BBASKETBALLASKETBALL | Page 5 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Bucks’ Sri Lanka will long-range try to stay barrage buries positive, says Miami Heat Karunaratne

Thursday, December 31, 2020 FOOTBALL Jumada I 16, 1442 AH Spurs vs Fulham GULF TIMES match postponed over virus concerns SPORT Page 2 TENNIS Qatar ExxonMobil Open set for March 6 start

By Sports Reporter has wreaked havoc with the tra- Several early-season events All subsequent sections of the ganisers said yesterday. changed her doubles partner to defend their men’s doubles Doha ditional tennis calendar. are scheduled to follow the con- 2021 calendar, beginning with Australian Barty played with for the 2021 edition of the Aus- title with the field headlined The 2021 ATP season kicks clusion of the Australian Open, the Spring clay-court season now-retired German Julia tralian Open and will play with by the top-ranked Colombian off with tournaments in Delray including the European Indoor, from week 14, remain unchanged Georges in this year’s tourna- Swiss world number 12 Belinda duo of Juan Sebastian Cabal he 2021 Qatar ExxonMo- Beach, USA, and Antalya, Turkey Latin American and Middle East at this time, with all tournaments ment in Melbourne where they Bencic. and Robert Farah, who won the bil Open will be held at — both starting on January 5 — swings, which lead into the Mi- planned to take place as original- lost in the second round to even- Hsieh Su-Wei and Barbora Wimbledon and US Open tro- the Khalifa International followed by the Australian Open ami Open presented by Itau in the ly scheduled. tual winners Timea Babos and Strycova, who lost the 2020 fi nal, phies last year. Tennis and Squash Com- men’s qualifying event in Doha fi nal two weeks of March. Meanwhile, in other tennis Kristina Mladenovic. are the top-ranked women’s duo Britain’s seven-time Grand plexT from March 6 to 13, the ATP from January 10-13. Due to the impact of Covid-19, news, women’s world number Crowd favourite Barty’s sin- for the Grand Slam, which has Slam doubles champion Jamie announced yesterday. The focus then shifts to Aus- the BNP Paribas Open in Indian one Ash Barty will partner gles run in this year’s tournament been delayed by three weeks due Murray has also reunited with The tournament usually is tralia where Melbourne will host Wells will not be held in its cus- US Open semi-fi nalist Jenni- ended in the semi-fi nals with a to Australia’s strict border rules his former partner Bruno Soares slotted for the fi rst week of Janu- three tournaments before the tomary dates in March. Alterna- fer Brady of the United States in defeat to American Sofi a Kenin, to curb the spread of Covid-19 after splitting last year and will ary every year, but has been re- fi rst Grand Slam of the year, the tive dates are being assessed for doubles at the 2021 Australian who went on to win her maiden and will start on Feb. 8. look to replicate their 2016 suc- scheduled because of the ongo- Australian Open, beginning there the tournament to potentially Open in a high-profi le pairing Grand Slam title in Melbourne. American Rajeev Ram and Joe cess when they won the Austral- ing Covid-19 pandemic which on February 8. take place later in the year. between top singles players, or- World number four Kenin has Sailsbury of Britain will return ian and US Open titles.

HORSE RACING Gaby De Faust wins feature to complete Injaaz Stud treble Forest rides Gaby De Faust to Dukhan Cup win; Qatari jockeys Bughanaim and Meteb al-Marri guide two winners each

By Mikhil Bhat Marri), 2. I Am Thunder (Ali Khalid Doha al-Mosallam), 3. Swagger (Michael Forest), 4. Bercheny (JP Guil- lambert). Won by: 2, 4, 4. Time: njaaz Stud’s colours entered 1:11.41. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: the winner’s circle thrice Mohamed Hussain. yesterday, including with Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN Mohamed Riyaz-saddled MAIDEN PLATE (Rated 70 & IGaby De Faust that landed the Below) (4-6 Years Old) (Distance: Dukhan Cup at Qatar Racing 1,700m) and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan 1. Satam (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Park. Sprint veteran Izzthatright Razad (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. and juvenile Golden Bear were Quitham (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. the other winners yesterday for Deemah (Soufiane Saadi). Won the outfi t. by: ¾, 1 ¼, 3 ¾. Time: 2:01.40. Own- Helmed by Michael Forest er: Mubarak Zayed al-Shahwani. in the 1700m dirt feature for Trainer: Mansoor Mesfer al-Hajri. three-year-old and older Ara- Race 4: THOROUGHBRED bian fi llies and mares, Gaby De NOVICE PLATE (Class 6) Faust tracked early leader, Ivan (Distance: 1,900m) Rossi-ridden Safae, before tak- 1. Third World (Meteb Ali al-Marri), ing charge on the home straight. 2. Huwaiteb (Ronan Thomas), Ronan Thomas and his partner 3. Wakeel (Marco Casamento), Dabaab began their pursuit too 4. Star Of War (Michael For- but the duo inexplicably lost pace est). Won by: 9 ¾, 2, Shd. Time: midway through the chase and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (third from right) with the winners of Dukhan Cup after Injaaz Stud’s Gaby De Faust won the 1700m run at Al Rayyan 2:03.76. Owner: Abdul Rahman Gaby De Faust pulled away to win Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim bin Hamad bin Abdul Rahman al- by almost seven lengths for her Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed fi rst win in Qatar. Ghazali. Alban de Mieulle-trained Da- Race 5: THOROUGHBRED baab fi nished second, ahead fo HANDICAP (Class 4) (85 & Majed Seifeddine’s ward, Safae. below) (Distance: 1,700m) Al Thumama Racing’s X 1. Shawaaheq (Ronan Thomas), 2. Force suff ered his fi rst defeat of Massam (Francoise Herholdt), 3. the season as Injaaz Stud’s Iz- Poets Dream (Soufiane Saadi), 4. zthatright got back to winning Al Modajal (JP Guillambert). Won ways for the fi rst time since Janu- by: 4, 1, 1 ¼. Time: 1:49.14. Owner: ary. Zuhair Mohsen-trained Izzt- Al Rabban Racing. Trainer: Alban hatright improved his strike fur- de Mieulle. ther, winning for the 22nd time Race 6: PUREBRED ARABIAN from 41 starts, having missed out HANDICAP (90 & below) on victories last few starts. (Distance: 1,900m) In the Class 2 Thoroughbreds 1. Bsheer (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. race, the eight-year-old geld- Winne Taouy (Ronan Thomas), 3. ing was helmed to a comfortable Shaweesh (Carlos Henrique), 4. victory by apprentice jockey Ali AJS Al Moheeb (Marco Casa- Khalid al-Mosallam as the duo mento). Won by: Nk, 3 ½, 1 ½. beat Soufi ane Saadi-ridden X QREC’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) presents the owner’s trophy Time: 2:14.85. Owner: Al Shaqab Force, winner in all four starts to Injaaz Stud representative Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari after Gaby De Racing. Trainer: Hossin Moham- earlier in this season, by a little Faust won the Dukhan Cup yesterday. mad Ashour. more than two lengths. Race 7: THOROUGHBREDS After a promising start to his cap for horses rated 90 and be- a thoroughbred each to their (Class 2) (Distance: 1,000m) term in Qatar in November this low. maiden victories earlier in the 1. Izzthatright (Ali Khalid al-Mosal- year, fi nishing third and fourth Tracking early leaders com- evening. lam), 2. X Force (Soufiane Saadi), on his fi rst two outings, Al Rab- ing out of Gate 1, Bughanaim had While the meeting began 3. Bint Saff ian (Ronan Thomas), ban Racing’s Shawaaheq landed Hossin Mohamed Ashour’s ward with Bughanaim, astride Ha- 4. Shobrom (Ivan Rossi). Won his fi rst victory around Al Rayyan step out once the pace upped mad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani’s by: 2 ¼, 2 ¼, 2 ¾. Time: 00:58.07. Park with ease, topping the Thor- coming off the fi nal bend in the Mater, edging out al-Marri on Michael Forest rides Gaby De Faust to victory in the Dukhan Cup yesterday. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: oughbred Handicap for horses 1900m run. As Bsheer took the Dohah in the Local Thorough- Zuhair Mohsen. rated 85 and below yesterday. advantage on the straight, Tho- bred Maiden Plate for a win, In- Hamad bin Abdul Rahman al-At- trained horse to a fi ne win ahead Mukhadram (Ronan Thomas), Race 8: DUKHAN CUP (PA 3yo Ridden by Ronan Thomas mas-ridden Winne Taouy ac- jaaz Stud’s Golden Bear, trained tiyah to victory in the Thorough- of Bughanaim-ridden Razad by 4. Umm Thaga (Michael Forest). & older Fillies and Mares) for Alban de Mieulle, Shawaa- celerated too and soon the race by Mohamed Hussain, was the bred Novice Plate. The win was almost a length. Won by: ½, Shd, 7. Time: 1:14.34. (Distance: 1,700m) heq won the 1700m run by four turned into a duel. As determined winner in the Thoroughbred second overall for Jassim Mo- Owner: Hamad Ahmed al-Malki 1. Gaby De Faust (Michael Forest), lengths. a run both the contenders put up, Maiden Plate under the appren- hamed Ghazali’s ward, but fi rst in RESULTS al-Jehani. Trainer: Hamad Ahmed 2. Dabaab (Ronan Thomas), 3. Sa- Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim Bughanaim’s mount had his neck tice jockey al-Marri. Qatar in eight starts. Race 1: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED al-Malki al-Jehani fae (Ivan Rossi), 4. Al Dawoodea completed a double yesterday ahead at the post for a fi ne vic- Al-Marri returned to the win- Mubarak Zayed al-Shahwani’s MAIDEN PLATE (Distance: Race 2: THOROUGHBRED (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: 6 ¾, when he guided Al Shaqab Rac- tory. ner’s circle for the second time Satam won the only Arabian 1,200m) MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) 3 ½, 4 ¾. Time: 2:00.03. Owner: ing’s Bsheer to a thrilling victory Bughanaim and fellow Qatari when he rode Third World in the maiden as Tomas Lukasek guid- 1. Mater (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. (Distance: 1,200m) Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mohamed in the Purebred Arabian Handi- Meteb Ali al-Marri had guided colours of Abdul Rahman bin ed Mansoor Mesfer al-Hajri- Dohah (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 3, Al 1. Golden Bear (Meteb Ali al- Riyaz. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 31, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Solskjaer sees Man Spurs vs Fulham United of old in late win over Wolves AFP United’s victory continues an Manchester, United Kingdom excellent run of 23 points from the last possible 27 to mount a match postponed title challenge that looked un- anchester United are likely after winning just two of recreating the habit their opening six league games. of late winners that Solskjaer’s men host Aston Villa could lead to an un- on New Year’s Day before trav- Mexpected Premier League title elling to face Liverpool on Janu- challenge, according to manager ary 17, in a match which could over virus outbreak Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marcus have huge ramifi cations on the Rashford’s defl ected strike deep title race. “We cannot get too far into stoppage time beat Wolves ahead of ourselves,” said Solsk- The decision comes after the Premier League announced on Tuesday there had 1-0 on Tuesday night to move jaer. “We’ve got to a decent po- United up to second and within sition at the moment but we are been a season-high 18 positive tests in its latest round of testing two points of leaders Liverpool. not even halfway, there is a long, After come from behind wins long way to go.” AFP at Brighton and Southampton Defeat was harsh on Wolves, London already this season, United have who competed manfully given now won three of their fi rst 15 the tight turnaround for two games of the season in added hugely demanding fi xtures. ottenham’s home match against time, a trait Solskjaer knows well However, the visitors again Fulham was postponed yesterday from his playing career at Old lacked a goal threat in the ab- after a coronavirus outbreak at Traff ord under Alex Ferguson. sence of Raul Jimenez, who is the visiting club but the Premier “It’s one of the points we expected to miss much of the rest TLeague said it had “full confi dence” fi x- brought up early in the season, of the season due to a fractured tures could continue despite a nation- that we didn’t win many points skull. wide surge in cases. towards the end of games,” said “This is football and a learning Fulham returned a number of posi- Solskjaer. “We have a tradi- process,” said Wolves boss Nuno tive test results on Tuesday and, with a tion for it at this club. Obvi- Espirito Santo. “It’s cruel in the number of players showing symptoms ously we’ve normally got many moment but you can’t stay feel- yesterday, the Premier League decided to more supporters helping us to do ing sorry. You have to move for- call the match off just three hours before that. Now we’ve won many more ward.” the scheduled 1800 GMT kick-off . points towards the end of games The last clash between the It is the third top-fl ight game to be and that’s both a mental aspect sides at Old Traff ord in February wiped out by the virus, following New- and a physical aspect.” was Bruno Fernandes’s debut for castle’s match with Aston Villa earlier United laboured for long spells United. The Portuguese has had this month and Monday’s game between against a youthful Wolves side a transformative impact on the Everton and Manchester City. The deci- despite having a day’s extra rest United’s fortunes, but he could sion comes after the Premier League an- than the visitors, who were in not beat international teammate nounced on Tuesday there had been a action just 48 hours previously Patricio with by far the hosts’ season-high 18 positive tests in its latest against Tottenham. But Solsk- best chance of the fi rst-half as he round of testing across the competition, jaer described snatching victory snuck in at the back post to meet already compressed due to the late start from an uninspired performance Mason Greenwood’s cross. to the season. as a “big step forward” as United Solskjaer lauded Edinson Britain is struggling with another surge beat Wolves for the fi rst time in Cavani’s predatory instincts on in the virus. More than 71,000 people fi ve meetings between the sides the eve of the game, suggesting testing positive for the disease have now since Nuno Espirito Santo’s men the Uruguayan will be handed died — one of the worst tolls in the world. returned to the top fl ight two- an extension to his contract for After Manchester City’s trip to Everton and-a-half-years ago. next season. The 33-year-old did on Monday was postponed due to a Covid “We didn’t perform as well as fi nd the net with his only chance outbreak in Pep Guardiola’s squad, all we want to do but we win a game 20 minutes from time, but was fi ve matches scheduled for Tuesday went against a very diffi cult side to off side as the ball broke his way ahead. play against,” added Solskjaer. from a corner. But Scott Parker’s Fulham asked for “We’ve struggled against them, Instead it was Rashford who their game at the Tottenham Hotspur this is the fi rst win in the league. made the telling impact as he Stadium to be called off , which the Pre- We’ve played them seven times raced onto Fernandes’s hopeful mier League board sanctioned yesterday. Fulham returned a number of positive test results on Tuesday and, with a number of players showing symptoms yesterday, the (over the past three seasons) and long ball over the top. The Eng- The entire Cottagers squad will now be Premier League decided to call the match off just three hours before the scheduled kick-off . (AFP) there has never been many goals land international cut inside, but re-tested. A statement from Tottenham in the games. This is a big step Patricio looked to have his shot read: “We can confi rm that our Premier the world.” will now be re-tested immediately.” tocols and being able to continue to play forward that you don’t perform, covered until it hit Saiss and fl ew League home fi xture against Fulham, The Premier League confi rmed the de- West Brom boss Sam Allardyce voiced our fi xtures as scheduled,” its statement but you still win.” in at the near post. scheduled to take place this evening, has cision to postpone the game was taken support for a “circuit breaker” in the Pre- added. been postponed.” following a meeting. “Fulham lodged a mier League on Tuesday. But Manchester Fulham confi rmed the postponement It is understood Spurs are unhappy request with the Premier League Board United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose of their match against Spurs followed “a about the decision and the timing of it. to rearrange the fi xture following a sig- side beat Wolves to climb to second in the number of the club’s players and fi rst- There had been speculation throughout nifi cant rise in positive Covid-19 cases, table, called for the competition to con- team staff returning positive results the day that the game might be called off as well as a number of players showing tinue. Despite the rising number of cases from the most recent Covid-19 tests this and manager Jose Mourinho indicated his symptoms today,” it said in a statement. across the English top-fl ight, the Pre- week”. It added: “This decision follows frustration in an Instagram post shortly “The Premier League board has con- mier League said it intended to continue discussions with the Premier League and after 1400 GMT. Mourinho posted a sulted its medical advisers and the deci- playing. “With low numbers of positive advice from Public Health England.” video on his account of his staff waiting sion to postpone the game has been taken tests across the overwhelming majority Premier League leaders Liverpool were for news with a message which read: “We as a precaution and with the health of of clubs, the Premier League continues to due to travel to Newcastle for yesterday’s still don’t know if we play. Best league in players and staff as the priority. The group have full confi dence in its Covid-19 pro- late match.

Man City return to training aft er Covid-19 outbreak at club

Manchester: Manchester City’s first deep clean over the past 48 hours, and Premier League rules state that a The rising number of Covid-19 cases team squad returned to training the majority of these facilities will remain game cannot be postponed unless a in the country was also reflected in Pre- yesterday after a Covid-19 outbreak closed, with only essential operations team has fewer than 14 players available. mier League testing when the top flight forced them to close their facilities and around training resuming.” Monday’s match was set to be played in recorded 18 positive tests — the most in a postpone Monday’s match at Everton, City’s next game is at Chelsea on front of 2,000 fans at Goodison Park. week this season. the Premier League club said. Sunday and the club said the bubble will “We didn’t receive full information Ancelotti said Brazilian playmaker City reported numerous positive undergo further testing this week with from the Premier League on the post- Richarlison was fit again following a con- cases in their squad on Monday — days the results dictating their next steps. ponement but we expect it soon,” Ance- cussion in the League Cup last week but after striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Meanwhile, Everton have not yet lotti told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez Kyle Walker tested positive — forcing received a clarification from the Premier match against West Ham United. will only return in the new year. the league to postpone their match at League fully explaining the reasons why “We were at the hotel but it doesn’t “For James, we have to look day by Goodison Park. match against City was called off , man- matter if it’s early, it doesn’t change day. Unfortunately, he’s not ready yet,” “The full Covid-19 bubble underwent ager Carlo Ancelotti said. The Premier the situation, which was quite clear. We Ancelotti said. testing yesterday, and results have so League agreed to rearrange the game as move forward. “The fact that we didn’t “It’s taking a little bit longer, so I far revealed no new positive cases,” a precaution after City lodged a request play against City, we can have fresh legs hope that for the next game (against City said in a statement. “The first team but Everton asked for a “full disclosure” against West Ham. It can be an advan- Rotherham United in the FA Cup), he’ll Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is overjoyed after scoring the training buildings have undergone a regarding the outbreak. tage, I hope that we’re ready.” be ready.” winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Tuesday night. (AFP)

FOCUS Arsenal must be cautious with teenager Saka, says Arteta

Reuters them only four points above the rel- looks much better at the moment.” the Spanish coach is hoping his side London egation zone. “I would like everybody Arteta praised French striker Laca- can kick on in the New Year. “We Bukayo Saka continues to to be cautious and let him be and let zette for ignoring a back injury to have managed through this period to provide the creative spark him develop. I think he’s having the come off the bench and score the maintain our team spirit and our co- Arsenal need. (AFP) rsenal manager right progression,” Arteta told re- winner at Brighton as the London- hesion. Sometimes that is not easy to Mikel Arteta was im- porters of Saka. ers fi nally seemed to get the blend of do, because obviously the frustration pressed with midfi elder “I think he’s got the right people youth and experience right. that comes out with defeats usually Bukayo Saka’s display around him in his house in his en- Lacazette came on in the second aff ects the team,” Arteta explained. inA their 1-0 victory at Brighton & tourage. And he’s got the right team- half to change the game, teeing up “Hopefully now we can go on a run of Hove Albion on Tuesday night but mates as well to support him all the Saka’s pass with his fi rst touch before games and be more positive for that.” said it was important not to expect time, give him confi dence, keep his scoring with his second to secure a Arteta said Arsenal’s January too much too soon from the English feet on the fl oor. And hopefully we 1-0 win that ends a diffi cult year on a transfer business will not change due teenager. can be the right coaches around him, positive note for the Gunners. to Gunners’ past two results. Asked if Saka, who scored in Arsenal’s 3-1 be the right club to see the player that “I think this is what all the manag- back-to-back wins for only the sec- win against Chelsea on Saturday, was he can be in the future.” ers dream for, to bring people from ond time this season in the league a constant threat against Brighton Tuesday’s win was Arsenal’s fi rst the bench and win you the game like would aff ect the urgency to make and set up Alexandre Lacazette’s back-to-back league victories since he’s done tonight,” Arteta said. “I moves in the coming transfer win- 66th minute winner. The 19-year-old the opening two games of the sea- think he’s been in really good form in dow, Arteta replied: “No, the last few made his England debut in October son and Arteta said it should give the the last few weeks, he’s been scoring results won’t change our approach to after a breakthrough 2019-20 season players more belief. goals, he’s full of confi dence. Today the window.” and has been a rare bright spark in “You need the results to start con- he had a sore back, he could not start The Arsenal manager was asked Arsenal’s turbulent campaign. fi dence and now with two wins, I the game. But he came on and won specifi cally about the prospect of The win lifted Arsenal to 13th on 20 think everyone is in a much better the game for us which is massively signing out-of-favour Real Madrid points and eased some of the pressure mood,” Arteta said. “The best medi- important,” he added. playmaker Isco but added: “Obvi- on Spaniard Arteta after a rocky run cine is wins — it’s a diff erent world Having secured consecutive wins ously we cannot talk about individual of seven games without a win had left and a diff erent story. The picture for the fi rst time since September, players.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Salah faces hectic 2021 with Egypt, CAF to elect new chief Seven-time African champions face between six and eight World Cup qualifying matches and two in the Cup of Nations

AFP in the Champions League are likely to Johannesburg come from Cairo neighbours Zamalek, Casablanca clubs Raja and Wydad and Esperance Tunis. iverpool sharpshooter Moham- Ahly have regularly fl opped in the ed Salah will be a star in demand Club World Cup, losing nine of 12 during 2021 with Egypt wanting matches in fi ve appearances, including him not only for World Cup and a 5-1 trouncing by Mexicans Monterrey. LAfrica Cup of Nations qualifi ers, but also the Olympic Games. CONFEDERATION CUP The record seven-time African Berkane defeated expensively assem- champions face between six and eight bled Egyptian outfi t Pyramids in the World Cup matches and two in the 2020 fi nal and both look among the Cup of Nations as the continent plays strongest contenders again. Etoile Sa- catch-up after 2020 schedules were se- hel of Tunisia, the only club to win all verely aff ected by the coronavirus. fi ve current and past CAF competi- Qualifi ers for the Olympics are per- tions, and 2015 Confederation Cup mitted three over-age players in a runners-up Orlando Pirates of South tournament otherwise restricted to Africa could go far. under-23 footballers and Salah tops Champions League last 32 losers join the Egyptian wish list as they plan for the African equivalent of the UEFA Eu- Tokyo. Here, AFP Sport outlines what ropa League at the playoff s stage and lies ahead for African football with a they could include CS Sfaxien of Tuni- new Confederation of African Foot- sia, winners of the Confederation Cup a ball (CAF) president set to be elected in record three times. March after incumbent Ahmad Ahmad was banned for fi ve years by FIFA. CAF PRESIDENCY Malagasy Ahmad was a hot favour- WORLD CUP ites to secure a second term as CAF Salah and fellow former African Foot- president until FIFA barred him from baller of the Year Pierre-Emerick Au- all football activities for fi ve years. A bameyang will come face to face in FIFA statement said the 60 year old had Group F where Gabon are likely to pose “breached his duty of loyalty, off ered the biggest threat to Egypt. Libya, who gifts and other benefi ts, mismanaged cannot play at home because of a vio- funds and abused his position as the lent struggle for political control of the CAF president”. With Ahmad sidelined, oil-rich country, and off -form Angola Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Mauritanian are also in the section and only the team Ahmed Yahya, Senegalese Augustin fi nishing fi rst survive. Senghor and South African Patrice African champions Algeria, Tunisia, Motsepe will contest the election in Ra- Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Egypt, Gha- bat on March 12. na, Senegal, Morocco and the Demo- cratic Republic of Congo are seeded to TV BLACKOUT win the 10 groups and reach the two- Football followers in the many African leg fi nal phase. Qualifiers for the Olympics are permitted three over-age players in a tournament otherwise restricted to under-23 footballers and Liverpool’s midfielder Mohamed countries where Johannesburg-based Salah tops the Egyptian wish list as they plan for Tokyo Games. (AFP) SuperSport provide coverage of CAF CUP OF NATIONS competitions will be hoping for the end Among the last 10 champions, 2012 Zambia have lost three of four quali- It will be a tough task for the Cam- OLYMPIC GAMES rican nation — and their best showings of a blackout with the Nations Cham- title-holders Zambia are in most dan- fi ers and host Algeria and visit Zimba- eroonians, though, after a change of Africa has collected two gold, a silver were fi nishing fourth at the 1928 Am- pionship looming. CAF last year ended ger of missing the 24-team tournament bwe during March as they try to avoid coaches and disappointing warm-up and two bronze medals from the last sterdam and 1964 Tokyo Games. a $1bn contract with French company in Cameroon, which has been put back missing three consecutive Cup of Na- results for the January 16-February 7 seven Olympic Games football tour- Lagardere, due to run until 2028, af- one year to the beginning of 2022 be- tions fi nals. tournament. naments with Nigeria winning in 1996 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ter a Cairo court said the agreement cause of Covid-19. Qualifying was riddled with shocks and Cameroon emulating them four Al Ahly of Egypt will not only defend breached Egyptian competition rules. The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP and Algeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, years later. Neither country will be in the Champions League title, but also SuperSport, who screened matches are last in a group where defending Hosts Cameroon hope to emulate 2018 Nigeria and Senegal were eliminated Tokyo, however, with Egypt, the Ivory face Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in along with Canal+ (French) and BeIN champions Algeria have already quali- champions Morocco and win at home a while former champions Tunisia with- Coast and South Africa the African the CAF Super Cup, and try to improve Sports (Arabic), said they could not fi ed, Zimbabwe lie second and Botswa- 16-team competition reserved for foot- drew after securing a place, citing fi x- representatives. It will be the 11th ap- a poor FIFA Club World Cup record. continue as they had signed a contract na third. ballers playing in their country of birth. ture congestion. pearance by Egypt — a record for an Af- The greatest threats to the Red Devils with Lagardere.

LA LIGA SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Coutinho injury blow for Barca Morelos strikes for Rangers ahead of Celtic clash AFP League Cup earlier this month. But Ger- with a comfortable win at home. Glasgow rard’s men remain fi rmly on course for Pre- Ismaila Soro opened his account for Celtic miership glory after a 13th straight league midway through the fi rst half before fellow win. Kemar Roofe fi red Rangers ahead with midfi elder David Turnbull added a second lfredo Morelos ended his Scottish his 12th goal of the season in the 27th minute with a drive fi ve minutes before the interval. Premiership scoring drought as before Colombian forward Morelos pounced French striker Odsonne Edouard scored a Rangers avenged their only defeat for his fi rst domestic goal since September delightful third in the 75th minute, with the of the season at St Mirren yes- six minutes later. only downside for Lennon being an injury to terdayA ahead of the Old Firm derby. Steven Neil Lennon’s Celtic, chasing a record returning defender Christopher Jullien, who Gerrard’s team, who won 2-0, remain 16 10th consecutive Scottish league title, ap- was carried off on a stretcher after crashing points clear of defending champions Celtic, pear to be back on track after a major wob- into a post. The match between Livingston who beat Dundee United 3-0 at Parkhead. ble, but know they must win the Ibrox en- and Aberdeen was called off due to a frozen St Mirren wrecked Rangers’ treble hopes counter with Glasgow rivals Rangers on pitch while the game between St Johnstone when they dumped them out of the Scottish January 2. They warmed up for that match and Hamilton ended goalless.

QOC BEACH GAMES Al Shahaniya set up fi nal clash against Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho reacts after injuring his knee during the La Liga game against Eibar. (AFP) Team Doha in men’s beach football Reuters Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati and Sergi still had plenty of opportunities, fter ten days of exhilarating action Barcelona Roberto. including Martin Braithwaite at the maiden QOC Beach Games, Barcelona have endured a tor- missing a penalty and Ousmane the men’s beach football fi nal- rid start to their La Liga cam- Dembele coming close on several ists emerged on Tuesday with Al arcelona midfi elder paign and sit sixth in the La Liga occasions. ShahaniyaA and Team Doha heading for the Philippe Coutinho is set standings on 25 points from 15 But yet again, they paid dearly showdown on Saturday. to undergo knee surgery games, seven behind leaders for failing to take their chances Al Shahaniya ended Al Ennabi’s fi ne run at after sustaining an in- Atletico Madrid who have two and for a defensive howler. De- the tournament with a 3-1 victory in the fi rst juryB during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw games in hand. fender Ronald Araujo was the match of the day while Team Doha defeated with Eibar, the Spanish club said culprit on Tuesday after he lost Madinat Khalifa 4-2 in the other encounter. yesterday. DIFFICULT FOR BARCA TO possession high up the pitch to Playing against a determined Al Ennabi Coutinho, 28, started the game WIN LEAGUE, SAYS KOEMAN Kike Garcia, who gave Eibar the side, Al Shahaniya ensured their defence on the bench and came on in the Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Ro- lead in the second half. Dembele formation was highly eff ective in curtail- second half but limped off the nald Koeman said his side would equalised 10 minutes later. ing the rampaging attacks of the Al Ennabi pitch during stoppage time as fi nd it diffi cult to win the La Liga “It’s always good to score fi rst lads who were the highest scoring side at the Barcelona fi nished the game with title after they ended a traumatic because then the team usually tournament having netted a total of 11 goals 10 men having made all their 2020 with a 1-1 draw at home to plays with more confi dence and in their fi rst two matches. substitutions. “The tests car- minnows Eibar. “If we are realis- ease but in the end we had more Al Ennabi had walloped Al Wukair 7-0 ried out on the fi rst team player tic, winning the championship is than enough chances to score in their fi rst match before trouncing Madi- Philippe Coutinho have shown very diffi cult for us,” Koeman told more,” Koeman said. “The draw nat Khalifa 4-1 to set up the last-four clash that the midfi elder has an injury reporters. “Nothing is impossible isn’t fair but this is happening too against Al Shahaniya. Action to the lateral meniscus in his left but we have to acknowledge the often to us. We do things badly Meanwhile, in the second semis clash, from the knee,” the club said in a state- big points distance with Atletico, and once again an error that led Team Doha got the better of Madinat Kha- men’s ment. Treatment will necessitate who are in very good form, look- to a goal has cost us. I don’t want lifa with a 4-2 defeat to set up the fi nal clash beach arthroscopic surgery which will ing strong, winning a lot games to blame anyone but these are key against Al Shahaniya. Sporting action con- football take place in the coming days.” and not conceding many goals.” moments in the game. tinues in the men’s event with the beach matches The club did not give a time- Barca have won eight of the “We were lacking a player in volleyball’s semi-fi nals involving Al Adaam during frame on his return. Coutinho, last 12 La Liga titles and if Koe- Leo who makes the diff erence and Lusail, and Al Nojoom versus Zekreet the QOC who returned to Barca this sea- man’s pessimistic prediction is year after year but I’m left won- on the card. However, in beach handball, Al Beach son after a successful loan spell proved right, they will fail to win dering how we didn’t manage to Fohoud will be up against Al Soqour while Al Games with Bayern Munich, has three the title for two years in a row for win the game. We created chanc- Nomour faces Al Khafj i in the quarter-fi nals. at the goals and two assists in all com- the fi rst time since the 2007/08 es, missed a penalty and then The other two matches will be between Aspire. petitions. He joins a growing in- season. The Catalans were miss- gave them a goal with their only Al Hazm versus Al Ruwais and Al Nosour jury list which already includes ing the injured Lionel Messi but opportunity of the game.” against Al Said. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 31, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar sets new benchmark for safe return of football Series of events demonstrate country’s ability to safely host large scale sporting events as well as 2022 FIFA World Cup infrastructure progress ver the past year, the glo- bal football community has worked diligently to fi nd so- lutions for the safe return of theO sport amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic. For its part, Qatar has played an important role in building confi - dence amongst players and fans alike by showing that a return of large scale tournaments, and in person attendance is possible when the right safety meas- ures are put into place. Set to host the fi rst FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world in just under two years’ time, Qatar continues to host events in the build- up to the tournament to test venue readiness, tournament operations and to fi ne tune the country’s fan experi- ence off ering. With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, these events have taken on a new dimension: ensuring the safety, health and well-being of all participants. Over the last three months alone, Qatar has hosted Asian Football Con- federation (AFC) Champions League West and East matches, including the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the Amir Cup final, which was won by Al Sadd. The title clash between Al Sadd and Al Arabi saw the safe attendance of more than 10,000 fans. fi nal itself, as well the Amir Cup Final, Qatar’s most prestigious cup competi- hopeful 2022 will be a great tournament possible to enjoy the game they love.” tion. and one that is delivered for players and For his part, Victor Montagliani, For the return of Asia’s premier foot- fans in a post-Covid-19 world.” President of Concacaf and Vice Presi- balling club competition, more than Adding to statements made by major dent of FIFA, said: “Congratulations to 900 players and staff from 30 teams football governing bodies on the eff orts the Supreme Committee for Delivery played in a total of 76 matches, all made by Qatar to allow for the safe re- and Legacy and the Qatar Football As- staged across multiple FIFA World Cup turn of football were sentiments shared sociation on the successful inaugura- venues. It constituted the largest bub- by CONMEBOL President, Alejandro tion of another excellent venue. The ble-to-bubble sporting event since the Dominguez, who attended the inaugu- strength of character of everyone in- outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. ration of the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium: volved in the delivery of the FIFA World The safety of players, offi cials, “It was a pleasure to have been in at- Cup Qatar 2022 demonstrates just what team organisers and fans attending tendance for the Amir Cup Final 2020 a great tournament we all have to look was maintained through a series of and to witness the inauguration of forward to.” measures which included: mandatory Qatar’s fourth FIFA World Cup 2022 “I should also congratulate Qatar and Covid-19 testing, safe transportation venue. Football has been missed the the AFC on the robust Covid-19 meas- methods, regular disinfection of all world over since the pandemic began ures the country, its sporting organisers tournament venues, including train- so being in a venue that could safely and the Confederation put in place over ing and media facilities, as well as the welcome tens of thousands of fans the last few months. Their hard work provision of medical staff in stadiums back to the bleachers reminds us all of enabled continental Asian club foot- throughout the competition. A total of the important role fans play in any fi x- ball to be played, and allowed the game 48,323 tests were carried out across the ture and what it means to fans to be in to return safely and confi dently to the AFC Champions League matches and the stadium watching a match live. We benefi t of fans across the region and the the Amir Cup Final, enabling the safe congratulate Qatar and the Local Or- world,” he added. attendance of over 10,000 and 12,000 ganising Committee for being able to Many notable former players who fans at each fi nal match respectively. welcome so many fans back in a safe attended also spoke about the impor- Ulsan Hyundai coach Kim Do-hoon manner and hope to see full stadiums tance of fans being able to safely attend spoke of the measures taken and their around the world very soon.” the Amir Cup Final at Ahmad Bin Ali impact on his players, who lifted the “We also look forward to seeing Stadium, a venue which is set to host trophy for the second time in the club’s South American teams line up in some matches through to the round-of-16 history at a match played on 19 Decem- of Qatar’s fantastic World Cup Stadi- stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar ber at 40,000 seater FIFA World Cup The opening of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the fourth FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to be inaugurated, is a clear indication ums in two years’ time and are hopeful 2022. Mohamed Aboutrika – widely venue Al Janoub Stadium. of the progress being made towards delivering a truly world-class celebration of football. that the 2022 tournament will be a mo- recognised as one of Africa’s greatest “We were tested for Covid-19 every ment where we can all come together ever players said: “For a player, to play time we played a game on the previous football to Asia but was played with- to celebrate football and our common in front of fans is everything. Hearing day – this made us feel safe and I need out fans, helped organisers prepare humanity,” added Dominguez. them chant your name, you know that to thank the Local Organising Com- for the Amir Cup Final 2020 and the Speaking on behalf of the Confed- you will live in their memory forever.” mittee and the AFC. The bubble system AFC Champions League Final, which eration Africaine de Football (CAF), For Samuel Eto’o, another player who was implemented right through and we saw the safe attendance of more than Danny Jordaan said: “The organisa- is remembered as one of Africa’s most could not meet anyone from outside, 12,000 and 10,000 fans respectively. tion of both the Amir Cup Final and prolifi c strikers, appearing in the FIFA in addition to a good quarantine infra- The Amir Cup Final 2020 also marked the Asian Champions League Final was World Cup a total of four times, com- structure when necessary.” the inauguration of Ahmad Bin Ali a great success from my point of view. mended organisers’ eff orts which led AFC President, Sheikh Salman bin Stadium, the fourth FIFA World Cup I was particularly impressed with the to the safe return of fans in such large Ibrahim al-Khalifah thanked the ef- stadium to be inaugurated prior to the management of spectators at the sta- numbers: “Qatar has taken the situa- forts made by Qatar to host Asia’s most tournament kick-off which is set for 21 diums, showing strict adherence to the tion very seriously and implemented a prestigious football competition after November, 2022. Covid-19 protocols.” strict set of protocols to allow specta- a stoppage that saw football across the Speaking after the match, Nasser “Qatar has really set the benchmark tors to safely attend matches.” continent halted for several months. al-Khater, Chief Executive Offi cer, relating to the safe return of large num- Qatar is now getting ready to host “On behalf of the Asian football fam- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC said: bers of fans to stadiums during these the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 ily and the Asian Football Confedera- “Tonight was an immensely proud oc- unprecedented times. The lessons between 1 and 11 February after a delay tion, I want to underline our gratitude casion for Qatar and the people of Al learned can only serve to help us all get caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 once again to the Qatar Football As- Rayyan. It was a culmination of a rigor- Qatar has shown the world how football can continue to be played and fans sports fans back in the stands as soon as pandemic. sociation, the Qatari authorities and ous eff ort taken by multiple stakehold- remain engaged despite the Covid-19 pandemic. all our Member Associations and their ers across several months, beginning participating clubs for the success- with the AFC Champions League, until back into the stands for each match. I “Covid-19 has had such a huge im- ful completion of the AFC Champions tonight where we saw thousands of fans was present for both matches and saw pact on football this year and nothing League. It was an incredible team eff ort safely enjoying the spectacle.” fi rst-hand the seamless health and has demonstrated that more so than that showcased the unity and solidarity “We are looking forward to hosting safety protocols put in place by Qatar teams playing in empty stadiums and of Asian football. My thanks also go to more safe and secure events in the com- and the Local Organising Committee, fans being restricted from watching the medical team in Qatar, our doctors, ing months, and we sincerely hope that which ensured players and fans could the game they love. Watching the Amir and front liners as well as the delega- the world will quickly overcome the confi dently compete and watch the Cup Final 2020 in Qatar and seeing the tion in Qatar. Our achievements would pandemic and resume life and sports as matches. Qatar has set a benchmark for country’s fourth FIFA World Cup venue not have been possible without you and we’ve always enjoyed them,” he added. the safe resumption of football in the inaugurated was a special moment for this success is a tribute to all of you who The events have been praised by FIFA Covid-19 world.” me and also another special moment have shown great resolve and commit- and leading football confederations in- The FIFA president continued: “We for the recovery of football worldwide, ment.” cluding the AFC, UEFA and CONME- are obviously all hopeful that we will be as we witnessed fans once again sing- “We are also grateful for the hard BOL. celebrating the FIFA World Cup in 2022 ing in the stands. Qatar managed to work and increased eff orts of Qatar FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a post-Covid-19 world and the re- welcome these fans safely thanks to the as they step up the preparations to who attended both the Amir Cup and cent vaccine news gives us all hope, but Covid-19 prevention measures put in host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The AFC Champions League matches said: we can be confi dent that Qatar’s up- place. We welcome these measures but opening of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, “Over the last three months, Qatar has coming events, such as the 2020 FIFA are all hopeful we can get back to nor- the fourth to be inaugurated, is a clear shown the world how football can con- Club World Cup, to be played in Feb- mal competition and fan attendance as indication of the progress being made tinue to be played and fans remain en- ruary, will be delivered safely for those soon as possible.” towards delivering a truly world-class gaged despite the Covid-19 pandemic playing and watching from the stands.” Ceferin continued: “It was also great celebration of football,” added Sheikh that we are all facing. The Amir Cup Fi- In attendance at the Amir Cup Final to see Qatar’s FIFA World Cup infra- Salman. nal 2020, which helped inaugurate the also was UEFA President, Aleksander structure taking shape and get a better The success of the initial West and fourth 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium, Ceferin. He spoke of the importance the understanding of what players and fans East group stages of the competition, as well as the AFC Champions League work Qatar was doing to set a bench- can expect here in 2022. With a little Qatar hosted Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League West and which marked the return of continental Final, welcomed more than 10,000 fans mark for the return of football globally. under two years still to go, we are all East matches, including the final, drawing praise from all over the world. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA UPDATE Grizzlies star Morant Bucks’ long-range to miss 3-5 weeks with sprained ankle

Agencies Jenkins said of the moment Mo- Los Angeles, United States rant went down. The 21-year-old Morant, who barrage buries Heat, had averaged 36 points in the eigning NBA Rookie of team’s fi rst two games of the sea- the Year Ja Morant is son, sounded positive on Twitter expected to miss three on Tuesday, posting a picture of to fi ve weeks with a himself smiling during a game sprainedR left ankle, the Memphis captioned: “i know God is work- Grizzlies said on Tuesday. ing, so i smile”. Clippers bounce back The young Grizzlies star was hurt minutes before halftime of CAVS’ LOVE TO MISS 3-4 a win over the Brooklyn Nets, WEEKS WITH CALF STRAIN Milwaukee set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game, draining 29 vs Miami when he rose to try to block a Kevin Love will rest his strained shot by Nets forward Timothe calf for at least three weeks be- Luwawu-Cabarrot and came fore the Cleveland Cavaliers down on Luwawu-Cabarrot’s evaluate his recovery. foot. The team said Tuesday that “Further imaging revealed a the 32-year-old power forward Grad 2 ankle sprain, with an ex- will not return until he is back to pected recovery time of three to full strength. fi ve weeks,” the Grizzlies said in a Love strained his right calf in statement. Sunday’s win against the Phila- Morant was clearly in pain as delphia 76ers, but the injury dates he hopped off the court, falling back to the start of training camp. to the fl oor just beyond the base- The fi ve-time All-Star missed line. He was taken to the locker 69 games over the two previous room in a wheelchair. seasons due to injury and main- He later returned to sit court- tenance. side with a protective boot on his Love has averaged 18.2 points injured ankle, enthusiastically and 11.1 rebounds per game over encouraging teammates as they his 13-year NBA career. He is in pulled off a 116-111 overtime win his seventh season in Cleveland, over the Nets. where he helped LeBron James “A moment like that can really and Kyrie Irving win the 2016 test you,” Grizzlies coach Taylor NBA championship.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Sam Merrill (right) shoots a three-pointer against the Miami Heat during the second half of the NBA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, Asian Beach Games postponed United States, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) again due to Covid-19

AFP said. who scored 16 points. “We had to be ag- The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, Los Angeles, United States RESULTS They left no doubt in this one, leading gressive, just play team basketball.” have been postponed for a second time due to the Covid-19 by as many as 24 points on the way to a The Philadelphia 76ers, coming off a pandemic, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said yesterday. New York 95-86 Cleveland 46-26 fi rst-quarter lead and never let up. lopsided loss to Cleveland, beat the To- The Games were originally scheduled for November 28 to he Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA Golden State 116-106 Detroit “Some nights, the basketball golds are ronto Raptors 100-93. December 6 but were pushed back to April 2-10, 2021 after record for three-pointers in a Boston 116-111 Indiana with you a little bit, and it was probably Center Joel Embiid, who sat out Sun- China said the only international sports events allowed in the game, draining 29 from beyond one of those nights for us,” Bucks coach day’s 24-point loss to the Cavaliers with country this year would be trials for the 2022 Winter Olympics the arc in a 144-97 blowout win Philadelphia 100-93 Toronto Mike Budenholzer said. a tight back, led the Sixers with 29 points in Beijing. “The OCA consulted all members of the Executive Tover the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Chicago 115-107 Washington “But I liked our defense, too. I think the and 16 rebounds. Board to seek their approval of the move to postpone, and it The Heat, who stunned the top-seeded Milwaukee 144-97 Miami energy on both ends of the court feeds was met with unanimous agreement,” the continental govern- Bucks in the second round of the 2020 and builds on each other and good things RANDLE LEADS KNICKS ing body said in a statement. “The decision aims at serving the Orlando 118-107 Oklahoma City Eastern Conference playoff s en route to will happen.” Elsewhere, Julius Randle posted a triple- common interests of all related National Olympic Committees the NBA Finals, never got a look in, trail- Phoenix 111-86 New Orleans The Bucks’ previous record for three- double of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 and ensuring the safety and health of the athletes and all rel- ing by as many as 51 in a game Milwaukee LA Clippers 124-101 Minnesota pointers in a game was 22, against the assists to lead the New York Knicks to a evant participants.” The OCA also said it was in discussions with led all the way. Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2018. 95-86 victory over the Cleveland Cava- organisers and stakeholders to reschedule the event. Sacramento 125-115 Denver Sam Merrill drilled the record-break- The most the Heat had given up before liers. ing 28th three-pointer of the game, sur- was 24. But Russell Westbrook’s triple-double passing the 27 set by the Houston Rockets “It looked like they had been thinking of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists — Twins agree on one-year deal with against the Phoenix Suns on April 7, 2019. drained one three-pointer for the family about this game for 80 days,” said Heat his third in as many appearances in the pitcher Robles: reports Jrue Holiday had six three-pointers on on the way to fi ve points off the bench for coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team will young season — again went for nothing the way to 24 points. Khris Middleton, the Bucks, who simply steamrolled a Heat get a chance to avenge the embarrassing as his Washington Wizards fell 115-107 to The Minnesota Twins bolstered their bullpen Tuesday, coming who led the Bucks with 25 points, made team that was without injured forward defeat when they host the Bucks again on the Chicago Bulls. to terms on a one-year deal with former Los Angeles Angels four of fi ve from three-point range. Jimmy Butler. Wednesday. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 closer Hansel Robles, multiple outlets reported. The contract is Starting guard Donte DiVincenzo’s 17 “Honestly, (we) just played hard,” The Los Angeles Clippers also re- points, and Wendell Carter Jr. added a worth $2mn, MLB Network reported. Robles, 30, had 23 saves points included fi ve three-pointers, and Holiday said. “We know the Heat way bounded from a big defeat. double-double of 10 points and 12 re- in 2019, but in 2020 he struggled to a 10.26 ERA with an 0-2 Brook Lopez had three treys on the way to and how they’re going to come out and Two days after a 124-73 loss to the Dal- bounds as Chicago notched their fi rst win record, one save, and was not tendered a contract by the club 14 points. play no matter who’s playing. So we just las Mavericks the Clippers beat the Min- of the season. earlier this month. He was projected to make $4mn through Two-time reigning Most Valuable wanted to take that approach.” nesota Timberwolves 124-101. Denver centre Nikola Jokic also had the arbitration process, leading the Angels to cut ties with the Player Giannis Antetokounmpo was the It was a bounce-back win for the Lou Williams scored 20 points off the a triple-double in a losing eff ort, his 26 reliever. In six seasons with the New York Mets and Angels, only Bucks starter not to make a three- Bucks, who were blown out 130-110 by bench to lead seven Clippers players who points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists not Robles was 24-18 with a 3.91 ERA in 313 appearances. He has 27 pointer, coming up empty on two at- the Knicks in New York on Sunday. scored in double fi gures. enough in the Nuggets’ 125-115 loss to the career saves and 360 strikeouts in 333 2/3 innings, emerging as tempts in a nine-point performance. “Last game in New York, we didn’t “We knew coming tonight we had to do Sacramento Kings — who were led by the a closer after the Angels claimed him off waivers in 2018. His brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo show what we wanted to show,” Holiday better,” said Clippers center Serge Ibaka, 24 points of De’Aaron Fox.

NHL Blackhawks captain Toews out indefi nitely with illness Reuters “I do not have a timetable for priority as he deals with this Lightning’s fi fth-round pick in 2014 in a trade that sent Hockey Toronto, Canada when I will rejoin the team. I am medical issue,” said Blackhawks the 2020 NHL Draft for Mike Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis to extremely disappointed, but it general manager Stan Bowman. Condon and Ottawa’s sixth- New York. wouldn’t be fair to myself or my “The Chicago Blackhawks round selection. “You gave us everything you hicago Blackhawks cap- team mates to attempt to play in organization and our medical Callahan, 35, did not play for had, every shift, every night,” the tain Jonathan Toews my current condition.” staff will provide all necessary the Senators. Rangers wrote in a tweet. “We said on Tuesday he will Toews, who was selected by resources to help him return to “Let’s make it offi cial. I did not thank you and salute you (Cal- not report to training Chicago with the third overall playing hockey.” play last year due to a back injury, lahan) for an incredibly inspiring campC next month ahead of the pick in the 2006 National Hockey The Blackhawks are scheduled but I am offi cially announcing career.” NHL season and will be out in- League Draft, had 60 points in 70 to begin the regular season on Jan. my retirement from the NHL,” Callahan recorded 386 points defi nitely due to a medical issue. games last season. 13 at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Callahan wrote Wednesday on (186 goals, 200 assists) in 757 ca- The 32-year-old Canadian, a “To Blackhawks fans, I will Twitter. “Refl ecting on my ca- reer NHL games. He also repre- three-times Stanley Cup win- continue to do whatever I can to FORMER RANGERS FORWARD reer, it’s hard to wrap my head sented Team USA at the 2010 and ner and two-times Olympic gold get back on the ice and return to CALLAHAN ANNOUNCES around how lucky and grateful I 2014 Winter Olympics, helping medallist, said in a statement he play the game I love for the team I RETIREMENT am for being able to live out my the Americans to a silver medal has been experiencing symp- love,” said Toews. Ryan Callahan announced his re- childhood dream for 13 amazing in Vancouver in 2010. toms that have left him feeling “I will not be making any fur- tirement from the NHL yesterday years.” “I can honestly say I left it all “drained and lethargic”. ther comment at this time and morning. Callahan went on to thank on the ice and have zero regrets,” “I am working with doctors ask everyone to please respect my The former Tampa Bay Light- the Rangers and Lightning in his Callahan wrote. “Thanks to the so I can better understand my privacy as I focus on my health ning and New York Rangers for- lengthy Twitter post. game of hockey for all the un- condition,” said Toews. “Until I and recovery.” ward was diagnosed with a de- A New York native, he eclipsed forgettable memories and life- can get my health back to a place Toews is considered a complete generative back disease last year. the 20-goal mark four times in long friends I have made along where I feel I can perform at an package given his off ensive skills, He spent last season on long- his NHL career that began with the way! This is bye to the game elite level and help my team, I will impeccable defensive game and most respected players. Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and term injured reserve with the the Rangers in the 2006-07 sea- I love for now, but I’m sure our not be joining the Blackhawks for leadership abilities that have es- He was the centrepiece of 2015. Senators, who acquired him from son. After seven-plus seasons paths will cross again in the near training camp. tablished him as one of the NHL’s Blackhawks teams that won the “Jonathan’s health is our top Tampa Bay in July 2019 with the there, he went to the Lightning in future.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 31, 2020 SPORT

NFL ROUND-UP FOCUS Thailand pledges ‘world’s safest’ Roethlisberger badminton tourneys as China pull out

AFP to sit out Steelers’ Bangkok, Thailand hailand’s badminton chief yesterday pledged that next month’s re- start tournaments will Tbe the “safest in the world” after heavyweights China withdrew season fi nale because of coronavirus restric- tions. Reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs have already locked up the first-round bye China’s pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three Agencies seven interceptions this season. world tour events from January Los Angeles, United States He also fumbled six times and 12 in Bangkok, the fi rst in Asia went 1-5 as a starter. since Covid-19 shut down the Men’s Olympic champion Chen sport in March. Long of China will also not be he Pittsburgh Steelers, WASHINGTON LB DAVIS Badminton Association of travelling. assured of an NFL play- ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Thailand president Patama off berth with the AFC Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Leeswadtrakul said China’s an- and all the measures and proto- North division title, will Thomas Davis announced Tues- ti-coronavirus rules prevented col are very strict for the health Trest veteran quarterback Ben day that he is retiring after the the team, which includes men’s and safety of everyone.” Roethlisberger in the regular- season. Olympic champion Chen Long She admitted that the pros- season fi nale against the Browns That could be as soon as Sun- and women’s world number two pect of playing without fans was in Cleveland. day, as a loss to the Philadelphia Chen Yufei, from travelling. a concern for some competitors, Coach Mike Tomlin said on Eagles would knock the Wash- “The reason is that the Chi- who are worried about how it Tuesday that Mason Rudolph ington Football Team out of the nese government doesn’t allow may aff ect their performances. would get the start. postseason. them to go out of the country — “Our badminton players also “It does not change our in- Sunday’s contest will be the not just for the sport of badmin- mention these same feelings... tentions, in terms of going to 200th regular-season game ton but for all kinds of athletes,” But we have to seal everyone in Cleveland this weekend,” Tom- of an NFL career that began in Patama told AFP. the bubble for the best health lin said in comments posted on 2005. The three back-to-back tour- this time,” she said. the team’s website. “This weekend will be my last naments, in bio-secure “bubble” “We are the only tournament “Football is our game. Our regular season football game conditions and behind closed that can host in this world at this job is winning. We intend to do ever,” Davis wrote on his Insta- doors, culminate in the delayed time — I mean internationally, our job. We intend to prepare gram account. “... Sometimes 2020 World Tour Finals from globally, at this time of resur- with that mindset. And ulti- things can happen that cause January 27. gence.” mately lead us to that destina- you to feel unworthy, just know Patama said the Thai govern- Thailand has seen a low toll tion. We’re not seeking comfort. that No man can steal what God ment has been working to ensure from the virus since it registered We’re not grading ourselves on a had already planned for your top standards of health, includ- the fi rst case outside of China in curve.” life! I’m extremely blessed and ing isolating players the minute January. The reigning Super Bowl thankful for every opportunity they get off their ights.fl But new outbreaks in recent champion Kansas City Chiefs Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts during that I’ve earned because nothing “This bubble competition will weeks have prompted the gov- have already locked up the top the first quarter at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) is ever given to you! You work be the safest in the world,” Pata- ernment to put certain areas seed and only fi rst-round bye in your butt off and you pray that ma said. “After January 4, no one under partial restrictions after the AFC. God’s plan aligns with yours!” is allowed to enter this bubble months of relative normalcy. The Buff alo Bills can clinch Davis played his fi rst 13 sea- the second seed with a vic- sons with the Carolina Panthers tory over Miami or a loss by and was a Pro Bowler in 2015, FORMULA 1 the Steelers, who will enter the 2016 and 2017. He was named playoff s at no worse than the No the Walter Payton Man of the 3 seed. Year in 2014. Given that scenario, Tomlin He defi ed logic by playing in Catalan government said, he planned to “airmail a Super Bowl 50 against the Den- player or two to the post-sea- ver Broncos with a broken right son,” although he didn’t say forearm. He broke the arm two gives go-ahead for which other starters, besides weeks earlier in the NFC Cham- Roethlisberger, might not start pionship Game against the Ari- against the Browns. zona Cardinals and insisted he 2021 Spanish GP The Browns go into the con- would play and posted seven test fi ghting for their playoff tackles in the 24-10 loss to Den- Reuters The circuit agreed last year lives. They must win to have a ver. London, United Kingdom an extension to cover this year’s chance to advance. Davis spent the 2019 season race, which was held in August with the Los Angeles Chargers and without spectators due to UNSIGNED HASKINS PARTS before joining Washington this he government of Cata- the Covid-19 pandemic, after WITH AGENT season. That allowed him to play lonia has given the go- fears it would drop off the cal- Former fi rst-round pick Dwayne his fi nal season under Ron Riv- ahead for Spanish Grand endar. Haskins is parting with agent era, his former coach with the Prix organisers to agree a Spain will have two drivers David Mulugheta. Panthers. Tcontract extension with Formula on the starting grid next season, ESPN reported Haskins and Davis said he will wear com- One for 2021. with Carlos Sainz moving from Mulugheta mutually parted memorative cleats for his fi - The May 9 race at Barcelona’s McLaren to Ferrari while double ways as Haskins, waived by the nal game with one of the shoes Circuit de Catalunya is listed as world champion Fernando Alon- Washington Football Team on mentioning that he overcame subject to contract on the sport’s so makes a comeback after two Monday, offi cially becomes a three ACL tears in his right knee record 23-round provisional cal- years out. free agent. Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins watches from the sidelines after being benched during his career. endar. Alonso has returned to Re- NFL Network reported yes- against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Davis has just six tackles in The regional government said nault, the team that took him to terday teams have shown inter- seven games this season while in a statement it had authorised his titles in 2005 and 2006 and est in Haskins, including the The decision to release salary or up to a four-game sus- Twitter account, per ESPN.com. playing just 137 defensive snaps. Circuits de Catalunya SL to sign which is changing name to com- Carolina Panthers. Haskins came after he was fi ned pension. “I thank the team & fans for the Overall, he has 1,216 tackles, the renewal. pete under the French manufac- Haskins was the 15th overall $40,000 and stripped of his Haskins started on Sunday in opportunity to play for the team 29 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, 13 “The signature guarantees the turer’s Alpine sportscar brand. pick in the 2019 draft, when the captaincy following a trip to a place of an injured Alex Smith I grew up rooting for. I take full interceptions and 11 fumble re- celebration of the 31st consecu- The 2021 season is due to Washington franchise was un- nightclub in which he was spot- before being benched in the responsibility for not meeting coveries. tive edition of this event at the start in Australia on March 21, der the direction of team presi- ted without wearing a mask. fourth quarter. He threw two in- the standards of a NFL QB & will Prior to his NFL career, Davis Circuit de Barcelona-Catalun- although how that unfolds will dent Bruce Allen and head coach Under the NFL’s Covid-19 pro- terceptions and lost a fumble in become a better man & player was a consensus All-American in ya,” it said. depend on the state of the pan- Jay Gruden. tocol, going to a nightclub with- a 20-13 loss to the Panthers. because of this experience.” 2004 after his fi nal college sea- “The F1 Grand Prix is an asset demic. Gruden was fi red last season out wearing personal protective “My time with the WFT has Haskins, 23, completed 148 son at Georgia. He was selected that contributes to Catalonia’s There is also still a slot, va- and replaced by Ron Rivera. Al- equipment is punishable by a unfortunately come to an end,” of 241 pass attempts for 1,439 in the fi rst round (14th overall) of position in the world in the fi elds cated by Vietnam, to be fi lled on len is also gone. maximum fi ne of one week’s Haskins wrote on his private yards with fi ve touchdowns and the 2005 draft by the Panthers. of tourism and automotive.” April 25.

TENNIS GOLF Frenchman Tsonga not fi t Masters delaying ticketing process: report

Reuters enough for Australian Open New York, United States

Reuters Mumbai, India hile the Masters eyes a return to spring- time in 2021 after a renchman Jo-Wilfried pandemic-induced Tsonga has joined Wdelay to the autumn this year, Roger Federer in with- organisers aren’t going to begin drawing from the 2021 the ticketing process as early as AustralianF Open after failing to usual. recover fully from a lower back An email from Augusta Na- injury. tional to ticket holders notes that The 35-year-old has not Patron Series Badges won’t be played since retiring from his going out on Jan 1. fi rst-round match at Mel- “Our intention is to commu- bourne Park in January when nicate our decisions for the 2021 trailing Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (5), Masters to all patrons of record 6-2, 6-1. by the end of January,” the email “Despite great progress in re- says, according to ESPN. cent months, I am still not able The delay comes as “planning to play in competition,” Tsonga, continues on how to stage the a 2008 fi nalist in Melbourne, 2021 Masters Tournament safely wrote in a social media post. and responsibly,” according to “In agreement with the med- the email. ical team, the Australian Open The issue is likely to be a mat- In this November 15, 2020, picture, Dustin Johnson of the US is presented with the green jacket by is therefore compromised this heartbreaker.” on February 8. ter of how many spectators compatriot Tiger Woods after winning The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, United States. (Reuters) year. The fi rst Grand Slam of 2021 Six-times champion Federer would be allowed to attend and “I am looking forward to get- has been delayed by three weeks pulled out earlier this week as who among ticket holders would hand. Those who were allowed tournament is scheduled for next year’s event was June 21, ting back on a tennis court, but due to Australia’s strict border he continues to work his way get in. to attend were some members April 8-11. with practice-round passes sell- I have to be patient... Even if not rules to curb the spread of the back to fi tness from two knee This year’s Masters was held of Augusta National Golf Club, According to Golfweek, the ing for $75 and daily tournament going to Australia this year is a novel coronavirus. It will start operations earlier this year. Nov 12-15 with few spectators on according to ESPN. Next year’s deadline to apply for tickets to tickets set at $115. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2020 7 SPORT

Wins for Al Ahli and Al Sadd

Al Ahli’s Johnathan Michael Lee is challenged by Al Khor players during their Qatar Basketball League match at the Al Sadd’s Babacar Dieng attempts to dribble past Qatar Sports Club’s Mohamed Abdulaziz Abdukawi during their Qatar Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Lee starred with 30 points as Al Ahli won 92-68. Basketball League match yesterday. Dieng scored 17 points as Al Sadd won 89-61.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Boucher highlights challenges for Sri Lanka will try bowlers in times to stay positive, of Covid pandemic says Karunaratne ‘We were doing pretty well as a batting unit but we lost a couple of bowlers’

AFP since the corresponding match against Centurion, South Africa England at the same venue last December “feels really good”. De Kock said he was disappointed with ri Lankan captain Dimuth Karu- South Africa’s bowling performance at South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi (2nd L) celebrates a wicket in Centurion. naratne said his team would try the start of Sri Lanka’s fi rst innings but to stay positive after losing the Sri Lanka’s captain “we came back nicely” towards the end of AFP You can do shuttles. But, it’s dif- fi rst Test against South Africa by Dimuth Karunaratne the innings. Centurion, South Africa fi cult to bowl 20 overs in your anS innings and 45 runs inside four days at He said a strong batting performance back garden. delivers a ball SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tues- during the third day had been set up by openers Dean Elgar “You have to try to simulate a day. Karunaratne bemoaned the injuries of the first Test cricket and Aiden Markram, who put on 141 for agiso Rabada is not an game situation. You might have that derailed his bowling attack, with fast match between South the fi rst wicket. automatic choice for to bowl 10 overs in the morning bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kuma- Africa and Sri Lanka “Getting off to a great start always South Africa in the and then come back in the after- ra both suff ering groin injuries and being at SuperSport Park in helps the team. There were quite a lot second Test against Sri noon and bowl another 10 overs, unable to bowl again. of demons in the wicket but they played Lanka,K according to coach Mark and while you are busy waiting Centurion on “We were in the driving seat after scor- December 28. some great cricket shots and showed Boucher. you walk around the fi eld, trying ing nearly 400 runs,” the skipper said. great intent and that fi ltered through to Rabada joined the South Af- to simulate what you would do in “We were doing pretty well as a batting the rest of the batting line-up.” rican bio-secure environment a game. unit but we lost a couple of bowlers.” He praised Du Plessis and Temba Ba- during the fi rst Test after re- “You can’t put guys in cotton Sri Lanka started the match well, mak- vuma for rebuilding the innings after a covering from a groin strain wool and just have them bowl six ing 396 after winning the toss, but an fl urry of wickets left South Africa on 220 but South Africa’s leading fast overs and think they are ready for injury-depleted bowling attack conceded for four. “It’s important that senior guys bowler will need to be assessed a Test match.” 621 runs when South Africa batted, with in the team stand up. There’s no better carefully before being rushed Boucher said Sri Lanka’s inju- man-of-the-match Faf du Plessis hitting person to have in that situation than Faf.” into action when the second Test ry woes emphasised the impor- 199. Looking ahead to the second Test, De starts at the Wanderers in Johan- tance of teams having big squads Sri Lanka were bowled out for 180 in Kock said he was encouraged by the way nesburg on Sunday. at a time when it was necessary the second innings despite half-centu- the bowlers performed in the second in- “Because his name is Kagiso for players to be in bio-secure ries from Kusal Perera (64) and debutant nings. “The seamers came out with great Rabada, we would want to play ‘bubbles’. Wanindu Hasaranga (59). intent with the ball and to fi nish it off the him but we’ve got to manage his He said South Africa would Karunaratne said Rajitha and Kumara way we did was very pleasing.” loads,” said Boucher. not tamper with their top six would not have time to recover before the South Africa went into the fi rst Test “He’s coming back from in- batting order after the team piled second and fi nal Test, which starts at the with an inexperienced pace bowling line- jury so we will just monitor his up 621 runs in Centurion but Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday. up, with the four seamers only having 12 progress.” hinted that there could be some But he expected key bowler Suranga previous caps and 35 wickets between Speaking after South Africa’s rotation of bowlers. Lakmal to have recovered from the ham- them. win over the Sri Lankans by an “Sometimes with bowlers you string injury which kept him out of the They are likely to be bolstered by the innings and 45 runs in Centu- just want to play a guy for the fi rst Test, while fast bowler Dushmantha return of Kagiso Rabada, who has played rion, Boucher said the biggest sake of playing him because he Chameera was waiting in the wings. in 43 Tests, but De Kock said new cap challenge facing cricket teams in is your top bowler. You need to “We have another game to go and I Lutho Sipamla and all-rounder Mulder, the times of Covid-19 was man- consider his workloads, from a will try to keep them together. We need playing his second Test, had both per- aging fast bowlers. mental side, from a physical side. to keep a positive mindset. Suranga and formed well. He said he had sympathy for You’ve got to take the emotion Dushmantha can do a good job for us,” he Sipamla overcame a nervous start, in opposite number Mickey Arthur out of it and make a smart crick- said. which he conceded 38 runs in his fi rst fi ve who had to deal with two Sri eting decision.” Sri Lanka also lost batsman Dhanan- overs, to fi nish with match fi gures of six Lankan fast bowlers breaking Referring specifi cally to Ra- jaya de Silva, who was ruled out of the se- did not bat in the second innings. but hinted it could be a “youngster”. for 100, while Mulder provided accuracy down during the Test. bada, Boucher said it would be ries with a torn thigh muscle after scoring Karunaratne did not indicate who New South African captain Quinton and control in taking two wickets in each “It’s very diffi cult in these unfair to the team, as well as the an impressive 79 in the fi rst innings. He might replace De Silva at the Wanderers de Kock said South Africa’s fi rst Test win innings. times to prepare,” he said. player, to rush him into action if “We are having to think out of there was a high risk of him be- the box continuously to try and ing injured, especially with Test BOTTOMLINE get our workloads up in order to series against Pakistan and Aus- bowl 20 overs a day. It’s easier for tralia coming up over the next batters to work on their fi tness. two months.

IPL gave Gill, Siraj confi dence Cummins backs Aussie batsmen to come good Sydney: Australian fast mins said. “They’ll come bowler Pat Cummins said good.” Steve’s been champion he had “every confidence” for a dozen years or so, so Australia’s top batsmen would absolutely no stress at all. to shine, says coach Shastri return to form following an Every batter, every player, Reuters ing their test debuts in an India hamed Shami, bowled with Siraj’s ability to bowl long spells mix of shotmaking and pa- underwhelming first two Tests goes through ups and downs Melbourne side that had been thrashed in- relentless hostility to claim fi ve and was particularly impressed tience. against India. and the great ones find a way side three days in the Adelaide wickets. by Gill’s fl air. “Shubman has done really With the series level at 1-1 to get back, so yeah abso- opener and they helped the “That’s the way, that’s the “In the second innings, it’s well in fi rst class career,” he heading into the third Test lutely no stress that they’ll laying alongside top tourists give Australia a taste brand of cricket we’ve been very easy to get into a shell but added. in Sydney, Cummins parried come good, I’m sure.” Australia international players of the own medicine with an playing for the last three or four he went out there and played his “Even in this game he showed talk of crisis and said batters won the first Test in Adelaide in the Indian Premier eight-wicket victory. years,” Shastri said. natural game. It was great from that he can actually play shots like Steve Smith — who was by eight wickets after India PLeague has developed a Replacing an out-of-form “I think a lot has to do with the team point of view,” the and, at the same time, he can bat named Test player of the suffered their worst ever Test fearlessness in opener Shubman Prithvi Shaw, Gill produced fl u- IPL. The fact that they share coach added. with composure.” decade this week, but has collapse, scoring just 36 in Gill and quick Mohamed Siraj, ent knocks of 45 and 35 not out dressing rooms with interna- Ajinkya Rahane, who took He was also impressed by managed just 10 runs in the their second innings. But it said India coach Ravi Shastri af- in the low-scoring contest at tional players, they rub shoul- over the captaincy when ex- Siraj’s control and accuracy. first two games — would redis- was India who won by eight ter the duo excelled in the sec- the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ders with the best, that complex pectant father Virat Kohli re- “It’s very diffi cult for a debu- cover their touch. wickets in the second Test in ond Test against Australia. Right-arm quick Siraj, com- factor disappears very quickly.” turned home after Adelaide, tant to show that kind of disci- “Absolutely no stress,” Cum- Melbourne. Both Gill and Siraj were mak- ing in for injured seamer Mo- Shastri was delighted with said Gill, 21, had showed a good pline,’ said Rahane.

Thursday, December 31, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Australia seek quick fi x to batting New Zealand end woes aft er MCG defeat to India

Reuters innings and only reaching 200 Melbourne in the second due to doughty Pakistan defi ance tail-end resistance, Australia failed to record a half-century ustralia head to the for the fi rst time in a home Test third Test against match since 1988 when they India desperately were beaten by a mighty West searching for answers Indies team. toA their batting woes and with India’s bowlers have ad- fi ngers crossed that sidelined hered to simple plans — at- for thrilling win opener David Warner will be tacking the stumps and setting ready to slot back into the side leg-side fi elds — but the home in Sydney. side’s batsmen have looked FAWAD ALAM TON IN VAIN AS KIWIS GO 1-0 UP IN TWO-TEST SERIES Warner has been included bereft of answers. in Australia’s 18-man squad Steve Smith, the world’s for Sydney along with the un- top-ranked Test batsman, ad- capped Will Pucovski but nei- mitted on Tuesday he had al- ther are certainties to play. lowed Ravichandran Ashwin Coach Justin Langer said to “dictate terms” after being this week that Warner was yet dismissed for a duck and one to get up to speed with his run- run by the spinner in the se- ning, while Pucovski would be ries. Marnus Labuschagne, a huge risk due to his history of who piled up the runs against concussion problems. New Zealand and Pakistan in As expected, opener Joe the last home summer, has Burns was axed after his hor- also been stifl ed by India’s dis- ror test in Melbourne where he ciplined attack. made a total of four runs and Australia captain Tim Paine appeared a nervous wreck. said after the defeat the team If neither Warner nor Pu- had become tentative in the covski pass fi tness tests, Aus- face of top class bowling and tralia may look to Marcus needed to get on the front foot Harris, who was dropped dur- more. ing the Ashes last year after Former skipper Ricky Pon- repeated failures, and persist ting said they were batting like with middle order batsman they were “scared” to get out. Matthew Wade as a makeshift “They’ve got to show some opener. more intent,” he told a Cricket India set up victory with a Australia website. fi rst innings 326, anchored by a “They’ve got to get them sparkling century from stand- quicker than two-and-a-half in captain Ajinkya Rahane, yet runs an over because what the result might have been dif- we’ve seen from Adelaide to ferent had Australia held their here, if they’re trying to apply catches. themselves and bat for long Having spilled seven at the periods of time they haven’t MCG and reprieved Rahane been good enough to do that.” twice, Australia’s bowlers will India set up victory with a demand better support in the fi rst innings 326, anchored by fi eld at the SCG when the third a sparkling century by stand- test starts Jan. 7. in captain Ajinkya Rahane, yet Australia’s sub-par batting the result might have been dif- in the fi rst test was glossed ferent had Australia held their over by the thumping three- catches. Pakistan’s Fawad Alam (R) plays a shot on way to his day win at the Adelaide Oval, Having spilled seven at the century against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount but there was no hiding behind MCG and reprieved Rahane Maunganui yesterday. the bowlers in the eight-wick- twice, the team’s bowlers will et loss in Melbourne that lev- demand better support in the elled the four-Test series 1-1. fi eld at the SCG when the third Skittled for 195 in the fi rst Test starts Jan. 7. AFP in skipper, joined Alam in the Mount Maunganui MOUNT MAUNGANUI SCORECARD middle with Pakistan 75 for four on the fi nal morning. They occupied the crease for ew Zealand beat Pa- New Zealand 1st innings 431 H. Sohail c Santner 2-0 (Masood), 3-37 (Sohail), more than 63 overs until Jamie- kistan by 101 runs in a (K. Williamson 129, B. Watling b Southee ...... 9 4-75 (Azhar Ali), 5-240 (Rizwan), son struck 11 overs into the fi nal thrilling fi nish to the 73, R. Taylor 70, H. Nicholls 56; F. Alam c Watling 6-242 (Alam), 7-251 (Yasir Shah), session. fi rst Test in Mount Afridi 4-109, Yasir Shah 3-113) b Wagner ...... 102 8-259 (Ashraf), 9-261 (Abbas), Jamieson had gone close to MaunganuiN yesterday, where the Pakistan taking a wicket several times pre- 1st innings 239 (F. M. Rizwan lbw Jamieson ...... 60 10-271 (Naseem Shah) visitors were just 27 balls from Ashraf 91, M. Rizwan 71; Jamie- F. Ashraf c Watling Bowling: Southee 23-8-33- viously, and even his lbw shout escaping with a draw. son 3-35, Wagner 2-50) b Wagner ...... 19 2 (1w), Boult 25-9-72-2 (1w), against Rizwan was turned down The win tentatively put New New Zealand 2nd innings Yasir Shah c Southee Jamieson 26-13-35-2, Wagner before the umpire’s decision was Zealand top of the World rank- 180-5 dec. (T. Blundell 64, T. b Jamieson ...... 0 28-9-55-2 (5nb), Santner 19.3-3- overturned on review. ings and kept alive their chances Latham 53; Naseem Shah 3-55) M. Abbas lbw Santner ...... 1 52-2 (2nb), Williamson 2-1-1-0 Alam lasted three more overs of making the World Test Cham- Pakistan 2nd innings (over- S. Afridi not out ...... 8 until he gloved a Wagner short pionship fi nal. night 71-3) Naseem Shah c&b Santner 1 Toss: Pakistan ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling After a 165-run fi fth-wicket S. Masood c Taylor Extras (b16, lb7, w2 nb8) 33 Result: New Zealand won by down the leg side. stand by Fawad Alam and Mo- b Southee ...... 0 Total (10 wickets; 123.3 overs) 101 runs Alam had been discarded by hammad Rizwan the Test went Abid Ali c Watling b Boult ...... 0 271 Umpires: Chris Gaffaney Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests into the fi nal session with both Azhar Ali c Watling b Boult ...38 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Abid Ali), (NZL), Wayne Knights (NZL) and a best innings of 168, and sides in with a chance to win. since his recall this year his high- Pakistan needed 158 runs, New est score was 21 against England Zealand required six wickets and that did turn the match when it piece obviously adds to that.” proud of the way his side played. in August. 36 overs remained. was looking likely to run out into When Jamieson had Rizwan “We put in hard work, but you There were a few loose shots New Zealand captain Kane a draw,” Williamson said, add- lbw for 60 and Wagner removed must give credit to the New Zea- early in his innings and a nerve- Williamson put his faith in Neil ing that with so much at stake Alam for 102, New Zealand were land team,” he said. wracking moment when a ball Wagner, bowling on two broken he could not contemplate going into the tail as Pakistan folded Jamieson struck fi rst, 11 overs ricocheted off his arm and toes, and the youngest of his pace defensive. from 240 for four to be all out for after the tea break, with the bounced dangerously close to the David Warner has been named in the Australian squad but he is quartet, Kyle Jamieson, to swing “For us it was trying to win at 271. wicket of Rizwan, lbw for 60, be- stumps. not certain to make the playing XI because of a groin injury. the match towards the Black all costs. Going into that last ses- Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi fore Wagner removed Alam for Otherwise he staunchly held Caps. sion we still clearly had that op- and Naseem Shah kept the draw 102. Jamieson produced a par- his own through 269 deliveries Wagner bowled a marathon portunity, as did Pakistan, but in option alive as long as they could, ticularly miserly spell after the before bringing up his century 11 overs unchanged after tea and the context of the Test champi- blocking for seven overs in fading tea break when he sent down nine with a four off Wagner — scoring Jamieson — on his 26th birth- onship losing while trying to win light before Naseem was caught overs and took two for four. only two more runs off his next 33 Fans urged to cheer quietly day — bowled nine. They obliged was still a better bet than any- and bowled by spinner Mitchell Apart from when Pakistan balls before his dismissal. with the wickets of Alam and thing else. Santner for one, ending Paki- whipped out the New Zealand New Zealand’s frontline pace at SCG amid Covid surge Rizwan. “It was great coming away stan’s resistance. openers cheaply on day one, the bowlers Tim Southee, Trent “We saw an incredible spell with the result and the excite- Pakistan captain Rizwan said match had been in New Zealand’s Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Melbourne: Australian au- After weeks without a new from Kyle and Wags together ment of fi nishing so late in the that despite the result, he was control until Rizwan, the stand- Santner each took two wickets. thorities are asking fans at the case of Covid-19, NSW has Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) recorded more than 100 not to cheer too loudly during infections linked to a recent BOTTOMLINE the third Test against India outbreak in the city’s northern next week as the city grapples beaches. Governing body with an outbreak of Covid-19. Cricket Australia considered The New South Wales (NSW) moving the third test to New Zealand’s Wagner hailed for defying broken toes government restricted move- Melbourne but on Tuesday ment and tightened curbs confirmed it would plough AFP the fi fth day to snuff out Paki- and he’s an inspiration, eve- on gatherings in Sydney yes- ahead with Sydney as sched- Mount Maunganui, New stan’s hopes of a surprise vic- ryone knows he’s got not one, terday, as the state recorded uled from Jan. 7. New Zealand’s Neil Zealand tory. New Zealand eventually but two, broken toes and he’s 18 new cases. Despite public The players and staff are in Wagner (L) bowls against won by 101 runs, 27 balls from fi ghting for his team. gatherings being capped at Melbourne following the Pakistan at the Bay Oval the close. “He was giving 100% and 30, authorities have given the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, in Mount Maunganui ast bowler Neil Wag- New Zealand captain Kane maybe more than that, so I green light to a half-capacity which India won on Tuesday yesterday. ner was hailed as an Williamson said it was an have a huge respect for him.” crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, by eight wickets, levelling the “inspiration” yester- incredible performance, al- Williamson said trying to though fans will be asked to four-match series at 1-1. Fday after he shrugged though Wagner’s heart was get the most out of Wagner keep a lid on their cheering. To mitigate risk, they will off the pain of two broken toes well known within the team. before the painkillers wore off “We will be handing out masks stay in Melbourne longer to help bowl New Zealand to Pakistan skipper Moham- was a unique situation. on public transport going into than planned before arriving victory in the fi rst Test. mad Rizwan said: “I just told “People talk about the size the SCG, and advising people in Sydney a couple of days A Shaheen Afridi yorker him he’s mad. He’s a diff erent of his heart in terms of what to wear masks when they are before the match starts. fractured two toes in Wag- guy. he (normally) does on the not physically at their seat,” They will also be subject to ner’s right foot during New “His attitude is everything, cricket fi eld but to have a cou- New South Wales Chief Health stricter biosecurity protocols Zealand’s fi rst innings but, his aggression is very beauti- ple of broken toes, and he’s in Off icer Kerry Chant told a me- in Sydney, and for the fourth surviving on painkilling in- ful.” a lot of pain and going off to dia briefing on Wednesday. Test in Brisbane. jections and grit, he bowled Pakistan batsman Azhar get injections and numbing “We also are asking people Australia paceman Pat Cum- 21 overs in Pakistan’s fi rst in- Ali also said he had “huge re- his foot, and we’re trying to to ensure that they recognise mins said it would be hard for nings and 28 in the second for spect” for Wagner. use him,” Williamson said. (rules) around screaming and some of the players, a number a match haul of four wickets. “I said that to him — that’s “It was very, very special chanting, particularly when of whom have not spent time Wagner crucially removed what it means to play for your from ‘Wags’, one the team ap- they are not in their fixed with family for months while Fawad Alam for 102 during a nation,” Azhar said. preciated. We needed him out location.” touring. marathon 11-over spell late on “I think he’s showing that there and he delivered.”