CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 NNBABA | Page 5 Australia end Clippers rally Afghanistan from 21 points run in U-19 down to top World Cup Pelicans

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 GOLF Jumada I 13, 1439 AH Aussie Jason Day GULF TIMES clinches Torry Pines title in playoff SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL/ AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Confi dent Gharafa take on Pakhtakor in playoff today ‘Pakhtakor are a top side but we are fully focused on our job, which is to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League’

By Sports Reporter are fully focused on our job, which is Pakhtakor have at the helm Shota Doha to qualify for the group stage of the Arveladze, who was one of Georgia’s Champions League, said their Turk- top footballers, holding the record of ish coach Bulent Uygun who replaced the nation’s all-time top goal scorer. As l Gharafa are hoping their lat- Frenchman Jean Fernandez barely two a manager, he spent most of his career est acquisitions Wesley Snei- months ago. in Turkey, before joining Pakhtakor in jder and Mehdi Taremi can fi re Fernandez himself lasted only a few June 2017. them to a spot in the group months after he took over from Pedro The club have lost their top goal Astage of this year’s AFC Champions Caixinha who moved to Scotland to scorer from last season, Igor Sergeev, League when they take on Uzbek giants manage the Rangers. who joined Al Dhafra in the UAE Pro Pakhtakor in their West Zone playoff at Uygun was not concerned about League. Brazilian striker Tiago Bezerra the Thani bin Jassim Stadium tonight. what happened in the League against will be tasked with fi nding the goals The match begins at 8pm. Al Sadd last week. “Those were diff er- that can propel Pakhtakor through to The Cheetahs reached the quarter- ent circumstances. We have analysed the next stage. fi nals of the lucrative continental tour- our mistakes and have taken corrective Arveladze also predicted a tough nament in 2010, but since 2012 have not measures,” he added. match. even qualifi ed for the event much to the Uygun said Gharafa would aim to re- “Both teams are equally determined disappointment of their fans. peat their 2010 feat when they qualifi ed to qualify for the group stage and I ex- They fi nished fi fth in the Qatar Stars for the quarter-fi nals at Pakhtakor’s pect them to be at their best,” he said. League last season and their latest match expense. But he expressed displeasure over the last week also left them grappling with “Of course, our ambition remains the one-game playoff . a few home truths after they suff ered a same. Al Gharafa have great pedigree. “We are not here to speak about this. 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Al Sadd. We have won several titles in the past Suffi ce is to say that both teams will be It was their fi fth defeat in 14 matches before losing our way a bit, but with the under pressure because of that. I agree in the league so far, leaving them with new signings we have a balanced side,” with the general opinion that one game a great deal of catching up to do if they the Turk claimed. does not do justice to the teams par- are to fi nish in the top four and chal- Almahdi Ali, who also attended the ticipating in this stage of the competi- lenge the best in the Cup events. press conference, said the team were tion.” Their immediate concern, however, briefed on the strengths of the Uzbek He also congratulated the Uzbek U23 is how to tackle Pakhtakor, who have giants. side for winning the Asian Champion- appeared in all but two editions of the “We know how they play and we are ship last week in China. Champions League ever since it was well equipped to deal with them,” said “I think this win will have a great im- re-launched in its current format in Ali, who was with the Al Sadd squad pact on football in Uzbekistan. We hope 2002-03. when they won the Champions League to build on it and become a force to be “Pakhtakor are a top side but we in 2011. Al Gharafa’s Turkish coach Bulent Uygun watches his players (R) in action during a training session yesterday. reckoned with.”

BOTTOMLINE FFedererederer planningplanning MMelbourneelbourne rreturneturn iinn 22019019

Reuters would be in Dubai in late February had Melbourne yet to be made. “We were in talks with them (Dubai or- ganisers) but when the (Australian Open) ustralian Open champion Roger tournament started, I just said ‘look, if it’s Federer is set to continue defying okay, I’d like to decide after the tourna- Father Time after announcing ment’,” he said. Ahe will return to defend his title “That’s an ideal scenario for me. After next year, the Swiss said yesterday. the tournament, I’ll know how I feel... did The 36-year-old notched up his 20th I come out injured or not? grand slam title and sixth at Melbourne “So now we know what the situation is. Park on Sunday with a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, “I also have to decide on the claycourt 3-6, 6-1 victory over Croatia’s Marin Cil- season so all these things are kind of in- ic, but initially forgot to say whether or not terlinked. he planned to defend the title. “But it’s possible I’ll play something, “Yeah, I’d love to come back. I know but it’s also possible that maybe I just I forgot to say that after the match,” a don’t play anything (for a while).” bleary-eyed Federer told reporters yes- Federer said he would make the decision terday. “But I hope I come back again next about his schedule after spending some year.” time with family at home in Switzerland, Federer equalled the record of six Aus- where he hoped the fact he had won the tralian Open men’s titles, held by Novak Australian Open title again would fi nally Djokovic and Roy Emerson, and emulat- sink in. ed Ken Rosewall’s feat of claiming three “This year seems more surreal, I can’t grand slam titles after the age of 35. believe I was able to defend my title after His longevity has in part been put down all these years, that I could do it again,” to the careful management of his playing he said. “To reach number 20, number six schedule. here, it’s just a lot trying to take it in. Despite being fully fi t, he skipped the “Last year was a lot more straightfor- entire claycourt season last year to con- ward, just disbelief that I won and there I centrate on Wimbledon, a decision that was waking up with the trophy. paid off with his eighth title on the south- “But, I don’t know, this year feels more west London grass courts. surreal. I can’t believe that I was able to He reiterated yesterday that he would defend my title, that after all these years I continue to manage his schedule tight- could do it again. ly and despite being within sight of “It’s super special, one of the great mo- the world’s top ranking, a decision on ments in my career, and maybe this one is whether or not his next tournament going to take longer to sink in.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 30, 2018 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT American Lincicome Day clinches Torrey defends Pines title in playoff LPGA title ‘It’s special because I worked very hard in the off -season to get back in this position’

AFP gey before Day’s victory tap-in. La Jolla, United States “We just had to stay patient,” Day said. “My goal is to get to number one and this is a start in the right direction. ustralia’s Jason Day sank an “I’ve just got to take it in right now. I 18-inch birdie putt on the was up all night thinking about trying sixth playoff hole Monday to to get that 11th win.” defeat Sweden’s Alex Noren World number 14 Day’s US title total, andA win the US PGA Tour’s Farmers In- topped by his 2015 PGA Champion- surance Open. ship title, also includes the 2015 Tor- Noren found the water with his sec- rey Pines crown, putting him along- ond shot of the morning while Day Jason Day of Australia side such two-time winners as Arnold placed his third inches from the cup to poses with the trophy Palmer and Tom Watson. seal their fates. after the sixth playoff Only Phil Mickelson with three wins Darkness halted their duel after fi ve on the 18th hole to win and Tiger Woods with eight have won extra holes Sunday at Torrey Pines the Farmers Insurance more often at the famed California South Course after each fi nished 72 Open at Torrey Pines course. Woods continued his latest holes on 10-under par 278. South in San Diego comeback from nagging back injuries It was Day’s 11th US PGA victory and yesterday. at the event, sharing 23rd. his fi rst since the 2016 Players Cham- World number 19 Noren’s runner-up pionship. fi nish was his best in a US event. “It has been a long time coming,” “I like playing over here. I know what Reuters Day said. “It’s special because I worked to expect more now,” he said. “That’s Miami very hard in the off -season to get back my goal, to win in these conditions. I in this position.” learned a lot. I’m proud of myself for The triumph came after Day with- stepping up when it got tough. It’s a merican Brittany Lin- drew from a Wednesday Pro-Am with good day anyway.” cicome beat the dark- back issues that had him wondering if Day and Noren were joined in the ness to sink a birdie putt he could even compete after an MRI on playoff by American Ryan Palmer, who under lights on the 18th his back 10 days earlier. was eliminated with a par at the fi rst holeA to win the season-opening “I was in Palm Springs and I threw it playoff hole, 18. Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Clas- out,” Day said. “I’m always going to try The playoff continued at the par-5 Noren blasted his second shot onto with the 3-wood, 230 meters. I had the No spectators were permitted on the sic yesterday. to maintain and be on top of it.” 18th hole, which both players birdied the raised green but the ball rolled back advantage I thought. If I hit a good one course to see the fi nish of the tourna- Lincicome, who jogged from He found bulging discs that can hit three times earlier in the playoff . The into a water hazard, prompting Day to it would hit the back of the green. If I ment, organizers citing security rea- hole to hole as darkness de- nerves under the stress of shotmaking. also parred 16 and 17 once in Sunday’s leave his second shot short of the water. hit it short it would be perfect.” sons with only 12 course marshals scended on the Paradise Island “When they get bigger they get clos- late-day drama. “I’m not regretting my decision. It’s Day rolled his approach inside of two available to handle the resumption. Ocean Golf Club, birdied three er to the nerve and I get shooting pains Yesterday, Day pulled his tee shot just margins,” said Noren, a nine-time feet from the cup, forcing Noren to try It was the third playoff in as many of the last four holes to fi nish down my legs,” Day said. “I just have to well right to begin the sixth playoff hole European Tour winner seeking his fi rst and hole his 40-yard pitch and run shot weeks on the PGA Tour, all of them at 12-under par, two stokes ahead keep my core strong and hopefully I’m while Noren found the edge of the short US triumph. for birdie. He ran the ball well past, least four holes and two of them lasting of Taiwan’s Hsu Wei-Ling and out here battling when I’m 40 or 45.” rough left of the fairway. “I had the perfect yardage to the pin missed a long par putt and took the bo- at least six. three strokes ahead of world number one Shanshan Feng and South Korea’s Amy Yang. “My putter really saved me all day,” a smiling Lincicome said final three rounds. But he hit some the tee. after being covered in shaving creative and brilliant recovery shots “These are some of the narrowest cream during an on-course cel- Woods and putted well to eke out a respect- fairways on tour and when I don’t ebration. “I made a lot of great able top-30 finish in his first off icial have my best stuff — and today was par saves and birdies and I’m just event since having a spinal fusion windy — it compounded it. It made it on cloud nine,” said the 32-year- passes test last April. very diff icult for me.” old, who also won the title last “Overall I thought I did pretty well Woods expressed satisfaction year. this week,” the American said after with his short game but despite ap- The 23-year-old Hsu held a with flying a closing even-par 72 in strong and parently coming through the week one stroke lead late on Sunday gusty winds. without aggravating his back he and looked to have the momen- “Some of the shots I had to hit out would not reveal his schedule lead- tum after saving par on the dif- colours of the rough, out of the trees, a few ing up to the Masters in April. fi cult par-four 16th with a shot times I had to jack up the speed and He is due to play the Genesis Open from off the green that took a La Jolla, California: After finishing had no issues at all (with my body). at Riviera in Los Angeles in three couple of hops before hitting the three under par at the Farmers In- “The big concern was playing out weeks, while he is also expected to pin and dropping into the hole. surance Open on Sunday, an upbeat of the rough. I hadn’t played out of play two or three tournaments in But Hsu missed two short Tiger Woods declared his surgically- rye grass since last year. I hit some Florida before heading to Augusta. putts on the back nine, one for fused back had passed its first big really good ones out of there. Unfor- “I haven’t built out my schedule. birdie on 14 that would have test with flying colours. tunately I put myself in there.” We want to see how I was swinging given her a two-stroke lead and Woods found the sticky rye grass Though not thrilled with some of after one tournament and reassess another on 17 that resulted in a rough with monotonous regularly his wayward drives, he pointed out where I’m at,” he said. bogey that put Lincicome ahead at Torrey Pines South course, hitting that he was not the only one to have “It’s nice to see I was able to still for good. only three fairways in each of the trouble finding the short grass off grind,” Woods said. The next LPGA tournament is the Australian Open in Adelaide, South Australia from Feb. 15.

BASKETBALL MOTORCYCLING Al Wakrah Double delight as Yamaha stars knock out top Sepang test

AFP on track with his bike spitting Al Gharafa Sepang flames. Testing began with damp patches By Sports Reporter points, while Al Gharafa were on the track after overnight rain but Doha restricted to just 15. Earnest averick Vinales was the conditions became scorching hot Ross with 18 and Marcus John- fastest rider on day two later in the day. son with 14 were the other con- of the 2018 test at Ma- British rider Crutchlow said he l Wakrah and Al Arabi tributors for Al Wakrah. For Al laysia’s Sepang circuit was happy with his bike and was scored narrow wins in Gharafa, James Justice scored MMonday, with his Yamaha teammate concentrating on its set-up. two thrilling matches 20, while Sammy Monroe had Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow of Spain’s Marc Marquez, a four-time in the second leg of 18 and Omar Abdelkader Salem rival Honda close behind. MotoGP champion, came in seventh, theA Qatar Basketball League 13. Looking comfortable on his new 0.347seconds off the pace, while his semi-fi nal playoff s at Al Al Arabi were off to a fast bike, Spain’s Vinales logged 1min teammate and countryman Dani Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. start, taking a comfortable 24- 59.355 seconds — 0.035sec faster than Pedrosa, was 12th in 1min.59.999 While Al Wakrah edged Al 12 lead at the end of the fi rst Rossi, a nine-times world champion. seconds. Gharafa 78-73, overcoming a 10 minutes, but lost steam af- Both the Yamaha riders worked Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, a three 30-38 defi cit in the process, Al ter that allowing their rivals to on improving the power of their new time MotoGP champion, registered Arabi scraped past Qatar Sports claw back. Yamaha engines, body positioning 1.59.498 seconds on his Ducati to Club 77-73, after trailing 50-56 Although they maintained and extending tyre life. take fourth. His teammate Andrea at the end of the third quar- an edge, leading 33-26 after the “Today, it was a competitive day. Dovizioso fi nished eighth — 0.377 ter. With this win, Al Wakrah second period, a sensational The fi ght (in the 2018 MotoGP race) seconds slower than Vinales. have entered the fi nal, having 30-point eff ort in the next 10 is going to be tight,” Rossi said. Australia’s Jack Miller who was beaten Al Gharafa in the fi rst minutes literally turned the “The new fairings are good. The fi fth logged 1min 59.509 seconds on a two games of the three-match tables, with Qatar Sports Club front tyre now has more contact with Ducati. Frenchman Johann Zarco, in semi-fi nal series. taking a 56-50 advantage into the track,” he told reporters. his second year in the top class on a Al Arabi and Qatar Sports the fi nal session. However, Last season Rossi and Vinales Yamaha, fi nished sixth quickest with club are tied 1-1 and will clash with both teams fi ghting tooth struggled with Yamaha’s 2017 chas- a time of 1min 59.702. in the third match tomorrow to and nail, it was Al Arabi who sis, poor rear tyre grip and rapid tyre Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci of Italy decide who will meet Al Wak- prevailed, scoring 27 points to degradation. was ninth at 1min 59.747sec, Suzuki’s rah in the fi nal. clinch a deserved victory. Rossi, 38, is the oldest rider in the Andrea Iannone came in 10th with a Adamu Saaka was the hero Gueye Talla was the top- MotoGP race. There is much specu- time of 1.59.917sec and Spain’s Aleix for Al Wakrah with 27 points as scorer for Al Arabi with 21 lation about whether he will race in Espargaro on an Aprilia fi nished 11th they overcame an eight-point points, while Khalid Suliman the 2019 season — a question he says — 0.570sec off the pace. halfway defi cit to prevail over Abdi had 19 and Nicolas Stover he will answer after this year’s season Honda MotoGP rider Dani Ped- their opponents. 16 in a match which saw the begins. rosa was quickest on Sunday, the fi rst The turning point of the lead change 10 times. There was a moment of drama day of testing. Dovizioso was second game came in the fi nal period For Qatar Sports Club, Mo- on the circuit when Suzuki’s An- fastest and Lorenzo came in third. which saw Al Wakrah score 22 hamed Yousif scored 21. drea Iannone was forced to stop The testing ends Tuesday. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 30, 2018 3 CRICKET

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP Australia end Afghanistan run to reach fi nal AFP run at this year’s tournament, 80 balls. But he played a lone turn catch to Ahmed to give Af- Christchurch defeating Pakistan and Sri Lanka hand and could not fi nd a part- ghanistan a sniff . When Merlo in the group stages, then thrash- ner at the other end as regular and Edwards fell in the space of ing hosts New Zealand by 202 dismissals prevented the Af- 4 runs, Australia were in strife at ustralia cruised into runs to make the fi nal four for ghans from building any mo- 129 for 4. the fi nal of the Un- the fi rst time. mentum. They struggled to 86 Suddenly, the ball was turn- der-19 World Cup with But their batsmen failed to fi re for four at the halfway mark and ing, bouncing and beating the an easy six-wicket win against Australia, leaving a spin- hopes of a signifi cant total ended batsmen. There were regular overA Afghanistan at Hagley Oval heavy attack little to defend. when Ikram departed on 80. appeals for stumpings and runs in Christchurch . “We did a bit of research on Afghanistan ended their in- were hard to come by. The three-time champions their spinners and thought it’d nings all out for 181 after 48 After registering victories by chased down Afghanistan’s tar- be a good idea to take the game to overs. Afghanistan started poor- big margins in their previous get of 182 at a canter, losing just them,” Edwards said. “Try to get ly with the ball as Darwish Ra- matches, in-form India will take four wickets as they reached them before they get us. sooli put down a sitter at cover on Pakistan in the semi-fi nal at it with more than 12 overs re- “The pitch was pretty slow, point to reprieve Edwards in the the Hagley Oval today. India lead maining. Australian allrounder probably gave us a bit of time to fourth over. That was the trigger the head-to-head battle 12-8 Jonathan Merlo took four for read the spin, which helped.” for Edwards to lay into the bowl- against Pakistan at the Under 19 24 with the ball before opening Afghanistan won the toss and ers, particularly Zadran. level. One match fi nished in a tie. batsman Jack Edwards smashed surprisingly chose to bat in hu- Edwards’ fi re blended well 72 in a man-of the-match knock. mid conditions, making a slow with captain Sangha’s ice as Brief scores: Afghanistan 181 They will play the winner of start after losing opening bats- the two went about milking the (Ikram Ali Khil 80, Rahmanul- today’s semi-fi nal between India man Ibraham Zadran early. runs during the course of a 79- lah 20; Jonathan Merlo 4/24) and Pakistan in the tournament Ikram Ali Khil worked hard to run stand for the second wicket. against Australia 182/4 (Jack decider on Saturday. steady proceedings, patiently Sangha, in an attempt to drive Edwards 72, Param Uppal 32 not Australia’s Jonathan Merlo (left) and Jack Edwards during their U-19 World Cup semi-final against Afghani- Afghanistan have had a dream bringing up his half century off on the up, chipped a simple re- out; Qais Ahmad 2/35). stan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (AFP)

INDIA-SOUTH AFRICA TEST SERIES REVIEW TEST PREVIEW Bangladesh to face Positives for both upbeat Sri Lanka AFP SQUADS Chittagong, Bangladesh Bangladesh: Mahmudullah Riyad (capt), Tamim Iqbal, angladesh are depend- Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, ing on their spin force Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, led by veteran Abdur Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Razzaq to deliver the Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, openingB punch against Sri Lanka sides, hosts grapple Kamrul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, in the fi rst of two Tests starting Rubel Hossain, Naeem Hasan, tomorrow. Sunzamul Islam, Tanbir Hay- Razzaq, 35, was the third spin- der, Abdur Razzak. ner added to the squad for the Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal match in Chittagong after skip- (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, per and star all-rounder Shakib Danushka Gunathilaka, Al Hasan was ruled out with a Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya with pitch woes fi nger injury. de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Uncapped left-arm orthodox Roshen Silva, Rangana Herath, ‘South Africa played better than us in the first two games so they deserved to win but we deserved spinner Sunzumul Islam and leg- Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Per- spinner Tanbir Hayder are also era, Dushmantha Chameera, to win this game. At many moments in the first two games we put them under pressure’ part of the 16-man squad to be Lakshan Sandakan, Akila led by Mahmudullah Riyad. Raz- Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage, zak, who played the last of his 12 Lahiru Kumara. Tests against West Indies in 2014, is determined to prove that the selectors made the right call. when the visitors drew the two- “Shakib is the best player, match series 1-1. not just in our team (but) he is Sri Lanka, led by Dinesh also the best all-rounder in the Chandimal, are upbeat after world,” Razzak told reporters in their recent triumph in the tri- Chittagong yesterday. series one-day international “It’s diffi cult to replace him tournament. They beat Bangla- because you need to pick a bowl- desh in Dhaka on Saturday. er and batsman in his place and They will also seek inspiration still there is no guarantee that from their 2-0 Test triumph over they will perform equally good. Pakistan in the UAE last year. “I will try to play my normal However, Sri Lanka also have game without trying anything a gap to fi ll after veteran all- extraordinary,” the left-arm rounder Angelo Mathews was spinner said. Bangladesh have ruled out of the fi rst game due been a dominant home side after to injury. Manager Asanka Gu- registering memorable Test wins rusinha confi rmed that the team against England and Australia in would not seek a replacement the 2016-17 season. for Mathews. Bangladesh and Sri But their only Test win against Lanka have so far played 18 Tests Sri Lanka came in their land- against each other, with the is- mark 100th Test in Colombo, landers winning 15 of them.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Teenager Sandeep’s breakthrough boosts Nepal cricket hopes

AFP The ICC banned CAN in April Kathmandu 2016 over political interference India captain Virat Kohli (right) and bowler Jasprit Bumrah (centre) celebrate the dismissal of South African batsman Ab de Villiers during the fourth day of the third Test in in the running of the domestic Johannesburg on Saturday. (AFP) governing body, but continued eenage leg-spinner to allow Nepal’s national teams Reuters The Newlands wicket for the fi rst test Sandeep Lamichhane to participate in top events. The Johannesburg was what South Africa had been calling for, could boost the sag- ICC has been working with CAN pace and bounce, and their bowlers had ging fortunes of Ne- to draft a new constitution, but too much skill for the tourists. The second Tpal’s scandal-tainted domestic negotiations hit a roadblock outh Africa’s triumph in their home Test was quite the opposite, a track that was cricket with his breakthrough after the Nepal side refused to Test series against India was a tale more Pune than Pretoria, suiting India. deal to become part of the Indian adopt the proposed text. of three pitches as the ball domi- When the post-mortem on the series is Premier League, offi cials said “It is concerning that CAN nated the bat and the tourists made done, it is this match they will look back on yesterday. did not adopt the constitution aS statement about their ability to win in all and feel they let victory slip from their fi n- Lamichhane, 17, made history as proposed,” said ICC Deputy conditions. gers. Sunday becoming the fi rst crick- Chairman Imran Khwaja ahead South Africa claimed victory in the fi rst A fl at South Africa pitched up for the eter from Nepal to land an IPL of the weekend negotiations in two Tests in Cape Town and Pretoria, before third game in Johannesburg on a snake-pit contract when he was picked by Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. India triumphed in what will be much more that saw balls spitting up off a good length. the Delhi Daredevils for $31,466 “In addition to this there re- than a mere consolation success on a spite- The fact that India were able to come away during a player auction ahead mains a number of other rein- ful wicket in Johannesburg. from the game with a 63-run victory is a of the Twenty20 tournament, statement conditions outstand- “This is one of our sweetest wins,” India massive credit to the players, who are often which starts in April. ing that need to be addressed as captain Virat Kohli told reporters. “This day criticised for their inability to handle con- “Sandeep has created his- a matter of urgency.” will be remembered for a long time for us as ditions outside of the sub-continent. tory for Nepal and has sent out Lamichhane is currently a team. We already had the belief but now a positive message about Nepali training in Dubai with Nepal’s we have the result to back that as well. PITCH PERFECT cricket,” Chumbi Lama of the national team ahead of the Divi- “South Africa played better than us in the South Africa’s issue will be the how to Cricket Association of Nepal sion Two of the World Cricket fi rst two games so they deserved to win but prepare pitches that are a more even contest (CAN) told AFP. League in Namibia next month. we deserved to win this game. At many mo- between bat and ball, with a four-match “He has also opened doors for Nepal needs to fi nish in the ments in the fi rst two games we put them home series looming against Australia in other Nepali players to make a top two to take part in the World under pressure.” March. mark internationally.” Cup qualifi ers in Zimbabwe in In a series between top-ranked India and “We never asked for something excessive. Lamichhane’s entry into the March. Nepal has never qualifi ed second-placed South Africa that had just We never asked for extra grass. All we asked cash-rich league comes on the for the World Cup. one century scored in 12 completed innings, for was a typical South African wicket that heels of weekend meetings be- “I am worried that the dis- and in which all 120 wickets were taken, it has pace and bounce,” captain Faf du Plessis tween the International Cricket pute over the Cricket Associa- was a massive test of grit, application and said. Council (ICC) and CAN about end- tion of Nepal has been aff ecting guts, and both teams will take positives. “So we’re pretty disappointed with that. ing Nepal’s two-year suspension the development of cricket in India also ensured they will retain the It’s disappointing to see that once again from the global governing body. Nepal and players’ career en- number one ranking past the April cut-off we’re not getting it right. I don’t know how “We have had series of meet- hancement,” said Nepal’s former date for this year, which will earn them $1 to answer it or how to change it, but it obvi- ings with ICC and are hopeful skipper and one-time mentor to million as a reward. ously needs to improve.” South Africa’s Dean Elgar avoids a bouncer in the Johannesburg Test. (Reuters) for a reinstatement,” said Lama. Lamichhane, Raju Khadka. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 30, 2018 SPORT

PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES Russia suspended, some athletes exempt AFP taining the suspension of the Russian McLaren fi ndings. this.” Wada probes possible fl aw in test bottles Bonn Paralympic Committee (RPC)”. IPC president Andrew Parsons Russian Para athletes were now “However, in recognition of the said that in 2016 “the anti-doping regularly tested and “amongst the The World Anti-Doping Agency said Sunday measures, if needed, in order to maintain the progress made by the RPC in improv- system in Russia was found to be to- most scrutinised Para athletes in the it had launched an investigation into a pos- integrity of the doping control process.” The ussia’s team will be sus- ing its anti-doping activities, it will tally compromised, corrupted and world”, he said. sible glitch in drug-testing kits which could agency said it was alerted to the possible pended from the Paral- allow eligible Russian Para athletes open to abuse”. “Under the supervision of Wada, allow sample bottles to be opened manually. flaw by the Cologne laboratory on January ympic Winter Games in who meet strict conditions to com- “This made it impossible to de- we now have greater confi dence that Wada said in a statement it had been alerted 19. The lab had found that the bottle “may Pyeongchang, but individu- pete in fi ve sports under the name termine which Russian Para athletes the anti-doping system in Russia is by an accredited laboratory in Cologne that potentially be susceptible to manual opening alR athletes will be allowed to compete Neutral Paralympic Athlete (NPA),” were clean and which were not; it no longer compromised or corrupt- bottles manufactured by Swiss manufac- ‘upon freezing’ of a sample.” Wada said it had under a neutral fl ag, the Interna- it said. was clear that Russia’s participation ed.” turer Berlinger could be opened after being contacted Berlinger over the issue, and the tional Paralympics Committee said Eligible Para athletes from Russia in Para sport events would severely Russia’s Paralympic committee frozen. The glass containers, known as the Swiss company later responded that it had yesterday. will be allowed to compete in alpine question the integrity and credibility deputy chief Rima Batalova said BEREG-KIT Geneva, were touted as the next been unable to replicate the flaw found by The agreement is similar to that skiing, biathlon, cross-country ski- of sporting competition.” the announcement was not a sur- generation of sample bottles after being the German laboratory. “Wada is following put in place to allow able-bodied ing, snowboard and wheelchair curl- Parsons said the measures taken prise. released last year in the wake of the Rus- up with the Cologne Laboratory and Berlin- Russian competitors to take part in ing at the Winter Paralympics then by the IPC were “necessary and “We expected such a decision, sian doping scandal that dogged the 2014 ger to further clarify the testing protocols next month’s Winter Olympics that in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on proportionate” and “essential to en- taking into consideration what has Winter Olympics. It was not clear if the new that have been undertaken to date,” Wada precede the Paralympics. March 9-18, the IPC said at a meet- sure clean sport”. happened to our Olympic team,” Berlinger bottles were due to be used at next said in a statement. “Wada acknowledges Russia was suspended by the IPC ing in the western German city of “Seventeen months on, we face a Batalova told R-Sport agency. month’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. that this situation, if confirmed, will raise in August 2016 following revela- Bonn. diff erent picture in Russia and it is Akzhana Abdikarimova, a Russian Wada did not immediately respond to a concerns and questions. We wish to reassure tions of widespread state-sponsored It said that two key criteria to end important that once again our deci- Paralympic skier and biathlete, said request for clarification from AFP. In its state- athletes and other stakeholders that Wada doping uncovered in a report by the wider suspension were still out- sion is necessary and proportionate the announcement was “not bad”. ment, Wada said it had “initiated an investiga- is resolutely committed to following up with Richard McLaren on behalf of the standing – the full reinstatement of to what is in front of us,” he said. “I already compete as a neutral tion into a potential integrity issue with the Berlinger until the matter is resolved; and World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). the Russian Anti-Doping Agency “Although the RPC remains sus- athlete and expected that events new generation BEREG-KIT Geneva security that, we will keep stakeholders apprised as After a review, the IPC said in a (RUSADA) by Wada, and an offi cial pended they have made signifi cant would develop this way,” she told bottles and will recommend appropriate the situation evolves,” Wada added. statement yesterday that “it is main- response adequately addressing the progress and we have to recognise R-Sport.

RUGBY FOCUS UEFA president to address SIGA Sport Coach Coetzee lays Integrity Forum EFA President Ale- 4. Sponsorship, Brand Value ksander Ceferin will and Reputation – Why does in- deliver a keynote ad- tegrity matter to these stake- dress via video to del- holders and why do they have a Uegates at the third SIGA Sport responsibility to get involved? into SA Rugby in Integrity Forum in Rome today 5. Club Ownership, Players’ where over 200 sports industry Transfers, Financial Flows and leaders, governments, inter- Tax Havens – Is the current fi - national organisations, global nancial model fi t for purpose? business and other key stake- 6. Sports Betting Integrity – holders will gather to tackle the Is enough being done to prevent most serious governance and in- match-fi xing and sports betting tegrity issues eff ecting sport. fraud? sensational letter Jose Manuel Barroso, the 7. Protecting Minors in Sport former prime minister of Por- – Developing a safe pathway to ‘I will fight to protect my hard-earned reputation, which is in the process of being tugal and president of the Euro- the top of professional sport. pean Commission between 2004 Speaking ahead of the Forum, deliberately soiled publicly by elements within SA Rugby’ and 2014, and current Chairman SIGA Coordinator Emanuel of Goldman Sachs International, Macedo de Medeiros said: AFP will also deliver a personal ad- “Sport is at a crossroads. At a Johannesburg dress via video. Building on his time when people’s confi dence vast experience at the helm of in the governance and integ- leading institutions, Barroso rity of world sport is at its low- nder-performing will share his personal insights est level, the timing of the SIGA South Africa coach on how a clean and trustwor- Sport Integrity Forum could not Allister Coetzee says thy sport can infl uence posi- be more appropriate. in a leaked letter that tive change in society and global “This Forum is critically im- Uoffi cials are undermining him economy, and the role of SIGA as portant. It is designed to take the and creating a public impres- a catalyst for reform in the sector. rhetoric of integrity in sport and sion that he is incompetent. The SIGA Sport Integrity Fo- turn it into real reform. We will After only 11 victories in 25 rum will take place at Foro Ital- harness the demand for change Tests during two years guid- ico, home of the Italian National and turn it into tangible progress ing the Springboks, there has Olympic Committee (CONI). in the immediate future. been media speculation that the The third edition of the SIGA Fo- “This is our aim and our 54-year-old faced the sack. rum will once again include live- pledge. The need for action and But the former inter-pro- ly, interactive, highly-informed enhanced collaboration among vincial scrum-half says his ef- and action-orientated panel all stakeholders is greater than forts to build a team capable of discussions featuring a variety ever. This is not a task for one winning the 2019 Rugby World of industry experts. country, one government, one Cup in Japan are being severely The seven panel sessions dur- sporting organisation, in iso- hampered by some offi cials. ing the forum are: 1. Inter-Gov- lation. This is a collective re- Coetzee believes that if he ernmental Round-Table sponsibility. SIGA calls upon does not quit, he risks being re- 2. Kicking Corruption out all stakeholders to stand up and duced to a “ceremonial coach” of Sport – How can we avoid a work together to ensure a trust- reporting to recently appointed legacy of distrust, dishonest and worthy future for sport.” national director of rugby Johan fraud? The SIGA General Assembly “Rassie” Erasmus. 3. Athletes: Champions and will take place the day after the In the letter from Coetzee to Role Models – Inspiring the Fu- forum, also at Italian National SA Rugby, leaked to the media, ture Generations Olympic Committee (CONI). the coach alleges that offi cials “embarked on a deliberate at- tempt to undermine me from Ski queen Shiff rin eyes fantastic four the word go. “(This) creates a public im- pression of incompetence on my part while wilfully obstruct- ing my eff orts to be successful. “I will fi ght to protect my hard-earned reputation, which is in the process of being delib- South Africa coach Allister Coetzee. erately soiled publicly by ele- ments within SA Rugby.” in Durban, a record home loss. Among four 2017 losses were He then worked with a Japa- 1995 and 2007 and were third When Coetzee belatedly suc- Last year, Coetzee got the as- a 57-0 drubbing in New Zea- nese club before becoming only in England three years ago, Co- ceeded Heyneke Meyer in 2016, sistant coaches he wanted after land, a 38-3 thrashing in Ire- the second black coach of the etzee insists he is on the right he did not have time for pre- a reshuffl e and the team un- land, and a 24-22 loss to a vir- Springboks after Peter de Vil- track. season camps and had no say in derwent extensive pre-season tual Wales ‘B’ team. A damning liers. “I was the most success- “I am contracted to 2019... the selection of support staff . training, but there was only statistic is that Coetzee has ful (South African) Super Rugby there has been immense South Africa lost a calendar- a slight improvement in per- not won a Test against a team coach at the time of my (Spring- progress,” he stressed after the year record eight Tests, includ- formances. ranked higher in the world. boks) appointment and was last tour of Europe. In a moment of teen exuberance after winning the 2014 Olympic ing at home to Ireland, away to South Africa did win seven Before becoming national requested to return from Japan Springboks skipper Eben slalom gold, Mikaela Shiff rin blurted out her dream of winning five Argentina and to Italy for the Tests, but six came against coach, Coetzee developed the because my country needed Etzebeth backs his coach: gold medals at the Pyeongchang Games. Now with the showdown fi rst time. poorly performing France Cape Town-based Western me,” the letter read in part. “They (critics of Coetzee) do in South Korea less than two weeks away, the 22-year-old American The Springboks were also and Argentina, and the other Stormers into the consistently Despite only a 44 percent win not always know what they are is leading the Alpine Ski World Cup overall standings and is a serious humiliated 57-15 by greatest ri- against traditional European most successful of the South rate in charge of a country that talking about. I would keep Al- threat for multiple medals. “I still haven’t had a chance to let it sink vals the New Zealand All Blacks minnows Italy. African sides in Super Rugby. lifted the Rugby World Cup in lister as coach.” in,” Shiff rin says of her Sochi success. “I guess the best way to realise it is to just go to Korea and win some more.” Three-time reigning world slalom champion Shiff rin has won nine SPOTLIGHT World Cup races this season, boosting her career total to 40. She captured four races in seven days to begin 2018. In a timely reality check, she overbalanced a missed gate when yards from victory at the Lenzerheide slalom on Sunday, opening the door to her Sloval Unlucky Gray to miss Scotland’s Six Nations opener rival Petra Vhlova. Despite the error, she figures to be favoured in Olympic slalom and giant slalom. She is also likely to chase the Reuters British and Irish Lions, with his last ap- will entrust with the number nine jersey. month with a torn thigh muscle, his club combined crown, and could make a run at the downhill as well. “If I Dublin pearance for his country coming against Scotland’s last international was a Montpellier said yesterday. compete in four events, it’s because I think I have shot to medal in England in the 2017 Six Nations as he record 53-24 victory over Australia in The 29-year-old lasted 24 minutes of four events,” Shiff rin said. “Five might be biting off too much. Even battled with a long-term back injury for November, while they ended a nine- Sunday’s crucial 30-29 victory away to though I did go on record saying I want five gold medals – I want the cotland lock Richie Gray has much of last year. game losing streak against Wales in last Clermont that allowed Montpellier to world and (to be) the king of the universe and all those things.” This been ruled out of the Six Nations Better news for Scotland is that year’s Six Nations. retain fi rst place in the Top 14 table. time, Shiff rin is a target rather than a talented prodigy and has had opener against Wales in Cardiff scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw has returned They have not won any of their last With the Six Nations due to start this to deal with fame and success and its impact on training time. “I feel on Saturday with a calf problem, from injury and came through two out- eight visits to the Cardiff though, with weekend, Cruden is likely to miss only like my face has been out there more than it was four years ago,” anotherS setback in his bid to regain his ings for French Top-14 side Clermont their previous victory a 27-22 success in one match, away to Oyonnax on Febru- Shiff rin said. “It’s adding more that I have to manage and still be able place in the side. Auvergne unscathed. 2002. ary 17. to go back to training and keep my nose to the grindstone. Some- The Toulouse player will remain in He will battle with incumbent Ali Price Cruden, who has been capped 50 times times the next challenge feels like the very next day of skiing. The France for rehabilitation and it is unclear for a starting berth at the Principal- All Black Cruden out for by the All Blacks, joined Montpellier this challenge is to find ways to improve. I was at the top in slalom and how long he will be sidelined for, Scot- ity Stadium on Saturday, with one of the up to a month season after fi ve years at the Chiefs in his now the top at giant slalom. I need to work on building my strength, tish Rugby said yesterday. major talking points ahead of the clash New Zealand international fl y-half homeland, with whom he twice won the technique and speed and it’s more in practice than it is in events.” Gray has 65 caps, including one for the focusing on who coach Gregor Townsend Aaron Cruden will be out for up to a Super Rugby title. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 30, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Walker’s touchdown catches lift AFC to Clippers rally from 21 Pro Bowl victory

AFP whether it’s Denver or Or- Miami lando.” Each player on the win- ning team took $64,000, twice ennessee Titans tight what those on the losing team down to top Pelicans end Delanie Walker received. caught two touchdown Drew Brees fl ipped an ‘We never feel like we are out of a game. We find hope in being naive’ passes to lift the Amer- 8-yard touchdown pass to Tican Football Conference over Adam Thielen to cap the AFP the National Football Confer- game’s opening drive and Los Angeles ence 24-23 Sunday in the 73rd put the National Conference NFL Pro Bowl all-star game. ahead 7-0. The American Conference’s Americans kicker Chris lake Griffi n sank a clutch second win in a row gave them Boswell booted a 41-yard three-pointer as the Los a 23-22 edge in the all-time fi eld goal and Graham Gano Angeles Clippers com- rivalry when the conference responded from 43 for the pleted the team’s great- format has been used to select Nationals. Harrison Smith, a estB road comeback since 2004 elite squads. Minnesota Vikings linebacker, with a 112-103 win over the New Players for next Sunday’s returned an interception of a Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Super Bowl teams, the de- Ben Roethlisberger 79 yards Griffi n drained his three- fending champion New Eng- for a touchdown to boost the pointer with 43 seconds re- land Patriots and Philadelphia National Conference lead to maining en route to a 27-point Eagles, were not eligible to 17-3. performance against the Peli- play in the showdown at Or- Smith guided the Ameri- cans who were playing their fi rst lando, Florida. cans near the goal line before a game since a leg injury ended the Derek Carr, who completed Patrick Peterson pickoff ended season of all-star center DeMar- 11-of-15 passes for 114 yards, the march and a 40-yard Gano cus Cousins. connected with Walker on an fi eld goal put the Nationals Griffi n also had 12 assists for 18-yard touchdown pass with ahead 20-3 at half-time. the Clippers, who rallied from 91 seconds remaining and Smith’s touchdown toss to a 21-point fi rst-half defi cit and Chris Boswell’s conversion Walker pulled the Americans ended the Pelicans’ four-game kick gave the American Con- closer and Carr’s 39-yard pass win streak. ference a 24-23 lead. to T.Y. Hilton set up LeSean Griffi n said they got an ear- Walker also caught a 4-yard McCoy’s 2-yard touchdown ful at halftime about their play touchdown pass from Alex run that lifted the Americans in the fi rst half from coach Doc Smith on the fi rst American within 20-17 late in the third Rivers. Conference march of the sec- quarter. “He got into us a little bit. He ond half in a rainstorm. Gano split the uprights from said all the things we needed “It made it very diffi cult,” 38 yards for his third fi eld goal to hear,” Griffi n said. “When Walker said. “It’s hard to catch to boost the lead to 23-17 and coaches say what you need to the ball when it’s raining. But Peterson intercepted Carr to hear and players come out and that’s our job.” shut down another American execute on it, it’s a perfect har- Jared Goff tried to rally the Conference drive with 8:46 mony.” National Conference but Den- remaining. Lou Williams tallied 22 points, ver defender Von Miller forced But the Nationals surren- DeAndre Jordan had 12 points a fumble and recovered it to dered the ball on downs in and 19 rebounds, and Tyrone end the fi nal threat. their own half of the fi eld to Wallace scored 19 points in the “That’s my job. I’ve got to give the Americans posses- win. rush,” Miller said. “That’s sion, setting up the go-ahead “We never feel like we are out where I make my money, scoring drive. of a game. We fi nd hope in being naive,” Williams said. “We never think we are going to lose.” Anthony Davis had 25 points Eagles touch down in chilly and 17 rebounds for the Peli- Minneapolis ahead of Super Bowl cans, who missed star forward Cousins after he tore his Achilles The Philadelphia Eagles landed in Minneapolis amid frigid tendon in the fi nal minute of Fri- Blake Griff in of the LA Clippers drained a three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining en route to a 27-point performance in a 112-103 win over the temperatures a week ahead of their Super Bowl clash with day’s win over Houston. Cousins New Orleans Pelicans. (AFP) the New England Patriots. Decked out in suits, ties, gloves and was averaging 25.2 points and headphones, the players carried their luggage down the jet- 12.9 rebounds when he went eighth straight loss. Raptors’ Casey to coach Team LeBron way around noon local time as they begin their quest to bring down. Russell Westbrook barely home the franchise’s first Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Eagles The Pelicans suff ered just missed a triple-double with 37 Dwane Casey will be the Toronto 347-299 in nine seasons as an losing team will still receive $25K are up against a Patriots team looking to win back-to-back their second loss in their last points, 14 assists and nine re- Raptors’ first-ever head coach in NBA head coach, including 294- each, the winners are getting championships and secure a record-tying sixth Super Bowl vic- nine contests. bounds, and the Oklahoma City the All-Star Game, as he will guide 230 in seven campaigns with $50K more than in years prior. tory in the 52nd edition of the NFL’s title game. Elsewhere, Giannis Antetok- Thunder held on for a 122-112 LeBron James’ team on February the Raptors. He’s helped them to This is separate from any bonuses The Pittsburgh Steelers (six) are the only team with more NFL ounmpo scored 27 points to lead win over the Philadelphia 76ers. 18 at Staples Centre. The Raptors’ the four winningest seasons in players will receive from their championships than the Patriots, who will be making their his Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-96 Paul George fi nished with 31 win on Sunday guaranteed them franchise history and four straight own teams. The players see it as 10th Super Bowl appearance and their third in four seasons. win over the Chicago Bulls. points as the Thunder won their at least the second-best record in trips to the playoff s, including a welcome change. “I think guys New England enjoyed the upper hand when the two teams last The all-star forward added eighth consecutive game, which the Eastern Conference through the franchise’s first-ever Eastern will definitely take the game more met in the Super Bowl in 2005, beat Philadelphia 24-21. The nine rebounds and eight assists is the longest active streak in the February 4. Brad Stevens, who Conference Finals appearance seriously. In the last couple of Eagles also lost the championship game in 1981. The Patriots to help the Bucks improve to 3-0 NBA. heads the East-leading Boston two seasons ago. years, the games haven’t been are scheduled to arrive on Monday after getting a send-off by since interim coach Joe Prunty Steven Adams notched a dou- Celtics, is not eligible for the good, and we’re all aware of that. fans at their home field in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where replaced the fi red Jason Kidd. ble-double with 20 points and 13 honor after coaching in last NBA will boost pay for Regardless of that, I think guys are they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in the AFC title In Toronto, Fred VanVleet rebounds. year’s All-Star Game. Casey will be winners in All-Star Game going to come out and compete. game a week ago. The Eagles crushed the Minnesota Vikings came off the bench to score a coaching against two of his own The picking teams format won’t But that’s a big incentive, for sure. 38-7 in the NFC decider to advance. Players and coaches from career-high 25 points as the To- RESULTS players, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle be the only big change at this We’re going to be diving for loose both teams will take part in media night at the arena of the ronto Raptors manhandled the Cleveland ...... 121 Detroit ...... 104 Lowry, after both were picked year’s NBA All-Star Game. balls out there,” Boston Celtics NHL’s Minnesota Wild on Monday and hold news conferences visiting Los Angeles Lakers 123- Toronto ...... 123 LA Lakers ...... 111 by Western Conference captain The league will try to boost forward Al Horford told ESPN. on Tuesday through Thursday. Meanwhile the Indianapolis 111 at the Air Canada Center. San Antonio ...... 113 Sacramento ...... 98 Stephen Curry in this week’s draft. competitiveness in the game by Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving Colts remain on track to hire New England Patriots off ensive LeBron James had 25 points, 14 Oklahoma City ..122 Philadelphia...... 112 Houston Rockets head coach increasing the bonus for players and Golden State Warriors sharp- coordinator Josh McDaniels as their next head coach according assists, and narrowly missed his New Orleans .103 LA Clippers ...... 112 Mike D’Antoni had already been on the winning team to $100,000 shooter Klay Thompson also said to a report Sunday. The Colts can’t off icially off er McDaniels a second straight triple-double, as Chicago ...... 96 Milwaukee ...... 110 named to coach Team Stephen. apiece, according to ESPN’s Chris they expect the change in pay to contract until the Patriots’ season ends next Sunday when they the Cleveland Cavaliers beat De- Houston...... 113 Phoenix ...... 102 The 60-year-old Casey has gone Haynes. While players on the be a huge incentive.. play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. troit 121-104. It was the Pistons’

NHL Rakell powers Pacifi c past Atlantic in All-Star Game AFP aren’t shooting the puck, they’re Boeser, who turns 21 next Tampa trying to make pretty sauce month, picked up a Gaudreau re- passes,” Los Angeles Kings de- bound and scored into an empty fenceman Doughty said. net to make it 2-0. weden’s Rickard Rakell “But we were playing in the fi - fi nished with two goals nal for a big chunk of money so Eichel minus three and an assist as Team Pa- we were like, ‘We might as well Atlantic forward Eichel, who cifi c pocketed the $1 mil- give ‘er.’ We did give ‘er.” was held pointless, committed a lionS bonus with a 5-2 win over Detroit Red Wings defence- team-high two giveaways as he Team Atlantic in the 2018 NHL man Mike Green scored both and his linemate Auston Math- All-Star Game on Sunday. goals for the Atlantic, who ad- ews both fi nished a minus-three. Rakell scored the opening goal vanced to the fi nal with a 7-4 After Green scored his fi rst and the fi nal one in the cham- win over the Sidney Crosby-led of two, Doughty restored the pionship game for Team Pacifi c, Metropolitan Division. two-goal lead for the Pacifi c to capping a four-team three-on- make it 3-1. Gaudreau and Rakell three tournament made up of Vancouver Canucks rookie scored the second-period goals players from each NHL division. forward Brock Boeser for the Pacifi c. The 11 all-stars from the Pa- picked up the lion’s share of “The only thing that prob- cifi c Division will divide the $1 awards, collecting $90,000 ably didn’t fall our way was the million prize money between and new car as Most Atlantic didn’t win,” said Tampa them. Valuable Player. Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, “It’s not the only cash, it gets who coached the Atlantic. “But competitive. It’s the three-on- The Pacifi c defeated Team other than that, it was an unbe- three format and we were pretty Central 5-2 in the other semi- lievable event.” excited,” Johnny Gaudreau said. fi nal. Mike Smith and Marc-Andre Vancouver Canucks rookie The mini-tournament games Fleury combined to stop nine of forward Brock Boeser picked up lasted just two periods instead of 11 shots they faced in the contest. the lion’s share of awards, col- the standard three periods dur- Each of them played 10 minutes. lecting $90,000 and new car as ing the regular season. The game was competitive Most Valuable Player. Rakell, 24, opened the scoring until the fi nal minute. With the He is the second rookie in NHL just 59 seconds in for the Pacifi c outcome decided, Smith at- history to win the award, along as he picked up a Anze Kopitar tempted to become the fi rst with Mario Lemieux in 1985. rebound and beat Atlantic goal- goaltender to score a goal in an Boeser, Gaudreau and Drew tender Andrei Vasilevskiy. all-star game. Doughty each tallied a goal and Team Pacifi c added to their He had two cracks at it but an assist for the Pacifi c, who lead halfway through the fi rst by missed right the fi rst time and outshot the Atlantic 19-11. taking advantage of a giveaway then left on the second long- “In the fi rst game, you kind by Atlantic forward Jack Eichel arching attempt as time on the Pacific Division forward Rickard Rakell (centre) of the Anaheim Ducks shoots the puck on Central Division goalie Pekka Rinne of the Nashville of mess around a little bit, guys at his own blueline. clock ran out. Predators during the 2018 NHL All Star Game at Amalie Arena in Tampa. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 30, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mourinho ‘won’t Sanchez set for stand in way’ of Zlatan MLS move AFP “He told me nothing about it,” League debut, Klopp Manchester, United Kingdom Mourinho told a press briefi ng. “The fi rst time I read something about that was from you, from latan Ibrahimovic will be you media. I read on some web allowed to leave Man- and listened on some television chester United for Ma- channel. He never mentioned jor League Soccer if a that to me, so I don’t know. under pressure Zdeal can be agreed, manager “Zlatan is in the last year of his Jose Mourinho said yesterday. contract. I repeat, he said noth- The former Sweden striker has ing about it to me, but if, if, if that been heavily linked with a move is true and Zlatan wants a future Chelsea host Bournemouth, runaway leaders Manchester City take on West Brom to LA Galaxy following Alexis at another club in another coun- Sanchez’s recent arrival at Old try, we are here to create condi- AFP Traff ord from Arsenal. tions for that to happen, not to London Ibrahimovic, 36, has strug- make his life diffi cult. gled to regain his best form af- “But I repeat the only thing ter missing seven months with Zlatan told me, or the last thing lexis Sanchez is poised to make cruciate knee ligament damage that Zlatan told me was that he his Premier League debut for suff ered during a Europa League wants to recover totally and feel Manchester United against win over Anderlecht last April. ready to help the team. That’s the Spurs tomorrow as Liverpool He signed a one-year contract last thing I heard from him.” seekA to halt a mini-slump after their extension in August as he recov- Mourinho is optimistic that spectacular win against Manchester City. ered from his injury but has made Marouane Fellaini will sign a new Elsewhere in a full set of midweek fi x- just one league start for United contract at Old Traff ord, despite tures Chelsea host Bournemouth, runa- since his comeback in Novem- uncertainty about the midfi eld- way leaders Manchester City take on ber and has not played since De- er’s future. Fellaini is out of con- West Brom and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is cember 26 because of recurring tract at the end of this season and set to make his debut for Arsenal against problems. has yet to agree a new deal but Swansea. Here are some of the major talk- The MLS transfer window wants to stay at United, accord- ing points ahead of this week’s matches. opens in mid-February and shuts ing to the manager. in May, meaning that LA Galaxy “He’s a very important player THE SANCHEZ FACTOR would not have to get an agree- for me and a great professional A few weeks ago Jose Mourinho looked ment with United concluded who is giving everything he can glum, forced to fend off rumours that he before Wednesday’s English to help the team,” said Mourinho. is unhappy in Manchester and that he deadline. Mourinho, speaking “There is a desire from myself, was disappointed with the relative lack of ahead of United’s away fi xture the board and the player to stay spending power at his disposal. against Tottenham tomorrow, together. That’s our objective.” It’s probably too late for Manchester made clear that Ibrahimovic had Mourinho signed a new con- United to catch Pep Guardiola’s Man- not spoken to him about a move tract of his own last week, com- chester City but Mourinho is looking to the United States, but added mitting him to United until 2020, upbeat after signing a contract extension that he was willing to help a deal and said he did so because he felt and boosting his fi repower with the sign- go through if that was what the that the club’s ambition matches ing of Alexis Sanchez. striker wanted. his own. The Chile international sparkled dur- ing the routine 4-0 FA Cup victory against lowly Yeovil Town on Friday but it was his hard work as much as his creative play that caught the eye of his new team- mates. “Obviously we know his quality on the ball, he’s amazing, but his fi ght, Alexis Sanchez sparkled during Manchester United’s routine 4-0 FA Cup victory against lowly Yeovil Town on Friday. (Reuters) the way he defends, he’s the fi rst player to defend — I really like it,” said midfi elder Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup win at Anfi eld. top four. Liverpool are currently in fourth petition from the likes of Mezut Ozil. “He Ander Herrera But despite their uptick in form, spot, two points clear of Tottenham and can play in diff erent positions,” said Ar- Pardew desperately needs the points to fi ve ahead of Arsenal. sene Wenger. “But personally I see him GUARDIOLA WANTS PLAYER PRO- pull his side out of the relegation zone. Klopp admits his side does not have the fi rst in a wide position, but I’m thinking TECTION luxury of time. “A long run starts with the about him a possibility to play through Pep Guardiola has called for better pro- LIVERPOOL MUST REGAIN FOCUS fi rst game and that’s on Tuesday,” he said. the middle.” tection for players after forward Leroy Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were brought Sane injured his ankle in Manchester quickly down to earth after their stunning WHERE WILL MKHITARYAN PLAY FIXTURES (1945 GMT UNLESS STATED): City’s FA Cup tie against Championship victory against Premier League leaders FOR ARSENAL? Today: Swansea v Arsenal, West Ham v side Cardiff . Manchester City, losing their next game Henrikh Mkhitaryan played second fi d- Crystal Palace, Huddersfield v Liverpool But City are unlikely to get an easy against bottom club Swansea. That de- dle to Alexis Sanchez in the swap deal (2000 GMT) ride against Alan Pardew’s West Brom, feat brought an end to their 18-game un- between Manchester United and Arsenal Tomorrow: Chelsea v Bournemouth, who have amassed the second-highest beaten run and was followed by an FA Cup but he has a point to prove. The Arme- Everton v Leicester, Newcastle v Burnley, number of yellow cards this season in reverse to West Brom at Anfi eld. nia international found it diffi cult to nail Southampton v Brighton, Manchester City the Premier League (47).West Brom have The Cup loss removes their best chance down a starting berth at Old Traff ord v West Brom (2000 GMT), Stoke v Watford three wins and a draw in their past four of silverware this season and will further and may struggle to occupy his preferred (2000 GMT), Tottenham v Manchester Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not played since December 26 because of fi xtures in all competitions, including focus minds on the need to fi nish in the creative number 10 role because of com- United (2000 GMT) recurring injury problems.

Gharafa ROUND-UP TRANSFER get Madibo Man City target Laporte Arsenal agree club-record from £55.5mn fee for Aubameyang Duhail announces Bilbao exit By Dominic Fifield The Guardian Doha: Al Gharafa have signed ymeric Laporte yes- ment with him. But I repeat Asim Madibo from Al Duhail terday announced he our attempt will be made with till the end of this season. was leaving Athletic every eff ort possible.” rsenal have reached Al Gharafa Football Head Bilbao with Premier agreement in principle LeagueA leaders Manchester with Borussia Dort- Mahmoud al-Ghazal thanked SAKHO JOINS RENNES the Al Duhail management City primed to break their FROM WEST HAM mund over the club transfer record to sign the Senegalese centre-forward recordA €63mn (£55.5mn) sign- for the gesture. The Cheetahs, sixth in the French defender. Bilbao posted Diafra Sakho has returned ing of Pierre-Emerick Au- QNB Stars League stand- a leaving message from Laporte to France, leaving West Ham bameyang, though the Bun- ings with 17 points, had on their Twitter feed, saying United after four years for desliga side will only sanction reinforced the squad in the his 65mn euros ($80mn) release Ligue 1 side Rennes, the Brit- the completion of the deal once winter transfer window by clause had been paid. tany-based side said. Rennes, they have secured a replace- recruiting Dutch star Wesley It means Pep Guardiola’s sitting mid-table in France, ment. Negotiations have been Sneijder and Iranian striker City are set to surpass the hope to give Sakho his debut taking place for Aubameyang who moved to Dortmund in London mid-season and could Mehdi Taremi. The addition of £55mn they paid for Belgium against leaders Paris Saint- for a fortnight, with Arsenal 2013 and has proved prolifi c, still be more tempted by a move Madibo is sure to bolster the attacking midfi elder Kevin de Germain today, if the 28-year- always confi dent a deal could if controversial at times, ever to Chelsea. Anthony Modeste, ranks of Al Gharafa, who will Bruyne — Laporte’s transfer fee A France international at all old’s papers are processed in be concluded this month af- since. The 28-year-old had who joined the Chinese Super play Al Khor away in Week 15 translates as £57mn. youth levels, Laporte has been time. No fee was mentioned ter the player made it clear he been joined BVB from Saint- League club Tianjin Quanjian of the QNB Stars League on The 23-year-old will also be- frustrated at continually being by either club for the man who was keen to move to London. Étienne. Yet Dortmund have from Cologne last summer, has Saturday. come the second most expen- overlooked by senior team scored 18 goals in 62 appear- A three-and-a-half-year con- made clear that they must se- been mooted as a potential ad- sive defender in history behind coach Didier Deschamps. He ances for the Londoners after tract has been agreed with the cure a forward replacement dition, but would cost around Virgil Van Dijk, who cost Liver- has even mooted the possibility signing from Metz in 2014, but Gabon forward believed to be for the outgoing Aubameyang €30mn. Michy Batshuayi, scor- pool £75mn from Southampton of representing Spain but will the deal is for two and a half worth £180,000 a week, though before the transfer is formally er of a double for Chelsea on earlier this month. now be hoping a high-profi le seasons and is said to have cost reaching compromise with signed off . There have been Sunday but a player who would Bilbao said in a statement move to the Premier League Rennes £10mn. Dortmund has proved more talks with Arsenal over Olivier be permitted to leave on loan if that Laporte had “completed leaders will catch Deschamps’s problematic. Giroud – that would be a sepa- a replacement is secured before the requirements for the valid attention. MASUAKU GETS SIX-MATCH Reports in Germany suggest rate deal, if agreed, rather than tomorrow's cut-off , is another unilateral resolution of his work BAN FOR SPITTING a deal was settled in principle a swap – though the Frenchman option the German club may contract”. It means he is now JUVENTUS DETERMINED West Ham United defender over the weekend for a player is apparently reluctant to leave pursue. free to sign for City. TO SIGN CAN Arthur Masuaku has been Born in southwest France, Juventus general manager handed a six-match ban fol- Laporte moved to Bilbao’s Giuseppe Marotta said that the lowing his red card for spitting BOTTOMLINE youth team in 2010 and Serie A champions would do all at an opponent during their FA made his debut in 2012 under they could to land Liverpool’s Cup defeat at Wigan Athletic, fi rebrand Argentine coach German international Emre the Football Association said. Marcelo Bielsa. He was once Can. “We will do everything to The 24-year-old Masuaku I am not a sexist, says Neville a reported target for Barce- take Emre Can,” Marotta said of was sent off soon after halftime lona and City wanted to sign the 24-year-old defensive mid- as third-tier side Wigan pulled Reuters his appointment last week after not right then and not right him in the close season but he fi elder, whose contract expires off the big shock of the fourth London comments he made on Twitter a now,” said Neville, adding that rejected the move. His release in June 2018. round in a famous 2-0 victory few years ago came to light, one the reference was to beating his clause was 50mn euros at the “We’ve made the fi rst con- on Saturday. Masuaku will miss of which said he had “just bat- wife at sport on holiday. time. His signing will mean tacts with his entourage, but it West Ham’s games against ngland women’s coach tered the wife”. “I had to apologise, I didn’t Guardiola has spent more than does not mean achieving our Crystal Palace, Watford and Phil Neville has denied Neville reiterated an apol- like the words used. I’m not a £200mn simply on reinforc- goal. It will not be easy because Burnley, Brighton and Hove being sexist and is con- ogy he made last week, saying sexist. I’ve lived my life right,” ing his defence alongside Liverpool themselves will try Albion, Liverpool and Swansea fi dent he is the right he was wrong to post the re- said Neville who has since de- the acquisitions of Benjamin to renew the contract, without City. He issued an apology for personE for the job despite his marks on social media in 2011 leted his Twitter account. Nev- Mendy (£52mn), John Stones forgetting the alternative pos- his actions, saying his actions lack of experience. The former and 2012. “That tweet was not ille, 41, has also been criticised (£47.5mn) and Kyle Walker sibility that other top European were “unacceptable and out of Manchester United defender sent out in terms of domestic for his lack of experience of (£45mn). clubs will try to reach agree- character”. has been widely criticised since violence but the words were women’s football. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 30, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Miami awarded Messi strikes late to Beckham-backed MLS team down tough Alaves AFP ing in my career came easy.” Miami In 2014, Beckham announced his plans to launch a team in Miami, but the project rapidly Messi whips home a beautiful free-kick six minutes from the end to down Alaves nglish football superstar became mired in logistical prob- David Beckham was of- lems. Several failed stadium sites AFP fi cially awarded a Major delayed his consortium’s eff orts, Madrid League Soccer franchise with Beckham’s team unable inE Miami yesterday, but there to fi nd an agreeable place for a was no immediate word on when specially built venue. The group arcelona escaped a scare on the long-awaited team will kick edged closer to success last year Philippe Coutinho’s fi rst start off . “It is with tremendous pride after securing a land deal for a as Lionel Messi struck with a that we welcome Miami to Ma- proposed stadium project. trademark free-kick to drag the jor League Soccer,” MLS Com- Earlier plans for a waterfront LaB Liga leaders back from a goal down to missioner Don Garber said in a site and others near the Mi- beat Alaves 2-1 on Sunday night and re- statement. ami Marlins baseball stadium store their 11-point lead at the top. Garber joined Beckham, fi - and NBA Miami Heat arena fell Messi whipped home a beautiful free- nancial backers and local offi cials through. Launch of the new kick six minutes from the end to down at a news conference in Miami to Beckham-backed team will mark resilient Alaves, who are just two points make the announcement. “Our the second attempt to start a Mi- from the drop zone in 17th despite John mission to bring an MLS club ami-based MLS franchise. Guidetti silencing the Camp Nou with to Miami is now complete, and The Miami Fusion, which a shock breakaway opener in the 23rd we are deeply satisfi ed, grate- made their debut in the 1998 minute. Luis Suarez had broken the away ful and excited,” said Beckham. MLS season, played for four sea- side’s tough resistance with a sweet vol- “Our pledge to our fans in Miami sons before being cut from the ley from Andres Iniesta’s cross 18 minutes and around the world is simple: league after the 2001 campaign from the end, setting the stage for Messi’s your team will always strive to amid low ticket sales and the dramatic and stylish winner. The Argen- make you proud on the pitch, our lowest revenues of any team in tine’s strike ensures that Barca stay un- stadium will be a place that you the competition. beaten in the league, and keeps Atletico cherish visiting, and our impact Beckham, 42, retired in 2013 Madrid 11 points back despite their 3-0 in the community and on South after a 20-year career that saw hammering of Las Palmas earlier. Florida’s youth will run deep.” him win league crowns with Barca coach Ernesto Valverdes said he The Miami expansion team Manchester United in England, was happy with Coutinho who had start- is widely expected to join the Real Madrid in Spain, the Gal- ed Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with league in 2020 but there was no axy in North America and Paris Valencia on the bench before making a offi cial word on a start date yes- Saint-Germain in his farewell second-half appearance. “Players are not terday. An MLS statement said matches. He also played for Eng- machines who can fi t in at once, like a information about the team’s de- land from 1996 to 2009, win- new part,” said Valverde. “He did well, he but season, team name, logo and ning 115 caps. His fi ve-year stint wanted the ball. This is one more step for staff would be released in the fu- in MLS with the Galaxy boosted him. The other day, he played 25 minutes, ture. The Beckham-led consor- football’s profi le in North Amer- this time a little more, he will integrate tium has secured land on which ica and contributed to the steady little by little.” to build a privately developed, growth in attendances across With Diego Costa out injured, Atletico 25,000-seat state-of-the-art the MLS. When Beckham ar- took a while to get going and had to wait stadium in the heart of the city. rived in 2007, average attend- until the 61st minute to open the scoring, “They say that great things come ances through the league were Antoine Griezmann latching on to Juan- to those who wait...we thank you 16,770; when he ended his fi ve- fran’s fi ne ball down the right fl ank before for waiting for this day,” Garber year stint, they had increased to dinking neatly over Las Palmas stopper told an audience, which fre- 18,807 per game. By 2017, that Leandro Chichizola. “The fi rst half was quently broke into loud cheers. number had increased to 22,113. not very good but the coach gave us a good Yesterday’s award marks the talking to at half-time, and we responded most defi nitive step yet on a well,” said Griezmann, whose goal was journey which began 11 years ago just his seventh in the league this season when Beckham arrived in the but his fourth in league and cup since the MLS to play for the Los Angeles turn of the year. “I feel good, I’ve started Galaxy and was granted the op- the year well and I hope to continue the tion of buying his own franchise goals and assists.” for a cut-price fi gure of around Frenchman Griezmann started the Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez and Sergi Roberto after scoring against Deportivo Alaves during the La Liga $25mn. Normal franchise licens- move that led to Atletico’s second, in- match at Camp Nou, Barcelona on Sunday night. (Reuters) es cost around $100mn. tercepting a loose pass and setting Angel “It’s been a hell of a journey,” Correa free to scamper down the pitch An easy tap-in from Thomas Partey af- within three points of Real Madrid and opener for hosts but with seconds to Beckham told his audience. “I’ve and feed Fernando Torres, who shifted ter great work from Yannick Carrasco two the Champions league places after Angel spare Juan Cala challenged Sevilla keeper got to be honest, it was very dif- the ball onto his right foot and lashed minutes from time completed the sec- Rodriguez scored a controversial equal- Sergio Rico for a hopeful high ball, and fi cult. There were times when I home just his second goal of the season, ond-half rout of a desperate Las Palmas, iser deep in stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 with the Sevilla fans and players clam- sat back and thought, ‘This isn’t the 600th scored by Atletico in all com- who remain second from bottom and fi ve draw for Getafe at the Roman Sanchez ouring for a free-kick, Angel lashed home going to happen. It’s too diffi cult, petitions during Diego Simeone’s seven- points from safety. Pizjaun stadium. the leveller and celebrated under a hail of too hard, too many bumps in the year reign as coach. Sevilla were denied the chance to close Luis Muriel had slid in a 72nd-minute whistles and boos. road.’ But I don’t give up. Noth-

FOCUS FIFA-BACKED REFEREES' SEMINAR BEGINS TODAY Pique says future is ‘Barca or no-one’ Doha: The first of four FIFA- February 5 to 9. backed referees’ seminars will The third seminar will be AFP fairly unusual one,” he said. begin at the Intercontinental held from February 12 to 16 Barcelona Pique, who has 94 Spain caps, insisted Hotel today, the Qatar Football while the fourth and final he would be calling time on his interna- Association said. These semi- session of the referees’ will be tional career following the World Cup. nars and courses will be super- attended by 100 lecturers from erard Pique said yesterday he “It’s an amazing stage, I’ve experienced vised by famous Italian referee 19 to 22 February. may have quit football altogeth- incredible things and I have repeatedly of his time Pierluigi Collina, This is the first time in that er rather than play for anyone said it is an honour to wear the national Chairman of the FIFA Referees FIFA have sanctioned a series other than his beloved Barce- team shirt,” added Pique, who has had a Glona, with whom he signed a new fi ve- fractious relationship with Spanish fans Committee, and Swiss Massimo of seminars in one country. In Busacca, Executive Director of one year, no country has ever year deal two weeks ago. The 30-year- over his support for Catalan independ- the Referees’ Department. organised such a number of old central defender, who won the World ence. Pique also said he does not regret Hani Balan, Chairman of the referees’ courses. Cup and European Championships with his comments mocking Barcelona’s rivals Qatar Referees Committee The FIFA-QFA collabora- Spain, signed a contract extension at Bar- Espanyol after eliminating them from the and Vice-Chairman of the FIFA tion on referees was launched celona until 2022, with a whopping 500 King’s Cup last week, stoking up the ri- Referees Committee, and Naji four years ago when Qatar million euro ($611 million) release clause. valry ahead of another visit to Cornella on Juwaini, Executive Director of hosted training sessions for the “With Barca we’ve always understood Sunday in La Liga. Barcelona beat Espan- the Referees Committee, will referees of the 2014 FIFA World each other and it was really, really easy,” yol 2-0 at the Nou Camp last Thursday to also be part of the seminars. Cup held in Brazil. FIFA will said Pique, who held a press conference qualify for the semi-fi nals (2-1 on aggre- The first seminar will be undertake all financial costs of yesterday to celebrate the recent contract Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique (right) poses beside his jersey and club president gate) and Pique repeatedly referred to the attended by 100 attendees and the four sessions while QFA will extension. “If I hadn’t extended this deal Josep Maria Bartomeu during the announcement of his contract renewal. (AFP) visitors as “Espanyol de Cornella” when will conclude on January 2. provide logistical support. I’d have fi nished my contract and then let speaking to the media afterwards. The second forum is for the It is worth noting that QFA it go,” the Barcelona born player added. Manchester United in 2008, after four not be the last,” said Pique. “I hope to fi n- The defender was referring to the loca- referees and video assistants hosted two workshops for the “I just don’t have the motivation to pull years with the Premier League giants, ish here, I have no desire to leave for any tion of the club’s RCDE Stadium, which who will feature in the FIFA referees of the 2018 World Cup on another (team’s) jersey. I’m still play- where his fi rst team opportunities were other team – It’s Barcelona or no-one!” is on the outskirts of Cornella, where Es- 2018 World Cup in Russia this and the 2019 World Cup for ing football because I play for Barca. If I blocked by the centre-back pairing of Rio Pique reiterated his desire to one day panyol moved in 2009 after playing at the summer. The seminar will Women in France. The first ses- was playing for another club the likeli- Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. take over the Barca presidency. “If one Olympic Stadium in the city of Barcelona. feature of 37 referees from sion was held in April 2016. hood is that I would quit.” “I’m very happy. We are here today to day I were to be Barcelona president, I Spanish federation’s anti-violence Pique rejoined his boyhood club from celebrate my extension and I hope it will wouldn’t be a regular president, I’d be a committee are investigating the matter.

BOTTOMLINE Neymar left Barcelona to step out of Messi’s shadow: Alves

Reuters Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ro- the top of Ligue 1, with Neymar con- PSG COACH WANTS INTER When Brazilian star Neymar arrived Paris naldo in the 2017 Ballon d’Or. tributing 17 goals and 11 assists. TARGET PASTORE ‘TO STAY’ in the summer, Pastore diplomatically “I think he’s (Neymar) up there with However, Alves believes Neymar’s Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Em- handed over his No.10 shirt to the (Lionel) Messi as the most infl uential main objective this season is to deliver ery insisted yesterday he wants mid- world’s most expensive player — and aris St Germain forward player in world football. The thing is, PSG’s fi rst Champions League title. fi elder Javier Pastore to stay at the also lost his place in the team. Neymar left Barcelona in he had to come out of his shadow a lit- “It’s our main goal. It’s what Neymar French leaders despite reported inter- “I want Javier Pastore to stay here order to escape the shadow tle,” Alves told FIFA’s website. was thinking when he left Barca and est from Inter Milan. With the World with us. It’s better for the team,” Em- of Lionel Messi and increase “Playing with someone as unique as it’s what I was thinking when I left Cup fast approaching, Argentine ery said of the player that club captain PBrazil’s chances of winning this year’s Leo is the most incredible thing that Juventus. That’s what moves us,” he Pastore is desperate for more playing Thiago Silva accused of angling for World Cup, according to club and can happen to you, but there’s always added. “We’re ready to compete and time, but he has slipped down the PSG a way out by returning late from the country teammate Dani Alves. Neymar that doubt in your mind if it’s you that the question of whether that prepara- pecking order. The 28-year-old joined winter break. Emery acknowledged became the world’s most expensive really has the quality or if it’s him. It tion leads us to victory or elimination the club from Palermo in 2011 as the that Pastore may be keen on a move. footballer in August when he com- was important for Ney’s own develop- is going to depend on how we work as fi rst major acquisition of the Qatari “I’ve spoken to him a great deal. What pleted a 222 million-euro ($276mn) ment and for Brazil for him to follow a team.” PSG resume their European ownership era, but recent signings he says outside to others is something transfer from Barcelona to PSG. The his own path.” campaign on Feb. 14 in the fi rst leg of a Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Julian else, that’s his responsibility,” the 25-year-old fi nished third behind PSG have opened an 11-point gap at last-16 tie against holders Real Madrid. Draxler are limiting his chances. Spanish coach said.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Iceland’s football chief hails Qatar’s WC legacy plans he President of the Foot- of Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey, ball Association of Iceland to book a ticket to the 2018 FIFA praised Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The SC’s Khalid al-Kubaisi, World Cup plans during a The successful qualifying cam- Chief of the Advisory Unit and Tvisit to the Supreme Committee for paign follows a strong showing at Special Projects, gives a tour Delivery & Legacy (SC). Euro 2016, where Iceland reached of the Legacy Pavilion to Gudni Gudni Bergsson spoke to www. the quarter-fi nals after knocking Bergsson and members of the sc.qa after visiting the SC’s Lega- out England in the last 16. Football Association of Iceland. cy Pavilion at Al Bidda Tower and Bergsson said Iceland, which has meeting members of Qatar’s foot- a population of 330,000, prioritis- ball family. es grassroots football. “Our main Speaking about Qatar’s World strength as a football nation is the Cup preparations, the former Ice- emphasis we put into grassroots land international said he was par- football. It all starts with six-year- ticularly impressed with the legacy olds wanting to play football. We programmes. have coaches, facilities, a strong “Everything has been extremely work ethic and good strategy. We well thought out, from a tourna- also have star players that young ment point of view and a social children want to emulate. “We point of view,” said Bergsson, who prepare young players for the next played for Tottenham Hotspur and step, which usually involves play- Bolton Wanderers in the English ing in European leagues. It is all Premier League. about developing players for the “Qatar has really thought about highest level.” how the World Cup can benefi t the Qatar’s native population is sim- country and the region in the long- ilar to Iceland’s, and Bergsson be- term. I now see the Qatar World lieves the Maroons can learn plenty Cup in a much clearer light and I’m from their Nordic friends. very much looking forward to it.” He added: “There are clear simi- Iceland recently became the larities. We are both small coun- smallest country by population tries so we’re in a position to plan ever to qualify for the FIFA World eff ectively. The key, however, is to Cup. They fi nished top of their work very hard in order to be com- European qualifying group, ahead petitive in this big world.”

FOCUS Kashiwa beat Benfi ca on PSG power past Esperance penalties

Doha: Kashiwa Reysol gate- crashed their way to the final of Al Kass Cup 2018, overcom- ing a magnificent Benfica side to reach Al Kass Cup fi nal on penalties after a thrilling match ended 3-3 in normal time. Midway through the Having won the tournament in 2012 and 2015, the young Parisians are chasing a unique hat-trick first half, Gouveia put Benfica in front. Kashiwa equalised in the 38th minute through Hiryu Okuda. On the hour mark as the Japanese took a shock lead. Mao Hosoya punished keeper Samuel Soares for a heavy first touch and finish- ing calmly. Kashiwa added a third goal with Okuda scroing from a corner. With each passing minute, the prolific Benfica created a new opportunity, but the Kashiwa backline stood firm until, with 15 minutes remaining, Cunha powered home a header from a corner on the left to set up a grandstand finish. Kashiwa keeper Kokubo was performing heroics to keep his side in front, putting his body on the line to frus- trate the Portuguese as the clock ticked down. Benfica looked to be heading out when, with five seconds left, Camara powered through a crowded area to blast home from close range. It was an incredible finish to a storming 90 minutes of frantic football. Yet the drama was far from over, as a pulsating penalty Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate after winning their semi-final match against Esperance de Tunis at the Al Kass Cup under-17 football tournament yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram shootout began. The first nine spot kicks were converted aris Saint-Germain advanced within a minute, after a rapid move area. He squared for captain Mobtassar several challenges and spraying the utes. There seemed to be little danger and, with sudden death look- to the fi nal of the Al Kass Cup down the PSG left. Tunis keeper Fares Triki to pass into an open goal, sparking ball out left to Ruben Providence, be- as PSG centre back Soh attempted to ing, Benfica’s Ramos – the under-17 football tournament Jebali was quickly off his line to snuff scenes of delirium on the terraces. fore advancing into the area and get- shepherd the ball out for a goal kick on tournament’s leading scorer after overcoming a stern exam- out the danger, but the ball escaped his It was now PSG’s turn to feel the ting on the end of a low cross to fi nish the right, until his pocket was picked by – blasted his eff ort wide. Pination set by Esperance de Tunis, and grasp and was cleared directly into the pressure as Espérance mounted a series from six yards out. It was a goal worthy the tenacious Farouk Mimouni, who cut It was a game that the prevailing by 4-2. path of the onrushing Arthur Zagre, of attacks. The Tunisians’ physical ap- of the grandest stages. With the game back from the byline before fi ring low Portuguese youngsters did Going into this game PSG knew that who needed no second invitation to rifl e proach occasionally strayed beyond fair approaching the hour mark, the shad- into the far corner. not deserve to lose, but enor- — at the very least — they would need to home. And, on 28 minutes, Esperance play and, on 41 minutes, midfi eld hard- ows lengthened on Aspire Pitch 5 as the Tunis poured forward in numbers in mous credit must also go to do something that no opponent of Es- were three down. PSG’s Tanguy Couli- man Wael Dhouibi’s wild lunge at Soh sun began to set behind the main stand. search of a third goal that would set up a Kashiwa, who stuck brilliantly perance had managed up to now: score a baly supplied a low, teasing cross that earned a well-deserved yellow card, And, with it, Esperance’s hopes of mak- nailbiting fi nale, but there was to be no to their gameplan. It is the goal against the wily Tunisians, the only forward Alexandre Fressange met with a marking the fi nal signifi cant act of a ing the fi nal began to recede. PSG were further reward for their persistence, as fourth time that Reysol have team yet to concede in the tournament. fi rst time shot into the near corner. breathtaking fi rst half. now in total command, refusing to be PSG held out for a merited victory. appeared at Al Kass, and they But on 15 minutes, Saint-Germain Tunis looked dead and buried, only There was no let up as the second pe- put out of their stride by the continual Having won the inaugural tourna- have acquitted themselves went in front after a corner from the to be handed an improbable lifeline fi ve riod got underway, and PSG re-estab- chanting and singing of the Tunis fans, ment in 2012, and again triumphed in superbly well on each occa- right was not dealt with and, in the minutes later. PSG keeper Yanis Saidani lished their three-goal cushion with the who remained in high spirits despite 2015, the young Parisians are chasing sion. Few will begrudge the ensuing melee, captain Loic Mbe Soh received a backpass under no pressure, fi rst attack of the half. their team’s travails. a unique hat-trick. After this accom- Japanese side if they manage turned the ball in from close range. but his attempted clearance was cut Adil Aouchiche set off an a maraud- And then, implausibly, Tunis were plished performance, few would rule to go all the way this time. Astonishingly, the lead was doubled out by Zied Berrima on the right of the ing run from his own half, dancing past once again back in the game on 68 min- out their chances.

QNB STARS LEAGUE All eyes on Qatar SC-Al Sadd match

By Sports Reporter matches, will sit out of the match due to sus- who stayed rooted to the bottom on eight Doha pension as he had picked up a fourth yellow points after their big defeat to Al Sailiya. card during their game against Al Gharafa. Sixth-placed Al Gharafa’s two-match win- Ahead of the match, Al Sadd players under- ning run was halted by Al Sadd last week and he match between Qatar SC and Al went a stipulated fi tness test at Aspire, as part The Cheetahs (17 points) will look to take Sadd will be the highlight of matches of eff orts to continuously assess the physical their campaign back on track when they trav- at this week’s QNB Stars League. Al condition of players throughout the season. el to Al Khor (14 points). Sadd, on a high after their big-margin Qatar SC, ninth with 12 points, had drawn Al Kharaitiyat are in a precarious posi- Tvictory over Al Gharafa, started their prepa- with Al Arabi last week and will be keen to tion (11th with nine points) as they run into rations on Sunday under the supervision of collect maximum number of points at this fourth-placed Al Sailiya, who are on 23 Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira. stage. The kings have a new-found confi - points. Tenth-placed Al Arabi (11 points) play The Wolves are second with 34 points, dence after Qatari coach Abdullah Mubarak host to Umm Salal (fi fth with 20 points) in the two behind Al Duhail and as many more than took over from Gabriel Calderon. other fi xture. third-placed side Al Rayyan. Injured striker Al Duhail, who played out a thrilling 3-3 WEEK 15 FIXTURES Baghdad Bounedjah is yet to recover from an draw with Al Rayyan in the last round, face Al On Thursday: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Sailiya, injury he sustained during their 2-4 loss to Al Ahli challenge. The Red Knights should have Al Ahli vs Al Duhail; On Friday: Al Markhiya vs Duhail in Week 9. it easy against The Brigadiers, who are sev- Al Rayyan, Al Arabi vs Umm Salal, And attacking midfi elder Jugurtha Ham- enth with 16 points. Al Rayyan too should not On Saturday: Al Khor vs Al Gharafa, Qatar SC roun, who scored a brace in their last two face much of a problem against Al Markhiya, vs Al Sadd Al Sadd are on a high after their big-margin victory over Al Gharafa last week.