SPORT

Wednesday 6 December 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 Klopp urges Usain Bolt’s De Villiers, Steyn Liverpool to statue unveiled set to make finish the job in Kingston Test return Lukaku, Rashford power United into last 16

Benifica the game at Karaiskakis stadium, Reuters/AP leaving Bernardeschi with little UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE to do for the second goal in the anchester United Yesterday’s Results 90th minute. reached the GROUP A As the lone Olympiakos Champions Benfica 0 - 2 FC Basel striker, Uros Djurdjevic could League last-16 as Manchester United 2 - 1 CSKA have leveled with a header in the Group A winners GROUP B 41st but goalkeeper Wojciech Mafter coming from behind to beat Celtic 0 - 1 RSC Anderlecht Szczesny managed to get his left CSKA Moscow 2-1 at home and Bayern Munich 3 - 1 Paris Saint Germain leg in the way. finish ahead of Basel who also GROUP C Marko Marin replaced Seba went through with a 2-0 win at Chelsea 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid at the break to give the hosts Benfica yesterday. Roma 1 - 0 FK Qarabag some pace, but Szczesny denied The result left United top of GROUP D the German who threatened on the section on 15 points, three Barcelona 2 - 0 Sporting Lisbon the hour after Panagiotis Tachtsi- more than second-placed Basel Olympiakos 0 - 2 Juventus tidis slipped the ball past the and six ahead of third-placed Juventus defense. CSKA who will carry on in the Today’s Fixtures With eight minutes remain- second-tier Europa League after All matches kick off at 19:45 ing, substitute El Fardou Ben the winter break. GROUP E tried to grab a point for Olympi- Having missed a string of Liverpool vs Spartak Moscow akos but his header hit the bar. good chances in the opening NK Maribor vs Sevilla Group winner Barcelona beat period, United fell behind to a GROUP F Sporting Lisbon 2-0. freakish Vitinho goal, heavily Feyenoord vs Napoli Bayern Munich ruined Paris deflected off , on Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City St Germain’s perfect Champi- the stroke of halftime before GROUP G ons League record this season Romelu Lukaku and Marcus FC Porto vs Monaco with a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Rashford struck within a minute RB Leipzig vs Besiktas Arena yesterday but their rous- to turn the match on its head. GROUP H ing win could not stop the Rashford hit the post in the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund French side advancing as Group fourth minute and saw a shot Tottenham Hotspur vs Apoel Nicosia B winners. from a tight angle saved by With both teams already CSKA’s busy keeper Igor Akin- qualified for the knockout feev, who also kept out a Luke Elyounoussi headed the Swiss side stages, Corentin Tolisso’s double Shaw volley as United’s left back into an early lead in Lisbon after and another goal from Robert enjoyed a fine evening after mak- Michael Lang’s inch-perfect cross. Lewandowski gave Bayern hope ing his first start since April. Another close-range header by of pulling off the improbable win CSKA struck out of the blue as striker Dimitri Oberlin doubled by a four-goal margin that would Mario Fernandes broke down the Basel’s lead midway through the see them top the group. right and set up Vitinho, whose second half as Benfica finished bot- Yet PSG, who had thumped miscued shot struck Dzagoev in the tom of the group with zero points Bayern 3-0 in Paris, always looked back and bounced into the net. from six games. likely to avoid that indignity in a United piled the pressure after Elsewhere, Juventus advanced high-quality contest once Kylian the break and Akinfeev parried to the round of 16, beating Olym- Mbappe scored just after halftime another fierce Rashford shot before piakos 2-0 on goals from Juan when they were 2-0 down. the home side’s siege finally paid Cuadrado and Federico The German champions started dividends. Bernardeschi. hungrily, Lewandowski having Lukaku used his physical Elsewhere, With Barcelona time to turn and score in the eighth strength to steer in the equaliser in already through, the result saw the minute after being played onside the 64th minute, as he got on the Greek team end its European run by a careless Dani Alves, before end of a probing Paul Pogba pass without a victory in Group D. Tolisso headed home James Rod- despite being tugged by CSKA cen- Third-place Sporting Lisbon con- riguez’s cross in the 37th minute. tre back Viktor Vasin. tinues in the Europa League. With the home crowd sensing Rashford got his reward for Cuadrado lunged forward to an extraordinary story, Mbappe tireless work less than a minute meet a cross from Alex Sandro and ruined the script when heading in later, drilling in a sublime Juan beat Olympiakos goalkeeper Sil- from Edinson Cavani’s neat Mata chip with a fierce left-footed vio Proto in the 15th minute. chipped cross five minutes after the shot from 13 metres which gave Juventus coach Massimiliano break. Akinfeev no chance. Allegri left striker Mario Mandzu- Still, the French midfielder Needing to match CSKA’s result kic on the bench as he recovered Tolisso kept the pressure on, fin- to go through, Basel quickly estab- from a calf injury, but the Biancon- ishing clinically in the 69th minute Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring their second goal lished their grip on a knockout eri looked comfortable in low gear. after David Alaba’s storming run against CSKA Moscow during the UEFA Champions League match played at Old stage berth as Mohamed The hosts tired toward the end of and cross down the left flank. Trafford in Manchester, Britain yesterday.

Aquabike: Qatari squad off to Thailand for World Cup

The Peninsula the mega competition. The January 2016 remains his delegation is headed by the best performance in the yeing a successful run vice president of the Doha event. Al Nuaimi is a budding at the upcoming Jet Ski Club for Marine Sports, Salah pilot and will take part in EAquabike World Cup Ibrahim Al Mannai. beginners category. 2017, Qatari squad left for Seasoned rider Al Shar- Al Sharshani recently in Thailand to take part in the shani, who will compete in an interview with The Penin- event starting in Pattaya City the Pro Runabout Grand Prix sula expressed satisfaction from Friday. will be Qatar’s main hope in over his preparations. Team Qatar - Tamim Al the event. “I am in good form and Majd – will be represented It will be fourth appear- very much confident of by Waleed Mahmoud Al ance for Al Sharshani in the achieving a good result in the Sharshani and Ali Moham- World Cup. He competes in upcoming challenge,” said med Al Nuaimi in the event the in the Pro Runabout the top Qatari rider. which will see riders from as Grand Prix and his best result “It’s a top class event and many as 35 countries in so far was the top spot he the competition will also be action. The event will con- earned in the US in January very tough but I am hopeful clude on December 10. 2016 edition. of good results. I have Ahead of the departure, This year’s World Cup trained hard for this compe- Qatari aquabike riders Waleed Mahmoud Al Sharshani and Ali Mohammed Al Nuaimi pose for a the team underwent a stren- will be the fourth appear- tition and have so far photograph with team officials prior to their departure for Thailand at the Hamad International uous training camp at Al ance for the Qatari rider, competed in five races this Airport yesterday. Wakra beach to prepare for with a top spot in the US in season.” 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 Klopp urges Liverpool to finish the job

London Brendan Rodgers’ side into the of new permanent manager Sam AFP Europa League. Allardyce. The starting team is “All good and bad things that likely to include playmaker Merseyside derby headlines iverpool boss Jurgen happened in the Champions Coutinho, who continues to be Klopp is desperate to League -- mostly good --- has the subject of speculation over avoid any slip-ups brought us to this situation and a renewed bid from Barcelona FA Cup third round draw from his side as he tar- if we win we are through and after the Catalan club’s failure gets a place in the that is cool,” said Klopp, whose to sign him in the summer. LChampions League knockout Liverpool side are bidding to Klopp was asked what made London stages with the odds heavily reach the knockout stages for him so sure Coutinho would still AFP stacked in their favour. the first time since 2009. be at the club in February but A draw at home to Spartak “I know a lot of people might he dismissed the question. iverpool will host city Moscow in their final group think we should be already “Nothing -- but I don’t think rivals Everton for the sec- match would put Liverpool through but that’s not life, it is about it, I think about the Mos- Lond time inside a month through while a win would not ‘if’ and ‘when’, it is about the cow game,” he added. “Not one when they face-off in the third ensure they top Group E but moment. second have I thought about that round of the FA Cup in early Klopp is taking nothing for “Spartak could say the same so far. I am not unsure, I am not January after the draw was granted after his side let slip a as they gave away four points sure, I don’t think about it.” made on Monday. 3-0 lead against Sevilla in the against Maribor so they would Klopp is also optimistic of Liverpool -- who beat last round of matches. be in a different situation.” having Ragnar Klavan and Joe Everton in the 2012 semi-final, Three years ago the five- Klopp says he will play his Gomez back to bolster his their last FA Cup meeting -- time European champions strongest team despite Sunday’s defence. Forward Sadio Mane also host their struggling needed to win at home to Basel derby at home to an Everton is expected to return after being neighbours in the Premier to progress but a draw dropped side buoyed by the appointment rested at the weekend. League next Sunday. Everton have had a torrid Liverpool manager Jurgen time in the Premier League so far this season and failed to Klopp attends a press progress to the knockout conference at Anfield Woking’s Nathan Ralph in action with Peterborough’s stages in the Europa League, Alex Penny during the FA Cup Second Round match at Stadium in Liverpool, on although they have the sur- the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Sunday, the eve of their UEFA vival specialist Sam Allardyce Champions League match now installed as manager. against Spartak Moscow. Adding extra spice is a they have met in the final in second tier opposition with tense relationship between 1986 and 1989. Manchester United at home to Liverpool manager Jurgen Their overall head to head Derby County and last season’s Klopp and Allardyce, with the FA Cup record has seen them beaten finalists Chelsea away latter making disparaging clash on 23 occasions, with at Norwich. remarks about the German in Liverpool winning 10, Everton Several Premier League the past. seven, and six draws. sides could fall prey to giant Klopp, though, offered an Elsewhere, holders Arse- killing exploits. olive branch last week, wish- nal’s first challenge is an away Inconsistent Southampton ing Allardyce -- who has trip to second tier Nottingham travel to Fulham, and strug- brought in former Liverpool Forest while Premier League gling West Ham and Swansea midfielder and coach Sammy leaders Manchester City face are away at third tier highfly- Lee onto his staff -- well in his a potentially tricky home tie ers Shrewsbury and new job. with Burnley. Championship leaders Wol- Liverpool have beaten Arsenal are not the only verhampton Wanderers Everton on both the occasions Premier League giants to face respectively. Ronaldo deserves Ben Yedder leads a Sevilla more respect: Zidane playing for coach Berizzo Madrid “I’m very happy for him, the Bal- Reuters lon d’Or means a lot to him and to us although the most important thing is Madrid down Tunisia’s offer to face the likes of ristiano Ronaldo deserves more that we win together as a team. AFP England and Belgium at next year’s respect, Real Madrid coach Zin- “I see Cristiano train every day and World Cup, has scored eight goals in Cedine Zidane said yesterday as he is doing fine. He’s going to score a arely an hour after the elation of a seven Champions League games this he backed the usually prolific Portu- lot of goals this season. Right now the historic fightback to draw 3-3 season. guese to come good in the second half ball doesn’t want to go in for him, but Bagainst Liverpool, news that Sevil- While Pizarro’s late strike ultimately of the season amid his worst domes- there’s a long way to go and he’s going la’s coach Eduardo Berizzo (pictured) is earned a thrilling point two weeks ago, tic campaign in Spain. to start scoring again.” suffering from prostate cancer was made it was Ben Yedder who inspired the Ronaldo has scored two goals in 10 Real are guaranteed to finish sec- public. comeback with a quickfire double in the league games and came in for criticism ond in Group H behind Tottenham The reaction of the Sevilla players to second-half to send belief coursing in the Spanish media for his display in Hotspur, while Dortmund need to win Guido Pizarro’s 92nd minute equaliser through the Sanchez Pizjuan. Real’s goalless draw against Athletic to secure third spot in the group and a -- having trailed 3-0 at half-time of their It is thanks to Ben Yedder that Sevilla Bilbao on Saturday which left the Liga place in the Europa League as they are last Champions League match -- as they even made it to the group stages as he champions eight points behind lead- locked on two points with fourth- raced to embrace Berizzo was therefore scored in each leg when the Spaniards ers Barcelona. placed APOEL Nicosia but have a all the more understandable, if tinged edged past Turkish side Istanbul Basa- The 32-year-old is still expected to superior head-to-head record. with sadness. Cartagena in the Copa del Rey and ksehir 3-2 on aggregate in qualifying. pick up the Ballon d’Or award on Berizzo will not be on the bench as Deportivo la Coruna on league duty in Ben Yedder also netted a hat-trick Thursday for firing Real to Champions the Andalusians look to seal their place the past week. when Maribor visited the south of Spain League glory last season, scoring hat- in the last 16 away at Slovenian cham- “We are working with the same seri- back in September, but has been far less tricks against Bayern Munich and pions Maribor today, as he recovers from ousness as if he was here with us,” said prolific in La Liga as his opener against Atletico Madrid in the quarter and a successful operation carried out on his defender Gabriel Mercado. Deportivo on Saturday was just his third semi-finals and a double in the 4-1 win tumour last week. Sevilla need just a point at Maribor of the campaign. over Juventus in the final. However, Sevilla’s players have been to secure their place in the knockout “We have qualification in our hands If he wins the award, Ronaldo will fighting hard for their coach ever since phase and will even make it through with and now it is the decisive game,” Ben tie Lionel Messi’s record of being learning of his condition in the days defeat, so long as Liverpool don’t lose at Yedder told Sevilla’s Youtube channel. named the best player in the world five before the Liverpool clash. home to Spartak Moscow in the other “Sealing our qualification is very times. In the final match before his opera- game in Group E. important for the club and everyone “I think Cristiano deserves more tion, Berizzo masterminded another Their position just a point behind the involved,” added Mercado. respect because he is such a great three-goal fightback from 2-0 down at five-time European champions is owed Sevilla certainly won’t lack motiva- player that when things don’t quite go Villarreal to win 3-2. in large part to the goals of Wissam Ben tion to make the last 16 as they hope his way everyone has something to say Meanwhile, his assistant Ernesto Yedder. Berizzo will be back in charge come the about him,” Zidane told a news con- Marcucci has overseen victories over The French forward, who has turned knockout stages in February. ference yesterday ahead of Real’s final Champions League Group H game with Borussia Dortmund. “The club and the fans who love Cristiano Ronaldo know what he is doing. Just last season he had a phe- Barca face Celta in Cup last 16 nomenal campaign. We are halfway into the season, we still have six months left of the season. Six months Madrid The Galicians also shocked Real Third tier Lleida Esportiu are is a very long time for Cristiano.” AFP Madrid on their way to the semi-finals rewarded for their remarkable come- Ronaldo has lived up to his high last season, but Barca, who haven’t been back from 3-0 down on aggregate to beat standards in the Champions League in olders Barcelona will face Celta eliminated by any side other than Real Real Sociedad on away goals with a which he is the top scorer with eight Vigo in the last 16 of the Copa del in the Cup since 2010, remain strong matchup against Atletico Madrid. goals from five games and on course HRey as La Liga’s top five were kept favourites to make the quarter-finals The other side from Spain’s become the top marskman in Europe’s Real Madrid forward Cristiano apart in yesterday’s draw. once more with the second leg to come regional third tier left in the draw, elite competition for a sixth straight Celta, coached by former Barca goal- at the Camp Nou. Formentera, face last season’s final- Ronaldo attends a training session year. keeper and assistant manager Juan Real Madrid also have the security ists Alaves. at Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid “For me he deserves to win the Bal- Carlos Unzue, became the first side to of the second leg at home against sec- Sevilla were handed an Andalusian lon d’Or because he’s had an incredible on the eve of their Champions’ take league points from Barca at the ond division Numancia, who eliminated derby at Cadiz, whilst high flying Valen- year,” Real midfielder Mateo Kovacic League match against Borussia Camp Nou for a year on Saturday in an top-flight opposition in Malaga in the last cia face a trip to the Canary Islands to said. Dortmund. entertaining 2-2 draw. 32. take on Las Palmas. WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 Bolt statue unveiled in Kingston; legend blown away by honour

Kingston after the unveiling on Sunday. back and see what your career retroactively tested positive for Reuters “Having a statue in the has brought you. I’m very happy the banned stimulant methylhex- National Stadium where it all and proud of myself for the work. anamine at the 2008 Beijing ultiple Olympic and began; there are no words, I am It’s just a good time and I am in Olympics. world champion Usain just happy and really excited a good place.” Carter has appealed to the MBolt has described the about this.” Holness has previously said Court of Arbitration for Sport unveiling of his statue in front of The statue was sculpted by that Bolt’s performances over the against the decision resulting Kingston’s National Stadium as Jamaican artist Basil Watson and years has elevated the status of from the doping test. one of the greatest moments of features the 31-year-old in his Jamaican sport. Bolt, the only sprinter to win his career. trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose, “I have always aimed to make the 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay The statue, commissioned by seen many times over the years my country proud and to put my titles at three consecutive Olym- the Jamaican government and as he set world records in the 100 country in the best light possible pics (2008, 2012, 2016) until revealed by Prime Minister and 200 metres, winning 11 world so for the Prime Minster to say Carter’s test result, was not los- Andrew Holness, stands in front and eight Olympic golds. that it showed that my work paid ing any sleep over the medal of the place where 15 years ago “It was all worth it: the losses, off and it’s something that I am missing from his glittering Bolt won the junior champion- the injuries, everything I’ve been happy about,” Bolt added. “In any collection. ships to announce himself to the through, it’s all worth it,” said way that I can continue doing “I haven’t really been follow- world. Bolt, who signed off his stellar that, it would be great.” ing it (the appeal). I’m just waiting “For me this is up there, it career with bronze in the 100m Bolt was stripped of one of on the time for them to say what Olympic champion Bolt poses after the unveiling of his statue can’t be doubted that this is one at the world championships in his nine Olympic gold medals is what. I’m just focusing on at the Statue Park at the National Stadium, in Kingston, of the greatest moments in my London earlier this year. when his former 4x100m relay which direction I want my career Jamaica on Sunday. career,” the sprint legend said “It’s a wonderful thing to look team mate Nesta Carter to go,” he said.

British boxer James Fit-again Woods pleased DeGale with ‘good signs’ in Nassau

Nassau, Bahamas “I didn’t say anything,” Thomas some point, results will matter more AP said. “I just looked at him. I was like, than his health to everyone else. ‘That was pretty good.’” “I knew I was going to be able to t wasn’t the best shot Tiger Woods This was his fourth day of his first play all four rounds. That wasn’t going hit all week. It might have been the tournament in 10 months after recov- to be an issue,” Woods said from the I was still good with my most telling. ering from a fourth back surgery. He broadcast booth, fulfilling his role as irons. I drove it pretty He had 271 yards to the par-5 was as strong Sunday as when he tournament host. good all week, made Ithird hole at Albany Golf Club, a trop- started. He was like that all week, and “The issue was how was my scor- ical breeze working against him. Woods the state of his health was far more ing going to be? How was my feel? How some good putts. But went with a 2-iron. He held nothing back important than his scores. am I going to get used to the adrena- overall, I’m pleased. I DeGale in top on the swing and then quickly recoiled His scores weren’t too bad, either. line in my system for the first time in a showed some good signs. the club as he watched it soar against Woods had rounds of 69-68 to while? That took a little bit of time. I I hit some really good the blue sky toward the flag. start, struggled in the worst of the wind was still good with my irons. I drove it shots out there: Woods shape ahead That it rolled through the green for a 75 on Saturday, and then closed pretty good all week, made some good and down a slope wasn’t the issue. with a 68 despite finishing with back- putts. But overall, I’m pleased. “I thought it was money,” Woods to-back bogeys. He finished 10 shots “I showed some good signs,” he said. behind and never had a chance to win. said. “I hit some really good shots out of Truax bout So did Justin Thomas, the PGA Tour He also tied for ninth against an 18-man there, and a bright future.” player of the year who was paired with field, his best result in four years. That might be the biggest Dubai Desert Classic on Feb. 2, when London Woods in the first and final rounds of Woods always keeps score. At takeaway. Woods opened with a 77 in relatively AFP the Hero World Challenge. A future. benign conditions. “I wasn’t in pain at Woods will be 42 the all,” Woods said after that first round. ritain’s James DeGale says he is fight- next time he plays. His age, The next day, he cited back spasms ing fit ahead of the fourth defence of not to mention four surger- for withdrawing. Two months later, he Bhis IBF super-middleweight cham- ies on his left knee and four had fusion surgery on his lower back. pionship against American Caleb Truax in on his back, means he no So the question was raised Sunday London. longer has time on his side. whether he would even say if his back DeGale takes on Truax at London’s This was only the second time he was hurting him. Copper Box Arena on Saturday in his first completed 72 holes — both times in a “Yeah, I would tell you,” he said, fight on home soil for three years - the box- tournament with no cut — since he tied and followed that by saying it was not. er’s first bout since surgery on his right for 10th at the Wyndham Classic in There was little reason to doubt shoulder following his bruising draw August 2015, a month before he went him this time. Whether he was duck- against Badou Jack in January. through his second and then third back ing under the rope to get to the But the 31-year-old, who also had a surgery. practice range or stepping in and out bridge replaced after his two front teeth The next step for Woods is build- of bunkers, he looked like the Woods were knocked out by Jack, believes he is ing a schedule. of old instead of an old Woods. in as good a condition as when he beat “We’re going to figure out what’s More than anything, it was the Andre Dirrell to become world champion the best way for me to build my sched- swing. back in 2015. ule for the major championships,” Woods easily kept up off the tee “It has been a good couple of years Woods said. “Play enough, but don’t with Thomas, and at times drove it past since I have felt as healthy as this,” DeGale play too much. I don’t know what golf him. Ditto for his second round with said. “Probably since before the Dirrell courses I’ll be playing and what’s the Henrik Stenson, and Hideki Matsuyama. fight when I won my world title. best way to go about it. We’ll sit down Length is not an issue. He made more “As soon as I had the operation on my Tiger Woods with the whole team and we’ll figure mid-range putts than he has in recent shoulder in June I was straight back into of the United it out.” returns. His chipping raised concerns, the gym, doing my physio and building my States warms The best bet is the Farmers Insur- though the grass was so tight and thin strength up. I could run after a couple of ance Open at Torrey Pines, where at Albany that it wasn’t easy for any- up on the months following the fight, so my fitness Woods has eight professional victo- one, even Jordan Spieth, one of the range prior was there, but it was just about getting ries, one of them the 2008 U.S. Open. best with those shots. back, and starting to punch and spar. to the final His foundation runs the Genesis Open “I’m sure he would be the first to “The road has been frustrating. I could round of the at Riviera, where last year Woods tell you that he still has a lot to do in not lift my arm and all I could do were Hero World wasn’t even healthy enough to get out terms of getting back to where he slight movements and routines, so it was Challenge of bed for a news conference. wants to be,” Thomas said. “But he’s annoying. But I am in good shape. at Albany, A rush to judgment is dangerous definitely moving in the right direction. “My shoulder has healed well. It is nice Bahamas — not only for his golf, but his back. I think it will take a couple more tour- and strong and I can’t wait to box again in in Nassau, Woods has never been forthcom- naments to kind of get the juices going. London.” Bahamas on ing about his injuries, especially ... I think if he stays healthy like this, I After defeating Dirrell in Boston, Sunday. concerning his back. Go back to the think he’ll be fine.” DeGale won on points against Lucian Bute in Quebec and Rogelio Medina in Wash- ington before his controversial draw with Jack in Brooklyn. DeGale’s compatriot Anthony Joshua saw off Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club to host 2018 Worlds earlier this year before defending his title with a 10th-round stoppage against Car- Melbourne countries on an international level. from around the globe convening at The triumphed at the Royal Melbourne Golf los Takam in Cardiff. Reuters The 2018 edition will allow the Metropolitan Golf Club.” Club in 2013. Gut DeGale -- Britain’s first Olympic highest-ranked player from each coun- “Golf in the Sandbelt region speaks “It is a true thrill to bring this gold medallist to win a world title -- says elbourne will host the World try to pick their playing partner and for itself, and we appreciate The Met- unique, global team-event back to Mel- he is not a forgotten man despite his fights Cup of Golf for the third con- follows the same format as the 2016 ropolitan Golf Club opening its doors bourne and the Sandbelt region. “We overseas and 11-month spell away from Msecutive time with the 59th event with teams playing four rounds for this historic team event.” appreciate the strong cooperation of the spotlight. edition of the event to be held at the of ‘best ball’ and ‘alternate shot’. Australia has hosted the event on all involved to ensure Australia’s golf “A lot of people have called for me to Metropolitan Golf Club from Novem- “The World Cup of Golf has been a five previous occasions with Melbourne fans would be able to enjoy this spir- come back here and I don’t think I was for- ber 21 to 25, 2018, tournament celebrated and valued tradition in the hosting the prestigious competition in ited team competition in the Sandbelt gotten when I boxed away,” he added. “If organisers said yesterday. game for decades,” PGA Tour Commis- 2013 and 2016. region,” Executive Director of the Mel- anything it made me more exclusive. The tournament features two-man sioner Jay Monahan said. Soren Kjeldsen and Thorbjorn bourne World Cup of Golf Robyn “It feels good to be back and I can’t teams from 28 nations and is one of the “The International Federation of Olesen sealed Denmark’s maiden Cooper said. The 2019 Presidents Cup wait to box in front of my own people and only competitions, outside the Olym- PGA Tours is proud to see that tradition World Cup of Golf title in 2016 while will also be hosted in Melbourne at the fans who could not afford to watch me fight pics, where players can represent their continue in 2018 with the best players Australia’s Adam Scott and Jason Day Royal Melbourne Golf Club. abroad.” 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 33

Sri Lanka batsman and team plays a shot during the fourth day of their third De Villiers, Steyn set Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. Root and Anderson star as to make Test return for South Africa

Johannesburg because of an elbow injury AFP and then because he decided to take a break plucky England roar back B de Villiers (pic- from the five-day format. tured) and Dale Steyn suffered a broken ASteyn will both have shoulder in a Test in Aus- Adelaide a dress rehearsal for an tralia in November 2016 AFP expected return to Test and only started playing cricket when they play for again in November. a South African Invitation He has shown impres- kipper Joe Root led a spirited XI against Zimbabwe later sive form in four T20 English fightback to frustrate this month. matches for his franchise, Australia and raise hopes of The teams will meet in the Titans, taking six wick- a miracle victory in the grip- a day-night match in Paarl ets at an average of 13.50 ping second Ashes Test in from December 20 to 22 in and conceding only 5.78 Adelaide yesterday. Zimbabwe’s onlynly warmwarm- runsruns aann ovover.er. SAfter three days of Australian dom- up match beforere South South inance, Root took up the challenge of a Africa stages itsts first record run chase with a fighting day-night Test,st, a unbeaten half-century as the momen- one-off matchh inin tum began to shift towards England, Port Elizabethh roared on by their bellowing Barmy from Decem- Army supporters. ber 26 to 29. In contrast, his counterpart Steve Batsman Smith, who attracted criticism for not De Villiers enforcing the follow-on despite a 215- and fast bowlerr run first innings lead, burned two Steyn have bbothoth reviews in the space of three balls and been out off Test put down a tough catch. action for morere tthanhan At the close of an absorbing fourth a year. day in the first day-night Ashes Test, De Villiers has not England were 176 for four with Root played in a TTestest unconquered on 67 and nightwatchman since captainingng wobble in chase of Chris Woakes not out on five -- 178 runs South Africaa from victory with six in hand against Eng- heading into today’s final day. land in The highest winning fourth innings January at the Adelaide Oval is 315 for six by Aus- 2016, tralia against England in 1902. firstly 410 in polluted New Delhi “A win would be huge for us, both in terms of what it would do for our con- fidence as a team and we would be all square in the series,” England paceman Minister stops SL team New Delhi SCOREBOARD: FINAL TEST BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA trouble and holing out in the deep Reuters James Anderson said. England paceman James Anderson (right) sends down a India (I innings): ...... 536-7 dec. C Pujara c Mathews b De Silva ...... 49 off Dilruwan Perera. Shikhar Dha- “It would also have a potential effect to Australian batsman Pat Cummins (left) on the Sri Lanka (I innings): V Kohli c Lakmal b Gamage ...... 50 wan initially looked subdued but the on them (Australia) for a team to be in leaving for India ODIS ndia set Sri Lanka a daunting D Karunaratne c Saha b Shami ...... 0 R Sharma (not out) ...... 50 left-hander soon accelerated, step- way to capturing five wickets on the fourth day of the D Perera lbw b Jadeja ...... 42 R Jadeja (not out) ...... 4 such a commanding position to then lose second Ashes Test in Adelaide yesterday. RIGHT: England’s 410-run victory target and D de Silva lbw b I Sharma ...... 1 Extras (B1, LB2, NB3, W1) ...... 7 ping out to hit Lakshan Sandakan Colombo that,” he added. batsman Joe Root walks off undefeated against Australia dented the tourists’ top order to A Mathews c Saha b Ashwin ...... 111 Total (5 wkts) ...... 246 over his head for a huge six. AFP I D Chandimal c Dhawan b I Sharma ...... 164 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-29, 3-106, 4-144, 5-234 “It’s very rare that a team declares maintain their iron grip on the third The left-arm wrist-spinner had yesterday. S Samarawickrama c Saha b I Sharma ...... 33 Did not bat: R Ashwin, W Saha, I Sharma, M Shami and loses a game so if we can get a result and final Test yesterday. R Silva c Dhawan b Ashwin ...... 0 Bowling: Lakmal 14-3-60-1, Gamage 12 2-1-48-1 (nb3),the Perera last laugh, though, as he lured tomorrow it would be huge for a number ri Lankan Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera stopped Having secured a handy 163-run N Dickwella b Ashwin ...... 0 11-0-54-1, De Silva 5-0-31-1, Sandakan 10-0-50-1 Dhawan into charging out to play a of reasons.” nine cricketers leaving for India yesterday to take first-innings lead, India declared on S Lakmal c Saha b Shami ...... 5 Sri Lanka (II innings): similar shot only to be for L Gamage lbw b Jadeja ...... 1 D Karunaratne c Saha b Jadeja ...... 13 Root had a leg before deci- then lost their second and last review Adding to Smith’s anxiety, he also bowled by Pat Cummins for 29. Spart in a one-day series because he was unhappy 246 for five about 45 minutes after L Sandakan (not out) ...... 0 S Samarawickrama c Rahane b Shami ...... 5 67. sion on 32 off Nathan Lyon overturned in the 43rd over when dropped Malan on eight in a sharp one- England lost openers Alastair Cook with the team choice, sources said. tea and Sri Lanka were reeling on Extras (B4, LB5, NB2, Penalty 5) ...... 16 D de Silva (batting) ...... 13 Pujara (49) fell short of his fifty on review, with the ‘Hawk-Eye’ tracker survived an lbw challenge on three off handed attempted catch at slip off Lyon. and Mark Stoneman before the dinner The nine players were on their way to Colombo air- 31 for three when bad light stopped Total (all out) ...... 373 S Lakmal b Jadeja ...... 0 but Virat Kohli (50) and Rohit Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-14, 3-75, 4-256, 5-317, 6-318, 7-322, A Mathews (batting) ...... 0 indicating the ball would have gone Josh Hazlewood, with the ball again “We’re still reasonably confident,” break. port late on Monday for the overnight flight when they play with the tourists still needing 8-331, 9-343, 10-373 Total (3 wkts) ...... 31 Sharma (50 not out) batted with over the stumps. Smith-led Australia tracked as going over the stumps. the Australia team bowling coach David Lyon won a successful lbw review were ordered to return, one of the team said on condition 379 runs to level the series. Bowling: Shami 26-6-85-2 (nb1), I Sharma 29 3-7-98-3, Fall of wicket: 1-14, 2-31, 3-31 characteristic ease against the jaded Saker told reporters. to remove Cook (16), ending a 53-run of anonymity. was bat- Jadeja 45-13-86-2 (nb1), Ashwin 35-8-90-3 Extras ...... 0 Sri Lankans to keep India in com- India (II innings): Still to bat: D Perera, D Chandimal, R Silva, N Dickwella, L SCOREBOARD: SECOND ASHES TEST IN ADELAIDE “Obviously, the last two days haven’t opening stand with Stoneman, who was The rest of the squad are already in India taking part ting on 13 with first-innings M Vijay c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 9 Gamage, L Sandakan plete control of the match. gone to plan ... we’re still in front of the snapped up in the gully for 36. in a Test series. Sri Lankan cricket is in chaos and the centurion yet to S Dhawan st Dickwella b Sandakan ...... 67 Bowling: I Sharma 3-0-6-0, Shami 3-1-8-1, Ashwin 5-2-12-0,“We are in a good position now. A Rahane c Sandakan b Perera ...... 10 Jadeja 5-2-5-2 Australia (I innings) ...... 442-8 decl. 8-122, 9-128, 10-138 game but it’s getting closer and closer The Australians were knocked over national side has lost 21 one-day games this year and won open his account at the other end. They are three wickets down, so England (I innings) ...... 227 Bowling: Anderson 22-7-43-5 (1w), Broad 13-6-26-0and Joe’s innings has made that possi- for 138 off 58 overs at tea but, bolstered just four. Mohammad Shami dismissed they would be under lot of pressure Australia (II innings) (1w), Overton 2-0-11-1, Woakes 16-3-36-4, Moeenble,” 5-0-20- he added. by their 215-run innings lead, this left Sports Ministry sources said Jayasekera was incensed opener Sadeera Samarawickrama tomorrow,” Dhawan told C Bancroft c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 4 0 “But if we can get his wicket in the England with a record chase. that the players had been cleared to leave before he had for five with a vicious bouncer reporters. D Warner c Root b Woakes ...... 14 England (II innings) U Khawaja lbw b Anderson ...... 20 A Cook lbw b Lyon ...... 16morning I think the game changes quite England’s all-time leading wicket- given formal approval to the team selection. before Ravindra Jadeja struck twice The opener praised pace duo S Smith lbw b Woakes ...... 6 M Stoneman c Khawaja b Starc ...... 36quickly.” taker Anderson took five for 43 -- his A 1973 law gives the Sri Lankan sports minister the in the same over, dismissing Dimuth start to their second innings, dis- was sent in ahead of Cheteshwar Shami and Ishant Sharma for trou- P Handscomb c Malan b Anderson ...... 12 J Vince c Handscomb b Starc ...... 15 N Lyon c Broad b Anderson ...... 14 After the chaos of the previous first five-wicket haul in Australia -- power to change national teams before they compete. Karunaratne caught behind for 13 missing Murali Vijay for nine. Pujara in a bid to help him redis- bling the Sri Lankan batsmen J Root (batting) ...... 67 S Marsh b Woakes ...... 19 night’s session when Australia lost four while fellow paceman Woakes captured The ministry sources said Jayasekera may order at and bowling nightwatchman The paceman was subsequently cover his form ahead of the tour despite lack of help from the pitch. D Malan b Cummins ...... 29 T Paine c Overton b Woakes ...... 11 wickets, England had a much better time four for 36. least two changes to the squad named by the Sri Lanka Suranga Lakmal for a duck. seen vomiting and temporarily left of South Africa. “They gave everything. They M Starc C Moeen b Anderson ...... 20 C Woakes (batting) ...... 5 P Cummins (not out) ...... 11 Extras (B3, LB5) ...... under 8 the lights. They only lost the wick- Usman Khawaja and Starc were joint Cricket (SLC) board. Earlier, Dinesh Chandimal made the field as the Delhi smog contin- The move, however, did not bowled really good pace, I could feel J Hazlewood c Malan b Overton ...... 3 Total (4 wkts) ...... ets 176 of James Vince and Malan and top scorers with just 20 each in Austral- The nine players stopped from leaving were led by a career-best 164 to help Sri Lanka ued to affect the match. work. it from slip. It speaks volumes about Extras (LB2, W2) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-54, 3-91, 4-169 otherwise scored freely. ia’s modest second innings. captain who was only named last week. post 373 all out, their highest total Ajinkya Rahane has been the The right-hander survived two their mindset, because there was lit- Total (all out) ...... 138 Bowling: Starc 14-2-65-2, Hazlewood 14-5-37-0, Cum- Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-39, 3-41, 4-50, 5-71, 6-75, 7-90, mins 14-5-29-1, Lyon 20-5-37-1 Vince was beaten by a pitched-up England kept the Australians under The other eight are Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunath- in the series. lone batsman in India’s top six reviews and scored only 10 runs tle for them in this flat track,” the Mitchell Starc delivery, getting a big nick pressure after they resumed the day at ilaka, Asela Gunaratne, Chathuranga de Silva, Sachith Lakmal denied India a strong without a fifty in the series and before trying to hit his way out of batsman added. to Peter Handscomb at slip for 15. Malan 53 for four. Pathirana, , Suranga Lakmal and put on 78 with Root before he was .

West Indies’ Holder suspended captain Jason Holder walks for 2nd NZ Test from the field Doctors say no to sport in Delhi as cricketers choke in smog at Kotla after being Wellington caught during New Delhi A doctor present at the stadium fuss”, pointing to Indian skipper Virat region and the fact that cooler air traps Greenpeace lobbied in October Sri Lanka players, wearing face masks, celebrate the dismissal of India’s Ajinkya Rahane during their Reuters day four of the AFP examined three Sri Lankan players and Kohli who hit a record sixth Test dou- particulates close to the ground. against India hosting the FIFA Under- third Test in New Delhi yesterday. first Test against said their vitals were normal. ble century despite the smog. The smog has become especially 17 World Cup, warning it posed est Indies captain Jason Holder has been New Zealand in nprecedented scenes of Sri But the visiting side had complained But the US embassy website has alarming in the past two years, casting unacceptable risks to the world’s suspended for one Test after his team Wellington on Lankan cricketers wearing face of illness in the days before, with the repeatedly urged Delhi residents to doubt on the future of sports events in youngest soccer stars. were found guilty of maintaining a slow W Monday. Umasks have reignited debate match halted three times on Sunday as “avoid all outdoor exertion” as concen- the sports-mad swathe of South Asia. It also proceeded but the schedule over rate during their defeat to New Zealand in the about hosting major sports in heavily umpires consulted team doctors before trations of the smallest and most “This should be a wake up call for was adjusted to avoid Delhi at its worst. first test, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said polluted New Delhi, where doctors are allowing play to resume. harmful airborne pollutants known as Pak. Our children are at a huge risk “Others should also think about ath- yesterday. increasingly vocal about the health risks The Indian Medical Association PM2.5 soared to hazardous levels. because of dangerous pollution levels,” letes health first,” tweeted tournament Holder, 26, will miss the second Test in Ham- posed by smog. condemned that decision, warning that These tiny particles -- a fraction the tweeted former Pakistani captain and director Javier Ceppi after images of Sri ilton and has also been fined 60 percent of his Medics urged cricket’s governing playing in such conditions put athletes’ size of human hair -- lodge deep in the political opposition leader Lankan cricketers wearing face masks match fee while his team-mates incurred a 30 per- body to revise its rulebook after the health at serious risk. lungs and are linked to higher rates of about the India-Sri Lanka Test. went around the globe. cent fine after West Indies were charged with the third Test match between India and Sri “This match should not have taken chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and Doctors and public health cam- Other events in Delhi -- like an over-rate offence following their innings and 67 Lanka went ahead in the capital despite place in the first place. It is time the ICC heart disease. paigners have escalated their fight Asian tour golf title in November and runs defeat in Wellington. players visibly struggling and wheez- (International Cricket Council) comes The concentration of such particles against sports events in Delhi in recent Indian Super League football matches The all-rounder was previously found guilty of ing for air. up with a policy on pollution,” said IMA yesterday hit 398 -- compared to a years. -- attract less controversy but doctors the same offence during the Jamaica Test Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga president K. K Aggarwal. maximum level of 25 considered safe Last month more than 30,000 run- say pose no less risk. against Pakistan in April and was there- Lakmal vomited twice on the ground “You have fast bowlers, batsmen by the World Health Organization over ners competed in the Delhi “Ideally, sporting events should not fore suspended as the Wellington while fielding on day four of the match and fielders out there exposed to these a 24-hour period. half-marathon -- just days after smog be scheduled in the winter months in match was his second offence in a yesterday, before returning to the very harmful pollutants over five days Even limited exposure can cause shut schools amid a public health emer- Delhi,” chest and lung cancer special- 12-month period. dressing room looking pale and sick. at a stretch. It takes a serious toll on shortness of breath and make the eyes gency in the capital. ist Doctor Arvind Kumar said. “Chris Broad of the Elite Panel of ICC Groundsmen rushed in to cover the your health in the long run.” weep and throat burn. Doctors warned of dire health con- “We cannot expose our athletes to Match Referees imposed the suspension on Holder spot with sand and sawdust as air pol- The sport’s governing body declined Pollution levels generally rise dur- sequences and challenged the race in inhuman levels of pollution just because after the Windies were ruled to be three overs short lution at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium to comment. ing the winter in Delhi and across court but it went ahead, with runners a few hundred crores (tens of millions of their target after time allowances were taken soared to hit 15 times the World Health India’s powerful cricket board northern India and neighbouring Paki- complaining of burning eyes and sore of dollars) is at stake,” the doctor added into consideration,” the ICC said in a statement. Organization’s safe level. accused Sri Lanka of making a “big stan, fuelled by crop burning in the throats. during an interview. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 35

Brown, Boswell Curry faces injury fear as lead Steelers to victory in NFL

Cincinnati Warriors stun Pelicans AP

o matter how high the stakes, how big the Ndeficit or how late in the game, Ben Roethlisberger and his tough-to-catch play- makers always find a way to leave the Bengals wondering what just happened. Chris Boswell kicked a field goal on the final play shortly after Antonio Brown caught a 6-yard touchdown pass — taking a hit to the head while landing in the end zone — and the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off another improba- ble comeback against the stunned Bengals, rallying for a 23-20 victory on Monday Down 17-0 early, the Steelers (10-2) extended their best start since 2004 in a physical game with a couple frightening injuries. Brown’s touchdown tied it at 20 with 3:51 to go — safety George Iloka was penalized for hit- ting him in the head after the catch. Boswell won it with 38-yard field goal, his second straight winner in the closing seconds. Both teams know the script. “It sort of reminded me of the playoff game — what was it, two years ago?” Steelers defensive end Cameron Hey- ward said. “It’s sort of the best reality TV show out there — better than the Kardashians.” Two years ago, the Steel- ers came to Paul Brown Stadium and pulled out an Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past New Orleans Pelicans centre Omer improbable 18-16 playoff win Asik (3) during the second quarter of their NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on Monday. set up by Cincinnati’s fumble and personal fouls on Vontaze Burfict and Adam “Pacman” Jones. Boswell won that one Los Angeles through this before on this ankle, NBA RESULTS focused on the game. when we’ve got to make our with a 35-yard kick with 14 AFP and knowing the surgical repairs Utah 116 Washington 69 “I’m not going to fight mark in the game and if we do seconds left. from like five or six years ago are nobody. I don’t want to get that, whatever’s needed we do.” Desperate for a win to sal- Dallas 122 Denver 105 tephen Curry sparked a fine, I should be able to bounce injured. I don’t want to get sus- In Chicago meanwhile, the vage their playoff hopes, the San Antonio 96 Detroit 93 second-half comeback back.” pended. I love to play. I love Cleveland Cavaliers notched a Bengals (5-7) still couldn’t find to inspire the Golden Earlier, the reigning NBA Cleveland 113 Chicago 91 making money for my family, so 12th straight win in a 113-91 a way to beat their Ohio River State Warriors to vic- champions had overturned a Memphis 95 Minnesota 92 I’m not trying to get blowout over the hapless Bulls. rival, not even after getting off tory over the New 69-49 half-time deficit to grab Golden State 125 New Orleans 115 suspended.” Dwyane Wade and Kevin to the big early lead. They’ve SOrleans Pelicans on Monday, but a victory which improved their Brooklyn 110 Atlanta 90 Elsewhere on Monday, Kyrie Love scored 24 points apiece dropped six straight and nine suffered a late ankle injury to record to 19-6. Boston 111 Milwaukee 100 Irving scored 32 points as the while LeBron James added 23 as of 10 against Pittsburgh. take the shine off a dramatic win. It was the second time this Charlotte 104 Orlando 94 Boston Celtics overcame a the Cavs improved to 17-7 in the “Very disappointing,” said

Curry rolled badly on his season that the Warriors had Indiana 115 NY Knicks 97 40-point performance from the Eastern Conference. Bengals receiver A.J. Green, right ankle in the final minute of come back from 20 points down Phoenix 115 Philadelphia 101 Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis It was a satisfying return to who had two touchdown the Warriors 125-115 win in New or more to claim victory. No Antetokounmpo to score a 111- Chicago for Wade, who played catches in the first half. “We Orleans, limping off the court other team in modern NBA his- things aren’t going our way and 100 win. for the Bulls last year before join- had it.” and later leaving the Smoothie tory has posted 20-point stop worrying about everything The Celtics, who also had 20 ing Cleveland. Nope. They never do, not King Center on crutches. halftime comebacks in the same else and just worry about the points from Al Horford, “I’m just in a good groove against the Steelers. X-rays taken after the game season. game.” improved to 21-4. The Celtics and I’m just taking my opportu- “We’ve got a no-blink however indicated no serious Warriors coach Steve Kerr That lack of composure was have now won 11 of their last 12 nities as they come,” Wade said. group,” coach Mike Tomlin damage although Curry was tak- however was unimpressed that evident in an ugly confrontation home games. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We’ve been in this sit- ing nothing for granted having his team had once again been between Warriors star Kevin Irving, who joined Boston meanwhile lamented a loss of uation before, and in this already suffered an injury to his required to dig themselves out Durant and Pelicans DeMarcus from Cleveland earlier this year, concentration in the first half stadium before.” right ankle earlier in his career. of a hole of their own making. Cousins. Both players were paid tribute to his burgeoning which allowed Cleveland to pull The hard-hitting game “I sprained my ankle and I’ll “It’s absolutely too much,” ejected after facing off in the understanding with Horford. away. was full of personal fouls, see how it feels tomorrow and Kerr said. “We’re not composed closing minutes of the game. “When you’ve got guys who “We had about a five-minute penalties and injuries that kind of go from there,” said out there. We’re a championship Durant, who scored 19 are willing to be as selfless as we stretch in the first half when we could have a long-term effect, Curry, who scored 31 points in team. We’ve got to be poised and points, later reproached himself are, then it makes everything in just lost our minds,” Hoiberg especially for the AFC North the win. we’ve got to execute. for his loss of control. terms of our system work,” Irv- said. “It’s those stretches that we leaders. “Obviously, it’s the second “We’re getting way too emo- “I can’t get involved with that ing said. have to find a way to eliminate. Pittsburgh lost leading situation, but ... this is more on tional, myself included. We’ve type of stuff,” Durant said. “I’ve “Me and Al, we’re pretty self- When we’re not making shots, tackler Ryan Shazier to a back the concerned side. I’ve been got to show some poise when just got to stay locked in and stay less guys, but we understand we have to continue to guard.” injury in the first quarter. Flyers snap 10-game skid with win over Flames

Calgarty, Alberta NHL RESULTS five of the losses during their skid came AP Philadelphia 5 Calgary 2 in overtime. Calgary Flames Nashville 5 Boston 3 “Guys have worked real hard and rian Elliott’s return to Calgary went more importantly than that, guys have goalie Mike

much better than his last playoff Ny Islanders 5 Florida 4 really stuck together through a pretty Smith (41) Bgame there. Washington 4 San Jose 1 tough stretch here,” coach Dave Hakstol makes a Scott Laughton scored twice and Elli- said. Troy Brouwer, with his first of the save in ott made 43 saves as the Philadelphia “Whenever you’re coming to a city you season, and Sean Monahan scored for Cal- front of Flyers snapped a 10-game losing streak lived in for a year and played and enjoyed gary (14-12-1). The Flames lost three of Philadelphia Monday night with a 5-2 win over the Cal- yourself, you really look at it as an oppor- four on their homestand and now head Flyers gary Flames. tunity to show your stuff again one last out East for games on back-to-back nights centre Travis “That’s a big streak to end, and in doing time,” he said. in Toronto and Montreal starting today. it the way we did tonight with punctua- Calgary held a wide edge in play, out- “Any time you lose there is cause for Konecny tion was really good for our group,” Elliott shooting Philadelphia 45-21, but the concern, but there are no big issues,” Brou- (11) during said. opportunistic Flyers scored three times in wer said. “Our effort was there. It was one the second Elliott lasted just 5:38 during Game 4 a 1:11 span of the second period to break of those nights that we weren’t period at of Calgary’s opening-round playoff series open a 1-all game. Valtteri Filppula, rewarded.”A key moment came early in Scotiabank with Anaheim last spring before being Michael Raffl and Wayne Simmonds also the second when a misplayed puck by Fly- Saddledome pulled. The Ducks went on to win 3-1 to scored for Philadelphia (9-11-7), and Jakub ers defenseman Ivan Provorov enabled on Monday. sweep the series, and Elliott left in the Voracek had three assists. The Flyers have Johnny Gaudreau to race off on a summer as a free agent. points in six of their last 11 games because breakaway. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2017

How the Russian doping scandal has unfolded IOC bans from Paris AFP

he Russian doping scandal has hit world sport and the country itself hard, as medal after medal has been stripped from the hosts of the 2014 Sochi Winter Pyeongchang Games TOlympics. Here are key dates in the scandal: FEBRUARY 2014 La usanne, Switzerland also banned from any future refused an outright ban of Russia basks in a golden hue after topping the medals table at the Sochi Winter Reuters participation at the Olympic Russian athletes at the 2016 Doping scandal an Games in the Black Sea resort, with 13 titles and 33 medals in total. President Games. Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Vladimir Putin poses for photographs with many of the Russian winners. ussia has been The IOC told a news con- told international sports fed- ‘unprecedented’ banned from the ference that the Schmid erations to decide 2018 report confirmed “the sys- individually on the partici- attack on Olympics, DECEMBER 2014 Pyeongchang tematic manipulation of the pation of Russians in Brazil. German broadcaster ARD airs documentary alleging systematic doping in Russian Winter Olympics anti-doping rules and system While all the track and athletics. A week later, Russian athletics chief and the treasurer of world athletics Rafter evidence emerged of in Russia.” field athletes bar one and the says IOC President widespread doping but some Samuel Schmid, author entire weightlifting team body IAAF, Valentin Balakhnichev, and IAAF marketing consultant Pape Massata of its athletes will be allowed of the report, told journalists: were banned from Rio, Lausanne Diack, son of then-IAAF president Lamine Diack, step down. The World Anti- to compete under the tag of “The results are not based around 70 percent of Russia’s AFP Doping Agency (WADA) sets up an independent commission headed by its former “Olympic Athlete of Russia”, only on (whistleblower) Gri- original 387-strong squad chief, Dick Pound, to investigate the claims. the IOC said yesterday. goory Rodchenkov’s ended up taking part at those ussia’s state-sponsored dop- The International Olym- testimony. There is scientific Games. ing scheme constitutes an pic Committee also decided evidence, witness statements Yesterday’s decision, R“unprecedented attack on the AUGUST 2015 to suspend Russian Olympic documents and however, looks to have taken integrity of the Olympic Games and ARD airs a second documentary with new accusations aimed at Russian and Committee (ROC) president correspondence. into account growing vocal sport”, the IOC chief Thomas Bach Kenyan athletes based on a leaked IAAF database with details of 12,000 blood Alexander Zhukov as an IOC “The facts are that in protests from other coun- said yesterday. tests from 5,000 competitors which revealed “extraordinary” levels of doping. member given that his mem- Russia there was systemic tries, major national Bach was speaking after Russia bership is linked to his manipulation of doping and anti-doping agencies and were banned from the 2018 Olym- position as chief of the ROC the anti-doping system ... that individual athletes who felt pics yesterday over state-sponsored NOVEMBER 2015 who have been suspended also took place at Sochi 2014 they had been robbed by doping. However, Russian compet- WADA’s report calls on Russia’s track and field team to be banned from from the Games. (Winter Olympics).” their Russian opponents for itors would be able to compete international competition, including from the 2016 Rio Olympics, until “state- Russian Deputy Prime The IOC’s decision comes years and had demanded a under the Olympic flag as neutral sponsored” doping is eradicated. The IAAF suspends the Russian athletics team. Minister Vitaly Mutko was 18 months after it had full suspension of Russia. athletes, the IOC said. WADA also suspends Russia’s national anti-doping body, RUSADA, over Bach explained: “The IOC EB non-compliance. (Executive Board), after following due process, has issued proportional Russians can compete as neutrals sanctions for this systemic manipu- JANUARY 2016 lation while protecting the clean WADA’s second report into doping and corruption is published. It says high- Lausanne It wants the scientist extradited from the United athletes.” ranking IAAF officials must have known about the wide scope of doping. AP States, where he is a protected witness. The IOC announced the decision The executive board reached its decision after examining evidence of state- ussians will be allowed to compete at the yesterday after a scheduled 4½-hour debate sponsored doping over several years MAY 2016 upcoming Pyeongchang Olympics as when it heard from a Russian delegation that that reached a high-point at the The former head of Moscow’s anti-doping laboratory, Grigory Rodchenkov, who is Rneutral athletes despite orchestrated dop- included world figure skating champion Winter Olympics hosted in Sochi, exiled in the United States, describes an organised doping campaign including at ing at the 2014 Sochi Games, the International Evgenia Medvedeva. The delegation was led Russia, in 2014. least 15 medallists from the Sochi Olympics, with the close involvement of the Olympic Committee yesterday. by Zhukov, who was later suspended. Nations have in the past been sports ministry and Russia’s FSB security service, the successor to the KGB. barred from taking part in the Olym- The IOC ruled that some Russians will be Two IOC commission leaders — appointed Three days after calling the claims “absurd”, then Russian Sports Minister Vitaly invited to compete as an "Olympic Athlete from after World Anti-Doping Agency investigator pics, notably South Africa during the Mutko changes tack, saying he is “ashamed and sorry”. Russia (OAR)" without their national flag or Richard McLaren upheld Rodchenkov's dop- apartheid years, but none has ever anthem. ing claims in July 2016 — also reported to the been handed a ban over doping. Russia could refuse the offer and boycott Olympic board. JUNE 2016 the games. Russian President Vladimir Putin Schmid's report included a 50-page sworn has previously said it would be humiliating for affidavit from Rodchenkov, who was also a key Another ARD programme claims that Russian authorities have been covering up Russia to compete without national symbols. witness for McLaren and an IOC disciplinary for coaches disgraced by the doping programme, directly pinpointing Mutko for "An Olympic boycott has never achieved commission. his alleged involvement in the cover-up. anything," IOC President Thomas Bach said at The chairman of that disciplinary The IAAF Council unanimously votes to extend the ban on the Russian athletics a news conference. "Secondly, I don't see any panel, Swiss lawyer Denis Oswald, federation, but offers an Olympic lifeline to athletes training outside the Russian reason for a boycott by the Russian athletes reported about prosecuting Russian ath- system to compete in Rio as neutrals. because we allow the clean athletes there to letes implicated in cheating at the 2014 participate." Sochi Games. By Monday, 25 Russians Putin is expected to speak publicly about had been disqualified from the Sochi JULY 2016 the ruling in Moscow today. Games and banned from the Olympics Barely two weeks before the Rio Games, Canadian law professor Richard McLaren The IOC also suspended the Russian Olym- for life, and 11 medals were stripped. One releases a report for WADA which outlines rampant Russian state-run doping at pic committee and IOC member Alexander Russian was cleared. the Sochi Olympics and other major sports events. Zhukov, and banned Russian Deputy Prime The banned Russian athletes have said The investigation finds the FSB helped “the state-dictated failsafe system” carried Minister Vitaly Mutko from the Olympics for they will appeal against the Oswald judg- out by the sports ministry and covering 30 sports. life. Mutko was the sports minister in 2014 and ments at the Court of Arbitration for Sport WADA calls for Russia to be banned from the Rio Olympics. is the head of the organizing committee of soc- in Lausanne. IAAF clears only US-based long jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio, after 136 cer's next World Cup. Any sanctions imposed by the IOC can Russian athletes applied for exemption from the blanket ban. The IOC also imposed a fine of $15m on the also be challenged at CAS, and later at Swit- Russian Olympic committee to pay for inves- zerland's supreme court, which can intervene tigations into the case and toward future if legal process has been abused. JULY 2016 anti-doping work. The IOC said a panel of officials After CAS dismisses the Russian appeal, the IOC executive decides that any The sanctions could be challenged at the chaired by former France Russian wanting to compete in Rio will have to prove that he or she was not Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sports Minister involved in doping. Russia has repeatedly refused to accept that Valerie Fourney- a state-sponsored doping program existed. Such ron will decide denials helped ensure bans on its track feder- which ath- AUGUST 2016 ation and anti-doping agency have not been letes to At Rio, around 270 Russians are cleared to compete, with 111 excluded. lifted. accept at Instead, Russia blames Grigory Rod- the Olym- chenkov, the former director of Moscow and pics in IOC President Thomas Bach DECEMBER 2016 Sochi testing laboratories, as a rogue employee. February. Second part of McLaren Report published, alleging state-sponsored doping by the Russians between 2011 and 2015 with sample tampering at the 2012 London Olympics and Sochi 2014. Twenty-eight Russians competing in Sochi are implicated in cheating by McLaren. SEPTEMBER 2017 At the IOC’s Congress in Lima to award the 2024 Summer Olympics to Paris and 2028 Games to Los Angeles, 17 national anti-doping agencies including the United States, France, Germany and Britain demand Russia’s exclusion from Pyeongchang, calling it “one of the biggest doping scandals in sporting history”. OCTOBER 2017 President Putin warns of Russian “humiliation” and serious harm to the Olympic movement if the country is forced to compete under a neutral flag or excluded altogether. NOVEMBER 2017 IOC comes down hard on Russian cheats, stripping Alexander Legkov of his Sochi 50-kilometre cross country gold medal and banning him for life. In the space of one month the IOC dishes out similar sanctions to 25 Russians from Sochi Games. Russia is stripped of four 2014 titles, and a third of their 33 medals, including the two titles won by their Sochi flag carrier, bobsleigh star Alexander Zubkov. DECEMBER 2017 Mutko, now Russia’s deputy prime minister, uses a speech before the draw for the This file photo taken on February 07, 2014 shows Russian contingent marches during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi Winter 2018 World Cup that Russia will host to slam doping allegations as “an attempt to Olympics at the in Sochi. Russia were banned from the 2018 Olympics yesterday over state-sponsored doping create an image of an axis of evil.” but the International Olympic Committee said Russian competitors would be able to compete “under strict conditions”. He says: “This is all because we are such a great sport superpower.”