until October. major trophy with Argentina. Chatelet Theatre in Paris on Monday. (AFP)

PSG’s storm-hit trip to Monaco reset for January 15 PREMIER LEAGUE Paris: Paris Saint-Germain’s trip the Italian television programme Pedro brought Cagliari level. to Monaco, which was postponed Le Iene. In the fifth minute of added Interim coach Ljungberg seeks Wenger at the weekend following deadly “Fighting for survival in Serie time, Cerri sent a powerful header storms which battered southern A requires a huge sacrifice and per- into the top corner to snatch an France, has been rescheduled for haps he thought it would be much unexpected and precious victory. advice as he plots Arsenal revival January 15 — three days after the more simple. In January, he can Rolando Maran’s side are ahead pair clash in the French capital. leave on a free. In this moment, he of Roma on goal diff erence and AFP The decision, announced by needs to choose which road is best two points behind third-placed London the French football league (LFP) for him.” Lazio. Sampdoria remain one place yesterday, means the two clubs will When asked recently to explain above the relegation zone. face off in the Principality in a mid- Balotelli’s situation after he lost reddie Ljungberg intends to week evening clash sandwiched his place in the team, Cellino said LIVERPOOL tap into the knowledge of Arsene between Ligue 1’s 20th matchday it was because the forward was DRAW EVERTON IN Wenger and Sven-Goran Eriks- and the last 32 of the French Cup. black, and he was “trying to get FA CUP THIRD ROUND son as he prepares for his second gameF in charge of Arsenal. The match was postponed amid whiter”. Liverpool will face local rivals hazardous weather conditions in Cellino told the programme he Everton in the FA Cup third round The 42-year-old interim manager took southeastern France, where 12 peo- was trying to “de-dramatise the while non-league side AFC Fylde over from Unai Emery at the Emirates last ple have now been killed following situation”. “Racist? I am catholic, will travel to Premier League outfit week after the Spaniard was sacked, with two successive late autumn storms I can’t be (racist), he added. “My Sheff ield United after Monday’s Arsenal languishing in mid-table in the that brought torrential rain, heavy comment was taken out of context. draw. Jurgen Klopp’s league lead- Premier League. flooding and high winds. I said something stupid, I also ers will have home advantage in Ljungberg said Wenger, who brought On Monday off icials revealed make jokes.” the Merseyside derby. Ties will the Swede to Arsenal as a player back in that three people were swept Brescia, bottom of , take place between January 3 and 1998, and Eriksson could off er valuable to their deaths by floodwaters sacked coach Fabio Grosso on January 6. experience as he looks to build his own and three emergency workers Monday. Everton, who face Liverpool career. Asked if he had spoken to former were killed when their helicopter today in the league, have not won Arsenal boss Wenger, he replied: “No crashed while seeking to rescue CAGLIARI BEAT at Anfield for 20 years. The third (not yet). I would really like to speak to victims, all in the Var region. SAMPDORIA TO STAY round is the stage at which clubs him. I’m in contact with him but I haven’t Champions PSG are five points IN SERIE A TOP FOUR from the Premier League and the spoke to him because it’s been a bit hec- clear of Marseille with Monaco in Cagliari continued their surpris- Championship enter the FA Cup. tic, but it’s on my list to do so. He was here 14th, just three points clear of the ing start to the Serie A season on Holders Manchester City landed for 22 years as the coach so he has a lot of relegation zone. Monday, with Alberto Cerri scoring a home tie against fourth-tier Port experience. And he probably has some fourth-placed Chelsea, after just four takes his in-form Tottenham side to Old in the dying seconds to beat Vale, while Manchester United will things that he thinks are important that wins from their fi rst 14 matches. Traff ord today. It is the new Tottenham BALOTELLI FREE TO struggling Sampdoria 4-3. The two visit Wolves, the club that knocked he can share with me and make me a bet- Ljungberg, who said taking charge at manager's fi rst return to the touchline at LEAVE IN JANUARY, SAYS teams put on a show to bring down them out of last season’s competi- ter coach. That’s what I wanted to ask.” the Emirates would be a proud moment, United's home ground since his sacking BRESCIA PRESIDENT the curtain on the 14th round of tion at the quarter-final stage. While Ljungberg never played under added the only way to change the atmos- by the club last December. Italian striker can the Serie A season. Fylde, from the fifth level, will his Swedish compatriot Eriksson, he ad- phere in the stadium was by perform- "This is a closed chapter for me," said leave Brescia on a free transfer in The Sardinian outfit showed all mark their first third-round ap- mitted he heard good things about the ing on the pitch. “When it comes to the Mourinho, who has won all three of his January as his game is not suited their strength of character after pearance with a trip to Sheff ield former England manager. “Sven is intel- Emirates, the fans want us to win football matches in charge of Spurs. "I left the to a relegation scrap, the Serie A trailing 3-1 at home with a quarter while fellow non-league side North ligent,” he said. “I spoke to him a lot when games,” he said. club, I took my time to process everything club’s president Massimo Cellino of an hour to play to rescue three Boston will host Newcastle if they he was the manager of England because “They want us to play good football that happened, I took my time to prepare has said. The former Manchester points and return to fourth in the beat Rochdale in a second-round he was watching our games. I know in the and I think the only way to try to get a myself for the next challenge. Honestly, City and Liverpool forward has table. Fabio Quagliarella opened replay. past some stories of how he treated play- good atmosphere and get them going is United for me is in my book of experi- struggled to find form since joining the scoring for Sampdoria with a Arsenal, FA Cup winners on a ers and how he made them feel good and to try to achieve that. Whether that’s me ences, it's in my history book." Brescia in August, scoring two penalty. record 13 occasions, face a poten- things like that. I have stolen a little bit of or someone else as a coach, I don’t think United are struggling under Mourin- goals in eight league appearances. Gaston Ramirez doubled the tially testing encounter at home to those ideas. He’s a great coach, it’s been a that matters so much.” ho's successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Last month, Balotelli threatened lead shortly after half time. Radja Championship high-flyers Leeds. long time, and I hope I can speak to him go into the game just two points behind to walk off the pitch after suff er- Nainggolan replied for the home Leicester, second in the Premier soon.” MAN UNITED 'A CLOSED CHAPTER', fi fth-placed Spurs. ing racist abuse during a Serie team before Quagliarella restored League, entertain Wigan, with Arsenal drew 2-2 at Norwich on Sun- SAYS MOURINHO AHEAD OF OLD "It is not for me to analyse United now," A match against Hellas Verona. the two-goal edge with a spectacu- Frank Lampard’s Chelsea welcom- day in Ljungberg’s fi rst game in charge — TRAFFORD RETURN Mourinho said. "I analyse them as an op- “Mario is sad because he is unable lar 70th minute goal. Two volleyed ing Nottingham Forest to Stamford extending their run without a victory in Jose Mourinho says his time at Manches- ponent, how they play. How can we beat to play his game,” Cellino said on goals in two minutes from Joao Bridge. the Premier League to six matches. They ter United is "a closed chapter" and he is them? How can they beat us? For me that are in eighth place, seven points behind only interested in beating them when he is the important thing."

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Global stars to descend on Doha for Qatar T10 Cricket League ‘The league will also showcase Qatar’s passion for sports and its capacity as a big hub of international sporting events’

By Sports Reporter Doha

rich and dazzling assembly of stars is waiting to thrill fans as the ambitious Qatar T10 Cricket League is all set to startA at the Asian Town Cricket Sta- dium on December 7. Fielding six franchise teams in the League, which has been a long-cher- ished dream for the hosts Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) under the presi- dency of Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, the event is recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and being pro- moted by International Pro Event. The 10-day razzmatazz, which will conclude on December 16, will feature Falcon Hunters, Desert Riders, Flying Oryx, Swift Gallopers, Heat Storm- ers and Pearl Gladiators. South African batting star Hashim Amla leads the star-studded list, which also has play- ers from Pakistan, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and England, besides regional and local cricketers. Other faces that will draw big crowds to the venue include Salman Butt, So- hail Tanveer, Kamran Akmal, Khur- ram Manzoor, Hussain Talat, Mohamed Shahzad, Mohamed Sami, Sharjeel Khan, Imran Nazir (all from Pakistan), Luke Wright (England), Johnson Charles, An- dre Fletcher, Krishmar Santokie, Kennar Lewis (all from West Indies), Shahadat Hussain, Mohamed Naeem Islam (from Bangladesh), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Manpreet Singh (India) and Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka). “Today is a big day for Qatar sports Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) president Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, International Pro Event CEO Sajjad Chaudhry, team owners, QCA off icials, local senior and junior players pose at the launch ceremony for the in general and a very big occasion for Qatar T10 Cricket League. Qatar cricket in particular. We’re fully PARTICIPATING TEAMS (Bangladesh), Ramith Rambulwella HEAT STORMERS Nawaz (UAE), Adil Khan (Nepal), prepared to start the Qatar T10 Cricket over the world through this league. (Sri Lanka), Amjad Khan (UAE), Mo- Mehran Khan (Oman), Faisal Khan League at the Asian Town Cricket Sta- “The QCA would like to thank the FALCON HUNTERS Owner: Raj – Go Search Australia hammed Nadeem (Oman), Kithruwan Travel and Transport Pvt Ltd (Qatar), Khurram Shahzad (Qatar), dium on December 7,” al-Kuwari at the ICC, promoters, franchise owners and Owner: Faisal Sandhu and Malik Vithanage (Sri Lanka), CP Rizwan Mohammad Nafees (Qatar), Qalandar launch ceremony in Doha. players to make this event possible for Mohammad Saeed – Nishat Emirates (UAE), Javaidi Ahmadi (Aghanistan), Manpreet Singh (India), Mohammad Khan (Qatar), Mohammad Nadeem us,” al-Kuwari said. “It was a big task for us to fi nd the Contracting / Build Force Contract- Awais Malik (Qatar), Muhammad Shahzad (Afghanistan), Mohammed (Qatar), Saqlain Arshad (Qatar), Philip suitable time for this league between Sajjad Chaudhry, CEO of Interna- ing Tanveer (Qatar), Mujeeb Khan (Qatar), Naeem Islam (Bangladesh), Sikandar Joseph (Qatar) the Arabian Gulf Cup and the FIFA Club tional Pro Event, said: “We planned and Hashim Amla (South Africa), Muhammad Ikram (Qatar), Himanshu Raza (Zimbabwe), Rishu Chopra World Cup. We’ll now have the opening executed everything within 20 days. Johnson Charles (West Indies), (India - Associate), Sandeep Singh on December 7, a day before the Arabi- This year, we’re treating it as the step- Rathod (Qatar), Imal Liyanage (Qatar), Salam Butt (Pakistan), Ammad Butt (UAE), Scott Edwards (Netherlands), SWIFT GALLOPERS an Gulf Cup fi nal and then for 10 days, ping stone. There have been many chal- Adnan Mirza (Qatar) (Pakistan), (Canada), Rana Naeem Anwar (Oman), Gayan Owner: Aman Grover – LL we’ll host a feast of cricket for its fans lenges but we worked our way through. Buddika (Qatar), Raja Amir (Qatar), all over the world.” In near future, the world will see and Aqib Ali (Oman), Fayaz Butt (Oman), Technologies LLC (Global Mark Tom Abell (England - Associate), FLYING ORYX Andri Berenger (Qatar), Dharmang Al-Kuwari also highlighted Qatar’s admire our cricket hosting capabilities. Patel (Qatar), Imraz rafi (Qatar), Owais Group) UAE credentials as a big promoter of inter- “We’ve also planned a dazzling Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry (Qatar), Owner: TBC Mohammed Rizlan (Qatar), Kamran Ahmed (Qatar), Talal Ahmad Khan Luke Wright (England) , Kamran Ak- national sports. “The league will also opening ceremony. I don’t wish to dis- Andre Fletcher (West Indies), (Qatar), Afsarullah Khan (Qatar). mal (Pakistan), Imran Nazir (Pakistan), showcase Qatar’s passion for sports and close anything right now but there are Khan (Qatar), Tamoor Sajjad (Qatar), Hussain Talat (Pakistan), Krishmar Muran Khan (Qatar), Irshad Umar Danza Hayat (West Indies), Shafiqul- its capacity as a big hub of international lots of celebrities coming to take part Santokie (West Indies), Kennar lah Shafiq (Afghanistan), Richmond sporting events. Everything is well set and make the occasion truly memora- (Qatar), Nawaf Pullangadam (Qatar), Lewis (West Indies), Aftab Alam PEARL GLADIATORS Hussain Khan (Qatar) Mutumbami (Zimbabwe), Anish and we’re keen to get going now.” ble for all of us,” Chaudhry added. (Afghanistan), Sompal Kami (Nepal), Owner: Krishan Kumar and Nikhil – Tandon (UAE), Chirag Suri (UAE), Ja- He added, “Cricket is a major sport Also present at the launch were team Abdul Shakoor (UAE), Assad Borham Sun N Sands Hotels (UAE) hanzeb Naveed (Pakistan - Associate), owners, QCA offi cial Eissa al-Yacoub, in Qatar in terms of players and follow- DESERT RIDERS (Qatar), Hamandeep Singh (India), Ravinder Pal Singh (Canada), Sufiyan ers. This league will help us establish QCA Operations Manager Manzoor Mohamed Sami (Pakistan), Ajantha Bilawal Iqbal (Pakistan - Associate), Mehmod (Oman), Zaheeruddeen this fact further and enable us to elevate Ahmad, QCA Domestic Cricket Head Owner: Gaurang Doshi – Gaurang Mendis (Sri Lanka), Sharjeel Khan Noman Sarwar (Qatar), Musawar Ibrahim (Qatar), Inam Ul Haq (Qatar), the standard of the sport in the country. Gul Khan Jadoon, local senior and jun- Doshi Production (UAE) Khan (Qatar), Asif Raja (Qatar), (Pakistan), Malinda Pushpakumara We’ll try our best to leave an enduring ior players, who have been drafted into (Sri Lanka), Afsar Zarzai (Afghanistan), Sadiq NM (Qatar), Zainuddin (Qatar), Sohail Tanveer (Pakistan), Khurram Imran Ashraf (Qatar), Jassim Khan Syed Yousuf Tameem (Qatar) impression on the players and fans all the six teams. Manzoor (Pakistan), Shahadat Hussain (Qatar), Bilal Butt (Qatar) Kareem Sadique (Afghanistan), Fahad

FOCUS FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League partners Josoor 2022 World Cup in Qatar will Institute to organise seminar be a catalyst for change: Zanetti avier Zanetti needs no introduction in football. He won almost everything with during a careerJ that spanned almost two decades. He achieved remark- able success in his Inter stint during which he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, Italian Cup four times, Italian League fi ve times and Italian Super Cup four times. He also represented Argentina in two World Cups before retiring in 2014. Such was the popularity and infl uence of Zanetti at Inter that the club retired his No.4 jersey and named him as its vice-pres- ident after his playing career. At a seminar organised by the Qatar Stars League, in partnership with Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Taleb Ballan, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Player Josoor Institute titled ‘Managing Aff airs Director Mohamed Ahmed al-Abdullah and Josoor Institute’s Director of Diploma Programmes Prof Dino Ruta pose with players, A Successful Career in Football’, coaches and administrators of QNB Stars League clubs. Zanetti spoke about his begin- ning, successes, diffi culties and he Qatar Stars League (QSL), in sions, with four clubs in each session. Ar- privileged to have Zanetti to lead the ses- challenges with Inter Milan. co-operation with Josoor Institute, gentinian football legend and Inter Mi- sions and I’m confi dent that, with Zanetti’s held a special symposium on ca- lan vice president Javier Zanetti, who has rich experience, they’ll be benefi cial not How do you view your reer development workshop titled achieved remarkable successes in Italian only for the players but also for anyone with participation in the seminar? T‘Managing A Successful Career in Football’ football with Inter Milan during which he a passion for football,” said Ballan. It was very positive and I could at the Doha Exhibition and Convention won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA The QSL CEO thanked all participants meet footballers and many mem- Center on Monday and yesterday for play- Cup, Club World Cup, Italian Cup four and Josoor Institute for their continued bers of Qatari clubs. The aim was ers, coaches and administrators of QNB times, Italian League fi ve times and Italian co-operation with QSL. On his part, Ab- to share some of the experiences Stars League clubs. Super Cup four times. bassi highlighted the need to organise such I had as a football player dur- League, both on and off the pitch. How do you look forward to the The seminar was attended by QSL CEO He also played in two World Cups before seminars. “We must look at good examples ing my career. I hope to help the It’s great to have excellent infra- 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Hani Taleb Ballan, Executive Director of retiring in 2014. Zanetti shared his experi- like Zanetti, the Argentinian star who was players during their career or af- structure in place. It was amaz- The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Competitions and Football Development ence during his professional football career one of the most prominent players of Inter ter their retirement as players. ing to see top class facilities in Qatar will certainly be a cata- Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Player Aff airs Di- with the audience, highlighting his success- Milan and who has a history of success,” Qatar and all that augurs well for lyst for great change. I’m eagerly rector Mohamed Ahmed al-Abdullah and es and challenges, thereby shedding light on said Abbasi. He thanked all participants, How do you see local the game’s further development looking forward to the tourna- Josoor Institute’s Director of Diploma Pro- the career of a professional footballer. players, coaches as well as administrators, competitions? of the game in this country. The ment. It’ll be a fantastic experi- grammes Prof Dino Ruta. Ballan, who inaugurated the seminar, and Josoor Institute for the partnership with There’s a remarkable rise in people involved in football are ence for all those associated with The seminar was divided into three ses- welcomed all attendees and Zanetti. “We’re QSL in organising the seminar. professionalism in the QNB Stars great professionals as well. the game.