FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 7 Emotional Bushfi re Setien takes smoke hits over as new Australian Barca coach Open build-up

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 CRICKET Jumada I 20, 1441 AH Warner, Finch hit GULF TIMES tons as Australia pummel India SPORT Page 4

RALLYING Al-Attiyah slashes Sainz’s Dakar lead to 24 seconds Leader Sainz loses six minutes to al-Attiyah Q Peterhansel wins ninth stage

Reuters Qatar’s al-Attiyah, driving a we lost fi ve minutes or something champion Fernando Alonso had a Husqvarna, trimmed Ameri- Jeddah Toyota Hilux, fi nished second like that,” said the Spaniard. another strong day and moved can Honda rider Ricky Brabec’s behind French 13 times win- “After, I don’t know...the up to 10th overall in his Toyota. overall lead to 20 minutes and 53 ner Stephane Peterhansel in the tread came out of the tyre and we Three days remain in the en- seconds. efending champion 410km ninth special stage from needed to stop. No puncture, it’s durance event, being held in the Toby Price, the defending Nasser al-Attiyah Wadi Al Dawasir to Haradh in the like delamination of the tyre. It Middle East for the first time. champion for KTM, was second slashed Carlos Sainz’s Saudi Arabian desert. was not a good day for us”. Chilean Pablo Quintanilla on the stage and third overall, Dakar Rally lead to 24 Two-times winner Sainz, who Peterhansel thrust himself was the motorcycle stage win- 26 minutes off the lead. secondsD in the car category yes- had led by more than six minutes back into the overall reckoning, ner after Monday’s timed ac- The Australian was first on terday, while motorcycle riders at the overnight bivouac, was now six and a half minutes off the tion was cancelled following the the scene of Goncalves’ acci- returned battling their emotions fi fth in his Mini buggy. lead after his third stage win of death on Sunday of Portuguese dent and said he finished Sun- as well as the tough terrain after a “In the fi rst part we lost a little the 2020 event. veteran Paulo Goncalves. day’s stage “dehydrated with fatal crash at the weekend. bit of time, we lost the way and Double Formula One world Quintanilla, second overall on tears” after a failed effort to

Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz in their Mini Buggy in action during stage 9 of the Dakar Rally, between Wadi Al-Dawasir and Harad in Saudi Arabia yesterday. PICTURE: Frederic Le Floc’h /DPPI / Red Bull Content Pool

save him. “No doubt this is go- Alpine skier Luc Alphand, who ing to be one of the toughest was on the first helicopter to stages we’re all going to have land. “Helping holding drip to tackle and not because of bags, getting bags of medical the terrain or navigation,” the equipment and guiding other Australian posted on Instagram riders around a bad scene. We before yesterday’s start, with a all worked as long as we could heart emoji. but there was nothing we could He had earlier explained how do,” continued Price. he came over a crest, saw a rider “I helped assist carrying him down ahead of him on the dunes to the helicopter as it was the and knew it was serious. right thing to do. I was fi rst at his He was joined by Slovak rider side and wanted to be the last to Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action during stage 9 of the Dakar Rally between Wadi Al-Dawasir and Harad in Saudi Arabia yesterday. Stefan Svitko and retired French leave.”

ASIAN U23 CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar facing crunch match against Japan AFC “We know it is going to be a very “I think I have to show more ability we were behind but we managed to Bangkok diffi cult one. This generation of Japan than I have in selecting the squad for come back and equalise to get the is a good one and they have a great this tournament,” said Moriyasu. point,” said Tishreen forward Dali. squad at this level but we have to “It was a really disappointing result “Against Japan, we started with atar head coach Felix show we can compete against teams and we don’t know who will be in the better concentration, and the players Sanchez will lead his like that.” fi nal squad for the Olympics. We still kept a disciplined formation.” team into their fi nal Group Despite coming to Thailand with have a large group and we still have “We wanted to play on the wings B meeting with already- high hopes of a run deep into the the overage players who can come in with long balls, using counter-at- eliminatedQ Japan today knowing they tournament, Japan are already out of and strengthen the team that will be tacks and we managed to score the must secure a win to stand a chance contention for a quarter-fi nal berth playing at the Olympics.” second goal from a counter-attack. of advancing to the quarter-fi nals of after back-to-back defeats in their Meanwhile, Alaa Aldin Dali has “We can say that this is a historical the AFC U23 Championship Thailand fi rst two games. urged Syria to be fully focused in their win, as we secured the three points 2020. As a result, their focus has started fi nal Group B tie against Saudi Arabia and have come very close to reaching Sanchez’s side have drawn both of to shift towards the nation’s host- today. the next round. their opening games – against Syria ing of the Olympic Games in July and Dali has been Syria’s super-sub in “There is no secret to the goals I’ve and Saudi Arabia – to sit in third place August. Thailand 2020, coming off the bench scored. These goals came as a result in the standings on two points, two The loss against Syria coupled in their group opener against Qatar to of my teammates’ support, and when points adrift of the leading duo with with the opening day defeat at the help salvage a 2-2 draw, and was on I went on as a substitute my team- just one round of matches remaining. hands of Saudi Arabia means Hajime target again when his incredible run mates put their trust in me.” With the Syrians and Saudi Arabia Moriyasu’s side have no chance of from the half-line mark ended with The win over Japan means Syria’s due to face each other at Thammasat progressing to the knockout rounds him slotting past Japanese goalkeeper hopes of playing in the Tokyo Olym- Stadium, Qatar’s hopes are hanging of a tournament the Japanese won Keisuke Osako to ensure a 2-1 win on pics remain alive but Dali, 23, knows by a thread as should the other match in 2016. Sunday. Saudi Arabia will be tough opponents. end in a draw, the head-to-head record Moriyasu, who also doubles up as Their victory over the 2016 cham- “We entered this Championship of the three teams will come into play. head coach of the country’s senior pions propelled Syria to the top of the with the intention of qualifying for “It’s our last group game and it’s very side and who led Japan to the fi nal of group, and a win over Saudi Arabia the Tokyo Olympic Games. important,” said Sanchez, who has tak- the AFC Asian Cup last January, ac- will assure them a fi rst appearance in “The last match against Saudi Ara- en the West Asian nation to the semi- cepted he was to blame for his side’s the quarter-fi nals since the inaugural bia will not be easy but if we remain fi nals of this competition in each of the struggles at the tournament in Thai- edition in 2013-14. focused, I am sure we can advance to Qatar players during a training session in Bangkok yesterday. last two editions. land. “In the fi rst match against Qatar, the quarter-fi nals.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 15, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Barcelona put faith in purist Setien aft er sacking Valverde ‘Throughout his career he has been a proponent of possession based, attacking football that has been attractive to the fans’

AFP Madrid Emotional Setien surprised to be given dream job at Barcelona

uique Setien began his fi rst session as Barce- lona coach yesterday morning just as the sackedQ Ernesto Valverde drove out of the training ground for the last time. Valverde had said goodbye to the players, collected his things and left, closing the page on a brutal few days that had fi nally seen him sacked on Monday night. After Barca’s public pur- suit of Xavi Hernandez ended in failure, they have turned to Setien, the 61-year-old who has dedicated his coaching career to a belief in exciting, possession- based football.

Ernesto Valverde.

Barcelona confi rmed Set- ien’s appointment following a board meeting that lasted more than four hours at the Camp Nou on Monday afternoon. His contract, which runs until June 2022, appears also to be a show of faith. Valverde is the fi rst coach to Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu (left) and football director Eric Abidal (right) pose with Barcelona’s new coach Quique Setien during his off icial presentation in Barcelona yesterday. (AFP) be sacked by Barca mid-season since Louis van Gaal in 2003 and Quique Setien said yesterday that being coaching the best players in the world. have played under Johan Cruyff . As a listen to everyone but I am the first to “We knew the dynamic was not the best if that points to chaos, Setien appointed Barcelona coach was beyond This is the pinnacle for me.” coach, he has dedicated his career to a defend what I believe. If we have to die even if the results were very good,” said inherits a team in a healthy posi- his “wildest dreams” and has vowed to Sitting alongside Setien was club possession-based style that has earned with our ideas, we will die with them Bartomeu. “We have made the change tion too. stay true to his beliefs in exciting, attack- president Josep Maria Bartomeu and him a reputation as a purist. because Barca has to follow its path.” now because we are in the middle of the Barcelona sit top of La Liga, ing football. sporting director Eric Abidal. “I didn’t need even five minutes to Setien will be without Luis Suarez, who season and we needed a boost. With this albeit level on points with Real Setien was unveiled at a press confer- Bartomeu admitted the dismissal of accept the job,” said Setien. “I never will need four months to recover from a new dynamic we want to win the league, Madrid, and face a winnable tie ence at the Camp Nou, after the club’s Valverde should have been handled bet- thought Barca would go for me. I don’t knee injury, but he has Lionel Messi, who the Champions League and the cup.” against Napoli next month in the announcement late on Monday that ter and also revealed Setien’s contract have a glittering CV or many titles but I has scored 16 goals in 20 games this sea- Barcelona have been accused of a lack last 16 of the Champions League. he would replace the sacked Ernesto until June 2022 contains a break clause. have demonstrated even before being a son. “To start coaching the best player of respect for Valverde after their search Off the pitch, the club came Valverde. It means Setien can be removed in 2021 coach that I love a certain philosophy. in the world and the players around him, for a replacement, including off ering top of Deloitte’s annual Football “Not even in my wildest dreams could I after the club’s presidential elections. “And all I have done is ensure my previ- I’m still not sure what that means,” said the job to Xavi Hernandez, was widely Money League table on Monday, have imagined being here, I am quite an Setien takes charge after an impressive ous teams have all played good football. Setien. “I have talked to him and some reported over the weekend. after posting record earnings of emotional person and today is a special spell at Real Betis, which ended last sum- I don’t know if that was enough to earn others and I have already told him about “Of course I wish things had been done 840.8 million euros ($937 mil- day for me,” Setien said after signing his mer, and with Barcelona top of La Liga. me this opportunity but I am grateful for the admiration I feel for him.” diff erently,” Bartomeu said. “But in re- lion) for 2018/19. contract in front of the media. A former player for Atletico Madrid it, nothing else.” Valverde won La Liga in each of his two cent weeks and months we have spoken Some of that income might “Yesterday I was walking past cows and Racing Santander, Setien once Setien added: “I am a person with clear seasons in charge but Bartomeu said the to other coaches, it’s always like that, have to be channelled into sign- in my village and today I am at Barca, said he would cut off his little finger to convictions. I have very clear ideas. I club needed a boost. and nothing has come out.” ing a new striker this month, with Setien taking over a squad that will be without Luis Suarez commented he would have cut nent of possession based, at- drid and Racing Santander who winning twice in a row at the steered Las Palmas clear of rel- but doubts were underpinned for four months due to a knee off his little fi nger to play under tacking football that has been won three caps for Spain, Setien Santiago Bernabeu and beating egation from La Liga. He has also by two disastrous exits from the injury. Johan Cruyff . attractive to the fans.” led Betis to a sixth-place fi n- Atletico. After seeing off Barce- coached Racing, Poli Ejido, Lo- Champions League due to col- More generally, he will have After Valverde’s more func- His fi rst game in charge will be ish in 2018 and qualifi cation for lona – Valverde’s only home de- grones and, for one game, Equa- lapses against Roma and Liver- to fi nd a way to marry his purist tional approach, Barca will be- at home to Granada on Sunday the Europa League but, despite feat – Sergio Busquets presented torial Guinea. His primary task pool. principles with results at one of lieve Setien’s philosophy chimes and a tricky fi rst six weeks will overseeing a thrilling 4-3 victory Setien with a signed shirt. will be to hold off a resurgent Familiar frailties were exposed the most demanding clubs in the better with the principles they include away games at Valencia, at the Camp Nou early the fol- “For Quique,” read the mes- Real Madrid in a neck-and-neck this season in a series of under- world. His critics have suggested see as part of their DNA. Real Betis and then Real Madrid lowing season, results tailed off . sage. “With appreciation and title race after Valverde managed whelming performances and a style can take precedence over “Setien is one of the most ex- at the start of March. Betis fi nished 10th and the admiration for the way you see to sustain the domestic domi- 3-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid substance. perienced coaches in Spanish club and coach parted ways, football.” nance enjoyed by Barcelona over in the Spanish Super Cup last “Having the ball makes you a football,” a club statement read EUROPEAN FAILURES even if there was recognition for Previously, Setien had helped the last decade. Thursday, in which Barca con- football player, not running after on Monday night. “Throughout HAUNT VALVERDE what had been achieved. Set- Lugo secure promotion to the He won two La Liga titles, as ceded two late goals, fi nally per- it,” Setien said last year. He once his career he has been a propo- A former player at Atletico Ma- ien had presided over the team second tier in 2012 and, in 2016, well as the Copa del Rey in 2018, suaded the board to act.

SPOTLIGHT Loew says ‘a few names’ considered on Olympics team DPA the senior national team between 2010 Off enbach, Germany and 2018 before being told by Loew 10 Creative ideas needed in short World Cup 2022 preparation: Bierhoff months ago he was no longer wanted. Mueller said he would not rule out Creative solutions will be needed in Germany’s preparation for a tournament is because you can ermany coach Joachim going to the Tokyo Olympics - possibly preparation for the 2022 World Cup owing to the hardly try out things during short international Loew has sidestepped the along with his dressage-riding wife, short run-up to the tournament in Qatar, accord- breaks. “But all teams have to live with it. It will be subject of a possible Olym- Lisa Mueller – but insisted the issue is ing to German Football Federation (DFB) director a disadvantage for all coaches but not a competi- pic place for Bayern Munich’s not on his mind right now. Oliver Bierhoff . tion disadvantage because all teams have to live Gformer international Thomas Mueller. Oliver Bierhoff , the German Football But Bierhoff also said, at a German Football with it.” Loew said yesterday it was a matter federation’s national team director, League (DFL) reception yestersday, that the other for Germany Under-21 coach Stefan said a player like Mueller could not be 31 teams will face the same dilemma of possibly Kuntz. ruled out but there were a lot of factors just having one week to prepare instead of several “He gave me a few names before to be considered. as ahead of past World Cups. Christmas. Some or maybe even many “It is interesting to take older play- “We won’t have a lot of time because of the big come into question,” Loew said at the ers bearing several aspects in mind, of time pressure all leagues will have, with the inter- New Year’s reception of the German course the sporting quality but also the national competitions as well,” Bierhoff said. Football League (DFL) in Off enbach. experience and personality,” he said. “We need a creative approach and have to tackle The Olympic tournament is offi cially “I said to Stefan Kuntz that he can some issues during earlier international breaks. an under-23 event for which each team make the most of it, and of course that The preparation time for the coach, and the or- can nominate three older players. includes Thomas Mueller. But that’s ganizazion in Qatar, will be very diff erent.” None of Germany’s players at the still a long way off . You shouldn’t ex- The World Cup will run November 21 to December July 24-August 8 Olympics, however, clude any player or for that matter any 18 as play isn’t possible in the summer in Qatar will come from the senior squad at the former international player.” because of the intense heat. The off icial 2022-23 June 12-July 12 European Champion- Kuntz meanwhile told Die Welt daily season calendar won’t be released until autumn ships. he had spoken to a number of clubs. but it appears that the last Bundesliga round “First he (Kuntz) has to wait and see Asked about the fact that a list of before the World Cup will end November 13, just who is with the senior team because we names had to be presented by Wednes- eight days before the World Cup starts. don’t want to play two tournaments, day to the National Anti-Doping Agen- “Of course that’s not enough,” Bierhoff said. “You that’s for sure,” Loew said. cy, Kuntz said he would not be reveal- can see in talks with coaches how important the Mueller, 30, played 100 games for ing the names of the candidates. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 15, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT FA offi cial calls for govt help to stamp ‘Man Utd can still out racism in football

AFP that players received support, London with potential benefi ts within football and society at large. “There has to be a duty of helsea’s fi rst black cap- care because the by-product of compete with best tain Paul Elliott, who speaking out will be the positive now works for the Foot- impact and the positive behav- ball Association, yester- iour in stadiums, which will then dayC called for government help have a domino eff ect on societal to combat racism in football. behaviour,” said Elliott. The 55-year-old former cen- “With the utmost respect, tral defender told the BBC the this is one area where there has FA had a zero-tolerance attitude to be a united front - we must be in transfer market’ to racism and ministers should together.” adopt the same policy. The Department for Digital, ‘The most important thing for me is we get the results sorted’ Reported incidents of racist Culture, Media and Sport, in a abuse in English football rose by statement carried by the BBC, AFP 43 percent in 2018-19 compared said it was committed to work- London to the previous season, accord- ing with football authorities in ing to campaign group Kick It tackling racism. Out. “Racism or any form of dis- le Gunnar Solsk- “We in football are giving off crimination has no place in jaer says Manches- a message about zero tolerance,” football or society, and we must ter United retain the said Elliott, who is the FA’s inclu- confront this vile behaviour,” the power to compete sion advisory board chief. “The statement said. atO the top end of the transfer government has to be alongside.” “We are completely commit- market despite warnings their Manchester City and England ted to working closely with foot- status as the Premier League’s striker Raheem Sterling has been ball on tackling racism.” richest club is “at risk”. highly praised for speaking out The department said it was According to Deloitte’s Foot- on racism. monitoring the eff orts of football ball Money League, United’s Elliott said it was important authorities to tackle the issue. revenue of £627.1 million ($814 million) in 2018-19 put them third overall behind only Barce- COPPA ITALIA lona and Real Madrid. But the consulting fi rm warned United could soon fi nd themselves slipping behind Liv- Insigne scores fi rst erpool and Manchester City due to their failure to qualify for the Champions League. home goals of season Solskjaer off ered a robust de- fence of the club’s status yes- Reuters terday, speaking ahead of his Napoli side’s FA Cup third-round relay against Wolves. “The most important thing apoli forward Lorenzo for me is we get the results sort- Insigne scored his fi rst ed and the performances on the home goals of the sea- pitch,” he said. son to lead his side to a “But I know that we’ve got 2-0N win over second-tier Peru- the resources, we’ve got the gia in a Coppa Italia last-16 tie backing. If we need to go into featuring three fi rst-half penal- the transfer market we are still ties yesterday. up there so we’re still in a good Napoli were joined in the place.” quarter-fi nals by Lazio, who United are reportedly in talks rested several regulars but still over a deal for Sporting Lisbon easily disposed of second divi- midfi elder Bruno Fernandes, sion Cremonese 4-0 at Rome’s who could cost as much as £70 Stadio Olimpico. million, though Solskjaer of- Insigne, the Napoli captain, fered no update on that or any broke the deadlock with a 26th romp in the last minute. other moves in the January minute penalty after Hirving Inter Milan hosted Cagliari in market. Lozano had been fouled and then the last of cup ties. Today’s match against Wolves converted another spot kick 12 at Old Traff ord could off er an- minutes later after handball by WATFORD SIGN PUSSETTO other opportunity for 18-year- Pietro Iemmello. Perugia were FROM UDINESE old striker Mason Greenwood, then awarded a penalty of their Watford have signed Argentine who started in the goalless draw own, following a VAR review, winger Ignacio Pussetto from between the two sides at Mo- for handball by Elseid Hysaj but Italian side Udinese on a four- lineux on January 4. Iemmello completed an unhappy and-a-half-year deal, the Pre- afternoon when his eff ort was mier League club announced on GREENWOOD WARNING saved by David Ospina. Tuesday. Greenwood has enjoyed a huge- Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gesture at the end of the English Premier League match against Norwich Napoli went on to record their The club did not disclose the ly impressive season to date, City at Old Traff ord in Manchester, north west England, on January 11.(AFP) fi rst home win since Gennaro transfer fee but British media scoring nine goals for United’s Gattuso replaced Carlo Ance- reported it was in the region of 8 senior side in 26 appearances “His focus has to be playing to make sure we energise them like, as a team, we improved City in the semi-fi nals of the lotti as their coach in December. million euros ($8.90 million). but Solskjaer cautioned against for us and improving. When he with results,” he said. when we got in a rhythm of League Cup, Solskjaer is look- Defender Patric scored his The 24-year-old, who can also England taking him to Euro plays well for us, that will hap- “After a performance like match, rest, match, rest. ing to the FA Cup as the most fi rst goal for Lazio as they went play as a striker, has fi ve goals 2020, with concerns over the pen by itself.” Norwich (a 4-0 win) they all felt “The likes of Roy (Keane), realistic prospect of silverware ahead early and veteran Marco and fi ve assists in 50 appear- availability of the injured Harry Solskjaer is trying to carefully good about that and used that as Gary (Neville), (Paul) ‘Scholesy’, this season. Parolo added another in the 26th ances since his move to Udinese Kane. manage the demands on his motivation. they only seemed to improve “This tournament is one that minute. in 2018. Udinese is owned by “I think Mason will have a top younger players, and his squad “We’re not there yet, we’ve and we need to get to that.” we all dream about winning Ciro Immobile took his sea- Italian businessman Giampaolo career, a long career, but let the as a whole, as they prepare for got to keep working and im- With United well off the when we’re young,” he said. “I son’s goal tally to 23 as he con- Pozzo while his son Gino owns boy settle in now before we talk their 14th game in 46 days. proving, just keep the rhythm. pace in the Premier League and loved my time in the fi nals and verted a second-half penalty for Watford, who have signed a about England and the Euros,” “It is physically and men- I didn’t play in all these games needing to overturn a 3-1 fi rst- lifting the trophy, so we want to Lazio’s third and Angolan inter- number of players from the Serie he said. tally demanding and we’ve got when I was playing but I felt leg defi cit to rivals Manchester go through.” national Bastos completed the A club in the past.

BOTTOMLINE Barca open record gap over Real in Deloitte Money League AFP years ago. However, they were London overtaken in the latest study by Qatari-owned Paris Saint- Germain, who moved into fi fth a Liga leaders Barcelona place. “United have been the top have chalked up a vic- English club since we started the tory over rivals Real Ma- Money League but that could drid after establishing a come under a bit of pressure Lrecord gap between fi rst and sec- when we do it in 2021,” Jones ond place in the latest Deloitte said. “That will cover this season Football Money League. when Liverpool are having a tre- Barcelona topped the mendous season on the pitch, so 2018/2019 earnings table with we think there’s a possibility of 840.8 million euros ($937 mil- United losing that number one lion), a record 83.5 million euros position. ahead of Real (757.3 million eu- “Part of that will ride on how ros), while Manchester United, the rest of this season goes, if the highest-placed British club City or Liverpool go deep into in third, earned 711.5 million eu- the Champions League. ros (£627.1 million) for 2018-19. “If you think about where we Reigning German champions were 10 years ago, the idea that Bayern Munich were fourth on City would overhaul United 660.1 million euros. in fi nancial terms would have Consulting fi rm Deloitte sug- seemed far-fetched.” gest United’s grip on the number In all there are eight Pre- one status among English clubs mier League clubs in the Mon- is under serious threat next year ey League top 20, more than from Premier League champions any other country, and all the Manchester City and Champi- Barcelona players pose before the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on January 9, 2020 in Jeddah. (AFP) clubs hail from Europe’s big fi ve ons League holders Liverpool. leagues of England, France, Ger- Barcelona leading the pack is liance on broadcast revenue and ation generated 383.5mn euros of revenue of almost 880mn euros League survey in 1996-97 – is in in the list while Liverpool are many, Italy and Spain. down to bringing merchandis- focusing on growing revenues revenue, which is more than the in 2019-20, we expect them to peril because they are forecast- seventh, trail United by just un- Tottenham, beaten in last sea- ing and licensing activities in- within its control,” Dan Jones, total revenue of the 12th-placed retain the top spot in next year’s ing reduced revenues of between der 101 million euros (£89 mil- son’s Champions League fi nal, house, according to Deloitte. partner in the Sports Business club in this year’s Money League. edition.” £560-580 million for 2019-20, lion). An indication of how much have achieved their highest-ever “Barca are a clear example of a Group at Deloitte, told the Press “With the club expecting fur- United’s place as number one partly because they failed to ground Abu Dhabi-backed City position of eighth, with revenue club adapting to changing mar- Association news agency. ther growth of 30 million euros English club – a position they qualify for this season’s Cham- have made up is that they were of 521.1 million euros (£459.3 ket conditions, reducing the re- “The club’s commercial oper- in commercial revenues and total have held since the fi rst Money pions League. City, who are sixth £200 million adrift of United 10 million). Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 15, 2020 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Archer abuser banned for 2 years Warner, Finch tons in New Zealand help Aussies crush India by 10 wickets ‘It’s a very strong Australian team, and if you don’t play well enough, they will hurt you’

Reuters the man and have also writ- Wellington ten to him, advising of his ban from all international and do- mestic fi xtures in New Zealand ew Zealand Cricket until 2022.” If the man attends (NZC) has banned a a fi xture and breaches his ban, spectator from at- he will be removed from the tending internation- venue and may face further le- Nal and domestic games in the gal action. country for two years after he “We’d again like to extend admitted racially abusing Eng- our apologies to Jofra and the land fast bowler Jofra Archer. England team management NZC fi led a complaint with for such an unsavoury incident the police after failing to “con- and reiterate once more that clusively identify” a specta- this type of behaviour is com- tor who, as Archer explained pletely unacceptable,” said on social media, had racially NZC spokesperson Anthony abused him during play on the Crummy. “We want to thank fi nal day of the fi rst test at the the NZ Police for their eff orts in Bay Oval in November. identifying the person respon- “As a result of their inquir- sible, and for making it clear ies, police have spoken to a that this type of behaviour will 28-year-old Auckland man not be minimised.” He added who subsequently admitted that NZC would continue to responsibility for the abuse,” treat off ensive language and said NZC in a statement on behaviour seriously, with anti- Monday. racist messages to be posted on “He was issued with a ver- signs around the grounds, on bal warning for using insulting the big screen, as well as be- language. ing delivered by announcers at “NZC have since contacted matches.

De Villiers ponders T20 WC return Australia’s Aaron Finch (right) plays a shot during the first ODI against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) AB de Villiers has confirmed tions, the 35-year-old has had AFP onto Pant who went for a pull, got a top there have been talks about a change of heart. Mumbai Scorecard edge onto the helmet and the ball lobbed his return to South Africa’s “There’s a lot that needs to INDIA hul), 3-140 (Dhawan), 4-156 (Kohli), 5-164 towards point. team for this year’s Twen- happen before that becomes Number 10 batsman Kuldeep Yadav ty20 World Cup in Australia. reality, but I would love to,” R. Sharma c Warner b Starc 10 (Iyer), 6-213 (Jadeja), 7-217 (Pant), 8-229 peners David Warner and Aaron (Thakur), 9-255 (Yadav), 10-255 (Shami) made a useful 17 to take India’s score past De Villiers, widely regarded De Villiers told reporters in Finch struck dominant centu- S. Dhawan c Agar b Cummins 74 250 before being run out by a direct throw as one of the best limited- Australia. Bowlers: Starc 10-0-56-3 (2w), Cummins ries in a record partnership to from Steve Smith. overs batsmen in the world, “I’ve been talking to Bouch, KL Rahul c Smith b Agar 47 10-1-44-2 (2w), Richardson 9.1-0-43-2 (2w), power Australia to a crushing retired from all forms of Graeme Smith and Faf (Du V. Kohli c & b Zampa 16 10-wicketO win over India in the fi rst one- Zampa 10-0-53-1 (1w), Agar 10-1-56-1 (1w) ‘OUTPLAYED’ international cricket in 2018, Plessis) back home. We are day international yesterday. S. Iyer c Carey b Starc 4 AUSTRALIA (target 256) Indian captain Virat Kohli said that the citing a desire to spend more all keen to make it happen, Warner blasted 128 while captain Finch R. Pant c Turner b Cummins 28 D. Warner not out 128 batsmen may have been a bit too respect- time with his family. it’s a long way away still and made 110 as Australia chased down their ful to the Australian bowlers. “Totally But after a change in person- plenty can happen — there’s R. Jadeja c Carey b Richardson 25 A. Finch not out 110 target of 256 in just 37.4 overs in Mum- outplayed in all three departments. It’s nel and structure at Cricket the IPL (Indian Premier bai to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match S. Thakur b Starc 13 Extras (b4, lb7, w9) 20 a very strong Australian team, and if you South Africa, in which his League) coming. “I’ve still got series. M. Shami c Carey b Richardson 10 Total (for 0 wkts, 37.4 overs) 258 don’t play well enough, they will hurt former team mates Graeme to be in form at that time. But Paceman Mitchell Starc also played a you,” said Kohli in the post-match pres- K. Yadav run out (Smith) 17 Fall of wickets: 1-122 (Sharma), 2-167 Smith (director of cricket) I’m thinking of throwing my key part with three wickets that helped entation ceremony. (Rahul), 3-188 (Iyer), 4-201 (Pant), 5-228 and Mark Boucher (head name in the hat and hoping bowl out India for 255 in 49.1 overs after J. Bumrah not out 0 “In phases, we were too respectful (Jadhav), 6-286 (Kohli) coach) have taken key posi- everything will work out.” the tourists elected to fi eld fi rst in their Extras (lb3, w8) 11 against their bowlers, and didn’t take Bowling: Shami 7.4-0-58-0 (1w), Bumrah fi rst 50-over outing since last year’s Total (all out, 49.1 overs) 255 the game by the scruff of the neck. It’s World Cup. 7-0-50-0 (1w), Thakur 5-0-43-0 (4w), Kul- another challenge to bounce back from Sri Lanka name 15-man squad But it was the left-right batting pair of Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Sharma), 2-134 (Ra- deep 10-0-55-0 (2w), Jadeja 8-0-41-0 (1w). here,” he said. for Zimbabwe Tests Warner and Finch that put together the Kohli had come in at number four in- highest partnership of 258 for any wicket regular stumper Rishabh Pant suff ered a left-arm spin. Pat Cummins was brought stead of his usual spot of number three, Sri Lanka yesterday named year because of political in ODIs against India. concussion following a hit on the helmet back from the other end to send Dhawan where KL Rahul had batted. a 15-member squad for the interference but was read- Warner raised his 18th ODI hundred in while batting. back to the pavilion after fl icking the ball “We’ve had this discussion in the past. two-match Test series in Zim- mitted by the International 88 balls with a boundary off Indian quick It was the second-wicket 121-run to cover where Agar took the catch. Because of the way KL has batted, we babwe, the first in the African Cricket Council three months Jasprit Bumrah as he jumped with joy and stand between Rahul and Dhawan that Skipper Virat Kohli did not stay long, have tried to have him bat up in the line- nation since its suspension later. kissed his helmet to celebrate the knock. put India on course for a big score but hitting Zampa for a six but was caught up. We might have to think about this. was lifted by the ICC. Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne Finch completed his hundred in 108 they slipped from 134-1 to 164-5 in the and bowled with the next ball for 16. Every now and then, it’s about putting Both Tests will be held in (Captain), Oshada Fern- balls but it was Warner who remained in space of 35 deliveries. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit 25, people up there and testing them. People Harare, the first from Sunday ando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo total control as he fi nished off with two of The left-handed Dhawan smashed made 49 runs with an attacking partner- need to relax and not panic. Today was and the second starting on Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, 17 boundaries. He also hit three sixes. nine fours and one six in his 91-ball knock ship. But Kane Richardson claimed Jadeja one of the days it didn’t come off ,” said January 27th, Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhanan- For India, K L Rahul, who made 47 in and was well supported by Rahul who and Cummins got Pant for 28. Kohli. cricket board said. jaya de Silva, Niroshan Dick- the Indian innings, kept wickets after made 47 before falling to Ashton Agar’s A short ball from Cummins hurried The second ODI is on Friday in Rajkot. Zimbabwe last played a Test wella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith match in November 2018 Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, when they toured Bangla- Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Ra- THIRD TEST desh and they were barred jitha, Lakshan Sandakan and from ICC events in July last Suranga Lakmal. AFP

Proteas looking for change of fortune FOCUS AFP Test under some pressure but bowler Jack Leach would be Port Elizabeth England squared the series rejoining the party have been with a 189-run win and he had dashed. Leach has not played in Bangladesh to split a good match as batsman, scor- a match in South Africa because outh African captain Faf ing 35 and 61, and as captain. of illness and tour management du Plessis returns to one Now there is pressure on Du said yesterday that he would be Pakistan tour: PCB of his most productive Plessis, albeit primarily from heading home. venues, seeking a change the public through social me- It was revealed that Leach, 27, Reuters ment, Bangladesh will play ofS form and fortune in the third dia. who will leave the tour Thurs- three T20s in Lahore between Dhaka Test against England, starting at His place as captain and day, suff ered from Sepsis dur- January 24 and 27, then return St George’s Park tomorrow. batsman is under no serious ing the previous series in New to Pakistan for a Test match In six Tests at the ground threat but his recent perform- Zealand when he had to be hos- angladesh have agreed starting on February 7 in where South Africa played their ances have been compared to pitalised. He also suff ered bouts to play three Twen- Rawalpindi that will be a part fi rst Test match, against Eng- those of Temba Bavuma, who of fl u and gastroenteritis which ty20 internationals, of the ICC World Champion- land in 1888/89, Du Plessis has was dropped after averaging swept the England camp last two Tests and a one- ship. After the Pakistan Super scored 509 runs at an average of below 20 in 2019 — even though month. “It has been an unfor- Bday international (ODI) in League concludes in March, 72.71, including two of his nine Du Plessis was the country’s tunate time for Jack with illness Pakistan, but with the series Bangladesh will play an ODI career Test centuries. second-highest run-scorer be- and since the Test series in New split into three to allay security in Karachi on April 3, with the With the four-match World hind Quinton de Kock last year. Zealand six weeks ago he hasn’t concerns, the Pakistan Cricket second Test starting two days Test Championship series tied What is beyond dispute is and lost fi ve of 23 Tests under at St George’s Park last Febru- been able to get 100% fi t,” said Board (PCB) said yesterday. later at the same venue. at 1-1, runs will be handy for that South Africa need bet- his leadership. ary when they were beaten by England head coach Chris Sil- Tests against Sri Lanka last “I am glad that the uncer- the South African captain after ter performances from Zubayr Since then, several leading Sri Lanka inside three days — verwood. month in Rawalpindi and Ka- tainty around the series is now a highest score of 29 in his most Hamza and Du Plessis in the key players have left the stage and after Du Plessis won the toss. Without Leach, off -spinner rachi were Pakistan’s fi rst on over and we can start planning recent seven Test innings — as number three and four batting the Proteas have just three wins The captain scored 25 and Dom Bess is seen as certain to home soil since a militant at- for the smooth delivery of the will some luck with the toss. positions. Hamza has scored to set against eight defeats. 50 not out in what was largely hold his place after bowling tack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in matches,” PCB chief executive “That’s a record-breaking 66 runs in four innings and Du Five of those losses were in a dismal batting performance steadily at Newlands. Lahore in 2009. Wasim Khan said. fi ve (losses) in a row,” Du Ples- Plessis 69. Du Plessis will also Sri Lanka and India, on each oc- against modest opposition. There remains a selection Last month, Bangladesh “Bangladesh will visit Pa- sis wryly noted when England’s want to shore up his ratio of casion after Du Plessis lost the dilemma, however, following agreed to play T20 matches in kistan thrice, which should Joe Root called correctly before wins against losses as captain. toss in countries where the toss LEACH HEADING HOME a tour-ending injury to James Pakistan but said Tests would give them the comfort that the second Test in Cape Town When South Africa complet- is usually more important than England will be riding on a wave Anderson, who took seven have to be played at a neutral Pakistan is as safe and secure last week. ed a series win against Australia in South Africa. Arguably the of confi dence after Newlands, wickets in Cape Town. venue because of security con- as any other cricket-playing Root went into the second two years ago they had won 15 team’s worst loss, though, was but hopes that fi rst choice slow cerns. In the revised arrange- country.” Gulf Times Wednesday, January 15, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Ovechkin, Ilya lead Caps past Hurricanes Lakers streak hits Reuters chise record for a rookie Los Angeles goalie. Washington took a 1-0 lead on the fi rst Ovechkin goal with 8:02 left in the fi rst lex Ovechkin scored period. Tom Wilson cor- two goals and moved ralled the puck in the left into sole posses- corner before making a quick sion of 11th place pass to Ovechkin, who fi red a nine with Cavs win; onA the NHL’s all-time goal- shot past Carolina goalie Petr scoring list as the Washington Mrazek for his team-leading Capitals defeated the visiting 27th goal of the season. Carolina Hurricanes 2-0 on Wilson earned the lone as- Monday night. sist, his 18th of the season, Ovechkin broke out of a which came in his 500th NHL tie with Teemu Selanne (684 game. goals) when he scored 11:58 Ovechkin then stretched Thunder past Wolves into the game, and he added the lead to 2-0 on a power- his second of the night about play goal with 2:42 remaining ‘Even when they scored we got the ball out and continued to play with a lot of pace’ fi ve minutes later. in the opening period. Jakub His 686 goals leave the Vrana got the puck near the Washington captain just four right point and fed the cap- goals behind Mario Lemieux, tain with a cross-ice pass that who is alone in 10th place he one-timed past Mrazek overall. from the left circle. Ovechkin’s performance John Carlson got the sec- helped the Capitals snap ond assist on the play. The a two-game losing streak. Washington defenseman has Washington has been strug- 43 assists this season. Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (centre) scoring gling in recent games, but his The second period wasn’t past Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love (second right) two goals let the Capitals take as easy for Washington, as it and Tristan Thompson (right) during the second half command against a physical needed to take care of three at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Carolina team. penalties, and did so without Goalie Ilya Samsonov allowing a goal. But the Capi- posted his fi rst career shut- tals fi nished with just fi ve out with 23 saves. The rookie shots in the period and could improved his record to 13-2-1 not extend their lead. this year. Washington was unable to Also, he has won eight take advantage of the Hur- straight while backing up ricanes’ empty net for nearly starter Braden Holtby. The three minutes at the end of eight-game run ties a fran- the third period.

RESULTS Montreal 2-0 Calgary NY Rangers 6-2 NY Islanders Philadelphia 6-5 Boston Washington 2-0 Carolina St. Louis 4-1 Anaheim

AFP He joined former Thunder superstar points and 14 rebounds from 76ers guard Los Angeles RESULTS Russell Westbrook as the only guards with Ben Simmons. 20-point, 20-rebound triple-doubles in LA Lakers 128-99 Cleveland the last 30 seasons. At 21 years and 185 CELTICS EASE PAST BULLS eBron James scored 23 of his 31 Boston 113-101 Chicago days old he became the youngest player in Malcolm Brogdon, who had played just points in the second half as the Los Portland 115-112 Charlotte league history with a 20-rebound triple- eight minutes since December 22 because Angeles Lakers broke open a close double — breaking a mark set by Shaquille of strep throat and a sore back, added 21 game to register a ninth straight Orlando 114-112 Sacramento O’Neal in 1993. points, seven rebounds and nine assists LNBA victory, 128-99 over the Cleveland Oklahoma 117-105 Minnesota “Coach just challenged me before the for the Pacers, who had knotted the score Cavaliers. New Orleans 117-110 Detroit game to fi ll the stat sheet,” the second- at 69-69 heading into the fourth quarter. With Lakers star Anthony Davis still year player from Canada said. “He knows “We just hung in there,” Pacers coach Indiana 101-95 Philadelphia sidelined by a sore backside from a fall, what I’m capable of. I just wanted to step Nate McMillan said. “It was obvious that Dwight Howard added season highs of 21 great pace. Even when they scored we got up to the challenge personally.” our guys who came back tonight didn’t points and 15 rebounds for the Western the ball out and continued to play with a The Philadelphia 76ers’ road woes have a rhythm and that fi rst group didn’t Conference leaders. lot of pace,” James said. “That allows us to continued in Indiana, where T J Warren have a rhythm and really struggled for James added eight assists and passed get into our off ense. We’re playing with a scored 21 points and produced a big block three quarters. Isiah Thomas for eighth place on the lot of balance.” with 29 seconds left to help the Pacers to a “I thought this was a good win in the league’s all-time list. He now has 9,067 101-95 victory. sense that we didn’t play well and we were career assists. RECORDS TUMBLE In a battle of teams jockeying for playoff able to stay with it.” “Any time I’m linked with the greats it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wrote himself position in the Eastern Conference, Indi- The Boston Celtics, second in the East just an honor,” James said of passing Tho- into the record books in Minnesota, help- ana notched their second win in 14 days behind the Milwaukee Bucks, notched a mas. James, who missed the Lakers’ last ing propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to over the 76ers, handing Philadelphia their convincing 113-101 victory over the Chi- game because of illness, improved to 2-0 a 117-104 over the Timberwolves with his sixth straight defeat on the road. cago Bulls. against the Cavaliers since he departed fi rst career triple-double. The Sixers have lost two of three since The Celtics turned an early 8-8 tie into Cleveland for Los Angeles in 2018. Seven Thunder players scored in dou- Joel Embiid was sidelined by a left hand a 16-8 lead and never looked back, leading The Cavs had leapt to a 14-point lead ble fi gures but Gilgeous-Alexander stole injury and fell to 25-16 — just a hair be- by as many as 18 points in the second half. in the fi rst half but the Lakers had cut the the show with 20 points, 20 rebounds and hind the 25-15 Pacers for fi fth place in the Jayson Tatum scored 21 points to lead Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal defi cit to one point at the interval and ex- 10 assists. His rebound total was a career East. The Pacers rallied from an 11-point six Celtics players in double fi gures. Jaylen against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena on Monday ploded with 81 points in the second half. high — and the most in the league by a third-quarter defi cit to snatch the vic- Brown added 19, Enes Kanter 15 and Kem- in Washington. (AFP) “Defensively we got stops and we had guard in a game this season. tory, withstanding a double-double of 24 ba Walker 14.

NFL Stefanski signs his 5-year contract with Browns Reuters San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. six interceptions in 2019, discounting Los Angeles Cleveland, which fi red Freddie Kitch- his rookie season, in which he played just ens after one season and a 6-10 record, three games. interviewed eight candidates for the job. In Cleveland, Stefanski inherits quar- ne day after multiple reports Stefanski, 37, will be the sixth full-time terback Baker Mayfi eld, who struggled pegged former Minnesota Vi- head coach since the Haslams bought the in his sophomore NFL season (22 touch- kings off ensive co-ordinator team in 2012. downs, 21 interceptions) despite the off - Kevin Stefanski as the new Stefanski also interviewed with the season addition of wide receiver Odell headO coach of Cleveland Browns, the Browns after the 2018 season, when Beckham Jr. A year earlier as a rookie, team made the hire offi cial, announcing Cleveland opted for Kitchens. Mayfi eld passed for 27 scores with 14 in- the move via press release on Monday. “It’s very exciting obviously for me terceptions. Multiple media outlets reported that and my family,” Stefanski said. “We’re Mayfi eld’s 21 interceptions last season Stefanski’s contract will be for fi ve years, really looking forward to moving out here ranked as the second most in the league with full contract terms still unknown. and getting situated in Cleveland and the behind only Jameis Winston’s 30. “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin adventure of it all. From my professional The Browns are still searching for a as the next head coach of the Cleveland level, I just could not be more eager to get new general manager after parting ways Browns,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, to work with this group. I think we have with John Dorsey on New Year’s Eve after per the team’s statement. “We were some really good players here. I think we failing to come to an agreement on a re- looking for a strong leader of this foot- have some outstanding people in this structuring of the front offi ce. ball team, a very bright coach with a high building.” Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football IQ, who could establish a strong Stefanski worked in the Minnesota football operations Andrew Berry has understanding of what he expected of organisation since 2006, with this year agreed to an interview, which is expected his players, hold them accountable and being his fi rst full season as an off ensive to occur this week. confi dently navigate the challenges and coordinator. The Vikings ranked eighth Vikings assistant GM George Paton opportunities that present themselves in the NFL in the regular season with has reportedly accepted an interview throughout a season. Kevin exemplifi es 25.4 points per game and 16th with 353.5 with the Browns, according to NFL Net- these qualities and more.” yards per game. Quarterback Kirk Cous- work’s Ian Rapoport. The team met with Stefanski in the ins posted the fourth-best passer rat- The Browns have not made the play- Minneapolis area last week as the Vikings ing (107.4) among NFL starters, which off s since the 2002 season and last post- prepared for their NFC divisional playoff marked his career high. The oft-criti- ed a winning record in 2007, when they game, which they lost 27-10 to the host cised Cousins also threw a career-low went 10-6. File photo of Vikings off ensive co-ordinator Kevin Stefanski. (Star Tribune/MCT) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 15, 2020 SPORT

GOLF BOXING Wilder, Fury vow to settle rematch Rio medallists set for with a knockout Singapore showdown before Olympics ‘We all look back with great memories from Rio and want to make some new ones in Tokyo’ Deontay Wilder (left) and Tyson Fury face-off during a press conference in Los Angeles on Monday. (AFP)

Reuters his head off his body.” Los Angeles After proving an elusive target in their fi rst fi ght, Fury promised to stand toe to toe eavyweights Deon- with Wilder in the rematch. tay Wilder and Ty- “I’ll meet you, Deontay, son Fury have both in the middle of the ring... I promised knockouts won’t be running, you won’t Hto avoid going to the judges’ have to look anywhere for scorecards when they meet me,” he said. again on February 22 in Las “Just watch out for the Vegas with Wilder’s WBC right hand because you’re go- world title on the line. ing to sleep in two rounds,” The fi rst meeting between said Fury, who has won 20 of the pair in December 2018 his fi ghts by knockout. “Two. ended in a controversial split- 100%.” decision draw after 12 explo- Likening their trans-At- sive rounds, a result that sat- lantic showdown to when isfi ed neither fi ghter but left Briton Lennox Lewis defeated both with their undefeated American Mike Tyson in June records intact. 2002, Fury said he expected Speaking at a news con- fi reworks when the two meet ference in Los Angeles, again. “To beat Tyson Fury, Fury (29-0-1) said he would you have to nail him to the down Wilder (42-0-1) in two canvas. And that’s what this rounds, while the champ said little skinny-legs super-noo- that Fury would not be able to dle will have to do — nail me withstand his powerful right to the canvas,” he said of the hand this time around. tall and slender Wilder, whose “This is unfi nished busi- body more resembles that of ness that I will fi nish. I’m go- a basketball power forward ing to knock him out,” Wilder than a traditional heavy- said. “I’m the lion, I’m the weight boxer. king of the jungle, and come “And if he can’t do that, I’m February 22nd, I’m gonna rip going to eat him up.”

Momota faces two months out aft er fatal car crash Justin Rose of England (left), Henrik Stenson of the United States (centre) and Matt Kuchar pose with the trophy after a press conference in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) Badminton world number to recuperate fully. “I hope one Kento Momota could he will do his best without AFP with “staying fresh” for the Games and Brazil’s Adilson da Silva. be out for two months after pushing and rushing himself Singapore in mind, and that “defending the The Rio winners joked about European Tour announces new being injured in a car crash too hard and without being Olympic gold is obviously very what they had done with their penalty rules for slow play that killed his driver just hours impatient,” said Zeniya. much on the top of my list”. medals — with America’s Kuchar, after he won the Malaysia Momota has been in hospital he three men’s golf medal- The trio made light of their ri- 41, admitting he carries his around The European Tour has said it referees to more eff ectively Masters on Sunday. since Monday following the lists from the 2016 Rio Ol- valry and said they were looking in a sock inside his backpack. will be stricter on giving one- target slower players,” said The 25-year-old Japanese crash with a slow-moving ympics will appear at the forward to facing each other again “It has not found a perma- stroke penalties for exceeding European Tour Chief Referee suff ered cuts and bruising lorry as his party were driving Singapore Open this week at an Olympics — Rio marked golf’s nent home,” said the nine-time time limits yesterday, as the John Paramor. “Changing the in the accident near Kuala to the airport. The driver Tin a closely-watched showdown return to the Games after a 112-year PGA Tour winner from the United Abu Dhabi Championship regulation for an immediate Lumpur but is aiming to was killed at the scene while just months ahead of the Tokyo absence. States. prepares to get underway. one shot penalty to now be return at the All England Momota received cuts to his Games. “We all look back with great Stenson, 43, said that his son Players will now be handed a triggered by two bad times Championships on March 11, face and bruising all over his Gold medallist Justin Rose, silver memories from Rio and want to once took his silver medal to school one shot penalty for two “bad in a tournament instead of said Kinji Zeniya, secretary- body, Zeniya said, denying winner Henrik Stenson and third- make some new ones in Tokyo this — only to bring it back with a dent. times” in a tournament, rather a round will force slower general of Japan’s Badminton previous reports that he had placed Matt Kuchar’s performanc- coming summer,” said Stenson of Rose revealed that golf at the To- than per round. players to consistently ensure Association, yesterday. Zeniya broken his nose and chin. es will give clues about their form Sweden. kyo Games will tee off on his 40th The Tour also plans to they play within timing told reporters that Momota, An assistant coach, before the Games begin in July. Ten Olympians in total will com- birthday, on July 30, leaving him increase fines for players regulations. “This is part who won a record 11 titles physiotherapist, and “My goal really... is to play well pete at the $1mn SMBC Singapore with little time to celebrate. who are placed “on the clock” of our wider, robust policy last year had “extraordinary badminton off icial were also and to make as many ranking points Open, which runs from Thursday “I’d like very much to keep my regularly throughout the to tackle slow play but our enthusiasm towards the injured. Momota will return to as possible to secure my position in to Sunday and is jointly sanctioned focus on the job at hand,” he said. season. fundamental advice to all Olympics” this year in Tokyo Japan today, Zeniya said, and team GB,” said 39-year-old Rose, by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf “I might have some piece of cake “The tougher measures players remains consistent — but urged Japan’s home gold would receive further medical ranked ninth in the world. Tour Organization. in the evening — but might have which come into eff ect in they should be ready to play medal hope to take time checks. – AFP The English player added that They include Australia’s Marcus to defer the celebration to much, Abu Dhabi empower our when it is their turn.” DPA his schedule this year was designed Fraser, Japanese player Yuta Ikeda much later.”

F1 RUGBY Leclerc reveals Ferrari were Boks skipper Kolisi wins personality of unhappy with secret skydive the year award Reuters do it once.” Ferrari — last year’s Reuters London championship runners-up — can- London not rest entirely easy with the youngster they have under con- errari Formula One driver tract until the end of 2024. iya Kolisi was voted the Charles Leclerc has re- In the same conversation, UK Rugby Union Writers’ vealed that he upset the Leclerc listed skiing as a favour- Club personality of the Italian team by skydiving ite off -season activity and said he year for 2019 on Monday atF the end of last season without also wanted to try rally driving and afterS leading South Africa to their their permission. riding a MotoGP bike. emotional World Cup triumph in The Monegasque, winner of two “I love bikes in general. I’m not Japan. races in his fi rst season with the sure Ferrari agrees for me to drive The Springboks’ captain was sport’s most glamorous and suc- a MotoGP bike though,” he said. recognised with the annual Pat cessful team, last month posted Six times world champion Lewis Marshall Memorial Award at the a township outside Port Eliza- a picture to his 2.6mn Instagram Hamilton did that in December, RUWC’s annual dinner in Lon- beth. The shortlist for the 2019 followers after his fi rst tandem spending a weekend with MotoGP don following a poll of its 200- award, named after the former dive. great Valentino Rossi testing each plus members. The tough fl ank- Daily Express rugby correspond- “What an amazing experience. other’s machinery in an event or- er, who was appointed South ent, was dominated by South Af- Jumping alone is next on the list,” ganised by a mutual sponsor. Africa’s fi rst black test captain in rica, with coach Rassie Erasmus he said in the caption. The post The Mercedes driver also of- 2018, helped transform the side and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk also was dated a day after the Abu ten posts photographs of himself to win last year’s Rugby Champi- nominated, along with Wales Dhabi Grand Prix. snowboarding, riding snowmo- onship and then their third World captain Alun Wyn Jones and Ja- Speaking at the Autosport In- biles and surfi ng. Cup when they overwhelmed pan skipper Michael Leitch. ternational Show in Birmingham Off -season injuries are not un- England 32-12 in the Yokohama Kolisi succeeds Ireland fl yhalf last weekend, the 22-year-old re- common in Formula One. Former fi nal. Kolisi won admirers the Johnny Sexton as winner of the vealed that Ferrari had been less Red Bull driver Mark Webber world over for his performances award and follows in the foot- than happy. “I just told myself that broke a leg in a cycling accident in on the pitch in Japan and his steps of greats like the inaugural in case it will go wrong I will not be Tasmania ahead of the 2008 sea- grace off it, particularly follow- recipient, Welshman Mervyn here to be told off . So, yeah, I just son. ing the triumph when he talked Davies in 1976, Jonah Lomu, went for it, and then they were a The 2020 season starts in so emotionally and eloquently Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkin- little bit upset,” he said. “At the Australia on March 15 and Fer- of his remarkable journey to the son, Dan Carter and another end, I won’t do it a second time. rari will unveil their new car on game’s summit after being raised Springbok captain, Francois Pi- It was amazing. But it was just to February 11. File photo of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. (Reuters) in poverty by his grandmother in enaar. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 15, 2020 7 TENNIS

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL Barty survives a scare to stay in the hunt AFP during 2019, and the Romanian said “I felt like I was doing the right “It’s been an incredible journey for pretty good about myself right now.” Adelaide getting through the opening match of things. I just needed to hang in there me and my team,” she said. Elsewhere, Maria Sakkari of Greece the season is an annual challenge. and wait for an opportunity to come “It was a whirlwind year, but I’m made quick work of Vitalia Diatchenko “It was a tough match but I expected and then try and grab it. back competing and doing what I of Russia 7-5, 6-2. orld number one Ash- that, since I’ve played her twice before. “I’m pretty happy to be able to turn love.” Former US Open champion Last year’s French Open fi nalist, leigh Barty survived a I’m very happy to go through. Training that one around.” Sloane Stephens didn’t fare as well, Czech Marketa Vondrosova, played scare yesterday before cannot compare with actually playing. Barty went up a double break of crashing 6-2, 6-2 to 201st-ranked her fi rst match since picking up an battling through her “I got a bit tired in the second set serve up in the deciding third set, but Australian qualifier Arina Rodiono- arm injury at last year’s Wimbledon, openingW match at the Adelaide In- and I’ll have to keep up my level for the lost the edge as Pavlyuchenkova lev- va. defeating Tatiana Maria in Adelaide ternational to beat Anastasia Pavly- next match.” elled at 5-all. The American, whose last match 6-3, 6-0. German Julia Goerges will uchenkova in three tough sets. Barty said she got comfortable as But the 31st-ranked Russian, who was a second-round ouster in Beijing line up for a quarter-fi nal place fourth The top seed, who had a bye in the she scored her fi rst season win after now stands 3-3 in their head-to-head, on October 1, exited in 72 minutes, seed Belinda Bencic after defeating fi rst round at Memorial Drive, faced losing her opening match last week in lost her own serve on a forehand wide dropping serve four times. Australian wild card Priscilla Hon 7-6 a struggle to get past her experienced Brisbane. as Barty took a 6-5 lead and closed out Rodionova worked her way through (9/7), 6-3. Russian opponent 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 and The 23-year-old is looking for crucial the win a game later after two hours, qualifying rounds, defeating a pair of In the men’s draw, Britain’s Dan book a place in the quarter-fi nals. court time before the Australian Open 10 minutes. “I’m very proud of myself top 100 opponents to earn her spot in Evans reached the quarters with a 7-5, The Australian was joined in the last starts next Monday in Melbourne. the way that 5-all game I was able to the draw. 6-2 defeat of Alexander Bublik. Amer- eight by second seed Simona Halep, “I was able to play, my style and regather and then get that last bit of “This is my third big win of the ican qualifi er Tommy Paul beat Aljaz who made her 2020 competitive debut control a bit more in the third set,” the momentum that I needed.” week, so I’m not counting anymore,” Bedene 6-4, 6-4. with a 6-4, 7-5 defeat of Ajla Toml- Australian said. The Australian, who won the French the winner said. Australian Jordan Thompson was janovic. “No matter what the score is, I try Open last year, said she was taking “Hopefully I manage to continue. put out 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 in the fi rst Halep is back with Adelaide coach and hang around for the whole match nothing for granted while holding the It’s always great to get such amaz- round by Spaniard Albert Ramos- Darren Cahill after his family leave every time. top WTA ranking. ing wins against the top players. I feel Vinolas.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Mirza enjoys winning return Bushfi re smoke ‘I was really scared aft er having baby

that I would AFP parents and my little baby boy Hobart with me in my fi rst match after collapse. so long... and we WON our fi rst round,” Mirza tweeted after her That’s why I ndia’s former doubles win. hits Australian world number one Sania “Feel very grateful for the love went onto the Mirza made a winning re- I am receiving.. BELIEF!! Takes turn to tennis yesterday at you places YES my baby boy, we floor because Ithe Hobart International after did it.” more than two years on mater- Mirza, regarded as her coun- I couldn’t walk nity leave. The 33-year-old last try’s greatest women’s tennis played at the China Open in Oc- player, became the fi rst Indian to anymore’ tober 2017 before injuries and win a WTA singles title in 2005. Open build-up then the birth of son Izhaan in She reached the fourth round October 2018 meant an extended of the US Open in the same year, AFP plained on Twitter that players spell on the sidelines. and by 2007 was among the Melbourne weren’t being kept up to date Mirza, who is married to the women’s top 30. and that the “lack of informa- former Pakistan cricket cap- But a wrist injury caused her to tion on how to proceed is scary”. tain Shoaib Malik, partnered concentrate on doubles, forging oxic smoke from rag- Tennis Australia chief Craig Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok to a a partnership with Swiss great ing bushfi res hit the Tiley rejected the criticism and 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 10-3 victory over Martina Hingis which produced Australian Open build said that “everyone was sent an Georgia’s Oksana Kalashnikova three Grand Slam titles. up yesterday as a quali- email”. and Japan’s Miyu Kato in the She is due to partner American Tfi er retired with breathing dif- “It’s unfortunate he missed doubles. Rajeev Ram in the mixed dou- fi culties and Eugenie Bouchard that announcement for a variety “Today was one of the most bles at the Australian Open next needed medical attention, while of reasons,” he said, adding that special days of my life to have my week. other players struggled in soar- all decisions were made on ex- ing pollution. pert advice. Air quality in Melbourne, Tiley said last week it was un- habitually ranked as one of the likely that the Grand Slam would world’s most liveable cities, was be delayed, regardless of the among the worst on the planet conditions, after world number and described as “hazardous” two Novak Djokovic suggested by city authorities. the option should be on the ta- Qualifying for the fi rst Grand ble. Slam of the year started late due He noted that Melbourne Park to the conditions and Slovenian has three roofed stadiums and Dalila Jakupovic did not cope eight other indoor courts, while well, bringing an early end to meteorological and air-quality her match against Switzerland’s experts will be on site to monitor Stefanie Voegele after a cough- Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return during her match with Laura Siegemond of Germany which was conditions. ing fi t. abandoned due to the smoke from Australia’s bushfires at the Kooyong Classic tennis tournament, in Any smoke hazards will be “I was really scared that I Melbourne, yesterday. treated in a similar way to ex- would collapse. That’s why I treme heat and rain, with um- went onto the fl oor because I the Kooyong Classic exhibition keep windows and doors shut, Melbourne, which was expected pires able to stop play if it is couldn’t walk anymore,” she tournament. and keep pets inside” on Twit- to clear by Wednesday after- considered too dangerous to later told reporters, with searing Both players agreed to call an ter. noon. continue. heat not helping. early halt to the high-intensity Tennis offi cials have said there World number fi ve Elina Svi- Several sports events have A Reuters file photo of India’s Sania Mirza. “It’s not healthy for us,” she contest at 7-6 (7/4), 5-5 in the is little chance of the Australian tolina tweeted: “Why do we fallen victim to thick smoke added. German’s favour after more Open being delayed, but that air need to wait for something since the fi res fi rst ignited, in- “I was surprised, I thought we than two hours, with the Rus- quality is being monitored and bad to happen to do an action,” cluding last month’s SOLAS Big Breathless Tomic eliminated would not be playing today but sian star saying she could feel umpires can halt matches to alongside a chart describing air Boat Challenge in Sydney and a we don’t have much choice.” “a bit of a cough coming out protect players’ health. quality in the city as “very un- Big Bash cricket match in Can- in fi rst round of qualifi ers Former Australian Open through the end of the second Practice on outside courts was healthy”. berra. semi-fi nalist Bouchard also had set”. suspended but big-name play- Mandy Minella, the world But dozens of other fi xtures Melbourne: Australia’s one-time match. problems and needed a medical The deterioration in condi- ers including world number one number 140 from Luxembourg, have gone ahead. child prodigy Bernard Tomic was Meanwhile, Britain’s Kyle time-out after reportedly com- tions followed months of deadly Rafael Nadal were not aff ected, said she was “shocked” that Leading tennis players and eliminated in the first round of Edmund drew on his experience plaining of a sore chest. bushfi res that have engulfed with their hit-outs going ahead qualifying was allowed to take other sports stars have been the Australian Open qualifiers with English playing conditions She recovered to win the third huge swathes of the Austral- on Rod Laver Arena with the place. quick to respond to the crisis, in Melbourne yesterday, saying to produce a gritty three-set set and the match. ian countryside, leaving at least roof closed. “What about the health of all pledging money to relief eff orts. he couldn’t breathe because of win over Alejandro Davidovich Elsewhere in Melbourne, 27 people dead and more than Australia’s weather bureau the people that have to work out Roger Federer, Serena Wil- bushfire smoke hanging over Fokina on a rain-disrupted Maria Sharapova took to the 2,000 homes destroyed. said there was widespread there, especially the ballkids?” liams and Nadal are set to head- Melbourne Park. second day of the ATP Auckland court as scheduled against Ger- Melbourne’s city government smoke across central and east- she tweeted. line a fundraising exhibition at The 27-year-old, who has earned Classic yesterday. many’s Laura Siegemund at urged residents to “stay indoors, ern Victoria state, including America’s Noah Rubin com- Melbourne Park today. over $6mn in prize money but The players started warming seen his ranking plummet to 183 up at midday as scheduled and in the last two years, lost 7-6(4), Edmund completed his 6-2, 4-6, BOTTOMLINE 6-3 to American Denis Kudla. 6-3 victory nearly seven and a Tomic first questioned the chair half hours later although there umpire about the regulations was less than two hours playing concerning match conditions time. American teenager Gauff aiming for a magical time when trailing 5-4 in the first set Edmund, who has drifted down and then took a medical timeout the rankings to 69 from a career Reuters Eventual champion Simona while trailing 1-2 in the second, high 14 a year ago, said he was Melbourne Halep, however, ended Gauff ’s where a doctor cleared him to used to rain delays in England dream run in the fourth round. resume playing. and the disruptions did not dis- Based on that performance, “No air’s going in, I’m getting tired turb him despite having to arrive little magic may help Gauff received a wildcard into so easy,” Tomic told the trainer early for the opening match of Coco Gauff go a long the US Open, where she ad- and doctor during the timeout. the day. way in next week’s vanced to the third round and “It’s not like I’m the fittest guy... I “If you’re second or third on you Australian Open main then won her fi rst WTA Tour just can’t breathe.” can chill out a bit, maybe stay at draw,A with the American teen- title in Austria, beating 2017 the hotel longer, but when you’re No stranger to controversy, ager entering her fi rst Grand French Open champion Jelena Tomic — who did not receive a on first, you’ve got to be ready Slam tournament solely on her Ostapenko in the fi nal. wildcard for the year’s first Grand to play. Sometimes this happens own merits. The American is the youngest Slam — simply appeared to stop and I thought I dealt with it well,” Gauff arrived in Melbourne on player with direct entry into the running for points as Kudla he said. Monday after playing in Auck- main draw at Melbourne Park. wrapped up the encounter in 68 “It’s really hard to be completely land with a world ranking of 66 Organisers hoped to tap into minutes. on it, six hours waiting. So you and eligible for the main draw at the appeal of teenagers like Tomic, a rising star in the junior try to switch off , relax and then Melbourne Park. Gauff and compatriot Amanda circuit who won the 2008 Aus- the key is turning back on when Her only other appearance Anisimova, by naming the sec- tralian Open boy’s singles crown, you’re on the court.” at Melbourne was in the junior ond Monday of the tournament once saved five match points as In the only other match com- tournament in 2018. on Jan. 27 as ‘Harry Potter day’ a 15-year-old in the first round of pleted during the day session, “I’m really excited,” said to try and attract families and the men’s qualifiers. big serving Canadian qualifier Gauff , who was involved in younger fans. “This is a fi rst for He was fined 45,000 pounds Vasek Pospisil was too strong a promotional event yester- the Australian Open,” AO’s Ri- ($58,455) last year at Wimble- for 2017 Auckland finalist Joao day with actors from the Mel- ard. bourne since I was 13 when I when she stunned the tennis chard Heaselgrave said in an- don for not playing to “required Sousa winning 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat bourne-production of Harry “This is my fi rst slam getting played juniors so I’m really ex- world by advancing out of quali- nouncing the promotion, which professional standards” when he of his straight sets victory over Potter and the Cursed Child, into the main draw without get- cited to play on the big stage.” fying to beat seven-times Grand will encourage families and lost in straight sets to Jo-Wilfried the Portuguese in Shanghai three which is based on JK Rowling’s ting a wildcard or qualifying. The 15-year-old put her fi rst Slam winner Venus Williams in children to dress as Harry Potter Tsonga in a 58-minute first round months ago. fantasy books about a boy wiz- “I haven’t been back in Mel- foot on the big stage last year the fi rst round at Wimbledon. characters on the day.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Generation Amazing and KAS Eupen team up to deliver football training session eneration Amazing players a chance to contribute to second round we emphasised, teamed up with partner the development of our young along with the Eupen players, club KAS Eupen to host benefi ciaries.” the importance of working to- a football for develop- Eupen’s Manager, Beñat San gether and witnessed more of a Gment session for local school- José, said: “The players enjoyed united team eff ort.” children during the team’s win- the experience a lot. The organi- Participant Rayan Mohamed ter training camp in Doha. sation, the coaches and the pro- Adel Moutalga, a 12-year-old The session was attended by gramme focus were very good. from Ahmed Mansour Pri- 40 children aged 8-12 and was The most important thing is to mary School, said: “I really en- delivered by Generation Amaz- see the children smile and enjoy joyed today’s football training. ing master coach Hamad Mo- themselves. It was a pleasure for I learned that it’s important to hamed. The Eupen players en- us to be a part of this initiative work as a team and that when I couraged the children to take and we thank everyone here who fall, I should always get back up.” part in the training, which was has made this happen.” Newton International School held at Aspire Academy and Coach Hamad was also en- Lagoon pupil, 10-year-old Eme- centred on the importance of thused by the session. He com- lia Fisikova, said: “I played foot- teamwork. This initiative with mented: “Through our partner- ball, learned about teamwork and Eupen marks one of several or- ship, Generation Amazing and I really liked it. We worked with ganised since Generation Amaz- Eupen are now working together professional football players who ing signed a value-in-kind part- as one team. This was a great helped us work together and in- nership with the Belgian side in opportunity to teach children clude everybody in the training.” September 2019. about teamwork, a critical social Generation Amazing is the hu- Moza al-Mohannadi, Gen- and life skill for their age group.” man and social legacy programme eration Amazing’s Marketing & Local Generation Amazing initiated during Qatar’s success- Communications Director, said: youth ambassadors were also ful bid for the FIFA World Cup “This marks a fantastic oppor- involved in planning the session Qatar 2022 in 2010, which uses tunity to impact the children’s alongside Coach Hamad. One the power of sport to positively participation and journey to- of them, 19-year-old Salman Al impact lives and create sustain- wards adapting to the life skills Khori, said: “In the fi rst round able social development in com- taught in the Generation Amaz- we explained what the exer- munities. More than 500,000 ing programme. It was impor- cise was and observed how the benefi ciaries have been reached tant to us that Eupen can be a kids participated, whether they to date through Generation part of this session – we invest in wanted to simply win or work Amazing across the Middle East their presence here and off er the collaboratively as a team. In the and Asia. sc.qa

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty Free Al Duhail, Al Sadd congratulate ExxonMobil Open all set for thrilling winner Rublev atar Airways and nis in the world. We now look Qatar Duty Free forward to next month’s Qatar (QDF) congratu- Total Open, where Qatar Air- late Andrey Rublev, ways will welcome many of the winnerQ of the 29th edition of world’s best singles and dou- the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. bles female players to Doha. Rublev defeated Corentin The success of such tourna- Qatar Cup fi nal Moutet 6-2, 7-6 on Satur- ments further establishes Qa- day evening in the fi nal at the tar as a world-class venue for Al Duhail beat Al Sailiya 2-0, while Al Sadd defeated Al Rayyan 4-1 in the semi-finals Khalifa International Tennis top global sport events.” and Squash Complex in Doha. Qatar Duty Free Vice Presi- l Duhail and Al Sadd are Qatar Airways cabin crew par- dent Operations Thabet Mu- gearing up for the 2020 Organisational arrangements for 2020 Qatar Cup fi nal revealed ticipated in the fi nal awards sleh said: “Qatar Duty Free Qatar Cup fi nal which ceremony to congratulate the is delighted to congratulate will be played at the winner and runner-up. Andrey Rublev on becoming JassimA Bin Hamad Stadium on The Qatar ExxonMobil the fi rst ATP Tour title win- Friday. Open 2020 featured several ner in 2020. As a sponsor of The battle between the heavy- of the world’s top tennis play- the tournament, we enjoyed weights is sure to be an edge-of- ers and once again the tour- bringing some fun to visi- the-seat thriller given the form nament was applauded for tors to the event as they took and performance of both teams its level of organisation. The part in our competition at our in their semi-fi nal victories. highly-anticipated champi- booth. QDF is committed to Al Duhail defeated Al Sailiya onship proved to be a great sports as part of the Qatar 2-0, while Al Sadd defeated Al success among international 2030 vision and we are very Rayyan 4-1 in the semi-fi nals of and local fans alike, who came much looking forward to the sixth edition of the Qatar Cup. together to watch some of the Qatar Total Open in February.” Al Duhail had beaten Al Sadd world’s best tennis players Qatar Airways holds an ex- 2-1 in last edition’s fi nal in 2018. compete in Doha for the cov- tensive global sports spon- Preparations are in full swing as eted prize and winning title. sorship portfolio, sponsoring both teams aim to be on top of Qatar Airways Senior Vice top-level sporting events and their readiness for the game. President Marketing and some of the biggest football Corporate Communications, clubs which include AS Roma, Salam al-Shawa, said: “Qa- Boca Juniors and FC Bayern tar Airways is thrilled to con- München. As offi cial FIFA gratulate Andrey Rublev, win- partner, Qatar Airways recent- ner of this year’s ExxonMobil ly sponsored the FIFA Club Open championship, follow- World Cup Qatar 2019 and will ing matches which have show- sponsor the FIFA Club World cased some of the best ten- Cup 2020 edition ahead.

Sparks fl y whenever the titans of Qatar club football face-off and it will be no diff erent this time. They both are capable of beating each other. The two teams met in domestic competitions twice this season. QSL Executive Director of Marketing, Sales and Communication Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari (centre) addresses the mediapersons yesterday. Al Sadd beat Al Duhail 1-0 in PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the one-off , season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup (Super Cup). The Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday related to the event is in place. We expect a valuable prizes are also up for grab for the Then, Al Duhail turned the tables announced the organisational arrangements full house for the final. We congratulate Al fans who turn up to watch the final on Friday. as they beat Al Sadd 4-1 in Week 9 for the Qatar Cup final which will be played at Duhail and Al Sadd clubs on reaching the Al-Kuwari thanked the tournament sponsors of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League. the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday. final of sixth edition of the Qatar Cup.” Qatar Rail and stadium security. Al Duhail have been doing re- The final will be played between Al Duhail Al-Kuwari said the gates would be opened He urged the fans to co-operate with the ally well in the league champi- and Al Sadd at 5.30pm. two hours prior to kick off and the QSL is set- security men for smooth entry and exit at onship, where they are the table The arrangement details were revealed by ting up an event area for the public. the stadium. toppers after 12 rounds of action, the QSL Executive Director of Marketing, He said those want to purchase tickets On his part, Lieutenant al-Athba stressed the whereas reigning champions Al Sales and Communication Hassan Rabiah can do so by visiting the Al Sadd, Al Duhail need for co-operating with the security men Sadd are third even though they al-Kuwari, Head of Football Operations at and Qatar SC outlets. The tickets are also and urged fans to arrive two hours before have one match in hand, against QSL Ahmed al-Sayed and Lieutenant Jaber available at the Doha Festival City and fans kick off to avoid crowding as well as check Al Khor, deferred owing to their Salem al-Athba from the Stadium Security can also buy tickets online through off icial the list of prohibited items before entering AFC Champions League com- Department of the Ministry of Interior during website (tickets.qsl.qa). the stadium. Al-Sayed said the stadium has is mitment. a press conference yesterday. “Nearly 60% of the final match tickets have fully equipped to host the final and a meet- But then, cup competition is a Speaking on the occasion, al-Kuwari said, been sold,” he said. ing with the two teams would be held tomor- diff erent ballgame altogether, as “Our preparations are complete. Everything He also announced the two cars and other row to complete the arrangements. Al Sadd proved with their big- margin victory over Al Rayyan in the semi-fi nal. players on either side. Al Duhail Akram Afi f, Hassan al-Haydos, Al Duhail and Xavi Hernandez tournament, which Al Duhail The fans of both teams in par- feature the likes of Almoez Ali, Baghdad Bounedjah, Nam Tae- of Al Sadd will be chalking out won in 2015 as well as 2018 and ticular as well as those of Qatar Karim Boudiaf, Yousef Msakni, hee, Salem al-Hajri, Abdelkarim strategies on how best to utilise Al Sadd won in 2017 after it was football and Qatar Cup in gen- Assim Madibo, Mohamed Mun- Hassan, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro their resources and guide their rebranded as Qatar Cup in 2014. Winner Andrey Rublev (second right) of Russia poses with Qatar eral are in for a great treat, more tari, Mario Mandzukic and Ismail Miguel and Saad al-Dossari in teams to glory in the title clash The fi nal will start at 5.30pm. ExxonMobil Open trophy at the Khalifa International Tennis and because of the presence of star Mohamed, while Al Sadd have their ranks. Coaches Rui Faria of of Qatar Stars League’s fl agship QSL.com Squash Complex.