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Friday, January 19, 2018 CRICKET Jumada I 2, 1439 AH India captain kohli GULF TIMES named ICC World Cricketer of the Year SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL /ASIAN U23 CHAMPIONSHIP DAKAR RALLY Sanchez: Qatar Al-Attiyah storms to ready for ‘very stage win strong’ Palestine ‘We know that from now on, each game could well be our last’

AFC Changzhou

atar coach Felix Sanchez be- lieves his side’s perfect record in the AFC U23 Championship group stage will have little bear- ingQ on today’s quarter-fi nal showdown with Palestine at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center. Qatar registered successive wins over Uzbekistan, Oman and host nation China to fi nish top of Group A with a maximum nine points from the opening phase of the Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar and co-pilot Matthieu Baumel of France competition. drive their Toyota in the Dakar Rally yesterday. However, despite Palestine only fi nish- ing as runners-up in Group B with four Agencies that point, but the Qatari pulled points to their name, Sanchez is under no San Juan clear at the very end, recording illusion as to the size of the task that awaits his third stage win of the event. his team. atar’s Nasser Saleh Peterhansel’s second place “We are happy that we qualifi ed from al-Attiyah beat Peu- was enough to make a signifi cant the group stage but obviously that does Qatar stars Almoez Ali (L) and Akram Afif train under coach Felix Sanchez (L) ahead of geot rival Stephane dent in Sainz’s lead in the general not count for the next game,” explained today’s quarter-final match against Palestine. Peterhansel to top classifi cation, as the Spaniard the Spaniard, who guided Qatar to fourth theQ longest timed special of the fi nished 18 minutes off al-Atti- place at the tournament’s 2016 edition in a diffi cult one for both teams. There is not lenging as the tournament progresses. 2018 Dakar Rally, as Carlos Sainz yah’s pace. Qatar. only going to be pressure on Qatar as we “Playing in an international tourna- edged closer to overall victory. Sainz, however, has retained a “It really does not matter if you have got ity though, and we will try to play a good are satisfi ed with what we have done so far, ment, all the teams we will face in the Al-Attiyah was two min- 45-minute lead over Peterhan- nine or six points from the group stage, game as that is the only way we can get a and are looking to progress even further.” knockout stage are strong. utes quicker than Peterhansel sel in the general classifi cation. because it is just one (knockout) game. result.” Meanwhile, Japan coach Hajime Mori- “We don’t want to dwell on the past through the 523km run between With just 489km of competition What matters is now. Palestine, meanwhile, qualifi ed for the yasu said his team felt no pressure de- too much. We must focus our attention on Chilecito and San Juan, on what left – and with him having had “We know that from now on, each game last eight thanks to a win and a draw to seal spite being the defending champions as what we can do against Uzbekistan.” was the 12th day of the two-week a 10-minute penalty rescinded could well be our last.” second place in Group B, with their last they take on Uzbekistan in today’s second Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khay- marathon. on Wednesday – he remains a With the likes of Akram Afi f and hotshot outing against Thailand a sign, accord- quarter-fi nal. darov also acknowledged their recent X-Raid Mini pair Orlando Ter- strong favourite to see out the striker Almoez Ali hitting form just when ing to Sandouqa, that they are improving “Although Japan won the title in the match against Japan would not have a ranova and Mikko Hirvonen had marathon in front and give Peu- it matters, confi dence is clearly high in a match by match. previous edition, there is no pressure, on bearing on Friday’s encounter, insisting led the way during the early kilo- geot a farewell Dakar win. Qatar camp which faced the Palestinians “Of course, this match against Qatar is me or the team,” added the former San- that he was focussing on improving his metres, but soon gave up ground, Toyota’s Giniel de Villiers was in a friendly before both teams travelled to going to be a diffi cult one for us,” declared frecce Hiroshima coach. team. with Toyota driver Bernhard ten a minute up on Terranova to China. the former Palestine Under-16 and Un- “Of course we are here for the win, but “It’s going to be diff erent, as there is a Brinke assuming fi rst place. make up the top three on the day, Nevertheless, Sanchez believes he saw der-19 coach. what’s most important is that my players big diff erence in an international friendly The Dutchman was a minute meaning the latter’s X-raid Mini enough in Palestine’s 5-1 thumping of “We have been working hard in the show their individual qualities and what and an offi cial AFC tournament,” said and a half clear when arriving outfi t is still chasing a fi rst top- Thailand on Matchday Three to suggest group stage to succeed and we have they can do on the pitch.” Khaydarov. at the 90-kilometre mid-stage three stage fi nish in this year’s that Ayman Sandouqa’s side will push his reached a point where we have been get- Japan topped Group B with three wins “The fi rst change we did was mentally, road section, but could not sus- Dakar. young charges all the way. ting better and better. from their three games, and conceded only because only the best teams can qualify tain his challenge for a second De Villiers is now over 20 min- “We are going to face a very strong team “We are going to go into the game in a one goal on their way to the fi nal eight. for this tournament and I’m sure Japan has consecutive stage win, dropping utes behind al-Attiyah and nine who had a very good group stage, especial- positive frame of mind and we are looking Moriyasu admits, however, that their changed. behind al-Attiyah and Peterhan- minutes behind ten Brinke in ly in their last match (against Thailand),” to get the win and go through. match against Uzbekistan will be diff erent “Moving forward, we have analysed sel when the competitive run- what is currently an all-Toyota he said. “We have been taking baby steps to from those they played in the group stage, them, and we in turn, have also changed ning resumed. fi ght for the fi nal spot on the “We have every confi dence in our abil- reach this point. The match is going to be and that games will only get more chal- some aspects internally.” The duo were neck and neck at 2018 Dakar’s podium.

Qatar whip NZ in Asian handball

Action from the Qatar-New Zealand Group D preliminary match in the Asian Handball Championship in Seoul yesterday. Defending champions Qatar won the opener by a whopping 58-14 margin. Qatar will take on China in their second group game today. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 19, 2018 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Neymar cost Barca over 200mn Neymar scores four as euros Madrid: FC Barcelona shelled out more than 200mn euros ($245mn) for Neymar including his salary and the “countless hidden clauses of the transfer,” Spain’s El Cavani matches record Mundo daily said yesterday. If confirmed, this would be greatly superior to the 57.1mn Runaway Ligue 1 leaders thrashed Dijon 8-0 on Wednesday night euros the club said it paid for his 2013 transfer, or even the AFP 83.3mn euros later estimated Paris by Spanish authorities prob- ing irregularities in the move. The 25-year-old and his eymar scored four times while parents have been ordered to Edinson Cavani equalled Zla- stand trial over the transfer, tan Ibrahimovic’s Paris Saint- as have Barcelona president Germain all-time goalscoring Josep Maria Bartomeu and his Nrecord as the runaway Ligue 1 lead- predecessor Sandro Rosell. El ers thrashed Dijon 8-0 on Wednesday Mundo based its information night. Angel Di Maria struck twice in- on documents handed over side the opening quarter-hour at the to Spanish prosecutors by Parc des Princes before the Argentine Brazilian authorities, which provided the cross for Cavani to net his are also probing the football 156th PSG goal. star for tax evasion. The Neymar marked his return from a rib Spanish judge in charge of the injury with the hosts’ fourth just before case has still not set a date half-time, and the Brazilian made it a for the trial and has to decide hat-trick with two more second-half whether he can accept the lat- strikes as Dijon were mercilessly ripped est information as evidence, apart. Kylian Mbappe piled on further as it arrived after the probe misery for the visitors 13 minutes from was closed, the sources say. time before Neymar notched his fourth The documents were given of the evening from the penalty spot to Brazilian authorities by “the — denying Cavani the chance to make former right-hand man of the club history and eliciting whistles from footballer’s father, Eduardo home supporters. Musa.” The the deal between “(Cavani) is our goalscorer and he’s Barcelona and Neymar’s en- improved a lot here. The team helped tourage was divided into two him to achieve this individual mark,” parts. On the one hand was said PSG coach Unai Emery, who was “the footballer’s salary, which quick to defend Neymar’s decision to went up to 71mn euros before take the spot-kick. “I think Neymar tax in five years,” and on the took the penalty because it was also a other hand “many fictitious good day for him. We’re happy with it. contracts... that reach 134mn.” But there will be lots more chances for Among these contracts, Cavani to score more goals.” includes an agreement to play Argentine Di Maria, who grabbed friendly matches with Santos, the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Neymar’s former club, which Nantes, needed just four minutes in never took place. The case Paris to put the home team ahead with against Neymar initiated with a stunning left-footed strike into the a complaint from Brazilian in- top corner. The former Real Madrid vestment company DIS, which and Manchester United winger added a owned 40% of Neymar’s second when he applied the fi nal touch sporting rights at the time of after Neymar lifted the ball over Dijon his transfer. DIS received just goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet following a Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (right) and Edinson Cavani (left) dribble through the defence of Dijon players during the Ligue 1 match in Paris on Wednesday night. (AFP) 6.8mn euros — 40% of the ball through from Cavani. 17mn euros fee paid to Santos The Uruguayan then netted his a run that beat several Dijon defenders fender Thomas Meunier said. louse, as Max-Alain Gradel salvaged a Angers 3 (Thomas 33, 58, Capelle 81) — with the company claiming league-best 20th goal of the season by and culminated in a crisp low drive from PSG have yet to drop a point at home point for the hosts by cancelling out a Troyes 1 (Khaoui 51) it was cheated out of its real heading in a right-wing cross from Di the edge of the area. this season and lead Lyon by 11 points, fi rst-half header from Slovenia interna- Guingamp 0 Lyon 2 (Fekir 25, Aouar 58) share because part of the Maria, pulling level with the record Ib- Neymar released Mbappe as the with a trip to face Bruno Genesio’s men tional Rene Krhin. Lille 1 (Alonso 41) Rennes 2 (Lea Siliki 85, transfer fee was concealed. rahimovic set across four seasons in the teenager scored within fi ve minutes of next up for the league leaders at the Yann M’Vila endured a chastening Andre 89) Spanish prosecutors have French capital. replacing Di Maria, while the Brazil- weekend. Nabil Fekir scored his 15th return to French football as his Saint- Metz 3 (Riviere 13-pen, Dossevi 16, Roux 77) recommended that Neymar Neymar made it 4-0 on 42 min- ian rounded out a record home win for goal of the campaign as Lyon defeated Etienne debut ended in a 3-0 defeat at Saint-Etienne 0 be handed a two-year jail sen- utes with a sublime free-kick, with the PSG from the spot after Cavani tumbled Guingamp 2-0, with 19-year-old mid- bottom side Metz, who won for the third Toulouse 1 (Gradel 90+6-pen) Nantes 1 tence and fined 10mn euros. world’s most expensive player pounc- to the ground. “It was a very, very good fi elder Houssem Aouar also on target at time in four outings. (Krhin 19) Sentences of two years or less ing on a miscued clearance to double his PSG against a Dijon side that unfortu- the Stade du Roudourou. Paris Saint-Germain 8 (Di Maria 4, 15, are habitually suspended for tally just before the hour. He then struck nately didn’t put up much resistance. Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes conceded a FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Cavani 21, Neymar 42, 57, 73, 83-pen, first time off enders in Spain. a sensational third goal of the night with We were almost perfect today,” PSG de- last-gasp penalty in a 1-1 draw at Tou- Amiens 1 (Konate 72) Montpellier 1 (Skhiri 33) Mbappe 77) Dijon 0

COPA DEL REY SPOTLIGHT Missed Messi penalty costs Al Gharafa present striker Taremi QNA Barca in Cup derby defeat Doha

AFP l Gharafa unveiled their Madrid new recruit, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, at a Press confer- ionel Messi missed a penalty as Espanyol enceA on Wednesday night. The struck in the dying moments to consign 25-year-old, who was signed for Barcelona to their fi rst defeat since Au- one-and-a-half seasons, was gust, 1-0 in the fi rst leg of the Copa del Rey presented in the presence of Al Lquarter-fi nals on Wednesday night. Oscar Melendo Gharafa Sports Club President slotted home a neat fi nish with two minutes re- Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer al- maining of a temperamental derby cup tie, racing Thani, former president Saad onto Marc Navarro’s low cross to punish Messi for al-Rumaihi, Deputy Football missing a 62nd-minute penalty and send the home Head Saad al-Shammari, ex-Al crowd into raptures. Gharafa players Adel Khamis, “We knew this day would come, we tried to delay Mahmoud Sufi and Iraqi Younis it as much as possible but it couldn’t be today,” said Mahmoud, and current coach Sergio Busquets after the match. “The good thing is Bulent Uygun. Mehdi became Al that we have the second leg to try to mount a come- Gharafa’s second signing in the back. We are lucky to have that game at home, and current winter transfer period, we will have to win whatever happens.” after Dutch attacking midfi elder In a match of few chances Barca’s penalty, which Wesley Sneijder. came after a foul on Sergi Roberto, looked to be the The tall forward had an out- decisive moment for the away side, but Espan- standing career with defend- Al Gharafa off icials cut a cake to welcome new recruit Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi to the club. yol keeper Diego Lopez dived superbly to his left ing Iranian league champions to push Messi’s powerful shot wide. Navarro then Persepolis since 2014, donning ing part of the season, which to be in Qatar and playing for my fi tness,” said Taremi, who came close to giving the hosts the lead in the 83rd the Iran national team jersey also include their AFC Champi- Al Gharafa. “I was out of action thanked the Al Gharafa offi cials minute with a dipping free-kick that forced an ex- 22 times, scoring 10 goals. Al- ons League engagements should for four months because of sus- for the confi dence shown in his cellent save from Jasper Cillessen, before fi ve min- Shammari exuded confi dence they beat Uzbekistan’s Pakhta- pension over transfer, but I had abilities. Younis presented Me- utes later setting up the goal that gave Espanyol Espanyol midfielder Oscar Melendo celebrates that Mehdi would add teeth to kor in play-off on 30th January. training during this period with hdi with the No.9 shirt which he their fi rst win over Barcelona in nearly nine years. after scoring against Barcelona during the Copa the teams attack in the remain- Mehdi expressed his pleasure Persepolis in order to maintain donned at Al Gharafa. “This victory is important for the history of the del Rey quarter-final first leg match. (AFP) club and to break down all those walls,” said Es- panyol coach Quique Sanchez Flores. “It was tell- them in the cup — with a much better goal two min- ROUND-UP ing how long ago it had been since we’d won against utes from time, Joaquin Correa racing on to Wissam Barcelona, now the counter is back zero and we’re Ben Yedder’s knock-on and tucking a fi ne fi nish immensely happy about that.” past Moya. Valencia came close to being shocked at Diego Costa’s third goal in four matches wasn’t their Mestalla stadium by Alaves, who are languish- enough for Atletico Madrid as Sevilla twice scored ing in 17th place in La Liga and are just two points Pique extends Barcelona deal late to stun their hosts 2-1 in the fi rst leg at the above the relegation zone, but Goncalo Guedes Wanda Metropolitano. Costa struck for dominant and Rodrigo scored in nine second-half minutes esurgent Barcelona United in 2008 and has proved Chicago Fire for the upcoming STRUGGLING BORDEAUX Atletico on his fi rst appearance since being sent off to overturn Ruben Sobrino’s 66th-minute opener were given a fresh an increasingly steady presence season, the club announced. SACK COACH GOURVENNEC for wildly celebrating his last goal, in a 2-0 league for the away side. Struggling Real Madrid and their boost yesterday when as centre-back with the Cata- Schweinsteiger, who joined Crisis-hit French Ligue 1 strug- win against Getafe, this one a superb fi rst-time shot under-fi re boss Zinedine Zidane travel to Leganes key defender Gerard lans winning three Champions Chicago last year from Man- glers Bordeaux have fi red their past Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico after the ball rico- yesterday hoping to banish all talk of a crisis at the PiqueR signed a contract exten- Leagues and six Spanish Liga chester United and played in 24 coach Jocelyn Gourvennec and cheted to him in the 73rd minute. domestic and European champions after the week- sion until 2022. Having recently titles during his tenure. games, scoring three goals, said cancelled the contract of cap- However Sevilla grabbed a hugely fortunate and end’s shock home defeat to Villarreal. lost Brazilian superstar Neymar in a statement he is determined tain Jeremy Toulalan, the club barely deserved equaliser seven minutes later when to Paris Saint-Germain, Bar- SCHWEINSTEIGER to help the club compete for said yesterday. The move fol- a speculative cross defl ected off Atletico defender COPA DEL REY RESULTS celona have put a 500mn euros EXTENDS CHICAGO DEAL silverware. The midfi elder is lows a 2-0 home defeat against Lucas Hernandez and was then inexplicably pushed Quarter-final first leg matches: Espanyol 1 (Melendo ($611mn) buy out clause in Former Germany star Bastian seen as a key part of the club’s Caen on Tuesday and the into his own net by keeper Miguel Angel Moya. 88) Barcelona 0; Atletico Madrid 1 (Costa 73) Sevilla 2 Pique’s new contract. Schweinsteiger has signed a plans as they attempt to end a club have won just twice in 14 New Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella sealed his (Moya 80-og, Correa 88); Valencia 2 (Guedes 73, Rod- The 30-year-old joined new one-year deal which will 20-year wait for a second MLS games. They are just two points third win since arriving in Spain — all of coming rigo 82) Alaves 1 (Sobrino 66) Barcelona from Manchester see him remain with MLS side Cup crown. above the bottom three. Gulf Times Friday, January 19, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal ‘likely to happen’, says Wenger Arsenal manager says Sanchez likely to join Man United, also admits interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Aubameyang

By David Hytner The Guardian United set to

rsene Wenger has made it make Sanchez clear that he expects to swap Alexis Sanchez for Manches- highest-paid ter United’s Henrikh Mkhitar- yan,A as he described this transfer win- EPL player dow as “more disturbing” and “more destabilising” than ever for Arsenal. London: Manchester United are set The manager was unusually open to land Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal when discussing transfer business by making him the Premier League’s yesterday, which refl ected his level of highest paid player, according to certainty on a number of issues – chief several reports yesterday. The among them Sanchez and Mkhitaryan. Chilean striker would earn between Wenger said that Sanchez’s transfer 400,000 and 500,000 pounds to Old Traff ord was not guaranteed but ($555,000 and $690,000) a week “likely to happen” – and quickly, possi- before tax by moving to Old Traf- bly in the next 24 to 48 hours. He spoke ford, according to The Sun, the Daily candidly on Mkhitaryan, too, saying Telegraph and other newspapers. it was his understanding that the at- The 29-year-old’s wage demands tacking midfi elder would be moving in are said to have scared off Man- the opposite direction. He added that chester City and Chelsea, leaving Arsenal had no problem about meeting United as his main suitors. The Daily Mkhitaryan’s wage demands. Telegraph reported that United have Arsenal would still be on the mar- off ered Sanchez a four-and-a-half- ket for another attacking player and year contract and he would move they retain a strong interest in Borussia for a £30mn transfer fee — it is rela- Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubam- tively low because he could leave eyang. Wenger, however, appeared to for free at the end of the summer. rule out a move for the Bordeaux winger The deal for the former Barcelona Malcom. player would also likely involve a On Sanchez, Wenger said: “I’ve £20mn signing-on fee and a £10mn worked on transfers for 30 years, so it agent’s fee. The Sun reports how- is likely to happen. But at any moment, ever that Arsenal could still refuse at any minute, things can break down. Arsenal forward Alexis sanchez is likely to join rivals Manchester United this month, while United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan could move in the other direction. to allow Sanchez to leave if they do That’s how the transfer market is. As not find a replacement. long as it’s not over the line, you have to against him when he was at Dortmund. to replace their top scorer if they decid- not compete with United – or City – on and prepared 100% … He’s 29 years old United are second in the Premier accept that it can, as well, not happen. He certainly appreciated the quality of ed to take the money for him in January. wages. “That doesn’t mean that you and the next contract will, of course, be League, 12 points behind runa- It’s now in the next 24 to 48 hours that our game and the way we play football. “I have nothing to add (on Aubam- cannot compete on the pitch,” he said. very important for him.” way leaders Manchester City, and it will happen or not.” “The wages would not be a problem. eyang),” Wenger said. “That will not be an excuse big enough With Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Sanchez’s capture would be seen as Wenger did not sell Sanchez last Au- Look, this would be an exchange of “These kind of things, it’s better to not compete on the pitch. Of course, Wilshere in the fi nal six months of their a statement of intent from a team al- gust to Manchester City – after accept- players and I think one would replace when it’s secret and when you don’t there’s no mystery that United and City contracts, Wenger admitted that this ready paying huge wages to French ing a £60mn off er – because he was un- the other. Are we still on the transfer come out on it, and when you announce have bigger fi nancial resources.” month had been uniquely challenging. international midfielder Paul Pogba able to sign a replacement. This time, market after that? Yes.” it when it’s over the line.” On Malcom, Wenger said he had no problem with “For us especially this period has and Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. Mkhitaryan is set to smooth the deal. The Arsenal hierarchy are convinced Wenger said: “Will we sign him in Jan- Sanchez chasing the best fi nancial deal. been more disturbing than ever,” he Arsenal are struggling to com- Wenger was asked whether Mkhitar- that Dortmund are ready to sell Au- uary? I don’t think so.” “No, because they are professional said. “Why? Because we have big play- pete for the Champions League yan would come as part of the Sanchez bameyang. The question is whether Wenger said that Arsenal had done players,” he said. “I have no problem ers that are at the end of their contracts places and knocked out of the FA move. “It’s my understanding, yes,” he they will do so now or in the summer. “the maximum we could aff ord to do” in with Alexis Sanchez. His attitude has and that is the fi rst time that it hap- Cup. Though they are through to said. “If it’s a possibility, it’s because I Dortmund are desperate to qualify for terms of their contract off er to Sanchez been outstanding with us. He was in pens. It has been more destabilising the last 32 of the Europa League. like the player. We played many times the Champions League and would need and he accepted that they simply could training yesterday, fully committed than ever.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Chelsea edge into FA Cup fourth round Dortmund deny AFP And there was more controversy in the London fi nal seconds when Morata was booked for fall in the area and then protested so Arsenal contact vehemently that referee Graham Scott helsea needed a penalty shoot- sent off the forward for a second yellow out before fi nally killing off Nor- card. In the shoot-out, Oliveira’s kick was wich after a 1-1 draw in Wednes- saved by Caballero, while Willian, David for Aubameyang day night’s FA Cup third round Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kante and sub- replay,C while Bournemouth slumped to stitute Hazard converted for Chelsea. AFP a 3-0 defeat at Wigan. Antonio Conte’s At the DW Stadium, third-tier Wigan, Berlin side fi nished extra-time down to nine who won the FA Cup in 2013, brushed men after late red cards for Pedro and Al- aside under-strength Bournemouth in varo Morata at Stamford Bridge. their third round replay. Eddie Howe ll eyes will be on They had been forced into the extra pe- made eight changes to the team that beat whether Pierre-Em- riod when Jamal Lewis’s last-gasp equal- Arsenal on Sunday and Bournemouth, erick Aubameyang iser cancelled out Michy Batshuayi’s 13th in the Premier League, looked lost will return to Borus- strike. Chelsea’s reserve goalkeeper Willy with their understudies in action. siaA Dortmund’s starting line-up Caballero made the crucial save from Sam Morsy put Wigan on course for at Hertha Berlin today, with the Nelson Oliveira in the 5-3 shoot-out win the upset with the ninth-minute opener. star striker reportedly chasing a to send the Blues through to host New- Dan Burn’s shot went in off the crossbar move to Arsenal. But Dortmund castle in the fourth round. to double Wigan’s lead in the 73rd minute yesterday said they have had no It was a fi rst win in 2018 for Chel- before Callum Elder’s header three min- contact with Arsenal amidst re- sea, who had drawn their four previous utes later wrapped up the victory. ports that Aubameyang’s father matches in all competitions this year. Wigan next face a fourth round tie at and agent Pierre has been in Norwich manager Daniel Farke said: “To home to West Ham. Wilfried Bony gave London this week to negotiate a be honest it’s a big disappointment, some Chelsea manager Antonio Conte argues with referee Graham Scott after his team’s Premier League strugglers Swansea a 2-1 transfer for the Gabon hot-shot. struggled to fi nish their chances. of the lads are sitting with tears in their win over Norwich City in the FA Cup Third Round Replay on Wednesday. (Reuters) win over Championship leaders Wolves in According to German magazine “He is defi nitely an option,” eyes in the dressing room.” their third round replay. Jordan Ayew also Kicker, Dortmund want 70mn head coach Peter Stoeger said of Conte had made nine changes from Norwich instead when his eff ort hit the time when Timm Klose whipped in a fi ne scored for Swansea, who travel to fourth- euros ($85.6mn) for last season’s Aubameyang. “He could play, but the 0-0 draw with Leicester on Satur- bar. The Blues fi nally ended their three- cross and teenage defender Lewis rose to tier Notts County in the next round. top-scorer in the German league. it is obvious that he has to put his day, with Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Thibaut match goal drought in the 55th minute glance his fi rst professional goal in off the Aubameyang has already foot down in training and show Courtois and N’Golo Kante left out of when Belgian striker Batshuayi fi nished far post. ENGLISH FA CUP RESULTS scored 21 goals in 23 games this up well. He can decide for him- the starting line-up. After the kick-off off Kenedy’s cross from close range for his Conte was furious that the video as- (aet denotes after extra-time): season, but was disciplined by self, with his attitude, whether was delayed for 15 minutes due to traffi c fi rst senior goal since October. sistant referee didn’t intervene when 3rd rd replays the club last Sunday for the third he will be considered and I plan congestion around the stadium, Chelsea Josh Murphy hit the post as Norwich Willian was denied a penalty and booked Chelsea 1 (Batshuayi 55) bt Norwich 1 (Lewis time in 16 months after failing on using him, if he works hard.” dominated the fi rst half and almost went pushed for an equaliser before the out- for diving after a challenge from Klose 90+4) aet, Chelsea won 5-3 on penalties to attend a team meeting. Yes- It was the third time he has ahead when Danny Drinkwater’s 25-yard of-form Morata came off the bench and caught the Brazilian in extra-time. Chel- Swansea 2 (Ayew 11, Bony 69) bt Wolves 1 terday, Arsenal manager Arsene been disciplined by Dortmund drive hit the crossbar. missed a chance to wrap up the win. That sea were reduced to 10 men when Pedro (Jota 66) Wenger praised Aubameyang’s in the last 16 months, follow- But they couldn’t fi nd the break- blunder from Morata came back to haunt earned a second booking for a foul on Wes Wigan 3 (Morsy 9, Burn 73, Elder 76) bt ‘strong character’, which did not ing an unauthorised video shoot through and Oliveira nearly provided it for Chelsea in the fourth minute of stoppage- Hoolahan. Bournemouth 0 go down well with Dortmund’s on club premises last November sports director Michael Zorc. and his jetting to Milan before a “We fi nd it respectless to talk Champions League game a year ROUND-UP about a player from another before. Fourth-placed Dort- club,” said Zorc, who added mund are unbeaten in their three that Aubameyang has this week league games since Stoeger took ‘trained well and is focused’ on over from Peter Bosz last month, Burnley's Dyche wriggles out of worm-eating allegation regaining his Dortmund place. while Hertha are down to 11th “There has been no contact with after crashing to a 1-0 defeat at ean Dyche’s trademark gruff , and then he ate it.” banter and Soren has probably taken it a for City since arriving at the Etihad Sta- Arsenal and we assume Arsene Stuttgart last weekend. raspy voice, has nothing to do Yet Dyche suggested the former bit too far, he was probably turning away dium from Valencia in 2015 and won the Wenger has enough to do wor- with an alleged bizarre eating Denmark striker had fallen for a practical at that moment. He’s a good lad,” added League Cup in his fi rst season in England. rying about the performances of FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1430 habit, the Burnley manager clari- joke. “Yeah, I also smoke exhaust pipes. Dyche. “For the record I defi nitely don’t He has featured in 22 of City’s 23 Premier his own players.” GMT UNLESS STATED) fiS ed yesterday. Dyche’s former Bristol I have gravel for breakfast. Those three eat worms and I never did.” Burnley host League games this season, guiding the Aubameyang had a contract at Today: Hertha Berlin v Borussia City teammate Soren Andersen told a combined often are the things that keep Manchester United at Turf Moor in the defensive line to help put Pep Guardiola’s Dortmund until 2021. It remains Dortmund (1930) Danish football podcast that the man- this voice sounding how it is. It’s fair Premier League tomorrow. side 12 points clear at the top of the table. to be seen whether he is named Tomorrow: Hoff enheim v Bayer ager’s gravelly tones may be linked to a to say I didn’t actually eat the worms,” “I’ve enjoyed my time at City and I’m re- in the starting side for today’s Leverkusen, Freiburg v RB Leipzig, penchant for munching on earthworms. Dyche said. OTAMENDI EXTENDS MAN CITY ally happy to have extended my stay here Bundesliga clash at Hertha Ber- Borussia Moenchengladbach v “Maybe the voice comes from eat- “It was a bit of banter I used to have. CONTRACT UNTIL 2022 by a couple more years,” Otamendi said lin. Swedish teenager Alexan- Augsburg, Mainz v VfB Stuttgart, ing rainworms, because every time we I’ve done it here and Watford too — that Manchester City defender Nicolas Ota- in a statement. “My only aim is to help der Isak, 18, made only his third Wolfsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt, trained, he used to eat rainworms,” An- you get a nice, big juicy worm hang- mendi has signed a contract extension the team and give all I can for this club. German league appearance when Hamburg v Cologne (1730) derson said. “Yes, he did. It was horrible, ing out of your mouth. Look as if you’re until 2022, the Premier League club have I am learning every day under Pep and he took Aubameyang’s place for On Sunday: Bayern Munich v I’ve never experienced anything like it. chewing it and then spit it out, wash announced. The 29-year-old Argentina enjoying my football and I feel I can still last Sunday’s goalless draw at Werder Bremen, Schalke v Hanover It was like: ‘whoops, there’s a rainworm’ your mouth with water. It was a bit of international has made 118 appearances improve as a player.” home to Wolfsburg, but the team 96 (1700) Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 19, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS CRICKET / ICC U19 WORLD CUP Brook century studs King Kohli crowned comprehensive England win

ICC of being bundled out for a two- Auckland digit score. cricketer of the year However, Hossain and Aminul got together and staged a fi ne re- ngland coasted to a sev- covery. en-wicket victory over England broke the stand in fellow Group C heavy- the 32nd over, via the off -spin of Australian captain Smith, who is on top of weights Bangladesh at Woods. Within three deliveries, theE 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket he drew an edge off Aminul, and Test batting chart, had little competition World Cup, riding on the back went through Hossain to clatter of a century from their captain, his stumps. Nayeem Hasan and for Test player of the year prize Harry Brook, and his unbroken Qazi Onik followed suit in quick 128-run stand with Euan Woods succession, but Bangladesh’s tail AFP series winning streak at home. He also leads (48 off 57). had life in it. Mahidul Islam An- New Delhi the ODI and Twenty20 teams for the sub- Woods also returned 3 for 26 kon (20) and Hasan Mahmud (23) continent. in the fi rst innings, including the resisted England long enough to But it has not always been smooth sail- crucial wickets of Afi f Hossain boost the total. irat Kohli yesterday was crowned ing for Kohli, whose men were defeated 2-0 (63) and Aminul Islam (31) – the The Bangladesh bowlers start- cricketer of the year by the sport’s in a Test series against South Africa that two had staged a Bangladesh re- ed the second innings well, doing world governing body, capping wrapped up Wednesday, prompting criti- covery with a 94-run stand for their best to make a fi ght of it. off a strong innings for the Indian cism about his team selection and India’s the fi fth wicket after their side England were reduced to 19 for Vskipper across all three formats of the game. poor Test record away from home. was reduced to 27 for 4 — with 2 with Tom Banton (9) falling to Australian captain Steve Smith was Smith meanwhile, who sits atop the Test Ethan Bamber returning 3 for 19. Qazi Onik in the fourth over, and named Test player of the year as the Inter- batting chart, had little competition this time Victory means England have Savin Perera (7) following suit national Cricket Council unveiled its annual around for the prize he also won in 2015. a foot in the quarter-fi nals al- three overs later, when he edged awards. The Australian captain played 16 Tests though a very specifi c set of Mahmud to Tipu Sultan. Will Kohli is just the fourth Indian to win the during the 15-month voting period, scoring results could still them fail to Jacks joined Brook in the middle, prestigious Sir Garfi eld Sobers Trophy, fol- 1,875 runs at an average of 78.12, with eight qualify. and the two attempted to stage a lowing in the footsteps of batting greats hundreds and fi ve half-centuries. In the other match, consum- revival, with Brook doing most of Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Rahul Dravid “I’ve had a really good year. I think I’ve mate batting and bowling per- the early scoring. However, Jacks (2004) and teammate Ravichandran Ashwin scored six hundreds in the year and more formances from Canada held off lasted just ten deliveries before (2016). importantly led the team to an Ashes vic- a spirited Namibia challenge to falling to Nayeem, and England “It’s the fi rst time winning the Garfi eld tory, which is something that is really im- keep Canada’s dream of a quar- were reduced to 49 for 3. Sobers Trophy, and it’s a huge honour for portant to me,” said Smith. ter-fi nal berth alive. England were getting the runs, me,” Kohli said in a statement. “It’s prob- “I am incredibly humbled and I love play- The North American side set and getting them quickly, but the ably the biggest of all in world cricket and ing Test cricket. It’s the game that challeng- themselves well on the way to wickets were hurting them sig- two Indians getting it back-to-back makes es your skills and your mind the most.” victory by restricting their oppo- nifi cantly. However, with Woods it more special.” The Australians have taken home the nents to 193 in the fi rst innings, joining Brook in the middle, Kohli was also crowned the world’s best award in four of the last fi ve years, with before knocking of their target Bangladesh were batted out of one-day batsman, winning that title for the Mitchell Johnson winning in 2014 and with ease for a fi ve-wicket win in the game. second time since 2012. Michael Clarke in 2013. Christchurch. Brooks brought up his half- During the voting period from 21 Septem- Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal In Queenstown, after opting century off 56 balls, and prompt- ber 2016 to end-2017, Kohli scored 2,203 won international Twenty20 performance to bat, Bangladesh found Bam- ly shifted gears – the century Test runs at an average of 77.80 including of the year for his incredible haul of 6-25 ber and Dillon Pennington in in- was brought up in just 28 further eight centuries. against England at Bangalore last February. credible form; they were incisive deliveries. He hammered sixes of He accumulated 1,818 runs in the one- Pakistan paceman Hasan Ali was named and disciplined in their opening off Sultan, Hassan and Mahmud, day format including seven centuries. emerging player of the year, while Afghani- spell, and the Bangladesh bats- even as Woods inched closer to The 29-year-old was also bestowed a rare stan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan took men just weren’t aff orded the a half-century at the other end. honour — selected to captain the ICC’s Test home the associate cricketer of the year tro- time to settle in. Commendably, Woods yielded and ODI sides, a team in name only that phy. Pennington had Pinak Ghosh strike in what turned out to be comprises the best players from around the The 19-year-old Khan made his interna- (4) trapped in front in as early as the last over, sacrifi cing his own globe. tional presence felt after bagging a lucrative the second over, pitching it on leg half-century for his captain’s India emerged as the world’s best Test Indian Premier League contract last year stump and striking him plumb. ton. side in 2017 under Kohli, with an unbroken along with teammate Mohamed Nabi. Bamber had Bangladesh captain Brook became the fi rst Eng- Saif Hassan (1) paying a rather land U19 captain to score a cen- rash shot in the next over, and tury at the ICC U19 CWC after he followed that up with the dis- Alastair Cook. missal of Mohamed Naim Sheikh GOLF FORMULA 1 (1) after inducing an edge. BRIEF SCORES Tawhid Hridoy (12), who Namibia 193 all out (Gill 4 for scored a big century against 43) lost to Canada 197/6 (Khan Canada in his previous outing, 72, Gill 52, Singh 50 not out) by 5 Mercedes to then looked to lead a recovery, wickets threading a couple of fours, but Bangladesh 175 all out (Hos- launch car Bamber steamed one into his sain 63; Bamber 3/19, Woods Fleetwood sets pace to pads for his third wicket. At 27 3/26) lost to England 177 for 3 on same day for 4, Bangladesh faced a real risk (Brook 102) by seven wickets open title defence as Ferrari Reuters AFP London Abu Dhabi ormula One champions Mer- efending champion Tommy cedes will launch their new Fleetwood picked up from car on the same day as rivals where he left off in the UAE Ferrari ahead of pre-season capital, racing to the top of the testingF next month. leaderboardD early in the $3 mn Abu Dhabi Mercedes announced yesterday HSBC Championship yesterday with a bo- that four-times world champion gey-free round of 66. Lewis Hamilton and team mate Valt- The Englishman was later joined on the teri Bottas would unveil the new top of the leaderboard by Japan’s Hideto W09 car at Silverstone, down the Tanihara, who also managed to keep the road from their factory, on Feb. 22. bogeys away from his six-birdie card. Ferrari have already said they will Former world No.1 Rory McIlroy, playing reveal their new challenger that day, alongside Fleetwood and top-ranked Dus- with that presentation expected to be tin Johnson, made an excellent return to online. Testing is due to start at Barce- competition golf with a three-birdie round lona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Feb. 26. of 69. He started with 11 consecutive pars McLaren have a launch date of Feb. from the 10th tee, but stayed patient and 23 for their new car, their fi rst with a found some joy coming in. Renault engine since they split from American Johnson made four birdies but “Hitting 18 greens, that doesn’t happen “So feel like I’m nearly the most pre- Honda, while Toro Rosso — Honda’s also an equal number of bogeys, includ- very often, so nice to do it around here. My pared for a season that I’ve ever been. new partners — are planning a reveal England players (in blue) celebrate the wicket of a Bangladeshi player ing one on his last hole where he pushed pace putting was really good. I didn’t put Tommy obviously played very well and I at the Barcelona track on the 25th. (in green) during their match in Queenstown yesterday. (ICC) his tee shot into the water, for an even-par myself under any stress at all.” was just trying to hang on to his coattails 72 start. England’s Justin Rose, the second for most of the round. A bogey-free 69, I highest ranked player in the fi eld at No.6, MCILROY PREACHES PATIENCE can’t really complain. was one better at 71, while No.9 Henrik McIlroy, playing his fi rst competitive “I started off with 11 pars and could have Stokes’ court date clashes the tourists in Melbourne last Sunday, and with Stenson fi nished on two-under par 70. round since October 8 when he shut down been a lot better than that. I tried to stay as with potential comeback Hazelwood yesterday determined too unwell to play, The 26-year-old Fleetwood, who started his injury-ravaged 2017 season much ear- patient as possible. But when it’s the fi rst paceman Jhye Richardson appears set to make his his 2017 winning this tournament by a shot lier than scheduled, drove the ball beauti- day back in the year, it’s easier to stay pa- debut on a Gabba pitch expected to provide plenty over Johnson, then went on to secure the Eu- fully, but was frustrated early in his round tient. Ben Stokes’ return to international cricket was for fast bowlers. “You’re always confident as an ropean Tour’s Race to Dubai title at the end of as he could not convert his birdie chances. “So I was just trying my best and trying thrown into fresh doubt yesterday when he was Australian batsman when you come and look at this the year. And he showed no signs of cooling That included a three-putt par on the par- to hit a good shot every time and trying to instructed to appear in court on the same day as wicket, that’s for sure,” Australian vice captain David off with his round on Thursday, which fea- 5 18th hole, his ninth of the day after start- hit good putts even if they weren’t going in, his potential England comeback match in New Zea- Warner told Cricket Australia’s off icial website on tured hitting all 18 greens in regulation. ing from the 10th tee. just move on to the next hole and try to do land. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the Wednesday. “It’s always got good bounce and carry “It really was a very good day, very “It was nice. I was excited to get going. the same thing. I was proud of myself the all-rounder is due to make for a first appearance for the bowlers as well.” stress-free,” said Fleetwood, also the win- The last couple of months have been really way I hung in there.” to answer an aff ray charge at Bristol Magistrates’ ner of the French Open last year. nice in terms of being able to concentrate Five players were tied on third place at Court on Feb. 13. On the same day, England play “I had control of my ball really from the on things I needed to work on in my game fi ve-under par 67, including England’s Ross New Zealand in a T20 in Wellington, their first SL sweat over Mathews get-go. Just sort of did what you need to do and things I needed to work on health-wise Fisher, Belgium’s Thomas Pieters, Austria’s game in a tri-series also involving Australia. Earlier fi tness ahead of ODI well around here to get a good score. I drove and all that sort of stuff ,” said the four- Bernd Wiesberger, Australia’s Sam Brazel this week, Stokes was cleared by the England and it well. time major champion. and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti. Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to resume his England Skipper Angelo Mathews is doubtful for Sri Lanka’s career in New Zealand although no date was set for second one-day international in the tri-nation his actual return. The schedule will now have to be tournament in Bangladesh after the allrounder sus- re-examined. After England’s tri-nation series, they tained a suspected injury yesterday. Mathews, who Garcia shares Singapore Open lead aft er disrupted fi rst day remain in New Zealand to play five ODIs and two was in action during Sri Lanka’s opening loss to Tests against New Zealand. Zimbabwe on Wednesday, was under observation Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Ameri- “It was a great day, but also challenging. I India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was four-under ahead of the crucial game against the hosts today. can Kurt Kitayama both carded five-under- was one-over after (my) seventh hole but after 17 holes and is matched by Austral- Hazlewood out of ODI, Paine “I think he had hurt his hamstring. We are not sure par 66 to share the lead after the first round it didn’t feel like I was playing badly,” said ian Lucas Herbert, who had played 14 if it’s hamstring or cramping and (we’re) waiting for of the Singapore Open yesterday. Spaniard Garcia, who hit four birdies and holes before play was suspended, with in doubt the specialist’s verdict,” batting coach Thilan Sama- The duo were joined by South African an eagle. play due to resume today. raweera told reporters in Dhaka. Middle-order bats- Louis Oosthuizen and Thailand’s Tirawat Kitayama finished third at the Asian Tour American Casey O’ Toole, Japan’s Koumei Australian quick Josh Hazlewood has been ruled man Dinesh Chandimal is expected to lead the side Kaewsiribandit at the top of the leader- qualifying school last week and earned Oda and Indian Jyoti Randhawa shot out of today’s second one-day international against if Mathews is ruled out. Mathews, who returned as board at five-under after 16 holes before his spot in the field through qualifiers on three-under-par 68s, with Oda’s compa- England in Brisbane with illness, while gloveman Alex the team’s limited-overs captain ahead of the tri- play was stopped because of lightning at Monday. The 25-year-old made six birdies triot Satoshi Kodaira also three-under Carey has been called up to cover for Tim Paine. The series, made a valiant 42 before the islanders went the Sentosa Golf Club’s Seropang course. as he matched the world No.10’s score. after 15 holes. Aussies lost the first of the five-match series against down to Zimbabwe by 12 runs. Gulf Times Friday, January 19, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Patriots’ Brady named MVP by Pro Warriors equal team Football Writers

Reuters 458 points scored (second in New York the NFL). Gurley, in his third sea- son, became the fourth Rams ew England Patriots player to be selected as PFWA record with 14th quarterback Tom Off ensive Player of the Year, Brady was named with quarterback Kurt Warner the 2017 NFL Most (1999) and running back Mar- NValuable Player by the Pro- shall Faulk (2000-01). He is fessional Football Writers of the fi rst running back to win America. the Off ensive Player of the The PFWA also announced Year award since DeMarco that Los Angeles Rams run- Murray (2014). Gurley was se- road victory in a row ning back Todd Gurley was lected to the PFWA’s 2017 All- voted Off ensive Player of the NFL and All-NFC teams. ‘Winning on the road is great. You see opposing arenas empty out pretty quick’ Year and Jacksonville Jaguars Gurley started 15 games in defensive end Calais Campbell 2017, rushing 279 times for AFP was selected Defensive Player 1,305 yards (second in the Washington of the Year. NFL) and 13 touchdowns. He Brady, in his 18th NFL sea- also caught a team-high 64 son, is the 44th MVP honoured passes for 788 yards and six lay Thompson scored by the PFWA, earning the award touchdowns to lead the NFL in 38 points and Stephen for the third time (2007, 2010). both total yards from scrim- Curry added 30 to He is second behind Peyton mage (2,093) and total touch- spark defending NBA Manning, who had four (2004, downs (19). Kchampion Golden State over 2008, 2009, 2013). Campbell, in his 10th sea- Chicago 119-112 Wednes- The 40-year-old Brady son, started all 16 games and day, giving the Warriors a club started all 16 games in 2017 had 67 total tackles, an AFC- record-matching 14th consecu- and completed 385 of 581 leading and team record 14.5 tive road victory. passes (66.3 percent) for a sacks (second in the NFL). He Thompson and Curry, nick- league-leading 4,577 yards also had 14 tackles for loss, 30 named “The Splash Brothers,” with 32 touchdowns and just quarterback hits, three passes overwhelmed from 3-point eight interceptions. He had defensed, three forced fum- range, with Thompson sinking a 102.8 passer rating (third bles and one fumble recovery. seven 3-pointers and Curry add- in the NFL) as the Patriots He set a team record with four ing six, while Kevin Durant had gained the AFC’s No. 1 playoff sacks in the season opener at 19 points, eight rebounds and seed with a 13-3 record behind Houston on September 10. seven assists. “Every night we come out it’s a diff erent guy,” Thompson said. The Warriors outscored Chi- cago 32-12 in the third quarter to pull away, the Bulls being led by reserve Nikola Mirotic’s 24 points. Golden State improved to a league-best 37-9 and moved two road wins shy of matching the all-time NBA record away win streak of 16 games, set by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1971- 72 season as part of their overall record 33-game win streak. “It’s not about records,” Durant said. “We just want to play good every day. We want to keep getting better, build better habits.” The Warriors could set a club record with a 15th consecutive road victory on Saturday at Hou- ston, could match the NBA road win streak record of 16 games on January 30 at Utah and possibly break that mark on February 2 at Sacramento. “Winning on the road is great,” Curry said. “You see opposing arenas empty out Tom Brady of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter pretty quick.” or the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans But not all the news from Chi- at Gillette Stadium on January 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. cago was good for the Warriors. (Getty Images/AFP) Rookie Jordan Bell was taken off in a wheelchair with what was later diagnosed as a sprained left Rockets’ Ariza, Green suspended for two games ankle. X-rays were negative from more severe damage but a full The NBA suspended the Rockets’ Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green diagnosis will not be made until two games each for aggressively entering the Los Angeles an MRI exam Thursday. Clippers’ locker room following Houston’s Monday night loss Chicago’s Kris Dunn, averag- at Staples Centre. The punishments were announced by NBA ing 13.6 points a game, chipped Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard David Nwaba during the second half of their executive vice president KikiVanDeWeghe, who did not issue and dislocated two teeth with a NBA game at the United Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports any discipline to Los Angeles’ Blake Griff in and Houston’s Chris face-fi rst fall late in the fourth Paul and James Harden. quarter. He was to undergo fur- got to focus on what gets us in Howard had 18 points and 15 Spurs coach Gregg Popovich Griffi n had 20 points and 12 re- ESPN previously reported that Ariza was the instigator of the ther evaluation Thursday. that spot in the fi rst place.” rebounds in Charlotte’s 133-109 said. “We’d be in deep kimchi if bounds to lead the Los Angeles fracas, with Paul and Harden trying to calm him. Adams, a 24-year-old home win over Washington. he weren’t playing the way he is.” Clippers over visiting Denver The suspension will cost Ariza $102,357 and Green $19,054, Kiwi comes up big for OKC 7-footer, says he has found the Kent Bazemore’s jumper with 109-104 and Donovan Mitch- according to ESPN. Executives, coaches, players and security Carmelo Anthony scored best way to support superstars Spurs avoid ‘Deep kimchi’ 3.6 seconds remaining, the last ell scored 34 points to lead Utah personnel talked with NBA off icials Tuesday and Wednesday 27 points while New Zealand Westbrook, Anthony and Paul LaMarcus Aldridge scored of his team-high 20 points, gave over host Sacramento 120-105. as the league investigated the incident. With the Clippers center Steven Adams added 21 George, who had 13 points, is to 34 points to power the San An- Atlanta a 94-93 victory over vis- celebrating a 113-102 win over former teammate Paul and the points on 10-of-12 shooting and simply play his own game inside. tonio Spurs over host Brooklyn iting New Orleans. RESULTS Rockets, the mood changed swiftly in the locker room when grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the “It’s just fi nding ways you can 100-95. Australia’s Patty Mills Delon Wright sank two clinch- Charlotte 133 Washington 109 Ariza, Harden, Paul and Green entered through a back corridor Oklahoma City Thunder over help out the team,” Adams said. had 25 points on 7-of-10 3-point ing free throws with 5.9 seconds San Antonio 100 Brooklyn 95 at Staples Center, apparently seeking to confront Los Angeles’ the visiting Los Angeles Lakers “You don’t have to be a stat guy. shooting and Spaniard Pau Gasol remaining to lift Toronto over Atlanta 94 New Orleans 93 Austin Rivers and Griff in. ESPN reported tempers were high and 114-90. Russell Westbook added It will come back to you. These had 13 points and 12 rebounds Detroit 96-91. Toronto 96 Detroit 91 Rockets players were looking for Rivers in particular. 19 points, six rebounds and sev- guys are great. The more you for the Spurs, who are without Hassan Whiteside’s 27 points Golden State 119 Chicago 112 “We were where we were supposed to be,” Griff in said. en assists for the Thunder, who help them the more it comes Kawhi Leonard indefi nitely due and 13 rebounds led Miami over Oklahoma City 114 LA Lakers 90 “We were in our locker room. So whatever happens over there, improved to 25-20. back to you.” to a quadriceps injury. host Milwaukee 106-101 while Memphis 105 New York 99 I mean, we can’t control what anybody else does. We control “We need to just stay disci- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had “LA (Aldridge) is the reason we Memphis downed New York Miami 106 Milwaukee 101 what we did. Everybody was in our seats. That’s it. You should plined. That’s what makes us 21 points to lead seven double- have kept such a good record with 105-99 behind 23 points and 10 Utah 120 Sacramento 105 ask them.” win games,” Adams said. “We’ve fi gure scorers while Dwight Kawhi and Tony (Parker) out,” assists from Tyreke Evans. Blake Clippers 109 Denver 104

NFL Steelers part ways with OC Haley aft er six season Reuters the duo reportedly struggled to ing that rule came directly from But I’m not there yet.” Jets fi re OC Morton aft er one season New York get along. Tomlin. Tomlin was asked whether “The relationship has been “I have asked for it. I am fi ne Haley’s work was satisfactory. The New York Jets will move on from off ensive co-ordinator John strained so much,” Rapoport told with it. If they want to call it, I’m “What you’re willing to do Morton after one season with the team, according to multiple ittsburgh Steelers of- NFL Network, adding the Steel- all for it,” Roethlisberger said. is what defi nes you and what reports Wednesday. According to the New York Daily News, which fensive co-ordinator ers were forced to bring quar- Pittsburgh’s off ense ranked you’re willing to do on a consist- first reported the story, quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates is “a Todd Haley will not terbacks coach Randy Fichtner eighth in points per game and ent basis - how selfl ess are you?” strong candidate” to fill the co-ordinator vacancy, but it is not a return for the 2018 sea- down to the sideline “to serve as just 20th in rushing off ense this Tomlin said. done deal yet. The Jets finished 28th in yards per game and 24th Pson, ending a six-year run with a conduit” between Big Ben and season, but fi nished third in total “How willing are you to put in points in 2017, Morton’s first season as a coordinator in the NFL. the team according to multiple Haley. yards. our goals and agenda in front of Prior to quarterback Josh McCown’s season-ending injury in Week reports Wednesday. Haley and Roethlisberger met Steelers head coach Mike Tom- anything that might be on your 14, New York ranked 17th in yards per game and tied for 10th in The 50-year-old Haley’s con- this week and spoke fondly of lin was vague on Tuesday when checklist or to-do list?” off ensive points per game, despite cutting veterans Nick Mangold tract is expiring and he won’t get their season together, the quar- discussing the future of his coach- Before Haley came to Pitts- and Brandon Marshall last off season and losing wideout Quincy a new deal to remain in Pitts- terback said Tuesday. ing staff , including Haley. burgh in 2012, he was the head Enunwa to a season-ending neck injury in August. burgh, sources told NFL Net- “You might butt heads at “Some conversations need to coach of the Kansas City Chiefs Morton spent the previous six years coaching wide receivers for the work’s Ian Rapoport. times – it doesn’t mean that you be had. Some contracts are up, (2019-11) for three seasons, go- San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints, after a four-year stint at The move comes after the have any personal problems,” some contacts aren’t,” Tomlin ing 19-26. USC as wide receivers coach and then off ensive co-ordinator. Steelers’ 45-42 divisional play- Roethlisberger said in response said. He also served as the off ensive Bates joined the Jets last off season for his second stint as quarter- off loss to the Jacksonville Jag- to reports about a fractured rela- “I’m not ready to discuss that coordinator for the Arizona Car- backs coach, after holding the same position for one year in 2005. uars on Sunday. tionship with Haley. at this point. Part of that, gain- dinals (2007-08). He has one year of experience as an off ensive coordinator, in 2010 The play-calling Haley’s of- Roethlisberger revealed dur- ing that understanding is having Fichtner is expected to be with the Seattle Seahawks, and was out of coaching from 2013-16. fenses had been among the ing his radio show on Tuesday those conversations. You’ll hear promoted to off ensive coordina- He previously spent time with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos NFL’s best working with quar- that he wasn’t allowed to audible about it as they unfold, I’m sure, tor, a source told ESPN’s Chris and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. terback Ben Roethlisberger, but out of Haley’s play calls, say- if there’s anything to be heard. Mortensen. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 19, 2018 SPORT

NHL Ducks hold off Pens 5-3 By Mike Coppinger portunities, they’re going to All-star winger Rickard Rakell goal. Now, the Ducks need more Los Angeles Times make you pay.” defl ected a Francois Beaucheim performances like this, less the Especially a team like the Pen- point blast that was fi rst redi- late parade to the penalty box. guins, who boast three off ensive rected by Ryan Getzlaf early in ith a nationally tel- stars in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni the second to tie it up. Less than Bruins beat Canadiens 4-1 evised game against Malkin and Phil Kessel, and it 90 seconds later, Adam Hen- The Bruins showed former the defending was he who was involved on both rique executed a perfect wrapa- coach Claude Julien what a Stanley Cup Cham- late-game goals as they threat- round goal off his own rebound changed style looks like in Wpions, this was the kind of per- ened to tie the once seemingly to take the lead. Boston. formance the Anaheim Ducks out-of-reach contest. The Ducks didn’t let up from David Pastrnak and Ryan needed to show just what kind of First, he ripped a beautiful there and ratcheted up the pres- Spooner each scored an early force they could be. snap shot top shelf over Gibson, sure on the forecheck. And when goal, Tuukka Rask stopped 21 Their forecheck was strong. and later on found Jake Guentzel, the Penguins’ league-best power shots and the Bruins beat Mon- Their play around the net, re- who bent the wrister around the play took the ice at the midway treal 4-1 on Wednesday night in lentless. And even though they goaltender’s right arm. point of the second period, it was Canadiens coach Julien’s return fell behind early to a dynamic The Pens almost tied it shortly instead the Ducks who scored on to Boston for the fi rst time since team with three off ensive stars after but a sprawling Gibson a Chris Wagner breakaway with he was fi red nearly a year ago. playing some of their best hock- slid over to the other side of the backup goalie Tristan Jarry beat Dismissed last February 7 in his ey (four-game winning streak), crease to stop the Conor Sheary through the fi ve hole. 10th season, Julien – who led the it didn’t matter. attempt with his glove while lay- It was one of four breakaway Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup The Ducks survived a late ing face fi rst on the ice. chances for the Ducks (two of championship – was replaced Pittsburgh Penguins surge and The victory completed the them on the penalty kill, two of by assistant and current Bruins used two breakaway goals to season sweep over the Pens for them goals). Ondrej Kase con- coach Bruce Cassidy, who opted hold on 5-3 on Wednesday be- the fi rst time since the 2001-02 verted the other such opportu- for more up-tempo, charge-into- fore 17,291 at Honda Centre. season, and earned the Ducks nity after he burst through the the-zone play from his defense- “It was disappointing, obvi- standings points in six of their off ensive zone untouched and men as opposed to Julien’s mostly ously, that we took two penal- last eight games. beat Jarry with a double-deke on defensive-minded style. ties and they scored two goals The Penguins got on the board the breakaway “We’re trying to play with to make it exciting. ... We shot late in the fi rst period after Kevin “They take chances,” Wagner pace and have guys that can play ourselves in the foot with two Bieksa and Cam Fowler com- said, “and they play run-and- that way,” said Bruins defense- undisciplined penalties. I don’t bined for a costly turnover in gun so you’re going to get your man Adam McQuaid, who was know any other way to describe the defensive zone with Malkin chances and tonight we buried a back after missing 36 games it,” said coach Randy Caryle. there to collect the puck and good amount of them and that’s with a broken leg. “We had a neat and tidy game snipe it home. what got us the W.” “It’s an advantage that way. and we gave them life. We gave The Pens would chase the When Ondrej Kase was able I think everyone tries to play at Anaheim Ducks centre Adam Henrique celebrates with right wing Ondrej Kase (left) and left wing Nick them an opportunity. And when game for the majority of the con- to, it seemed like it was all but a their strength. We’ve been a lit- Ritchie (right) after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second period of their NHL game you continue to give teams op- test, though. wrap after a fourth unanswered tle bit more up-tempo.” at the Honda Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

CYCLING RUGBY Eight uncapped players in injury-hit Viviani swoops to England squad Reuters ture. “Zach Mercer has a chance London of being selected, especially with the absence of Nathan and Billy. We’ve been really impressed ddie Jones has included with how hard he’s worked at claim TDU 3rd stage eight uncapped players Bath off and on the fi eld in terms in his 35-man squad for of his defence. He is a naturally ‘It’s a really hot day, so it was quite a hard race because give too much of an eff ort. You need next month’s Six Na- gifted player in terms of attack tionsE opener in Italy as he seeks and is exciting to watch.” to save all the energy you can, until 200m to go and then try to be in a good position’ to cover a number of injury ab- Jack Nowell, who has won al- sences while also continuing to most all his 25 caps on the wing, build towards the 2019 Rugby is named as an inside back as World Cup. Jones sees him in the midfi eld Forwards Lewis Boyce, Tom mix. Dunn, Gary Graham, Alec Hep- burn and Zach Mercer, along SQUAD with backs Nathan Earle, Harry Backs Mallinder and Marcus Smith, Full backs: Mike Brown (Harle- are the men hoping to make their quins) Nathan Earle (Saracens)* debuts. Jones, who on Wednesday Harry Mallinder (Northampton extended his England contract Saints)* Jonny May (Leicester until 2021, promoted 20-year-old Tigers) Denny Solomona (Sale Mercer to full player status after Sharks) Anthony Watson (Bath the Bath back rower was previ- Rugby) ously involved as an apprentice. Inside backs: Danny Care (Har- Harlequins fl yhalf Smith retains lequins) Owen Farrell (Saracens) his “apprentice” status. George Ford (Leicester Tigers) Despite testing the depth of Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby) his options in just about all ar- Alex Lozowski (Saracens) Jack eas, Jones, however, persisted Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) Henry with his policy of selecting only Slade (Exeter Chiefs) Ben Te’o two scrumhalves – Ben Youngs (Worcester Warriors) Marcus and Danny Care – as England Smith (Harlequins), Ben Youngs seek to become the fi rst team to (Leicester Tigers) win three successive Five or Six Forwards: Back five Gary Nations titles outright. Graham (Newcastle Falcons)* “This year Wales, Ireland, Nick Isiekwe (Saracens) Maro Scotland and France are regener- Itoje (Saracens) George Kruis ated and ready to go,” Jones said. (Saracens) Courtney Lawes “We’ve had a number of inju- (Northampton Saints) Joe ries...it’s been another challenge Launchbury (Wasps) Zach Mer- but we took a team to Argentina cer (Bath Rugby) Chris Robshaw without 16 Lions and we’re prob- (Harlequins) Sam Simmonds ably missing up to 12 fi rst-choice (Exeter Chiefs) Sam Underhill squad players, but we’ve been able (Bath Rugby) to put together a good squad, full Front row: Lewis Boyce (Har- of experience and enthusiasm. lequins), Dan Cole (Leicester “Lewis Boyce is a good young, Tigers) Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby) strong prop and he has his op- Jamie George (Saracens) Dylan portunity because of injuries Hartley (Northampton Saints) to Ellis Genge and Matt Mullan Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) (and the suspension of Joe Marl- Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) Mako er). He is a good chop tackler, a Vunipola (Saracens) Harry Wil- tough boy and player of the fu- liams (Exeter Chiefs).

Quick Step Floors team rider Elia Viviani of Italy (centre) crosses the finish line to win the third stage of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP)

AFP ninsula town of Victor Harbor Australian Scott Bowden, who on the next two stages, both of Daryl Impey (RSA/Mitchelton- Adelaide was shortened by 26.5-kilo- have been in all three breaks of which have hilltop fi nishes. SCOTT) +14 metres because of the extreme this year’s race, attacked and Jay McCarthy (AUS/BORA- heatwave aff ecting the region, opened a three minute lead. Results after third stage Hansgrohe) +15 talian Elia Viviani capital- with temperatures reaching 42 Dlamini took the King of the Stage Peter Sagan (SVK/BORA-Hans- ised on a lapse in concen- degrees Celsius during yester- Mountain points for the third day Elia Viviani (ITA/Quick-Step grohe) +16 tration from race leader day’s racing. in a row and the pair stayed ahead Floors) 3hr 4min 40sec Nathan Haas (AUS/Katusha- Caleb Ewan to sweep past Viviani said he had tried to until Dlamini dropped back to the Phil Bauhaus (GER/Sunweb) Alpecin) +17 Ithe Australian and claim the save his energy throughout the peloton with 53 kilometres re- same time 7, Jhonatan Restrepo (COL/ third stage of the UCI season- race and said his preparation maining, leaving Bowden on his Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton- Katusha-Alpecin) +19 opening Tour Down Under in on the track when he arrived in own for another 30 kilometres SCOTT) s.t. Simone Consonni (ITA/UAE South Australia yesterday. Australia had helped with his until he too was reeled in. Simone Consonni (ITA/UAE Team Emirates) +20 Ewan and his Mitchelton- speed in the sprint fi nish. Ketusha rider Tiago Mach- Team Emirates) s.t. Robert Gesink (NED/Lotto NL- SCOTT teammates had the race “It’s a really hot day, so it was ado then launched an attack Peter Sagan (SVK/BORA-Hans- Jumbo) +20 well in hand with 500 metres of quite a hard race because give but he couldn’t get further than grohe) s.t. Anthony Roux (FRA/FDJ) +20 the sprint to go when the young too much of an eff ort and you 15 seconds in front and he was Simon Clarke (AUS/EF Educa- Sprint Leader Australian appeared to ease off are already out,” he said. “You eventually caught eight kilo- tion First-Drapac) s.t. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton- in a bid to give teammate and need to save all the energy you metres from home, leaving the Alex Edmondson (AUS/Mitchel- SCOTT) 42 pts fi nal lead-out rider Alex Ed- can, until 200 metres to go and race clear for the sprint teams to ton-SCOTT) s.t. Elia Viviani (ITA//Quick-Step mondson the stage win. then try to be in a good position. get into position. Mitchelton- Zak Dempster (AUS/UniSA) s.t. Floors) 37 pts But Viviani unleashed a pow- “I always use the track and I SCOTT controlled the race per- Dries Devenyns (BEL/Quick- Peter Sagan (SVK/BORA-Hans- erful sprint and Ewan was late come here 10 days before and I fectly until Ewan’s lapse allowed Step Floors) s.t. grohe) 36 pts to respond, allowing the Italian think in these 10 days it’s good Viviani to swoop. Ewan retained Jay McCarthy (AUS/BORA- King of the Mountain rider and Germany’s Phil Bau- to do some speed work. The the ochre leader’s jersey with Hansgrohe) s.t. Nicholas Dlamini (RSA/Team haus to storm past in the fi nal speed helped today.” a 10-second gap over Viviani, General Classification Dimension Data) 36 pts 100 metres. The race began cautiously due who is four seconds ahead of Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton- Scott Bowden (AUS/UniSA) 18 The 146.5-kilometre stage to the weather but it soon took South Africa’s Daryl Impey. SCOTT) 10hr 58min 36sec pts from Glenelg on the Adelaide a familiar pattern when South Race favourite Richie Porte is Elia Viviani (ITA/Quick-Step William Clarke (AUS/EF Educa- England head coach Eddie Jones during a press conference in London beachfront to the Fleurieu Pe- Africa’s Nicholas Dlamini and expected to assert his authority Floors) at 10 seconds tion First-Drapac) 12 yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, January 19, 2018 7 TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHANGE OF HEART Billie Jean melts Federer shines as the ice queen Sharapova

AFP Djokovic survives Melbourne

aria Sharapova says she has been inspired by Billie Jean King’s story to change her Mice queen act and be a positive brutal heat test infl uence for younger players. She admits her demeanour Wimbledon champion Muguruza was knocked out by 88-ranked Hsieh Su-wei may have been selfi sh in the past, but says that could be about to AFP wei from Taiwan 7-6 (1), 6-4 but refused to make change after being invited by takes to be a champion, there’s Melbourne excuses. King to the premier of the Battle also a lot more to it, a lot of things “I maybe could have done things better, but at of the Sexes movie. that we have to think about that the end, she deserves to win,” she said. “Billie Jean invited me to the are not just about ourselves.” efending champion Roger Federer cooly Wawrinka also failed to progress, clearly still opening in LA. I went to see it. I And Sharapova said that like swept into the Australian Open third struggling from a lengthy knee injury lay-off in his enjoyed it,” Sharapova said at the Dokic, she would like to share her round yesterday as Novak Djokovic straight sets defeat by American Tennys Sandgren. Australian Open yesterday. own opinions on the game as a survived a gruelling fi tness test under the “She taught me that my exam- columnist one day. brutalD Melbourne sun. ‘DESERVE TO SMILE’ ple ultimately is an example for “I like to write, so I think I’d But with temperatures touching an energy-sap- Russian drawcard Sharapo- the generation to come.” do that before I’d commentate. ping 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and ice-towels in va was on Rod Laver Arena Former Australian player Je- That’s for sure,” she said, looking use, third seed Garbine Muguruza and 2014 winner early and avoided the brunt lena Dokic claimed in a news- beyond her playing days. Stan Wawrinka both wilted and were knocked out. of the weather as she showed paper column yesterday that Sharapova, who has worked Maria Sharapova, in contrast, laid down her title why she should be again taken Sharapova had no friends on her way back into the top 50 af- credentials with dominant win against 14th seed seriously in dismantling Sevas- tour, swapped few encouraging ter her 15-month ban for taking Anastasija Sevastova. tova 6-1, 7-6 (4). words with younger players and performance-enhancing meldo- World number one Simona Halep was also con- It was the Latvian who ended her her doping ban would not have nium, said she has studied King’s vincing in her straight demolition of Canadian Grand Slam comeback in the last 16 of the US increased her popularity in the legacy. Eugenie Bouchard. Open in 2017 as she returned from a drug ban. But locker room. “Actually, I know quite a bit Swiss 19-time Grand Slam champion Federer not this time. “I think I realised that,” said about Billie Jean’s story, just be- disposed of Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4), Sharapova, a fi ve-time Grand Slam winner and the Sharapova. “It didn’t come to me cause she was really infl uential avoiding the worse of the furnace-like conditions 2008 Australian champion, was unstoppable in rac- so fast. Tennis is a very selfi sh in my career since I was a junior,” in his night match. ing through the fi rst set before a battle in the second. sport. You have a team around she said. “I practice with him so I had the information “You know, it was a warm day. I did my job in you that do everything just for “I really appreciate all she’s I needed,” he said, adding that the heat doesn’t two sets against someone that’s been troubling in you in order for you to win. done for me and that she contin- bother him. the past for me,” she said afterwards. “I think I de- “And although that’s what it ues to do for so many people.” “If you want to get to the top, you’ve got to play serve to smile out there after that victory.” in all conditions.” Being unseeded means she has her work cut out It was never going to be easy for the German. to reach another fi nal. ASSESSMENT While Federer had made at least the third round Next up is in-form 2016 Australian Open cham- each year since his Melbourne Park debut in 2000, pion Angelique Kerber, who beat Donna Vekic in Struff had failed to go further than the second two easy sets as she starts to rediscover her best round at any Grand Slam. again after a miserable last year. Wilander fears Rod Six-time Melbourne champion Djokovic had a Eighth seed Caroline Garcia also stayed in the ti- much tougher time, coming through a four-setter tle hunt, but she found it hard going against against Gael Monfi ls in a thorough examination Czech teen Marketa Vondrousova, who Laver slot may after being out for six months with an elbow injury. pushed her to three gruelling sets. He lost the fi rst set before Monfi ls began strug- Dangerous sixth seed Karolina gling in the second and was heard at one point tell- Pliskova also went through, drop- inhibit Kyrgios ing the umpire: “I’m tired and dizzy.” ping just two games against Beatriz The Frenchman remarkably recovered to make Haddad Maia. Reuters a fi ght of it before a relieved Djokovic, seeded 14, Among men into the third Melbourne came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. round was fi fth seed Do- “It was tough conditions, brutal, especially the minic Thiem, who came fi rst 90 minutes,” he said. from two sets down ick Kyrgios must “I’m still not 100 percent, but building. I have a to beat American not let playing on Rod lot of faith and self-belief.” qualifi er Denis Laver Arena douse his The heat took its toll on a host of players, in- Kudla, and natural fi re when he cluding Wimbledon champion Muguruza, who fourth seed Nplays Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the suff ered with heat-blistered feet. Alexander standout match of the Australian She was knocked out by 88-ranked Hsieh Su- Zverev. Open third round today, accord- ing to former champion Mats Wilander. The 22-year-old Australian “Nick is clever and there is no Djokovic calls for ATP Tour Finals has thrived in the chaotic at- way he won’t pay attention to mosphere of the smaller Hisense who is in the stadium. For exam- to move around Arena, beating both Rogerio ple he will have Laver and (Ken) Dutra Silva and Viktor Troicki in Rosewall and will think ‘Oh man Novak Djokovic called for the ATP outside Grand Slams, ATP is obvi- straight sets. they are all watching, maybe I Tour Finals to travel from their Lon- ously not behind Grand Slams. This But the home favourite has better be careful what I say, have don base yesterday, saying they were is the biggest event that ATP has,” been given top billing on the to clean up my act’. a big asset that should be exploited he said. grandiose Rod Laver stadium for “It defi nitely bothers him. I more. “I think it’s probably the biggest as- his clash against boyhood idol don’ think I’ve seen him win a In its current format, the elite season- set. Best eight players in the world, Tsonga, the 15th seed, when the match on Rod Laver. He played ending tournament has been held in singles players, best doubles players, great and good will be watching Andy Murray once there and af- the British city since 2009. are playing there.” his every move from the posh ter a set he said ‘I’m dead mate’ But with the announcement that He acknowledged that London was a seats. and couldn’t move his legs.” Shenzhen in China will host the WTA “safe” option and virtually all players Wilander, who has been im- Wilander said Kyrgios thrives Finals from 2019, with prize money only had praise for the event, but pressed with 17th seed Kyrgios’s in a chaotic environment as was doubled to $14 mn, the Serb said it suggested it could be “exploited a progress so far, fears the bigger demonstrated in his matches made sense for the men’s event to little bit more”. stage might inhibit him where- on Hisense, where he swore at a also cash in. “It should be leveraged more be- as the hubbub on the Hisense fan during the encounter against “I mean, that’s a big success for cause of the promotion of our sport,” Arena, where fans with ground Dutra Silva and then was heckled WTA, for all the female players. They he said. “If we want to grow our passes get in free, energises the against Troicki. deserve it. No doubt about it,” he said sport, especially in regions like China Canberran. “Nick likes to be disruptive, at the Australian Open. or those parts of the world where “That is the problem for me, it’s the way he plays,” Wilander “When it comes down to World Tour tennis is popular, I think we should I’m not sure what (the organisers) said. “Opponents can get dis- Finals, for us and the ATP, London has think about it, just maybe travel it a are doing,” three-times Austral- tracted by his tactics. been a great success for us.” little bit more.” ian Open champion Wilander, in “But I think he’s less disrup- But Djokovic, who is president of the He said he wasn’t pinpointing China Australia as a commentator for tive the more organised the sur- ATP Tour player council, added that as a possible new venue, where Eurosport, told Reuters. roundings are, that’s the prob- it may be time for the event to now women’s tennis is more popular “I’m assuming it’s Nick who lem. “travel”. than men’s thanks to the exploits of wants to play on Laver. When “You have to show up emo- “Because it’s just probably the big- players such as Li Na, but it could be I look at him, he is the people’s tionally against Tsonga, he can’t gest leverage that we have. I mean, an option. hero not the corporate hero be- aff ord to go in there fl at, which cause of the way he is on court. could happen in Laver.”

QUEST Aggressive Halep crushes Bouchard to keep dream alive

AFP gressive, which I did. She fi nally held serve in the third The 26-year-old Romanian, who Melbourne “Also to try to fi nish the points down game of the second set to sympathetic currently has no clothing sponsor, was the line, which I did pretty well with the cheers from the Margaret Court Arena wearing the same “lucky” red dress backhand today.” crowd. that she used while registering a domi- ggressive world number one Four years ago this match-up was the nant victory at the Shenzhen Open just Simona Halep kept her quest Wimbledon semi-fi nal, which the then ANKLE PAIN over a fortnight ago. for a maiden Grand Slam title up-and-coming teenager Bouchard But it was to be the only time in the She found the outfi t on the internet. on course by cruising into the won 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 after Halep was match as Halep, scampering around “Was a (web)site, in China actually, and thirdA round of the Australian Open yes- compromised by an ankle injury. the baseline, showed few ill-eff ects one of my managers helped me, and terday. Halep has since risen to number one from rolling her ankle worryingly in her in 24 hours I had the outfi t, and it was The Romanian top seed needed just while Bouchard, once touted as the fi rst-round win over Destanee Aiava. perfect. I was lucky,” she had said be- an hour and fi ve minutes to sweep to an game’s new golden girl, has tumbled “I felt the pain but I didn’t think fore her fi rst-round match. easy 6-2, 6-2 victory over struggling outside the top 100. about it,” said Halep of her fragile ankle It helped her fi ght back from 5-2 and Eugenie Bouchard on Margaret Court There was no chance of a Wimbledon which she said had needed some out- set point down against Australian teen Arena. repeat as the 23-year-old’s form woes side support. Aiava. But Halep needed no extra help “I thought that I played well to- were cruelly exposed by Halep who “I couldn’t practise much. But during yesterday to overcome the sadly out- night,” said Halep, who dominated the broke the Canadian’s serve at will. the match, I just forgot about it. I had a of-form Bouchard. encounter. So poor was Bouchard’s delivery that very tight tape. I could move,” she said. She will face unseeded American “I just wanted to make my game, to she couldn’t hold on to her serve a sin- “The most important thing is that I Lauren Davis tomorrow for a place in open the court, to stay closer to the gle time during a fi rst set which Halep could play my game not thinking about the last 16 as the Romanian continues baseline, to play a little bit more ag- ripped through 6-2 in 33 minutes the ankle. I did it great today.” her quest for a fi rst Grand Slam title.

Friday, January 19, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Injaaz Stud’s Izzthatright takes Muaither Cup as Bentley sweeps features Bentley’s two other wins on the day were with horses trained by Ghazali’s son, Mohamed, and owned by Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

hampion Jockey Harry Bent- ley followed up his three vic- tories on Wednesday with another hat-trick yesterday, Cwinning the feature on both the days astride wards of Champion Trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Having won the Al Shaqab Cup on Wednesday with Jassim bin Ali al- Attiyah-owned Rassan, the Briton guided Injaaz Stud’s Izzthatright to a fantastic victory on turf at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) yesterday. The six-year-old held a slight ad- vantage after coming off the gates on the back straight and then pulled away once on the home stretch to fi nish a comfortable one-and-a-half length ahead of Mohamed Hussain’s Risk Adjusted, who beat Ibrahim al-Malki’s Victory Laurel by a short head. Bentley’s two other wins on the day were with horses trained by Ghazali’s son, Mohamed, and owned by Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari. While Mualah shed her maiden sta- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdullah al-Kubaisi (fourth from right) and head of Media Saad al-Hajri (second from right) with the winners of the Muaither Cup after Injaaz Stud’s tus on her fourth career outing in the Izzthatright won the 1000m race at the QREC yesterday. At bottom, Harry Bentley rides Izzthatright to victory in the Muaither Cup. PICTURES: Juhaim Thoroughbred Maiden Plate event, RESULTS Hamad al-Marri. Zahwa topped the Purebred Arabian Race 6: 1. Di Na Py (Gerald Avranche), 2. Race 1: 1. Kynoch (Theo Bachelot), 2. Es’hail Handicap miler for horses rated 95 Ashraq (Theo Bachelot), 3. Saab Al Manal (Har- (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Beckton (JP Guillambert), and below. ry Bentley), 4. Evolution Du Croate (Almotasem 4. Masked Defender (Harry Bentley). Won by: Another trainer with a double on al-Balushi). Won by: Nk, No, 1 ¼. Time: 1:33.53. Shd, ½, 2 ½. Time: 1:12.34. Owner: HH Sheikh the day was Julian Smart, whose Owner: Mohamed Khalifa al-Sowaidi. Trainer: Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian wards were ridden to victory by Theo Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Smart. Bachelot in the famous colours of His Race 7: 1. Off He Goes (Theo Bachelot), 2. Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- Race 2: 1. Elwan (Marc Lerner), 2. AJS Dhabi (Gerald Avranche), 3. Sha Alan (Jean Bapiste Could Be (Eduard Pedroza), 3. Yaarmen (JP lifa al-Thani. Hamel), 4. Zakhir Al Majd (Almotasem Al Bal- Guillambert), 4. Musical Terms (Harry Bent- Kynoch opened the day with his ushi). Won by: 1 ¾, 8, 3. Time: 2:17.53. Owner: ley). Won by: ½, ¾, ¼. Time: 1:56.22. Owner: HH maiden victory in the Thoroughbred Zakhir Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Salama Salim Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Maiden Plate event for three-year-old Ashour. Julian Smart. horses, while Off He Goes made it two Race 3: 1. Mualah (Harry Bentley), 2. Flower Race 8: 1. Zahwa (Harry Bentley), 2. Sharesa straight wins with a course and dis- Festival (Marc Lerner), 3. Reem Seattle (Jean (Carlo Fiocchi), 3. Majnona (Theo Bachelot), 4. tance win in the 1850m Thoroughbred Baptiste Hamel), 4. Amenable (Carlo Fiocchi). Diese (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: ½, 4 ¾, Handicap event for horses rated 80 Won by: 2 ¼, 1 ¾, 5. Time: 1:38.97. Owner: Sheail 4. Time: 1:46.07. Owner: Sheail bin Khalifa al- and below. bin Khalifa al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Earlier in the day, Zakhir Stud’s El- Ghazali. Race 9: 1. Izzthatright (Harry Bentley), 2. Risk wan and Mohamed Khalifa al-Sowai- Race 4: 1. Mister Lal (Eduard Pedroza), 2. Adjusted (Gerald Avranche), 3. Victory Laurel di’s Di Na Py were among the Pure- Sultan Bu Thaila (Gerald Avranche), 3. Shatir (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Binzart (Jean Baptiste bred Arabians to shed their respective Bu Thaila (Carlo Fiocchi), 4. Look At Me (Ce- Hamel). Won by: 1 ½, Shd, 1 ½. Time: 00:59.61. maiden status. dric Segeon). Won by: 2, Nk, Shd. Time: 1:27.39. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Among the local Thoroughbreds, Owner: Salman Abdulla al-Abdulghani. Trainer: Ghazali. Ibrahim al-Malki-saddled Mister Lal Ibrahim al-Malki. Race 10: 1. Broadway Icon (Marc Lerner), 2. registered his fi rst career win under Race 5: 1. Queen Maouya (Rashid Ali al-Mar- Hi Holy (Gerald Avranche), 3. Thorndyke (Harry Eduardo Pedroza, while Qatari jockey ri), 2. Rawdat Al Khail (Harry Bentley), 3. Hamaa Bentley), 4. Shadow Game (Almotasem al-Bal- Rashid Ali al-Marri helmed Queen (Darren Williams), 4. Gazwa (Marc Lerner). Won ushi). Won by: 3/4, 1 1/4, 1/2. Time: 1:24.69. Maouya to her maiden victory in 14 by: ¾, 1 ¼, No. Time: 1:27.54. Owner: Rashid Ali Owner: Ahmed Hassan al-Malki al-Jehani. starts. Mohamed al-Saaq al-Marri. Trainer: Abdulaziz Trainer: Hamad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani.

QNB STARS LEAGUE O’Sullivan out of Al Ahli clinch last-gasp draw against Khor Masters aft er shock

By Sports Reporter defeat to Mark Allen Doha

last-gasp strike by Mohsin al-Yezeedi saved the day for hosts Al Ahli, who managed to pull off a ghtingfi 2-2 drawA against Al Khor in their QNB Stars League Week 13 match yester- day. Hilal Mohamed (12th) and Mad- son (65th) scored for Al Khor, while Jouhen Beitsoun (27th) and Al Yezee- di (90+2) found the mark for Al Ahli. Al-Yazeedi charged into the Al Khor box in the seventh minute, but AFP, London: Snooker — led 35-1 in the seventh frame his low shot was smartly blocked legend Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 31-year-old Allen fought back by goalkeeper Baba Djibril. They hopes of an eighth Masters to take it and reach the semi- soon opened the scoring through a title disappeared yester- fi nals for the third time. spectacular eff ort by Hilal when the day when he suff ered a 6-1 “I’m struggling, I don’t 24-year-old winger curled in a left- thrashing by Northern Irish- know what it is, a virus or footed drive from 25 yards out that man Mark Allen in the quar- something and I was having beat Yazan Naim at the Al Ahli goal. ter-fi nals. dizzy spells,” said O’Sullivan. Beitsoun drew level for Al Ahli tak- The 42-year-old — the “It was a tough match for ing advantage of a blunder by Djibril. sport’s greatest drawcard — me. I can just rest up and get Majed Mohamed, after collecting has been suff ering from dizzy ready for my next event. Mark the ball from an indirect corner kick, spells although it didn’t pre- deserved his win, I didn’t give slipped a cross to Beitsoun who was vent the quintuple world him much to make him strug- beaten to the ball by goalkeeper. But champion whipping Marco Fu gle. You have to give people Djibril fumbled and the ball slipped 6-0 in the previous round. credit and he had a fantastic out of his hands. Beitsoun was quick Allen, though, seized con- performance. to swivel around and tap it into the trol in a dynamic performance “I’m glad it is over. I don’t net. Al Khor surged ahead for a sec- coming from a frame down to make excuses and I had to ond time when Madson tapped a surge into a 4-1 lead with some show up, if I was a footballer I loopy cross from the right and fi red dead-eye potting putting to- would probably have missed home for his seventh goal of the sea- gether four breaks of over 50 this game but it is an individ- son. The stocky player again darted including one of 115. ual sport so you have to turn into the Al Ahli box three minutes Although O’Sullivan — who up.” from time, but his powerful shot was has hinted he may not com- Allen, the world number blocked by Yazan. Al-Yezeedi then pete at the world champion- eight, will play either John fi red a left-footed drive past Djibril ships this year as he says it is Higgins or Ryan Day in the in stoppage time to enable the home his least favourite tournament semi-fi nals tomorrow. side to share points. Al Khor players celebrate one of their goals against Al Ahli in the QNB Stars League yesterday.