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Friday, January 26, 2018 CRICKET Jumada I 9, 1439 AH Pakistan fi nally GULF TIMES overcome Black Caps with T20 win SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL/ ASIAN U23 Sanchez says Qatar up for game ‘nobody likes to play’ ‘Our players are going to do their best like they did in all the other games to play a good game’

AFC Kunshan The Qatar squad pose ahead of their match against South Korea in snowy Kunshan. At right, coach Felix Sanchez. atar coach Felix Sanchez be- lieves his players have the character to overcome the disappointment of not reach- ingQ the fi nal of the AFC U23 Champion- ship 2018 and secure victory over South Korea in the third place playoff today. Sanchez’s side lost in a penalty shootout to Vietnam while the Koreans were eliminated by Uzbekistan to set up the encounter between the two, with the Qataris appearing in the third place play-off for the second tournament in a row. Qatar lost out in extra-time to Iraq Meanwhile, interest in tomorrow’s in 2016 to miss out on a berth at the fi nal has reached fever pitch in Viet- Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but nam as fans await the fi nal with Uz- the Spanish coach will ask his players bekistan. for one last push before concluding Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung’s saves their involvement in this year’s com- helped Vietnam seal a place in the last petition. two thanks to a 4-3 penalty shootout “This is the game that nobody likes defeat of Qatar on Tuesday, following to play, but we need to make the last ef- an extraordinary 2-2 draw at the end of fort to play a good game tomorrow,” he extra-time. said. In the wake of the victory, hundreds “Our players are going to do their of thousands of supporters, many best like they did in all the other games shouting ‘Vietnam champion’, fl ooded to play a good game.” city streets across the country, with “The situation is we didn’t qual- the excitement showing no sign of ify (for the fi nal) without losing any abating as the crunch tie against Uz- games. We had four victories and one bekistan approaches. draw after 120 minutes, so it is not easy. “I’m so happy! Our class told But our players have a very positive throughout the match, and we burst mentality and they know that some- into tears when (Vu) Van Thanh scored times football has this. (the decisive penalty). Thanks to the “I think they are ready and, of course, players, thanks to the coach! Now we’ll we plan for the game for tomorrow. head to celebrate,” student Minh Nguy- Yesterday and today we will see how iar conditions for Sanchez’s team. and tomorrow morning we will decide.” who was sent off during their 4-1 played extra time, but our players will en told VnExpress International after the players are doing, especially physi- But he does not think the frigid tem- “As for the conditions, it’s diff er- extra-time loss against Uzbekistan, do their best,” he said. the game. cally because it’s been a long tourna- peratures will provide cause for con- ent to what we are used to but it’s not leaving coach Kim Bong-gil to decide “Our players are well prepared and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen ment and the last game was tough.” cern for Qatar. an excuse. Many of them have played who will replace the Jeonbuk Hyundai they know how important this match Xuan Phuc has also been quick to con- The Qataris arrived in Kunshan on “We need to evaluate some players outside Qatar with these conditions so man in central midfi eld. is. They are eager to get third place and gratulate the U23 team and head coach Wednesday evening from Changzhou because there are some doubts,” said it won’t aff ect us.” “We are ready for the last match, they’ll do their best. Tomorrow is the Park Hang-seo, declaring that the and woke up yesterday to a blanket of Sanchez of the physical condition of his The Koreans, meanwhile, will go the third place match, even though last match in this tournament and they team’s success was a signifi cant event snow over the city, providing unfamil- players after fi ve games. “We will test into the game without Jang Yun-ho our players are exhausted because we will give their all.” that would be always remembered.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar will deliver all stadiums two years before the 2022 FIFA World Cup: Offi cial he Supreme Committee for De- already completed and was opened by liver the perfect pitch for 2022. Our aim livery & Legacy (SC) remains on File photo of Yasser His Highness The Emir last May. The is to develop a signature pitch that can track to deliver all its stadiums al-Mulla, senior manager other seven stadiums are currently be- be used in winter or summer, in shade two years before the 2022 FIFA with the SC’s Landscape ing constructed, with two – Al Wakrah or in sunlight.” Al-Mulla revealed that TWorld Cup kicks off . Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – close to the SC had tested 24 diff erent types of & Sport Turf Management Yasser al-Mulla, the SC’s Landscape department. completion.” grass during its research and also bro- & Sport Turf Management Senior Man- As well as updating delegates on in- ken a world record by relaying the pitch ager, told delegates at the 2018 Euro- frastructure progress, al-Mulla spoke at Khalifa International Stadium in just pean Stadium & Safety Management about the power of hosting mega events 13.5 hours. Association (ESSMA) Summit that all such as the FIFA World Cup™. He added: “Our trials have provided eight venues would be completed well “The event is helping to accelerate insightful data on grass resilience for in advance of the tournament. progress across Qatar,” said al-Mulla. diff erent weather conditions and soil “It is also helping to break down social types. We will soon reveal the signature ‘Khalifa International barriers. We know that sport has the design grass species to be used during Stadium is already completed power to bring people together and help the tournament.” and was opened by His Highness them understand diff erent cultures. The annual ESSMA Summit off ers a The Emir last May. The other “Hosting the fi rst World Cup in the platform for stadium professionals to seven stadiums are currently Middle East is a huge responsibility and share, learn and discuss topics related being constructed, with two – Al we are determined to make the whole to stadium development, operations Wakrah Stadium and Al Bayt region very proud.” and ticketing, sustainability, safety and Stadium – close to completion’ During a separate presentation, al- security, fan entertainment and hospi- Mulla gave details of the SC’s pitch de- tality, and pitch management. He also said that Qatar remains com- velopment project and its drive to create This year’s summit, which was mitted to hosting a historic event that the perfect playing conditions for 2022. held in partnership with the Euro- bridges cultures in just four years’ time. “We have developed signifi cant turf pean Professional Football Leagues “All the stadiums will be completed development knowledge for Qatar’s and European Club Association, at- two years before the tournament starts,” conditions,” said Al Mulla. “We have tracted speakers from numerous foot- al-Mulla informed delegates at the Avi- created a state-of-the-art research ball clubs, including Arsenal, Bay- va Stadium in Dublin. and development centre – one of only ern Munich, Juventus and Valencia. “Khalifa International Stadium is two in the world – which aims to de- (www.sc.qa) Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Sailiya eye much-needed win against Al Markhiya Sailiya are fourth despite being Al Arabi are one place behind winless in last five matches Qatar SC in 10th with 10 points.

By Sports Reporter De Souza replaced Burkina Doha Faso striker Alain Traore, while Oliveira came in place of Gha- naian forward Kwame Karikari, l Sailiya will take on Al who moved to Al Arabi. However, Markhiya, while Qatar The Oryxes will miss captain Bi- SC will lock horns with lal Mohammed, out of action for Al Arabi today in the almost fi ve weeks with a muscle WeekA 14 of the QNB Stars League. injury. Al Sailiya, who lost 0-6 to Sailiya, coached by Tunisian Al Sadd, are on 20 points and Al Sami Trabelsi, will perhaps be the Markhiya, who lost 0-1 to Qatar most lucky side in terms of posi- SC, have eight points. Al Sailiya tion in the standings. They stayed had won 5-2 in the fi rst phase. fourth despite going winless for Al Markhiya coach Yousef fi ve consecutive matches. Adam said: “We made many Trabelsi admitted that his mistakes in our last game against players’ morale was low ever Qatar SC which we lost despite since they received a red card controlling the ball more than the during their 0-1 loss to Al Khor in opponents. We also missed many November. scoring opportunities. When we The match against Al Markhiya failed to score, they took advan- will be a good chance for the Per- tage of an early goal. egrines to make a strong come- “We deserved at least a point back. Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov, from the game. We are trying to Wagner Ribeiro and Valentin La- resolve shortcomings and are zar lead their charge. ready to take on Al Sailiya. Our Trabelsi said: “We are trying players know our situation. They hard to forget what happened last are showing responsibility and week (they were hammered 6-0 commitment, but I want more ef- by Al Sadd) and working hard to fi ciency from them on the pitch.” improve by rectifying some mis- takes. There are many areas for QATAR SC TAKE ON ARABI improvement. I know it is not go- Meanwhile, Qatar SC would be ing to be a smooth sailing against the side that gained the most Al Markhiya. We will show our after last week’s action as their true form as we have made many lone-goal victory over Markhiya positive changes to our game. helped them jump from rock bot- “We played at our true level tom to ninth position. in the fi rst eight games and we The Kings, on 11 points, sport reaped rewards for that. The de- a new look in the second phase cline started from the match after beefi ng up the roster with against Al Khor when we had a three recruits — strikers Patrick Al Arabi and the players are all That has given my players added Ivan Foster as well as Ghana- this season. Al Arabi, who lost to only unbeaten team Al Duhail, red card. Since then, the players’ Fabiano from Brazil and Osama geared up for the show. We could confi dence. In eff ect, we could ian striker Kwame Karikari from leaders Al Duhail 0-1 in Week 13, going down by a solitary goal. My morale was low. In the next fi ve Omri from Syria as well as Iranian have won the last game against collect some points from our last Markhiya. had won the fi rst-phase match team is getting set. games and went winless,” he add- attacking midfi elder Sijad Mu- Al Markhiya by a bigger margin, four matches.” Left-back Ali Aloub, signed 2-1. Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic “It will be tough for us against ed. Markhiya will go into the game jtaba. They fi elded all three in the but we made many mistakes and Al Arabi are just behind Qatar from Al Kharaitiyat for one-and- said: “We played the two games Qatar SC as they have some new with renewed vigour as they will last round and reaped rewards as missed scoring opportunities. SC in the table with 10 points. a-half years, lends further so- in the second phase diff erently players. We gave importance to be fi elding new recruits from Bra- Fabiano netted the winner. “I hope we put behind the They too underwent some lidity to The Dream Team, who and I believe we did a good job in tactical training in the last few zil — striker Leonardo Henrique Qatar SC coach Abdullah Mu- shortcomings sooner rather than changes in the ongoing transfer ended the contract with Syrian both matches. We held Al Sailiya days. Our problem is that the Santos de Souza and attacking barak said: “We have made good later and come up with an out- window by roping in defenders striker Mardik Mardikian, who to a draw and then put up a gritty damage was done in the early midfi elder Eric de Oliveira. preparations for the game with standing display against Al Arabi. Hamad al-Harbi and Croatian was hired at the beginning of performance against leaders and stage of the competition.”

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A Cup upset leaves Real in crisis Dzeko strike saves Roma AFP AFP Madrid Milan

ristiano Ronaldo tweeted his en- helsea-target Edin couragement for his club and their Dzeko grabbed a late 1-1 fans yesterday, hours after Real Ma- draw for Roma at Samp- drid suff ered a humiliating elimi- doria on Wednesday Cnation by lowly Leganes in the Copa del Rey. nightC as Lazio powered past Udi- “Courage team. Courage Madrid fans. We nese 3-0 to boost their push for still have many battles to win,” wrote Ron- a Champions League spot next aldo in his offi cial Twitter account. season. Roma sporting director Accompanying the post was a photo of the Monchi had denied a deal had team training the day after the debacle which been reached with Chelsea over left Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane cling- the sale of Bosnian striker Dzeko. ing to the Champions League as their only And the 31-year-old showed lifeline in a sinking season. Real lost 2-1 at his worth when he nodded in a home and were eliminated on away goals in crucial injury time goal to grab a Roma’s Edin Dzeko (right) celebrates with Mirko Antonucci after the cup quarter-fi nals by a club nicknamed point after Fabio Quagliarella’s scoring against Sampdoria in Genoa on Wednesay night. (AFP) the “pepineros” (or cucumber growers) and penalty had given Sampdoria the only in their second season in La Liga. lead just before the break. Roma injury, Lazio followed on their 5-2 chances De Francesco’s side had “This is a disaster for me,” Zidane said on stay fi fth after missing the chance win over SPAL and 5-1 win over to settle for a point which leaves Wednesday night after the loss to Leganes. A to join Inter Milan in fourth, the Chievo in their last two games. them two points behind Milan. Real Madrid side fi lled with back-up players fi nal Champions League spot next The fi rst goal came after 22 min- Sampdoria opened with a pen- was, the sports daily Marca wrote, “disor- season, in their game pushed back utes when Brazilian Samir acci- alty awarded after consultation ganised, lacking tenacity, without leadership from September 10 due to weath- dentally turned the ball into his with VAR (Video Assistant Ref- in the middle and with a depressed (Karim) er warnings in Genoa. own net. eree) although Roma dominated Benzema at the front of an army without am- Earlier third-placed Lazio Brazilian Felipe Anderson set without getting the breakthrough munition.” overran Udinese in a game re- up Portuguese winger Luis Nani until Dzeko picked up a cross from Real, who started the game with a 1-0 lead scheduled from November 5 be- two minutes after the break and teenage substitute Mirko Anto- from the away leg, let slip the second po- cause of rain in the capital to pull then scored the third himself with nucci. It was the Bosnian’s tenth tential trophy of the season after eff ectively three points clear of Inter Milan. three minutes to go. Udinese’s goal of the season and comes amid bidding adios to the league, where they trail Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio are eight two-month unbeaten streak end- reports that a move to the Eng- Barcelona by 19 points. “This is a serious points behind leaders Napoli af- ed to keep them ninth. lish Premier League is imminent. setback for Zidane, because it highlights the ter 21 games and seven adrift of Roma had been looking to re- Roma play Sampdoria, one place squad’s malaise and collective discourage- champions Juventus in second. turn to winning ways for the fi rst below in sixth, again on Sunday in ment,” wrote the editor of the newspaper AS. Despite the absence of lead- time in fi ve games to join Inter on the Stadio Olympico, with Lazio “I do not think it’s a physical problem, ing scorer Ciro Immobile through 43 points. But despite a string of visiting AC Milan. the mind is much more powerful and, in the general analysis, you can put the mental fi rst when presenting the problem to the doctor,” said captain and defender Sergio Ramos after Van Marwijk gets Australia World Cup nod the Leganes debacle. Just as it seemed Real Madrid had turned the corner with two con- Leganes’ midfielder Gabriel Appelt (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal Sydney: Bert van Marwijk was Socceroos advance beyond the sia Dortmund and Hamburg, secutive victories, they gave a display which against Real Madrid during the Spanish Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg match. (AFP) tipped to achieve “great things” group stage. Van Marwijk was said Australia “are not going to ended with the home fans whistling their with Australia yesterday as he sacked by the Netherlands after Russia just to be competitive”. players off the pitch. travel to Valencia, who are fi ve points ahead if his side failed in Europe. was given the job of taking the they failed to win a point at “I want to win our matches,” “This debacle, which shows up the way the in third. Valencia have only lost once at home The French coach took responsibility for Socceroos to the World Cup, Euro 2012. He led Saudi Arabia he added. Australia will play squad and Zidane approached a competition in the league this season, to Villarreal, and the debacle and refused to blame his players. following Ange Postecoglou’s to qualification for this year’s France, Denmark and Peru in that had become a priority, was a tragedy that gained a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu in Au- “Rebirth from disaster is part of their reli- sudden departure. The Dutch- World Cup in Russia but left Group C, starting on June 16. leaves Madrid in an agonising, almost an- gust. If Real fail to win, Villarreal who host gion,” Rafa Cabeleira wrote in the newspaper man, who took the Netherlands in September over a contract Van Marwijk is not the first guished, situation. The whole season hangs Real Sociedad later in the day could leapfrog El País. Real will need to start that rebirth to the 2010 World Cup final, had dispute. Dutchman to coach the Soc- on the Champions League,” Marca said. a place in the table, pushing Real out of the against PSG in just 20 days. been one of the leading foreign The 65-year-old takes the ceroos, with Guus Hiddink and “These are tough times when you have to Champions League qualifying places. candidates to take on the short- reins after Postecoglou’s quit Pim Verbeek previously taking be together so you do not throw away the Yet for Real and their coach the Cham- SPANISH COPA DEL REY RESULTS term coaching stint. in November despite success- the reins. Hiddink famously took rest of the season. We must work and focus pions League last-16 encounter with Paris Quarter-finals, 2nd leg: Alaves 2 (El Haddadi Local media said he was fully guiding the Socceroos to an Australia side featuring Mark on the only card we have left: the Champions Saint-Germain on February 14 and March 6 73, Sobrino 86) Valencia 1 (Mina 77) 3-3 on ag- being paid just over Aus$1mn the World Cup via the playoff s. Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim League,” said Ramos. is now make or break. “Of course that’s clear”, gregate; Valencia win 3-2 on penalties (US$810,000) for a five-month Van Marwijk, who has also Cahill to the last 16 at the 2006 Leganes sit 13th in La Liga. On the face of answered Zidane when asked on Wednesday Real Madrid 1 (Benzema 47) Leganes 2 (Eraso contract, with a minimum of coached Dutch club Feyenoord, World Cup, their best perform- it, Real, who are fourth, face a far tougher whether he thought his job was in danger, 31, Pires 55) 2-2 on aggregate; Leganes win on Aus$500,000 in bonuses if the and Bundesliga sides Borus- ance in four attempts. challenge on tomorrow afternoon when they despite a recent contract extension to 2020, away goals Gulf Times Friday, January 26, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Mourinho signs Arsenal set up Man new deal at City League Cup fi nal Man United AFP London Wenger’s men fight back from a goal down against old foes Chelsea to reach final ose Mourinho has signed AFP a contract extension that London will keep him at Manches- ter United until at least 2020,J the club said yesterday, rsenal started the post-Alexis ending rumours he is unhappy at Sanchez era in style on Wednes- Old Traff ord. Mourinho became day night, coming from behind the fi rst United manager in his- to beat Chelsea 2-1 on aggre- tory to win a major trophy in his gateA and set up a mouthwatering League fi rst season when he secured the Cup fi nal against Premier League leaders League Cup last year, and he also Manchester City. led the club to victory in the Eu- Pep Guardiola’s City reached the Wem- ropa League, the only competi- bley showpiece the previous evening by tion they had never won. beating Championship side Bristol City United are a distant second 3-2 in the second leg of their tie and 5-3 in the Premier League to Pep over the two legs, staying on course for an Guardiola’s Manchester City unprecedented quadruple. this season but are still in the FA title since Alex Ferguson’s last After a goalless fi rst leg, the visitors Cup and the Champions League. season in charge in 2012-13. took an early lead at the Emirates through “I am really honoured and proud Earlier this month Mourinho Eden Hazard but Arsenal were level soon to be Manchester United man- dismissed reports he may walk afterwards via a bizarre Antonio Rudiger ager,” Mourinho, 54, said in a club out on United this coming close own goal and scored the winner in the statement. The new deal includes season as “garbage”. Mourinho second half through Granit Xhaka. an option for a further year. had looked an unhappy fi gure Arsene Wenger has an outstanding Mourinho, who was appointed as United’s title bid faltered and record in the FA Cup with Arsenal but in in May 2016 on a three-year deal, they suff ered a shock League Cup more than 21 years in the job he has never replaced Louis van Gaal with a exit at Championship side Bristol won the League Cup, which he has often brief to return the club to the City. There had been suggestions used to blood young players. Guardiola on pinnacle of the English game. that Mourinho was disappointed the other hand will be desperate to claim The 20-time league champions at the relative lack of spending the fi rst silverware of his time in charge at have not won the Premier League power at his disposal. City, who are chasing glory on four fronts. Wenger was unable to fi eld the cup- tied Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined the club from Manchester United earlier this Pochettino has no time week in a swap deal with Sanchez moving in the other direction while Ross Barkley made his debut for Chelsea as a fi rst- for Wenger taunts half substitute. “In the fi rst half we gave London: Mauricio Pochettino to talk about another team,” Chelsea too much respect and distance. insisted Arsene Wenger should Pochettino told reporters We were a bit scared to go for it and we focus solely on Arsenal after yesterday. “Praise? Of course suff ered from that,” said Wenger. “We the veteran manager appeared we receive praise. Football is were not playing in the right position to have a dig at north London not only to win trophies, it’s but we amended that in the second half rivals Tottenham Hotspur. the circumstances of diff erent and took control of the game. We lost a Prior to Arsenal’s League clubs.” great player in Alexis Sanchez but when a Cup semi-final win over Chelsea The Argentinian added: “For team doesn’t know what’s going on in the on Wednesday, Wenger — who me he (Wenger) is and will dressing room there is less clarity and fo- has come under fire regard- always be one of the best man- cus on performances,” he said. “We know ing the Gunners’ failure to win agers in the world, I respect we have to deal with it now.” the Premier League title since him, but I think he needs to talk Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, missing Al- 2004 — said pundits “celebrate for himself and for Arsenal. For varo Morata and Cesc Fabregas, had the Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka (centre) is mobbed by teammates after scoring against Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final second leg at some teams who have not been me he is a special manager, but better of the fi rst half and had already Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday night. (Reuters) in a final for 25 years”. everyone sometimes makes a had a goal ruled out for off side by the The Frenchman’s comments mistake and for me he made time Hazard opened the scoring in the struggled to make an impact on the game. take the game into extra-time and Arse- winning a cup despite league success were taken as a thinly-veiled a mistake to talk about us or a seventh minute after Pedro released him A rejuvenated Arsenal started the sec- nal held on to claim a deserved victory. with both Juventus and Chelsea. criticism of Tottenham and diff erent team.” through the middle. But Arsenal levelled ond period on the front foot and edged in It was the fi fth time the clubs had met “My thoughts are disappointment for Liverpool, both lauded of late Tottenham, 20 points behind just minutes later after a bizarre Rudiger front in the two-legged tie when Xhaka this season, with all four matches end- the fi nal result,” said Conte.”I think my for their attacking football but runaway Premier League lead- own goal. Nacho Monreal headed pow- reacted quickly to prod home a defl ected ing in draws, including 0-0 in the fi rst players must be pleased with their eff ort, who have managed to win just ers Manchester City, are away erfully goalwards from a corner, which Alexandre Lacazette cross with about leg of this tie. The win is a major boost we tried to reach the fi nal, we conceded two trophies between them to fourth-tier club Newport then took a double defl ection off Marcos half an hour to go. for Wenger in a week when the club, with two goals and we were unlucky, two de- since 2008. County in the fourth round of Alonso and then Rudiger, leaving Willy Alex Iwobi had a golden chance to seal a battle on their hands to qualify for the fl ections. It is a pity because we had a “I’m so young and only five the FA Cup tomorrow, with the Caballero fl at-footed in the Chelsea goal. the win, with Caballero making a fi ne Champions League, lost Sanchez, argu- good run in this competition, it is a pity years in the Premier League, competition representing their Willian was forced off before half an hour save to keep Chelsea in the tie. But Con- ably their most devastating attacking for me, the players and fans,” added the in two clubs Southampton and best chance of silverware this and Conte threw on Barkley for his Chel- te’s men, lacking a cutting edge, could player. Defeat for Conte continues his Italian. The fi nal takes place at Wembley Tottenham, but there’s no point season. sea debut but the former Everton man not fi nd the inspiration they needed to miserable record as a manager of never on February 25.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Schalke slam Germany manager Sanchez in United FA Cup squad Bierhoff in Goretzka row AFP London chalke boss Christian Aubameyang was “distracted”. Heidel has slammed The star forward is chasing a Germany’s general man- move to the Gunners to replace anchester United manager Jose ager Oliver Bierhoff for Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, Mourinho yesterday hailed new commentsS he made about their who has joined Manchester signing Alexis Sanchez as one Bayern Munich-bound mid- United. The Gabon international of the “best attacking players fi elder Leon Goretzka. “I’ve got was dropped for Dortmund’s Min the world”, confi rming he will be in the the message that he understands Bundesliga draws at Wolfsburg, squad to face Yeovil in the FA Cup. Leon’s move. I think that the then last Friday in Berlin in the United travel to the fourth-tier club to- national team manager has to be wake of the speculation. day at the start of a weekend that will also objective,” fumed Heidel yes- see Premier League leaders Manchester City terday ahead of Schalke’s away LAZIO FINED BUT AVOID tested by Championship high-fl iers Cardiff Bundesliga match at Stuttgart. STADIUM BAN FOR ANNE and Liverpool taking on West Brom in the “Anyone can say that, but FRANK PHOTO fourth round. not the manager of the national Lazio have been fi ned 50,000 Chile international Sanchez, 29, complet- team,” Schalke’s sports direc- euros ($61,000) but avoided a ed his transfer from Arsenal on Monday in a tor said. “That’s where I have to stadium ban over posters created straight swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhi- speak for the other clubs.” Heidel free transfer after fi ve years with by their fans featuring Holocaust taryan move in the opposite direction. Unit- took exception to Bierhoff ’s sug- Schalke. He broke into the Ger- victim Anne Frank, the Ital- ed’s new number seven, who has previously gestion that all good young Ger- many squad last July under Loew ian football federation (FIGC) played for Italian side Udinese and Barce- man players should join Bayern. when a young squad, minus their announced. FIGC prosecutor lona, is available for the Huish Park tie be- #MUFC career in the biggest away dressing now we are in the fi nal of the League Cup we “An ambitious young inter- World Cup-winners, won the Giuseppe Pecoraro had de- cause he did not appear for Arsenal in their room in @SkyBetLeagueTwo. Maybe,” the try to win that.” national wants to win titles and Confederations Cup in Russia. manded a fi ne and two games third-round loss at Nottingham Forest. club tweeted. Chelsea take on Newcastle in an all- is reluctant to sit on the couch Goretzka is set to keep his place be played behind closed doors “We’ve got one of the best attacking play- Mourinho was asked about the possibil- Premier League fi xture at Stamford Bridge, on Wednesdays when other play in the Germany squad which will after Lazio’s infamous ultra fans ers in the world. I think he’ll be very impor- ity of another big acquisition, the return of licking their wounds after defeat to Arsenal Champions League games,” defend the World Cup title in fl y-posted photographs of Anne tant for us because we want to have the best Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to in the League Cup semi-fi nal on Wednesday. Bierhoff , who played for Ham- Russia this June. Frank in a shirt of bitter city ri- players possible,” Mourinho told reporters. Old Traff ord. “Madrid is on fi re, the results For all his league success at Juventus and burg and Borussia Moencheng- vals Roma during a game against The United boss praised his new player’s are not good,” said the United boss. “I care Chelsea, boss Antonio Conte has yet to win ladbach in the Bundesliga before ARSENAL-TARGET Cagliari last October. versatility in attack, where he joins an im- about the club. I am the last one to add fi re. a cup as a manager. In another all Premier- leaving Germany and fi nding AUBAMEYANG COULD But the FIGC said in a state- pressive roster of players including Romelu Cristiano is the kind of player that every League tie, Liverpool host West Brom, look- success in Italy, said. RETURN FOR DORTMUND ment that their sporting tribunal Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and in-form play- manager and club wants but only one man- ing to bounce back after defeat to bottom As Bayern are the only Ger- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had decided on a “partial ac- ers Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. ager and club can have him, (Zinedine) Zi- club Swansea ended their 18-match winning man club left in the knock- could yet return for Borussia ceptance” of the prosecutor’s “Our careers are almost made in the same dane and Real Madrid.” run in all competitions. Nottingham Forest’s out phases of the Champions Dortmund tomorrow — despite requests. The two Rome clubs countries simultaneously, so I know him Pep Guardiola’s City remain on course for reward for dumping out champions Arsenal League, Bierhoff ’s implication the on-going saga of his possible share the Stadio Olimpico and very, very well,” said former Inter Milan and an unprecedented quadruple after reaching in the third round is a trip to play Hull. is clear. Heidel insists that move to Arsenal — his German Lazio’s ultras were housed in Real Madrid boss Mourinho. “I saw him play the fi nal of the League Cup this week but each club is happy when one of club’s head coach Peter Stoeger the south end (Curva Sud) of the on the right, on the left, as a striker and be- have a tough challenge on their hands away FA CUP FOURTH-ROUND FIXTURES their players are called up by said. “He’s made a good impres- ground normally reserved for hind the striker, these are Alexis’s positions. to Cardiff , third in the Championship. Today: Sheff ield Wednesday v Reading (1945 Germany, “but if it means that sion in training, if things keep Roma supporters. I saw him play in diff erent tactical systems, Guardiola made clear where his priori- GMT); Yeovil v Manchester United (1955) we must then be afraid that a going the way they have, then Thirteen Lazio fans have re- with diff erent philosophies of diff erent ties lie after beating Bristol City to reach Tomorrow: (1500 GMT unless stated) player will go to Bayern, that is he’s an option for the squad,” ceived stadium bans of between managers, I saw him successful in every the Wembley showpiece. “I like the Premier Peterborough v Leicester (1230); Huddersfield v questionable”. Stoeger said tersely of Aubam- fi ve and eight years in connec- country, with every manager, with every League a lot, because every single weekend Birmingham; Notts County v Swansea; MK Dons Schalke are understandably eyang ahead of home match tion with the pictures which system, in every position.” or every three days you have to be ready,” he v Coventry; Millwall v Rochdale; Southampton sore at losing one of Germany’s against Freiburg. provoked an outcry in Italy. Earlier this week Yeovil, playing United said.”For me that is more important. v Watford; Middlesbrough v Brighton; Wigan v top rising talents to runaway However, the Austrian said Lazio are fl ying high in Serie A in the FA Cup for the second time in four The Champions League is the most beau- West Ham; Hull v Nottingham Forest; Sheff ield league leaders Bayern, who are something similar before last and opened up a three-point seasons, reacted to Sanchez’s potential de- tiful, the most prestigious. “But the Premier United v Preston; Newport County v Tottenham on course for a sixth straight Friday’s 1-1 draw at Hertha lead over fourth-placed Inter but on their home ground. “You said you’ve League is something special — like it was the (1730); Liverpool v West Brom (1945) Bundesliga title. Goretzka, 22, Berlin, then pulled the striker Milan with a 3-0 win over Udi- joined ‘the biggest club in the world @Alex- La Liga for me or the Bundesliga in Germa- On Sunday: Chelsea v Newcastle (1330); Cardiff will join Bayern next season on a from the squad, saying he felt nese on Wednesday. is_Sanchez so it’s only right you start your ny. After that the FA Cup is important, and v Manchester City (1600) Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 26, 2018 CRICKET

SA VS IND, DAY 2, 3RD TEST SECOND T20I Pakistan fi nally India edge ahead overcome Black Caps with T20 win

AFP on ‘dangerous’, Auckland akistan beat New Zea- land by 48 runs in the second T20 in Auckland yesterday to notch their Pfi rst victory of the tour over the Black Caps. The tourists fi nally found form ‘challenging’ pitch with both bat and ball to level the three-match T20 series after a humiliating losing streak that Bumrah took five for 54 as South Africa were bowled out for 194 included a 5-0 ODI series white- wash. AFP moted to open the batting and the little They set an imposing target of Johannesburg left-hander batted brightly to score 16 202 after winning the toss and off 15 balls before he was caught at gully electing to bat, with half centu- off Philander from an inside edge which ries for Babar Azam and Fakhar ndia nudged ahead of South Africa on looped off his thigh pad. Zaman. the second day of the third and fi nal Regular opener Lokesh Rahul joined In response, New Zealand’s Test as the quality of the Wander- Murali Vijay and saw India through to the top order crumbled to 64 for six ers Stadium pitch was described as close. under a combination of tight I“challenging” as well as “dangerous”. With the South African bowlers prov- bowling and commitment in the After conceding a seven-run lead after ing surprisingly erratic, both Vijay and fi eld from Pakistan. a low-scoring fi rst innings, India reached Rahul were able to put some loose deliv- “Pakistan were excellent to- 49 for one at the close, an overall lead of eries away. night in all departments and we 42. “We probably weren’t at our best but weren’t that good in any de- Wickets tumbled and batsmen were we’ve got a quality bowling attack and partment,” New Zealand captain struck on the fi ngers and body as the they played a few good shots,” said Amla. Kane Williamson said. teams battled for supremacy. “When you catch them on a Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman in Former South African captain Shaun SCORECARD great day, you get the result we action during the T20 match Pollock and ex-India skipper Sunil INDIA 1st innings 187 all out got.” against New Zealand in Auckland Gavaskar criticised the pitch during a SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (o/n 6-1) Openers Fakhar and Ahmed yesterday. (AFP) teatime pitch report for SuperSport tel- D. Elgar c Patel b Kumar 4 Shehzad laid the platform with a evision. A. Markram c Patel b Kumar 2 partnership of 94. Babar brought up his 50 and Pointing to cracks and indentations K. Rabada c Rahane b Sharma 30 Pakistan’s previous best top- took the team past 200 with a on a good length, with graphics showing H. Amla c Pandya b Bumrah 61 order partnership during the six four off the fi nal ball of the in- extravagant movement and unpredict- A. de Villiers b Kumar 5 limited-over matches played on nings. able bounce, Pollock said: “If you’ve got F. du Plessis b Bumrah 8 tour so far was just 14. Pakistan’s bowling attack cap- deliveries behaving like this on day two Q. de Kock c Patel b Bumrah 8 The pair made the most of italised on the good work from of a Test match it can’t be judged a good V. Philander c Bumrah b Shami 35 Eden Park’s short boundaries to their batsmen by dislodging New surface.” A. Phehlukwayo lbw b Bumrah 9 comfortably dispatch anything Zealand’s top order cheaply. Gavaskar said the pitch was “totally in Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah (right) celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Hashim M. Morkel not out 9 short or wide for four. Faheem Ashraf ended with fi g- favour of bowlers”. Amla on Day Two of the third Test at Wanderers in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) L. Ngidi c Patel b Bumrah 0 They punished pacemen Ben ures of three for 22 while Shadab Players from both sides were more Extras (lb14, w9) 23 Wheeler and Seth Rance, who Khan and Mohammad Amir each guarded in their opinions. Asked whether the pitch provided a it. You are going to take a few on the body Total (65.5 overs) 194 both conceded 13 runs in an over, took two wickets. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, fair contest, Amla said: “It’s quite a spicy and hands but it is part of the game.” Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Markram), 2-16 prompting New Zealand to in- Colin Munro was trapped lbw who took fi ve for 54 as South Africa were wicket. No-one can hide from the fact Amla battled for four hours and faced (Elgar), 3-80 (Rabada), 4-92 (De Villiers), troduce spinners Ish Sodhi and for one then, captain Kane Wil- bowled out for 194, said: “It’s a little dif- that you can get out every ball. At the 121 balls in making the highest score of 5-107 (Du Plessis), 6-125 (De Kock), 7-169 Mitchell Santner. liamson made a rare golden duck ferent. We have not played on such a same time it’s challenging for a batsman. the match. Bowlers Kagiso Rabada (30) (Amla), 8-175 (Philander), 9-194 (Phehluk- Fakhar responded by belt- before Tom Bruce was run out wicket. Sometimes we get a wicket which is pret- and Vernon Philander (35) were the only wayo) ing three sixes off Santner’s fi rst thanks to some sharp fi elding “We’re not too critical of the wicket ty fl at and the batsmen enjoy it. (This) is South Africans to reach double fi gures. Bowling: Kumar 19-9-44-3 (2w), Bum- over, bringing up his maiden T20 from Haris Sohail. right now because the match is going on. diffi cult to bat on.” Nightwatchman Rabada batted until rah 18.5-2-54-5 (1w), Sharma 14-2-33-1, half century soon after off 26 The home team’s hopes faded Our basic plan is not to focus on the wick- Amla then posed a question of his own six minutes before the lunch break and Mohamed Shami 12-0-46-1 (2w), Pandya balls. when Shadab Khan took the et but focus on the things we have to do.” and answered with a smile, “Is it too ex- shared a third wicket partnership of 64 2-0-3-0 Rance fi nally broke through in prized scalp of Martin Guptill for Bumrah, whose side are trying to avoid cessive or not? Ask a batsman and what with Amla. the ninth over, deceiving Ahmed 26, leaving the Black Caps tee- a 3-0 series whitewash, did however ac- do you think he will say?” Amla survived two reviews for leg be- INDIA 2nd innings with a slower ball that carried tering at 52 for four and needing knowledge: “Some balls are up and down In an innings when the other fi ve of the fore wicket, being saved by the “umpire’s M. Vijay not out 13 straight to Colin de Grandhom- more than 11 runs an over. so that could be dangerous for the bats- regular South African top six batsmen call” provision on both occasions, and P. Patel c Markram b Philander 16 me on the boundary. Ben Wheeler and Mitchell men.” scored a combined 27 runs, Amla devised took some painful blows, including one in L. Rahul not out 16 Fakhar fell in the next over but Santner combined for a 54-run Hashim Amla, who top-scored for a strategy of moving across his stumps as the ribs and another on his hand. Extras (lb4) 4 Sarfraz Ahmed and Babar kept partnership but the early-in- South Africa with 61, said it was one of the bowlers delivered. In the context of the match, India could Total (1 wkt, 17 overs) 49 the scoreboard ticking over, tak- nings damage meant the target the most diffi cult pitches he had batted “I just fi gured that the ball is doing so feel reasonably satisfi ed with their eff orts Fall of wicket: 1-17 (Patel) ing Pakistan to 137 for two with was beyond them. on. “This one has a lot of pace, a lot of much so get into their channel. If it’s out- towards the close of play. Bowling: Philander 5-2-11-1, Rabada 6-1-19- fi ve overs remaining. bounce, it is quite challenging.” side (the line of the stumps) try and leave Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel was pro- 0, Morkel 4-1-9-0, Ngidi 2-0-6-0 Sarfraz in particular displayed BRIEF SCORES: Pakistan 201 for a confi dence that had so far elud- 4 (Azam 50 not out, Zaman 50) ed him on tour to make 41 off 24 beat New Zealand 153 (Santner SPOTLIGHT deliveries. 37; Ashraf 3-22) by 48 runs

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh to reach tri-nation fi nal England’s Plunkett out of last two ODIs against Australia AFP 10 runs. S. Rahman c Sub b Perera 10 Dhaka Lakmal picked up his three wickets — A. Hasan c Dickwella b Perera 7 England fast bowler Liam Plunkett will miss the last two one-day openers Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque, N. Hossain c Dickwella b Chameera 3 internationals against Australia due to a hamstring injury, captain and number fi ve Mahmudullah — for just M. Mortaza b Sandakan 1 Eoin Morgan said yesterday. The 32-year-old took four wickets uranga Lakmal led Sri Lankan 21 runs and knocked out the upper order. R. Hossain c Tharanga b Sandakan 0 in the first two ODIs but was injured in his second over of the bowlers on a confi dence-boosting Thisara Perera, Dushmantha Chameera M. Rahman not out 1 third match. His unavailability is a blow for the tourists, who have rampage to skittle out Bangladesh and Lakshan Sandakan each claimed two Extras (lb4, w10) 14 taken an unassailable 3-0 in the series ahead of the fourth ODI for 82 yesterday and guide his wickets. Total (24 overs) 82 in Adelaide today. “It was really unfortunate, Liam is going to be sideS into the fi nal of the Dhaka tri-nation Bangladesh, who had secured emphat- FoW: 1-5 (Haque), 2-15 (Shakib), 3-16 (Iqbal), out for around 10 days,” Morgan said. “He’s going to stay with the tournament. Openers Upul Tharanga (39) ic wins in their past three games, were all 4-34 (Mahmudullah), 5-57 (S. Rahman), 6-71 squad for his rehabilitation. He’s been a huge part of our progres- and Danushka Gunathilaka (35) sped to out for 82 in 24 overs and clearly stunned. (Hasan), 7-79 (Rahim), 8-80 (N. Hossain), sion over the past two years. We’re looking at the T20 series for the target 83 in just 11.5 overs to seal the Gunathilaka, with three sixes and two 9-81 (Mortaza), 10-82 (R. Hossain) when he will come back so there will definitely be a change for win for the islanders. fours, and Tharanga romped to victory Bowling: Lakmal 7-1-21-3 (w5), Chameera tomorrow.” The final match of the series will be played in Perth “This is what we’re capable of,” said Sri without the loss of a wicket against Bang- 5-1-6-2 (w2), T. Perera 6-0-27-2 (w1), on Sunday before England, Australia and New Zealand square off Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal as he Suranga Lakmal (right) of Sri Lanka ladesh’s lacklustre bowlers. Sandakan 6-0-24-2 (w2) in a tri-nation T20 series that begins on February 3. England open celebrated the emphatic 10-wicket win celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh's SRI LANKA their T20 campaign against Australia on February 7. that left Zimbabwe in third place in the se- Anamul Haque yesterday. (AFP) SCORECARD D. Gunathilaka not out 35 ries and ensured Sri Lanka another match BANGLADESH U. Tharanga not out 39 Maxwell back in Australia ODI squad against Bangladesh in Saturday’s fi nal. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza T. Iqbal c Gunathilaka b Lakmal 5 Extras (w8, nb1) 9 Sri Lanka had to win to remain in the won the toss and opted to bat but soon re- A. Haque b Lakmal 0 Total (no wicket; 11.5 overs) 83 as cover for Finch competition and, coming out of their gretted his move. Mushfi qur Rahim made Shakib Al Hasan run out Gunathilaka 8 Bowling: Mortaza 2-0-15-0 (nb1, w1), Hasan worst year in international cricket, com- 26 but Sabbir Rahman was the only other M. Rahim c Mendis b Chameera 26 4-0-25-0, N. Hossain 3-0-19-0, M. Rahman Batsman Glenn Maxwell has been recalled to the Australian pleted the task in style. batsman to reach double fi gures, with just Mahmudullah c Chameera b Lakmal 7 1.5-0-14-0 (w2), Shakib 1-0-10-0 (w5) squad as cover for Aaron Finch, who was ruled out of today’s fourth one-day international against England in Adelaide with a hamstring injury. Maxwell, who has played 80 ODIs for his BOTTOMLINE country and can be one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket on his day, was surprisingly left out when the squad was announced earlier this month. Captain Steve Smith and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns had said at the time he needed to be Afghans stun Kiwis to enter U19 World Cup semis more consistent at the international level to get back into the team. The 29-year-old last played for the one-day side on the tour IANS Rahmanullah scored 69 runs off 67 In reply, the Kiwis never really man- of India last September. Finch will be assessed ahead of the fifth Christchurch, New Zealand balls with seven boundaries and three aged to get their run chase going as they ODI in Perth on Sunday. England have an unassailable 3-0 lead in sixes. lost wickets at regular intervals. the series. When left-arm spinner Felix Murray The Afghans struck early blows to reduce fghanistan produced a superb pulled off a stunning caught and bowled the hosts to 20/4 in the seventh over. Ngidi named in South Africa squad all-round eff ort to stun New eff ort in the 24th over to send back Ikram The only bright spot of the Kiwi in- Zealand by 202 runs in a Super Ali Khil, it seemed like the Kiwis had nings was a 66-run stand between Dale for India ODI series League quarter-fi nal at the ICC brought the situation under control. Phillips and Katene Clarke, who made the U19A World Cup here yesterday. But Shah joined Zadran in the middle Afghans wait for almost 19 overs for their Uncapped seamer Lungi Ngidi has been named in South Africa’s Opting to bat fi rst, Afghanistan rode on and the duo proceeded to add 47 runs be- fi fth wicket. one-day International squad to face India in the first three half-centuries from Rahmanullah, Ibra- tween them. Clarke was the highest scorer for New fixtures of a six-match series next month. Ngidi, 21, made his Test him Zadran, Baheer Shah and Azmatullah Zadran posted a patient innings of 68 Zealand with 38 runs off 56 balls while debut against the touring Indians in Pretoria earlier in Janu- to post a challenging total of 309 for 6 in runs off 98 balls while Shah remained Phillips scored 31 runs off 32 deliveries. ary, taking 6-39 in the second innings for a match haul of seven their 50 overs. unbeaten on 67 off 72 deliveries. But once Phillips was trapped leg be- wickets. He also played two Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Mujeeb Zadran and Qais Ahmad then Patel proved to be the partnership fore by Ahmed in the 20th over, it was Lanka 12 months ago but missed the ODI series that followed claimed four wickets each as the Afghans breaker once again when he sent Zadran virtually all over for the Kiwis. through injury. Batsman Khaya Zondo, who toured India in 2015 bundled out New Zealand for a meagre back to the pavilion. with the side but was not selected, has also been included. Fast 107 runs in 28.1 overs. Afghanistan openers Ibrahim Zadran and The fall of another couple of wickets BRIEF SCORES: Afghanistan 309 for 6 bowler Morne Morkel, all-rounder Chris Morris and leg-spinner Zadran returned fi gures of 4 for 14 Rahmanullah scored half centuries. seemed to have stalled the Afghans’ mo- in 50 overs (Rahmanullah 69, Ibrahim Tabraiz Shamsi all return for the series that starts in Durban on while Ahmad claimed 4 for 33. mentum. But a quickfi re 66 off just 23 Zadran 68, Baheer Shah 67 not out, February 1. Afghanistan will meet former champi- 20.4 overs. This was the biggest opening balls by Azmatullah Omarzai and his 79- Azmatullah Omarzai 66; Sandeep Patel 2 SQUAD: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, ons Australia in the semi-fi nals. stand for Afghanistan at the U-19 level. run stand with Shah helped the Afghans for 13) beat New Zealand 107 in 28.1 overs AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David The Afghan innings was off to an excel- Pacer Sandeep Patel struck the fi rst to a big total. (Katene Clarke 38, Dale Phillips 31; Mujeeb Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Pheh- lent start as Rahmanullah and Zadran put blow for New Zealand when he bowled Omarzai’s innings was studded with Zadran 4 for 14, Qais Ahmad 4 for 33) by lukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khayelihle Zondo. on an opening partnership of 117 runs in Rahmanullah in the 21st over. three boundaries and seven sixes. 202 runs Gulf Times Friday, January 26, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Riveting Super Irving sparks as Bowl can make NFL troubles Celtics halt losing disappear

Reuters San Antonio remain in third place in the West after a Toronto t has been a bruising season 108-85 mauling of the Memphis Grizzlies for the NFL but nothing can streak make troubles disappear faster than a good party and Ithe league will be hoping as much when it tosses its annual Super Bowl bash with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles clashing in Minneapolis. The Super Bowl is the biggest shindig in North American sports and, just like New Year’s, off ers the perfect opportunity for the NFL to put any troubles behind and send fans, sponsors and offi cials smil- Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates ing into the off season. their win over Jaguars in the AFC There is no shortage of things Championship Game earlier this the NFL would like to see in the month. (AFP) rearview mirror, particularly a feud between US President Donald Brady and the defending cham- Trump and the league over players pion Patriots headlining the protesting racism by kneeling dur- NFL’s biggest game of the year, ing the national anthem. interest is already trending up- NFL Commissioner Roger wards. Goodell praised the athletes as Love them or hate them, and political activists. there is very little grey area when “We live in a society that’s it comes to the Patriots, New pretty fractured and when you England bring cache and name appeal to a large audience... those brand recognition to the Super kinds of issues get a tremendous Bowl providing some engage- focus,” Goodell said in a speech ment for the tens of millions of to the Economic Club of New casual fans who are otherwise York on Tuesday. “Even though just interested in the party. we may disagree with the form of The Eagles, with quarterback protest it forced us to listen. Nick Foles thrust into the start- “We really took the time to un- ing job last month after an injury derstand them. I think we could to Carson Wentz, will assume the use a little more of that in our underdog role against a Patriots society.” team seeking their third Vince Trump’s Twitter storms di- Lombardi Trophy in four seasons. rected at the NFL were not the Five-times Super Bowl cham- only cloud hanging over the NFL. pion Brady is arguably the big- A slide in TV ratings, renewed gest name in US sport and per- debate over concussions, the haps the best known American prescribing and use of painkill- sportsman globally. ers, domestic abuse and sexual Bill Belichick, the taciturn harassment allegations all com- Patriots head coach who treats bined to drag the spotlight away news conferences as if he were from the fi eld. testifying in front of grand jury, The Super Bowl, however, is the mastermind behind the is one of those rare events that operation owned by billionaire Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (left) passes the ball past LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and LA Clippers forward Blake Griff in (centre) during the first half of their NBA at Staples some experts say has the capac- Robert Kraft, who rubs shoulders Center in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) ity cover up a lot of warts while with Trump and Russian Presi- solving none of the problems. dent Vladimir Putin. AFP points but a fl urry of scoring capped by a Spanish veteran Pau Gasol had 14 also named to the NBA “Rising Stars” “There is nothing in North The three pillars of the Patriots Los Angeles Terry Rozier three-pointer handed Bos- points 11 rebounds and 15 assists as the game on Wednesday, led the Sixers scor- America in the same stratosphere empire will be the focus of a Su- ton a 91-77 buff er heading into the fi nal Spurs improved to 32-18. Gasol’s broth- ing with 22 points. as the Super Bowl, in terms of per Bowl soap opera with ESPN quarter. The Celtics pressed home their er Marc led the scoring for the Grizzlies Simmons meanwhile attributed his tri- who it reaches, how many peo- having recently run a report that yrie Irving scored 20 points as advantage in the fourth quarter to close with 18 points and seven rebounds. ple to the support of his team-mates. ple get involved,” Norm O’Reilly, suggested a rift between Brady, the Boston Celtics snapped their out the win. The fourth-placed Minnesota Timber- “They were playing great. My team was a business professor and chair Belichick and Kraft. four-game losing streak with a In Dallas, James Harden scored 25 wolves however fell to 31-19 with a road knocking down shots — if it wasn’t for of Ohio University’s sports ad- That juicy storyline and oth- convincing 113-102 win over the points as Houston tightened their grip on 123-114 defeat against the Trail Blazers in them, I wouldn’t have triple doubles,” he ministration department told ers will all be grist for the Super KLos Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. second place in the Western Conference Portland. Damian Lillard was the spark told reporters. Reuters. “It is the mega event of Bowl mill that will be churning The Eastern Conference leaders have with a 104-97 win over the Mavericks in for the home team, scoring 31 points with In Atlanta, the Toronto Raptors’ mega events. with more than 5,000 creden- struggled on off ense during their mini- the all-Texas derby. C.J. McCollum adding 28. Lithuanian star Jonas Valanciunas had a “All we deal with before any tialed media. slump, but found their scoring touch to Trevor Ariza added 23 points while In Charlotte, Anthony Davis and Jrue double-double with 16 points and 13 re- Olympic Games is all the negative While a nailbiting fi nish would secure a comfortable road victory at the Clint Capela, Chris Paul and Eric Gordon Holiday scored 19 points apiece to give bounds in his team’s 108-93 stroll past like in Rio; it’s a terrible place to go spark a ratings jump, an estimat- Staples Center. all made double-fi gures for the visitors, the New Orleans Pelicans a 101-96 win the Hawks. and then the second the opening ed 150 mn Americans and world- Irving had eight rebounds and seven who improved to 34-12 after what was a over the Hornets. Fred VanVleet led the scoring for To- ceremonies start everybody for- wide television audience are ex- assists while Jayson Tatum had 18 points sixth straight win over the Mavs. DeMarcus Cousins added a double- ronto with 19 points off the bench as the gets. It’s magic. A magical Super pected to will tune in on Feb. 4. on a night when fi ve Celtics players post- Harden fi nished with 13 assists and double with 16 points and 13 rebounds to second-placed Raptors kept up the pres- Bowl clearly has the ability to make A culture touchstone in the US ed double-digit scores. fi ve rebounds while converting six of 10 give New Orleans a third straight victory. sure on fi rst-placed Boston. a lot of people forget about some of the Super Bowl has matured into The win saw Boston improve to 35-14 at three-point attempts. Elsewhere Tuesday, Australian star Ben these things.” a global event, a Bacchanalian the top of the East, and ensured they will San Antonio remain in third place in Simmons marked his selection for the RESULTS This year it will fall on the Pa- feast of pizza, beer and gridiron head into Saturday’s marquee match-up the West after a 108-85 mauling of the NBA All Star weekend’s “Rising Stars” LA Clippers 102 Boston 113 triots and Eagles to provide the that will all be consumed from against the NBA champion Golden State Memphis Grizzlies. game next month with a triple double as Atlanta 93 Toronto 108 Super Bowl magic when they London to Tokyo. Warriors on a winning note. The Spurs, fresh from victory over the Philadelphia 76ers overpowered the Portland 123 Minnesota 114 clash on February 4. “We’ve done research on these Boston took control after edging into Cleveland on Tuesday, showed no ill-ef- Chicago Bulls by 115 to 101. Dallas 97 Houston 104 Good vibes, however, could events and asked the question a 62-55 half-time lead, quickly extend- fects from their road trip in a one-sided Simmons, 21, fi nished with 19 points, Memphis 85 San Antonio 108 vanish in an instant if someone does it matter where the Olym- ing the gap to 13 points early in the third win. 17 rebounds, and 14 assists, as the Sixers Charlotte 96 New Orleans 101 kneels during the anthem or if pic Games are and it doesn’t,” quarter thanks to a burst of scoring from Once again the Spurs’ formidable scor- moved to 23-21 to remain in the playoff Detroit 95 Utah 98 (OT) the league’s concussion protocol said O’Reilly. “The Super Bowl is Tatum and Aron Baynes. ing depth proved decisive, with eight hunt in the Eastern Conference. Indiana 116 Phoenix 101 comes under questioning. in that boat, it is so big and peo- The Clippers rallied to get within fi ve players making double fi gures. Joel Embiid, who like Simmons was Philadelphia 115 Chicago 101 But with quarterback Tom ple love it.”

BASEBALL Kings top Flames with OT winner Jones, Thome elected to Hall of Fame, Bonds, Clemens wait

AFP Valuable Player, Jones is one of bered for his 13 seasons with New York the greatest switch-hitters of all the Cleveland Indians, two of time, right up there with Mickey which resulted in a trip to the Mantle and Eddie Murray. World Series. tlanta Braves icon He spent all of his 19-year- He, Bonds and Babe Ruth are Chipper Jones and career with the Braves, amass- the only three players in history slugger Jim Thome ing a career batting average to rank in the top 10 all-time in were elected to the of.303 and 468 home runs. home runs and walks. BaseballA Hall of Fame in their Guerrero, the 2004 American Bonds is MLB’s career home fi rst year of eligibility as scan- League MVP, was a nine-time run king with 762 over 22 cam- dal-tainted Barry Bonds and All-Star and an eight-time Sil- paigns, including a single-season Roger Clemens were left wait- ver Slugger Award winner. record 73 in 2001. He was caught ing on Wednesday. His 449 career home runs are up in the BALCO steroid scandal, Jones and Thome were elected tied with fellow Hall of Famer with his personal trainer Greg to the class of 2018, to be induct- Jeff Bagwell for 40th in Major Anderson among those convict- ed on July 29 at Cooperstown, League Baseball history. ed, although Bonds himself had New York, along with Vladimir Hoff man amassed 601 career an obstruction conviction over- Guerrero and Trevor Hoff man. saves as a closing pitcher, the turned in 2015. It’s the fourth time that the second most in MLB history Clemens was alleged to have Baseball Writers’ Association of behind Yankees legend Mariano taken steroids in later years of America has elected four play- Rivera. He had nine 40-save his career by former trainer ers in a year, after doing so in seasons in his 16 years with the Brian McNamee but denied the 1947, 1955 and 2015. San Diego Padres. claims in testimony before the Jones was named on 97.2 per- Thome was a fi ve-time All- US Congress. He was charged cent of the ballots, one of the Star over the course of his 22- with perjury for lying in his de- Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (left) guards his net as teammate Alec Martinez (centre) and Calgary Flames left wing highest percentages in history. year career and ranks eighth nial and after a mistrial he was Johnny Gaudreau (right) battle for the puck during the third period of their NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Canada, on An eight-time All-Star and in MLB history with 612 home found innocent in 2012 of lying Wednesday. The Kings won 2-1. (USA TODAY Sports) the 1999 National League Most runs. Thome is best remem- to lawmakers. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 26, 2018 AUSTRALIAN OPEN

PREVIEW Chung can end ‘Big Four’ era with semi-fi nal win Reuters sport, I believe. I know that Novak Chung fi nds new tennis audience in Korea Melbourne maybe wasn’t at 110 percent, but he was all right. He was giving it Bespectacled Chung Hyeon’s unprecedented Grand ing professor at Hanyang University. a fi ght till the very end. To close it Slam run has brought tennis to new fans in South South Korea has a precedent for excelling at a sport t is fair bet that few would out, that was mighty impressive. Korea, but he will need to keep on winning if he after a trailblazer led the way. have picked South Korean “I think it’s an interesting wants to trigger a real “boom” in the sport in his After Pak Se-Ri’s LPGA tour victories from 1998 Chung Hyeon to be the play- match for me. I’ll defi nitely have home country. onwards, South Koreans now dominate women’s er to break the dominance to look into how I need to play Sales of tennis gear doubled after Chung, 21, beat golf, occupying four of the top six slots in the current IRoger Federer and the other against him because he has some the little-known but aptly named Tennys Sandgren in rankings. members of the “Big Four” have great qualities, especially defen- the Australian Open quarter-finals, becoming the first And when figure skating sensation Kim Yuna won had at the Australian Open over sively, like Novak has. Korean to reach the last four at a Grand Slam. gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, it led to the last 13 years. “One thing I know is I’m going Tennis ranks far behind the likes of baseball or golf in a flurry of children lacing up their skates and gliding The 21-year-old has enjoyed to be playing aggressive. I don’t South Korea, where the high cost of equipment and onto the ice. an amazing run over the last two know how I’m going to do that small number of courts in its densely populated After beating 12-time Slam-winner Novak Djokovic in weeks and if he can get past Fe- exactly yet.” cities have dissuaded many from taking up the straight sets, Chung – who took up the game in an derer in Friday’s semi-fi nal, it Although Chung won the Next game. attempt to improve his eyesight – said: “I hope my would ensure a fi nal without the Gen Finals last year, his meteoric But Chung’s quarter-final win drew top television rat- victory will trigger a tennis boom in South Korea.” Swiss, Novak Djokovic, Andy rise to the top table of the tennis ings, and media hailed him as “rewriting” the history But while the flamboyant Chung has impressed in Murray or Rafael Nadal for the Chung Hyeon of South Korea poses on the Australian Open hashtag world is indicated by the fact that of tennis in a country which boasts Asia’s fourth- Melbourne, winning over the Australian crowd, he fi rst time since 2005. sign during an event in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) he will be bidding to become the largest economy. will need to go a step further if tennis is to catch fire In fact, barring 2014 when Stan fi rst man in a decade to play his “Wow, I watched a tennis match for the first time in Korea, experts say. Wawrinka won the title, no player a huge “ if ”. Defending his title as Chung’s most notable victim on fi rst tour fi nal at a grand slam. because it was the talk of the town but I didn’t know Chung benefited from a “stroke of luck” when Djoko- apart from the quartet has even second seed, the 19-times grand his run to the last four and the His run through the tourna- it was such a fun sport,” said one online comment. vic fell victim to injury, said Lee Seung-Hwan, a sports been involved in the men’s fi nal at slam has yet to give up a set as he manner of his victory caught even ment has stunned even him. Sales of equipment including rackets, bags and marketing professor at Kookmin University. His tour- Melbourne Park since 2008. has moved through the draw on Federer’s attention. “I’m really surprised,” he said. clothes at South Korea’s online retailer Gmarket nament could also be over on Friday, when he faces With Marin Cilic and Kyle Ed- his mission to match Djokovic’s “I’m very excited to play “I make semis, I beat like Sascha surged 96 percent year-on-year in the 24 hours after 19-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer. mund lining up in the other semi- professional era record of six Mel- Chung. I thought he played an (fourth seed Alexander Zverev), Chung’s quarter-final win. “Playing in the semi-finals a couple of times won’t put fi nal, that particular dominance is bourne titles. incredible match against Novak,” Novak, the other good players. “South Koreans take pride from seeing an underdog you in the ranks of Kim Yuna or Pak Se-Ri,” said Lee. already destined to be broken and Djokovic, albeit a Djokovic re- the 36-year-old said. I never playing in second week South Korean defeating top ranking world players “You have to become number one to be remem- Chung denying Federer a place in turning from six months on the “I mean, to beat him here is one in grand slam, so I’m really sur- and this is just that,” said Roger Park, a sports market- bered by South Koreans.” his 30th grand slam fi nal remains sidelines, was world number 58 of the tough things to do in our prised.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Halep outlasts Kerber in thriller to meet Cilic ends Edmund’s Wozniacki in fi nal

Reuters Farenheit), looks set to be a gru- Melbourne elling do-or-die clash between two players known for their te- nacity and court coverage. imona Halep survived a “I respect her a lot, and I know run to enter fi nal three-set thriller against it’s going to be similar. I will have Angelique Kerber Thurs- to run, so a very good rest after ‘Cilic becomes first Croatian player into Melbourne final, Edmund struggles with injury’ day to set up a winner- this match,” said Halep of Woz- takes-allS Australian Open fi nal niacki. “I want to give my best Reuters against Caroline Wozniacki, ... and not think about the title. Melbourne where the number one ranking If it’s going to come, it’s going to will be on the line. come.” The Romanian said for a fl eet- In a see-sawing contest, Ha- business-like Marin ing moment she thought “every- lep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead Cilic doused the fi re of thing had gone” when facing two before 2016 Melbourne Park Kyle Edmund before Kerber match points before bat- winner Kerber, seeded 21, fought crushing the ailing tling past the former champion back. The Romanian fi nally pre- BritonA 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2 to become 6-3, 4-6, 9-7. vailed in 2hr 20min with her Croatia’s fi rst Australian Open But the tenacious Halep fourth match point to ensure a fi nalist yesterday. stayed alive to put her number new name will grace the trophy. Sixth seed Cilic, who won his one ranking up for grabs in the “I tried to be calm today. quarter-fi nal when Rafa Nadal showdown against the number It was a rollercoaster, up and retired hurt in the fi fth set, was two seed, with both desperate to down,” said Halep. “If you don’t again ruthless against a reduced win a maiden Grand Slam title. give up you can win. I did it well. opponent, ending 49th-ranked “Defi nitely was very tough. I am proud of myself.” Edmund’s dream run after just I’m shaking now,” said Halep, In her match, Wozniacki al- two hours and 18 minutes at a who saved the match points at most let Mertens back in when fl oodlit Rod Laver Arena. 5-6 on Kerber’s serve in the third serving for the win at 5-4, and Sealing the match with a set. She confessed she wasn’t seemingly in complete control. thumping serve, the 2014 U.S. sure how she did it. Two double faults enabled the Open champion will bid for his “I don’t remember, but I didn’t Belgian, in her fi rst semi-fi nal at second grand slam title against think about the score. I just took this level on her Australian Open Friday’s winner of Roger Feder- point by point. I had actually two debut, to level at 5-5. er and South Korea’s rising star moments when I felt that the Serving to take it to a tiebreak Chung Hyeon. match was over,” she said. at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to He will also enjoy two full “I had no power anymore and save three set points before seal- days off after his centre court everything is gone. I didn’t give ing the match in the tiebreak. cakewalk which left the largely up, which meant a lot, and that’s “It means so much to me,” pro-Edmund crowd cold on a how I won the match.” said the Dane after reaching her hazy, moist evening. Wozniacki beat unseeded Bel- maiden Australian Open fi nal Everything is in a “good, gian Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) and her fi rst Grand Slam decider solid spot”, said the confi dent after a late wobble when she was since 2014. Croatian, who will contest his broken serving for the match at “I’m really happy and proud of third grand slam fi nal after 5-4 in the second set. how I’ve managed to turn things being thrashed by Federer at “Halep, just like me, was down around when things weren’t go- Wimbledon. match points early on in the ing my way and keep it up when- “I’m playing much, much tournament,” said Wozniacki. “I ever it was going my way.” more aggressive,” the 29-year- think it’s exciting because we’re The fi nal will be only the 17th old told reporters. both playing for the number one time in Australian Open history “I’m feeling that I am, for Croatia’s Marin Cilic shakes hands with Britain’s Kyle Edmund after winning the Australian Open semi-final match in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) ranking.” that the number one and two most of the shots, hitting them Tommorow’s fi nal, which seeds have met for the title – really, really good... Feeling re- danger and studiously avoided troubled of mind. He lost his was soon roaring in celebration, ery. It looked like a groin injury could be played in forecast tem- fi rst and second seeds have won ally excited about the fi nal, too.” Edmund’s bazooka forehand. temper at 2-2, arguing with the a backhand winner down the that did for the Briton, but he perature of up to 35 Celsius (95 eight times each. It was hard to disagree with Given little latitude on his umpire heatedly after Cilic was line closing it out. It looked bad refused to play the sympathy the 6-ft 6-in (1.98m) Cilic, who favoured side, a frustrated Ed- awarded a point on a challenge. for the Briton, who began hob- card. put on a masterclass of clean mund was broken in the sixth “Get the referee, I’m not hav- bling when in pursuit of Cilic’s “Yeah, there’s something, but hitting and was virtually un- game when he slapped a back- ing it,” he snapped before being raids on his backhand. whatever,” said the man who playable on his fi rst serve. hand into the net tape and the fl at-batted by the second match Tossed around like a rag doll upset third seed Grigor Dim- An agitated Edmund, how- rebound went wide. offi cial. across the court, Edmund was itrov in the quarter-fi nals. ever, needed a medical time-out Cilic calmly broke him again, The blow-up seemed to help broken at 1-1 when he netted a “I’m defi nitely disappointed after the fi rst set and slowed ap- wrapping up the set with a sear- as he served out to love and kept weak retrieve. about it, but it’s one of those preciably in the third. ing forehand to the corner. snapping at Cilic’s heels all the It prompted only a quiet fi st things where I have to look at It was a defl ating end to a way to a tiebreak. pump from Cilic, who knuckled the whole week. It’s been so match that had showed prom- MEDICAL TIME-OUT But from there the big down to break him again at 4-2. good... Making the semi-fi nals ise when the 23-year-old York- With only a single forehand Croatian played with sublime An 11th ace and a volley put of a Grand Slam is defi nitely shireman came out in a blaze of winner to his name, Edmund control, landing a pinpoint him a point from the fi nish be- something that I can be very shot-making to grab early break exited the court for a medi- serve to claim three set points. fore he wound up his serve one happy with and really take points. Cilic served away the cal time-out but returned still Edmund saved one but Cilic last time to end Edmund’s mis- forward.”

Edmund baff led by media spotlight after Melbourne exploits Fair to say Kyle Edmund surpassed his South African, the draw suddenly opened “Not the way I played,” Edmund, beaten doing well. The top guys like Roger (Fed- expectations by reaching the semi-finals up. Wins against Denis Istomin, Nikoloz 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2, told reporters in reference erer)... they have been doing it their whole Romania’s Simona Halep (right) hits a return against Germany’s Angelique of the Australian Open but what surprised Basilashvili and Andreas Seppi followed to the tens of thousands of words written life. They crack on and embrace it.” Kerber during their Australian Open semi-final yesterday and (left) him more was the media frenzy that ac- before the 49th-ranked Edmund made about him in the past 12 days. Car lover Edmund, who moved to Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in action against Belgium’s Elise Mertens companied his stunning run. the world sit up and take notice by knock- “The most surprising thing is the stuff off Yorkshire from South Africa when he during their semi-final in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) From being Kyle who? outside the tennis ing out third seed Grigor Dimitrov. the court, like my dad’s got three more was three, said he will not be going out fraternity two weeks ago, he has been Croatian powerhouse Marin Cilic stopped jobs than I knew he had, like reading... my to splash any of his cash and won’t be dubbed King Edmund or King Kyle as he Edmund yesterday but the ginger-haired first hobby was swimming and, my first buying Ferrari. Cornet charged with anti-doping violation reached his first grand slam semi-final. right-hander with a passing resem- love was swimming, which I never knew. “I have a Jaguar deal, so I can’t!” he said. When Andy Murray, a double Wimbledon blance to former world number one Jim “Yeah, there’s lots of stuff which I was While the media spotlight might take France’s Alize Cornet has been charged by the Tennis Anti-Doping champion and British number one for Courier will go home 509,000 pounds surprised about. My dad told me... ‘I had some getting used to, Edmund says he Programme (TADP) after allegedly missing three out-of-competition more than a decade, pulled out before ($728,000) richer and with a ranking just three more jobs I didn’t know I had’,” he felt like he belonged on the big stage. drug tests, governing body the ITF said yesterday. A statement from the the start to undergo hip surgery and Jo- outside the top 20. added. “Played a lot of tough matches. Won TADP said the world number 42 had been charged on Jan. 11 before the hanna Konta checked out early, the focus For good measure he will almost certainly “Of course I slightly feel people over some tough matches. Beat good players,” start of the Australian Open, where she lost to Belgium’s Elise Mertens switched to the unassuming 23-year-old. usurp Murray as British number one react and stuff . You know, like, was it King he said. in the third round. It said Cornet had violated Article 2.4 which covers Not many expected him to beat U.S. in the next few weeks. So did anything Edmund VI? I mean, yeah, it is what it is “This type of tournament just gives you missed tests and a failure to provide whereabouts information. The Open runner-up Kevin Anderson in round surprise him during his Melbourne basically. the bug to want more. Once you get a French Tennis Federation had said Cornet was being investigated over a one but when he took out the big-serving adventure? “The attention goes with the territory of taste, it’s like, yeah, I want more of this.” breach of the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) anti-doping rules. Gulf Times Friday, January 26, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Woods gives health thumbs-up on eve of Donaldson leads, return to PGA Tour

Reuters in general and golf in particular, La Jolla, California the 42-year-old could hardly contain his enthusiasm at being pain-free. relaxed and happy Tiger “It’s been so bad for so long, McIlroy lurks Woods gave his body a but turning it around and hav- thumbs-up on Wednes- ing my back fused, I haven’t felt ‘The greens in the morning are perfect and there wasn’t much wind’ day and said he wanted this good in years, so I’m excited toA play a full schedule leading up about it,” he said. AFP to the US Masters in April. Woods has played one tourna- Dubai Speaking on the eve of his fi rst ment since his surgery, the unof- offi cial tournament in almost a fi cial Hero World Challenge in year, the 14-times major cham- the Bahamas in December, where amie Donaldson led the pion said he has not “felt this he fi nished ninth of 18 players in Dubai Desert Classic good in years”. a good test run for 2018, when he with a fi rst round 10-un- Woods acknowledged that his hopes to play a full schedule for der par 62 yesterday with apparently successful spinal fu- the fi rst time since 2013. two-timeJ winner Rory McIlroy sion last April had been a last- “I went through every single three shots off the Welsh leader. ditch attempt to end his crush- procedure that is non-surgical With hardly any wind at ing pain after he had exhausted and it just didn’t get better,” he Emirates Golf Club, a slew of every other treatment option. said of his back and his make or low scores were produced, none “My quality of life is infi nitely break decision to have two verte- better than the 42-year-old better than it was last year at this brae in his lower spine fused. Donaldson who has a one-shot point,” he told reporters. “I have “The surgery and the fusion lead over English duo David no more pain in my back. was the only step I had left. I was Horsey and Anthony Wall. “It feels good not to have a lucky.” Another Englishman, Tyrrell burning sensation going down Of all Woods’ victories, per- Hatton, was fourth at 64, with my leg into my foot, or collapse haps his greatest came here at the tournament’s headline act when I’m walking, things of that the 2008 US Open. He won de- McIlroy among a group of fi ve nature.” spite having, in his own words, players tied fi fth at seven-under He beamed his trademark “no ACL” (anterior cruciate liga- par 65. Spain’s world number smile multiple times as he spoke ment) and a “broken leg” (two 8 Sergio Garcia, the defend- to the media for 23 minutes at stress fractures in his lower left ing champion, opened with a Torrey Pines, a day before the leg). fi ve-under par 67. Last week’s fi rst round of the Farmers Insur- But that was 10 years ago and champion in Abu Dhabi and ance Open, a tournament he al- he has not won a major champi- reigning European number one most owns with seven victories. onship since. Tommy Fleetwood made 69 The former world number one “My expectations have tem- while world No10 Henrik Sten- had just played a pre-tourna- pered a little bit because I son submitted a card of 70 after ment pro-am at which he de- haven’t played,” he said. “I just a late double bogey. lighted a large gallery of fans by want to start playing and getting Donaldson, who won in Abu fi nishing eagle, birdie for a fi nal into a rhythm of playing a sched- Dhabi in 2013 and represented score of two-under 70. ule again. Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup in Woods addressed in detail “I haven’t done that in such a Gleneagles as then world No23, questions about his swing and long time, so I don’t know what has endured a disappointing spoke at length about the thought to expect. I’m going to grind, give couple of years which saw his process that went into the back it everything I possibly have.” world ranking slip to 292. surgery he underwent after three This week will be merely the After starting from the 10th failed microdiscectomies. fi rst step in his build-up for the tee, Donaldson was bogey-free As usual, he said little about Masters at Augusta National. for his round with an eagle on his personal life, other than to “I’m looking forward to play- the par-5 13th and moved to say his two children were well. ing a full schedule and get- 11-under par after four birdies He did not address last year’s ting ready for the Masters and I in a row from the fourth hole arrest after he was found asleep haven’t done that in a very long onwards. at the wheel of his car with mul- time,” he said. With two holes to play, he had Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland takes a shot during the round one of the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Championship at the Emirates Golf tiple prescription drugs in his “From ‘96 on it’s been that a shot at Ernie Els’s 24-year-old Club in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) system. way and there’s no reason to course record of 61, and more But when it came to his health change.” importantly, a chance to shoot I had to chip that one in on the Leading fi rst-round scores the fi rst-ever 59 on the Euro- eighth. It was close. Didn’t go in pean Tour. He almost holed his and that was it then. 62-Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 68-Ian Poulter (ENG), Sam Brazel (BRA), Thomas De- chip from the edge of the green “But I’m very happy with 63-David Horsey (ENG), Anthony Wall (ENG) try (BEL), Marcel Siem (GER), Brett Rumford (AUS), for a birdie before settling for how I’ve played. 64-Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) Paul Lawrie (SCO), Daniel Im (USA), Jamie Elson par on the eighth hole, and then “59 is only a bonus, isn’t it? 65-Rory McIlroy (NIR), Chris Paisley (ENG), Alex- (ENG), Matthew Southgate (ENG), Branden Grace closed with a bogey on the ninth It’s icing on the cake. Everybody ander Bjork (SWE), Thomas Pieters (BEL), Lasse (RSA), Martin Kaymer (GER), Mikko Korhonen (FIN), after hitting his drive into the wants to shoot 59, but it’s some- Jensen (DEN) Phachara Khongwatmai (THA), Mikko Ilonen (FIN), fairway bunker. thing that is only if you’re play- 66-Haydn Porteus (RSA), Paul Dunne (IRL), Darren Wu Ashun (CHN), Scott Jamieson (SCO) ing really good golf, and that’s Fichardt (RSA), Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP), Li Selected ‘Perfect greens’ gone now. Now, it’s just a case Haotong (CHN) 71-Thomas Bjorn (DEN), Lee Westwood (ENG), Kira- “I didn’t know the course of more of the same moving on.” 67-Sergio Garcia (ESP), Alexander Levy (FRA), Dean dech Aphibarnrat (THA), Stephen Gallacher (SCO), record. I was only thinking of McIlroy said the conditions Burmester (RSA), Chris Hanson (ENG), Edoardo Mo- Joost Luiten (NED), 72-Colin Montgomerie (SCO), An 59, really. Probably shouldn’t were benign and he was glad to linari (ITA), Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN), Andrew Dodt Byeong-hun (KOR), Graeme McDowell (NIR), Soren really be thinking that. Should make the most of it. (AUS), Thomas Aiken (RSA), Bernd Wieberger (AUT), Kjeldsen (DEN), 75-Darren Clarke (NIR) have been concentrating on “I don’t think you could have Andy Sullivan (ENG), Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 77 - Danny Willett (ENG) hitting fairways and hitting got better conditions out there. greens, giving myself chances,” “The greens in the morning said Donaldson, whose last of are perfect and there wasn’t world No.11. away. into the thick of things from the three wins on the European much wind for probably the fi rst “It was nice to get off to a “That’s honestly one of my start. So it’s been nice to start Tour came at the Czech Masters 12 or 13 holes. So you needed to good start that way and sort of goals this year. I feel like started the last couple weeks like that.” Tiger Woods hits a shot on the fifth fairway during the pro-am round in August 2014. “I don’t know, I take advantage of it. Thankfully put yourself right in conten- off last year a little bit sort of As many as 117 players in the of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San fancied it. Wasn’t to be. I knew I was able to do that,” said the tion in the tournament straight 71, 70, instead of getting right fi eld of 132 shot par or better. Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

AL KASS CUP Wydad topple Fenerbahce in shootout thriller By Sports Reporter fairly routine save, and his costly Tottenham taste victory at Doha misjudgement stood in marked contrast to the heroics of his op- Guangzhou’s expense posite number. ydad produced an Belatedly, Wydad began to fi nd Tottenham Hotspur eased to a time. Guangzhou had adopted unlikely victory their feet, and might have stolen straightforward 2-0 win against a determined approach in their over Fenerbahce the lead with 12 minutes remain- a feisty but limited Guangzhou previous matches, even when thanks to a dramatic ing when goalscorer Rchoq em- Evergrande team, ending their four down to Benfica, and Wsudden death penalty shootout, barked on a tricky run down the debut Al Kass experience on their perseverance also shone after the game had ended 1-1 in left, cutting inside before fi ring a high note. For both sides, it through against Tottenham. normal time yesterday. just over. Ultimately, neither side was a case of what might have Well-organised and defensively It was a match that the Turk- could conjure a decisive goal, and been. The previous evening, robust, they reacted to conced- ish side had dominated, only to the fi rst penalty shootout of Al Guangzhou had been five ing early by carving out a couple fall at the last. Kass 2018 got underway. minutes away from qualifying of chances, although they did Indeed, when Fenerbahce look Alptekin was up fi rst for Fen- for the knockout stage, only for not unduly trouble Spurs keeper back on their overall experience at erbache, and skied his eff ort over Aspire Academy to muster a late Kacper Kurylowicz. As half time Al Kass 2018, they may conclude the bar. Rchoq stepped up next goal against Benfica to finish approached, Spurs looked to that luck was not on their side. and nonchalantly put Wydad above the Chinese on goal dif- extend their lead. The lively Grip- They had been a little unfortunate Wydad players celebrate their victory over Fenerbahce in the Al Kass Cup yesterday. ahead. Star stopper Mourid then ference. Tottenham, meanwhile, paldi played a long, diagonal ball to have been drawn in Group B – saved from Beyaz, his opposite had roared into Al Kass 2018, over the top that Enock Asante the ‘group of death’ – alongside they adopted this time round tator for much of the fi rst half, an answer, getting down sharply number following suit to deny dominating Kashiwa Reysol in sprinted onto, only for Zhihao Real Madrid and Aspire Football suggested they were aiming to with physically imposing centre to his left to palm the goalbound Ashraf Alaoui. their opening match – the best of Zhang to make a fabulous re- Dreams, who are undoubtedly improve this record. back Cenk Alptekin marshalling eff ort away. The Wydad keeper It was 1-0 to Wydad with each the tournament so far – yet a tale covery tackle as the striker bore two of the tournament’s strong- However, it was Fenerbahce a high backline that snuff ed out was enjoying another fi ne game, side having taken two spot kicks. of unconverted opportunities down on goal. est sides. who started strongest, testing any potential danger at source. and minutes later he reacted The next three eff orts were con- and ill fortune hitting the post on The incident encapsulated much Wydad, on the other hand, had the Wydad backline, but not the With half time approaching, quickly once more to prevent a verted before Fenerbahce’s Yal- a few occasions led to defeat in a of the first 45, with Spurs’ expan- been outfought in their 3-0 open- keeper, in the opening exchanges. Fenerbahce upped the intensity, certain goal, after Serhat Bulbul man produced a fl ying save to game they had dominated. The sive instincts generally stifled by ing defeat to Esperance Tunis before Then, on 20 minutes, Omer Beyaz and found reward on 42 minutes. had been sent clear by left back deny Saad Bouanana. Ozgan hectic back to back fixture list the tough-tackling Chinese who succumbing to AC Milan in a game went close for the Turkish side The impressive Beyaz collected Abdulcebrail Akbulut. calmly converted next, leaving then worked against the London- put more men behind the ball in dominated by the Italians, despite with a skilful overhead kick. How- the ball in a central position 20 It was one-way traffi c until 65 Wydad captain Mhammed Rabii ers, as they were required to play a solid defensive stance. Howev- the slender margin of victory. ever, his eff ort lacked power and yards from goal, and charged into minutes, when Wydad grabbed an to equalise. again just 24 hours later and, er, five minutes into the second The Moroccans’ star perform- Mourid gathered comfortably. the area before setting up Ozgan to unlikely equaliser with their fi rst With the score tied at 3-3, the visibly jaded, succumbed to PSG half, this tough-tackling tendency er thus far had been keeper Taha An end product was lack- his left, who fi nished with aplomb real attack on the game. Running shootout entered sudden death. by four goals to two. Still, Spurs’ would have consequences, when Mourid, who had produced a ing for the Turks, who wasted a into the bottom right corner. from his own half, Ayman Rchoq Akgul made no mistake for the rich potential was there for all Asante was upended inside string of fi ne saves against AC to succession of corners and free Fenerbahce maintained their latched on to a ball over the top Turks, piling the pressure on to see, and it was once again the Evergrande penalty area. keep the score down to 1-0. kicks in advanced positions. A dominance as the second-half and sprinted goalwards, turn- Mounir Elharcha, who kept his on display against Evergrande, Referee Ali al-Haddad pointed to Given this focus on goal-stop- rare shot on target by diminutive began. Two minutes in, Beyaz ing inside to evade the challenge cool to make it 4-4. as they took the lead within five the spot without hesitation. The ping rather than goal-getting, forward Oguzhan Ozgan, on 35 carried the ball forward through of Alptekin before fi ring in a low Kaan Ayyildiz then fi red over minutes when winger Maurizio Spurs striker got to his feet to it was perhaps no surprise that minutes, again brought a routine the middle before laying off to shot that Yalman got his hands to, for Fenerbahce, leaving Yasser Grippaldi escaped down the send keeper Xiaofeng Wang the Wydad were the only team not to save from Mourid. Kannturk Akgul, who cracked a but could not keep out. Alfi rdaous to become the hero of right and cut the ball back for wrong way and slot the penalty have scored in the group stages, Fenerbahce’s stopper, Omer low shot that asked questions of The Fenerbahce stopper the hour, dispatching his kick to Max Robson to lash home first home. and the attacking formation that Yalman had been a virtual spec- Mourid, who once again found would have expected to make a see Wydad home.

Friday, January 26, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Treble for al-Ramzani, Otwo, Topsy Turvy shine Zman Awal pulled away and eventually went past the line with a handsome margin, while Theo Bachelot-ridden Qatar Dance beat Mango Tango, with Eduardo Pedroza astride, to the second spot by a length

QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi (third from left) and head of Media Saad al-Hajri (right) with the winners of the Thoroughbreds Pearl event after Zman Awal won the 2000m race yesterday. At right, Al Shahania Stud manager Abdul Rahman al-Mansour (left) receives the owner’s trophy from QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi after HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Otwo won the Khor Al Adaid Cup at the QREC yesterday.

By Mikhil Bhat Bughanaim. Purebred Arabian Conditions event al-Attiyah. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Doha Ibrahim al-Malki registered a double yesterday. Race 3: 1. AJS Anfowan (Vaclav Janacek), 2. on the day, including thrilling wins for Ebraz won with two lengths and a Mutazz (Theo Bachelot), 3. Saab (Faleh Bugha- Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi’s Pazeer quarter to spare ahead of Al Shahania naim), 4. Tasslam (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: rainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani and Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Stud’s Rasi, ridden by Carlo Fiocchi ½, 4 ¼, ½. Time: 1:18.30. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. followed up his two victories al-Thani’s Topsy Turvy. for Pierre Deymonaz, while Alban de Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. on Wednesday with a triple Eduardo Pedroza-ridden Pazeer Mieulle-schooled Djelamer was third. Race 4: 1. Ebraz (Theo Bachelot), 2. Rasi (Carlo yesterday, including a one-two held off a determined challenge by Otwo won the longest race of the day, Fiocchi), 3. Djelamer (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. ledT by Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa Stefano Ibido-trained Veranda, with the 2800m Group 3 Khor Al Adaid Cup, Carab (Harry Bentley). Won by: 2 ¼, 2, 1 ¼. al-Attiyah-owned Zman Awal in the Theo Bachelot leaving the pursuit for in thrilling fashion. Ibido-trained Otwo Time: 2:05.31. Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Thoroughbred Pearl race at the Qatar perhaps a little bit too late, to win the edged Umm Qarn’s Duke of Dundee by Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) 2000m Thoroughbred Classic Race. a quarter of a length for his third victory Race 5: 1. Topsy Turvy (Saleem Golam), 2. turf yesterday. While Veranda came close, he had to from eight starts. Courtofversailles (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Black Earlier in the evening, HH Sheikh settle for the runner-up spot by a head In the fi rst race of the day, there was Granite (Harry Bentley), 4. Roman Legend Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Otwo at the line in the penultimate race of the little stopping Deborah Mountain- (Almotasem al-Balushi). Won by: ¾, 1 ½, Shd. and Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jas- day. trained Shabbab who raced ahead of Time: 1:37.60. Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad sim al-Thani’s Topsy Turvy bagged Earlier in the evening, Saleem Golam his competition under Pier Converti- bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. the Khor Al Adaid Cup (Gr3) and the Al guided Topsy Turvy to a fi ne victory no to fashion a fi ne win in the Class Race 6: 1. Otwo (Theo Bachelot), 2. Duke of Areeq Cup respectively. Jockey Theo Bachelot rides HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Otwo to over Gold Trophy winner Courtofver- 2 Thoroughbred Handicap event for Dundee (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Fort Moville In the fi nal race of the day, Czech victory in the Khor Al Adaid Cup at the QREC yesterday. sailles in the Al Areeq Cup for Class 2 horses rated 70-90. Mohamed Jassim (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Cameraman (Stephan rider Tomas Lukasek waited for the Thoroughbreds. Ghazali’s duo, Al Maftoon and Moamar, Ladjadj). Won by: ¼, 1 ¼, Shd. Time: 3:01.42. right moment in the 2000m race to hit ing victory in the Local Thoroughbred AJS Anfowan was al-Ramzani’s sec- The result meant that the four-race completed the podium under JP Guil- Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- the gas coming off the fi nal bend, hav- Plate event for four-year-olds. ond winner of the day with Al Jeryan winning streak of Rashid Mohamed lambert and Harry Bentley respectively. Thani. Trainer: Stefano Ibido. ing tracked leaders Mango Tango and Al Zuhair Mohsen-trained duo — Saar Stud’s horse bagging the Local Pure- al-Jehani-trained horse came to an Race 7: 1. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. Veranda Muraqabah early on. and Al Watan — set the pace up front bred Arabian Conditions event. end, having lost by three quarters of a RESULTS (Theo Bachelot), 3. Ming Jung (Pier Converti- Zman Awal pulled away and eventu- with Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al- Vaclav Janacek had his seven-year- length. Race 1: 1. Shabbab (Pier Convertino), 2. Al no), 4. Pleaseletmewin (Harry Bentley). Won ally went past the line with a handsome Attiyah-owned colt tracking the lead- old mount track early leader Mutazz, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- Maftoon (JP Guillambert), 3. Moamar (Harry by: Hd, 2 ¾, 1 ¾. Time: 2:01.80. Owner: Abdulatif margin, while Theo Bachelot-ridden ers, before making the move on the with Bachelot astride, on the rails in the Thani’s colours shone bright as Theo Bentley), 4. Al Shaman (Theo Bachelot). Won Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Qatar Dance beat Mango Tango, with home straight, and surging forward for six furlong sprint, before going along- Bachelot helmed HH The Emir’s Sword by: 2 ¼, ¼, Nk. Time: 2:02.27. Owner: Hassan Ali Race 8: 1. Zman Awal (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Eduardo Pedroza astride, to the second a comfortable victory. Abdulla Sultan side Abdulla Sultan al-Jabir’s ward in winner Ebraz and Otwo to contrasting al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Mountain. Qatar Dance (Theo Bachelot), 3. Mango Tango spot by a length. Ahmed al-Jabir-trained Deen, helmed the fi nal furlong. At the line, AJS An- victories. Race 2: 1. Al Lusail (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. Deen (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Al Muraqabah (Harry In the second race of the day, Qatari by Theo Bachelot, managed to beat Saar fowan had won with half a length to Julian Smart-trained Ebraz blitzed (Theo Bachelot), 3. Saar (JP Guillambert), 4. Bentley). Won by: 3 ¼, 1, No. Time: 2:02.96. jockey Faleh Bughanaim helmed al- at the line by a quarter of a length for a spare, while Mohamed Nasser al-Nai- through the home straight off ering the Abha (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: 1 ¼, ¼, ½. Time: Owner: Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al- Ramzani-schooled Al Lusail to a thrill- runner-up fi nish. mi-trained Saar settled for third under rest of the fi eld no chance in the 1850m 1:13.20. Owner: Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa Attiyah. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani.

GOLF QNB STARS LEAGUE Moroccan Ayoub Xavi gets the better of takes opening Sneijder – in Doha

Agencies Thani bin Jassim Stadium. Doha A brace each by Jugurtha Hamroun and Hassan al-Haydous powered Al Sadd to an day’s honours easy win. Hamroun scored in the 33rd and hey once played against each other 45th minutes, while Al Haydous’ goals came in a World Cup fi nal, but yesterday in the 73rd and 87th. night Wesley Sneijder and Xavi Early in the game, Al Gharafa captain Snei- THernandez met in the less im- jder found midfi elder Diogo Amado inside the posing surroundings of Qatar’s domestic rival box, but the latter’s defl ection from close league. range missed the target. The clash – between Sneijder’s Al Gharafa That was followed by a long-ranger by and Xavi’s Al Sadd – was the fi rst between al-Haydous that sailed past the Al Gharafa two of the best midfi elders of the past decade post. since the Dutchman’s recent move to Qatar. Around the half-hour mark, Al Sadd’s Like the 2010 World Cup fi nal, it was Xavi mercurial midfi elder Hamroun, who had who emerged victorious. also struck a brace in their big win over Visitors Al Sadd dominated throughout, Al Sailiya in the previous round, broke winning easily 4-0, Xavi even having time to free of his marker inside the rival box, but receive on-fi eld bumps from his teammates, his quick-footed shot was spectacularly to celebrate his 38th birthday. stopped by goalkeeper Qassim Burhan. Despite the best eff orts of league offi cials to The Algerian broke the deadlock close to drum up interest in the game, a sparse crowd the half-time whistle when he calmly de- turned up to watch the two players at the fl ected in a cross by Al Haydous, who outran

File photo of Ayoub Id-Omar (L). At right, a veteran player in action at the Doha Golf Club. Hassan al-Haydous (with the ball) celebrates his goal with Ali Asadallah. By Sports Reporter of fi ve golfers to post sub-par ropean Tour, Simon Khan, of Doha scores in the prestigious regional England, his compatriot Joshua Amado. The victory keeps Al Sadd in sec- event, the winner of which gets white American Thomas Stran- ond place, now a point behind league lead- to play in the European Tour’s demo were a shot behind with ers Al Duhail. oroccan youngster Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 70 each, while Dutchman Mark It was Sneijder’s fi rst taste of defeat since Ayoub Id-Omar next month. Markovits was a further shot be- his move to the Gulf in his third match. edged a trio of play- “I am happy with my level of hind with 71. His Al Gharafa side are in sixth place in ers for a one-shot play although with a bit of luck I Four players shot 72s, trailing the league. Mlead after the fi rst round of the could have posted an event bet- leader Id-Omar by three shots, Sneijder was substituted in the 63rd Qatar Open amateur Golf Cham- ter score,” said Id-Omar. while three Qataris – Sahel al- minute as his coach Bulent Uygun saved his pionship at Doha Golf Club yes- “I hope the conditions during Kaabi and AIi al-Shahrani began star player for an upcoming cup match. terday. the second round tomorrow are with a 75. But like 2010, it was Xavi who was there The 21-year-old shot a three- also good,” he added. Defending champion Pierre to the end, leading his teammates off the under par 69 and was only one Twice winner on the Eu- Verlaar was two-over 74. Al Sadd players also used the match to wish Xavi on his 38th birthday. fi eld in celebrations.