Classic Williamson ton swings momentum New Zealand’s way page 14 TUESday, JANUARY 5, 2021 Attiyah goes ‘flat out’ to win second stage of Dakar Rally

Agencies Wadi ad-Dawasir (Saudi Arabia)

Much to his own statement about the second stage, which Nasser Al Attiyah said “mat- ters most” after a 10th place finish in the opening stage on Sunday, the ace Qatari rally driver bounced back in the second stage of Dakar Rally on Monday with a win. Attiyah, and his French co-driver Matthieu Baumel, won the second stage ahead of rivals Stephane Peterhan- sel, and Carlos Sainz, who had claimed the first stage.

Second Stage Results From Bisha to Wadi ad-Dawasir: Auto POS. No DRIVE-TEAM MARK-MODEL TIME VARIATION PENALTY Good day 1. 301 (QAT) Nasser Al Attiyah (FRA) Matthieu Baumel Toyota Gazoo Racing 04h 03’ 14” -- -- It was a good day. Today we 2. 302 (FRA) Stephane Peterhansel (FRA) Edouard Boulanger X-Raid Mini JCW 04h 05’ 49” +02’ 35” -- went flat out and everything 3. 300 (ESP) Carlos Sainz (ESP) Lucas Cruz X-Raid Mini JCW 04H 12’ 31’’ +09’ 17’’ -- 4. 303 (SAU) Yazeed Al Rajhi (DEU) Zitzewitz Overdrive Toyota 04H 13’ 38’’ +00H 10’ 24” -- is working very, very well. 5. 308 (FRA) Mathieu Serradori (BEL) Fabian Lurquin SRT Racing 04H 13’ 41” +00H 10’ 27” -- The tyres were amazing and 6. 305 (FRA) Sebastian Loeb (MCO) Daniel Elena Bahrain Raid Xtreme 04H 20’ 07” +00H 16’ 53” -- the car too, the pace from 7. 339 (ZAF) Brian Baragwanath (ZAF) Taye Perry Century Racing 04H 22’ 35” +00H 19’ 21” 00H 02’ 00” start to finish, no mistakes 8. 307 (POL) Jakub Przygonski (DEU) Timo Gottschalk Orlen Team/Ooverdrive 04H 23’ 03” +00H 19’ 49” 00H 02’ 00” at all... there’s still a long 9. 317 (RUS) Vladimir Vasilyev (UKR) Dmitro Tsyro X-Raid Team 04H 23’ 52” +00H 20’ 38” -- way, but it’s a good start. Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France 10. 306 (NLD) Bernhard Ten Brinke (BEL) Tom Colsoul Overdrve Toyota 04H 24’ 52” +00H 21’ 38” -- of Toyota Racing compete during Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally 2021 Moto Nasser Al Attiyah between Bisha and Wadi Ad-Dawasir in Saudi Arabia on Monday. (Pic: Redbullcontentpool) 1. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP/Honda) 4h 17’56”, 2. Ricky Brabec (USA/Honda) at 3.55” The three-time winner 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL/Rockstar) 6.02”, 4. Ross Branch (BWA/Yamaha) 11.54”, 5. Jose Florimo (CHL/Honda) 12.06” of the Dakar Rally zoomed through the 457-kilometre stage from Bisha to Wadi ad- in the sand dunes. “It was the Coma in fourth position in the Dawasir in 4hr 03min 14secs first dunes, but also the car all-time ranking of special stage Walter Roelants of Belgium rides his to grab victory. was full of diesel which meant victories in the bike race. motorbike during the Stage 2 of “It was a good day,” said Al it was really heavy,” he said. Barreda said he had had no the Dakar Rally 2021 between Attiyah. “So, the priority was not to get option but “to push with eve- Bisha and Wadi Ad-Dawasir in “Yesterday we lost a lot of stuck. After that, I have to say rything – I put it all in today. Saudi Arabia on Monday. time because we opened the that we navigated well.” “Right now, everything is way and it was not really good In the motorbike category, perfect. for us and we didn’t take risks. Spain’s Joan Barreda took “Sure, tomorrow will be a “But today we went flat the second stage ahead of ti- long day and really hard again, out and everything is working tle holder Ricky Brabec of the but the race is like this. We need very, very well. The tyres were USA, who is also on a Honda. to keep calm and stay in front. amazing and the car too, the Brabec has a lot of time to For sure, there are still a lot of pace from start to finish, no claw back after trailing in al- kilometres to come and we will mistakes at all... there’s still a most 20 minutes behind Aus- try to keep riding, that’s all.” long way, but it’s a good start.” tralian Toby Price in Sunday’s Tuesday’s third stage sees The stage win moves Atti- first stage after losing his way competitors racing a loop yah to third overall, nine min- in the desert terrain. around Wadi ad-Dawasir, the utes adrift of Frenchman Pe- Having led from the first gateway to the Empty Quarter, terhansel, a 13-time winner of time check point, Barreda has a vast sand desert that covers the rally, who leads the overall dominated stage two to pick up much of the southern Arabian standings with Spaniard Sainz his 25th special stage victory on Peninsula. 6min 37sec behind. the Dakar and climb to the top The 403km special stage Peterhansel revealed his of the general standings, emu- is expected to have lot many fear of getting slowed down lating his countryman Marc sand dunes. F1 set to start season in Bahrain instead of Melbourne: Reports

DPA with “curiosity and the joy of team and backed by Canadian Berlin Coronavirus quarantine something new” after six years billionaire Lawrance Stroll, measures in Australia, at Ferrari during which he whose son Lance Stroll is the Formula One is likely to which have already led to failed to add to the four world team’s other driver. have to begin its 2021 season the Australian Open tennis titles he won with Red Bull Vettel said that Mercedes in Bahrain rather than Mel- being pushed back by 2010-2013. with record-equalling seven- bourne as planned, media re- three weeks until “The objective is com- time world champion Lewis ports said on Monday. February, look set to pletely different, namely to Hamilton remain the big fa- Coronavirus quarantine bring the team forward. I vourites for the new season measures in Australia, which affect the F1 race in build on my experience and which is to start in March in have already led to the Austral- Melbourne too. what I can do behind the Australia. ian Open tennis being pushed wheel,” Vettel said. He added that despite back by three weeks until Feb- Vettel doesn’t expect “I’m at a different stage Hamilton’s vast success and ruary, look set to affect the F1 guaranteed success at now. At a better stage, with F1 records he his idol and race in Melbourne too. new team Aston Martin more experience, with a clear- German compatriot Michael It had been slated to start Former world champion er vision than, for example, Schumacher remains the best a record-breaking 23-race Sebastian Vettel hopes that his when I was at Red Bull. driver of all time because “he season on March 21 but auto- new team Aston Martin can “I don’t expect any guar- could drive faster than anyone sport.com was among media be benefit from his experience antees of success in the future, else with the red car (Ferrari) outlets saying organizers were but expects hard work rather but a lot of hard work. We have and could perform to the max- now looking for a date later in than instant success at his new to use the spirit of optimism in imum in every race. the season. Formula One outfit. the team and at the same time “I am very happy that his F1 has not commented on Vettel told the Sportbuzzer try to get closer to success step son Mick is now driving in F1. the reports. portal in an interview pub- The opening round of the 2021 Formula 1 season in Australia is set to be postponed, according to reports. by step.” Aston Martin is the I will try to give him some- The Bahrain race is lished on Saturday that he The delay could force a re-shuffle of the calendar, as the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for 28 March now rebranded Racing Point team, thing back of what Michael scheduled for March 28. approaches the new challenge looks poised to become the 2021 season-opener. now competing as a works gave to me.” Sports Tuesday, January 5, 2021 13 Al Duhail drawn to play Al Ahli in Amir Cup opener

The 49th Amir Cup will kick off on January 25 with a match between Al Duhail and Al Ahli. The draw for the 16-team tournament was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Monday.

Tribune News Network Ritz Carlton Hotel on Monday. have a date with Al Khor while ing and Communications, emony with the participation Al Wakrah, Al Arabi and Qa- The 2021 Amir Cup is be- DOHA In other fixtures, Qatar Al Arabi will go head-to-head QFA, Ali Hassan Al Salat, of club officials. tar SC were placed in Group A ginning earlier than usual SC will take on Al Shamal, Al with Umm Salal. Head of Communication De- The draw for the 49th Amir as they are the top eight sides keeping in view the interna- The 49th Amir Cup will Wakrah will play Al Kharaiti- The dates will be con- partment, Ali Hammoud Al Cup is based on the rankings in from the first division. tional engagements of the na- kick off on January 25 with a yat and Al Rayyan will face off firmed later Nuaimi, Head of the Com- the QNB Stars League and the Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al tional team. match between Al Duhail and against Al Markhiya. The draw for the tourna- petitions Department and Second Division League of the Khor and Al Shahaniya were Last month, Al Sadd beat Al Ahli. Elsewhere, Al Gharafa will ment was held in the pres- Hamad Al Hajri, member of 2019-2020 season. slotted in Group B along with Al Arabi 2-1 at brand new 2022 The draw for the 16-team take on Al Shahaniya, Al Sadd ence of Khaled Mubarak Al the Competitions Committee Al Duhail, Al Rayyan, Al Al Kharaitiyat, Al Markhiya, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to win tournament was held at the will play Muaither, Al Sailiya Kuwari, Director of Market- who conducted the draw cer- Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al Sailiya, Al Shamal and Muaither. the 2020 Amir Cup title. Milan hold upper hand in classic with teetering champions Juve

DPA Rome The prospects for champions Juventus After years of dominance, could be decided in the next couple of champions Juventus go into Wednesday’s Serie A classic at weeks as they tackle the two Milanese leaders AC Milan as underdogs. sides, who are battling at the top of the The Rossoneri are the only unbeaten side after 15 Italian Serie A. The duo hope to end the rounds and sit one point long supremacy of the Bianconeri ahead of city rivals Inter Mi- lan, while the Turinese are Match officials for fifth with a 10-point gap and a game in hand against fourth- placed Napoli. FIFA Club World Cup A 2-0 win at Benevento in Sunday’s year opener con- Qatar 2020 appointed firmed the solidity of Milan, who prevailed despite the dis- SC.qa Qatari official Khamis Al missal of Sandro Tonali and Doha Marri will be one of the VMOs, with ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic while three officials from the still sidelined. The FIFA Referees Committee United Arab Emirates will The Swede is unlikely to re- has announced the match of- participate in the tournament, cover by midweek, but versa- ficials who will officiate games including referee Mohammed tile full back Theo Hernandez during the forthcoming FIFA Abdullah Mohammed and as- is due back from suspension. Club World Cup Qatar 2020. sistant referees Mohamed Al “We don’t feel the pres- Seven referees and 12 as- Hammadi and Hasan Al Mahri. sure from the results of other sistant referees have been All the selected match of- squads and we compensate selected for the tournament, ficials will complete their -fi for absentees by playing as a along with seven video match nal preparations in Qatar the team. We’ll be on our game officials (VMOs) to operate the week before the first match also against Juve,” Milan boss video assistant referee (VAR) kicks off. In light of the COV- Stefano Pioli said. system. ID-19 pandemic, FIFA and the “We win because we have Three female officials will host country will provide the quality, but also because we Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Italian Serie A match vs Udinese at the take part in the tournament: required safeguards to protect put in the extra yards. And if Juventus Stadium in Turin late on Sunday. (AFP) Brazilian referee Edina Alves the health and safety of all in- we all continue on with our ef- Batista and assistant refer- volved in the competition. forts we can aim for ambitious career in August. first defeat of the season in a against Fiorentina. We must doria on Wednesday, when ees Neuza Back (Brazil) and The full match schedule goals.” Pioli has often said that The former star playmak- 3-0 home loss to Fiorentina to have confidence in our means the whole 16th round is being Mariana De Almeida (Argen- is available here. The draw to Juve are still the favourites to er twice won the Champions end the year. and always be determined to played. tina). The appointment of finalise the detailed pairings win a title that would be their League at Milan in a decade he A brace from league top get there.” The next two weeks Cagliari and Benevento the female trio continues the will take place in Zurich on 10th in a row, but his view closed with the Serie A title in scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, now will be crucial for Juve, who meet early before third-place path started at the FIFA U-17 Tuesday 19 January at 16:00 would possibly change should 2011; the following season he on 14 goals, stood out against after Milan tackle tough Sas- Roma visit Crotone and Napo- World Cup India 2017, where CET. he beat the rivals and leave moved to Juve, helping them Udinese, but the squad still suolo and are then due back li host Spezia. Swiss referee Esther Staubli The FIFA Club World Cup them 13 points behind. win the first four Scudetti in a failed to convince against the at the San Siro on January 17 Sassuolo v Genoa, Atal- officiated one game, followed Qatar 2020 will kick-off on Inconsistency, summed record run of nine. modest opponents. against Inter. anta v Parma, Lazio v Fioren- by Uruguayan referee Claudia Monday 1 February 2021 and up in a 7-6-1 record, has been On Sunday he lifted his “It was not the best Ju- The Nerazzurri drubbed tina, Torino v Verona and Umpierrez, who officiated two will culminate with the final Juve’s issue under Andrea Pi- morale with a 4-1 win against ventus,” Pirlo said. “We were tailenders Crotone 6-2 on Bologna v Udinese complete games at the FIFA U-17 World at Education City Stadium on rlo, who began his coaching Udinese, which followed the coming from a bad defeat Sunday and are to visit Samp- the programme. Cup Brazil 2019. Thursday 11 February 2021.

Leicester can upset EPL established order, says Rodgers EPL Standings Club MP W D L GF GA GD Pts AFP their rivals in a wide-open ti- million ($96 million), £80m, who have returned from injury Liverpool 17 9 6 2 37 21 16 33 London tle race, with just seven points £90m player -- but we can in and had an immediate impact, Man United 16 10 3 3 33 24 9 33 separating Liverpool and Unit- a football way.” scoring at Newcastle. Leicester City 17 10 2 5 31 21 10 32 Leicester have the potential ed from West Ham in 10th. Rodgers said his initial Maddison and Belgian in- Tottenham 16 8 5 3 29 15 14 29 to disrupt the dominance of By comparison, Liverpool goal is to qualify for European ternational Youri Tielemans’s Man City 15 8 5 2 24 13 11 29 the ‘Big Six’ in the English Pre- held a 27-point advantage over football next term. goal helped the Foxes to their Southampton 17 8 5 4 26 19 7 29 mier League (EPL), says Foxes the team in 10th place after 16 A loss of form at the end seventh win away from home Everton 16 9 2 5 26 20 6 29 manager Brendan Rodgers. games last season, as did Man- of last season cost Leicester a this campaign -- the most in Aston Villa 15 8 2 5 29 16 13 26 The Northern Irishman’s chester City at a similar stage Champions League spot but the Premier League. Chelsea 17 7 5 5 32 21 11 26 side lie third in the table af- in the 2017-18 campaign. they are into the knockout “We are playing with in- ter beating Newcastle 2-1 on Rodgers says that while stage of the Europa League af- tensity and a bit of swagger. West Ham Utd 17 7 5 5 24 21 3 26 Sunday. Leicester may be unable to ter topping their group. Newcastle felt the full force Arsenal 17 7 2 8 20 19 1 23 Leicester – who in 2016 compete financially with the “My ambition is to get into of a top-of-the-table Premier Leeds United 17 7 2 8 30 33 -3 23 became the only club from biggest clubs, they can make Europe again and for us to League team,” said Maddison. W Wanderers 17 6 4 7 18 24 -6 22 outside the ‘Big Six’ to win the their presence felt on the pitch. progress,” said Rodgers. Crystal Palace 17 6 4 7 22 29 -7 22 league title since 1995 -- are “We want to be a team that, “What’s nice is our top Leicester City’s Northern Irish Newcastle Utd 16 5 4 7 18 26 -8 19 a point behind leaders Liver- year on year, can get European players are getting their fit- manager Brendan Rodgers looks Burnley 15 4 4 7 9 20 -11 16 pool, who visit Southampton football,” said Rodgers. ness back and that’s exciting on during the English Premier Brighton & Hove 17 2 8 7 21 28 -7 14 later on Monday, and second- “Our job is, can we disrupt for us in the second part of the League match against Newcas- placed Manchester United. the hierarchy? We might not season.” tle United at St James’ Park in Fulham 15 2 5 8 13 23 -10 11 Leicester have played a financially - we don’t have the England midfielder James Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, West Bromwich 17 1 5 11 11 39 -28 8 game more than several of finances to go and get that £70 Maddison is one of the players on Sunday. (AFP) Sheffield United 17 0 2 15 8 29 -21 2 14 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Sports

Quick read Classic Williamson ton swings Moeen Ali tests positive for COVID-19 COLOMBO: England all-rounder Scoreboard Moeen Ali has tested positive for Pakistan (1st innings): 297 Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Blundell), 2-52 (Latham), 3-71 COVID-19 soon after the team’s momentum NZ way New Zealand (1st innings) (Taylor) arrival in Sri Lanka. The 33-year- T. Latham c Sohail b Afridi 33 To bat: BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Tim old, who tested negative before T. Blundell lbw Ashraf 16 Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult AFP K. Williamson not out 112 Bowling: Afridi 19-5-45-1(1nb), Abbas 20-7-37-1 departure, will now isolate for 10 Christchurch (NZ) R. Taylor c Masood b Abbas 12 (1nb), Shah 14-1-72-0 (5w, 7nb), Ashraf 18-4-55-1 days in accordance with the Sri H. Nicholls not out 89 (2w), Masood 2-0-17-0, Gohar 11-0-50-0, Sohail 1-0- Lanka government’s quarantine A classic century by Kane Wil- Extras (b2, lb6, w7, nb9) 24 2-0 protocol. Fellow all-rounder Chris liamson in an unbroken 215- Total (three wickets; 85 overs) 286 Toss: New Zealand. Series: New Zealand lead 1-0. Woakes has been deemed as a run stand with Henry Nicholls possible close contact, and will hauled New Zealand into a out early, caught behind for and movement which New observe a period of self-isolation strong position at 286 for three, only for the dismissal to Zealand exploited on day one, and further testing. England’s three at stumps on day two of be reversed by the TV umpire but with Latham and Blundell two-Test tour of Sri Lanka starts the second Test against Paki- who detected Shaheen Afridi’s taking guard well in front of in Galle on 14 January. England stan on Monday. delivery was a no ball. the crease the Pakistan bowl- had lateral flow tests and a PCR New Zealand, having re- ers were forced to adjust their test at Hambantota airport upon covered from 71 for three in Patience and acceleration lines. arrival, with Moeen’s PCR test Christchurch, ended the day With New Zealand in trou- The breakthrough came returning the positive. The rest trailing Pakistan’s firstinnings ble, Williamson was all pa- when Faheem Ashraf had a of the touring parting will be 297 by just 11 runs with seven tience as he took 70 deliveries ball jag back sharply and rap retested on Tuesday morning, wickets in hand. to reach 20, but he then put Blundell’s pads. before being allowed to train for Williamson, newly in- his foot down. In the following over, Afri- the first time on Wednesday. stalled as the world’s number The next 30 runs came off di found the edge of Latham’s Moeen is the firstE ngland player one Test batsman, was un- 35 balls to reach 50 and he bat with the ball flying to Shan to test positive for the virus, with beaten on 112, his 24th cen- took just 35 balls to race from Masood who spilled the catch a full summer of games against tury, with Nicholls on 89. 50 to 100. at second slip only for his West Indies, Pakistan, Australia Even when New Zealand “It’s very difficult to get his blushes to be spared by the and Ireland being completed were in trouble there was a wicket,” said Pakistan quick quick reflexes of Haris Sohail without any cases. (Agencies) sense in the side that William- bowler Mohammad Abbas. who grasped the rebound from son would save them. “We had some plans first slip. No Mortaza in “When you know you’ve against him but he’s a world- It was a period when Bangladesh got someone like Kane Wil- class player. He took his time the Pakistan quicks, having preliminary squad liamson there you know and when he settled at the found a good line and length, you’ve got a pretty strong crease he got some runs,” Ab- had New Zealand in a vice- for Windies series rock to change the tide of an bas added. like grip. Dhaka: Mashrafe Mortaza innings,” said New Zealand New Zealand captain Kane Williamson during his unbeaten knock of 112 on day two of the second Test “We bowled well early but In five overs either side of has been omitted from Bang- batting coach Luke Ronchi, against Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday. (AFP) after tea some catches were lunch, New Zealand scored ladesh’s preliminary squad adding that Williamson had dropped and that’s why we’re only five runs beforeA bbas for the upcoming home series put New Zealand in a “fantas- “It’s brilliant to watch. Late in the day, he was would have felt their luck was struggling.” found the edge of Taylor’s bat against West Indies. Mortaza, tic” situation. When he does get to a score dropped twice and survived a changing when New Zealand New Zealand started their and that time Masood made who is Bangladesh’s most “It’s him being him out of 100 it’s just another run to run out when the bail had only slumped from 52 without loss innings on a positive note with no mistake. capped ODI player, has led there, it’s his own little world. him.” partially dislodged in the split to 71 for three when Ross Tay- openers Tom Latham and Masood later failed to the side in 88 ODIs and 28 He’s one of those players that It was Williamson’s third second it took to get his bat lor departed in the fifth over Tom Blundell sharing a 52-run pouch difficult chances from T20Is. He had stepped down make the game look really ease century in as many Tests in the across the crease. after lunch. stand. Williamson on 82 and 107, from ODI captaincy during the yet other people seem to find it past month, although fortune Pakistan, without a win It could have been 74 for The pitch, although drying, while Mohammad Rizwan home series against Zimbabwe not so easy. was on his side. in 10 away Tests since 2018, four when Nicholls was given continued to offer the bounce dropped Nicholls on 86. in March 2020. BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin said on Monday, 4 January, that Mortaza “wants to continue playing domestic cricket”. Lyon backs returning “We have full respect for Elgar ton leads the way for SA, him (Mortaza) as he had given lot for us. It was a difficult Warner to be Sydney decision but we have to accept reality,’’ he said. but Karunaratne battles back “We have taken this ‘X-factor’ against India decision talking with the team Agencies while Ngidi reached double fig- management and everyone AFP up alongside him remains to be Johannesburg ures for the first time inT ests. concerned. It’s a big opportuni- Sydney seen with Joe Burns dumped af- Vishwa completed his ty for the player who will replace ter a string of poor scores. Dean Elgar’s 127 guided South maiden Test five-for when he him in the team. I have spoken Nathan Lyon on Monday Will Pucovski could make Africa to a first-innings lead of had Sipamla caught at gully off with him (Mortaza) and there backed David Warner to open his debut after a concussion 145 runs despite a maiden five- the back foot, leaving South Af- is no sort of misunderstanding the innings for Australia against scare, selectors may opt for wicket haul for Vishwa Fernan- rica all out for 302 and a lead of between us. He said he wants India in the third Test this week, Marcus Harris or even stick do, before Dimuth Karunaratne 145 runs for the hosts. The left- to continue playing domestic saying he had the “X-factor” to with Matthew Wade who filled fought to 91 not out to take Sri armer seamer finished with fig- cricket,” Abedin added. change a game. the role in Warner’s absence. Lanka to a lead of five runs by ures of 5/101. “We are beginning this The explosive opener Lyon is eyeing the personal stumps on the second day of the Sri Lanka’s second in- series without Mortaza but we missed the first two Tests with milestone of his 400th Test second Test at the Wanderers nings got off to a disasterous are keeping an eye on the 2023 a groin injury, but has been wicket in Sydney, he currently Stadium on Monday. start for the visitors when World Cup. Our team manage- training and was included in has 394. He could then mark Elgar and Rassie van der Kusal Perera, who top scored ment had given us a plan where the squad for Thursday’s crucial his 100th Test appearance in Dussen had added 118 runs to- in their first innings, was the vision is 2023 World Cup clash in Sydney, with the four- the final match of the series in gether on the first day, and they bowled by Ngidi with just one and keeping that in mind we Test series locked at 1-1. Brisbane next week. resumed their partnership with South Africa opener Dean Elgar celebrates his century against Sri run on the board. But Dimuth decided not to include him.” Warner said over the week- “If I can play my role and confidence. It wasn’t until the Lanka on the second day of their second Test at the Wanderers Karunaratne provided a cap- A notable inclusion in the end it was “highly doubtful” he make sure we can win this 15th over of the morning ses- Stadium in Joannesburg on Monday. (ICC-cricket.com) tain’s knock, battling through side is Shakib Al Hasan, who would be fully fit, voicing con- series against a pretty amaz- sion that Sri Lanka finally got a against testing bowling. is back in the mix after serv- cern he might struggle with his ing Indian cricket side, those wicket, by which point the stand Lahiru Thirimanne kept ing his one-year suspension. range of shots and not be able to milestones will be nice to look was worth 184 runs – the high- him company for some time, He has been named in both perform in the field at slip to his at come the end of my career,” est second-wicket partnership notching up 31 runs before the preliminary squads for usual high standards. said the 33-year-old. in Tests between the two sides. Ngidi returned and provided Tests and ODIs. (Agencies) But off-spinner Lyon said it “It’s pretty amazing that I’ve As happened in Sri Lanka’s the breakthrough with a leg- was worth taking the risk. got a couple of them just around first innings, a wicket before side strangle. Kusal Mendis was “One hundred percent. I the corner. lunch brought a collapse, and dismissed in the same fashion Australian quick think David is an X-factor,” he “But for me it’s more about after Elgar edged Dushmantha to Ngidi’s next ball, though Pattinson ruled out said. coming out and playing my role, Chameera to slip in the first the 24-year-old wasn’t able to of third India Test “He is a world-class batter, and hopefully we can sing the over after drinks, Van der Dus- complete a hat-trick as Minod we all know that, so I am 100 (team victory) song twice and sen followed him back to the Bhanuka let the next delivery go Sydney: Australian fast percent expecting David to go that will top off my milestones.” changing room an over later, through to the wicket-keeper. bowler James Pattinson was out there in the next couple of Crowds at the Sydney Crick- caught off the glove from the Bhanuka didn’t last long Monday ruled out of this Test matches and do well. et Ground will be reduced after bowling of Dasun Shanaka. though, with the pace of week’s third Test against India “Obviously, he’s got all of capacity on Monday was cut to Shanaka struck again to re- Nortje earning a tough chance in Sydney after hurting his ribs the support of the Australian 25 percent, around 9,500 fans move Faf du Plessis via a thin picked up his second. Anrich Nortje scored a which was well taken by Ke- during a fall at home, team changing room and everyone per day, from 50 percent be- edge, before Vishwa Fernando Debutant Asitha Fernando breezy 16-ball 13 before giving shav Maharaj. But through officials said. The 30-year-old, else around the world to come cause of a coronavirus outbreak had Quinton de Kock caught in then struck, removing Keshav another catch to the slips, be- it all Karunaratne remained in the squad as back-up to in here and do well,” he added. in the city. the slips for his first wicket of Maharaj via yet another edge fore Lutho Sipamla and Lungi firm, and NiroshanDickwella established pace spearheads “So I’m looking forward to “Reducing the capacity of the innings. through to the wicket-keeper. Ngidi threatened to put to- proved an able partner with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc getting Davey back up to the top the venue is crucial in achiev- Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma fought his way to 19 gether a frustrating final-wicket the duo’s partnership unbro- and Josh Hazlewood, will be order for Australia.” ing social distancing require- Bavuma saw the hosts through before misjudging an inswing- stand. Their 19-run partnership ken at the close having added assessed ahead of the fourth Warner will open the in- ments,” said Cricket Australia to lunch, but the former was er from Vishwa, padding up to was nonetheless eventful, with 41 runs and taken Sri Lanka to and finalT est in Brisbane. nings if selected, but who pads interim chief Nick Hockley. trapped leg before to his first a ball which was crashing into Sipamla scoring his first Test a slender lead. “Pattinson injured his ribs ball after the break as Vishwa the stumps. runs via a cover-driven four, (ICC-cricket.com) in a fall at his property while on approved leave from the Melbourne (coronavirus) hub following the Boxing Day Test,” Cricket Australia said. India cricketers test negative after bubble ‘breach’ “He will not be replaced in the squad at this time and will AFP a cluster of virus cases tied to a port staff underwent a test for mated 273 active cases in Aus- be assessed further leading into Sydney wider outbreak in neighbouring COVID-19 on January 3, 2021. tralia, although many are trav- the Brisbane Test match.” New South Wales. All tests have returned negative ellers in quarantine. Fellow fast bowlers Sean Ab- India’s team and support staff In response, authorities re- results,” it said. It means all tickets will bott and Michael Neser are also all tested negative to COVID-19 quire restaurant-goers to dine Australia’s team and staff be refunded and fans must in the squad, with the series after five players apparently outdoors and maintain social were also tested and they too re-apply. finely poised afterA ustralia won breached their bio-security distancing. came back negative. Tony Shepherd, head of the first Test in Adelaide and bubble, officials said Monday, While the five were al- Both teams headed to Syd- Venues NSW which manages India the second in Melbourne. Australia’s David as capacity at the Sydney Crick- lowed to continue training, ney Monday for the third Test the stadium, said significant The third Test starts on Warner leaves et Ground was slashed over they were told to stay apart starting Thursday, with the measures had been taken to en- Thursday. Australia squad: Tim the team’s hotel coronavirus concerns. from the broader Indian four-Test series level at 1-1. sure the safety of fans. Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, in Melbourne on The quintet -- Rohit Shar- squad, with the entire tour They will play in front of “There are extensive pro- Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Monday as the ma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman party tested on Sunday. a 25 percent capacity crowd tocols being enacted for the Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Australian and In- Gill, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep The Indian cricket board, -- around 10,000 - after it upcoming Test, including in- Travis Head, Moises Henriques, dian cricket teams Saini -- were filmed dining in- which has not said whether the was slashed from 50 percent creased cleaning, customer Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan relocate to Sydney side a Melbourne restaurant on five will be punished, Monday following a backlash on so- service and security staff, along Lyon, Michael Neser, Will Pucov- for the third cricket New Year’s Day. issued a brief statement giving cial media and from some with dedicated social distancing ski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Test which starts The Australian state of Vic- them the all-clear for Covid-19. experts, given the Covid situ- marshals,” he said. Mitchell Swepson, Matthew January 7. (AFP) toria, of which Melbourne is “Playing members of the ation in the city. The fourth and final Test is Wade, David Warner. (AFP) the capital, is battling to stem Indian cricket team and sup- There are currently an esti- in Brisbane next week. Sports Tuesday, January 5, 2021 15 Al Annabi aspire to be among top ten at World C’ships: QHA President Al Shaabi QNA He said that they were Doha covering this big difference through camps and prepara- President of the Qatar tions, and bringing in promi- Handball Association (QHA) nent professionals in coordi- Ahmad Mohamed Al Shaabi nation with different teams, affirmed that the national but this did not happen in team aspires to be among the the last season and therefore top ten teams in the 27th IHF they have the advantage in the Men’s World Championship, World Championship. which will be held in Egypt He explained that the sta- from January 13 to 31. bility of the technical staff led Al Shaabi said, in a press by Spaniard Valero Rivera statement, that the World is one of the positive factors Championship is the strongest that may narrow the gap with competition and they always the strong European teams prepare for it well, but this and the rest of the competing time the preparation was not teams in the World Cup be- in the required manner. At the cause they know the players local level, he said they were well, and this a positive aspect, keen to have a strong league despite the presence of injuries with its high-level local and from which very important professional elements, which players suffer such as Hassan would positively reflect on the Awad and Kamalaldin Mallash team, but this did not hap- who underwent surgery, as pen in the last season due to well as Frankis Marzo who was the conditions that sport has injured in his hand, as well as a experienced as a result of the number of other players. Coronavirus pandemic Al Shaabi stressed that be- He added that before the ing among the top ten teams past participations in the in the world would be a good World Championship, they achievement for the Qatari used to attend overseas camps team in light of the current and play a sufficient number circumstances, saying that of friendly matches against we are facing great challenges strong teams, but they were after being runners-up to the not able to do so before the Runners-up at 2015 World IHF Championships, Qatar will be taking part in the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship to be held in Egypt from January 13 to 31, 2021. World Championship (Qatar next participation due to the 2015), adding that they know circumstances imposed by the limited friendly international he said. In this regard, he point- of other teams, especially Euro- they have strong competitive of a competition such as the that the national team is in a Coronavirus pandemic. matches against Tunisia, Ar- ed out that the impact of the pean teams, is relatively less, as leagues, and all their players are European Champions League good group that includes Cro- The national team played gentina, and finallyS pain, pandemic on the preparations they possess physical strength, professionals, and the presence raises their level of readiness. atia, Japan and Angola.

NBA Stephen Curry’s 62-point career night lifts Warriors

TCA/DPA the fourth quarter cut the San Francisco Warriors’ 20-point lead to single digits, but Curry an- Stephen Curry scored 62 swered with a 3-pointer of his points to lead the Warriors to own to keep the Trail Blazers a 137-122 win over the Port- at a comfortable distance. His land Trail Blazers and set a leaning pull-up jumper from new career high on Sunday 27 feet out with 42 seconds night at Chase Center. remaining put the finishing This was a much-needed touch on his career game. AFC rebrands major national victory for the Warriors (3-3), Draymond Green, play- who lost to the Trail Blazers ing in his second game this (3-3) by 25 points in the first season after missing the first team and club competitions of this two-game series on Fri- four with a foot injury, did day. Curry set the tone early not score until 2:14 to go, but AFC ums and the colours Asia’s na- marily younger, close to one with 31 points in the first half finished with one point, eight Kuala Lumpur tional teams wear proudly, the billion strong AFC Champions and helped push the Warriors’ assists and three rebounds in dynamic visual arrangement League fanbase, on the other lead to 20 in the third quarter. 28 minutes and helped make The Asian Football Confed- for AFC national team com- hand, drives the premium On a night when Curry’s plays on offense and anchored eration (AFC) today launched petitions embraces the very aesthetic of the Continent’s free-throw streak ended with the defense. an exciting and dynamic range places where Asia’s champions pinnacle club competition. A 80-straight makes, he set this Overall, it was the strong- of brand-new logomarks and are crowned and fans support contemporary creative inter- career high not merely with est performance of the sea- visual identities for its major the Continent’s best national pretation of the iconic AFC 3-pointers (8 for 16 from be- son from Golden State. Curry national team tournaments - teams and biggest heroes. Champions League trophy yond the arc) – as might be ex- and Green were supported by the AFC Asian Qualifiers, AFC combines elements from the pected from one of the NBA’s James Wiseman (12 points, Asian Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Inspired by football stadi- West and East regions in a all-time 3-point shooters - but 11 rebounds), Kelly Oubre Jr. Cup, AFC U23 Asian Cup, and spectacular new look. with dazzling dribble moves, (17 points, five rebounds, two the hugely popular annual club ums and the colours Asia’s The AFC Cup has also re- nifty layups and going 18-for- steals) and Andrew Wiggins competitions - the AFC Cham- national teams wear ceived a makeover, now incor- 19 at the free-throw line. (21 points, seven rebounds, pions League and AFC Cup. proudly, the dynamic visual porating the five colours rep- Curry’s spectacular night two assists). The new look and feel arrangement for AFC resenting the regions where set a building high, taking Defensively, the Warriors will be prominently featured national team competi- the competition is played and ownership of the record from held Portland to 41.2% shoot- across all fan focused touch- tions embraces the very boasting a strikingly different Portland’s Damian Lillard ing overall, 31% from 3-point points with the AFC compe- places where Asia’s cham- new visual identity. (39 points on Nov. 4, 2019), range and recorded seven titions in the coming years, Shaikh Salman bin Ebra- who finished Sunday with 32 blocks on the night. from the match venues, to tel- pions are crowned and him Al Khalifa, the AFC Presi- points and four assists and They will try to carry evision broadcasts and social fans support the dent, said: “We are delighted helped lead a late comeback Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is showered in water by this effort over to Monday, media channels. Continent’s best national to start the new year with all- effort. Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors during a post-game inter- when they play the Sacra- A particular focus for the teams and biggest heroes. new AFC national team and Lillard’s back-to-back view after Curry scored a career-high 62 points against the Portland Trail mento Kings at 7 p.m. at the AFC will be to bring fans of club competition brands. The 3-pointers midway through Blazers at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, on Sunday. (AFP) Chase Center. Asian football, fresh and visu- To create an unmistak- AFC strives to make its com- ally captivating content across able connection between the petitions even more relevant all of the AFC’s official chan- competitions, the AFC Asian for its diverse fanbase while nels including its sought-after Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Cup showcasing their unique repu- and multi-lingual social me- and AFC U23 Asian Cup lo- tation as Asia’s most popular Price is right as former rugby player wins world darts title dia profiles on Facebook,I n- gomarks share the same fun- football events. I am convinced stagram, Twitter, Weibo, We- damental elements and now the new visual identities will AFP “I was looking over at Chat, Toutiao, Douyin, LINE, proudly feature the tourna- resonate strongly across Asia London the scoreboard and it was VKontakte and Telegram, and ments’ distinctive trophies. and worldwide, and I am look- 6-3 and I thought, ‘I’ve got a the AFC’s website. The spirit These new logomarks will ing forward to the new look Former professional rugby few darts, hopefully I can get behind the brands will also be be adapted in respect of each and feel across social media player Gerwyn Price won a more chances’. But I bombed reflected by the AFC and its competition, to reflect local and TV broadcast.” maiden world darts title on numerous opportunities and commercial partners across a elements of the host Mem- Patrick Murphy, Board Sunday, defeating two-time I was like, ‘Please give me wide range of marketing ac- ber Association. To further Member and CEO at FMA, champion Gary Anderson 7-3 another chance’ and I had to tivities planned to engage fans highlight its importance and commented: “Today is an im- in the final. have Gary miss to give me one across the Continent in the commercial value, a dedicated portant day from various per- Price, 35, who once played more opportunity.” coming years. logomark is also introduced spectives: fans of Asian football hooker for Neath and Glasgow Earlier, three-time winner The rebranding was man- for the AFC Asian Qualifiers – can enjoy and experience the Warriors as well as featuring in Michael Van Gerwen crashed aged together with the AFC’s Road to Qatar, the FIFA World new AFC competition brands, rugby league, is the first Welsh- out of the championship suf- exclusive commercial partner Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers Fi- while sponsors and broadcast man to win the world title. fering a 5-0 whitewash at the FMA over a 15-month period nal Round, which will begin partners, as well as clubs and He stormed into a 5-1 lead hands of Dave Chisnall. and was informed by deep in the second half of 2021 and Member Associations will start in the best-of-13 final and, al- A superb quarter-final dis- stakeholder collaboration and determine the teams that will to actively use the exciting new though he faltered with the ti- play from England’s Chisnall extensive consumer research advance to represent their na- visual identities to promote tle in sight, Anderson failed to at Alexandra Palace saw him across Asia. This process ul- tions on the world stage. AFC competitions to their au- capitalise. hit 14 maximum 180s as he Former professional rugby player Gerwyn Price with the trophy. timately informed the unique Asia’s most iconic cities, diences. A proud moment and “It’s going to take a couple moved into the semi-finals for character and design of the dazzling architecture and ne- a major milestone as we are of days for it to sink in,” Price the first time. es without a victory over the been playing well I’d say for new competition brands. on-lit downtowns, as well as moving into a new era of Asian told Sky Sports. “This means Victory for the 40-year- Dutch favourite. “I’m so proud. the last three, four weeks,” Inspired by football stadi- the vibrant lifestyle of the pri- football.” the world to me. old ended a run of 27 match- I’ve been practising well, I’ve Chisnall told Sky Sports.