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Monday, January 9, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia II 11, 1438 AH Chelsea and Spurs GULF TIMES advance in FA Cup, Liverpool held SPORT Page 2
PREVIEW Leaders Lekhwiya wary of surging Gharafa
By Sports Reporter rah was a bad result. We must win to Doha keep pressure on the leaders, the team have been putting in good perform- ances lately and we need more of the op of the table Lekhwiya will same against Al Arabi,” said El Jaish be wary of a surging Al Ghara- coach Sabri Lamouchi. fa when they clash in round “My focus is only on the games in 15 of the Qatar Stars League January right now. My team’s per- Ttoday. formance is important to me and I Lekhwiya, chasing their fi fth title, won’t be looking for the results of the have profi ted from some lacklustre teams above me for now,” added Lam- performances by early leaders El Jaish ouchi. in December to leap to the top of the Lamouchi admitted that his side are standings. But Djamel Belmadi’s men looking to improve their fi tness. “I am are fully aware that complacency can trying to get players fi t all the time to come to haunt them towards the late improve my squad. If a player from stage of the event if they drop a few another side came up, of course we points in the coming few weeks. Crucial clash: Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi and his Al Gharafa counterpart Pedro Caixinha would be interested providing every- “Al Gharafa have good quality at- thing is right to make a deal.” tackers who can change a game at national duty for Morocco at the Af- games against Al Gharafa and Al Sadd want to win this game, the last time playing. They will have 11 players at Al Arabi, meanwhile, will be target- any moment in (Wladimir) Weiss and rican Nations Cup, and Belmadi has four days later. The players who are we played Lekhwiya we scored four the end. All I care about is our style ing their fi rst win of the new year. (Krisztian) Nemeth. It’s diffi cult to urged his players to step up so they available will make a big performance. goals but lost. We have shown that we and how we play against Lekhwiya,” “Expectations will be high for both defi ne their style as it has changed don’t feel his absence. I hope as a squad we show plenty of have improved defensively. It’s im- added the Portuguese coach. teams. We are looking to fi nd a bal- from week to week recently. That said “My players have a little extra re- personality, character and pass this portant that we need to get the win- Meanwhile, third-placed El Jaish ance for our side. We played well we will play our way and style against sponsibility now with Yusef El Arabi important time without any major ning mentality and a big performance take on Al Arabi hoping to make up against Sailiya but didn’t get the result Al Gharafa and get the result we need,” leaving. However we have important problems.” against the top of the table will help for some lacklustre performances in we needed. Against Jaish, we need to Lekhwiya coach Belmadi noted at his players in our squad such as Nam tae- Al Gharafa coach Pedro Caixinha, our confi dence,” he said. recent weeks. create and convert the chances we get pre-match press conference. Hee, who recently became the club’s however, is certain this match is like “We need to be disciplined in de- “It’s always diffi cult to play against and hopefully we can get a result that Lekhwiya will be without leading all-time leading scorer. a fi nal. fence. We need to show character in Al Arabi, one of the biggest teams in we need,” noted their Brazilian coach scorer Yusef El Arabi who is on inter- “It is a busy period for us with “We are ready for our next fi nal. We attack, I don’t care who they will be Qatar. Our last game against Al Wak- Edison Aguire.
QATAR STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Al Ahli eye upset Garcia goal gives against Al Sadd
By Sports Reporter champs Rayyan 1-0 Doha
l Ahli are eyeing an upset against Al Sadd in the Qa- tar Stars League today with Acoach Yousef Adam insist- ing that all the pressure will be on the win over Umm Salal former champions. “Al Sadd are a strong team, but Three players sent off with straight red cards following massive off -the-ball brawl even if they have injured players they have the quality off the bench to make up for it. It will be a tough game but By Sports Reporter players who created the fi rst goal collaborated on we are aiming to cause an upset,” the Doha this eff ort as well. However, Diba scuff ed his shot former Qatar international said. from a Tursonov cross and forced a diving save by “The absence of Baghdad the Al Wakrah ’keeper Hassan Idriss. Bounedjah and Hassan Haydoos will ergio Garcia scored the only goal of the Kharaitiyat then added a second goal to the be a major loss for their side, but they match as Al Rayyan held on for a narrow score sheet as Domingos scored his second goal have a young squad and plenty of 1-0 win against Umm Salal in a fi esty QSL of the season. Anwar Diba sent in a corner and the players who can cause problems for Sencounter yesterday. unmarked Brazilian defender headed the ball into us.” However the game descended into a farce in the the goal from close range in the 59th minute. 75th minute when the referee rightly sent off three Al Wakrah fought back with a goal of their own “Al Sadd are a strong team, players who were all involved in an off -the-ball in the 72nd minute. Mohsine Moutouali’s long- but even if they have injured melee. range free-kick found Ahmad Koheyl in the six- players they have the quality Chances were few and far between in the fi rst yard box. The Qatari defender guided the ball into off the bench to make up for it. half; the closest Michael Laudrup’s side came was the far side net, fi nding the keeper, Ahmed Sufy- It will be a tough game but we in the 24th minute when Garcia swept in a great an, on the wrong side. are aiming to cause an upset.” cross but no Al Rayyan attacker was on the end of Al Wakrah could not manage another goal and it. Kharaitiyat were successful in securing their “The pressure is on Al Sadd to win. As the tie moved towards half-time, Umm Salal fourth win of the season which takes them out of We know how to face them and my began to regain possession and put pressure on Al the drop zone into ninth place with 15 points. players have plenty of confi dence. Rayyan from set pieces. The best chance of the tie We are always looking to win, and we fell to Umm Salal front man Yannack Sagbo, who trust ourselves to get the result that had a snap shot on the 38th minute that drew a we need to help Al Ahli push up the good save from Rayyan keeper Omar Barry. table.” In the second half, Al Rayyan scored the only As for Al Sadd, who are in second game of the tie thanks to their most lively player place on 34 points, two behind Le- Garcia. khwiya, a big win will come as a mo- Captain Rodrigo Tabata whipped in a curved rale boost considering the fact they free-kick which fl icked off the head of the former struggled to beat Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 in Spanish international and nestled into the bottom December. right hand corner for his fi fth goal of the season. “We will be without some key play- Moments later Umm Salal smacked the cross Al Rayyan and Umm Salal players were involved in a brawl that resulted in straight red cards for ers in the coming games now. The bar from Brazilian defender Anderson, who had three players. At right Al Rayyan players celebrate after Garcia scored the only goal of the match. match against Al Ahli will be tough stepped up to take a free-kick. but we always aim to get three points The QSL champions found their attacking both Víctor Cáceres and Abdulkarim al-Ali of Al Tursonov sent in an inch-perfect cross from and that will not change on Monday,” verve as the second half progressed and had a gilt- Rayyan whilst Sagbo of Umm Salal also saw red the byline towards Anwar Diba who headed the said coach Jesualdo Ferreira. edged chance to double their advantage thanks to for his role in the melee. ball into the top left corner to make it 1-0 for the Ferriera ended his press confer- forward Ahmed Alaaeldin. Right back and brother Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat took on Al Wakrah Thunders. ence praising the goal from defender Mohamed Alaaeldin put in a perfect cross. How- at the Al Khor Stadium yesterday. Kharaitiyat Wakrah had the majority of the possession Ibrahim to win the game against Al ever the Qatar U23 international unexpectedly head coach, Ahmed al-Ajlani got the better of his in the fi rst half but could not capitalise on their Kharaitiyat. “It’s a special goal, Ib- headed the ball wide from yards out. compatriot Kais Yakoubi as the Thunders won the chances. Kharaitiyat were more decisive with their rahim is a good defender and he oc- The game boiled over on the 75th minute game 2-1. chances and ended the fi rst half with a narrow 1-0 casionally takes free-kicks. That shot which saw three players leave the pitch with three Kharaitiyat opened the scoring with a goal lead. In the 57th minute, Kharaitiyat had another will not happen every time, it certain- straight red cards. The referee elected to send off in the 33rd minute. Uzbekistan winger Sanzhar chance to score. Diba and Tursonov, the same two ly belongs on You Tube.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 9, 2017 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT FA Cup Results & Fixtures Collated English FA Cup results Liverpool 0 Plymouth 0 from yesterday and tomorrow’s fixtures: Middlesbrough 3 (Leadbitter 58, Negredo 67, De Roon 90+1) THIRD ROUND Sheff ield Wednesday 0 Cardiff 1 (Pilkington 8) Fulham 2 (Johansen 14, 33 Sessegnon) Tottenham 2 (Davies 71, Son Chelsea, Spurs 80) Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 4 (Pedro 18, 75, Batsh- uayi 43, Willian 52) Peterbor- Playing Monday (1945 GMT): ough 1 (Nichols 70) Cambridge v Leeds advance in FA Cup; BRIEFS FA chief wants to “When I do the same thing all increase prize money my career, 15 or 20 years as on off er for Cup a coach, it’s boring. I would still be in Barcelona, my home The Football Association and with these players I would wants to increase the prize be there. But every country Liverpool held money on off er to clubs in has his own personality, his the FA Cup and is considering own way to play. And that is scrapping television appear- marvellous. ‘When you change nine players it’s never easy to play a good game and to be a team. ance fees, chief executive Mar- “That’s why football is amaz- tin Glenn said yesterday. ing. And, of course, I come I’m pleased for those who have played less as they have showed me good form’ Under the current system, here and I said a thousand mil- clubs get paid more money if lion times, I am trying to adapt their game is televised. to English football in the way I Yet with only nine of 32 FA believe you can do that.” Cup third-round games being City travel to face seventh- broadcast this weekend, sev- placed Everton on Jan. 15. eral lower-league sides have expressed discontent their Everton’s Koeman games were not chosen for demands transfer live coverage. action aft er cup exit “The FA Cup is a great way of redistributing money to Everton manager Ronald the lower leagues. The prize Koeman has urged the club’s money is 25 million pounds board to recognise the extent ($30.70 million) and we’re of his rebuilding job by back- looking to increase that in the ing him in the transfer market coming years,” Glenn told the after Saturday’s FA Cup exit at BBC. home to Leicester City. “We’ve sold the international Everton let slip a one-goal rights for more money, and lead at Goodison Park with that’s hopefully going to allow Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa’s us to benefit smaller clubs. second-half brace enough Right now it’s a bit of a lottery. to condemn the Merseyside “So one of the things we’re club to a 2-1 third round defeat thinking about, would be and the likelihood of another where you just make it a unity season without silverware. payment, so that everyone “I know what we need to would get the same amount. change and if everyone opens It wouldn’t be quite the lottery their eyes maybe we will get it is now. It would seem to be further on our improvement something we could consider.” as a team,” Koeman told Brit- Glenn defended Premier ish media. League Bournemouth, who “Because that’s really what we came under fire for making a need and that’s all about what full 11 changes for Saturday’s happens this month.” third-round 3-0 loss to third Everton have been linked tier Millwall. with Manchester United duo The FA boss said he under- Memphis Depay and Morgan stood why top flight teams Schneiderlin, and Koeman, needed to juggle their who will be without injured resources. winger Yannick Bolasie for up “I think Bournemouth were an to a year, has made it clear to Chelsea’s Pedro celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Peterborough United during their FA Cup Third Round tie at Stamford Bridge yesterday. outlier.(Manager) Eddie Howe his employers where the team can make his own reasons for needs to strengthen. DPA said. “Plymouth deserved the draw and it. It doesn’t upset me. The “I have that in mind and the London the rematch. Premier League teams really board knows because we “We started well, we played football understand the value the FA spoke together about what we but then we lost patience too early and Cup brings them,” he said. need. That’s the job of (direc- helsea and Tottenham cruised tried to force it. This team could have “People want to do well in the tor of football) Steve Walsh into the fourth round of the FA played much better. cup, but the positive side is and it’s my job,” the Dutchman Cup yesterday but Liverpool will “With our other line-up it could be that all of these bigger clubs added when asked about sign- have to replay after they were possible that the result was still the same. have big squads, you want to ing new players in the January heldC to 0-0 draw by League Two Ply- Not likely but possible. It was a good ex- give people game time and window. mouth at Anfi eld. perience for the boys.” that’s really important,” he “I hope everybody realises Pedro scored two of the goals in a 4-1 Plymouth striker Jake Jervis said his added. what the team needs to play win over Peterborough for Chelsea, who side deserved their replay. “Rotation is a good thing. Giv- and to get results that meet shrugged off the sending-off of captain “When we saw the Liverpool team we ing a chance for young players the expectations at this club. John Terry to advance to the last 32. thought we would have a go,” he said. to get real game experience is I can explain more but I don’t Pedro opened the scoring and com- “We have done well and got a deserved not a bad thing.” like to because that’s talks we pleted it, sandwiched by goals from draw. It’s a big occasion for our fans, a big need to do inside.” Michy Batshuayi and Willian, while Tom occasion for us, now we can’t wait for the Guardiola admits to Everton, who are seventh in Nichols scored a lone goal for the visitors. Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino (L) congratulates replay.” errors at Man City the Premier League after 20 “I am pleased,” said Chelsea manager his South Korean striker Son Heung-Min after the FA Cup match against Aston Villa. Elsewhere, Grant Leadbitter, Alvaro games, host fourth-placed Antonio Conte, who indicated that he Negredo and Marten de Roon scored the Manchester City manager Pep Manchester City on Jan. 15. may appeal against Terry’s red card. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp in the second half but Plymouth held out goals as Middlesbrough beat Sheffi eld Guardiola has taken respon- “When you change nine players it is fi elded the youngest team in the club’s with relative ease. Wednesday 3-0. sibility for the club’s recent Torino reject never easy to play a good game and to be history and they were unable to break The result means both teams will go Teenager Ryan Sessegnon scored the inconsistent form and said he big-money Arsenal a team. Today we showed we were a team. down a stubborn Plymouth defence. into the hat for round four and contest winner as Fulham came from behind to is still getting to know his play- bid for Belotti I’m pleased for those who have played The average age of the Liverpool starting a replay that Liverpool could have done win 2-1 at Cardiff . ers and how best to use them. less as they have showed me good form.” 11 was just 21 and though they dominated without in an already congested set of The 16-year-old tapped in from close City made a flying start under Torino have rejected a bid Ben Davies and Son Heung Min gave possession, they lacked a cutting edge. January fi xtures. range just before half-time after Stefan Guardiola, winning their first from Arsenal for Italy striker Tottenham a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in Klopp brought on Daniel Sturridge, “It is not a result we wished for but it Johansen had cancelled out a defl ected 10 games in all competitions, Andrea Belotti believed to the day’s fi nal match. Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana late is not frustrating - that’s football,” Klopp Anthony Pilkington free kick. but have won just nine times be in the region of 65 million in 21 matches since, a run euros (£55m), the Serie A side which has left them fourth in said yesterday. BOTTOMLINE the Premier League, seven With 13 goals in 16 appearanc- points behind leaders Chelsea. es in only his second season “At times my ideas were not in Serie A, Belotti — who good, because I’m still getting celebrates his goals by mim- to know the players, to know icking a rooster’s comb with what is the best position, the an open hand to his forehead best way to play, to adapt to — has emerged as the most Ronaldo tipped for FIFA award them,” Guardiola told British exciting homegrown striker in media. Italy in years. AFP and Sporting Lisbon star was But it unlikely that issue will “Sometimes I have an idea: Known as “Il Gallo” (The Roost- Paris the fact he was off the pitch trouble the national coaches and three at the back or play a er), Belotti has reportedly also when Portugal sealed their skippers and journalists called player in a certain way, and been watched by Manchester win over France, having been upon to seal their FIFA choice. sometimes it didn’t work. And, United, prompting Torino ollowing his success in stretchered off with injury in Zidane, meanwhile, will face when that happens, I never president Urbano Cairo to Ballon d’Or, the Portu- the first half in tears. challenges from Claudio Ranieri, complain to the players. Be- slap on a 100m-euro buy-out gal and Real Madrid star He watched Eder’s extra-time surprise English Premier League cause I see them training, how clause for clubs outside Italy Cristiano Ronaldo is set winner from the bench. winner with Leicester, and Por- they suff er. when he tied the 22-year-old toF add another garland — the tugal boss Fernando Santos for “You have to look at yourself front man to a new deal until Best FIFA Men’s Player — today BEST SEASON the top coach award. and see what you have to do 2021 last month. in Zurich. Ronaldo himself acknowledged “Zizou” acknowledges he is to help them find each other Arsenal, Torino said, tabled After Champions League and to sports daily Marca late last still a novice as coach — having and play to each other more an off er for Belotti in recent Euro 2016 success for club and year that it was a “fantastic sea- landed the top job at the Berna- fluently, not all the time with weeks only to be told it was country last year, Ronaldo is the son,” indeed “perhaps my best beu on replacing the sacked Rafa an aggressiveness,” he added. far below their asking price. overwhelming favourite for yet on an individual and team level.” Benitez mid-season. “That is my job. I have to help When asked specifically about another accolade for his bulging His achievements will almost But he promptly secured glory them and I tell them that. And an off er from Arsenal, Torino trophy cabinet. certainly see him once again in Europe and added the Euro- most of the times we were not sporting director Gianluca It could well be a double cele- shut out longtime rival Lionel pean Super Cup and World Club good, it was my responsibility.” Petrachi told Sky Sport: “Yes, bration for Real, with their man- Messi and Atletico Madrid’s Cup for good measure — not bad Guardiola said he will have to we received the off er but it ager Zinedine Zidane hoping to French striker Antoine Griez- going for a debutant. adapt to the English game and didn’t reflect the true value of land the coaches title having led This file photo shows Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo mann for the FIFA award. Ranieri, meanwhile, secured tweak the tactics, which have the player. the merengues to European Cup celebrating after scoring during extra-time of the Club World Cup. His Euro 2016 fi nal injury Leicester’s fi rst league crown served him so well during “In any case, he’s not going glory — 14 years after doing so as aside, the only other blip of sorts against all the odds in a success trophy-laden spells with Bar- anywhere for the moment. a player. zazz such a star-studded occa- in major part to his 16 goals in 12 for Ronaldo, 31, was the fact he that stunned the sporting world celona and Bayern Munich. We’ll see what happens in the Last year, FIFA ended its six- sion demands, US actress Eva games, as well as Portugal’s Euro was named in the Football Leaks Zidane, 44, modestly says he “I’m not going to change future but we intend on keep- year collaboration with maga- Longoria will host the ceremony 2016 success — the country’s fi nancial scandal. does not expect to win. England and I don’t want to do ing Belotti. zine France Football for the Bal- aided by German broadcast host fi rst major crown — CR7 is seen He and his entourage have “It would be normal to give that. Of course, it’s going to “The (club) president included lon d’Or award and is now to Marco Schreyl. as a shoe-in for the men’s new strenuously denied claims that it to someone else — I’ve just change me. That’s why I came this significant buy-out clause. unveil its own brand new “Best” With his Ballon d’Or safe- FIFA title. he has illegally stashed some 150 started” as coach, he notes. here — to be changed. That is I think he’s worth more than distinction. ly tucked away after his third About the only downside for million euros in off shore tax ha- “It’s all new for me. I have to nice,” the Spaniard added. they have off ered.” In accordance with the piz- Champions League title, thanks the former Manchester United vens and Swiss bank accounts. keep working.” Gulf Times Monday, January 9, 2017 3 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT FIFA Decision time for World Cup format Rooney’s best AFP somewhat clouded by the non- Zurich replacement, to date, of sponsors such as Sony and Emirates. The Infantini option, which fter much discussion, AFP brought to light in Decem- argument and counter- ber, has drawn criticism and argument, FIFA will UEFA president Aleksander determine tomorrow Ceferin has complained of lack of day is ahead, says whetherA president Gianni Infan- information on the project while tino can force through his vision pointedly adding that in his view of an enlarged World Cup. the current system “works”. Infantino’s credibility will be The European Clubs Associa- on the line as the world body tion, presided by former German looks to revamp the four-yearly international Karl-Heinz Rum- moneyspinner, potentially open- menigge, also voiced opposition ing its door to 48 teams in 2026. to expansion, citing an already coach Mourinho That would stretch the action overloaded calendar. out to 80 matches as opposed to Even so, Spanish daily Mundo the 2014 format of 32 teams and Deportivo has since reported that ‘It’s amazing because everyone knows who Sir Bobby is and what he means for the 64 matches. fi gures including Real Madrid’s Several options stand before powerful president Florentino club. So for Wayne to score as many goals as him for Manchester United is fantastic’ the 30-strong FIFA council: Perez and Barcelona counterpart maintain the status quo; extend Josep Bartomeu are backing In- to 40 teams featuring either fantino. eight groups of fi ve or 10 groups of four; or got for 48 teams. According to a confi dential That format would involve FIFA report seen by AFP, a either a 32-team playoff allow- 48-team tournament would ing 16 winners to join 16 already bring a cash boost of $640 qualifi ed nations, or Infantino’s million (605 million euros) preferred option of 16 groups of over and above projected three with the top two in each revenues for next year’s progressing to a round of 32. fi nals in Russia. The fi rst World Cup in Uru- guay featured just 13 countries, “If the format he is propos- since when the tournament has ing wins out it is certain that will evolved in a world of consumer- be a good thing for the clubs and ism and on-demand global com- football in general,” Perez told munication. AFP in a recent interview. For the 1982 fi nals in Spain, One of the major facets within the event moved from 16 to 24 the proposed revamp is the at- teams, then 32 for France ‘98. tribution of extra berths for each Infantino puts forward a raft confederation, a crucial point of arguments to back a further which will be discussed tomor- leap to 48, not least that by giv- row in Zurich. ing more countries a piece of the Whereas the shareout for a fi nals cake, interest will rise in 40-strong event is already known more viewer markets, generating — Europe would gain one slot to more revenue. 14, Africa two and Asia one — the According to a confi dential putative 48-nation distribution FIFA report seen by AFP, a 48- still has to be agreed on. team tournament would bring a Asia and Africa and “smaller” cash boost of $640 million (605 countries have much to gain million euros) over and above from an enlarged format — that projected revenues for next much was shown by opening up year’s fi nals in Russia. the Euro 2016 to more fi nals par- The report forecasts television ticipants — but undecided camps rights also rising by $505 million have to be won over. and marketing revenue by 370 Among those who are con- million. vinced by the argument of radical- And even if organisation costs ly extending the tournament are would rise, the tournament could former Cameroon international still function in a 12-stadium and Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o. format, as per the 2018 model. “Do it for the poor, for those Yet the FIFA forecasts are hard who don’t always have the chance to compare with a 2018 event to play a World Cup,” Eto’o recent- File picture of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrating after scoring against Reading during their FA Cup Third Round match at Old Traff ord. whose own fi nancial scope is ly appealed to Infantino.
AFP goals as him for Manchester United is “He’s a player who works very hard Habsi’s woeful miskick to net his second Manchester, United Kingdom fantastic.” and I think you could see that here with goal four minutes later. MERGER Rooney turned provider to set up An- the work rate he has and the quality he “I spoke with him at half-time and told thony Martial for United’s second goal at has with quality players. him I don’t care with the goals he missed ose Mourinho told Wayne Rooney Old Traff ord in Saturday’s third-round “He’s an outstanding player and it’s in the fi rst half because he had a big re- his “best day” is still to come after tie before Marcus Rashford broke his no surprise he has scored so many goals. sponsibility in the way we were breaking FIFA proposes he equalled Manchester United’s 17-match goal drought with a second- You can see what it means to him because their defensive line,” Mourinho said. Jscoring record in their 4-0 FA Cup half double. even when they were 4-0 up, he was still “He was playing so well. One more win over Championship side Reading. Rooney was delighted to make history running.” goal, one less goal, it doesn’t change. Americas-wide Rooney, 31, scored his 249th goal for after matching a record that has stood for United were ruthless and could have But for an attacking player to score a the club to match Bobby Charlton’s almost 44 years, particularly with Charl- scored many more as they strolled into goal means happiness, confi dence. It was record, set in March 1973, as United made ton watching on from the directors’ box. the fourth round with a routine win. good for him. qualifying contest it eight wins in a row — their best run “This club is a huge part of my life and “It was very professional — I could see “He’s very fast and the team knows since September 2009. I’m honoured to be up there alongside Sir that from the fi rst minute because we had how to change between Marcus and Zla- Rooney could now break the record Bobby,” he said. two chances to score,” said Mourinho. tan (Ibrahimovic). They are two diff erent for 2026: offi cial against Hull City in tomorrow’s League “It’s a proud moment. To do it at a “We played well, but we knew they players. We know the kind of movements Cup semi-fi nal fi rst leg and United man- massive club like Manchester United, I’m were good with the ball so when we we have to do.” Reuters less the same number of teams, ager Mourinho said: “I think the best day hugely honoured.” gave them the chance with the ball, they Stam admitted it was a learning curve Berne the idea would catch on on the for him will arrive. Reading boss Jaap Stam, making his moved it well and created some things. for his second-tier side, who never seri- continent.” “His best day will be the next goal. If fi rst return to Old Traff ord as a man- “For a long time the game was too ously threatened United’s goal despite a FIFA could not immediately he scores the next goal, he becomes the ager after his hugely successful time as open. But I was really happy with our at- spirited spell in the second half at 2-0. IFA has proposed merg- be reached for comment. Eu- top scorer in the history of Manchester a United player from 1998 to 2001, also titude.” “It’s not always a good experience ing the CONCACAF and rope currently has 13 places for United. paid tribute to Rooney. Mourinho also hailed Rashford, who when you win games, but it can also be South American quali- 55 teams, plus one for 2018 World “It’s amazing because everyone knows “I think Wayne has been a great player, ran through to score from Michael Car- when you lose games as well,” he said. fi ers as part of its plans Cup hosts Russia. who Sir Bobby is and what he means for right from the beginning when he arrived rick’s pass in the 75th minute before “You see what you need to improve to toF expand the 2026 World Cup, CONCACAF is also a lead- the club. So for Wayne to score as many here,” said the 44-year-old Dutchman. pouncing on Reading goalkeeper Ali al- make yourself better.” a leading offi cial from the region ing contender to host the 2026 said in a newspaper interview. World Cup, possibly with a joint Venezuelan Football Federa- bid involving at least two out of BOTTOMLINE tion president Laureano Gonzal- the United States, Canada and ez said the idea for the merger Mexico. had come from FIFA president Gonzalez also said there was Gianni Infantino. “a spirit” in the region in favour Gonzalez, who is also a vice- of holding a repeat of last year’s president of CONMEBOL, the Copa Centenario in 2020, but governing body for South Amer- with 24 teams instead of 16. Wenger praises captain Giroud ica, said it would want at least 14 The Copa Centenario, which places at the fi nals for the two re- celebrated the Copa America’s AFP Welbeck, who returned as a late game demanded. We didn’t want gions combined before accepting 100th anniversary, was a special Preston, United Kingdom substitute, his fi rst competitive to go home and be out of the cup. the proposal. tournament in addition to the football in eight months after CONCACAF represents North regular Copa America. recovering from a knee ligament ‘Not at the races’ and Central America as well as The Copa America is played rsene Wenger hailed injury. “I’ll keep what I said quiet the Caribbean. every four years in the year fol- the performance of “It is a great moment as he has but we were not at the races in The FIFA Council is due to lowing the World Cup and tra- stand-in Arsenal cap- been out for such a long time, the fi rst half and we were beaten vote today whether to increase ditionally features 10 teams tain Olivier Giroud af- just for him to get 15 minutes was everywhere. Not compact, we the number of teams at the fi nals from CONMEBOL and two from terA his late goal sealed a 2-1 FA great,” said Wenger. didn’t win duels and were out- from the current 32 to either 40 CONCACAF. Cup third round win at Champi- “I had a hesitation but he played. or 48 from 2026. The Centenario, however, took onship side Preston. thought he had 20 minutes in “But sometimes when you FIFA will decide at a later date place in the United States and The Gunners managed to his legs and in the end he nearly come out of Christmas and you which regions will be awarded featured six teams from CON- complete a comeback victory scored so that is good.” think it’s going to be a bit easier, the additional slots. CACAF plus the 10 from South to go with their remarkable 3-3 But the victory disguised a it’s diffi cult in the FA Cup. CONMEBOL currently has America. CONCACAF also has draw at Bournemouth earlier in dreadful fi rst half showing from “You do not want to have that four-and-a-half places at the its own biennial tournament, the the week, a game in which Gir- Wenger’s side who were for- kind of performance but this World Cup for its 10 members Gold Cup, staged in odd-num- oud also scored a late, vital goal. tunate to only trail to a Callum team responds when they are in while CONCACAF, which has 35 bered years. Wenger had also made his Robinson goal at the interval. trouble. Maybe physically they FIFA members in its ranks, has Gonzalez said offi cials were countryman captain for the trip An equaliser from Aaron struggled to get into the game three-and-a-half places. in favour of another extra tour- to Deepdale and he explained: Ramsey within a minute of but they want to do well. “There is a suggestion from Gi- nament in 2020, with a similar “He has scored many many goals the restart was the beginning “Since the start of the season anni Infantino to unify the CON- makeup to the Centenario but recently. I think in the squad of a vastly-improved second we have had many many many MEBOL and CONCACAF qualifi - under a diff erent name and with everybody contributes and it is half showing from the Premier comebacks and many goals in ers,” Gonzalez told the Venezuelan the format increased to 24 teams. not just 11. League side. the fi nal minutes.” sports daily Meridiano. “Obviously it wouldn’t be “At the moment he is in good “Yes, I was angry,” said Ramsey’s fi rst goal of the “This would have support if called Centenario,” said Gonzal- form and in the last month he File picutre of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. Wenger of his half-time reac- season was another boost for they gave us more places. At the ez. “Our Copa America would has scored goal after goal so I tion. “We are top-level Premier Wenger. “We spoke about that moment, we have seven between continue to be played as usual.” named him captain as I like to he didn’t play and during this ship qualities, which is why I League and we were dominated many times, getting in danger- the two confederations, plus two Such a tournament may face rotate it a bit. period, which was quite long, made him captain.” in the fi rst half, Preston had ous situations,” said the man- half places,” he said. opposition from European clubs, “He went through a period he kept his focus and worked so There was also good news for chances and we were just not ager of Ramsey’s superb strike “If this went up to 14, similar where many of the region’s top where he was in discomfort as I thought he has shown leader- another Arsenal forward, Danny at the pace of the game that the for the equaliser. to what Europe has for more or players are based. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 9, 2017 FOOTBALL
SERIE A Ben Yedder the latest cut-price Izzo own goal saves success for Sevilla Barcelona: Wissam Ben Yedder’s hat-trick for Sevilla in Saturday’s 4-0 win at Real Sociedad was the latest dem- Dzeko blushes for Roma onstration of the Andalusian club’s ability to find players from under the radar and mould them into top talents. Roma’s 13th win closed the gap on champs Juventus to one point, who have two games in hand Ben Yedder, a former France Under-21 interna- AFP tional, came to Sevilla from Milan Toulouse with the task of replacing Kevin Gameiro, who departed for Atletico din Dzeko hit a series of blanks Madrid in the close season as Roma kept the pressure on for 32mn euros. leaders Juventus with a cagey Gameiro, who scored 67 1-0 win at Genoa courtesy of goals in his three years with ArmandoE Izzo’s disastrous fi rst-half Sevilla, was another gem un- own goal yesterday. earthed by the club’s highly- Roma’s 13th win of the campaign respected sporting director closed the gap on Juventus to one point Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, before the champions, who also have better known as Monchi. another game in hand due to end-of- France international year Italian Super Cup commitments, Gameiro had helped fire host Bologna in last night’s late game. Sevilla to three successive Napoli, 2-1 winners over Sampdoria Europa League triumphs, but on Saturday when Lorenzo Tonelli hit Ben Yedder has upstaged his a last-gasp winner on his debut for the compatriot this season. The southerners, are third. Lazio remain in 26-year-old Ben Yedder has fourth, only a point behind Napoli, af- scored 15 goals in all compe- ter Ciro Immobile made up for Lucas titions this term, compared to Biglia’s penalty miss at the Stadio Ol- Gameiro’s seven for Atletico. impico by striking in the fi nal minute to The Sevilla striker was secure a 1-0 win over dogged Crotone. utterly ruthless against Real Toma coach Luciano Spalletti refused Sociedad, scoring with three to criticise Dzeko, telling Rai Sport: “He of his four shots and setting had a great game because he never once up the game’s other goal made it easy for the opposition defence. for Pablo Sarabia. The win He put himself about, especially at the moved Sevilla provisionally end of the game to make sure we got the above champions Barcelona result we wanted.” into second in the standings, Dzeko is only one goal behind Se- while the striker earned the rie A goals leader Mauro Icardi, who praise of coach Jorge Sam- has hit the net 14 times for Inter Milan paoli, who remarked: “Ben in the league so far this campaign. But Yedder is starting to do what the towering Bosnian was kept on a the team needs him to do tight leash by a Genoa side that barely and I’m delighted for him.” six weeks ago infl icted a chastening 3-1 Ben Yedder signed for the defeat on Juventus in what was argu- triple Europa League winners ably the champions’ worst perform- after hitting 17 league goals ance in years. When Dzeko did fi nd clear for Toulouse last season, chances, he was wasteful. making him the joint fourth The hosts started brightly and Roma top scorer in Ligue 1 behind goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexan- dive to palm a curling shot by Diego AS Roma’s Emerson Palmieri (centre) fights for the ball with Genoa’s Armando Izzo (left) and Serbia Darko Lazovic during the Italian Serie A match yesterday. (AFP) dre Lacazette and Edinson Laxalt around his far post in the opening Cavani. minutes. At the other end a Dzeko snap- past Lamanna at the keeper’s near post. Rigoni’s eff ort from point-blank range Sevilla were reportedly in attendance to at Udinese. Despite the hosts taking a Sevilla only paid 7mn shot forced Mattia Perin into action and Genoa regrouped and a free kick from before securing the points when he fl ew observe Kessie and Conti yesterday, and 17th-minute lead thanks to Jakub Jank- euros for Ben Yedder, a as he dived to stop the follow-up from the left fl ank had Szczesny in a fl ap as to fi ngertip a Lucas Ocampos strike out Gasperini confi rmed Gagliardini, who to, Perisic goals on the stroke of half- relative bargain considering Bruno Peres the Italian goalkeeper suf- Roma came under pressure during a from under the bar. sat on the bench, was on his way to Inter and full-time helped Inter close the gap Chelsea spent 40mn euros fered an injury that prompted his re- brief Genoa assault before the interval. Atalanta’s stunning season continued Milan. “He’ll be going to Inter, but we on Juventus to nine points. to sign Michy Batshuayi, who placement by Eugenio Lamanna. The hosts threatened a late equaliser in with a 4-1 away win at Chievo where fully intend on hanging on to our other RESULTS had scored the same number Roma were sorely missing Egyptian the fi nal stages, but not before Dzeko Alejandro Gomez notably hit a fi rst- players until June,” Gasperini said. Udinese 1 (Jankto 17) Inter Milan 2 (Perisic of goals for Olympique de winger Mohamed Salah, who is on Afri- disappointed again. half brace to send the Bergamo side up AC Milan, in sixth at two points be- 45+2, 87); Chievo 1 (Pellissier 62) Atalanta 4 Marseille but has struggled ca Cup of Nations duty, but were gifted He volleyed a cross from Radja to fi fth at just seven points behind Juve. hind Atalanta with a game in hand, can (Gomez 4, 23, Conti 42, Freuler 69); Genoa at Stamford Bridge. the lead in the 36th minute thanks to a Nainggolan on to the upright, hit the Coach Gianpiero Gasperini later leapfrog Gianpiero Gasperini’s men 0 Roma 1 (Izzo 36-og); Lazio 1 (Immobile Monchi, a former reserve double defensive blunder by Izzo. The side-netting from Diego Perotti’s as- hailed a side whose players, including with a win later at home to Cagliari. 90) Crotone 0; Sassuolo 0 Torino 0 goalkeeper for Sevilla who Italian fi rst headed a poor clearance sist and then blasted over from Kevin Franck Kessie, Andrea Conte and Rob- Ivan Perisic scored twice includ- On Saturday: Empoli 1 (Maccarone 78-pen) has been the club’s sporting straight at Peres, then stuck out his shin Strootman’s delivery. Genoa dug deep erto Gagliardini are attracting outside ing a late winner as Inter Milan began Palermo 0; Napoli 2 (Gabbiadini 77, Tonelli director since 2000. to direct the Brazilian’s angled cross and Szczesny did well to parry Luca interest. Scouts from both Chelsea and the New Year with a 2-1 comeback win 90+5) Sampdoria 1 (Hysaj 30-og)
ASPIRE BANKS TOURNAMENT FOCUS QCB, QIB, Doha Bank Nice exit French Cup, Marseille and Masraf Al Rayan need extra time to secure win AFP qualify for semi-fi nals Paris atar Central Bank (QCB), Doha Bank, opponents Ahli Bank. The game fi nished with igue 1 leaders Nice Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) and Masraf an impressive 7-2 win for QCB, with six of their crashed out of the last 64 Al Rayan qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals seven goals coming in the fi rst half. of the French Cup yester- of the Aspire Banks tournament after In the second game, Doha Bank scored a 2-0 day after a 2-1 defeat at beatingQ their respective opponents in last Satur- win against QNB. Meanwhile, Qatar Islamic Bank Lstruggling Lorient, while Mar- day’s quarter-fi nals. (QIB) scored three remarkable goals against Barwa seille won 2-1 at Toulouse after Organised by Aspire Zone Foundation in part- Bank in a hard-fought game that ended 3-1. extra time. nership with the Qatar Central Bank, next week’s The fi nal game between Masraf Al Rayan and Nice fi nished 2016 two points semi-fi nals are expected to see exciting games Standard Chartered Bank looked one-sided from clear of Monaco at the top of the involving the four strongest teams in the tour- the outset, with the former securing the biggest table but suff ered a premature nament as they each fi ght it out for a place in the win of the night with an eventual score line of cup exit in Brittany where sec- fi nal. The fi rst match of the night was played be- 9-0. In the last four, QCB take on QIB at 6:00 pm, ond-half goals from Jeremie Ali- tween QCB, whose remarkable performance has followed by Doha Bank’s match against Masraf Al adiere and Walid Mesloub wiped made them one of tournament favourites, and Rayan. out Alassane Plea’s opener. “We’re disappointed because we dominated in the fi rst half. They changed their system in the second half because they saw it was too easy for us,” said Nice coach Lucien Favre. “We should have made it 2-0 earlier. And then they equalise and it revives them obviously, but that’s how it is.” Record 10-time champions Marseille overcame top-fl ight ri- vals Toulouse with Remy Cabella scoring twice — the second on 117 minutes — either side of a Jimmy Durmaz strike for the hosts. Bordeaux needed a late goal Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder Julian Draxler (left) gets past Bastia’s defender Mathieu Peybernes during Luis Suarez from Brazilian forward Malcom the French Cup match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on Saturday. (AFP) to see off second division Cler- mont 1-0, but Metz were dumped winners Lyon host Montpellier in PSG captain Thiago Silva Ligue 1, fi ve points behind leaders out 2-0 away to Ligue 2 promo- Sunday’s late game. opened the goal fest with a head- Nice, are looking to complete a tion chasers Lens. Making his competitive de- er on 30 minutes with Adrien Ra- clean sweep of the domestic tro- On Saturday, Germany inter- but 23-year-old winger Draxler biot fi ring in the second from 25 phies in France for a third season national Julian Draxler scored on completed the rout scoring the metres out just before the break. in succession. his Paris Saint-Germain debut as fi nal goal three minutes from It was all one-way traffi c in the The Parisians were however the holders — who equalled Mar- the whistle. The German World second half with goals Christo- hit when Brazilian captain Silva seille with a 10th title last year — Cup-winner completed his move pher Nkunku, Thiago Motta, An- picked up a thigh injury in a chal- thrashed Bastia 7-0 at the Parc this month from Wolfsburg for a gel Di Maria and a Lucas penalty lenge with goalkeeper Kevin Traff des Princes. Radamel Falcao and reported fee of up to 42mn euros. humiliating the visitors before minutes before the break. The Valere Germain both scored in “Draxler had a good match, it will Draxler struck. 32-year-old was treated pitch Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Ajac- be good for his confi dence,” said Emery’s side, who went into side for several minutes before Doha Bank scored a 2-0 win over QNB to enter the last four of the Aspire Banks tournament. cio on Friday, while fi ve-time PSG coach Unai Emery. the winter break in third place in limping off . Gulf Times Monday, January 9, 2017 5 TENNIS
SPOTLIGHT SYDNEY OPEN Kuznetsova opens defence with win, Dimitrov ends title seeds withdraw Reuters climb to world number fi ve fol- Sydney lowing her Brisbane title win on Saturday, will not be able to aim for back-to-back victories after drought in Brisbane vetlana Kuznetsova she pulled out of the event with opened the defence of a left inner thigh injury. her Sydney Interna- The Czech was joined on the ‘It was kind of an emotional win, but at the same time, it wasn’t unexpected’ tional title with a com- sidelines by Ukraine’s world fortableS 6-1, 6-4 victory over number 14 Elina Svitolina, who AFP cades for an hour and a half,” he Irina-Camelia Begu yesterday withdrew citing a viral illness. Brisbane laughed. as the Australian Open warm-up With the Australian Open Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria had not “It’s given me tremendous event suff ered a pair of big-name tennis starting in a week’s time triumphed since the Queens in 2014 joy. You know, it’s something so withdrawals. in Melbourne, Frenchwoman Al- but that wait is over after he overcame ulgaria’s Grigor Dim- childish (but) every time I was The Russian fi fth seed started ize Cornet also decided against third seed Kei Nishikori in Brisbane itrov won his fi rst title going to bed, I was, like, ‘Wow, strongly by winning 10 of the risking a sore back and pulled yesterday. (AFP) in over two years when that feels so good’. It’s just some- fi rst 11 games and after her Ro- out of the Hobart International, he upset world number thing so small.” manian opponent rallied in the which she won last year. fiB ve Kei Nishikori in three sets to Despite Dimitrov’s win over second set to tie it up at 4-4, Cornet was the runner-up in win the Brisbane International top seed Milos Raonic in the Kuznetsova broke again in the Brisbane after going down 6-0, yesterday. In an enthralling fi nal semi-fi nals, the 27-year-old ninth game and served out the 6-3 to Pliskova in the fi nal. between two evenly matched op- Nishikori had not lost to the Bul- victory in 77 minutes. ponents, Dimitrov claimed the garian in three previous meet- Kuznetsova will next face the RESULTS (X DENOTES SEED) Roy Emerson Trophy 6-2, 2-6, ings and went into the fi nal as winner of the match between Women’s singles: 1st round 6-3, his fourth singles title on the fi rm favourite. The Japanese star local favourite Sam Stosur and Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x5) bt ATP Tour. started well and had Dimitrov fellow Russian Anastasia Pavly- Irina Begu (ROM) 6-1, 6-4; Eugenie Dimitrov was ranked as high as struggling to hold his opening uchenkova. Bouchard (CAN) bt Zhang Shuai eighth in the world in 2014 and service game. Elsewhere, Canada’s Eug- (CHN) 7-6 (7/1), 6-2; Yulia Putintseva was nicknamed “Baby Fed” be- But from then on the Bulgarian enie Bouchard, a former Wim- (KAZ) bt Belinda Bencic (SUI) 6-4, cause of his similar playing style dominated the fi rst set, break- bledon fi nalist, also won her 2-3 (retired); Darya Kasatkina (RUS) to Swiss great Roger Federer. ing Nishikori twice to take the opening match with a 7-6(1) bt Tímea Babos (HUN) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 Injury problems and poor form opener in 36 minutes. Dimitrov 6-2 fi rst round win over China’s Men’s singles: 1st round saw him slump during 2015 and took that momentum into the Zhang Shuai. However, fourth Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt Thomaz the fi rst half of 2016, when he second set and was comfortable seed Karolina Pliskova, who will Bellucci (BRA) 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) plummeted to 40th in the world. on serve. But at 2-2 he faltered But he recovered towards the end and was broken, with Nishikori of last year and entered the sea- seizing the initiative and win- son-opening tournament ranked ning four games in succession to 17. The Brisbane win will see him level the match. Nishikori took climb to 15 when the rankings. an injury break at the end of the Dimitrov insisted he had not second set to get treatment for a felt under pressure because of his sore hip. This seemed to swing rankings slide and said he knew the momentum back to the Bul- he would eventually get the re- garian, who immediately had the wards for the hard work he was third seed under pressure. doing off court. “I think that was But Nishikori held on and both kind of an emotional win for me, men were untroubled on serve, but at the same time, it wasn’t until at 3-4 the Japanese player unexpected,” he said. stumbled and gave Dimitrov a vi- “I think I have put in the work. tal break. The Bulgarian stepped I think I have learnt a lot. “I have up and showed no nerves as he set myself quite high goals for served out the match, claiming the fi rst six months, and one of victory in one hour, 48 minutes them was actually to win a tour- when Nishikori sent a backhand nament,” he added. “And it hap- long. Nishikori said he was not pened during the fi rst week of sure how bad his injury was but the year.” it would not aff ect his Australian The 25-year-old revealed Open chances. later he had relaxed ahead of his “I felt it in the second set — it matches with late-night visits was still hurting during the sec- to a Brisbane video game arcade. ond set,” he said. “It’s a little bit “Since I have been here, every sad to fi nish like this. It’s no big Eugenie Bouchard of Canada hits a return during her win over Shuai night I’ve been going to the ar- deal. It should be okay.” Zhang of China at the Sydney International tournament. (AFP)
FINE START FOCUS Bautista Agut wins Murray upbeat about Australian chances Chennai Open AFP better. You know, I wasn’t that clinical on Doha break points this week, which maybe that AFP I played aggressive, I served comes with playing a few more matches.” Chennai well and I am very happy,” Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open Bautista Agut said after the win. ndy Murray dismissed the idea that fi ve times in the last six years, said Doha had The victory marked Bautista his defeat by arch-rival Novak Djok- provided perfect preparation for Melbourne. econd seed Rob- Agut’s fi fth ATP title after he tri- ovic in the Qatar Open will have any “Best scenario I could ask for beginning of the erto Bautista Agut of umphed twice in 2014 and then impact on his attempts to win the season,” he told reporters. Spain humbled Da- again in 2015. “I know it’s very AustralianA Open for the fi rst time. The world “Playing fi ve matches in this tournament niil Medvedev with a diffi cult to be a top-10 player. number one lost 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to the Serb in an and then three hours against the number one straight-setsS victory yesterday My goal is to be a better player early season classic, the Briton’s fi rst defeat in of the world, biggest rival, and winning in a to take his fi rst Chennai Open ti- to improve and work a lot on the 29 competitive matches. thrilling marathon match is something that tle, kicking off the new ATP sea- things that I need to get better But Murray said it would mean little when defi nitely can serve as a positive incentive for son in style. [at],” said Bautista Agut. he soon begins his latest attempt to win in what’s coming up in Australia.” The world number 14 over- The Spaniard, who was play- Melbourne where he has agonisingly lost fi ve The world number two also said that he ex- came the unseeded Russian ing in his second Chennai Open fi nals. “I still think I have a chance of winning pects further battles with Murray, possibly in 6-3, 6-4 in the one hour and fi nal after going down to Janko the Australian Open after tonight,” he said the fi nal in Melbourne. “I hope we are going to 13-minute fi nal in the south- Tipsarevic in 2013, had beaten after the defeat in Doha. “I don’t think that play against each other. We make each other ern Indian city of Chennai. Frenchman Benoit Paire in the changes. It’s disappointing to lose. I have a work hard and improve and continuously Medvedev, 20, was broken in semis on Saturday to book his chance to win the Australian Open still.” work on our games and ourselves. We strive the fourth game of the fi rst set ticket to the fi nal. Medvedev, Murray lost Melbourne fi nals in 2010, 2011, to get better, both of us.” as Bautista Agut set the pace who was appearing in the fi rst 2013, 2015 and 2016, four of those to Djoko- With six titles already, if Djokovic manages with a 3-1 lead. The six foot, six ATP fi nal of his professional ca- vic. Despite defeat in Doha, Murray said he to win again in Melbourne this year he will go inch Medvedev served big but reer, praised his opponent fol- had gained plenty from the week-long tour- down in history as the player who has won Bautista Agut was clinical as he lowing the loss. nament. “I think physically it was a good test the most Australian Opens. A seventh victory wrapped up the fi rst set in just “He played amazing tennis. to start the year, and I did good here,” he said. would pull him one clear of Roy Emerson, over 33 minutes. Roberto played me in every shot “My body feels all right just now, so that’s who also won six titles but in the amateur era. Medvedev made a spirited of the game, so I cannot even say positive. Still think there are things I can do The Australian Open begins on January 16. comeback in the second set to why I lost,” said Medvedev, who stay level at 4-4 but Bautista received medical attention dur- Agut broke through in the ninth ing the second set over a strained game to edge ahead and clinch hamstring. “He was just better. I the match. “Today I didn’t play have to improve on everything,” Djokovic admits ‘unacceptable’ with many mistakes. Medvedev said. to hit ball into Qatar crowd Doha: Novak Djokovic said he did not But he admitted that the consequences intentionally hit a ball into the crowd during could have been far worse, in terms of the his Qatar Open final against Andy Murray, on-court penalty he received. It is not the an incident which threatened to take the first time he has been involved in such an gloss off his victory. incident. The incident happened in the sixth game Last year at the French Open, the Serb of the first set when Djokovic, upset at admitted he was lucky not to be disquali- losing a point, fired a ball into the stands fied in his quarter-final against Tomas Ber- which then flew into the crowd, appar- dych. During that match, frustrated at miss- ently striking a female spectator. The Serb ing a break point, Djokovic went to smash received a warning for the incident and a his racquet into the ground but it slipped further warning for smashing his racket in out of his grasp, flying into a backwall. Had the second set saw him deducted a point. it hit a nearby line judge, who was forced to Djokovic, who won the absorbing con- take evasive action, Djokovic would have test 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, told reporters he was una- been automatically disqualified. ware that the ball had hit someone and said Saturday’s triumph, Djokovic said “the it was an accident. “It was not intentional dream start” to 2017 in his build-up to the at all,” he said. “Of course people get hit, defence of the Australian Open title later especially in the first rows, from big serves this month and defeat provided food for and so forth.” thought for Murray, who lost for the 25th Pressed on whether it was acceptable time against his old rival. “It was close, a behaviour, the world number two said no very physical battle. All the way to the last and added: “I definitely didn’t want to hit shot, you never know with Andy. It’s no the ball at anybody. I have to be more care- strange occurrence for us to play three sets ful, I guess, in the future.” for three hours,” Djokovic added. Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain celebrates in Chennai. (AFP) Andy Murray has lost the Australian Open finals agonisingly five times. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 9, 2017 SPORT
NBA NHL Grabner’s goal with 16.5s left caps Rangers Westbrook’s 17th comeback win
By Mark Herrmann against backup goalie Cur- Newsday tis McElhinney to complete a comeback from a 4-1 defi cit. There is no telling what he Rangers can take it as sort of electricity would have triple-double leads a compliment that the fi lled Nationwide Arena had Blue Jackets saw their the Blue Jackets not lost on presence enough mo- Thursday, costing themselves tivationT for shaking off the lost a shot at setting an NHL chance at history. For their part, record for consecutive victo- the Rangers proved worthy of ries and robbing the Rangers the respect, even if the outcome of a chance to block it. was not one for the ages. As it was, the Rangers had Thunder victory Maybe the Rangers’ 5-4 vic- their hands full just trying to tory on Saturday night, which stop the Columbus attack. Be- Michael Grabner sealed with a fore the game, Alain Vigneault ‘I think on both ends of the floor, we decided to go big. And we did an amazing job’ steal and breakaway goal with was wary of the Blue Jackets’ 16.5 seconds left, will mean league-leading power play. plenty in April. Easier said than done. Ten AFP No doubt the triumph, seconds into the Rangers’ fi rst Los Angeles which came after the Rangers penalty, Cam Atkinson con- had trailed by three, will be verted a goalmouth feed from a big mood-lifter this week, Sam Gagner past a defence- klahoma City star Russell West- when they have a schedule- less Henrik Lundqvist. brook notched his 17th triple- mandate spate of fi ve days That was only 4:37 into the double of the season Saturday, without a game. game and already it was 2-0 leading the Thunder to a 121- Anyway, Saturday night (preceded by Markus Nuti- 106O home win over the Denver Nuggets. had the makings of a letdown vaara’s long slap shot at 1:54). Westbrook, who leads the NBA in scor- for both teams. Circum- John Tortorella had promised ing and is averaging a triple-double, pro- stances had seemed almost a spirited response from the duced 32 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists perfectly set up, with Co- team that had its streak snapped in the 54th triple-double of his career. lumbus on course to try for a in Washington, 5-0, Thursday. His seven three-pointers were one shy possible unprecedented 18th Not even after the lead grew of the career-high eight he delivered in a consecutive victory against a to 4-1 in the second period loss to Houston on Thursday, but the fi ery respected and familiar nem- as Lukas Sedlak scored on a point guard had plenty of help from the esis. But the Blue Jackets’ breakaway. The Rangers cut Thunder’s big men in the convincing win loss on Thursday took the air it back to 4-2 one minute and over the short-handed Nuggets. out of that lofty balloon - for 12 seconds later as Michael “I think on both ends of the fl oor, we the Rangers, too. The streak Grabner turned on his consid- decided to go big,” Thunder reserve center was stopped at 16 games, one erable speed, coming out of a Enes Kanter of Turkey said. “And we did short of the record set by the defensive zone faceoff and in- an amazing job on both ends. Not just 1992-93 Penguins. creased his team-leading goal off ensively. Both ends we put matchup So the focus was on the fact total to 17. pressure on them.” that, despite having won 16 in Oklahoma City’s Kiwi center Steven a row, the Blue Jackets were RESULTS Adams added 16 points and four blocked only three points ahead of San Jose 6 Detroit 3 shots for a Thunder team that out-scored the Rangers in the Metropoli- Calgary 3 Vancouver 1 the Nuggets in the paint 56-48. tan Division. Proximity took Arizona 2 NY Islanders 1 (SO) Reserve Wilson Chandler paced the precedence over history. St. Louis 4 Dallas 3 Nuggets with 24 points, but scored just It sure was a night that Montreal 5 Toronto 3 fi ve in the second half. Adam Clendening never will Washington 1 Ottawa 0 “They went big,” Nuggets coach forget. The Rangers defense- Boston 4 Florida 0 Michael Malone said. “And we had no an- man entered without a goal Edmonton 2 New Jersey 1 swers for the big guys.” and scored twice in the third NY Rangers 5 Columbus 4 Malone said the absences of Nikola Jo- period, once on a power play Los Angeles 4 Minnesota 3 kic and Gary Harris made a diff erence. from the left circle and once, Buff alo 4 Winnipeg 3 “Obviously Gary Harris would have at 12:57, from the right boards Philadelphia 4 Tampa Bay 2 been a key guy to try and guard Russell Westbrook,” he said. “And obviously, of- fensively, we only had 18 assists tonight. BASKETBALL/ QATAR MEN’S LEAGUE With Jokic out and we play through him so much, that he is able to generate some easy looks for us. But our guys competed. We played hard.” QSC, Al Gharafa
Spurs notch 30th win In San Antonio, rookie reserve forward post victories Davis Bertans of Latvia scored a career- high 21 points as the Spurs posted their Sports Reporter 30th win of the season, 102-85 over the Doha Charlotte Hornets. Bertans, who has averaged 2.6 points in Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three-point shot as Sam Dekker (R) of the Houston Rockets looks on at 9.6 minutes per game, scored eight points Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) dward Justice scored 30 points and Quinton Doggett in a crucial stretch late in the third quarter chipped in with 28 as Qatar Sports Club (QSC) recov- that saw the Spurs break out of a 60-60 in a 117-108 victory over the New Orleans The Bulls trailed 61-48 at halftime and when he tipped in a miss with 27.5 seconds ered from a lacklustre start to post a 99-88 win over Al tie to take a 73-64 lead into the fourth pe- Pelicans. They have made 71 three-point- 86-74 going into the fourth quarter. remaining. Wakrah in the Qatar Men’s League yesterday. riod. ers in their four-game winning streak. Butler contributed 10 points in the “We just wanted it,” Gobert said. “We EAl Wakrah dominated the game initially, notching up a 24-17 Kawhi Leonard fi nished with 19 in the fourth period as the Bulls forced overtime knew we didn’t play well all game, but we lead at the fi rst quarter and then keeping themselves marginally victory. LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 points, Butler’s big night — his late-game heroics coming as no knew we had to get stops and keep playing ahead (46-43) at the midway stage. 12 in the second half, and pulled down 11 Another big night for Chicago’s Jimmy surprise to his teammates. to the end, and that’s what we did.” But Qatar Sports Club produced a 25-point surge in the third rebounds for San Antonio, who have won Butler helped the Bulls erase a 19-point “There’s no doubt about it, there’s quarter to turn the tables on their rivals and head into the fi nal three straight and seven of their last eight. defi cit in a 123-118 overtime victory over a swagger about him,” Wade said. RESULTS 10 minutes with a 68-63 advantage. The Atlanta Hawks extended their un- the Toronto Raptors. “He wants it.” Thunder 121 Nuggets 106 In the fi nal quarter, Qatar Sports Club were even more asser- beaten run to six games with a 97-82 vic- Butler scored 42 points — his second The Utah Jazz also rallied from a dou- Jazz 94 Timberwolves 92 tive, scoring a whopping 31 points while limiting Al Wakrah to tory over the Mavericks in Dallas. 40-plus point performance this week af- ble-digit defi cit, downing the Minnesota Celtics 117 Pelicans 108 just 25. That helped Qatar Sports Club close out the match with And the Boston Celtics won their fourth ter a 52-point outburst against Charlotte. Timberwolves 94-92 in Minneapolis. Pacers 123 Knicks 109 a convincing 11-point win and earn the bragging rights for the straight with another display of long- Veteran Dwyane Wade added 20 points Utah’s George Hill had a team-high 19 Bulls 123 Raptors 118 (OT) day. Justice scored twice from three-pointers and converted range fi reworks. for the Bulls, and Doug McDermott added points and French big man Rudy Gobert Spurs 102 Hornets 85 eight of his nine free-throws, while Doggett nailed all his six The Celtics drained 18 three-pointers 17 off the bench. provided what proved the game-winner Hawks 97 Mavericks 82 free-throws. For Al Wakrah, Thomas Blair and Olatokunbo Ayeni top- scored with 30 points each but with none of the other players NFL managing to get into double digits they were always going to be in trouble, especially in the later stages. Blair converted 10 of his 12 free-throws, but could only score twice from the tree-point mark in 14 attempts. In the second match of the day, Al Gharafa thrashed Al Sadd 83-62 with Saad Abdulrahman and Arnold Alexander excelling for the winners with 22 points each. Seahawks and Texans advance Al Sadd led 26-20 at the end of the fi rst quarter but faded away after that as Al Gharafa kept on consolidating. A 23-point AFP ing on Wilson’s 2-yard touch- struggled behind rookie Con- eff ort by Al Gharafa in the third quarter proved decisive as Al Washington down pass to Paul Richardson. nor Cook, who became the fi rst Sadd could only score 13 in that period. For Al Sadd, Donald Richardson made a one-handed quarterback to make his fi rst Sykes had 18 points while, Mohamed Ouri scored 15. touchdown reception while grab- NFL start in a playoff game after ussell Wilson tossed two bing a defender’s face mask, but did injuries to Derek Carr and Matt touchdown passes to not draw a penalty fl ag. Seattle’s McGloin. power Seattle over De- Steven Hauschka kicked a 43-yard The Texans, who hadn’t won troit 26-6 while Brock fi eld goal and Detroit’s Matt Prater a playoff game in four years, had OsweilerR threw for one touch- answered from 51 yards late in the the fewest total season points of down and ran for another as second quarter to leave the Sea- any playoff team since 2005, but Houston beat Oakland 27-14 in hawks ahead 10-3 at half-time. their top-rated defensive unit Saturday’s NFL playoff openers. Prater added a 53-yard fi eld was good enough to put them in The Seahawks stretched their goal for the Lions but Hauschka the post-season. playoff win streak in Seattle to 10 answered from 27 yards early in Houston’s Nick Novak kicked games, third-best in NFL histo- the fourth quarter to give Seattle a 50-yard fi eld goal to open the ry, and booked a second-round a 13-6 edge. scoring and Clowney picked off National Conference matchup On their next possession, the a Cook pass to set up a 4-yard next Saturday in Atlanta. Seahawks drove 82 yards in eight touchdown run by Lamar Miller. The Lions suff ered their NFL plays capped by Rawls’ 4-yard Oakland answered on a 2-yard record ninth consecutive play- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (No 10) celebrates touchdown run, although touchdown run by Latavius Mur- off defeat. Detroit has not won with quarterback Russell Wilson (No 3) his touchdown scored against Hauschka’s missed conversion ray but Novak’s 38-yard fi eld goal a playoff game in 25 seasons and the Detroit Lions at CenturyLink Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports kick left Seattle ahead by only put Houston ahead 13-7. Osweil- has not won a road playoff game 19-6. Wilson lofted a fi nal 13- er hit DeAndre Hopkins with a or an NFL title since 1957. the outcome of Sunday’s Pitts- Giants in Sunday’s other playoff yard touchdown pass to Doug 2-yard touchdown pass with 80 Houston advanced to a sec- burgh-Miami playoff game. game, with the winner to visit Baldwin with 4:12 remaining to seconds remaining in the sec- ond-round American Confer- “I don’t care who we play. We Dallas a week later in the sec- seal Detroit’s fate. The Texans, ond quarter to give the Texans a ence matchup next weekend at are going to play at a high level,” ond-round. At Seattle, Thomas 19-0 over three seasons when 20-7 half-time lead, then added either New England or Kansas Texans defensive star Jadeveon Rawls carried 27 times for a team leading at half-time and 6-0 in a 1-yard touchdown run. City. “Overall, it was probably Clowney said. “We are just going playoff record 161 rushing yards this campaign, could become the While the Raiders answered our best game of the year,” Tex- to keep fi ghting.” and a touchdown. fi rst team to play a Super Bowl in on Cook’s 8-yard touchdown ans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I’m The Green Bay Packers, enter- The Seahawks, who have not their own home stadium. pass, interceptions by Houston’s really proud of these players.” ing the playoff s on a six-game lost a home playoff game since The Raiders, in their fi rst play- Corey Moore and AJ Bouye Qatar Sports Club and Al Wakrah players in action during their Houston’s fate depends upon win streak, host the New York January 2005, opened the scor- off game since the 2002 season, snuff ed out Oakland’s fi nal hope. Qatar Men’s League match yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi Gulf Times Monday, January 9, 2017 7 CRICKET
FOCUS We need to bat for long periods in India: Lehmann
AFP Sydney, plus Shaun Marsh and probably time,” the Australian coach added. the tour of the subcontinent, despite being Sydney two others — likely an additional fast Skipper Steve Smith was careful not one of the revelations of Australia’s Test bowler and an extra batting all-rounder. to set expectations too high, recalling revival since their innings debacle against There will be a great deal of focus on Australia’s 4-0 Test series drubbing on South Africa in Hobart in November. oach Darren Lehmann said Australia’s spin contingent of Nathan their last tour to India in 2013. Marsh is yet to play a Test in India Australia’s batsmen will have Lyon, Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar. “It’s obviously going to be a very diffi - but has made two centuries from three to be prepared to bat for long But Lehmann said it was the batting cult series,” Smith said. “We’re under no Tests in Sri Lanka, including 130 in Au- periods in next month’s four- that must be ready for the challenges illusions that it’s going to be tough. We’re gust at an average of 76.5. TestC series in India. against Virat Kohli’s top-ranked India. going to have to play some very good Renshaw has the weight of a career- Australia scored seven centuries in “Batting long periods of time is going cricket if we want to compete over there.” best 184 in the fi rst innings against Pa- the 3-0 Test series clean sweep of Pa- to be the key,” Lehmann told reporters “It’s going to be a great challenge and kistan in Sydney and would be deemed kistan completed in Sydney on Satur- after Saturday’s 220-run Sydney Test learning curve for this group. A few of us unlucky not to play the fi rst Test against day, but Lehmann warned the batsmen win. “I think (England’s) Alastair Cook have been there before. We know it’s ex- India, let alone miss the tour entirely. would have to be prepared to “grind it summed it up really well on their tour, tremely diffi cult to play them in their own “It’s a case of what’s the best line-up out” in India. where they didn’t bat long enough. backyard. It’s a completely diff erent place to win in India and compete,” Lehmann While Australia had it much their “They got decent scores but they still to play, playing on those wickets that are said. “At the moment you would say own way against Pakistan, winning all didn’t bat long enough. That’s going to be nothing like playing on the wickets here he would play but we have to sum up three Tests, attention has now switched the challenge for this group. We batted 135 in Australia,” the Aussie skipper added. what the conditions are like, what the to the coming tough assignment on the overs in the fi rst innings (in Sydney). We’ll Lehmann refused to guarantee third- pitches will be like, how we’ll play, how subcontinent with the squad to be an- need to bat for 150 overs plus in India to Test hero Matt Renshaw a starting berth we’ll play everyone in the XI to give us a nounced this week. post a big total. It’s a great challenge for against India. The young opener is under chance to take 20 wickets.” Pundits said it is expected to include the young group. They’re fi t and strong so threat from veteran Shaun Marsh if selec- The fi rst Test against India begins in the 13 players who were in the squad in they should be able to bat long periods of Australia skipper Steve Smith (left) with team head coach Darren Lehmann. tors adopt a horses-for-courses policy for Pune on February 23.
NEW ZEALAND vs BANGLADESH Hazlewood rested for Anderson powers opening Pakistan ODI Kiwis to T20 sweep ‘Corey’s knock was outstanding. It wasn’t easy at times — you had to adjust to the wind but I don’t think the wind mattered to Corey. He hit it to parts and hit it a long way’
ey paceman Josh Hazlewood will be rested from Australia’s first one-day international Kagainst Pakistan this week after his starring role in the Test series sweep, coach Darren Leh- mann said yesterday. Hazlewood was the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps in Australia’s 3-0 Test series victory over Paki- stan. He and fellow paceman Mitchell Starc will have planned rests throughout the five-match 50-over series ahead of next month’s Test tour to India. “Josh has got through a heavy workload during the home summer so far,” coach and selector Lehmann said. “In the past two months he has sent down almost 300 overs across two Test series against South Africa and Pakistan, as well as three ODIs against New Zealand.” Lehmann said Hazlewood was not injured but would stand down from Friday’s first match in Brisbane. “We have decided to give him a week to freshen up at home and he will link up with the ODI squad in Melbourne ahead of the second match of the series,” Lehmann said. Lehmann said Hazlewood would play at the Gabba if one of the other fast bowlers was injured ahead of the match. Hazlewood, who turned 26 yesterday, has enjoyed a stellar season, taking 32 wickets in the six home Tests against South Africa and Pakistan. The other one-day internationals will be played in Melbourne (January 15), Perth (January 19), Syd- ney (January 22) and Adelaide (January 26). Overlooked Hafeez gets Australia ODI call
AFP Regular opener Imrul Kayes was also injured in the fi eld. He Mount Maunganui, New Zealand dropped down the order during the Bangladesh innings and was not required to bat. Rubel Hossain was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with orey Anderson bludgeoned 94 off just 41 balls as New three for 31, including two wickets in one over when he re- Zealand beat Bangladesh by 27 runs in the third Twen- moved Jimmy Neesham (15) and Munro, a century-maker two ty20 at Bay Oval yesterday to sweep the series 3-0. days ago, without scoring. Sodhi took two for 22 and Trent Anderson, who put on 124 runs for the fourth Boult two for 48 for New Zealand. wicketC with Kane Williamson (60), hit a New Zealand record The defeat leaves Bangladesh winless after three 50-over 10 sixes in his batting blitz as New Zealand posted 194 for four. matches and three Twenty20s, with two Tests remaining on Bangladesh, in reply, made 167 for six in their 20 overs. their tour. Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar launched Bangladesh’s reply by reaching 44 in the fi fth over when Tamim was dis- SCOREBOARD missed for 24. The visitors were 89 for two after 10 overs, but New Zealand with Soumya having fallen for 42, they could not sustain the K Williamson b R Hossain ...... 60 run rate. J Neesham lbw R Hossain ...... 15 The tourists still had an outside chance of reaching their tar- C Munro c S Sarkar b R Hossain ...... 0 get at 120 for three after 14 overs when spinner Ish Sodhi pro- T Bruce c I Kayes b M Hossain ...... 5 akistan allrounder Mohamed Hafeez has duced a crucially tight over in which he took one for three, blow- C Anderson (not out) ...... 94 been drafted into the national squad as the ing out the required run rate to an improbable 14.44 per over. C de Grandhomme (not out) ...... 4 P16th member for the five match one-day New Zealand captain Williamson said the blustery con- Extras (lb-14, w-2) ...... 16 series against Australia, with the first match sched- ditions meant the win was not as easy as it appeared on the Total (4 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 194 uled for Friday. The 36-year-old was left out of the scoreboard. “Corey’s knock was outstanding. It wasn’t easy Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Neesham), 2-36 (Munro), 3-41 (Bruce), 15-man squad but was handed a late call-up. at times — you had to adjust to the wind but I don’t think the 4-165 (Williamson) “The selection committee received a request wind mattered to Corey,” he said. “He hit it to parts and hit it Bowling: Mashrafe 3.2-0-42-0, Taskin 4-0-37-0 (2w), Rubel 4-0- from Pakistan team management comprising a long way and it was a good knock that set us up for victory.” 31-3, Shakib 4-0-22-0, Mosaddek 3.4-0-27-1, Soumya 1-0-21-0 coach Mickey Arthur and captain Azhar Ali for New Zealand, sent in to bat, were on the back foot early, Bangladesh sending Hafeez to Australia for the one-day series,” slumping from 34 for nought to 41 for three in the space of 11 T Iqbal c de Grandhomme b Boult ...... 24 said a Pakistan Cricket Board release. deliveries. That brought Anderson and Williamson together S Sarkar c&b Sodhi ...... 42 Hafeez scored two half-centuries and took 11 and after taking a few overs to settle in, with only 55 on the S Rahman b Williamson ...... 18 wickets in the recent national one-day cup in board at the halfway stage, they let fl y in the second half of the S Al Hasan c Anderson b Boult ...... 41 Pakistan. He was not selected for the Test series innings which produced 139 runs. Mahmudullah b Sodhi ...... 18 after a poor performance against England last They also set a New Zealand fourth-wicket partnership M Hossain c de Grandhomme b Santner ...... 12 summer. In November he cleared a bowling action record of 124, one more than the previous mark set by Colin Nurul Hasan (not out) ...... 7 test after serving a 12-month suspension. His action Munro and Tom Bruce in the second game two days ago. Rubel Hossain (not out) ...... 1 was deemed illegal for a second time in July 2014, The big-hitting Anderson only faced 41 deliveries for the Extras (lb-1, w-3) ...... 4 resulting in a suspension. highest knock of his career while Williamson faced 57 balls for Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 167 Australia thrashed Pakistan by 220 runs in his seventh Twenty20 half-century. Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Tamim), 2-82 (Soumya), 3-97 (Sabbir), the third and final Test in Sydney on Saturday to Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who had the mis- 4-122 (Mahmudullah), 5-150 (Mosaddek), 6-161 (Shakib) complete a 3-0 whitewash. It was the fourth time fortune to see Williamson dropped off his bowling on 53 and Bowling: Santner 4-0-37-1 (2w), Wheeler 4-0-29-0, Boult 4-0- Pakistan have been whitewashed in Australia fol- 58, was unable to complete his fourth over because of injury, 48-2, Neesham 1-0-17-0, Sodhi 4-0-22-2 (1w), De Grandhomme lowing routs in 1999, 2004 and 2010. compounding his team’s problems. 1-0-4-0, Williamson 2-0-9-1 Corey Anderson smashed an unbeaten 94 off just 41 balls. (AFP)