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Sunday, January 22, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia II 24, 1438 AH Rooney becomes GULF TIMES United’s all-time leading scorer SPORT Page 8 Nadal quells fi ery German teen in fi ve-set epic to reach fourth round of Australian Open Ageless wonder

AFP Nadal has often praised Zverev’s rich poten- saved a set point at 5-3 before Zverev took Spain’s 14-times Grand Slam Melbourne tial as a future top star of men’s tennis, and the opening set on his third set point in the champion Rafael Nadal serves to yesterday’s performance only reconfirmed next game. rising German Alexander Zverev it. “I think everybody knows how good Alex- Nadal, bidding to win his second Australian (inset) during their third round afael Nadal staged a magnificent ander now is, as I say, he is the future of our Open after beating Federer in the 2009 match in Melbourne yesterday. fightback to beat rising German sport and the present as well. A very tough final, got more into the contest in the sec- star Alexander Zverev in a five-set match for me,” Nadal said. ond set, breaking in the fourth game and Rthriller to reach the fourth round “He’s a player with an amazing potential. He levelling the match on his second set point at the Australian Open yesterday. is able to produce great shots. He’s already in 38 minutes. The indomitable 14-time Grand Slam cham- one of the best players of the world. He can Zverev won a tense third-set tiebreaker 7-5 pion, 11 years older than Zverev, dug deep be even better.” to go 2-1 ahead on sets and ensure Nadal into his physical reserves to pull out a 4-6, Zverev, who has twice beaten Roger Fed- would have to go the full distance to stay in 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 triumph in four hours erer, was left waiting for his first win over the tournament. and six minutes on Rod Laver Arena. Nadal after their second meeting. But the ninth seed hit straight back, break- The Spaniard was staring at defeat after Nadal saved a match point in overcoming ing Zverev’s opening serve in the fourth losing the third set in a tiebreaker but he him in the fourth round at Indian Wells last set and he carried the break through to showed his typical fighting qualities to deny year, winning 15 of the final 16 points. It was send the match into a fifth set, where Nadal the talented 19-year-old. again another gripping, evenly-matched broke Zverev’s opening serve but gave it It was Nadal’s 18th win in 26 five-set match- clash between the pair with Zverev show- back in the fourth game. es and set him up for a crack at French sixth casing his enormous potential. A fantastic 37-shot rally ended with a Nadal seed Gael Monfils in the round of 16. The German was bidding to join his elder netted backhand but the Spaniard would Nadal was pleased to have ended a run sibling Mischa in the last 16 and make them not relent and went on to break Zverev of losing three straight five-setters at the only the third pair of brothers to reach the again in a titanic fifth game of the deciding Grand Slams over the last two years. fourth round at a Grand Slam in the Open set to take the advantage. “It’s an important result for me. I lost the era. Zverev struck early, breaking Nadal’s Zverev was cramping and the driven last couple of ones in the fifth,” Nadal said. opening serve with a delightful backhand Nadal kept on the off ensive, breaking the “So it’s important for me to win a match like winner. The Spanish great fought off a German’s serve a third time to lead 5-2 and this, down two sets to one.” break point in his next service game and serve out for the match.

WORLD HANDBALL Qatar face uphill battle against Germany

By Our Correspondent Paris

atar face an uphill battle when they take on European cham- pions Germany today for a spot in the quarter-fi nals of Qthe World Handball Championship. Runners-up in the event when it was held in Doha in early 2015, Qatar squeaked into the last 16 of this year’s event in France with just two wins – against Bahrain and Argentina in Group D. But having suff ered three defeats – against Egypt, Sweden and Denmark, they will have to play out of their skins the 22-year-old left wing scored off the the match was decided. against Germany in order to stay in the rebound and also added the last goal of “I am happy with the way my team hunt for a medal. the half to earn a two-goal advantage played today, especially in the fi rst half. The two sides met at the Rio Olym- for Qatar before the buzzer. We had a good fi rst half match, which pics last year when Germany raced to a Despite a third penalty save from allowed us to score at half-time,” said 34-22 win in the last eight. Green early in the second half, Qatar Qatar’s Spanish coach Valero Rivera. With fi rst place in the group already took a more commanding lead and hit “We have seen some good opposi- secured, Denmark coach Gudmundur a 20:15 advantage eight minutes in. But tion. I also had to preserve some play- Gudmundsson used the Qatar match Denmark slowly came chasing, stead- ers. Even if everyone is OK, some of on Friday as an opportunity to rest his ily closing the gap to a two-goal defi cit them had to take some rest. Now we will key players and gain experience for oth- at 21:23 by the time the clock hit the see what’s going to happen. We know ers. Mikkel Hansen, Niklas Landin and Qatar’s pivot Youssef Ali (L) jumps to shoot on goal as Denmark’s goalkeeper Jannick Green Krejberg (R) stretches out during 45-minute mark. that it will be a very complicated match Henrik Toft Hansen all sat on the bench their 25th IHF Men’s World Championship 2017 Group D handball match at the Accorhotels Arena in Paris on Friday. At right, Less than fi ve minutes later Niclas against Germany.” for the entire match, while Qatar coach Denmark fans cheer. Kirkelokke equalised at 24:24, and Denmark coach Gudmundur Gud- Valero Rivera also started with an unu- as the fi nal whistle drew near Gud- mundsson also praised Qatar. sual choice, as Yousuf al-Abdulla stood goal from Abdulrazzaq Murad. the game remained level until Qatar his squad and did not make any signifi - mundsson experimented with seven- “Congratulations to the Qatar team, in goal in place of Danijel Saric. Saric came into goal to save a penalty claimed their fi rst lead at 11:10 thanks cant changes. His team kept Qatar from against-six featuring two line players. who played a great game. It was not an The match ended 32-29 in Denmark’s off Jesper Noddesbo – another interest- to left back Roine Bertrand in the 20th. increasing the lead to more than two His team made it work, fi rst reclaim- easy match for both teams, but it was a favour as the Olympic champions took ing choice from Gudmundsson as the Despite Qatar moving ahead to a goals, and with fi ve minutes left in the ing a one-goal advantage then moving good handball game. It was important an early lead and held a steady one to line player is certainly not known for two-goal advantage, Gudmundsson half the diff erence stood at one in favour further ahead. When Kirkelokke tal- for me to give some players some rest, two-goal advantage until Qatar man- being Denmark’s primary shooter from showed his determination to gain ex- of the Asian champions. Jannick Green lied his seventh goal at 100 per cent, and to rely on the ones who haven’t aged to equalise in the 10th minute off a the seven-metre line – and from there perience for the younger members of saved a penalty off Ahmad Madadi, but he put Denmark in front by three, and played so much,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 22, 2017 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT World number one but Murray is I am only here for still mummy’s boy one reason, Serena

Andy Murray said he thinks I don’t fall. If I do, I get up.” As it he’s the favourite child of his turns out, this is similar to her mother and one-time coach, approach to serving, which she warns her rivals Judy Murray. “I think that I am says she doesn’t practice too my mum’s favourite and Jamie much. “For me, I don’t think ‘It was really good to get this under my belt. I always try to take everyone super-serious’ is my dad’s favourite. That’s about it... I serve my best when my opinion. However they I just toss the ball up and serve AFP hardly got out of fi rst gear, dic- would tell you they love us both and see what happens,” she Melbourne tating terms from the opening equally, but that’s how I feel,” said. game against a player ranked said the world number one. 92 who has never been past the Despite this, Murray was less In the running erena Williams warned third round at any major. than complimentary about his Many players want to stop she is in Melbourne for Gibbs, who was only two mother’s appearance on British training and put their feet one reason only as she years old when Williams made TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. up after retiring, but Barbora accelerated towards a her WTA debut in 1995, was “She certainly didn’t win it. She Strycova said she wants to run Srecord 23rd Grand Slam title overawed and broken in the was useless. I’m not a dancer a marathon. “This is actually by ruthlessly banishing Nicole fourth game, with the 35-year- either to be honest. I can’t my dream, after I finish, I want Gibbs at the Australian Open. old winning every net point she see myself doing that show,” to run a marathon. So I will The second seed dispatched contested. Murray told Australia’s Channel prepare for that. I don’t know her fellow American 6-1, 6-3 It was a leisurely work-out Seven. when it’s going to be, but it’s my on Rod Laver Arena to reach the with Williams having an an- dream,” said the 30-year-old. fourth round, further dispel- swer for everything Gibbs Ice queen She would be following in the ling any lingering doubts about could give, breaking again to Serena Williams revealed a footsteps of Caroline Wozniacki, her early-season form. race through the set in just 26 hidden talent for ice skating. “I who found the time to train for It is the 14th time in her 17 minutes. can’t do a triple Lutz, but I can and run the New York marathon Australian Opens she has made After her second round, Wil- maybe do a double,” she said. in between playing in 2014. at least the last 16, and sets her liams said she had been trying “I have no idea. I just close my “You don’t have to think. You up with a clash against 16th- to channel positive thoughts eyes, and I just spin and I pray just go and run,” Strycova said. seeded Czech Barbora Stry- on court as she targets a an- cova, who beat French 21st seed other Australian title, which Caroline Garcia. would take her past Steffi Graf’s If she gets through that, Open-era record of 22 majors. Dimitrov downs Gasquet in Johanna Konta or Ekaterina She cranked up the pres- Makarova will be waiting in the sure in the second set, breaking early-morning finish quarter-fi nals. Gibbs on a double fault to go 2-1 “It was really good to get ahead. this under my belt,” she said. Williams, who played her “I always try to take everyone fi rst match on Rod Laver Arena super-serious and I’m always 19 years ago, was going through super-focused. the motions but let her guard “I have been doing the things down briefl y when serving for I have been doing in practice, Serena Williams of the US the match, allowing Gibbs to and hopefully I can build up on in action against Nicole Gibbs secure her fi rst and only break. this. That’s all I want to do.” in their fourth round match on It only delayed the inevita- Williams, looking to become day six of the Australian Open ble, with Gibbs promptly bro- the most decorated Grand Slam yesterday. ken for the fi fth time as Wil- champion in the Open era, con- liams drew her masterclass to tested just eight events in an a close. injury-shortened 2016, con- cluding with the US Open. But any doubts about her RESULTS CHECK form have been put to bed in Melbourne with three com- Men’s singles 3rd rd: Dominic Thiem fortable wins — including over (AUT x8) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-1, 4-6, former top-ten players Belinda 6-4, 6-4 David Goff in (BEL x11) bt Ivo Bencic and Lucie Safarova. Karlovic (CRO x20) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Strycova is her next hurdle in Roberto Bautista (ESP x13) bt David Fer- the hunt for a seventh Austral- rer (ESP x21) 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 ian crown. Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Pablo Carreno- “I have seen her play a lot. Busta (ESP x30) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 She’s always playing. Venus has Rafael Nadal (ESP x9) bt Alexander Zver- Melbourne: Bulgaria’s 15th seed and embracing it as much as played her a few times. I saw ev (GER x24) 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 Grigor Dimitrov grabbed only his possible.” her play in Sydney. She’s super Gael Monfils (FRA x6) bt Philipp Kohlsch- second career win over French- He will now face unseeded fi t. She has a good game. She’s reiber (GER x32) 6-3, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 man Richard Gasquet to reach Uzbek Denis Istomin in the very aggressive,” she said. Milos Raonic (CAN) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) the fourth round of the Austral- round of 16. “Again, I don’t have anything 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3 ian Open in a super-late match Istomin, who knocked out to prove in this tournament which finished at exactly 2:00am defending champion Novak here. Just, you know, doing the Australian time yesterday. Djokovic in the second round, Women’s singles 3rd rd: Jennifer Brady best I can. After play got underway at two qualified for the last 16 with a (USA) bt Elena Vesnina (RUS x14) 7-6 (7/4), “Obviously I’m here for one minutes to midnight on Satur- five-set win over Spain’s 30th 6-2 Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) bt Maria reason. But at the end of the day, Dimitrov proved too strong seed Pablo Carreno Busta. Sakkari (GRE) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 day, this is all bonus for me and for the 18th-seeded Gasquet, Dimitrov is bidding to do better Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x30) bt I look forward to playing her. winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in two than his quarter-final appear- Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x6) 6-2, 6-7 I’m ready for her.” hours, two minutes. ance at the Open in 2014, when Strycova, who has never (3/7), 6-3 Barbora Strycova (CZE x16) bt “Lately I’ve been struggling he lost to Rafael Nadal. gone beyond the fourth round Caroline Garcia (FRA x21) 6-2, 7-5 Serena with my sleeping so I’ve been The Bulgarian grabbed double in Melbourne, said she was rel- Williams (USA x2) bt Nicole Gibbs (USA) going to bed so late, so today it’s service breaks in the first two ishing the challenge. 6-1, 6-3 Johanna Konta (GBR x9) bt Caro- 2:00am and I’m feeling great,” sets and another break in the “That’s why you train. That’s line Wozniacki (DEN x17) 6-3, 6-1 Dimitrov quipped after his early- opening game of the final set. why you work hard, to play Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Jelena morning win. The match got underway on these matches on these stages Ostapenko (LAT) 4-6, 6-0, 10-8 “I’ve been feeling good with Rod Laver Arena at 11:58pm local and against the best one,” she Daria Gavrilova (AUS x22) bt Timea Bac- my tennis this week and I am time Saturday and finished at said. sinszky (SUI x12) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 happy to be playing on this court 2:00am. Against Gibbs, Williams

BOTTOMLINE Federer comeback continues against Nishikori

Reuters The pair will walk onto court well Melbourne aware that they could be facing world Roger Federer will take on number one Andy Murray in the quar- Kei Nishikori (R) in the fourth ter-fi nals, with the Briton facing Mis- oger Federer took a massive round today. cha Zverev in the fi nal match of the day step forward upon his return session on the main court. to the weekly grind of the ten- Murray, who has lost the fi nal at Mel- nis circuit with his third round bourne Park fi ve times, has undoubt- thrashingR of Tomas Berdych and is en- edly been boosted by the shock defeat thused at the prospect of facing Kei of six-time champion Novak Djokovic Nishikori at the Australian Open today. by Denis Istomin, though he thought Federer, seeded 17th at the season- the Serb’s defeat had no bearing on his opening grand slam after a knee injury own progress. cut short his 2016 schedule, demol- “For me, it doesn’t change anything ished 10th seed Berdych on Friday to set unless I was to potentially reach the up his clash with the in-form Nishikori fi nal, because I can’t play Novak in the “We’ve got another match on Sunday on Rod Laver Arena. fourth round or in the third round,” (and) we’ll see what happens then.” “I’m a big fan of his game. He’s got Murray said. “(So I) don’t worry about Women’s champion Angelique Ker- one of the best backhands out there. I that really.” ber will also seek to keep improving her love how he can crush it down the line Murray has been joined in the fourth game after she ironed out some wrin- or crosscourt,” the 17-times grand slam round by Davis Cup team mate Dan kles with her easy victory over Kristyna champion said of the Japanese fi fth Evans who will face France’s Jo-Wil- Pliskova to set up a fourth-round clash seed. fried Tsonga for a place in the quarter- with American Coco Vandeweghe. “He’s got wonderful second serve re- fi nals. “Coco is a tough opponent,” the Ger- turns. He’s fast on his legs. Strong in his “It was a goal to make the fourth man said. “I know I have to move good, mind. “I know how tough he is as the round of a slam this year, Evans said. being ready, bring a lot of balls back, match goes along. He fi nds his range “It’s satisfying. But I’m not looking but also being aggressive, as well, like I and his rhythm, he’s tough to stop.” back yet. can play.” Gulf Times Sunday, January 22, 2017 3 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Canada’s Raonic overcomes Simon, Agassi backs fl u to advance

AFP Everything was aching.” Melbourne Raonic won the opening two sets before 25th-seeded Simon rallied from a break down in the lu-hit Milos Raonic ne- third to win four straight games Djokovic to pull gotiated tricky French- and take the set. man Gilles Simon in The pair exchanged breaks in four sets to reach the a tight fourth set before Raonic fourthF round at the Australian prevailed. Open yesterday. Raonic said he was pleased Canada’s world number with the way he managed the three, whose chances of making match against Simon. the final from the bottom half of “Just with the attitude and out of slump the draw have improved follow- the way I stuck through it. The ing the shock exit of defending game will always come if I give “Novak won’t need to learn in as hard a way as I had to learn. He still has time, champion Novak Djokovic, beat myself a chance with it,” he said. Simon 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3. Raonic’s power serve was and he’s a heck of an athlete. In my opinion one of the greats of all time’ Raonic, who was beaten by again the major factor, contrib- Andy Murray in last year’s uting 21 aces among the Ca- semi-finals in Melbourne, will nadian’s 55 winners. He broke next face Spanish 13th seed Simon’s service five times, and Roberto Bautista Agut, who losing his own three times. knocked out David Ferrer. The 26-year-old became the Raonic said he had spent a first Canadian man to reach a difficult previous 48 hours with Grand Slam final when he went a bug that laid him low. down to world number one “I had a rough last 48 hours. Andy Murray at Wimbledon last But I got my energy up today year. much more,” he said. He was also his country’s first “I had a bad fever. I didn’t male to reach the semi-finals come to the stadium yesterday. at last year’s Australian Open, I just slept pretty much all day. where he also lost to the Scot.

Canada’s Milos Raonic hits a return against France’s Gilles Simon during their men’s singles third round match yesterday.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic serves against Uzbekistan’s Konta blitzes Wozniacki to continue hot run Denis Istomin, his conqueror at the Australian Open. AFP, Melbourne : Rampant the get-go. I definitely played Johanna Konta blitzed former a high level today,” she said. world number one Caroline “Caroline really makes you Wozniacki yesterday to set up work for it. I’m definitely happy an intriguing fourth-round Aus- with my level.” tralian Open clash with Russia’s Konta, who is yet to drop a set, Ekaterina Makarova. had never played Wozniacki AFP 117th-ranked Denis Istomin in the second Grand Slam titles. only going to get better. It looks like he’s The British ninth seed, who before, making for an interest- Melbourne round. Djokovic’s return to the top could face strong. It looks like he’s fi t. It looks like he made the semi-finals last year ing battle. “What I can speak to is Novak’s game an obstacle in Andy Murray, who has re- knows how to invest in himself.” to kickstart a breakthrough The Briton, 25, kept the Dane on and his abilities and there’s no reason in placed him as world number one and, Agassi also had well-wishes for trou- season, banished the Danish the move, pushing her around ennis legend Andre Agassi yes- the world why he can’t turn it around,” according to Agassi, could now get even bled Aussie Nick Kyrgios, who was booed former world number one 6-3, the baseline as she looked for terday backed misfi ring Novak Agassi told journalists by videolink. better. “He’s very impressive. I’ve always off court and accused of not trying in a 6-1 on Margaret Court Arena. an opening, which came in Djokovic to pull out of his form “Novak won’t need to learn in as hard talked about Andy as a person that has perplexing fi ve-set defeat to Andreas It sets up a showdown with the seventh game when she slump after he crashed out of the a way as I had to learn. He still has time, never really realised his maximum poten- Seppi in round two. Makarova, also a former Mel- worked Wozniacki wide and TAustralian Open. and he’s a heck of an athlete. tial,” Agassi said. “He’s obviously a rebel of sorts. He’s a bourne semi-finalist, who upset came to the net to smash a vol- Agassi, describing Djokovic as “one of “In my opinion one of the greats of all “He’s so good at certain things it al- fi ghter of sorts. He might choose to take sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova ley winner. the greats”, said he could soon be back to time, so I give him a high chance coming most makes him a bit indecisive. It almost some of those fi ghts and fi ght himself,” in three hard-fought sets. The confident, Australian-born his best, comparing the Serb’s nosedive to back in a hurry.” makes him not bring his strengths to the Agassi said. If she comes through that test, Brit wasted no time in holding his own troubles in the 1990s. Agassi battled back from injury, mari- table as much as he could. “I would much prefer to see him fi ght- the mighty Serena Williams is serve then breaking again to Djokovic, 29 and seeking a record sev- tal problems and, as he later disclosed, “If he actually minimised his defensive ing his opponent and fi ghting for the op- a potential quarter-final op- secure the set in 42 minutes, enth Australian Open title, suff ered the drug problems to re-launch his career in skills by just fi ve % he might actually be portunity to get better and to do some of ponent. hitting an incredible 20 winners worst in a run of upsets when he lost to the late 1990s, winning fi ve of his eight a better player. “My expectation is he is the things he’s capable of.” “I really asserted myself from to Wozniacki’s one.

BASKETBALL Al Shamal shock defending champs Rayyan

By Sports Reporter But that did not matter one bit Doha as they led 25-23, 47-40 and 64- 60 after the fi rst three quarters, before a 25-point eff ort in the -fi l Shamal dominated nal period took them to an even- defending champions tually comfortable win. Al Rayyan for an 89- Abdul Qadir Kosar and You- 80 win the Qatar Men’s suf Ahmed also excelled for the LeagueA at Al Gharafa Club yester- winners with 16 and 12 points, day. respectively. For Al Rayyan, Mar- Although the scores point to a cus Bell top-scored with 30, while tough match, fact was Al Shamal Mohamed Hassan had 26. were comfortably ahead for most The second match of the day part of the encounter, except for ended in lopsided fashion with the fi rst fi ve minutes when Al El Jaish thrashing Al Khor 93-57 Rayyan led 14-13. with Saeed Irfan Ali top-scoring Mohamed Harat and Saleh for the winners with 18. Ali were the stars for Al Shamal, Leon Macklin and James Davon scoring 26 and 25 points respec- scored 15 and 14, respectively as tively, as they maintained a steady El Jaish notched up a 54-27 lead advantage after making a slow in the second quarter and never start. looked back. As prolifi c as Harat and Sahel For Al Khor Rickey Young were for Al Shamal, both failed to scored a game-high 32 but ended score even a single three-pointer. up on the losing side. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 22, 2017 GOLF

INTERVIEW ‘CBQM is a great event and Middle East Swing is an excellent way to start European Tour season’ ne of the world’s most I worked hard on all parts of the game big challenge? I’ve made some small changes in my in-form players going by and that fi rst win in Scotland gave me Being from Sweden I’m used to the swing during the winter break, trying to current form, Sweden’s a lot of confi dence for the remainder wind and cold. And the current weath- score good on the Bear’s makes it feel like Alex Noren has won four of the season. I would like to maintain er in Doha, in my view, is very pleasant, the most diffi cult club in the world! O that form. It looks as if I will have the not particularly windy and chilly! I 8. Your thoughts on the Doha Golf European Tour titles over the past fi ve months and fi nished third in opportunity to play in all four majors have had some good results in cold and Club course? the 2016 Race to Dubai, behind so I will be keen to play well in those windy conditions, and I think it creates I’ve always liked the course, it’s a great compatriot Henrik Stenson, the events but ultimately I am just looking a nice challenge. combination of long and short holes. to get better and better. 5. Your most memorable win? I really like the fi nal stretch up 16th, reigning Open champion, and 2. This will be the ninth time you All my wins are special, but of course the 17th and 18th where anything can hap- Masters winner Danny Willett. As will be playing in the CBQM. Tell two wins of Nordea Masters on home pen. Holes 17 and 18 are real risk reward Noren looks ahead to a new Euro- us about your experience so far? soil will always be special memories! holes and in the right wind, can make pean Tour season, the 34-year-old The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 6. And the most heart-breaking loss? or break a good score. is eager to return to Doha and play is a great event and the Middle East It’s best not to think about the losses 9. Three Swedish golfers have won in the 20th edition of the Com- Swing is an excellent way to start the too much, but losing in the fi nal of the the Qatar Masters before: Karls- mercial Bank Qatar Masters where European Tour season. The weather is Paul Lawrie MatchPlay was tough… I son in 2010, Stenson in 2006 and he fi rst competed in 2007 and always perfect, the facilities are great played well and the match was always Joakim Haeggmann in 2004. Can recorded a tournament-best fi nish and it’s just a fantastic place to gauge close but the competition from Antho- we expect an in-form Noren to be of fourth in 2013. Naren spoke to where your game is. ny Wall ultimately was too good. the fourth Swede to win in Qatar in Satya Rath ahead of the European 3. Barring a tied-fourth fi nish in 7. Which, according to you, is the the event’s 20th edition? Tour event that starts at the Doha 2013, have the results been up to most diffi cult golf course to play on? It’s tough competition out there and your expectations in Doha? Most recently I’ve been playing and anyone can win. Being in contention Golf Club on Thursday. Excerpts: I usually don’t set goals, I’m more fo- few putts I am hopefully in contention self an opportunity to do that this year. practicing at the Bear’s Club in Florida on the last day would be fantastic! And 1. You had a great 2016 season… cused on getting the swing in good on the last day. Of course you always 4. It is normally a bit windy at this which is a very diffi cult course, espe- especially, on Commercial Bank Qatar I was not expecting a year like that but place, and if that happens and I hole a try to win and hopefully I can give my- time of the year in Doha. Is that a cially since it’s usually quite windy. Since Master’s 20th anniversary.

ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP SINGAPORE OPEN Rainstorm disrupts third round play Hatton holds lead AFP a three-time winner of the Sin- Singapore gapore Open, he was locked in a four-way share of the lead with his playing partner, South ustralia’s Adam Scott Korean-born American Han Se- was among four play- ung-su, and Thai pair Tirawat ers tied for the lead at Kaewsiribandit and Phachara the Singapore Open Khongwatmai, who managed to as Johnson surges yesterdayA when a tropical storm complete their rounds to share and fading light forced the sus- the clubhouse lead. pension of the third round. Tirawat charged up the lead- ‘A little bit of a slow start today. Struggled a bit on the greens. Just not quite starting Already behind schedule erboard with a superb round of after Southeast Asia’s fi ckle fi ve-under 66, the best of the the ball on the lines I wanted to. But I holed a couple good putts in the end on the weather disrupted the opening day, that featured an eagle three day, the storm left Asian Tour on the fourth hole and four bird- back nine, and hopefully that will give me some momentum going into tomorrow’ offi cials scrambling to fi nish ies on the back nine. the US$1million tournament on “I am very happy with how time. Organisers face the pos- I fi nished. It wasn’t easy out sibility of a Monday fi nish after there, especially with the rain,” heavy rain resulted in more long said Tirawat, who only secured delays at the Sentosa Golf Club. his Asian Tour card last week Thunder and lightning after going through qualifying caused a three-and-a-half- school. hour delay and of the 77 players Han, who led after the second who made the cut, only 45 com- round, surrendered his place at pleted their third rounds, leav- the top of the leaderboard when ing the remaining 32 to return he double bogeyed the third hole to the course early on Sunday to but pulled one shot back on the fi nish where they left off . fourth to stay in contention “It’s one of those unfortunate while Pharachat birdied the last days — stop and start, and kind to sign for a 67 just before the of tricky conditions at the end hooter sounded to stop play. there,” said Scott. “Unfortu- “I’m glad I managed to fi nish nately I dropped a shot, but I’m the round as that would give me still in the mix, so it’s not too some extra rest for tomorrow,” bad and I’m in good shape.” Parachat said. “It was pretty The players did manage to get tough out there with the rain but back on course after ground staff I’m happy to sink that last birdie drained the greens of surface to bring me to the top.” water and made some repairs to Scott held the outright lead the bunkers, but play was again at nine-under at the turn but halted when darkness fell. the 2013 US Masters champion Scott, playing in the fi nal dropped back to minus eight group, was on the 14th hole when he three-putted the 12th when play was abandoned for hole after hitting his approach the day in drizzling rain. Already to the fringe of the green.

CAREERBUILDER CHALLENGE Mickelson charges but Swaff ord leads AFP ing a cut after 54 holes. Los Angeles “It has been a fun few days,” Mickelson said. “The courses give you a chance to get away with a hil Mickelson fi red a few shots. I made a lot more good six-under par 66, in- shots today than I did yesterday.” cluding an eagle and a Mickelson, a three-time holed-out bunker shot, Masters champion, has not won andP leaped into contention after since taking his fi fth major title, Friday’s second round of the US and the 42nd of his career, at the PGA CareerBuilder Challenge. 2013 British Open. The 46-year-old US left- Starting on the back nine hander, playing his fi rst event of the Nicklaus Tournament since October following two course, Mickelson eagled the sports hernia surgeries, made six par-5 11th with a 10-foot putt AFP That group at tied second place in- tomorrow,” he said. group that included world No. 9 Alex Noren birdies, two bogeys and an eagle and birdied 14 before his lone Abu Dhabi cluded 2014 champion Pablo Larrazabal “Obviously big names are up there, so (68) and England’s Lee Westwood (69). They to move four strokes back of lead- stumbles of the day, bogeys (69), Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat I’ve just got to focus on my game and try were behind a group of fi ve players at 205. er Hudson Swaff ord, who fired his at the 16th and par-3 17th. He (70), England’s Tommy Fleetwood (70) and play as well as I can. I love this place. second consecutive 65 to stand on found greenside bunkers on yrrell Hatton held on to the lead and three-time champion and overnight It’s one of my favourite events of the year, Leading scores 14-under 130 after 36 holes. each, unable to escape the sand despite a third-round surge from leader, Martin Kaymer (72) of Germany. so hopefully I can go out there tomorrow 203 — Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 67-68-68 “I feel like I’m improving with his second shot at 17. World No. 3 Dustin Johnson, the The 25-year-old Hatton has shown re- and have a good day.” 204 — Dustin Johnson (USA) 72-68-64, quite a lot from when I start- Mickelson answered by sink- US Open champion, at the Abu markable improvement in his golf over the The big-hitting Johnson is renowned as Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 68-67-69, Kiradech ed (practicing) last Saturday,” ing a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 TDhabi HSBC Championship yesterday. past one year, highlighted by his runaway one of the longest drivers of the golf ball Mickelson said. “I’m hitting and then holed a stunning bun- Aphibarnrat (THA) 66-68-70, Tommy Johnson exploded into form in spectac- win at last year’s Alfred Dunhill Links and someone who exploits the par-5s to Fleetwood (ENG) 67-67-70, Martin Kaymer more and more good shots each ker shot to birdie the fi rst hole. ular fashion, returning an eight-under par Championship at St Andrews. He then fi n- his advantage. On Saturday, he did make (GER) 66-66-72 day and fewer bad ones.” Heavy rain hit the course but 64, the best round of the day, for a share ished runner-up in the season-ending DP an eagle on the eighth hole, but his birdie 205 — Dean Bermester (RSA) 69-70-66, New Zealand’s Danny Lee Mickelson responded by run- of second place on 12-under par 204. But World Tour Championship and was fourth droughts on the long holes continued. Byeong-hun An (KOR) 69-69-67, Bernd and American Dominic Bozzelli, ning off three birdies in a row, his eagle and six birdies was not enough in the Race to Dubai. “I played a little bit better today,” said Wiesberger (AUT) 68-69-68, Peter Hanson a US PGA rookie, shared sec- closing the streak with a 15-foot to dislodge England’s Hatton, in the solo The Englishman, now ranked 23rd in the Johnson in his usual understated way. (SWE) 68-69-68, Wang Jeunghun (KOR) ond on 131, one stroke ahead of birdie putt at the sixth. lead, despite a sluggish start when he was world, carried that form into the New Year “The biggest diff erence was I drove it bet- 68-67-70 Americans Brendan Steele and Swaff ord, also playing the even par for the fi rst 10 holes of the third and was looking forward to locking horns ter. I hit a lot more fairways today than I 206 — Alex Noren (SWE) 71-67-68, Ross Brian Harman. Nicklaus layout starting on the round with one birdie and a bogey. with Johnson and others for his second have been. Holed a few putts. Still have to Fisher (ENG) 69-69-68, Lee Westwood Mickelson, who won the 10th tee, birdied three of his Then four birdies from the 11th hole Tour title. “A little bit of a slow start to- birdie a par 5, but I did make an eagle on 8 (ENG) 68-69-69, Maximilian Kieff er (GER) tournament in 2002 and 2004, fi rst fi ve holes, then the 18th and onwards gave Hatton a third-round card day. Struggled a bit on the greens. Just not today. I chipped one in. But yeah, it was a 70-67-69, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 64-71-71 was on 134 alongside England’s fi rst back to back and the par- of four-under par 68. A closing birdie on quite starting the ball on the lines I wanted really solid round.” 207 — Callum Shinkwin (ENG) 68-74-65, Greg Owen and Scotsman Mar- 5 fourth and seventh holes as the 18th helped him move one shot ahead to. But I holed a couple good putts in the Open champion and European No. 1 Hen- Branden Grace (RSA) 68-70-69, Bradley tin Laird in a share of sixth at the well. World number 204 Swaf- of Johnson and a group of four other play- end on the back nine, and hopefully that rik Stenson struggled to a 71 and was still Dredge (WAL) 68-69-70, Paul Dunne (IRE) California desert event, which ford also opened on 130 on his ers at 204. will give me some momentum going into three shots behind the leader at 206 in a 68-66-73, Rafa Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67-66-74 uses three courses before mak- way to a share of 13th. Gulf Times Sunday, January 22, 2017 5 CRICKET

CHRISTCHURCH TEST Afghanistan rout Ireland by 10 wkts to win Desert T20 crowd of around 15,000 watched Afghanistan trounce Ireland by 10 A wickets in the Desert Twenty20 final in Dubai on Friday, confirming their status as the kings of Associate cricket. Test in balance as Ireland were bowled out for a meagre 71 in the 14th over before Mohamed Shahzad (52 not out) and Nawroz Mangal (17 not out) knocked off the runs in just 7.5 overs. The game was a special send-off for Mangal who played his last game for the Afghan team. He was skipper when Af- ghanistan gained ODI status and qualified Shakib magic cleans for the 2010 World Twenty20. Brief scores Ireland 71 in 13.2 overs (P Stirling 17; Mo- hamed Nabi 4-10) lost to Afghanistan 74-0 in 7.5 overs (Mohamed Shahzad 52 not out) out NZ middle order by 10 wickets. Bairstow to replace Hales ‘Shakib did really well. The three wickets changed the momentum. It will be a very good achieve- for India Twenty20 series ment for us. Our last series back home, we won. We’re a bit less experienced than them but still, we icketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow will replace injured open- can win. We’re hoping in the next innings if we can make a big score it will be a good Test match’ Wer Alex Hales in England’s squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against In- dia, the English cricket board said yesterday. Hales has been ruled out of today’s third and final one-day international against India after he fractured his right hand while attempting a catch in the second ODI in Cuttack. He will also miss the T20 series that starts on Janu- ary 26. “Jonathan Bairstow has replaced Alex Hales in England’s IT20 squad,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said. Hales was scheduled to consult a surgeon upon return- ing home. The Eoin Morgan-led England team is trailing the ODI series 2-0 after India won the second one-dayer by 15 runs. The final ODI will be played in Kolkata today. Blundell new face in NZ squad for Australia ODIs

icketkeeper Tom Blundell has replaced the injured Luke Ronchi Win New Zealand’s one-day squad for their Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia that starts on January 30. Blundell, who was brought into the Twenty20 squad for the final match against Bangladesh earlier this month when Ronchi got injured, was the only newcomer in the ODI squad. Opening batsman Tom Latham is also expected to take the gloves at some stage as the New Zealand selectors look to build some flexibility in their team ahead of the Champi- ons Trophy in England later this year. “It’s hard to replace the experience that Luke brings, but it’s good Tom Blundell got a small taste of the environment during the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh and this will be another opportunity for him in the squad,” selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement yesterday. “Having Tom Latham as an option gives the squad flexibility and allows us the chance to play an extra bowling option. He’s done it before for us, but well look to give Tom an opportunity to have a game with the gloves in the (domestic one day compe- tition) before the opening match.” All-rounder Corey Anderson, who is still restricted from bowling, missed out as he was considered only as a batsman. Ross Taylor has returned after he missed the limited-overs matches in Australia and then Bangladesh players celebrate the dismissal of New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor during the second day’s play of the second Test at Hagley Park Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (AFP) against Bangladesh due to eye surgery. Neil Broom, who made a superb return after AFP England in October. by his mentor the late Martin Crowe, to substitute fi elder Taijul Islam. The homme without scoring to fi nish the six years in the one-day wilderness to replace Christchurch “It will be a very good achievement entered the fray following the cheap umpires debated whether the ball hit day with three for 32. Taylor, has been retained. Both are in the side for us. Our last series back home, we dismissal of Kane Williamson when the pitch fi rst before ballooning out to and could provide a strong middle order with won. We’re a bit less experienced New Zealand were trouble at 47-2. Taijul but video replays confi rmed it Colin Munro batting at six and Colin de Grand- angladesh unleashed Shakib than them but still, we can win. They He batted for 160 minutes, pierc- was a legitimate dismissal. Scoreboard homme possibly coming in at seven. al-Hasan with dramatic ef- also batted well but we’re hoping in ing the fi eld with a series of cuts and Kamrul made the early break- Bangladesh (1st innings) 289 “We have a number of options to consider fect late on day two of the the next innings if we can make a big pull shots and survived a dropped through for Bangladesh in his open- New Zealand (1st innings) in the middle order and having Ross and Bsecond Test against New score it will be a good Test match.” catch on 75 before being dismissed ing over when he removed opener Jeet J Raval b K Islam 16 Neil in there gives the batting line-up a much Zealand, claiming three quick wick- New Zealand rated the situation two runs later and 23 short of match- Raval for 16 and Williamson for two T Latham c N Hasan b T Ahmed 68 more experienced look to it than the squad ets to leave the contest evenly poised. “even” and were banking on Nicholls ing Crowe’s record. in the space of three deliveries. K Williamson c N Hasan b K Islam 2 which toured Australia,” Larsen added. “He can do anything on any wick- taking them to a fi rst innings lead be- He did achieve one milestone, The Bangladesh bowlers had rea- R Taylor c (sub) b M Hasan 77 “Australia have shown how dangerous et,” fast bowler Taskin Ahmed said of fore applying pressure with the ball. though, becoming the third New son to feel aggrieved with at least four H Nicholls (batting) 56 they are, but with the Chappell-Hadlee tro- the left-arm spinner who reshaped “If we can get ourselves in a handy Zealander and fastest to 6,000 Test catches put to ground and a caught M Santner lbw Shakib 29 phy on the line at home, we know we have the game with three wickets in nine position and get as many as we can in runs when he drove Mehedi Hasan for behind to remove Nicholls on 45 was B Watling b Shakib 1 an exciting opportunity.” deliveries. front hopefully we can put the pres- three to reach 62 in his 145th innings. rejected. Television replays suggested C de Grandhomme b Shakib 0 The first match is on January 30 in New Zealand, comfortable at sure on them with the ball,” opener Brendon McCullum took 163 in- the catch appeal had merit but Bang- T Southee (batting) 4 Auckland, before the series moves to Na- 252-4, were rapidly reduced to 260- Tom Latham said. “If we can come nings to each the mark and Stephen ladesh had used up their two review Extras (lb1, w4, nb2) 7 pier (February 2) and ends in Hamilton on 7 by Shakib in reply to Bangladesh’s in the morning get a few with the ball Fleming 165. opportunities. Total (7 wickets, 71 overs) 260 February 5. 289 when rain ended play about 40 it’ll swing it back into our favour.” Latham, backing up from a career- When Mitchell Santner was given Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Raval), 2-47 (Wil- New Zealand ODI squad minutes early at Hagley Oval. Henry Until Shakib’s one-man fi ghtback, best 177 in the fi rst Test, was untrou- out lbw to Shakib al-Hasan for 29 and liamson), 3-153 (Latham), 4-177 (Taylor), Nicholls was not out 56 with Tim New Zealand were advancing towards bled in his partnership with Taylor appealed the decision, the umpire’s 5-252 (Santner), 6-256 (Watling), 7-256 Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Southee on four. a fi rst innings lead after a century until he uncharacteristically edged decision was upheld but New Zealand (Grandhomme) Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhom- “Shakib did really well. The three stand by Ross Taylor (77) and Latham a wide Taskin delivery to give wick- did not lose a review because of the Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 17-1-64-1 (2w), me, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, wickets changed the momentum,” (68) laid the groundwork following an etkeeper Nurul Hasan his fi rst Test ball-tracking technology. Mehedi Hasan 16-2-51-1, Rubel Hossain 15- Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Taskin added, with Bangladesh early collapse. dismissal. Santner and Nicholls put on 75 for 2-54-0 (2nb), Kamrul Islam 13-3-48-2 (2w), Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim searching for a fi rst win over New Taylor, needing one more century to Taylor soldiered on for another the fi fth wicket. Shakib bowled BJ Shakib al-Hasan 7-0-32-3, Soumya Sarkar Southee, Ross Taylor Zealand to follow their victory over equal the New Zealand record of 17 held nine overs until he scooped Mehedi Watling for one and Colin de Grand- 3-0-10-0

TWENTY20 South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, 20, bowled with impressive pace and was named man-of-the-match after taking two for 12 in his two overs. (AFP) Miller leads SA to 19-run win over SL

AFP New fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, 20, bowled only 12 runs, and ran out Mangaliso Mosehle Centurion with impressive pace and was named man- with a direct hit from mid-off . of-the-match after taking two for 12 in his “I think the bowlers did pretty well,” said two overs. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews. “We got avid Miller hit 40 off 18 balls to set “It was a dream debut. I am overjoyed,” off to the good start we needed but after that up South Africa’s 19-run win in the he said. we didn’t have any partnerships.” rain-shortened fi rst Twenty20 in- The left-handed Miller hit three sixes and South Africa included four international ternational against Sri Lanka at Su- three fours. He and new captain Farhaan Be- newcomers in batsmen Jon-Jon Smuts and perSportD Park on Friday. hardien put on 51 off 23 balls for the fourth Theunis de Bruyn, wicketkeeper Mangaliso Miller’s power hitting enabled South Af- wicket. Behardien made 31 not out off 18 balls. Mosehle and Ngidi. rica to score 126 for six in a match reduced to “We wanted to give David as many balls as Sri Lanka had one newcomer in Thikshila 10-overs-a-side before Sri Lanka reached 107 possible and it paid off ,” said Behardien of the de Silva, who was out fi rst ball as a succession for six. decision to move Miller up to number four in of batsmen perished in trying to achieve an Although Sri Lanka made a good start, the batting order. ever-increasing run rate. with Niroshan Dickwella and Dhananjaya de He also praised Ngidi. “His bowling was Silva putting on 59 off 31 balls for the first outstanding. What a prospect!” said the Brief scores wicket, they could not maintain the run rate South Africa captain. South Africa 126-5 in 10 overs (D Miller 40, and wickets fell rapidly after the left-hand- Asela Gunaratne held two catches for Sri F Behardien 31*; Kulasekera 2/27, Lakmal 1/18, ed Dickwella was caught on the midwicket Lanka, one a good diving eff ort to dismiss Prasanna 1/14) beat Sri Lanka 107-6 in 10 boundary off leg-spinner Imran Tahir for 43 Theunis de Bruyn at backward point, bowled overs (N Dickwella 43, D de Silva 27; Ngidi off 19 balls. two steady overs of medium-pace, conceding 2/12, Imran Tahir 2/23) by 19 runs. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 22, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY NFL Packers, Modernity did for French Falcons set to give Dome fl air, says coach Jones explosive England are on a 14-match winning streak and their last fixture of 2016 saw them score four tries sendoff

AFP Twickenham, United Kingdom Reuters Atlanta, Georgia t’s a question many rugby fans inside and out- side France have asked themselves in recent he Georgia Dome’s fi nal years — whatever happened to ‘French fl air’? game could fi ttingly be But for England coach Eddie Jones, whose an explosive one with GrandI Slam champions begin the defence of their the Atlanta Falcons and Six Nations against France at Twickenham on Feb- TGreen Bay Packers poised to ruary 4, the answer is simple: modern rugby. blow the roof off the place when Whether it was Jo Maso in the 1960s and 1970s, the NFL’s most potent off enses the astonishing Serge Blanco in the 1980s or clash today for a berth in the Su- Philippe Saint-Andre — who fi nished off a stun- per Bowl. ning length-of-the-fi eld move for one of the best With Atlanta’s Matt Ryan tries ever seen at Twickenham in 1991 and three and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers years later launched ‘the try from the end of the leading supercharged off ences world’ that led to world champions New Zealand’s against leaky defences, Las Ve- last defeat at Auckland’s Eden Park, France seemed gas bookmakers have set a record to have an unending supply of players who could high “over-under” — or the total create something out of nothing. combined points scored — for a As a rugby-loving schoolboy in Sydney in the playoff contest at 60 points. 1970s, Jones, who turns 57 later this month, was When both teams met in the a fan of France’s “beautiful” rugby. “The (Six Na- regular season Atlanta won tions) games I always enjoyed watching most were 33-32 after Ryan tossed a last- England versus France, because you always had minute touchdown and many that contrast in style,” said Jones after unveiling his expect more fi reworks in to- tournament squad at Twickenham on Friday. day’s NFC Championship. “Both “The English were more attritional and France, teams, from when we played be- particularly in those days, used to play deep and fore, are a better version of what wide. Their outside backs would run the most they were at that time,” said At- beautiful lines. I remember our teacher at school, lanta coach Dan Quinn.”It’s go- a great rugby coach — he used to come in and rave ing to be a heck of game.” about the French outside backs’ running lines.” “There have been a number Yet lately, including Saint-Andre’s ill-fated spell of times (against the Packers) as France coach from 2011-15, ‘French fl air’ has be- where it has totally come right come increasingly rare, although Jones has detect- down to the fi nish. These kinds ed something of a resurgence under current boss of games usually do.” Guy Noves in their recent narrow defeats by Aus- The Georgia Dome, which will tralia and New Zealand. So what changed? “Well, be demolished later this year, it’s modern rugby,” said former Australia and Japan has not always been home sweet coach Jones. “The great thing about Noves is that home for the Falcons who won he is starting to get that back into their game, but more games on the road than at you can’t play deep and lateral now; defences just home during the regular season. kill you. In the old days you could play like that be- England’s head coach Eddie Jones answers a question after announcing the squad for the upcoming Six Nations rugby union tournament, at Twickenham But Atlanta will take any per- cause eight forwards would put their heads in the stadium in south west London on Friday. Eddie Jones included Dylan Hartley but refused to guarantee his Grand Slam-winning captain a starting place. (AFP) ceived advantage they can going ruck, so you only had seven defenders. Now you’ve against the surging Packers. got 15 (a whole team) defenders.” land were now more daring and thus ‘more French’ World Cup, believes his side have still to embrace player suff ered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a After a mid-season wobble He added: “It takes an evolution of how you than France themselves. that approach fully. Champions Cup game against Exeter yesterday. the Packers have run the table bring your own national style out in the modern “Daring doesn’t mean fl air,” said Jones.”Flair to “The fi rst couple of games (last year) we were “He suff ered a ruptured Achilles tendon in as Rodgers predicted, averaging game. That’s what we’re trying to do with England me is (former England international) Allan Lamb quite reticent to play any rugby,” he said. his left leg and he will see the surgeon tomorrow 30.8 points per game over the — keep the traditional style but make it modern. So batting — trying to do the most outrageous things “We got better against Ireland and Wales and morning as he will probably need to have an opera- home stretch before impressive you don’t go away from your strengths but you add — or a Twenty20 reverse-sweep. Daring to me is we went back into our shell against France again. tion. He will be out for a long time,” his club Cler- playoff wins over the New York to that and then develop a game you can play in the having the mindset of going out there to win the That’s the challenge ahead, we’ve got a short pe- mont said in a statement. Giants and top-seeded Dal- modern game, because the modern game is diff er- game, not relying on the opposition to make mis- riod of time to change mindsets but I think we can Fofana, one of France’s most highly rated play- las Cowboys. Both Rodgers and ent to the old game.” takes — we take it to the opposition, this is what do that.” ers, sustained the injury on his own at the end of Ryan will attack creaky defences England are on a 14-match winning streak and we’re going to do, if we do it well enough then we’re the fi rst half. He was unable to put his left foot on that were buried near the bottom their last fi xture of 2016 saw them score four tries, going to win the game, rather than waiting, hold- INJURY RULES OUT FRANCE’S the ground as he left the pitch. France start their of the league rankings. Ryan will including two for centre Jonathan Joseph, in a 37-21 ing, hoping that they’re going to make mistakes.” FOFANA FROM SIX NATIONS Six Nations campaign against England at Twick- try to exploit a depleted Packers victory over Australia at Twickenham. But Jones, a Jones, who has won all 13 of his games in charge France centre Wesley Fofana has been ruled out enham on Feb. 4. Clermont won their fi nal Pool 5 secondary with the help of Julio lifelong cricket fan, played down suggestions Eng- since becoming England coach following the 2015 of next month’s Six Nations after the Clermont game 48-26. Jones.

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Porte takes mortgage on Patriots and Steelers in royal TDU with Willunga win clash for shot at Super Bowl

AFP Reuters Adelaide, Australia Foxborough, Massachusetts

asmania’s Richie Porte won the iconic Wil- n a match-up of NFL royalty, the New lunga Hill stage of the Tour Down Under for England Patriots and quarterback Tom the fourth year in a row yesterday with a su- Brady host the Pittsburgh Steelers in perb attack from two kilometres out. today’s AFC title clash with the win- TPorte’s bold move two-thirds of the way up the Iner earning a record ninth trip to the Super second climb of Willunga Hill left the more fan- Bowl. Both teams have been on a tear, with cied Colombian climbers Sergio Henao and Esteban the Patriots riding an eight-game win- Chaves in his wake. ning streak, while the Steelers and quarter- The Australian, whose BMC Racing team believes back Ben Roethlisberger have claimed nine he is a real contender for the Tour de France, crossed straight. the fi nish line 20 seconds ahead of fellow country- “It’s a big challenge for us,” Brady told man Nathan Haas and Chaves. reporters. “We have to play our best game He now leads the General Classifi cation by 48 of the year.” During the regular season the seconds from Orica-Scott’s Chaves and is virtually well-balanced Patriots ranked third in the assured of winning the season-opening UCI World NFL in points scored (27.6 per game), led all Tour race on the streets of Adelaide today. teams in allowing 15.6 points per game and “That street circuit in Adelaide is not easy, any- are a six-point favourite for today’s game. thing can happen there,” Porte said. “But I’m happy Pittsburgh ranked 10th in both categories with where I’m at at the moment, I put some good Australia’s Richie Porte from BMC Racing but have gelled in the second half of the sea- time into the other guys and I think it’ll make to- celebrates after his victory in stage five of the son and boast an extraordinary triple threat morrow a little bit more relaxed.” Tour Down Under cycling race from McLaren to on off ense in Roethlisberger, running back Porte conceded his eyes were on the Tour de Willunga in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio France later this year. “This is not an easy climb and Brown. to win it is great for morale,” he said. “Obviously bring their climbers to the front. Henao, Chaves and A harsh tone for the clash was struck im- the biggest goal for me is July at the Tour de France. Porte joined a small group of seven who broke clear mediately after Pittsburgh beat the Chiefs Things are going well.” of the peloton but with two kilometres to go Porte in last week’s playoff game in Kansas City The 151.5-kilometre fi fth stage began in the attacked and neither of the Colombians could keep when Brown posted a video of Steelers coach wine-growing town of McLaren Vale and took in up with him. Mike Tomlin’s clubhouse speech online. three laps through the vineyards and around Ald- Australian Nathan Haas, who was dropped early The video, sure to bring Brown some inga Beach before a circuit that took in two climbs in the climb, battled back and stole second place punishment by the club and the league, of Willunga Hill. New Zealand’s Jack Bauer, who with Chaves third. Today’s fi nal stage is a 90-kilo- captured Tomlin using profanities in refer- made a brave bid for glory on stage four and was metre race through an Adelaide street circuit. ring to the Patriots. Tomlin later expressed only caught with three kilometres to go, was again “regrets” for the bad language, but did not part of an early breakaway with Frenchman Jeremy RESULTS feel it would adversely aff ect the game or his Maison, Australia’s Will Clarke and King of the 151.5km fifth stage from McLaren Vale team. Mountain contender Thomas De Gendt of Belgium. to Willunga in South Australia “You’re not going to creep in the back The four got their lead out to just over three 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Racing) 3hr 40min 13sec door in New England and win a football New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, winner of four Super Bowl rings, will be in minutes on the early circuits but that was cut by a 2. Nathan Haas (AUS/Dimension Data) at 20 seconds game and creep out of there with an AFC his 11th conference championship game since 2001. minute at the bottom of the fi rst climb of Willunga 3. Esteban Chaves (COL/Orica-Scott) same time championship,” he said. “I’m not worried Hill. Clarke soon dropped off the pace but the other 4. Diego Ulissi (ITA/UAE Abu Dhabi) s.t. about our team’s ability to deal with the po- glad to be in the game, proud to be playing of all time,” two-time Super Bowl champion three made it over the top two minutes clear, allow- 5. Jay McCarthy (AUS/Bora-hansgrohe) s.t. tential distractions.” in it. We earned it, they earned it. The quar- Roethlisberger said. ing De Gendt to pick up the King of the Mountain 6. Nathan Earle (AUS/UniSA) +23 The teams have since been tossing bou- terbacks, meanwhile, hold a mutual respect. Brady, winner of four Super Bowl rings, points. 7. Rafael Valls (ESP/Lotto Soudal) s.t. quets at one another. “They’re good at Earlier this season, Roethlisberger asked will be in his 11th conference championship The peloton began to reel in the leaders and with 8. Sergio Henao (COL/Team Sky) s.t. everything... a very explosive and dynamic for and received an autographed jersey of game since 2001. “Ben’s an incredible play- seven kilometres to go they were caught, signalling 9. Robert Gesink (NED/Lotto-NL-Jumbo) s.t. team,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Brady’s that now hangs in his offi ce. “I think er,” Brady said. “I love the way he plays. Very the start of the attacks as a number of teams tried to 10. Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED/Cannondale-Drapac) s.t. “It’s the two best teams in the AFC. We’re he’s one of, if not the greatest, quarterbacks tough, very hard-nosed.” Gulf Times Sunday, January 22, 2017 7 SPORT

NBA Durant, Curry help Warriors maintain winning run Durant finishes with 32 points and seven assists while Curry chips in 24 points and seven assists against Rockets

Reuters three layups, a Durant dunk, a wide- Houston open trey from Draymond Green (15 points, eight boards, seven assists, three blocks), a fourth layup and an- aving already delivered con- other Durant dunk. When Curry added vincing statements earlier back-to-back 3-pointers, the Warriors this week by drubbing the led 87-67 and coasted in to victory. Cavaliers and Thunder, the HGolden State Warriors were quick to HAWKS 102, BULLS 93 send the message on Friday that exact- Atlanta bounced back from a lopsided ing revenge for a previous loss was a loss at Detroit two nights earlier by ex- pressing priority. tending its dominance against Chicago. While All-Star Game starters Kevin The Hawks, who got off to a blister- Durant and Stephen Curry split re- ing shooting start, led by 29 points at sponsibility orchestrating the off ense, halftime en route to extending their the Golden State Warriors’ collective winning streak against the Bulls to six length dominated defensively in a 125- games. Dennis Schroder had 25 points 108 victory over the Houston Rockets at and six assists as the Hawks won for the Toyota Center in Houston. 10th time in their past 12 games. The Warriors (37-6) stretched their winning streak to six games by over- LAKERS 108, PACERS 96 whelming the Rockets (33-13) on both Lou Williams scored a game-high 27 ends of the court. points and Los Angeles ended a fi ve- Durant fi nished with 32 points and game skid with a victory over Indiana seven assists while Curry chipped in at Staples Center. 24 points and seven assists as Golden Julius Randle scored 16 points and State surged ahead in the fi rst quarter Brandon Ingram and Nick Young added and never looked back in a rematch of a 15 points apiece for the Lakers. Dec. 1 showdown won by the Rockets in Jordan Clarkson chipped in 12 points double overtime at Oracle Arena. for Los Angeles. Paul George had 21 Rockets guard James Harden pro- points to lead the Pacers, who had won duced 17 points, seven rebounds and seven of their previous eight games. Al 11 assists but was 0 for 5 on 3-pointers. Jeff erson scored all 20 of his points in Houston shot just 7 for 35 from behind the fi rst half for Indiana, which lost for the arc with Eric Gordon, the league the fi rst time at Staples in four games. leader in treys, going 2 for 14 overall and Indiana center Myles Turner contrib- 0 for 7 on 3s. As part of their defensive uted 15 points. might, the Warriors recorded seven blocks and eight steals. They limited HORNETS 113, RAPTORS 78 the Rockets to 44.8 percent shooting Charlotte played like a team intent on and forced 15 turnovers. putting a recent fi ve-game losing streak The Warriors fi rst fl ashed their of- behind it and gaining momentum while fensive execution with a 10-0 run to the it is in the middle of a fi ve-game home- lead in the fi rst quarter. Houston leaned stand. The Hornets outscored the Rap- on Harden and a pair of reserves, for- tors 58-30 in the second half, leading ward Sam Dekker (17 points) and center by as many as 37 points despite resting Clint Capela (22 points, 12 rebounds) to most of their starters throughout the keep the defi cit manageable, and when fourth quarter. Kemba Walker led the Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (right) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza defends during the third quarter of the NBA match at the Golden State darted to a 14-point lead way with 32 points. Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) midway through the second quarter, Harden returned to action and keyed MAGIC 112, BUCKS 96 to a victory over Portland the 76ers’ ing New Orleans in the Smoothie King GRIZZLIES 107, KINGS 91 JAZZ 112, MAVERICKS 107 (OT) another rally. Elfrid Payton scored 20 points and sixth victory in seven games and eighth Center. Five teammates came off the Marc Gasol scored 28 points and Zach Rudy Gobert racked up career highs The Rockets managed just six points added six assists in leading Orlando to in 10. Covington, who fi nished with 22 bench to score in double fi gures for the Randolph added 20 to lead Memphis with 27 points and 25 rebounds, and in the second quarter prior to a Patrick a victory over Milwaukee at the Amway points, took a pass from T.J. McConnell Nets, who won for the fi rst time since Grizzlies to a victory over Sacramento Utah extended its winning streak to a Beverley 3-pointer with 6:06 left in the Center. The Magic snapped a three- and connected from the left wing. a 120-118 victory against Charlotte on Kings at FedExForum. season-high fi ve by slipping by Dallas half. Harden and Dekker followed by game losing streak. The Bucks lost their Portland’s Mason Plumlee then Dec. 26. Spencer Dinwiddie was the Gasol, a candidate to make the NBA in overtime at American Airlines Cent- combining for 17 points the remain- fourth consecutive game. missed a layup in traffi c at the buzzer as third Brooklyn starter to score in double All-Star team as a reserve, and Ran- er. The Northwest Division-leading der of the period before Curry beat the The Magic had seven players fi nish the Trail Blazers dropped their fourth fi gures, fi nishing with 10 points. dolph, a sixth man of the year candi- Jazz (28-16) had won four in a row three buzzer with a 3 that gave the Warriors a in double fi gures when they dominated straight game. Ersan Ilyasova scored a Rookie Caris LeVert led the Nets’ re- date, helped the Grizzlies to a lopsided previous times this season but had 62-57 halftime lead and reclaimed mo- the second half and never were seri- season-high 24 points for Philadelphia. serves with 17 points, Luis Scola scored edge on the boards. failed to get to fi ve until beating Dallas mentum. ously challenged for the lead. 14 in eight fourth-quarter minutes, Randolph had 10 rebounds to fi nish for the third time in three tries. Golden State siphoned the life out of NETS 143, PELICANS 114 Quincy Acy and Rondae Hollis-Jeff er- with a double-double and Gasol had Utah is also sneaking up the Western the Rockets in the third quarter. 76ERS 93, TRAIL BLAZERS 92 Brook Lopez and Bojan Bogdanovich son each had 12 and Randy Foye had 11. nine. Tony Allen also chipped in with a Conference standings, drawing within While Houston shot 0 for 10 on 3s, Robert Covington’s 3-pointer with 4.5 scored 23 points apiece as Brooklyn The Brooklyn bench outscored the New double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) a game of the Los Angeles for fourth the Warriors opened the period with seconds remaining lifted Philadelphia ended an 11-game losing streak by beat- Orleans bench 73-47. for the Grizzlies. place.

NHL NBA ROUND-UP Penguins take Carolina for Spurs’ star Gasol undergoes left a bumpy ride in 7-1 win hand surgery, out for few weeks

Reuters maining, giving Chicago a victory over slumping Agencies Raleigh, North Carolina Boston. Hossa took a pass from Tanner Kero that Washington went through the legs of defenseman Adam Mc- Quaid and easily beat Tuukka Rask for his 516th ca- onor Sheary scored twice and the Pitts- reer goal and 17th of the season. an Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol burgh Penguins produced their second underwent surgery on Friday to re- huge off ensive output of the week in a 7-1 SABRES 3, RED WINGS 2 (OVERTIME) pair a broken ring fi nger on his left romp past the Carolina Hurricanes at the Kyle Okposo scored with 26 seconds remaining in hand and will miss the next few NationalC Hockey League on Friday night at PNC overtime to lead Buff alo over Detroit. Sam Reinhart weeksS of the NBA season, according to mul- Arena. Trevor Daley, Carl Hagelin, Chris Kunitz, and Ryan O’Reilly also scored for the Sabres. Anders tiple reports. Yahoo Sports and ESPN, each Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin also scored as the Nilsson made 32 saves. Frans Nielsen and Darren citing unnamed sources in website reports, Penguins won back-to-back road games for the fi rst Helm scored for the Red Wings, who saw a three- said the 36-year-old Spaniard had the op- time since Dec. 8 and 10. Penguins goalie Matthew game win streak come to an end. Petr Mrazek made eration so he would be able to return as Murray made 27 saves. 34 saves. quickly as possible. Penguins started slowly – the Hurricanes re- ESPN said the timetable for Gasol’s re- corded the fi rst six shots of the game – but once CANADIENS 3, DEVILS 1 turn could be four to eight weeks while they settled in, the Penguins turned in the kind of Shea Weber and Max Pacioretty scored less than Yahoo said it could go as long as six weeks. performance coach Mike Sullivan would like to see two minutes apart early in the third period to lead Gasol broke the fi nger during pre-game on a regular basis. Montreal over New Jersey at Prudential Center. warm-ups before Thursday’s 118-104 vic- Alex Galchenyuk scored a goal and set up two oth- tory over the Denver Nuggets. BLACKHAWKS 1, BRUINS 0 ers while Alexander Radulov had three assists and Six-time All-Star Gasol is averaging 11.7 Scott Darling stopped 30 shots in his fi rst start in Al Montoya made 16 saves to pick up the win for the points and 7.9 rebounds in his fi rst season two weeks and Marian Hossa scored with 1:26 re- Canadiens. with the Spurs after spending the past two campaigns with Chicago. Gasol played for Memphis from 2001 to 2008 before joining ing a potential game-tying shot. who turns 33 in March. Bosh wasn’t medi- the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won Lee mistakenly thought it was a Wizards cally cleared to play this season due to blood NBA crowns in 2009 and 2010. player that was standing next to him and clot issues and there is no guarantee he will talking but it was Lowe. “I think it’s some- he deemed healthy enough to play basket- WIZARDS COACH LOWE FINED thing they need to take a look at,” Lee said ball next season. But former Heat running FOR LEAVING BENCH after the game. mate Dwyane Wade is a member of the Bulls The National Basketball Association “Being a basketball player you play off of and the possibility of Wade exercising his slapped the Washington Wizards and as- instincts, and if you hear somebody right player option to return to Chicago next sea- sistant coach Sidney Lowe with a total of there, that’s why I try to make the right play. son may increase if Bosh comes on board. $20,000 in fi nes after Lowe left the players’ But I still should have shot it.” Bosh last played in a game on Feb. 9, 2016, bench in the fi nal moments of Thursday’s The NBA rule book states that “all as- so Miami can release him after Feb. 9 of game against New York. sistants and trainers must remain on the this year to gain salary relief. His fi ve-year, Lowe was fi ned $5,000 for potentially bench.” The loss dropped the Knicks to 19- $118mn contract runs through the 2018-19 impacting the fi nal outcome of Washing- 25 on the season. campaign. ton’s 113-110 win over the Knicks at Madi- son Square Garden. The team was handed a BOSH LIKELY TO BE RELEASED NETS SIGN FORWARD QUINCY ACY $15,000 fi ne on Friday in addition to Lowe’s BY MIAMI HEAT The Brooklyn Nets signed forward Quincy punishment. Chris Bosh will likely be released by the Mi- Acy to a second 10-day contract. NBA vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe ami Heat on March 1 and the expected move The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Acy, who was announced the decision on the league’s could open the door to the 11-time All-Star originally signed by the Nets on Jan. 10, is website. Lowe went on the court and ap- forward being able to resume his NBA career averaging 6.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.5 Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust (right) tries to slip the puck past Carolina Hurricanes defensemen pears to have said something that stopped next season. The Chicago Bulls are said to be minutes per contest over four games with Ron Hainsey during the third period of the NHL game at PNC Arena. (USA TODAY Sports) Knicks guard Courtney Lee from attempt- examining the possibility of adding Bosh, the Nets. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, January 22, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Arsenal face defi ning Rooney breaks United period: Xhaka

AFP London

ranit Xhaka admits Arsenal’s Pre- record, City denied by mier League clash with Burnley today marks the start of a defi ning period as the Gunners battle to get back in the Gtitle race. Arsene Wenger’s side have fallen eight points behind leaders Chelsea and can’t aff ord many more stumbles if they are to catch their London rivals. Tottenham fi ghtback After Burnley’s visit to the Emirates Sta- dium, Arsenal face an FA Cup fourth round trip to Southampton and a home league game ‘It means a hell of a lot. I’m proud to play for this club. To be all-time top goalscorer is a huge honour’ against Watford before a must-win showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It is a crucial period that Switzerland mid- AFP fi elder Xhaka believes could determine if Arse- London nal will be in the hunt for silverware at the end of the season. “I think fi rstly it was important to win at ayne Rooney became Swansea and the way we did with the 4-0 win Manchester United’s there,” Xhaka said. all-time leading scorer “Then we have the two home games coming in dramatic fashion up against Burnley and Watford. Was his last-ditch wonder goal res- “To be honest, I see it in the same way as the cued a 1-1 draw at Stoke, while Pep boss, these next three games could really tell a Guardiola’s problems mounted as lot about what direction we are going to go in Manchester City blew a two-goal this season.” lead in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham If Arsenal are to win the title for the fi rst yesterday. time since 2004, they will need focused per- Rooney surpassed Bobby Charl- formances from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut ton’s tally of 249 goals for United Ozil, but Wenger has so far off ered no updates when he struck with a superb eff ort on the apparent impasse over the duo’s pro- deep into stoppage-time at the Bri- posed new contracts. tannia Stadium. The pair both have 18 months remaining and The 250th goal of Rooney’s glit- are believed to be seeking parity with the Pre- tering United career was just the mier League’s top players to extend their spells 31-year-old’s fi fth of a diffi cult sea- in north London son and came as a timely reminder However, Xhaka believes Sanchez, who was of the striker’s class after he was rel- visibly frustrated after being substituted dur- egated to the role of a fringe player ing Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Swansea last week- for long periods this term. end, is the perfect example of how a player It was also much needed by Unit- should approach the game. ed, who had fallen behind in the 19th “Alexis Sanchez can be a really big role mod- minute when Juan Mata defl ected el,” he said. Erik Pieters’ shot into his own net. “The reason is that he always goes to his ab- Jose Mourinho sent on Rooney solute limit in both training and in the game. in the 67th minute and the England I think that attitude and application is some- star, who had gone two games with- thing that any players can take something out a goal since equalling Charlton’s from.” record in an FA Cup win over Read- ing on January 7, wasted his fi rst Awayday blues chance to make history when he Wenger will welcome back Hector Bellerin, headed wide from six yards. Kieran Gibbs and Francis Coquelin after in- But Rooney refused to be denied juries, while in-form striker Olivier Giroud is and, with Charlton watching from fi t despite being forced off at Swansea with an the stands, his magic moment ar- Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring the goal against Stoke City to break the all time goalscoring record for United. (Reuters) ankle problem. Burnley manager Sean Dyche rived four minutes into stoppage- is set for a triple boost as Ashley Barnes, Dean time when he curled a superb free- the record belonged to a legend of rience for City boss Guardiola, who minute after more sloppy play from Results & standings Marney and Johann Berg Gudmundsson return kick past Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant English Football. Now Wayne be- suff ered the heaviest league defeat the Reds rearguard. from injuries after missing the midweek FA and into the top corner. comes a legend of Manchester of his managerial career last week- Swansea had started the day Bournemouth ...... 2 Watford ...... 2 Cup win over Sunderland. Rooney’s gem extended United’s United.” end in a 4-0 loss at Everton. at the bottom of the table, but their Crystal Palace ...... 0 Everton ...... 1 Burnley have defi ed predictions they would Liverpool ...... 2 Swansea ...... 3 unbeaten run in the league to 13 At Eastlands, City took the lead in Fifth placed City are languishing fi rst ever league win at Anfi eld lift- Manchester City ...... 2 Tottenham ...... 2 struggle to avoid relegation following last sea- matches, but lost in the eupho- the 49th minute when Tottenham nine points adrift of leaders Chel- ed them out of the relegation zone Middlesbrough ...... 1 West Ham ...... 3 son’s promotion, climbing to 10th in the table ria of his landmark strike was a goalkeeper Hugo Lloris raced off his sea, while second placed Totten- and condemned Liverpool, seven Stoke ...... 1 Manchester Utd ...... 1 after three wins in their last four league games. disappointing result that leaves his line in a failed bid to intercept Kevin ham lie six points behind the table points behind Chelsea, to their West Brom ...... 2 Sunderland ...... 0 Despite that impressive rise, Dyche’s side team three points adrift of the top de Bruyne’s pass, allowing Leroy toppers, who host Hull today. fi rst home league defeat for 12 Standings P W D L F A Pts have a dismal away record, losing eight of nine four. Sane to steer his shot into the empty Liverpool’s title challenge suf- months. Chelsea 21 17 1 3 45 15 52 games on their travels and scoring just three “It means a hell of a lot. It is a net. fered a major blow as lowly Swan- “The defending around all three Tottenham 22 13 7 2 45 16 46 goals. A trip to Arsenal doesn’t look like a good great honour and I’m very proud,” Lloris was culpable again fi ve sea enjoyed a shock 3-2 victory at goals wasn’t good enough, 100 per- Liverpool 22 13 6 3 51 27 45 opportunity to halt that barren run, but Clar- said Rooney, who signed for United minutes later as the France inter- Anfi eld. cent. Their third is a big mistake,” Arsenal 21 13 5 3 48 22 44 ets midfi elder Jeff Hendrick insists a change in from Everton in 2004. national spilled Raheem Sterling’s Man City 22 13 4 5 43 28 43 fortune is well overdue. Fernando Llorente put Swansea Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said. Man Utd 22 11 8 3 33 21 41 “It is not something I expected cross and De Bruyne punished the ahead in the 48th minute when the Seamus Coleman’s 87th minute Everton 22 10 6 6 33 23 36 “We’ve come off the pitch away from home when I joined. The players who have mistake with a simple fi nish. Spanish striker punished poor de- strike gave Everton 1-0 win at Crys- West Brom 22 9 5 8 30 28 32 and even though we’ve been beaten we’ve had played for this club have been world But Dele Alli sparked Tottenham’s fending from a corner to slot home tal Palace that plunged the hosts Stoke 22 7 7 8 28 34 28 a good feeling because the performances have class. I’m proud to play for this club. revival with a close-range header in from close-range. into the relegation zone. West Ham 22 8 4 10 29 36 28 been better,” he said. To be all-time top goalscorer is a the 58th minute and, after Sterling Llorente struck again with a Andy Carroll showed West Ham Bournemouth 22 7 5 10 32 39 26 “The fi rst thing we needed to do was to start Burnley 21 8 2 11 23 31 26 huge honour.” had a penalty appeal controver- powerful header in the 52nd minute can thrive without want-away star Southampton 21 6 6 9 19 26 24 playing more like ourselves when we’re on the Charlton saluted Rooney’s sially turned down, South Korea’s before Liverpool were given a life- Dimitri Payet as his brace inspired a Watford 22 6 6 10 25 38 24 road, and we’ve defi nitely done that in the last achievement, saying: “I can hon- Son Heung-Min swept home to line by Roberto Firmino’s header 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough. Leicester 21 5 6 10 24 34 21 few games, and the next step is to pick up the estly say I’m delighted for Wayne. complete the comeback in the 77th three minutes later. Sunderland slumped to the bot- Middlesbrough 22 4 8 10 18 25 20 points. He deserves his place in the history minute. Brazil forward Firmino netted tom of the table after a 2-0 de- Swansea 22 5 3 14 26 51 18 “We’ve put in the performances and we’ve books. He is a true great for club and again to draw Liverpool level with feat at West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace 22 4 4 14 30 41 16 worked hard to get the points. Now we’ve got Hull 21 4 4 13 20 45 16 country.” Major blow a fi ne fi nish in the 69th minute, but while Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Sunderland 22 4 3 15 20 42 15 to kick on and keep putting in the perform- Mourinho added: “Before him It was another chastening expe- Gylfi Sigurdsson struck in the 74th Watford. ances and get as many points as we can.”

FOCUS Coach Klopp slams sloppy Liverpool

Agencies hind leaders Chelsea, who can extend before half-volleying home a thun- London that gap to 10 with a victory over Hull derous left-foot strike. today. With Anfi eld baying for a come- Liverpool, who welcomed back back winner, it seemed just a matter urgen Klopp slammed Liver- Philippe Coutinho for his fi rst league of time but when Carroll made a rare pool’s careless defending as start since November, dominated foray towards the heart of Liverpool’s his side’s Premier League title proceedings from the opening min- defence, the ball fell kindly for Sig- challenge suff ered a damag- utes but found Clement’s side, in- urdsson and the Icelander was typi- ingJ blow in a shock 3-2 home defeat cluding new signings Tom Carroll cally cool with his precision fi nish. against Swansea yesterday. and Martin Olsson, compact and or- Liverpool came desperately close Reds boss Klopp was furious ganised. to equalising when Lallana’s defl ect- Swansea striker Fernando Llorente Emre Can should have done bet- ed shot hit the bar and his follow- was allowed to score twice in quick ter with a free header from Jordan up header fl ew over but this was a succession in the second half af- Henderson’s pinpoint delivery and dreadful setback for a team that has ter lapses in concentration from the Adam Lallana ballooned an extrava- lost momentum, having won just one Liverpool defence. Roberto Firmino gant mid-air volley high. of its last six matches in all competi- struck twice to draw Liverpool lev- Yet for all of Liverpool’s domina- tions. el, but the hosts switched off again tion of possession, these were rare That would leave Liverpool’s title as Gylfi Sigurdsson secured lowly openings and the nearest to a fi rst- hopes hanging by a slender thread Swansea’s fi rst ever league win at half goal was when Carroll, signed and Klopp challenged his players to Anfi eld. from Tottenham Hotspur in mid- prove they can bounce back quickly “The defending around all three week, saw his shot from a narrow after such an embarrassing loss. goals wasn’t good enough, 100 per- angle defl ect off Dejan Lovren and “If this defeat infl uences us, then cent. It’s a very important part of the strike the post. it could be (damaging). We have lost, game,” Klopp said. Still, there was no sign of the dra- but it has to feel really bad. And it “I don’t know how Llorente could ma immediately after halftime when does. We have to react,” he said. be completely alone to score the fi rst Llorente struck twice, his second af- “I don’t look for luck. But it’s obvi- in the six-yard box. Their second ter 52 minutes being a magnifi cent, ous we didn’t have a lot today. There goal, I can accept the header but we soaring header from Carroll’s cross. was frustration and disappointment. needed to stop the cross. Liverpool roared back, Firmi- You could hear in stadium it wasn’t “For the third goal there was al- no heading in James Milner’s 55th most entertaining in fi rst half. most everything wrong. It started minute cross and then producing “We couldn’t score, and then after with the reaction to the long ball.” sublime skill to take Georginio Wi- half-time we need to be spot on im- Liverpool remain seven points be- jnaldum’s looped cross on his chest mediately, but we weren’t.” Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente (R) celebrates scoring their second goal against Liverpool yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, January 22, 2017 9 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA LIGUE 1 Cavani double puts PSG within a Piszczek rescues point of the top Reuters conceding none, had another Paris chance in stoppage time but Adrien Rabiot’s eff ort crashed against Dupe’s crossbar. rench champions Dortmund at 10-man Paris St Germain PSG better option than moved within a point China: Di Maria of leaders Nice when Paris Saint-Germain wing- EdinsonF Cavani struck twice er Angel Di Maria has insisted to secure a 2-0 win at Nantes he wants to see out his con- yesterday. tract with the French cham- The Uruguay striker found pions, dismissing speculation the back of the net in each half he could move to the cash- Werder Bremen to put third-placed PSG on 45 rich Chinese Super League. points from 21 games while “There are two years left on Nice have 46 after drawing 1-1 my contract,” Di Maria, who Hoff enheim continue their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Augsburg at Bastia on Friday. joined PSG from Manchester Second-placed Monaco, on United in August 2015, told 45 points, will climb to the top ESPN Argentina. AFP if they avoid defeat at home “Of course there are ru- Berlin against second-bottom Lori- mours. I’m very happy here, ent on Sunday. my family too. That’s impor- PSG were in control tant for me so I will stay here ukasz Piszczek saved Borus- throughout at La Beaujoire as for the duration of my con- sia Dortmund’s blushes with the they snapped Nantes’s four- tract.” winner in a 2-1 victory at 10-man game winning streak in the Di Maria has struggled in Werder Bremen yesterday to lift league, but lost Julian Draxler, his second season at the Parc Lthem up to fourth in the Bundesliga. who was replaced in the 69th des Princes, with the recent A Dortmund side missing predator minute by Angel Di Maria af- arrival of Germany interna- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang trail leaders ter sustaining a calf injury. tional Julian Draxler putting Bayern Munich by 12 points, but climbed Cavani put the visitors his place in the starting line- up from sixth with their fi rst league win ahead when he latched on to up under serious threat. since the start of December. a cross from Lucas, who had But the 28-year-old said he On Friday, Robert Lewandowski’s 91st- been ideally set up on the had no plans to leave Paris as minute strike sealed Bayern’s 2-1 come- right fl ank by Draxler in the Unai Emery’s men fi ght for a back win at Freiburg which left them six 21st minute. fi fth successive Ligue 1 title. points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig. Unai Emery’s side contin- “Everyone has their way of Germany forward Andre Schuerrle ued to push forward and in the thinking, we can always have and Poland defender Piszczek netted for 63rd minute Thomas Meuni- the hope of going to play in Dortmund after Fin Bartels’ second-half er’s header hit Maxime Dupe’s China,” added Di Maria. equaliser for Bremen, who had goalkeeper crossbar. Two minutes later, “For sure, we can be sensi- Jaroslav Drobny sent off in the first half. however, Cavani doubled the tive to the amount of money With the league’s top scorer Aubam- tally with a powerful 20-me- we are talking about. But I’d eyang away on Africa Cup of Nations duty tre free kick to score his 20th rather stay here, be happy with Gabon, Schuerrle started as striker league goal in 19 appearances. here and achieve the goal I’ve for Dortmund. PSG, who have now won always spoken about. I came He scored after just fi ve minutes for his their last four competitive to Paris to win the Champions fi rst competitive goal since the late equal- games by scoring 15 goals and League.” iser in Dortmund’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Real Madrid in September. Bremen had Drobny sent off on 39 min- utes when his outstretched foot made contact with Marco Reus’s hip when the Germany winger was through on goal. With Drobny off , Bremen’s all-time top-scorer, striker Claudio Pizarro, was substituted for reserve goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald. But Bremen rallied, rattling Dortmund’s crossbar at the end of the fi rst half through captain Clemens Fritz from 17m out. Despite the numerical disadvantage Bremen equalised when Bartels sprinted between Dortmund defenders Erik Durm and Sokratis Papastathopoulos to fi re home on 59 minutes. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel responded by bringing on winger Ousmane Dembele and Portugal international Raphael Guerreiro. The move paid off as Dembele won a corner and Guerreiro’s shot was charged Bremens’s midfielder Thomas Delaney (R) and Dortmund’s Polish defender Lukasz Piszczek vie for the ball during their Bundesliga down, but Piszczek tapped the looping match in Bremen yesterday. (AFP) ball over Wiedwald on 71 minutes. “We missed getting the second goal in defender Martin Hinteregger to slot home home victory over Hamburg.The visi- midfi elder Torsten Frings, earned a point the fi rst quarter of an hour and allowed on 47 minutes before Andrej Kramaric tors had Sweden international Albin Ek- at home for the league’s bottom team as Bremen to open up the game,” said Tuchel. added a second. dal sent off for a second yellow card on 33 they held Borussia Moenchengladbach to “However, it feels great to start with a New signing Guido Burgstaller enjoyed minutes for a reckless tackle on Ntep. a goalless draw. win. That was the goal.” a dream debut for Schalke as the Austria The left winger then set up the winner Hoff enheim, the only team still un- striker netted their 92nd-minute winner by charging into the area before present- Results beaten in Germany’s top fl ight this season, in a 1-0 win over Ingolstadt which lifted ing Germany’s Mario Gomez with a tap- Schalke 1 Ingolstadt 0 went third with a 2-0 win at Augsburg. the Royal Blues to ninth. in on 83 minutes to leave Wolfsburg 12th Wolfsburg 1 Hamburg 0 Sandro Wagner, Hoff enheim’s top scor- Another new recruit, France interna- and ease the pressure on coach Valerien Augsburg 0 Hoff enheim 2 er, claimed his 11th league goal this season tional Paul-Georges Ntep, played a key Ismael. Werder Bremen 1 Borussia Dortmund 2 PSG’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates after scor- when the robust striker held off Augsburg role on his Wolfsburg debut in their 1-0 Darmstadt’s new coach, ex-Germany Darmstadt 0 Moenchengladbach 0 ing a goal against Nantes yesterday. (AFP)

LA LIGA Ramos sinks Malaga as Real increase lead at top

Reuters ternational Juanpi to pull a goal Barcelona back in the 63rd minute. Injured Iniesta irreplaceable: Enrique It took a good save from Key- lor Navas to prevent Chory Barcelona boss Luis Enrique for 10 years in midweek ergio Ramos made Castro from levelling mo- believes there isn’t another rounded off a good week for amends for his untimely ments later. player in world football who Barca as they cut the gap on own goal last week at Se- Uruguayan Castro had hit the can adequately replace Real Madrid to two points in villa by scoring twice as post for the visiting side and what injured captain Andres La Liga, although Real also RealS Madrid bounced back from forced another impressive save Iniesta brings the Catalan have a game in hand. Barca two successive defeats by beat- from Navas in an action-packed giants. However, as Barca go can match their longest win- ing Malaga 2-1 yesterday to go fi rst half which also saw Cris- in search of a fourth straight ning streak this season with four points clear at the top of La tiano Ronaldo and Karim win at Eibar on Sunday another victory at Ipurua, Liga. night, Enrique is hopeful but Enrique is looking for The Real Madrid captain Ramos has now scored six the Spanish champions are a much longer sustained headed his side in front in the league goals this term, finally beginning to find the run to topple Madrid as 35th minute by powering Toni bettering his previous record form that will help them the first half of the Liga Kroos’ outswinging corner be- of fi ve in a season with still chase down Real Madrid at season comes to a close this yond Carlos Kameni and struck half the campaign to go the top of La Liga. weekend. again in the 43rd by sliding in a “There is no one, not in the “We have been looking for a free kick from his German team- Benzema squander clear squad or in world football long run of positive results mate from close range to net his chances for Real. (like Iniesta),” Enrique said since the start of the season, third goal in four games. Ronaldo’s frustration grew yesterday. “That is the prob- but it still hasn’t arrived. It was the perfect response after the break as he struck the lem. I have many very good Hopefully, this is it, hopefully from the Spain international six post and was twice denied by players, but none of them this can be the run where days after putting through his Kameni, who almost commit- are like Iniesta. we put together a long own net against Sevilla and in- ted an embarrassing error when Iniesta will miss the trip to streak of wins. We need it, advertently helping his former he allowed a back pass to trickle the Basque country after above all, to put pressure on side win 2-1 to halt Zinedine through his legs but managed coming off at half-time in those above us.” Zidane’s side’s remarkable 40- to scramble it away before it Barca’s 1-0 Copa del Rey game unbeaten run. crossed the line. quarter-final, first leg win at Ramos has now scored six Real lead the standings on 43 Real Sociedad on Thursday league goals this term, better- points, four clear of Sevilla and due to a calf problem. ing his previous record of fi ve in fi ve ahead of champions Barce- However, the club remain a season with still half the cam- lona, having played 18 games. hopeful he will return in time paign to go. Barcelona visit Eibar today for the second leg against Malaga had proved diffi cult while Sevilla travel to Osasuna Sociedad on Thursday. A opponents and a slip by Raphael Real have a game in hand on Real Madrid’s defender Sergio Ramos celebrates with Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (R) after scoring first victory in San Sebastian Varane allowed Venezuela in- their two closest rivals. during the La Liga match against Malaga in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Sunday, January 22, 2017 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Stars of future kick off sixth Al Kass Vertessen’s Dutch International Cup Agencies Qatar to compete,” he said. Doha He added, “The Al Kass International Cup has con- tributed greatly to the devel- he next generation of opment of the skills of the courage hands PSV global football stars players at Aspire Academy, kicked off the sixth and we are proud to co-organ- annual Al Kass In- ise and sponsor this champi- Tternational Cup yesterday at onship held on our fi elds as a Aspire Academy. The tourna- contribution to the advance- ment brings together 12 top ment of football in support Under-17 (U17) teams from of the vision of our nation’s around the world in a ten-day leadership to establish Qatar dramatic victory competition. as an international sporting The opening ceremony destination.” featured former professional In the fi rst day of the com- footballer David Trezeguet, petition, PSV Eindhoven faced who starred for Italian club Ju- Raja Casablanca, while FC ventus and the French national Bayern München took on Red team. He was joined by VIPs Bull Salzburg and Espérance from across the Qatar football de Tunis faced off against landscape, as well as a packed Eintracht Frankfurt. The fi rst house of vocal spectators. round will pit groups of three The 12 teams participat- teams against each other in ing in this year’s tournament a round-robin competition, represent some of the most with the top two teams from storied clubs in international each group advancing to the football, including Real Ma- knockout round. The fi nal will drid (Spain), Bayern München be held on January 31st. (Germany), and Paris Saint- Essa Abdulla al-Hitmi, Germain (France), giving Chairman of the Organising Doha crowds the opportunity Committee of Al Kass Inter- to see the potential superstars national Cup, said, “The Al of the future. Kass International Cup has Qatar’s Aspire Academy cemented its place as one team adds local fl avour to the of the premier youth foot- tournament, which was won ball tournaments globally. last year by Aspire Football This year we will continue to Dreams. Other participat- build on this reputation with ing teams include PSV Eind- world-class broadcasting of hoven (Netherlands), Kashiwa the outstanding displays of Reysol (Japan), FC Red Bull football that we have come to Salzburg (Austria), AS Roma expect from the Al Kass In- (Italy), Eintracht Frankfurt ternational Cup. Al Kass look (Germany), Al-Ahli Saudi FC forward to showcasing all the (Saudi Arabia), Raja Casa- live action in 2016 to football blanca (Morocco), and Es- fans all over the world.” pérance de Tunis (Tunisia). Sheikh Hamad al-Thani, Mohamed Khalifa al-Su- President, Qatar Football As- waidi, Acting CEO of Aspire sociation, said, “Over the past Zone, said the tournament’s fi ve years, the Al Kass Inter- global prestige refl ects Qatar’s national Cup has become one continued emergence as an of the premier championships international sports leader. for international clubs seeking “It is a great honour and to prepare their junior players. privilege to be welcoming The players on the fi eld at As- some of the world’s very best pire this year may very well be young football prospects to starring for the world’s biggest Doha for the sixth edition of clubs in the future.” the Al Kass International Cup. Hassan al-Thawadi, Secre- PSV Eindhoven and Raja Casablanca players vying for the ball during their Al Kass International Cup match at Aspire Academy yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram This tournament has become tary General of the Supreme one of the most important Committee for Delivery & By Sports Reporter sionate support, showed a de- rain began to fall, but the weath- Raja’s best spell of the match, bouiguiguine won a free kick just international football tourna- Legacy: “Since its launch in Doha termination that often blunted er did little to dampen the Raja and the Dutch had to draw on all outside the PSV area. Van Korp ments for this age category, 2012, the Al Kass Internation- PSV’s attacking intent. fans’ spirits, as they sang a full of their defensive reserves to re- held Hamza Amama’s lofted with some of the most well- al Cup has created an oppor- However, at the 25 minutes repertoire of club anthems from pel a wave of attacks. eff ort fi rmly in his arms, and known clubs in the world tunity to develop a sporting SV Eindhoven defeated this physical approach cost Raja the stands. Their central defensive pair- looked to have secured victory sending their future stars to legacy for future generations.” Raja Casablanca 3-2 in dear, when referee Abdulaziz However, they were briefl y ing of Kone and captain Tijn for the Dutchmen. a thrilling encounter in Moosa awarded a penalty after silenced when a second penalty Daverveld held fi rm until, with But incredibly, the match held the opening game of Al Iliass Hallal shoved Rico Zeegers was awarded to PSV after Ayobe six minutes remaining, Shuran- another twist when Daverveld KassP International Cup at Aspire in the back. Sekou Sidebe made Fahim upended Sidibe, who re- dy Sambo was adjudged to have was adjudged to have pulled the Academy yesterday. no mistake from the spot, and covered to side-foot home to the handled in the area and, remark- shirt of Idriss Nazil, and referee It was PSV who made the early PSV were ahead. keeper’s right. ably, the referee pointed to the Moosa awarded a fourth pen- running. Impressive central de- In terms of chances created, Within minutes, Eindhoven spot for a third time. alty. The PSV players protested, fender Aboubacar Kone emerged it was no more than Eindhoven were three goals to the good af- Skipper Ridi Idbouiguiguine and Van Korp was dismissed for as the architect of PSV’s pos- deserved, and their attacking ter Raja’s defenders dawdled on fi red high into the top right cor- violent conduct amid chaotic session football, building pa- dominance continued in the the ball and PSV’s attackers took ner to reduce the defi cit to the scenes. tiently from the back as the lead-up to half time, with PSG advantage in clinical fashion, odd goal in fi ve. Eindhoven forward Yorbe Dutch youngsters kept the ball keeper Kyan Van Dorp largely exchanging passes before Sidibe Casablanca now had the bit Vertessen took the goalkeeper and waited for an opportunity unemployed. Despite occasional produced a composed fi nish to between their teeth, and their gloves for the fi nal act of an ex- to attack. On seven minutes one spells of attractive interplay, Raja complete his hat-trick. raucous support produced a traordinary game and, incredi- arrived, and Raja keeper Ayman struggled to break down Eind- All looked lost for Casablanca. wonderful atmosphere as the bly, dived headlong to his right to Moubsir did well to deny Dave hoven’s well-organised defence, Yet, to their great credit, they game reached a tumultuous cli- deny Idbouiguiguine, prompting Van Den Berg and Jorbe Vertes- and the Dutch went into the were back in the game when max. PSV’s early intricacies were scenes of wild delirium amongst sen in quick succession to keep break with their 1-0 lead intact. substitute Soufi ane Mahrouk’s forgotten as they resorted to the the PSV players, and of utter the score level. Chances were at a premium stunning diving header reduced long ball in an eff ort to reduce desperation for the kids from General manager of Al Kass Sports Channels Issa bin Abdulla While initially struggling to as the second half got under- the defi cit and sparked another the pressure on their goal. Casablanca. It was a cruel way to al-Hitmi (R) and chairman of the ICSS Mohamed Hanzab pose create chances, Casablanca soon way, with each side cancelling chorus from their devoted fans. With the game deep into in- lose, but a stunning way to open after signing an agreement to work together to safeguard sport settled and, roared on by a pas- the other out. In the second-half The goal was the catalyst for jury time, the eff ervescent Id- the 2017 edition of tournament. and promote its values.

SPOTLIGHT Tevez out to prove his worth in ‘new home’ Shanghai

AFP Tevez declined to comment on over the past year, a spree that Shenhua chairman Wu Xi- Shanghai his contract, but acknowledged also has brought in Brazilians aohui defl ected fi nancial ques- the circumstances brought Oscar, Hulk, Alex Teixeira, and tions, but said Tevez’s pay was dauntingly high expectations. Ramires, and Colombia’s Jack- “not as high as the rumours”. rgentine forward Car- “There will probably be pres- son Martinez. He denied the team had spent los Tevez said yes- sure, but because I love football Oscar arrived from Chelsea recklessly and said the sudden terday he will have to very much I will use my passion earlier in January for a reported crackdown had aff ected clubs’ earn every yuan of his for the sport. 60-million-euro ($63mn) fee, a preparations for the season, reportedlyA world-leading salary “Even if there will be pressure new record for an Asian which opens in March. as he offi cially joined Chinese I will forget about it on the fi eld,” team. “But what’s done is done and Super League side Shanghai he told reporters. But China has moved to break we can only obey and deal with Shenhua, declaring it his “new “I know the CSL is getting up the party, with the sports it according to our situation,” he home.” tougher and tougher year after ministry earlier this month said. Tevez, who arrived to a rap- year, and this year will be ex- voicing fears that teams were With his nearly every ut- turous fan welcome Thursday, tremely intense,” he said, speak- spending “irrationally” and terance cheered by blue-clad is arguably the highest-profi le ing in Spanish through a Chinese threatening to take action. Shenhua fans, Tevez likewise foreign player to ever play in interpreter. Calls also have grown for declined comment on the mon- China, one of a slew of overseas He called the coming season money to be instead channelled ey controversy, saying he was stars lured by increasingly lavish “a very big challenge”. towards raising the disappoint- focused on winning. sums that have triggered a back- A goal-scoring dynamo ing level of Chinese football. The warm welcome in Shang- lash from Chinese authorities. throughout his career for such Despite its mammoth popu- hai so far “made me realise that The 32-year-old was intro- heavyweights as Manchester lation of 1.3bn people, China’s I have a new home,” said Tevez, duced to local media yesterday United, Manchester City, Juven- national team is ranked just 81st who later took to a nearby pitch and held his fi rst workout with tus, and most recently Argen- globally, one notch below Saint for a training session with the the club, sealing a deal that Ar- tina’s Boca Juniors, Tevez arrived Kitts and Nevis, population side. gentine media said earns him amid fi erce debate in China over 50,000. Shenhua fi nished fourth in around 38mn euros ($41mn) a foreign player imports. This past week, the Chinese the Super League last year, year. Football Association cut the qualifying for a berth in this That would make him the Breaking the bank number of foreign players that year’s Asian Champions League. world’s top-grossing footballer, The deep-pocketed big cor- teams could fi eld from four to no It will be skippered by coach out-pacing even megastars like porations behind Super League more than three per match, and Gustavo Poyet, a former Uru- compatriot Lionel Messi and clubs have broken the Asian said it was planning to impose guay international who was Argentine striker Carlos Tevez (L) poses with a jersey of his new club Shanghai Shenhua during a press Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. transfer fee record fi ve times salary caps. hired in November. conference in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, January 22, 2017 11 QSL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Gharafa ease Abdulla nets brace in past Shahaniya

By Sports Reporter a cross towards Muneer who Doha calmly slotted the ball al-Dosari for his side’s opening goal. It was Muneer’s second goal of the Ahli’s win over Arabi l Gharafa produced a season. Eleven minutes later, al- slick performance to Dosari rose to the occasion by beat relegation threat- blocking a powerful shot by Al The victory ensured Ahli picked up their sixth win of the season ened Al Shahania 3-0 Gharafa striker Lawrence Quaye inA the Qatar Stars League yes- from close range. As both teams By Sports Reporter terday. Goals from Abdulghani walked off the Thani Bin Jassim Doha Muneer, Vladimir Weiss and Stadium pitch, Al Gharafa en- Abdulaziz Hatem ensured it was joyed the better of the stats by a comfortable night’s work for dominating ball possession at 57 kipper Meshal Abdulla was Pedro Caixinia’s side. percent. the hero for Al Ahli, grabbing The home side had their fi rst Five minutes into the second a brace to power the Brigadiers chance in the 6th minute, but half, Al Gharafa found a sec- to a 4-2 win over local rivals Al fans saw the fi rst of many saves ond through the tireless work ArabiS in the Qatar Stars League yester- from Al Shahania keeper Khalifa of Vladimir Weiss produced a day. Ahli scored three goals in the fi rst al-Dosari. Al Gharafa’s Kooky moment of magic to score his half, before taking a four goal lead in the Han eased past his marker and team’s second goal. The Slova- second half from new signing Ali Fery- slipped a curling shot towards kian picked the ball up in his own doon. Al Arabi pulled two goals back the goal from the edge of the Al half and went on a mazy run, with Luis Jimenez fi nding the net on Shahania box but his shot was beating a host of Shahania play- both occasions, but it proved too little smartly blocked by al-Dosari. ers before slotting in from close too late for Osvaldo Oliveria’s side. Moments later, al-Dosari was range. It was the fl ying wingers Ahli made a dream start in the 7th called into action once again to tenth strike of the season. minute, Al Ahli skipper and forward produce another block, this time Al Gharafa completed the Abdulla scored hi steam’s fi rst and his off a shot from Al Gharafa’s Slo- win on the 89th minute when season’s eighth goal in spectacular vakian winger Vladimir Weiss as Qatar international midfi elder fashion, sending delirious home fans the visitors managed to thwart Abdulaziz Hatem swept the ball into a rapturous celebration. the move with slick defending. into the back of the net with a Midfi elder Younes Ali clipped in a In the 20th minute, hosts curling eff ort that had Al Shaha- near-perfect cross off a free-kick and Al Gharafa grabbed a deserved nia keeper Khalifa al-Dosari well despite pressure Abdullah produced a lead. Al Shahania’s Jassem al- beaten. The win means that Al snap-header with a cleverly-judge de- Jaber- stationed close to his own Gharafa remain in fi fth place in fl ection that pushed the ball past goal- goalmouth mistakenly defl ected the QSL standings. keeper Rajab Hamza. Abdullah cel- ebrated his team’s opening goal with an impromptu cartwheel as the home fans cheered on the inspiring captain and Qatar international. In the 15th minute, the home team doubled the lead through Iranian mid- fi elder Pejman Montazeri. Younes Ali once again provided a well-executed corner kick that was headed towards Pejman by John Benson inside the Al Arabi box. Unmarked, Pejman headed the ball over the head of Al Arabi goal- keeper Hamza who was beaten by the fl ight of the ball that just sailed above his head. In the 19th minute, Al Arabi’s Jimen- ez produced a snap-header from close range but his defl ection was pouched by Al Ahli goalkeeper Abdulla al-Dosa- ri. Nine minutes from the fi rst-half whistle, Abdulla scored his second goal of the match off a penalty kick, to put the match beyond doubt. In a reckless tackle, Abdulla was brought down by Al Arabi’s Rami Fayez resulting in a penalty kick awarded by referee Fahad al-Marri. Abdulla went for the top left of the net as Ahl Ahli went 3-0 up on home soil. In the 66th minute, Ahli further stretched their lead to 4-0. Janu- ary signing Ali Ferydoon charged into the Al Arabi box and once goalkeeper Hamza stepped out of his position, the Al Ahli player chipped the ball into the net with absolute ease to give the home team a 4-0 lead. Yusef Adam’s side eased off in the second half, and Al Arabi threatened a late comeback as Jimenez scored two late goals – one from close range in the 76th minute and a freekick in stoppage time. The win ensures that Al Ahli have picked up their sixth win of the season, Al Shahania forward Fahad Khalfan fouls Al Gharafa’s Slovakian ensuring that Ahli have derby bragging Al Ahli skipper Meshal Abdulla celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Al Arabi during the Qatar Stars League match at winger Vladimir Weiss during the Qatar Stars League match at the Al rights over rivals Al Arabi. the Hamad bin Khalifa stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Gharafa stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi

PREVIEW MATCH OF THE WEEK Leaders Lekhwiya Shaky Jaish face in-form Rayyan take on Wakrah By Sports Reporter Doha By Sports Reporter Madibo says Lekhwiya are fo- Doha cusing a game at a time. “There is a long way to go for the title, hird-placed El Jaish take on de- but we are progressing well. We fending champions Al Rayyan able toppers Lekhwiya are taking each game at a time, at the Qatar Stars Legue today. face relegation-threat- as a team our only focus is to get Jaish come into the tie on shaky ened Al Wakrah. Djamel three points from every game leagueT form after registering just one vic- Belmadi’s side has right now, we are focused on tory in their last fi ve games. Coach Sabri Tstormed to the summit of the winning the title back,” he said. Lamouchi’s side has relinquished top QSL standings in the last few Al Wakrah head into their spot in the league after their draw with rounds and has have opened up clash with the league leaders in the likes of Al Sadd, Al Wakrah and Al a fi ve-point gap over their near- desperate need of a result. The Khor in recent weeks. est rivals. The four-time QSL Blue Waves are currently in 13th As for fourth-placed Al Rayyan, they champions will be without in- place in the standings, and are in have been quietly fi nding their rhythm fl uential midfi elder Luis Martin danger of losing ground on their under Michael Laudrup in recent weeks. for the match; after he was sent relegation rivals. “It’s always a They head into the Jaish game on the back off in the 2-1 victory over Al Sadd tough game against Lekhwiya, of a three-game winning streak in the last time out. but this is not an impossible task league, which has seen them consolidate As for Al Wakrah, they are in to get points. We have played fourth place. In their last match, Rayyan desperate need of a positive re- well against big teams in the put in an impressive performance to reg- sult in order to pull off an escape league and have taken points of ister a 4-0 win over Al Sailiya. act from the relegation zone. Sadd and Jaish. We have to give French coach Lamouchi stressed that Midfi elder Assim Madibo says our best, and I am expecting a his side are in good spirits ahead of the his side must be fully focused reaction from my players,” said game. “When you play a big side like Al against Wakrah. “We are playing Tunisian coach Kais Yâakoubi. Rayyan, the preparation is easy. My team a tough match against a side who In another match, bottom has trained well this week and we are fully are fi ghting for survival. The of the table, Muaither face off ready for this game this week. Tomorrow Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup game last time out was a draw so against second-placed Al Sadd is a important test for both clubs, we have we have to be fully ready in this at the Al Gharafa stadium. Phil- to have a good performance and a good Al Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (right) and winger Sardor Rashidov. overtake them is a big motivation for my game,” he said. lipe Birol’s stallions have drawn result. Our aim now is to fi nish in the team,” the Danish coach said. The Qatar under-23 midfi eld- their last two QSL games in re- highest possible position in the league,” that is my desire as a coach,” he added. as we can,” he said. Rayyan could be without talismanic er insisted that it was a big psy- cent weeks giving them a chance he said. Jaish’s Uzbek winger Sardor Rashidov Meanwhile, Laudrup said his side are captain Rodrigo Tabata for the game, chological boost for Lekhwiya of beating the drop, provided Jaish dropped points in a frustrating insisted that his side are aiming to fi nish coming into the game in good spirits. “We and Laudrup was not sure his number 10 to win against Sadd. “The win they start to string together a 0-0 draw with Al Khor last time out. “The the season on a high. “Our target is not are in a good moment, tomorrow will be would be in the squad. “I cannot say if against Al Sadd was a big boost, winning run. last game we only took one point and we to give up this season, I am satisfi ed with a big game between two good sides. We he will play tomorrow or not, he is a big everyone is fully focused on Al They will be taking on a Al didn’t score. Two games without goals the team but we could be a better position are looking forward to the challenge of player for us and it’s a loss. With muscle Wakrah now, but that win was a Sadd side who will be keen to and two draws to win we have to score. without the injuries that we have suff ered El Jaish. El Jaish have been in front of Al injuries you have to be careful. I would huge step for us,” he added. bounce back after their loss to We have to fi nd the right solution in at- this season. The league is better this sea- Rayyan since the start of the competition, rather miss him for one game than four Despite leading the league, Lekhwiya in the last match. tack, my team has to play for the victory son, our aim now is to win as many points so the opportunity to go level and perhaps games,” he said. Sunday, January 22, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

DOHA TRIATHLON Godart, Caballero corner men’s & women’s honours ‘Qatar has hosted many world-class events in recent years and we are all proud to see Doha Triathlon add to our rich sports heritage. The number of Qataris having participated in this event is a testament to the growing popularity of triathlon and our increased commitment to support local athletes and triathlon events’

By Sports Reporter Doha

livier Godart of Luxembourg and Spain’s Isora Caballero took the men’s and women’s honours in the inaugural DohaO Triathlon yesterday, an event that managed to steal the hearts and minds of athletes and spectators alike. Male and female participants com- peted over both Olympic and Sprint distances for several titles, as either individuals or teams. The event, in as- sociation with the Qatar Tourism Au- thority, saw over 50 athletes fl y in from various countries. The race attracted more than 400 participants, making it the most suc- cessful triathlon race Qatar has seen yet. Over 50 athletes and supporters came to Doha to participate in the event. Godart was followed by Spaniard Aday Alvarez and Bahraini triathlete Doha Triathlon men's category winner Olivier Godart of Luxembourg (centre) with second-placed Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation President Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari (right) with women's category winners Abdulla Attiya in that order, while South Aday Alvarez of Spain (left) and third-placed Abdulla Attiya of Bahrain. PICTURES: Shaji Isora Caballero of Spain (centre), Carmel Lord of South Africa (second) and Gerda Maria of Romania (third). African Carmel Lord and Gerda Maria from Romania took the remaining po- that showed up to watch the race un- number of Qataris having participated With the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) hope will develop into a leading event in own triathlon brand and we are commit- dium spots in the women’s section. fold. Over 25 Qatari athletes participat- in this event is a testament to the grow- serving as the principal race venue, com- the GCC region over the next few years, ted to its growth after such a strong start. Triathlon is an endurance sport that ed in the race, a record number for any ing popularity of triathlon and our in- petitors got a chance to swim in the MIA attracting competitors and their fami- The Qatar Cycling Federation and Tri- combines Swimming, Cycling and triathlon event and a strong sign to- creased commitment to support local bay waters, cycle along a closed Corniche lies to visit Qatar.” Club Doha made the execution possible Running into one race. With the races wards the growth of the sport in Qatar. athletes and triathlon events,” he said. road stretching from the MIA to Doha Hatem ElSafty, president of the Tri- while all our sponsors contributed to the being open to the public, it off ers a Winners of the Qatari Olympic cat- Dr Nasser al-Mohannadi, Board Sheraton and a run around the MIA Park. Club Doha and Race Director, said the overall feel and reach that we’ve managed unique opportunity for sports enthusi- egory were Mubarak al-Ajji, who was Member, Qatar Cycling and Triathlon “The scenes I’ve witnessed here to- event “was a great success, showing to achieve. With this amazing momen- asts to experience racing alongside pro- followed in second position by Nasser Federation and founder of fi rst Qa- day during the race are incredible. The Qatar at its best and putting it on the tum and support, I’m very excited about fessional athletes. al-Mohannadi and Faisal al-Qahtani tari triathlon group, said the event has Doha skyline is so beautiful and the international triathlon map”. Doha Triathlon 2018,” he said. Participants can enter in a full race fi nishing third. Ebrahim al-Romaihi helped popularise the sport of triathlon Corniche road is so smooth, making for “This was a great team eff ort from While Qatar Tourism Authority was individually or split the race in a team won the race in Sprint category, fol- among Qataris. a fast rolling bike section. My speeds all, including our organizing commit- the presenting partner, Doha Triath- relay with up to three athletes taking up lowed by Abdulaziz al-Hazeem and An accomplished triathlete himself, were 3-4km/h, faster than usual,” said tee and many volunteers. TriClub Doha lon further benefi ted from the backing the swim, cycling or run sections. This Abdulla al-Hemaidi. he said: “Triathlon has the potential Jordanian Olympian triathlete Law- took on the management of the event of local prize sponsors Carbon Wheels makes the sport accessible to swimmers, Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federa- to improve our lives. The training and rence Fanous, who was in Doha for the and delivered successfully thanks to Bike Shop, Oola Sportswear, Royal Air cyclists and runners looking to experi- tion President Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari endurance requirements of triathlon fi rst time to race in the event. their contribution,” he added. Maroc, Royal Riviera Hotel, and Se- ence a triathlon race for the fi rst time. was proud to see the event unfold with foster the values of self-discipline, hard Rashed al-Qurese, Chief Marketing Marouf Mahmoud, founder of Tasama htak Awalan. On site operational con- With registrations being open for such success. “Qatar has hosted many work and determination. As a Qatari, I and Promotion Offi cer at Qatar Tourism Sports Development, said Doha Triathlon tributions came from sponsors Trin- only three weeks, race organizers were world-class events in recent years and have made it my mission to spread these Authority (QTA), commented: “QTA is was his company’s fi rst project for 2017. ity Talent, Fraser Suites, Mannai Corp, pleased with the ‘sold-out’ status we are all proud to see Doha Triathlon values through the sport of triathlon for particularly proud to have supported “I’d like to thank all involved in making Rayyan Water, FitQ and videography by achieved and the number of spectators add to our rich sports heritage. The current and future generations.” this home-grown initiative, which we this dream a reality. Qatar now has its Mena Film Group. Double joy for Mishal al-Naimi in Qatar Superstock600

By Sports Reporter close behind me and I thought it would so happy with the launch of the Qatar Doha be diff icult to push till the end of the Superstock 600. Today we have wit- race. I am lucky I managed to win the nessed a tough competition between race,” said al-Naimi after his win. the riders. With this new championship, t was double joy for Qatari racer Second placed al-Sulati, who over- with all participants racing with the Mishal al-Naimi in the Qatar Super- took al-Naimi for a brief period before same motorbikes and no rider having stock600 yesterday. being overtaken in the final lap, said he any advantage over the other, the races I After winning the opening race was happy with his performance. have become really competitive and ex- in an exciting and thrilling battle with “It was a dramatic race, one of the rac- citing, as what counts in the end is the Saeed al-Sulaiti and Nasser al-Malki, es I enjoyed most. When it was five laps to potential and skill of the rider,” he said. al-Naimi also won the second race of go I tried to overtake Mishal and create a In his address, the Minister said the the day after another intense battle with gap but unfortunately it was not possible Ministry of Culture and Sports will spare Saeed al-Sulaiti. to get distance and in the straight line of no eff ort in supporting and backing new Al-Sulaiti was leading for the better the last lap he overtook me. I am happy motor racers. part of the race before al-Naimi passed with my performance but not with the He also praised the eff iciency in or- him in the final straight to make it a second position,” said al-Sulaiti. ganizing the tournament, pointing that grand double. The podium was completed by al- the races were strong and exciting an all Al-Naimi won the 12-lap opening Malki. “I think I was not lucky enough its categories. race in 25.10.279 minutes, 0.008 today. The race was good at the start He pointed out that there are a lot of seconds ahead of runner-up al-Su- with the bike and tires but after seven plans in collaboration with Lusail Circuit laity (25.10.359). Al-Malki came third laps I started to lose power and couldn’t Club and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle in 25.14.080 minutes, while Fahad al- push more. I started losing the grip and Federation (QMMF) to promote the par- Suwaidi and Ali al-Shamari ended fourth my position lap by lap,” he said. ticipation of Qatari youth in the Touring and fifth respectively. The trophies were presented by HE Car Championship which has not seen In the first race, al-Naimi started from the Minister of Culture and Sports, Salah large Qatari participation as compared pole position and managed to keep the bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, QMMF to the motorcycle championships. He lead till the end despite a close chase by President Abdulrahman al-Mannai and considered the first round to be just al-Sulaiti and al-Malki. “I am very happy Khalid al-Remaihi, LCSC Vice-President a beginning, and hopes that the next with the result. I didn’t expect a fight so & General Manager. rounds will see great success in terms challenging. When I started the race, The QMMF President expressed hap- of both participation and organization. I felt I was very fast. After three laps I piness at the high level of competition The next round of the QSTK600 will looked back and saw Saeed and Nasser witnessed during the races. “We are be run on February 3. HE the Minister of Culture and Sports, Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, congratulates Mishal al-Naimi after his win.