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Saturdayy 30 December 2017

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2017 GULF CUP: Bahrain hold Qatar in thriller January 2, 2018 FIRST SEMI-FINAL Bahrain vs Oman

SECOND SEMI-FINAL to reach Gulf Cup semi-finals Iraq vs UAE

Rizwan Rehmat Qatar’s Hassan Al Haydos (right) Kuwait City/The Peninsula celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal of ahrain yesterday reached the yesterday’s match against Bahrain. semi-finals of the Gulf Cup following a thrilling 1-1 draw with defending champions Qatar. BA second-half strike by Ali Jafaar Madan helped Bahrain get the much- needed one point to finish above Qatar in the first phase of the Gulf Cup. For Qatar their goal was scored off a penalty kick by striker and captain Hassan Al Haydos in injury time of the first half at Jaber Al Ahmed Stadium. Bahrain finished the Group B stand- ings with five points while Iraq (7 points) sealed the top position with a 3-0 win over Iraq yesterday. Qatar, winners in 2014, finished in third place with 4 points from three matches. Yemen ended the tournament without a win in three matches. Qatar opened the tournament with a 4-0 win over Yemen but lost to Iraq 2-1 last Tuesday. A couple of tackles from both the teams in the first three minutes thrilled the fans in their thousands at the Jaber Al Ahmad Stadium. In one instance Bah- rain’s Sayed Mahdi Bager even sought medical assistance as players showed nerves in the key clash. In the fourth minute, Bahrain’s Jamal Rashed, after receiving a cross from eventual match hero Jaafar, broke free of his marker inside the Qatar box but his low shot was smartly gobbled up by Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb. near-perfect cross for Ismail Moham- well organised. We did some defend- In the next few minutes, Qatar sus- med whose snap-header from close ing mistakes. After the goal by Bahrain tained pressure with moves into the range narrowly missed the Bahrain it was difficult for us to come back. We Bahrain box but the Bahrain backline crossbar. tried. We were direct and we were in stood firm to keep their slate clean. Qatar’s brave show in the first half their box often. We are out of the com- In the 13th minute, Jaafar was bore fruit when Bahrain goalkeeper petition. We could have been in semis. brought down by a rough tackle from brought down Afif inside the box with We congratulate the other teams who Qatar’s Ahmed Fathy and promptly got the wiry Al Anabi striker ready to shoot. have reached the semi-finals,” Sanchez a yellow card, the first one of the Group Uzbek referee pointed to the spot before said. B clash. showing a yellow to keeper Ebrahim. “The reason we succeeded today Two minutes later, Qatar captain Al Haydos stepped up and went for was because we played the way we and feared striker Al Haydos nearly the top of the net for Qatar’s goal that played against Iraq. We fought very pulled off a stunner with a shot that silenced a big Bahrain crowd. It was Al hard. Qatar put a lot of pressure on us missed the target by inches off an indi- Haydos’ second goal of the in the last 10 minutes of the match. We rect free-kick. tournament. needed to stop the strong boys of Qatar. In the 18th minute, Bahrain star Jaa- With their tails up, Qatar launched They are tall and strong. They are a Qatar’s Pedro Miguel far - on the edge of the box - fired a attacks from the first minute of the sec- strong side. They were the champions (right) vies for the ball powerful shot that was flicked for a cor- ond half. Three minutes after the in 2014. It was difficult to cut their possession with a Bahraini ner by Qatar goalkeeper Al Sheeb to kill resumption of play, Al Haydos attempted angles in the last few minutes of the player during their 2017 the Bahrain move. a long-range shot to add more pressure match. We are happy now. I want to Gulf Cup match played in Seconds later, Qatar’s Pedro Miguel on the Bahrain backline. thank the fans also. They travel a great Kuwait City yesterday. - though perfectly positioned - misfired With Bahrain trailing in the do-or- distance to be here,” Bahrain coach Pictures: Hussain Sayed with a snap-header as his deflection off die game, player infraction started to Miroslav Soukup said after yesterday’s a corner kick sailed just about the Bah- increase with constant shoving and win. rain crossbar. pushing by the players on the pitch. In the 27th minute, Al Haydos - the In the 58th minute, Bahrain found team’s fittest athlete by far - covered the equaliser when Jaafar converted Iraq’s Mahdi Kamel (second left) amazing ground with a solo effort that from close range after a cross from the celebrates with team-mates after ended near the Bahrain box but surpris- flank. scoring against Yemen during the 2017 ingly his fellow strikers were not in In the 73rd minute, Qatar striker Gulf Cup match played at the Kuwait position to take the flying cross. Ali charged into the Bahrain box but Stadium in Kuwait City yesterday. In the 37th minute, Uzbek referee produced a fumbled shot with goal in Asimov Aziz clearly missed a handball sight. Moments later coach Felix infringement by Bahrain’s Ahmed Sanchez opted for a double substitu- Abdulla - standing inside his own box tion as Mohammed Muntari and Ali - following a crisp cross by Qatar’s Fereydoun were brought in to beef up Miguel on the flank. The referee waved Qatar attack. play on despite protests by the Qatar In the 80th minute, Afifi dribbled players. past a couple of Bahrain defenders but Two minutes later, Bahrain goal- failed to find the target from close range keeper Sayed Ebrahim emerged as a by smashing the ball wide. A minute hero by stopping a low shot by Al Hay- from the final whistle, Bahrain’s Abdulla dos who fired from close to the edge of Yusuf - with only Qatar goalkeeper to the Bahrain box. beat from close range - misfired with Seconds later striker Almoez Ali - his shot. one of Qatar’s brightest prospects from Al Annabi coach Felix Sanchez said the junior ranks - weaved his way into that his team played very well in the the Bahrain box but his deft low cross first half of yesterday’s match. “I think was missed by team mates Abdulakreem we played a very good first half as we and Akram Afif. dominated the game from the start. In Barely two minutes from the first- the second half we lacked in concen- half whistle, Qatar’s Pedro clipped a tration for some minutes as they were SPORT SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2017 21 Rain hits England’s hopes of Ashes win Melbourne bat again. TOP 10 SCORES FOR OPENERS WHO CARRIED BAT Reuters But even with the promise of List of top 10 scores by batsmen who carried their bat after Alastair Cook’s 244 not out reverse swing, Joe Root’s bowl- morning that brought ers face a big task on an against Australia in the fourth Ashes test at Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday two wickets for Eng- unresponsive pitch to prevent An opener carries his bat when he plays through an innings to remain as the not out batsman with land and a sniff of a Australia from batting them out the team all out. (player/runs/opposition/venue/year): drought-breaking of the game. Alastair Cook (England) 244* Australia Melbourne 2017 Ashes win gave way “Any time there’s a bit of rain Glenn Turner (New Zealand) 223* West Indies Kingston 1972 toA a bleak afternoon for the tour- and you’re on top in the game it’s Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka) 216* Zimbabwe Bulawayo 1999 ists as rain washed out most of a bit frustrating but we’ve got an Bill Brown (Australia) 206* England Lord’s 1938 day four yesterday and left Aus- opportunity tomorrow to win Len Hutton (England) 202* West Indies The Oval 1950 tralia well-placed to save the and that’s the attitude we’ve got Virender Sehwag (India) 201* Sri Lanka Galle 2008 fourth Test. to take into tomorrow,” England Warren Bardsley (Australia) 193* England Lord’s 1926 The home side were 103 for coach Trevor Bayliss told Frank Worrell (West Indies) 191* England Nottingham 1957

two in their second innings at the reporters. Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) 188* India Kolkata 1999 Melbourne Cricket Ground when “We’ve got to be very disci- Mark Taylor (Australia) 169* S. Africa Adelaide 1998 rain interrupted play before tea plined, there’s not a lot you can and the showers lingered long do on that type of wicket. “If we enough for umpires to abandon can get rid of those two guys match but no reports were made unbeaten on his overnight score, the day without another ball early on tomorrow and put some to the match referee. a record total among openers bowled. pressure on the opposition late “It’s a beat-up,” said who have carried their bat David Warner was 40 not order batters, as I said, anything’s Bayliss. through an innings. out, with captain Steve Smith on possible.” “As soon as I saw the head- Australia’s second innings 25 and Australia still needing His counterpart Darren Leh- lines I raced into the umpires and began brightly on a cloudy but another 61 runs to make England mann said the pitch was “tough England’s batsman Alastair Cook (left) walks off after that was their words.” dry morning, with England los- batting through the England innings on the fourth day Australia regained the Ashes ing a review for a caught behind SCOREBOARD after the third Test in Perth and decision when opener Bancroft of the fourth Ashes Test match against Australia at the Australia (I innings) ...... 327 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-80, 3-218, 4-246, 5-279, hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in played at a Tom Curran ball in England (I innings) 6-307, 7-366, 8-373, 9-473, 10-491 MCG in Melbourne, yesterday. the series but England had hope the seventh over. A Cook (not out) ...... 244 Bowling: Hazlewood 30-5-95-3, Bird 30-5-108-0 of cracking a first win after However, the tourists seam- M Stoneman c and b Lyon ...... 15 (3nb), Lyon 42-9-109-3, Cummins 29.1-1-117-4, M Alastair Cook’s unbeaten 244 ers struck twice to leave Australia J Vince lbw Hazlewood ...... 17 Marsh 12-1-42-0, Smith 1-0-11-0 J Root c Lyon b Cummins ...... 61 Australia (II innings) work” for a new batter. With little cricket played, propelled them to a first innings wobbling at 65-2 before Warner D Malan lbw b Hazlewood ...... 14 C Bancroft b Woakes ...... 27 “(The pitch) is getting former Australia players and lead of 164. and Smith showed patience and J Bairstow c Paine b Lyon ...... 22 D Warner (batting) ...... 40 slower,” the coach told host media pundits directed allega- They had resumed their on poise in their unbroken stand of M Ali c S Marsh b Lyon ...... 20 U Khawaja c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 11 broadcaster Channel Nine. “So tions of ball-tampering at 491-9 in the morning but were 38. C Woakes c Paine b Cummins ...... 26 S Smith (batting) ...... 25 once you’re in, you’ve got to stay England, with commentator unable to extend their total, with All-rounder Chris Woakes T Curran c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 4 Extras ...... 0 in. “Our boys are fighting really Shane Warne suggesting seamer tail-ender Anderson dismissed made the early breakthrough, S Broad c Khawaja b Cummins ...... 56 Total (2 wkts) ...... 103 hard. A couple of good (England) James Anderson had used his first ball by paceman Pat Cum- bowling Bancroft for 27, with J Anderson c Bancroft b Cummins ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-65

Extras (B4, LB5, NB3) ...... 12 Bowling: Anderson 11-5-20-1, Broad 7-4-18-0, balls to get the wickets and Smith thumbnail to work on the ball. mins, fending a catch straight to Anderson having number three Total (all out) ...... 491 Woakes 11.5-6-24-1, Curran 11-3-26-0, Ali 3-0-15-0 and the vice- captain (Warner) Umpires warned both teams Cameron Bancroft at short leg. Usman Khawaja caught behind went about their work.” not to “scuff” the ball during the That left former captain Cook for 11. Sri Lanka coach bans music at training

Colombo 2019 World Cup. Asked about and that none chosen to play a The chief coach is not an coach, earning plaudits for pull- AFP reports that players were series against Zimbabwe had automatic member of the selec- ing Bangladesh up the world admonished for listening to passed international fitness tors’ panel and Hathurusingha rankings. ew Sri Lanka cricket music in practice, Hathurusingha standards. A special diet was wants this changed -- even if it Hathurusingha has also been coach Chandika Hathu- said after his first training ses- later imposed. means a new sports law. in charge of the New South Nrusingha (pictured) sion with the team on Thursday: Hathurusingha, a former Sri “I need full control and Wales team in Australia, and he pledged to get tough with the “If they are interested in music Lanka batsman who quit as responsibility to pick the play- said he would bring in sports under-performing national team they will have to go home.” Bangladesh coach to help his ing eleven,” Hathurusingha psychologist Phil Jauncey who -- including banning music in Sri Lanka, who tour Bangla- home country, also signalled a said. worked with him in New South training -- while demanding “full desh next month, have been tougher line with the govern- “According to the sports law Wales and Bangladesh. control” over selection. severely criticised over white- ment, which gets the final say in the coach can’t get involved in “I want to see him make vis- With the 1996 World Cup wash defeats by India at home team affairs. selections. They are considering its from time to time to work winners coming to the end of and in India in the past six Jayasekera recently my request to be a selector while with the players,” Hathurusingha their worst year in international months. stopped the Sri Lankan T20 being the coach,” added the said. cricket, Hathurusingha said he Sports Minister Dayasiri team from going to India 49-year-old. In 57 internationals across all would impose strict discipline to Jayasekera said in June that because he did not agree with After giving up playing three formats in 2017, Sri Lanka make sure they are ready for the many players were “too fat” the selection. Hathurusingha has become a top lost 40 and won just 14. New Zealand beats West Indies by 47 runs in 1st T20

Nelson, New Zealand SCOREBOARD three balls in the 15th over to AP deprive the West Indies’ reply of New Zealand C Gayle c Phillips b Rance ...... 12 M Guptill lbw Taylor ...... 5 A Fletcher st Phillips b Sodhi ...... 27 any momentum. he West Indies’ long, dry C Munro c Brathwaite b Nurse ...... 53 S Hope c Munro b Bracewell ...... 15 The West Indies, supposed summer in New Zealand G Phillips b Badree ...... 56 J Mohammed c Taylor b Bracewell ...... 3 masters of the T20 format, took Tcontinued Friday when T Bruce lbw Taylor ...... 2 R Powell c Phillips b Southee ...... 6 too long to realize that it was not they were beaten by 47 runs in R Taylor c J Taylor b Brathwaite ...... 20 C Brathwaite c Bruce b Southee ...... 21 possible to play big shots on a the first of three Twenty20 A Kitchen b Williams ...... 12 A Nurse (not out) ...... 20 holding wicket and their innings internationals. M Santner (not out) ...... 23 K Williams c Phillips b Santner ...... 3 was in disarray before they D Bracewell c&b Brathwaite ...... 0 J Taylor c Bruce b Southee ...... 20 After losing the two-test T Southee (not out) ...... 10 S Badree lbw Rance ...... 2 reacted. They were 64-3 and series 2-0 and the three-match Extras: (B1, LB1, NB4) ...... 6 Extras: (LB3, W1) ...... 4 already needing 12 runs per over one-day series 3-0, there was Total: (seven wkts) ...... 187 Total: (all out) ...... 140 at the mid-point of their innings hope the West Indies would Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-91, 3-118, 4-120, 5-149, 6-153, Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-19, 3-61, 4-66, 5-67, 6-93, and they weren’t able to accel- show some form in the shortest 7-158 7-94, 8-103, 9-131, 10-140 erate against good New format in which they are the cur- Bowling: Badree 4-0-22-1, J Taylor 4-0-41-2, Williams Bowling: Rance 4-0-30-3 (1w), Southee 4-0-36-3, Zealand. rent world champions. 4-0-52-1 (4nb), Brathwaite 4-0-38-2, Nurse 4-0-32-1 Bracewell 2-0-10-2, Kitchen 1-0-10-0, Santner 4-0-21- Rance, on debut, took 3-30

West Indies 1, Sodhi 4-0-30-1

But after a new-look and including the first and last wick- C Walton c Kitchen b Rance 7 Result: New Zealand won by 47 runs largely inexperienced New Zea- ets of the innings, Southee took land team made 187-7, batting 3-36 and Bracewell 2-21. Spin- first after losing the toss, the 56, took three catches and had tipped the balance of the match ners Mitchell Santner (1-21) and West Indies batted lethargically two stumpings in a man-of-the- in New Zealand’s favor. Ish Sodhi (1-30) also bowled and were all out for 140 in 19 match performance which was The 30-year-old fast bowler important and restraining spells. overs. hugely influential in New Zea- Seth Rance, on his Twenty20 “It was a pretty good effort,” The last over of the New land’s victory. international debut, dismissed New Zealand captain Southee Zealand innings, bowled by Kes- Colin Munro scored 53, shar- Chris Gayle (12) and Chadwick said. “We struggled early on with rick Williams, cost 25 runs and ing an 86-run second wicket Walton (7) with successive deliv- the bat but the guys hung in made a substantial difference partnership with Phillips, and eries in the third over to deal a there and we were able to finish between the teams, giving New Mitchell Santner, with 23 from blow to the West Indies’ innings pretty strongly.” Zealand a more than competi- 11 balls, helped New Zealand to from which it never recovered. “The last over was crucial to New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips (right) celebrates tive total on a slow wicket at a total which was over-par in Doug Bracewell dismissed gaining some momentum and with team-mate Ish Sodhi after stumping West Indies Saxton Oval which made hard- challenging conditions. Jason Mohammed (3) and Shai taking it into our bowling effort. batsman Andre Fletcher during the first Twenty20 match hitting difficult. Williams has been one of the Hope (15) in the 11th over and It was sort of hanging in the bal- against West Indies at Saxton Oval in Nelson, yesterday. Wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips, best bowlers in the world in Tim Southee removed captain ance there but we scraped our in only his fourth one-day inter- Twenty20 cricket in 2017 but his Carlos Brathwaite (21) and Rov- way to a reasonable total, then national for New Zealand, made last over, strewn with no balls, man Powell (6) in the space of put the icing on the top.” 22 SPORT SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2017 Klopp praises Carvalhal confident Leicester transformation over Sanches revival

Reuters London AFP laude Puel has made Leicester City more ew Swansea man- Cefficient while still ager Carlos retaining their identity as a NCarvalhal is confi- ruthless counter-attacking dent his fellow Portuguese team, Liverpool boss Juergen Renato Sanches (pictured) Klopp said of his Foxes coun- can resurrect his career terpart ahead today’s Premier after failing to impress League clash at Anfield. since his loan-move from Frenchman Puel has led Bayern Munich. Leicester to five wins and The 20-year-old midfielder who was named best young three draws in 11 games since player at Euro 2016 has failed to score or provide an assist taking charge in October, Real Madrid’s Portuguese player (left) delivers a speech via teleconference in 11 Swansea appearances. adding possession play and as he sits beside former Italian football player after receiving ‘Best Player Sanches has not started a game since November 29, crisp passing to Leicester’s of the Year’ award during the Globe Soccer Awards Ceremony at the end of the 12th Edition of when he was ridiculed for passing a ball into an advertis- counter-punching DNA. the Dubai International Sports Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday. ing hoarding at Chelsea with no Swansea player in close Klopp is well aware of attendance. Leicester’s progress and But Carvalhal believes Sanches, who cost Bayern 35 pointed to striker Jamie Var- million euros when he joined them from Benfica after Por- dy’s brilliant goal in last tugal won Euro 2016, will prove himself at Swansea under week’s 2-2 draw with Man- his management. chester United as an example Ronaldo beats Messi “I think he (Sanches) needs confidence,” Carvalhal said, of the fluid interplay between ahead of his Swansea bow at Watford today. their attackers. “It is easy to forget because he has played for Benfica “We didn’t make the and the Portuguese national team that he is still only a kid. analysis so far but I saw the “He is still learning and I think he needs a role in the team. Manchester United game -- to win another award Carvalhal was appointed Swansea manager on Thurs- they really play football now. day, only four days after his two-and-a-half-year spell at They are still a wonderful Dubai Italy’s Alessandro del Piero. Thank you for the people who Championship side Sheffield Wednesday came to an end. counter-attacking team,” AFP Despite his numerous awards, voted for me -- next year, do the He has inherited a side five points from safety after only Klopp told the club’s website. Ronaldo joked that he still has same!” one win in 12 Premier League games, and a swift upturn in (www.liverpoolfc.com) eal Madrid star Cristiano plenty of room to expand his per- Real were also named best club results are needed if Swansea are to be playing top-flight “The first goal they scored Ronaldo was on Thursday sonal trophy cabinet. of the year and football for an eighth successive season next term. against United was, ‘wow’, a Rnamed Globe Soccer’s Best “Don’t worry my friend, I have was best coach. But Carvalhal has promised a positive approach ahead fantastic pass from (Demarai) Player for the second year in a row a lot of space,” Ronaldo, who “It’s an honour for me and for of meeting fellow Portuguese coach Marco Silva at Vicar- Gray and (Riyad) Mahrez was and the fourth time overall inspired Real to the Champions the club to receive this award,” age Road. in behind waiting for Vardy. although he wasn’t present in per- League last season, told the show’s Zidane told the audience. “Marco is a good coach and their assistant coach (Joao It looks quite easy. son to receive his trophy. host. “It means things have gone Pedro Sousa) is my big friend,” Carvalhal said. “He is from Liverpool are fourth in The Portuguese international “For me it’s a special moment well and worked well.” my city Braga and we played together. the league and looking to also won the prize, organised by and I feel very happy to receive this In other awards, Francesco “Watford are a very organised team but we will fight reduce a four-point gap the EFAA (European Association award. I have to say thank you to Totti and received for the three points. between themselves and of Football Agents) and ECA (Euro- my teammates, to my coach, to player career awards, Marcello “It will be the same against every opponent because third-placed Chelsea but pean Clubs Association) in 2011, Real Madrid. Lippi was handed a coaching I’ve never played in my career to draw any game. Klopp is expecting a difficult 2014 and 2016. “It was an amazing year, we career award, Spain’s was “I always try to win, even when I was a coach in the game against eighth-placed Ronaldo appeared by video won a lot of trophies collective and best league of the year, and Jorge third division in Portugal and we played teams from the Leicester. link as he received the award from myself individual, so I’m so glad. Mendes named best agent. top division. Sanchez double seals win for record-equalling Wenger

London eight-game unbeaten run. Arsenal finished neatly with a first time shot. Zaha though reacted in a more Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring AFP drew level with fourth-placed north Six minutes later, Arsenal would positive way after the restart as he their third goal during the English Premier League London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been two up but for Speroni eased his way past Chambers before match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in lexis Sanchez scored twice in but with a worse goal difference who produced an excellent, one- pulling the ball back towards London on Thursday. four second half minutes to whilst Palace remain firmly handed reaction save after Ozil had Townsend who struck a first time Agive Arsenal manager Arsene embroiled in a battle against rele- latched onto Sanchez’s superbly shot past Cech from near the pen- Wenger victory on the night he gation just a point above the bottom weighted through ball. alty spot. equalled Alex Ferguson’s Premier three. Wilfried Zaha was Palace’s most At that point Palace were in the League record of matches in charge Palace were able to apply some threatening player throughout the ascendancy but Sanchez’s quick with a 3-2 win over Crystal pressure during the opening stages, first half with the Ivorian maintain- double soon killed off the home Palace. the closest they came to testing Petr ing the form that has seen him side’s hopes. Sanchez’s brace - the second a Cech came when Yohan Cabaye linked with a number of top clubs The first came after Chambers beauty from Jack Wilshere’s superb shot narrowly wide from 20 yards this season. played a deep ball into the home pass -- added to Shkodran Mustafi’s out. It also made the winger a tar- penalty area that was controlled by first ever away goal for the Gunners Wenger’s side gradually took get for some robust treatment with Sanchez before the Chile interna- was just enough to get them past charge and they forced the break- Callum Chambers booked for pull- tional exchanged passes with the Eagles in Wenger’s 810th Pre- through in the 24th minute when ing him back. Lacazette and drilled the ball past mier League game as a manager. Palace’s failure to clear Mesut Ozil’s Zaha made the point he Speroni. James Tomkins’s 89th minute free-kick eventually led to Mustafi’s believed he deserved more protec- Then four minutes later, the for- header -- Andros Townsend had opening goal. tion too vigorously to referee ward had his second after collecting drawn them level at 1-1 early in the The ball was played back Michael Oliver as they left the pitch Wilshere’s long ball over the top second-half before Sanchez’s scor- towards the right side of the area at half time and could have been with his first touch and finishing ing burst -- ensured a nervy finish, where Alexandre Lacazette drew a sent off after sarcastically reacting with his second. but the Gunners deserved to run out good save from Julian Speroni only to the match official’s decision to Tomkins late header from a cor- winners and end Palace’s for the ball to fall to Mustafi who show him a yellow card. ner came too late for the home side. Italy fails to book Russia ticket as Cup expansion comes too late

Zurich in Gabon at the start of the year. Wembley during a dull 1-0 World Manchester City won 18 games Reuters Argentina also came peril- A look back at year 2017 Cup qualifying win over on the trot to effectively seal the ously close to missing out on next Slovenia. title race by the New Year. taly’s failure to qualify for the year’s tournament in Russia after Italy’s Yet, it remains a purer form Transfer fees continued to World Cup for the first time in an indifferent campaign in which midfielder of the sport where success can- spiral and, after Brazilian for- 60 years showed that soccer three different coaches occupied not be bought -- unlike the club ward Neymar’s record-shattering I Stephan El still has a unique knack for top- the hot seat. football which is increasingly €222m ($266.2m) move from Shaarawy pling the mighty, although such came to the res- dominated by a handful of Barcelona to Paris St Germain in upsets are far more likely in the cue, scoring a hat-trick at 2,800 (left) reacts wealthy clubs. August, FIFA announced that it international game. metres above sea level as they at the end of Real Madrid won the Cham- would set up a task force to The club game, on the other squeezed home with a 3-1 win the FIFA World pions League for the third time review the entire system. hand, is increasingly the preserve away to Ecuador in very last of Cup 2018 in four seasons, beating Juven- UEFA president Aleksander of a affluent few -- as shown by their 18 games. qualifying tus in the final, and Zinedine Ceferin, meanwhile, said that further titles for Real Madrid, Bay- The chances of the traditional match against Zidane’s side also won La Liga restoring competitive balance ern Munich, Chelsea and powers missing out will diminish Sweden in this and the Club World Cup where was the game’s biggest Juventus. greatly from 2026 onwards after November 14 they beat South American cham- challenge. Four-times world champions global soccer body FIFA voted last file photo. pions Gremio 1-0 in the final. Former Italy playmaker And- Italy, last absent from the finals January to increase the World Juventus, meanwhile, won rea Pirlo and Brazilian Kaka, in 1958, were beaten 1-0 on Cup from 32 to 48 teams. the Serie A for the sixth season both World Cup winners, were aggregate by Sweden in a two- The new-look tournament no such help as they qualified for some chaotic scenes at the Con- in a row, while Bayern made it among those to retire as did leg playoff, their fate being sealed will also feature an unwieldy their first-ever World Cups while federations Cup in Russia and five consecutive Bundesliga titles former Germany captain Philipp by a goalless draw on a surreal opening phase with 16 groups of Peru made it for the first time in in both Serie A and the Bundes- and were well on course for a Lahm and Spain midfielder Xabi November night at San Siro. three, from which the top two in 36 years - an eternity in the soc- liga where it is being used on a sixth by December, reflecting a Alonso. The United States, South each will proceed to a round of cer-mad country which twice trial basis. worrying trend of one-horse But the most poignant depar- American champions Chile and 32. FIFA president Gianni Infan- reached the final eight in the National team football is races across Europe. ture was AS Roma’s playmaker three-times runners-up the Neth- tino said it would give more 1970s. often criticised for lacking the England’s Premier League, who called it a erlands will join Italy on the smaller nations the chance to FIFA continued to push quality of the club game and so often seen as the most open day after a remarkable 25 sea- sidelines as will Cameroon, win- “dream” of a place at the finals. hard for the introduction of England fans were reduced to of the major leagues, joined the sons at his only club and the one ners of the African Nations Cup Iceland and Panama needed video replays (VAR) despite throwing paper planes around club as ’s he supported as a boy. SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 23 Hathab: Saeed steals the show at Al Shaqab

Chinthana Wasala The Peninsula HATHAB SERIES: STAGE 5

atari rider Saeed Nasser Al Today’s Schedule: Qadi guided his favourite 10pm: Future Riders Class 70/85 gelding Jessico 4 to complete cm a flawless routine to clinch 11pm: Future Riders Class 85/100 Qmajor honours on the open- cm ing day of the fifth leg of Hathab Series 3pm: Medium Tour: Table A, at the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab Arena One round against the clock yesterday. 120/130cm Saeed clocked a time of 62.08 sec- 5:30pm: Big Tour Table A, onds to complete the given task in the Special two phases 130/140cm Open Class - Table A, One round against the clock Art. 238.2.1, 115/125cm event to win the top prize of QR3,750 yesterday. It was a double delight for the local star as his second entry to the event also saw him winning more honours in the same event. Saeed, astride Daydreamer EC, completed the routine in 67.25 sec- onds and booked another podium finish in the same event, winning the third place this time. SLEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z, ridden by Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi, spent a time of 66.93 seconds to com- plete the task and they were second behind Saeed. Al Rumaihi won QR3,000 in prize money. Saeed bagged QR2,250 for his third place win. Latino 291, ridden by Ahmed Mohammed Al Badi, came fourth after Hathab Equestrian Tour 2017/2018 Results completing the round in 68.37 seconds, followed by Ubor, ridden by Alqaqa Qatari rider Ghanim Nasser Adel Nassar who completed the top Fifteen-year-old British rider Comp. (1) Small Tour - Table A, One round against the clock with Jump off Art. 238.2.2, Al Qadi, winner of the Small five. Gabrielle Moorat booked the remain- 100/115cm, Prize Money QR10,000 Tour - Table A, One round Earlier, in the Small Tour, promis- ing spot on the podium when she Rank Horse Rider Time Prize money ing Qatari rider Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi guided Desperadito to complete the against the clock with Jump 1 Fudine Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi 28.63 QR2,500 completed a flawless routine astride routine in 30.59 seconds. She won off Art. 238.2.2, 100/115cm 2 Michael Jackson Mohammed Al Ghazali 29.73 QR2,000 Fudine, to bag the top prize of the QR1,500 in prize money. event, receiving his trophy 3 Desperadito Gabrielle Moorat 30.59 QR1,500 event. Fantastique, ridden by Khalid during the presentation 4 Fantastique Khalid Sanad Al Neami 31.05 QR1,000 He guided Fudine to finish one Sanad Al Neami and Gysmo 26, with ceremony at Al Shaqab 5 Gysmo 26 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi 31.66 QR700 round against the clock with Jump off Hamad in the saddle, rounded up the Arena yesterday. TOP over 100/115cm tall obstacles in 28.63 top fie. RIGHT: Qatari rider Saeed Comp. (2) Open Class - Table A, One round against the clock Art. 238.2.1, 115/125cm, Prize seconds and walked away with a prize The Hathab series action will con- Nasser Al Qadi, astride Money QR15,000 cheque worth QR2,500. Michael Jack- tinue today at the same venue when Jessico 4 celebrates after 1 Jessico 4 Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 62.08 QR3,750 son, with Mohammed Al Ghazali in the riders compete for top honours in the winning the Open Class - 2 SLEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 66.93 QR3,000 3 Daydreamer EC Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 67.25 QR2,250 saddle, spent a time of 29.73 seconds Medium and Big Tours. Table A, One round against 4 Latino 291 Ahmed Mohammed Al Badi 68.37 QR1,500 to finish the same task and came sec- The 12-leg series is organized by the clock Art. 238.2.1, 5 Ubor Alqaqa Adel Nassar 70.70 QR1,050 ond in the event and bagged QR2,000 the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) 115/125cm event. in prize money. and Al Shaqab.

Novak Djokovic Serena, Nadal, Federer prevail in year of greats

London ret Court’s all-time record 20-year-old Latvian Jelena Reuters of 24 singles slams. A look back at year 2017 Ostapenko in the French Yet even ‘supermum’ Open final, perhaps the most erena Williams needed Serena would do well to top usual at his Roland Garros as will Grigor Dimitrov, startling triumph of the year just one January fort- the amazing Federer-Nadal kingdom as the Spaniard leader of the chasing pack from a youngster who had Snight to underline her comeback roadshow of 2017 achieved ‘La Decima’, that who was crowned ATP Tour previously not even won greatness before Roger Fed- as they seemed to hop from unreal 10th French Open champion in November, but any tour event. erer and Rafael Nadal then some time machine to share crown, without dropping a Federer, who lost just five of As for comeback of the spent the rest of 2017 the season’s four slams. set and thrashing Stan 57 matches and lifted seven year, even Federer bowed Injury setback reminding us of why tennis That would have been Wawrinka in the final. titles, offered the eerie to Petra Kvitova, who really is still basking in its considered preposterous at A refreshed Federer was impression of actually play- returned after a career- age of sporting wonders. the start of 2017 with Fed- then equally majestic at ing better than ever. threatening knife attack to puts Djokovic’s When Williams beat big erer, at 35, given no chance Wimbledon, winning a Williams, meanwhile, win, astonishingly, in just sister Venus in the Austral- after a six-month injury record eighth crown in the will return, knowing no-one her second tournament back ian Open to lift a 23rd grand absence, and 30-year-old same blemish-free fashion, seemingly had the game nor on tour. comeback on hold slam singles crown, a record Nadal apparently a shadow outplaying injury-hit Marin ambition to take command Then there was Sloane in the Open era, she seemed of his old dominating self Cilic for his 19th slam. of women’s tennis in her Stephens, who after 11 Abu Dhabi so dominant that a calendar after so much wear and tear Nadal did, though, win absence. months out with a foot AP year grand slam even felt on his battered knees. their duel for the world No.1 Four others also held the injury that needed surgery feasible. Instead, the pair served spot in August as Federer’s No.1 ranking in 2017 -- and having been ranked he comeback plans for Novak Djokovic Instead, it was to be the up an epic final in Mel- form was affected by back Angelique Kerber, Karolina 957th only a month before stalled yesterday when a recurrence of pain last match Serena played all bourne, won in five trouble and the Spaniard Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza, the tournament, won her Tin his right elbow forced him to withdraw season as she ended up cel- mesmerising sets by Fed- roared to a 16th slam, beat- winner at Wimbledon over home US Open final against from an exhibition tournament in the United Arab ebrating an even happier erer, that was to reignite and ing Kevin Anderson in the 37-year-old Venus Williams, great friend Madison Keys. Emirates. event. reshape sport’s most shin- US Open final. and Simona Halep, who “If you told someone Djokovic hasn’t played competitively since he For after it was revealed ing rivalry. Of course, the duo’s ended the season on top. this story, they’d be, like, retired in the Wimbledon quarterfinals because that, astonishingly, she had With his new-found monopoly was aideded by Halep,Halep, though,though, again fell ‘That’sThat s insaneinsane.’,”., SteStephensphens of the elbow injury. He was scheduled on Friday been eight weeks pregnant swashbuckling backhand injury woes for the outgo-utgo- shortshort in tthehe biggestbiggest events, musedmused afterwards.afterwards. to play Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in the exhi- when winning in Melbourne attack, Federer beat his ing no.1 Andy Murrayy and topped by her loss to SheShe couldcould have bition semifinals, his first match in nearly five without dropping a set, Ser- nemesis in all four 2017 Novak Djokovic, whwhoseose frfree-hittingee-hitting beenbeen rreflectingeflecting on tthehe months. ena gave birth to baby meetings but, also recognis- lame exits at Wimbledonedon wholewhole ooff a ffaintlyaintly sur- “I am terribly disappointed that I am forced daughter, Alexis Olympia in ing the importance of rest, persuaded them to takeake a realreal bbutut wonderfulwonderful to withdraw,” Djokovic said in a statement on his September. decided daringly to bypass leaf out of Federer’s bbookook tennistennis year. website. She reckoned those ‘AO’ the entire draining claycourt and seek rest anandd “Unfortunately, in the past few days I started initialsinitials were a nodnod season. recuperation. to feel pain in the elbow and after several tests, to howhow theythey HeHeewas was riright gght t to ppre- e Theyey wwill be backbac my medical team has advised me not to risk any- spent dictdict NadalNadal wouldwould bebe raringraring to ggoo iinn thing, to withdraw from the tournament and to togettogetherher on unstoppableunstoppable as Melbourne,Melbourne, immediately continue with the therapies. court at tthehe “This might affect the start of the season and ‘‘AustralianAustralian the tournament plan, but the decision will be made OOpen’pen’ anandd in the following days.” SeSerenarena willwill Djokovic is entered in the Qatar Open start- bbee backback ing on Monday in Doha, where he’s the defending there in Jan-Jan- two-time champion. That’s his lead-in tourna- uaryuary at 336,6, ment for the Australian Open, which starts in just seekingseeking to over two weeks. equal Marga-Marga- Exhibition tournament organizers have arranged a substitute match between Andy Mur- ray, another former No. 1 who has been out since Wimbledon with a hip injury, and Bautista Agut. Murray has been in Abu Dhabi only to train for the tour. Bautista Agut will take on the winner of the other semifinal between Dominic Thiem of Aus- Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Serena Williams tria and Kevin Anderson of South Africa.