FOOTBALL | Page 2 CRICKET | Page 7 Xavi: Defeat Skipper Azhar unacceptable, eyes Karachi win we must turn for ‘memorable’ things around series

Thursday, December 19, 2019 Rabia II 22, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

REPORT Late Firmino goal sends Liverpool to Club WC fi nal Keita puts Klopp’s men ahead before Funes equalises for Monterrey, substitute Firmino breaks deadlock in added time

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (in red) scores their second goal against Monterrey during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at Khalifa International Liverpool’s Naby Keita (right) is closed down by Monterrey goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero during the FIFA Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Reuters, AFP and Noushad Thekkayil Club World Cup semi-final at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday.

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

onterrey coach An- tonio Mohamed had promised to put up a strong fi ght against MEuropean champions Liverpool and his players did more than just that at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. The Mexican side were on par with the Premier League leaders for most of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar semi-fi nal encounter, but a cruel injury-time goal from Roberto Firmino knocked them out of the competition. While Liverpool manager Jur- gen Klopp heaved a sigh of relief at the fi nal whistle after a narrow 2-1 win, he will know his side will have to fare much better against South American champions Fla- mengo in Saturday’s fi nal, if they are to become club world cham- pions for the fi rst time. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp Klopp yesterday went in with reacts during the FIFA Club fi ve changes from last week’s World Cup semi-final at Khalifa league win over Watford, with International Stadium in Doha Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker (left) celebrates with teammates Roberto Firmino (second from left) Monterrey coach Antonio Mohamed (left) speaks with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Firmino, Trent yesterday. and Xherdan Shaqiri after the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey yesterday. Mohamed Salah yesterday. Alexander-Arnold warming the bench while infl uential defender pass for Naby Keita four minutes In the 27th minute, Alisson excellent save, this time palming Brazilian duly rewarded his man- Virgil van Dijk missed out due later. While Salah’s ball pierced dived to his right to block a Pabon away a dangerous free-kick from ager with a crucial goal. to cold. That meant the German through the Monterrey defence, shot from 30 yards. He was called Pabon from the edge of the box. In the fi rst of the three-minute manager was forced to start with Keita timed his run to the box into action again ten minutes Liverpool did have chances at stoppage time, Monterrey play- a makeshift defence with cap- perfectly to put Liverpool ahead. later with the Liverpool stopper the other end, but Keita’s left- ers heart was broken as Firmino tain Jordan Henderson playing If the Reds thought they would having to deny the Monterrey footed low shot was chested away tapped in from a close range after as centre-back alongside regular run away with the game, they captain with a crucial late save, by Barovero in the 58th minute. a sumptuous ball from Alexan- defenders Joe Gomez and Andy were wrong as Monterrey hit back which fell to Gallardo but the de- With time running out, Klopp der-Arnold. Robertson, with James Milner immediately. With Jesus Gal- fender was late onto the ball. brought in Mane for ineff ective Klopp later paid tribute to taking the right-back role. lardo’s shot blocked by Alisson Salah, meanwhile, continued Xherdan Shaqiri, while Alexan- Alisson for saving Liverpool’s Liverpool did dominate the Becker, the rebound was latched to cause Monterrey trouble but der-Arnold replaced the veteran blushes. early proceedings and control- onto by Rogelio Funes Mori, who his back fl ip pass for Milner was Milner, who made his 200th ap- “All you need is Alisson. He led possession but Monterrey controlled the ball with his fi rst saved by Argentine goalkeeper pearance for the club yesterday. was there in the decisive mo- was just waiting for the counter- touch and then slammed the ball Marcelo Barovero. With two Klopp also had a touchline argu- ments. A really hard game and attack. The Mexican side’s for- into the net, with the Liverpool minutes remaining for half time, ment with Mohamed, with both then you can bring on the boys. wards Dorlan Pabon and Rogelio goalkeeper diving in vain. Keita too had a chance for his managers shown yellow card by We have brought in a few kids and Funes Moria gave a tough time to With a spring in their step after second goal, but failed to put it the referee. see what we can do line-up wise. Liverpool’s back four. drawing level, Monterrey looked past Barovero after having almost Mane did have an opportu- We want to play the fi nal and see But it was Mohamed Salah’s much bigger threat than their rounded the keeper. nity to calm Klopp’s nerves in the what we can do,” he said. terrifi c assist that put Liverpool fancied opponents. In fact, Liv- Monterrey began the second 68th minute, but the Senegal for- The Liverpool manager praised in front. After the Egyptian star erpool were bailed out of trouble half brightly and could have had ward’s shot was easily grasped by the atmosphere at Khalifa, with was denied by the Monterrey de- on few occasions by Alisson, with their lead if not for Alisson’s in- Barovero. With extra time loom- 45,416 fans packing the stadium. Fans enjoy the atmosphere and the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final fence in the eighth minute, Salah the Brazilian keeper enjoying a tervention. In the 50th minute, ing, Klopp called on Firmino in “Wonderful goal, great game, su- between Liverpool and Monterrey at Khalifa International Stadium in provided an excellent reverse ball terrifi c game. the goalkeeper produced another place of Divock Origi and the per atmosphere,” he said. Doha yesterday. Gulf Times Thursday, December 19, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup 2 Qatar 2019

AFTERMATH Defeat unacceptable, we must turn things around: Xavi

l Sadd club head coach compete strongly to get wins on Xavi Hernandez ex- board.” pressed his dissatisfac- Regarding the impact of Has- tion after his side’s 2-6 san’s dismissal on the game, the lossA to Tunisian side Esperance in Spanish coach indicated that the the fi fth/sixth playoff game at the referee is not an excuse for losing FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019. today, and added: “In my opinion, “I am sad and angry at the re- Abdelkarim’s red card clinched sult,” Xavi said during the press the game in the opponent’s favour conference after the match. “I after it became 3-0. This is not an don’t know how we played today excuse because we didn’t start the without any spirit. I have to un- game in a good way which could derstand what happened and this have allowed us to make a come- is not the Al Sadd that we know.” back in the second half.” The coach continued: “We As for his opinion on the per- performed well against Monter- formance of the Esperance team rey, but today we played badly in the tournament, Xavi said: in the fi rst 30 minutes and then “Esperance is a good team and came the red card to Abdelkarim showed a good level. They won (Hassan).” the African title and competed in He added: “I am very angry. a combative manner.” We are now in a bad situation; we He added: “We now have to did not compete strongly today. remedy the situation and prepare Our goal has always been to win the players physically and men- all the championships and in this tally to recover and return to the tournament, it was a wonderful local league, and I am sure the opportunity to participate and team will return and I am always we must now go back.” positive.” Asked about submitting his The Al Sadd coach concluded resignation after this loss, Xavi by saying: “I feel confi dent de- said: “No, absolutely I am not spite what happened and we have thinking about resigning. I am to work positively, we have a good happy with my project in Al Sadd team and good players. This is and we must be realistic. Our part of football and I must work real display came in the fi rst two and raise the confi dence of the Al Sadd head coach Xavi reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup games. We now have a league players to return strongly as we fifth-place play-off against Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Tuesday. match after 6 days against Al were in the fi rst two months.” Al Sadd players react after referee Abdelkader Zitouni (centre) shows a red card to Abdelkarim Hassan PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Gharafa and we must go back and (Al-Saddclub.com) (right) during the FIFA Club World Cup fifth-place playoff against Esperance Sportive de Tunis. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Al Hilal’s Lucescu proud despite loss De Arrascaeta and to Flamengo Flamengo show their resilience ‘We all felt frustrated at half-time... The coach made some solid tactical changes’ he dictionary defi nes ‘resilience’ as ‘the ca- pacity to recover from or adjust easily to mis- Tfortune or change’, and this sums up perfectly what it means to support Flamengo at this mo- ment in time. Because while it is true that the Brazilian side are enjoying a historic season, their matches have certainly put their fans through the mill. Indeed, they had barely even had time to digest the thrilling comeback victory in the fi nal of the Copa Libertadores when their heroes put them through another emotional rollercoaster in the semi-fi nals of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019. “We showed that we’re a mentally strong team in the way that we went looking for the win,” said Giorgian de Arrasca- eta, one of the key men involved in the Rio de Janeiro club’s fi ght- Al Hilal head coach Razvan Lucescu reacts during the FIFA Club World back versus Saudi outfi t Al Hi- Cup semi-final against Flamengo at Khalifa International Stadium in lal on Tuesday. A few minutes Doha on Tuesday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil prior to speaking to FIFA.com, the Uruguay international had ead coach Razvan Lu- The Romanian said Al Hilal been celebrating his team’s win cescu expressed his will use the experience garnered in raucous fashion with the large pride despite Al Hilal to develop, starting with Satur- number of Flamengo fans con- SFC’s defeat to Brazil’s day’s play-off for third place. gregated in Khalifa International FlamengoH in the semi-fi nals of “We hope that we can use the Stadium. the FIFA Club World Cup Qa- experience as we played against “People said we were favour- tar 2019 at Khalifa International the best teams from all the con- ites, but we knew we were going Stadium on Tuesday. tinents. to face a really tough team,” he Al Hilal capped an impres- “I hope that we can motivate said. “Keeping our focus for the sive fi rst half by taking the lead the players and prepare them well entire 90 minutes was very im- Flamengo’s midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta (left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final through Salem al-Dawsari but for the match for third place.” portant in terms of scoring the against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. (AFP) Flamengo responded by lifting Flamengo head coach Jorge goals we required.” their game in the second half to Jesus said he had been confi dent Al Hilal’s goal came just 18 rique and, fi nding himself com- a quality player he is and the great seal a meeting with either Eng- his side would come back in the minutes after kick-off , and Fla- pletely unmarked, tapped the season he’s had with us,” said land’s Liverpool or Mexico’s second half. mengo’s inability to fi nd their ball into the empty net. “We got the Rio Negro-born playmaker. Monterrey in Saturday’s fi nal. “I knew that Al Hilal would feet and get into their usual the quick goal and I think that “We’re all very happy for him, be- Lucescu, while admitting he lack physical strength in the sec- rhythm in the fi rst half was plain gave us the push we needed to go cause he’s really contributing to was disappointed Al Hilal didn’t ond half and this is exactly what for all to see. and score more,” remarked the the team’s results.” advance to the fi nal, said he was happened as we controlled the attack-minded Uruguayan. Following this exciting semi- proud with the performance of match. ASTUTE TACTICAL But it was still not an easy fi nal, the Brazilians are now his players. “It was not an easy match as ADJUSTMENTS task – Flamengo’s fans and where they want to be and “I’m disappointed with the we faced a strong team. I used De Arrascaeta continued with a players would have to suff er for await with interest to fi nd out result but I’m proud of my team my experience with Al Hilal and wry smile: “We all felt a bit frus- a little longer. Despite having who they will take on in Satur- because they produced a great we studied them well and this trated at half-time – we hadn’t conceded a leveller, Al Hilal re- day’s high-profi le fi nal. “We’ve performance, especially in the helped us a lot to win the match,” got what we wanted. The coach mained resolute in defence and achieved our objective,” said fi rst half,” said Lucescu. said the Portuguese, who made some solid tactical chang- the South Americans had trou- De Arrascaeta. “We don’t know “It was a diffi cult match but it coached the 2019 AFC Champi- es so that we could put in a bet- ble fi nding a way through. Just which team we’re going to play was entertaining for the fans. We ons League winners in 2018. ter showing in the second half.” when their fans were beginning yet, but whoever it ends up be- struggled because this was our Jesus admitted Al Hilal out- And those alterations by Jorge to contemplate the possibility ing, we’re going to face very dif- second match in three days while played his team in the fi rst half. Jesus certainly paid dividends, of extra time, Bruno Henrique fi cult, physical, and tactically our opponents were playing their “We didn’t have real chances with his charges providing him made it 2-1 in the 78th minute. sound opponents, and we’re go- fi rst match of the competition. in the fi rst 30 minutes as Al Hi- with the reaction he was look- Four minutes later, the forward ing to have to fi ght to win.” “We had some scoring chanc- lal controlled the match and had ing for. capped off an inspired perform- There will, of course, likely be es, especially in the fi rst half several scoring chances,” he said. In the 49th minute, De Ar- ance by sending in a tempting some more suff ering along the but we failed to take advantage. “They put in a lot of eff ort but we rascaeta equalised for O Rubro- cross that led to an unfortunate way, but the team’s resilience Flamengo used the spaces and managed to change our style of Negro when he received a pass own goal. may just see them through in the the pace of their players to score play in the second half.” from the infl uential Bruno Hen- “Bruno Henrique showed what end. (FIFA.com) Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil from their chances.” (The-AFC.com) Gulf Times Thursday, December 19, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Owen helps inspire Generation Amazing IFA Legend Michael of Generation Amazing’s key Owen dropped in to help aims. All of its projects oper- inspire young people ate at a 50-50 split of male and from across the world female participants and the asF the fi rst Generation Amazing day’s events were mixed gender Festival kicked off in Qatar. throughout. The former England and Liv- And with the participants erpool star was on hand to take looking to take the skills they questions from the participants are learning out into the wider – many representing projects world, getting reinforcement the programme has impacted from a fi gure like Owen has big around the globe since its incep- benefi ts, according to Nasser al- tion in 2010. Khori, Generation Amazing Pro- He also reinforced the im- gramme Director. portance of the activities they “We were delighted to have were taking part in, which were FIFA Legend Michael Owen aimed at building teamwork and joining us for an inspiring ses- personal development through sion today at the Generation football and other physical Amazing Festival 2019. games. The youth were motivated by “There’s so many diff erent his story and presence to contin- skills you can take out of football ue their football for good jour- and put into everyday life,” Owen ney and inspire social change in told FIFA.com afterwards. their communities through the “There’s no better tool to Generation Amazing pro- make good of certain aspects of gramme.” the world than football. It brings Operating in eight countries everybody together and it’s great at present – Qatar, Nepal, India, that people are using it for posi- Pakistan, Philippines, Oman, tive change. Jordan and Lebanon – its reach is “The more days like this you set to expand into both Haiti and get exposed to, the more you re- Rwanda. alise what a brilliant game we’re Generation Amazing was part involved in.” of Qatar’s initial bid for the FIFA With its commitment to pro- World Cup which, having won nament in 2022. them as a hub for inspiring social footballers, am guilty of having next game, how are we going to “You forget the positive ef- moting social inclusion and co- the right to host it, was extended It has since seen 28 pitches development. a one-track mind at the World win the tournament,” Owen re- fects it has on so many people.” hesion, gender equality is one to run until the end of the tour- built around the world, using “I, like probably most other Cup – how are we going win the fl ected. FIFA.com

BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT Arteta has great future but no top job Schick salvages point experience: Wenger

Reuters “I believe that Arteta has cer- Doha tainly a great future, he has cer- tainly learned a lot in his fi rst position as an assistant coach paniard Mikel Arteta, in and after that as well he will have for leaders Leipzig in talks to be the next Arsenal to deal with the fact that he has coach, has “no experience” no experience at that level and as a manager and will need he will have to get surrounded help,S former Gunners boss Arsene well.” Wenger said yesterday. However, Wenger, 70, who Former Arsenal captain left Arsenal in 2018, said the Arteta, assistant to Pep Guar- club needed to be smarter in diola at Manchester City, is the their recruitment and that it Dortmund thriller leading candidate to succeed was not necessarily the case Unai Emery at the London club that they needed a lengthy Werner scores twice for Leipzig, Dortmund twice give up lead, Leipzig stay top after their chief executive Vinai period to get back to their Venkatesham was pictured out- best. side the 37-year-old’s house “When I left the club was early on Monday. in a very strong financial po- Another of Wenger’s former sition and they bought many players, Swede Freddie Ljung- players in-between, they have berg, is currently interim head not all worked out,” he said. coach, but looks set to be over- “I believe that it’s not a ques- looked for the top job. tion of time. The change can be “I am an Arsenal supporter very effi cient very quickly, it’s and at the moment I support just about the right decision- the manager in charge and the making and that’s all that it’s manager in charge is Ljungberg. about in football, it’s about good When Arteta will be in charge players. I will support Arteta,” said “We speak about the success Wenger. of Liverpool, of course they have But the Frenchman, who won a great manager, but you have to three Premier League titles and say as well that in the last three- seven FA Cups during nearly 22 four years, they bought the right years in charge of the club, said he players.” saw many positives in both men. Last month, Wenger was ap- “He (Arteta) is intelligent, he pointed FIFA’s new chief of glo- has passion, he has knowledge, bal football development and but Ljungberg (does) as well,” is in Doha observing the Club Wenger added. World Cup.

RB Leipzig’s Patrik Schick scores their third goal against Borussia Dortmund in their Bundesliga match. (Reuters)

AFP ity to worry their upcoming Werner gifted two goals through on Tuesday evening. Claudio Pizarro thought he Wenger says Ozil must ‘accept Berlin Champions League opponent unforgivable errors from keeper Bremen, who were ham- had got one back for Bremen in Paris Saint-Germain, at other Roman Burki and Brandt re- mered 6-1 at Bayern Munich the second half, however consequences’ of China criticism times they showed clear signs of spectively. on Saturday, are just two points his goal - which would have atrik Schick snatched the mental frailty and defensive The two goals were Werner’s away from the drop zone after meant his 22nd consecutive Former Arsenal manager highest-paid player. a draw for RB Leipzig softness that has come to defi ne 17th and 18th of the season and being blown away in the open- Bundesliga season with at least Arsene Wenger said yesterday Wenger told reporters in Doha in a pulsating 3-3 draw their season. were two of the easiest ing period by a Mainz team who one goal - was ruled out for Mesut Ozil must “accept the he did not know if there would at title rivals Borus- Dortmund dominated the the German striker will ever started the match just one place handball. consequences” of criticising be a long-term impact for Ozil. Psia Dortmund on Tuesday that opening period, with Leipzig score. above them. Jean-Philippe Mateta added a China’s treatment of its Uighur “I don’t think the situation is moved them three points clear lucky to be behind by only two Dortmund were back ahead The home side were 3-0 be- fi fth in the 81st minute to com- Muslims, but he defended the definite, that can change very at the top of the Bundesliga. at the break. just two minutes later when hind after just 19 minutes, with pound Bremen coach Florian star midfielder’s right to express quickly, and although I don’t Timo Werner also struck Julian Weigl opened the scor- Marco Reus found Jadon Sancho the visitors showing a relentless Kohfeldt’s woes. an opinion. know the situation well overall, twice as Leipzig twice came ing in the 23rd minute with a unmarked in the penalty box, energy that has escaped them Elsewhere, Augsburg put Ozil, a German Muslim of Turk- Ozil made a comment and after, from behind in a fi ery encounter screamer from outside the box and the England international for much of this campaign. three past a struggling Fortuna ish origin signed by Wenger when you make a comment played out in torrential rain at that completely bamboozled shoved his shot past Gulacsi. Quaison struck twice ei- Duesseldorf at home, to leave in 2013, posted messages on about your individual opinion, Signal Iduna Park. Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi However Schick pounced 12 ther side of an own goal from the visitors entrenched in the Twitter and Instagram last week you accept the consequences of The draw means third-placed with its power and fl ight. minutes before the end, capital- Bremen keeper Jiri Pavlenka, relegation playoff spot. calling minority Uighurs “war- it,” Wenger said. Dortmund missed the chance to Julian Brandt added Dort- ising on Burki rushing out of his who was unlucky to concede Philipp Max scored in 32nd riors who resist persecution”. “First of all Mesut Ozil has free- move second ahead of Borussia mund’s second 11 minutes later, goal to hammer the ball home after a clearance struck the and 72nd minutes before Tin China’s foreign ministry said Ozil dom of speech like everyone Moechengladbach, who can join showing superb skill to turn from close range and ensure the woodwork and hit him on the Jedvaj ended the discussion just had been deceived by fake news else and he uses his notoriety to Leipzig on 34 points with a win past two Leipzig defenders and draw. back. after the hour mark. as the country’s Twitter-like express his opinions, what is not over bottom side Paderborn on smash home his fi nish. Robin Quaison’s first half He completed his treble in the Hoff enheim won 2-0 at Un- Weibo platform erupted with necessarily shared by every- Wednesday. Leipzig only needed seven hat-trick saw dominant Mainz 38th minute, converting lose ion Berlin through second half angry messages, some calling body but he has the right to do While Dortmund at times minutes after half-time to bring increase Werder Bremen’s rel- ball from a corner to make it 4-0 goals from Ihlas Bebou and for the London club to sack their that,” the Frenchman added. showed a level of skill and qual- the score back to 2-2, with Timo egation fears n 5-0 thumping at the break. Christoph Baumgartner. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 19, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING DOPING VIOLATION Canadian show jumping team lose Vuelta a Espana 2020 Olympic spot

Reuters two weeks ago with the Panam Montreal Sports Disciplinary Commis- sion which disqualifi ed her re- sults in both the individual and anada’s equestrian team competitions, according takes in Netherlands, jumping team have lost to the FEI. their spot at the 2020 The resulting calculation, Tokyo Olympics due which replaced Walker’s score toC a doping violation involving with that of team member one of the riders, the Interna- Lisa Carlsen, dropped Canada tional Federation for Equestrian three spots to seventh place Sports (FEI) said on Tuesday. and therefore cost the squad its Nicole Walker was part of team quota place for Tokyo, the France and Portugal the four-member jumping FEI said. Canada’s spot in the team that fi nished fourth in 2020 Olympics has now been ‘La Vuelta remains faithful to its commitment to innovation’ the team event at the Pan Am reallocated to Argentina, which Games in Lima to secure an Ol- originally fi nished fi fth in Lima. AFP ympic berth for Canada in that “I am confi dent that Team Madrid event. “My priority right now Canada and Nicole will receive is to continue to fi ght for the a fair hearing before the Court Canadian Equestrian Team. of Arbitration for Sport,” he Vuelta a Espana or- The Team deserves to go to the Walker’s lawyer, Tim Danson, ganisers unveiled an Olympics,” said Walker, who is said in a statement. international route on appealing the decision. Equestrian Canada (EC) said Tuesday with Spanish The FEI had provisionally it will support Walker through Tcycling’s grand tour embarking suspended Walker from the the appeals process. “EC re- from the Netherlands before side sport after a sample taken from mains fi rmly committed to excursions into France and Por- her on the day of the team fi - clean sport and to standing tugal on the 2020 itinerary. nal at the Pan Am Games in behind our athletes,” the na- The action begins with an August tested positive for tional governing body said in agenda-setting team time trial Benzoylecgonine, a metabo- a statement. “We fully support in the Dutch city of Utrecht lite of cocaine. After a con- Nicole’s decision to bring an on August 14 and culminates fi rmatory analysis of the ‘B’ appeal forward to the Court of 3,245km, 21 stages and three po- sample, Walker had a hearing Arbitration for Sport (CAS).” tentially thrilling weeks later in Madrid on September 6. As well as three Dutch stages BOXING the route also features cycling’s mythical Col de Tourmalet in France where Thibaut Pi- not won a stage ahead of Julian Fury accepts Joshua’s Alaphilippe on the 2019 Tour de France. For the fi rst time since 1997 the route also takes in two sparring off er ahead stages in Portugal, including the only stage over 200km. The route is also notable for of Wilder rematch excluding the sweltering South altogether. Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic is the defending cham- pion while runner-up veteran Spaniard Alejandro Valverde is likely to race the Tour de France and the Olympics in July before retiring. The 21-year-old Tadej Pogacar will be a focus of atten- tion after winning three stages, the white jersey and fi nishing third overall on his breakout Vuelta in September. A traditionally gruelling race, in its 75th edition, the route in- cludes seven steep climbs, one fewer than last year, as well as 11 stages that feature medium- to-high mountains in Spain and Reuters son and teamed up with Javan France. London ‘Sugar’ Hill. Pure climbers such as the Joshua, who reclaimed the Colombians Nairo Quintana IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO ti- and Miguel Angel Lopez, both yson Fury says he is tles with his victory over Andy present at the unveiling ceremo- willing to take up fellow Ruiz Jr this month, made the ny, wills see plenty of scope to Briton Anthony Josh- off er as he said the 31-year-old plot their campaigns despite the ua’s off er of sparring would be more likely to agree two longish time-trials. Tto prepare for his February re- to fi ght him at a later date. Former Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador (right) poses with a supporter at the end of the presentation of the 75th La Vuelta cycling tour of “La Vuelta remains faithful to Spain 2020 in Madrid. (AFP) match with WBC heavyweight “I think honestly he might its commitment to innovation champion Deontay Wilder. beat Wilder next time,” Joshua and to its dedication to being The last 10 winners of the Vuelta a Espana a gradient of 7.4 per cent and the Fury is set to face American told Sky Sports News. international,” said the event’s latter fi nishing at Moncalvillo Wilder on Feb 22 in Las Vegas “I think Fury would fi ght me director general Javier Guillen. 2019: Primoz Roglic (SLO) 2014: Alberto Contador (ESP) (*) In July Chris Froome was after a 15km climb, the last eight after the pair battled to a draw quicker than Wilder would, so “In 2020, we will undoubtedly 2018: Simon Yates (GBR) 2013: Chris Horner (USA) named winner of the 2011 Vuel- kilometres at an unforgiving 9.2 last December, a result that if that’s the case I want him host be one of the most Euro- 2017: Chris Froome (GBR) 2012: Alberto Contador (ESP) ta following the confirmation per cent. After some welcome saw Wilder retain his title. to win. Imagine that fi ght on pean sports events, visiting four 2016: Nairo Quintana (COL) 2011: Chris Froome (GBR) (*) of Juan Jose Cobo’s three-year respite for the sprinters, stage 15 “I would love to have you in British soil. EU countries: the Netherlands, 2015: Fabio Aru (ITA) 2010: Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) ban for doping violations. perhaps presents the most for- camp, work out for this fi ght “If Tyson needs me, I’ll go Spain, France, and Portugal. midable phase of the course, as and give Deontay Wilder a out and spar with him to get “Spain is still our home, the a section of the Cuena les Cabres proper beating,” Fury posted him ready for Wilder.” place that reminds us where we trial and one team trial. Sanctuary of Arrate, Laguna Ne- ers before the climbs begin in includes 3km at a lung-busting on Instagram on Tuesday. For the fi rst title defence of came from and where we are gra, Tourmalet, Moncalvillo, La Spain’s Basque country from 23.5 per cent gradient. Stage 18 “I hope you mean it, as I’d Joshua’s second stint as world headed but it also pushes us to LESS MOUNTAINS Farrapona, Angliru, Mirador de stage four, with an 18km ascent will leave Spain for Portugal be- love to have you in training champion he is likely to face grow as a competition and to Roglic pulverised his rivals on Ezaro and La Covatilla, Roglic in stage six that will end at La- fore the 20th stage brings the fi - camp with me. When I do beat unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr progress even further.” the time-trials last season, and will have much to fear from the guna Negra. Stage nine and 10 nal summit fi nish at La Covatilla. Wilder I will fi ght you AJ, no Usyk, the WBO’s mandatory There will be eight fl at stages will likely be pleased with the climb purists. off er more mountain challenges, The sprint to the line in Madrid problem.” challenger, or Bulgarian Kubrat and 11 hill and mountain stages, 2020 route. But with fearsome The early stages in the Neth- with the former posing a 19km will conclude at the Plaza de Ci- Earlier this month, Fury Pulev - the mandatory chal- as well as one individual time summit fi nishes posted at the erlands will favour the sprint- climb of the Col du Tourmalet at beles at the end of stage 21. split with trainer Ben Davi- lenger for the IBF.

FOCUS RUGBY Varnish wins right to appeal employment tribunal verdict Foster’s All Blacks

Reuters raised what everyone recognises as legiti- London mate concerns”. assistants group The spokesperson added that the de- cision to contest the case was based on ormer European team sprint British Cycling’s view that its relation- set to take shape champion Jess Varnish has won ship with riders was not one of employer- the right to appeal after an em- employee but that of an organisation that Reuters Mooar, former Ireland as- ployment tribunal ruled against supported athletes. Wellington sistant coach Greg Feek and herF in January in her case against British “We will continue to represent what we Hansen’s defence coach Scott Cycling and UK Sport. believe are the best interests of every rider McLeod were also likely to join Varnish, who was dropped from the currently supported through the high ellington Hurri- Foster’s setup. Plumtree has British cycling squad in 2016 before performance system, and all those in our canes’ John Plum- been involved with the Hur- the Rio Olympics, had sought to sue for sport who hope to one day compete at an tree is expected to ricanes since 2015, fi rst as an wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimi- Olympics or Paralympics,” the spokesper- be named as an assistant to Chris Boyd before nation. The case had the potential to son said. Wassistant to newly appointed he was elevated to the head impact how UK Sport off ered grants to All Blacks head coach Ian Fos- coaching role last year. British athletes, potentially forcing the EWAN TO STAY WITH ter yesterday after the Super Hurricanes Chief Executive governing body to introduce benefi ts and LOTTO-SOUDAL UNTIL 2022 Rugby team called a media Avan Lee, who will be at the increased protection in the event of dis- Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan, who won conference to discuss their media conference on Thurs- putes or grievances. three stages on this year’s Tour de France, coaching situation. day, had said earlier this month “Today, at the Employment Appeal Tri- has extended his contract with Lotto- New Zealand media have that if Plumtree was recruited bunal, Jess Varnish won the right to a full Soudal until the end of 2022, the Belgian widely reported that the Hur- for the national coaching ranks appeal on the question of her employment team announced yesterday. Fellow sprint- ricanes head coach had been then they would likely replace status with British Cycling,” her lawyer ers Jasper De Buyst and Roger Kluge have asked to take the role of for- him from within for next year. said in a statement posted on the 29-year- sues alone. She had also argued that her statement. joined the 25-year-old in signing new wards coach under Foster, who Assistant coach Jason Hol- old’s Twitter account. Varnish had alleged status was akin to an employee of the “I want to give athletes an opportunity contracts. was appointed last week to land would be the most likely in her complaint that she was the victim sports body and UK Sport, and she was to hold to account employees of govern- “I already knew after probably the fi rst succeed Steve Hansen. candidate to take over the of bullying and sexist language, particu- therefore entitled to basic workers’ rights. ing bodies who... have signifi cant control few months in the team that it was a great New Zealand Rugby have yet Hurricanes role for next year’s larly from now-departed technical direc- “We could easily have walked away af- over their careers and opportunities.” fi t for me and something that I wanted to to name any of Foster’s coach- Super Rugby season, which tor Shane Sutton. ter the original decision went against us. A British Cycling spokesperson told continue on for in the future,” said Ewan, ing staff . In addition to Plum- starts on Jan 31, with Chris British Cycling had maintained that However, I believe we’re doing the right the BBC that the culture of the team had who joined Lotto from Mitchelton-Scott tree, local media have reported Gibbes expected to take on Varnish was dropped on performance is- thing by not giving up,” Varnish said in the changed for the better since Varnish “fi rst in 2018. that Scarlets head coach Brad more responsibility. Gulf Times Thursday, December 19, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Superstar Jackson among NFL-best 12 Indiana Pacers Ravens in Pro Bowl

AFP leader, and NFL receptions New York leader Michael Thomas. Mahomes was among six Chiefs chosen while Pitts- altimore quarterback burgh and Philadelphia each stage fi ghtback to Lamar Jackson, the had fi ve players selected. NFL’s season touch- Meanwhile, Denver Broncos down pass leader starting cornerback Kareem Band a record-setting rusher, Jackson was suspended two was among a league-best 12 games by the NFL on Tuesday Ravens players announced on for violating the league’s sub- Tuesday as selections for next stance abuse policy in a Sep- month’s Pro Bowl. tember drunk driving arrest, shock LA Lakers The Ravens own the NFL’s the club announced. best record at 12-2 with a 10- Jackson, in his fi rst season ‘We really wanted to send a message to the elite teams in the league and get some respect’ game win streak and a major with the Broncos after nine reason is Jackson, who broke years at Houston, tweeted an Michael Vick’s one-season apology for the ban, which quarterback rushing record will sideline him for Denver’s last week and tops the league fi nal two games of the season with 33 touchdown passes. at home against Detroit and Jackson, a 22-year-old Oakland. signal caller in his second “I would like to apologize to NFL campaign, has run for the Broncos organization, my 1,103 yards on 159 carries and teammates and fans,” Jack- completed 245 of 370 passes son wrote. “I understand the (66.2%) for 2,889 yards to severity in my lapse of judge- power the Ravens attack. ment and I will certainly not Player, fan and coaches make this mistake again. votes are compiled to deter- “I know I am fortunate to mine the all-star game talent play in the NFL and am held to that will play January 26 at a high standard of profession- Orlando, Florida. alism and conduct.” Jackson led fan voting with The Broncos are out of play- 704,699 but he hopes not off contention at 5-9, missing to play in the game. Players the post-season for a fourth whose teams are involved in consecutive campaign since Super Bowl 54 on February 2 winning the Super Bowl. at Miami will not participate Jackson, 31, signed a three- in the Pro Bowl. year deal worth $33mn with Seattle quarterback Russell the Broncos last March. He Wilson was second in fan vot- intercepted two passes, forced ing followed by Kansas City a fumble and scored a touch- quarterback Patrick Maho- down for Denver this season. mes. Jackson was arrested for Other Ravens selected in- driving under the infl uence on clude running back Mark In- September 19. gram, safety Earl Thomas and “There are high standards kicker Justin Tucker. for the personal conduct of The New Orleans Saints led all members of our organiza- all National Conference clubs tion and we have expressed with seven selections, includ- our extreme disappointment ing quarterback Drew Brees, to Kareem for his poor judg- who on Monday became the ment,” the Broncos said in a NFL all-time touchdown pass statement.

Jeremy Lamb of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball in their 105-102 win against the Los Angeles Lakers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

AFP waukee for the NBA’s best record just two a free throw but missed the second to give the circle much tighter and cooking my Los Angeles days before they visit the Eastern Con- the Lakers a fi nal chance but Rajon Rondo own food. ference leaders in a potential NBA Finals missed a last 3-point shot and LA’s seven- “I have an organisation that loves me. showdown. game overall win streak was over. They helped me a lot on this journey so I determined Indiana fi ghtback “The diff erence between winning and “We just had to execute down the could come back and play.” and last-minute heroics by Mal- losing was made shots versus missed stretch, get some stops and make good Spencer Dinwiddie scored six of his colm Brogdon and Domantas shots,” James said. “Sometimes the ball shots,” Sabonis said. “We played a whole game-high 31 points in overtime to lead Sabonis led the Pacers to a dra- happens that way.” 48 minutes. We got the stops out there. the Brooklyn Nets past host New Orleans maticA 105-102 upset of the NBA-best Los The Lakers hit 43-of-91 shots (47.3%) That was key for us.” 108-101. Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. from the fl oor while Indiana made 41-of- The Pacers improved to 19-9 overall Croatian forward Bojan Bogdanovic and LeBron James produced 20 points, nine 85 (48.2%). and 12-3 at home with their 12th overall Donovan Mitchell each scored 30 points rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, Davis — the Lakers’ leader in points, win in 15 games. while Frenchman Rudy Gobert grabbed 19 who played without injured star forward rebounds and blocked shots — was absent Paul George scored 24 points and Kawhi rebounds to spark the Utah Jazz over vis- Anthony Davis and saw their road win due to a right ankle sprain suff ered in a Leonard added 20 to spark the Los An- iting Orlando 109-102. streak snapped at 14 games, two shy of the Sunday victory over Atlanta. geles Clippers over the visiting Phoenix New York’s R J Barrett scored 27 points NBA record. Dwight Howard had 20 points on 10- Suns 120-99. to lead the New York Knicks over visiting Pacers forward Sabonis, son of Lithua- of-10 shooting for the Lakers. Bahamian 21-year-old centre Deandre Atlanta 143-120 while Charlotte reserve nian legend Arvydas Sabonis, scored 26 “Our guys competed their tails off ,” Ayton, the 2018 NBA Draft top pick, re- guard Malik Monk had 23 points and 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “I’m very turned to the Suns after a 25-game sus- rebounds to power the Hornets over visit- Brodgon added 14 points and six assists proud of them.” pension for testing positive for a banned ing Sacramento 110-102. and sank a reverse layup to put Indiana LA, which led by as many as 10 points, diuretic following the season opener. ahead to stay with 36 seconds remaining. was ahead only 52-50 at half-time with Ayton scored 18 points on 9-of-19 RESULTS “Defi nitely a big win for us,” Brogdon James hitting 13 points, seven rebounds shooting from the fl oor and grabbed a Indiana 105 LA Lakers 102 said. “We really wanted to send a message and six assists in the fi rst half. game-high 12 rebounds. Charlotte 110 Sacramento 102 to the elite teams in the league and get After Brogdon’s layup gave Indiana a “It was the biggest mistake in my life, New York 143 Atlanta 120 some respect. We’ve had some big wins 104-102 lead, James missed a 3-pointer an unintentional mistake,” he said of his Brooklyn 108 New Orleans 101 (OT) Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. but this is the biggest one.” and a video reversal on an out-of-bounds doping ban. “I did not know what I put in Utah 109 Orlando 102 The Lakers (24-4) fell level with Mil- call gave the Pacers the ball. Sabonis made my body. I was guilty of it. (I’m) closing LA Clippers 120 Phoenix 99 BASEBALL BOTTOMLINE Cardinals sign up South Korean Kim Sherrock makes history for nine innings with the Korean AFP Washington club, missed the entire 2017 season with “Tommy John” tendon replacement surgery. outh Korean pitcher While Kim is expected to women at world darts Kim Kwang-hyun, join the Cardinals starting ro- AFP ain, making a series of appearances on had been inspired by the performance of who has played the tation, he could also serve in London morning TV and radio shows. Suzuki on Sunday. past 12 seasons for the the St. Louis bullpen if need- “If I can keep on hitting the doubles She said her fi ve-year-old autistic son, KoreanS Baseball Organiza- ed. then who’s to say I can’t keep going and Rory, would be proud of her achievement tion’s SK Wyverns, agreed to The Cardinals were swept allon Sherrock believes she is beat any man?” she told BBC Radio yes- and that the board that was used for her a two-year deal on Tuesday by eventual World Series win- capable of beating any male darts terday. historic victory will be donated to an au- with the St. Louis Cardinals. ner Washington in this year’s player after making history by be- “I feel I’ve always had the game but us tistic charity to be auctioned off in order The 31-year-old left-hand- National League Champi- coming the fi rst woman to win a women have never had the opportunity to to raise funds. er joins the 11-time Major onship Series. St. Louis last Fmatch at the PDC world championship. prove it. Last night I proved to myself and The former hairdresser also revealed League Baseball champi- reached the World Series in Roared on by the London crowd on everyone else that women can play darts she suff ers from a kidney problem that ons after a 2019 campaign in 2013, losing to Boston, and last Tuesday, the 25-year-old came from be- against the men and beat them.” prevents her from drinking alcohol and which he went 17-6 with a 2.51 won the crown in 2011, defeat- hind to beat 77th-ranked Ted Evetts. Sherrock, who will now play 11th seed previously caused her face to swell up, earned-run average and 180 ing Texas in seven games. The historic win came two days after Mensur Suljovic in the second round leading to abuse online after competi- strikeouts in 190 1/3 innings Kim was the Most Valuable Japan’s Mikuru Suzuki, the only other fe- on Saturday, said she hoped her victory tions. over 31 games. Player in South Korea’s 2006 male player in the fi rst-round draw, came set to overcome 22-year-old Evetts 3-2, would encourage more women to take up Hearn said last month that darts was The deal came in Kim’s sec- world junior champions, going agonisingly close to beating James Rich- scoring six maximum 180s in the fi rst- darts. “gender-free”. ond try at a North American 4-0 with wins in the quarter- ardson. round contest at London’s Alexandra Pal- “My hope is it inspires more girls and “The structure of the PDC is all about career. In 2014, the San Diego fi nals, semi-fi nals and fi nal. Sherrock, only the fi fth woman to play ace. ladies to take up the sport. It’s competitive embracing everyone,” he told The Darts Padres won bidding for his He made his pro debut with at the event, had secured one of two guar- “I’m buzzing! I can’t believe I’ve made and fun and I would recommend anyone Show Podcast: “Men, women, fat, thin, rights for $2mn but contract Wyverns in 2007, then helped anteed places for female players in the history tonight... done it for the girls, that taking it up,” she said. Christian, Muslim, whatever you are, it talks ended without an agree- the Koreans win the 2008 96-strong fi eld that were introduced by was amazing,” tweeted the English player. Sherrock, the 2015 runner-up in the doesn’t make any diff erence. You’re all ment and he returned to the Beijing Olympic gold medal, darts supremo Barry Hearn. Sherrock, whose win trended on social women’s world championship run by the level in the eyes of the god of the oche and Wyverns. Kim, who has a 3.27 beating Japan in a semi-fi nal She recovered from losing the opening media, became an overnight star in Brit- rival British Darts Organisation, said she that is the darts board.” ERA and 7.8 strikeouts per showdown. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 19, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT A year of upheaval Sleepless Tsitsipas but not for Nadal targets top-3 spot

AFP season, as he looks to challenge and Djokovic Nadal, Federer and Djokovic at Abu Dhabi the majors. The tennis season culminated in Madrid where the new incarnation of the 119-year-old The trio have 55 Grand Slam reek star Stefanos titles between them, and have Davis Cup was won by the Nadal-inspired home side, beating Canada in the final Tsitsipas is eyeing a won the last 12 consecutive top-three fi nish next majors. But with all of them Gseason as he hopes aged 32 and over — Federer is to break the rankings stran- 38 — Tsitsipas feels his gen- glehold of Rafael Nadal, Novak eration will soon be able to Djokovic and Roger Federer. knock the ‘Big Three’ off their The 21-year-old concluded perches. his 2019 season with a bang, “I understand that our ten- lifting the ATP Finals crown nis era is changing in a way, the in London on his debut in the top-three are getting older ob- tournament to end his year at viously, we are the ones come No 6 in the world. from behind. So for me, I do Tsitsipas toppled defending have as a goal to win a Grand champion Alexander Zverev Slam title next year, that’s for and 20-time Grand Slam win- sure, but it’s not a matter of ner Federer, en route to the life or death for me,” explained fi nal at the O2 Arena, before Tsitsipas, who takes on Andrey edging past Dominic Thiem in Rublev in Abu Dhabi today, a three-set thriller. with the winner moving on to Tsitsipas struggled to sleep play Djokovic tomorrow. in the days after his momen- “One of my goals for next tous victory. He says he kept year would be a Grand Slam getting fl ashbacks of the title, fi nishing in the top-three match point that earned him by the end of the year, making the biggest trophy of his young the Nitto Finals again and win- career. ning a Masters 1000.” “I’m currently living in the He added: “We have Nadal, best period of my life, with Djokovic, Federer, who are the best people around me. I there, and have always been really feel like this is very im- there. And what I need to do is portant for my balance and for go the extra mile and surpass my thinking,” Tsitsipas told them and that’s going to be the reporters in Abu Dhabi, where biggest challenge for next year, he is contesting the Mubadala I need to surpass one of them World Tennis Championship in order for me to fi nish in the exhibition starting today. top-three next year.” One of just two players to Tsitsipas’ best Grand Slam beat each member of the ‘Big result to date was reaching the Three’ in 2019, Tsitsipas has semi-fi nals of the Australian set himself lofty goals for next Open last January.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal takes a selfie with teammates after winning the Davis Cup final in November.

Reuters singles fi nal, failing to convert No one is holding their breath Canada in an emotional fi nal in 4.04am. London two championship points before for that, but in the women’s which Nadal’s team mate Rober- “The most important thing by losing in a fi fth-set tiebreak trig- game the future has arrived. to Bautista Agut won his singles far is the soul of the Davis Cup,” gered at 12-12 — an historic fi rst Japan’s Naomi Osaka, 22, beat match just days after the death Pique, whose partner Shakira n many ways 2019 felt like a for a Wimbledon fi nal. Petra Kvitova to win the Austral- of his father. It was a memorable sang before the fi nal, said. year of upheaval with a re- It left the 38-year-old Federer ian Open, backing up her 2018 end to a long week which saw 18 “I’m sure that for next year we vamped Davis Cup, a shake- stuck on 20 Grand Slam titles US Open title. Ashleigh Barty, nations do battle over 25 ties in will improve a lot because now up in the ATP hierarchy and and when Spaniard Nadal, 33, 23, became the fi rst Australian the soccer World Cup-type for- people know what to expect from newI faces lighting up the wom- won the US Open a few weeks woman to win the French Open mat that replaced the old World this new format.” en’s game, yet some things — no- later he moved to 19 — bring- since 1973, beating Czech teen- Group format spanning almost a While the ITF wrestled with tably the furniture at the top of ing the world number one closer ager Marketa Vondrousova in the year. its fl agship event, men’s govern- GOLF men’s tennis — refuse to budge. than ever to drawing level with fi nal, and ended the year ranked While it was an encouraging ing body the ATP had a tumul- Novak Djokovic and Rafael his Swiss rival. as the WTA’s number one. start, the International Tennis tuous year, with chief executive Nadal dominated the Grand With Djokovic on 16 and the At the US Open Serena Wil- Federation (ITF) and partners and chairman Chris Kermode Slams, Djokovic beating Nadal golden trio refusing to move liams had a fourth chance to Kosmos, Barcelona soccer player being ousted after he failed to Lowry to headline and Roger Federer to claim the aside, their battle for supremacy equal Margaret Court’s record 24 Gerard Pique’s investment com- garner the required support from Australian Open and Wimble- will recommence in a few weeks Grand Slam singles titles but lost pany which is bankrolling the the Board. don, and Nadal sealing a 12th in Melbourne where a fearless to 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu event to the tune of $3bn over 25 Juggling the confl icting de- protest-delayed French Open crown by beating new gang led by Greek Stefanos who in turn became the fi rst years, will need to make tweaks. mands of players and tourna- Dominic Thiem and then fi ght- Tsitsipas, winner of the ATP Fi- Canadian to win one of the four Many ties were played in front ment owners will now become ing off young Russian Daniel nals title, Medvedev and Can- majors. The tennis season culmi- of banks of empty seats while the poisoned chalice of Italians Hong Kong Open Medvedev to win the US Open. ada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, to nated in Madrid where the new the packed schedule meant play Massimo Calvelli, confi rmed Federer missed out, most no- name just three, will believe they incarnation of the 119-year-old went on beyond midnight on as the new chief executive this tably in heartbreaking fashion in can usher in a new era of Grand Davis Cup was won by the Nad- most nights — one tie between month, and new chairman And- AFP “I’m really excited about go- Wimbledon’s longest ever men’s Slam champions. al-inspired home side, beating Italy and the US concluding at rea Gaudenzi. Hong Kong ing back to play the Hong Kong Open again,” said Lowry, whose last appearance was in 2010. The BOTTOMLINE he 2019 Open Cham- Hong Kong Open will be my fi rst pionship winner Shane event of 2020 and I’m hoping to Lowry will headline use the tournament to kickstart Ta revamped fi eld for what will be a very important golf’s Hong Kong Open when year for me as I try to make the it fi nally gets under way next European Ryder Cup team next month after being shelved in September and build on the suc- Tiger the compelling act of 2019 November because of anti-gov- cess I enjoyed this year.” Reuters front-runners stumbled. the world number one, South Korean Ko ernment protests. Finau was runner-up at the New York In shooting 13 under par, Woods com- established herself even more emphati- Originally scheduled as the WGC-HSBC Champions in piled 22 birdies and nine bogeys. Four of cally as the premier women’s player, win- European Tour’s season-opener Shanghai last year and will also those bogeys came at the same hole, the ning four times on the LPGA Tour, includ- from November 28-December 1, begin his new year back in the iger Woods was the compelling par-four fi fth. ing two majors. the Asian showpiece was post- region at the Asian Tour sanc- golf story of 2019, a year when Woods eventually triumphed by one If Koepka bludgeons a course into sub- poned as the city struggled with tioned event. Brooks Koepka completed an stroke, while 10 players fi nished within mission, Ko by contrast swings with met- months of sometimes violent “I’m looking forward to com- unprecedented double, Ko Jin- three shots, all of whom could realistically ronomic accuracy, splitting fairways with pro-democracy protests which peting in my fi rst Hong Kong Tyoung ruled the women’s game and Matt have won had things gone a little diff er- her textbook swing and fi nding the heart forced road closures and public Open,” said Finau, who also Kuchar’s reputation as a good guy took a ently, such is the fi ne line between victory of greens with relentless precision thanks transport shutdowns near the made the 2018 US Ryder Cup hit. and no cigar in a game of inches. to her her pinpoint iron shots. venue. Irishman Lowry, who team. It was a minor miracle that Woods was Koepka would have forced a playoff had She hit nearly 80% of greens in regu- stormed to a famous six-shot “I’ve heard great things about even able to compete again after under- he holed an eight-foot putt at the last, lation, 3% more than anyone else, a dry victory to win his fi rst major the tournament and Hong Kong going a spinal fusion in 2017, a last ditch but he had to wait only a month to rectify statistic to be sure, but highly signifi cant at Royal Portrush in July, will Golf Club, and I am excited to attempt to alleviate searing pain after sev- that disappointment by winning the PGA nonetheless. be joined at the 61st edition of see it all fi rst-hand to start the eral less radical back surgeries had proved Championship at Bethpage Black on New Off the course, Kuchar made headlines Asia’s oldest professional tour- year.” ineff ective. give himself enough credit for what he’s York’s Long Island. for the wrong reasons after winning the nament by American world The Hong Kong Open has That he won again in 2018 at the Tour been through to get back to where he is,” In doing so, Koepka became the fi rst Mayakoba Championship in Mexico in number 16 Tony Finau, who was been won by luminaries from Championship, eight months after re- said the Northern Irishman. player to hold back-to back titles in two late 2018. a member of Tiger Woods’s vic- Peter Thomson to Justin Rose turning to competition, was no mean feat, “To me, if not the best comeback in majors — the PGA Championship and US With only a vague verbal agreement in torious Presidents Cup team in and Rory McIlroy, and had been but it merely set the stage for the main act sports, it’s defi nitely one of them. Open — at the same time. place, Kuchar felt no compunction about Melbourne on Sunday. Newly- an annual fi xture at the colonial- in April. “I’ve seen him in some pretty tough He fi nished the year as the clear world paying David ‘El Tucan’ Ortiz only $5,000 crowned 2019 Asian Tour Order era Fanling course since 1959. In capturing the Masters for his 15th places. We had lunch in March of 2017 and number one, even if FedEx Cup cham- from his fi rst prize of nearly $1.3mn, evi- of Merit winner Jazz Janewat- Italian Francesco Molinari, major title, nearly 11 years after his 14th, he was struggling to get up and move and pion McIlroy controversially won the dently feeling he was being rather gener- tananond, fresh from winning who won The Open Champi- Woods scaled a summit at the age of 43 walk around. Fast forward two years and PGA Tour’s Player of the Year in a vote ous. the Indonesian Masters last onship in 2018, Sweden’s Hen- that many had presumed would prove too he’s winning the Masters.” of his peers after a season that included Three months later, after being pub- week, and popular fellow Thai rik Stenson and controversial tall an order. Woods used his guile and experience victories for the Irishman at the Players licly shamed, Kuchar eventually upped Kiradech Aphibarnrat will also American Patrick Reed had been Four-times major champion Rory to hunt down the leaders at Augusta Na- Championship, Canadian Open and Tour the payout to a more respectable $50,000, feature in the event which will due to play last month but will McIlroy perhaps summed it up best. tional, hanging within striking distance Championship. still small change for a man with career now be played from January have to skip the new dates be- “I still to this day think people don’t before pouncing mercilessly when the While Koepka fi rmly planted his fl ag as earnings of more than $50mn. 9-12. cause of prior commitments. Gulf Times Thursday, December 19, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Kallis, Langeveldt to bolster Proteas Skipper Azhar eyes coaching set-up

Reuters ing 577 wickets. He retired Cape Town from all forms of interna- tional cricket in 2014 after amassing 62 international ricket South Af- centuries. Karachi win for rica have appointed Langeveldt is also set to be former Test stalwart added to the coaching setup Jacques Kallis as after the Bangladesh Cricket battingC consultant ahead Board (BCB) said yesterday of the four-Test series with the former paceman had England, while Charl Lan- been released from his role of geveldt is set to be added to bowling coach. The BCB said the technical team to coach it had received a request from ‘memorable’ series the bowlers. Cricket South Africa (CSA) to Kallis, one of the game’s release Langeveldt, who took ‘We are playing a home series and need to capitalise on that home advantage’ great all-rounders, will be up the Bangladesh role in July reunited with head coach on a two-year contract. AFP Mark Boucher and direc- “I can confi rm that we have Karachi tor of cricket Graeme Smith received a formal request for after the trio played leading his release,” BCB CEO Nizam roles on the pitch in helping Uddin Chowdhury said in a akistan skipper Azhar South Africa to the number statement. Ali said yesterday he one ranking across all three “We value our strong crick- wants the return of Test formats. eting relationship with CSA. cricket to the country to South Africa have strug- “We have also taken into beP a memorable one as his team gled with the bat in fi ve-day consideration that he was a seeks victory over Sri Lanka in cricket in 2019, having only South African international Karachi starting today. passed 300 once in their last cricketer and we understand Their series is the fi rst in Paki- 10 innings at home to Sri Lan- his reasons for wanting to stan since a militant attack on the ka and away in India. They work with his own team. The Sri Lankan team bus killed eight failed to reach 200 fi ve times. Board has decided to release people in March 2009, leading to The retirement of Smith, him with immediate eff ect.” the suspension of international Kallis, Hashim Amla and AB Langeveldt played 87 cricket in the country as foreign de Villiers in recent years has matches across all formats for sides refused to visit over secu- decimated the South African South Africa and also retired rity fears. top order and Boucher will in 2014. The return of Test cricket to lean on his former teammate The fi rst Test against Eng- Pakistan last week was some- to improve their fortunes. land starts on Boxing Day in thing of a washout, with their Kallis played in a combined Pretoria, followed by matches fi rst encounter badly hit by the 519 international matches, in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth weather in Rawalpindi before scoring 25,534 runs and tak- and Johannesburg. stuttering to a tame draw. After 10 years playing away, Azhar said Pakistan desperately wanted to make the most of play- ing at home. “We are playing a home series and need to capitalise on that home advantage,” he told report- ers. “We want to win this series and make the occasion memo- rable.”

EXTRA SPECIAL Despite the Rawalpindi washout, Pakistan gained a psychological edge against the Sri Lankans with Abid Ali and Babar Azam notch- ing hundreds to steer their team to 252-2 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 308-6 declared. It was extra special for Abid, who became the fi rst batsman to follow a one-day debut century — against Australia in Dubai in March this year — with a hun- Sri Lanka-Ireland one-off dred in his fi rst Test. Pakistan’s Azhar Ali prepares to bat during a practice session at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. (AFP) Test postponed Pakistan will likely make one change from the fi rst Test, with Sri Lanka are aiming to spoil said the team is looking to con- jitha, who pulled a hamstring second with 216. Sri Lanka have postponed next broadcast agreement, leg-spinner Yasir Shah replacing Pakistan’s homecoming follow- tinue their winning ways as part during the Rawalpindi Test and is Pakistan — currently sixth — their scheduled one-off which SLC is planning to fast bowler Usman Shinwari, who ing a string of strong perform- of the World Test champion- likely to be replaced by uncapped lost 2-0 to Australia recently, but home Test match against sign with a prospective has been ruled out with typhoid. ances. ship. fast bowler Asitha Fernando. got 20 points from last week’s Ireland next year due to partner during the year Azhar will also hope to regain his Earlier this year, they became “We look forward to giving The Sri Lankans are in third draw in Rawalpindi. the lack of a broadcast 2020,” the SLC said in a own batting form, having man- the fi rst Asian team to win a Test good competition to Pakistan, place on the Test championship Launched in August, the partner, the country’s statement. aged just 36 at Rawalpindi follow- series in South Africa (2-0) be- but know that it will be tough to table with 80 points. championship involves the top cricket board SLC “The new dates of the tour ing his miserable 62 in four innings fore drawing 1-1 at home against beat them,” he said. World number one India sit nine Test teams in the world. announced yesterday. will be announced, once in Australia and 59 in six innings in New Zealand. The visitors will be without atop the nine-team table with The top two will contest the fi - Sri Lanka’s current confirmed.” South Africa earlier this year. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne their pace spearhead Kasun Ra- 360 points while Australia are nal at Lord’s in June 2021. broadcast agreement for The news comes just home matches was inked days after Ireland were in 2013, at a time when forced to cancel next Sangakkara to captain MCC side to Pakistan in February Ireland were yet to secure year’s home Test against a full member status. Bangladesh, which chief Kumar Sangakkara will lead a tee voiced support in seeing port cricket in countries such as forward to being part of the trip.” is the custodian of the Laws of Ireland was scheduled to executive Warren Deutrom Marylebone Cricket Club side on touring sides return to Pakistan Pakistan, and the PCB has done MCC works closely with world the game. “The decision by the play Sri Lanka in a one-off described was due to their tour of Lahore in February at meeting held at Lord’s in a tremendous job in rebuilding governing body International world’s oldest and most influen- Test from February 8-12, a “number of financial to help Pakistan in their bid to August. the international cricketing land- Cricket Council and undertakes tial cricket club to send a quality 2020. headwinds” faced by the convince touring sides to return Former Sri Lanka captain San- scape since the tragic events of overseas tours, where they play team is further testament that “Sri Lanka Cricket in board. to play Test cricket in the coun- gakkara, who took over as the 2009,” he said in a statement. exhibition matches to help in the Pakistan is as safe and secure consultation with Ireland Ireland have played three try, the club said yesterday. first non-British president of the “With international cricket hav- development of the game. a country as any other cricket- Cricket decided to Tests since being awarded The MCC, which was founded MCC in October in a one-year ing returned for the first time in a PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan playing nation in the world, and reschedule the tour to a full member status in June in 1787, will play a number of post, said he was excited to lead decade, it is wonderful the Club welcomed the decision of MCC, MCC’s tour is a further step for- later date to ensure that 2017 and are not part of matches in the city in February the club side in Pakistan. is doing its part to strengthen which has been based at Lord’s, ward in normalising team tours the proposed one-off Test the ongoing World Test after its World Cricket Commit- “It is hugely important to sup- cricket in Pakistan and I look which it owns, since 1814 and to Pakistan,” he said. Reuters match will come under the Championship. Reuters

BOTTOMLINE Boult desperate to make ‘dream’ Boxing Day return Reuters the overs under my belt and having enough be- Melbourne hind me. I feel like I’m in that place and ticking all the right boxes so far.” Boult said he would look to continue his re- ew Zealand pace spearhead Trent covery in a two-day game against a Victoria Boult says he is “ticking all the right state XI starting tomorrow as he works toward boxes” in his rehab as he looks to re- what would be his fi rst Test at the MCG, which turn for the Boxing Day Test against traditionally draws a huge crowd on Boxing Day. Australia.N “I appreciate that stage for what it is,” said Boult was ruled out of the opener of the Boult, who played in front of 93,000 spectators three-match series at Perth Stadium with a at the MCG in the 2015 World Cup fi nal defeat rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suff ered a by Australia. 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test. “Test cricket is my favourite format, this is The left-arm quick got through a nets session the stage a lot of people dream of being on,” unscathed on a scorching hot day at the Mel- Boult said. bourne Cricket Ground (MCG) yesterday in a “To get this opportunity in my career is defi - boost to Kane Williamson’s team. nitely something I’m looking forward to.” Boult “(I’m) feeling pretty good. Probably a little bit bowled in the MCG nets yesterday to out-of- frustrated to be on the sidelines watching the form opener Jeet Raval and reserve wicketkeep- games go by,” the 30-year-old told reporters. er-batsman Tom Blundell. “I feel like I’ve been rehabbing well. The ball’s New Zealand media pundits have urged se- coming out alright, I’m hoping to be pushing for lectors to pick two-Test Blundell in place of Boxing Day and getting back out there. lefthander Raval, who has managed a top score “The side has been the issue. It’s about re- of 19 in his past fi ve innings. habbing that, letting it rest and cool down. The third and fi nal Test of the series starts in “From there it’s about being confi dent with Sydney on January 3. File photo of New Zealand’s Trent Boult. (Reuters)

Thursday, December 19, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ODI SERIES Sharma’s 159 helps India draw level with West Indies India’s left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav becomes first Indian bowler to claim two hat-tricks in ODIs

India’s Kuldeep Yadav (centre) celebrates with teammates after taking a hat-trick of dismissals during the second ODI against the West Indies in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP)

Scorecard India’s K.L. Rahul (left) fist bumps with teammate Rohit Sharma during the second ODI against the West Indies in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) INDIA S. Hetmyer run out (Iyer/Jadeja) 4 R. Sharma c Hope b Cottrell 159 R. Chase b Jadeja 4 bowler to claim two hat-tricks in “What’s been good is in the stride after reaching 50 off 67 de- Deepak Chahar dropping a sim- AFP KL Rahul c Chase b Pollard 102 N. Pooran c Yadav b Shami 75 Visakhapatnam international matches. last three games, including the liveries. ple catch at long-on off Ravin- Yadav, a left-arm wrist spin- one at Wankhede (third Twen- The attacking batsman soon dra Jadeja, hitting 75 off 47 balls. V. Kohli c Chase b Pollard 0K. Pollard c Pant b Shami 0 ner, sent back Shai Hope for 78, ty20 against West Indies) and overtook his partner, who had Shami broke the stand with the S. Iyer c Hope b Cottrell 53 J. Holder st Pant b Yadav 11 wicket of Pooran and struck on pener Rohit Sharma Jason Holder (11) and Alzarri fi rst two ODIs, we’ve batted well raised his fi fty in 46 balls, and R. Pant c Pooran b Paul 39 K. Paul b Shami 46 smashed 159 in a power Joseph (0) on the fi nal three de- in the fi rst half,” said Kohli. went on to complete his 28th ODI the very next ball to get skipper packed batting show to liveries of his eighth over in Visa- “It’s always good to get 40-50 hundred amid loud cheers from a Kieron Pollard caught behind for K. Jadhav not out 16 A. Joseph c Jadhav b Yadav 0 set up India’s 107-run khapatnam to record his second extra. Rohit and KL were out- capacity crowd. Rahul recorded a fi rst-ball duck. R. Jadeja not out 0K. Pierre c Kohli b Jadeja 21 series-levellingO win over West ODI hat-trick. standing, the opening partner- his third ODI hundred with a Yadav then got the prized Extras (b1, lb3, nb1, w13) 18 S. Cottrell not out 0 Indies in the second one-day in- He claimed his fi rst against ship set it up.” boundary off Alzarri Joseph, but wicket of Hope with Kohli tak- ternational yesterday. Australia at Kolkata’s Eden Gar- Kohli, who had a rare fl op lost his wicket to the paceman ing a superb catch in the outfi eld Total (5 wickets, 50 overs) 387 Extras (b1, lb2, w8) 11 Sharma put on 227 runs with dens in 2017 to join India’s ODI as he fell for a fi rst-ball duck, four balls later when mistiming a and then sent back Jason Holder Fall of wickets: 1-227 (Rahul), Total (all out, 43.3 overs) 280 opening partner KL Rahul, who hat-trick club that includes has scored 1292 runs in 25 ODI shot to third man. stumped for 11 and Alzarri Joseph 2-232 (Kohli), 3-292 (Sharma), Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Lewis), 2-73 made 102, as India amassed 387 Chetan Sharma, Kapil Dev and matches. Shreyas Iyer also tore Nicknamed the Hitman, Shar- caught at second slip for nought 4-365 (Pant), 5-373 (Iyer) (Hetmyer), 3-86 (Chase), 4-192 for fi ve while batting fi rst and Mohamed Shami. into the West Indies attack with a ma registered his eighth score of to celebrate the hat-trick. Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-83-2 (w2), (Pooran), 5-192 (Pollard), 6-210 went on to make the three-match However no Indian bowler has 32-ball 53 as he hit Roston Chase 150 plus before edging an incom- Debutant Khary Pierre made Holder 9-0-45-0 (w1), Pierre (Hope), 7-210 (Holder), 8-210 series 1-1 in Visakhapatnam. taken more than one hat-trick for 31 runs — including four sixes ing delivery from paceman Shel- 21 and Keemo Paul hit 46 before 9-0-62-0 (w2), Paul 7-0-57-1 (w1), (Joseph), 9-260 (Pierre), 10-280 Spinner Kuldeep Yadav across formats. and one four — in the 47th over. don Cottrell to the wicketkeeper. being bowled by Shami as India Joseph 9-1-68-1 (w3), Chase 5-0- (Paul) claimed a hat-trick as the hosts Paceman Mohamed Shami His partnerships including a West Indies responded won convincingly after losing the 48-0 (w3, nb1), Pollard 2-0-20-1 Bowling: Chahar 7-1-44-0 (w2), bowled out the West Indies for also took three wickets. Sharma 73-run fourth-wicket stand with strongly with Hope, who was by eight wickets. “We deserve to (w1) 280 in 43.3 overs. Wicketkeeper- though remained the hero with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh dropped on nought, and Evin go out with a bang, our heads and Thakur 8-0-55-1 (w2), Shami WEST INDIES batsman Shai Hope top-scored his seventh century of the year, Pant, who hit 39 off 16 deliveries. Lewis putting on 61 runs for the shoulders are still high,” said Pol- 7.3-0-39-3 (w1), Jadeja 10-0-74-2 with 78 while Nicholas Pooran taking him past skipper Vi- Sharma, who was dropped fi rst wicket. Hope then put on lard. “We’ll come back and fi ght E. Lewis c Kohli b Yadav 30 (w1), Yadav 10-0-52-3, Iyer 1-0- 13-0 (w2) made 75. Yadav returned fi gures rat Kohli as the top run-getter on 70 when Shimron Hetmyer 106 runs for the fourth wick- hard in a couple of days.” S. Hope c Kohli b Yadav 78 of 3-52 with his left-arm wrist in 2019 with 1427 runs off 27 spilled a Chase shot, was slow et with Nicholas Pooran, who The third ODI is on Sunday in Result: India won by 107 runs spin after becoming India’s fi rst matches. out of the blocks but got into his survived a reprieve on 22 with Cuttack.

Australia boss tells MCG not INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE AUCTION to play too safe with pitch Cricket Australia boss Kevin after a dull draw between Aus- Big hitters and a magician: 5 to watch Roberts has urged Melbourne tralia and England in the 2017-18 Cricket Ground staff not to Ashes series. AFP his base price at 15mn rupees online footage of his exploits “overreact” to the abandon- In last year’s annual Boxing Day New Delhi ($212,000). going viral. “The most impor- ment of a domestic match due Test, which begins on Dec. 26, Morgan last played for Kings tant thing is still the bowling,” to a dangerous pitch by produc- India beat Australia by 137 runs, XI Punjab in 2017 and went un- he said. “If there are no wickets, ing a flat wicket for next week’s and the pitch was rated “aver- any of the world’s sold last year, but that is unlikely there are no celebrations.” Boxing Day Test against New age”. But the wicket was still top cricketers will to happen again given his ex- Playing for the Paarl Rocks Zealand. criticised by media pundits and be among 332 play- ploits in the World Cup which in the domestic Mzansi Super A Sheff ield Shield match at fans for off ering bowlers little ers going under the included a world record 17 sixes League, Shamsi has had many Mhammer when the Indian Pre- in blasting 148 off 71 balls against opportunities to perform the the MCG was halted last week assistance on the opening day. because of a dangerous surface Roberts said the fresh wicket mier League holds its auction Afghanistan. sleight of hand, taking 14 wick- on which several Western Aus- for the second Test between today. Here are fi ve players who ets in nine matches and he has tralia batsmen took body blows Australia and New Zealand could break the bank when the JASON ROY (ENGLAND) set his base price at a modest fi ve from deliveries that reared up would have more grass than eight teams in the Twenty20 South African-born batsman mn rupees ($70,000). at them. the previous two Boxing Day tournament place their bids in Roy was a key to England’s World The abandonment was embar- strips. Kolkata: Cup success with a hundred and SHIMRON HETMYER rassing for groundsman Matt “Other than that last Shield four half-centuries. (WEST INDIES) Page and Melbourne Cricket game, the condition of pitches GLENN MAXWELL Rated as one of the game’s Hetmyer is fast building a repu- Club, but Roberts backed at the MCG has been on a (AUSTRALIA) most destructive limited-overs tation as the new big-hitting ground staff to produce a significant increase over the Explosive hitter Maxwell sur- openers Roy could trigger a bid- weapon to take over from the wicket that would challenge last period of time since Matt prised the cricketing world when ding war given his rapid strike now-retired Chris Gayle and the both batsman and bowler. and the team took the concrete he recently took a short break rate of more than 145 in Twen- 22-year-old would have done no “We’re really keen to ensure base out from under the because of mental health issues. ty20s and a base price of 15mn harm to his auction price with a that the MCC doesn’t overreact pitches and replaced it with He returned to club cricket rupees ($212,000). sparkling career-best 139 in the to the situation in the last Shield sand,” he said. last month and put his name in He played previously for the West Indies’ one-day interna- game,” he told reporters in “The feedback from the cura- the IPL auction having played now-defunct Gujarat Lions and tional win against India on Sun- Melbourne yesterday. tors is that it feels diff erent to previously for Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals as well as enjoy- day. “The great news was that no roll, the feedback from players Mumbai Indians and Delhi Dare- ing successful stints in South The left-hander, whose re- players were injured in that is that it feels diff erent and even devils (now Capitals). Africa’s Mzansi Super League lease by the Virat Kohli-led Roy- situation. We learned a lot from sounds diff erent to play on. Maxwell has scored 1,397 runs and the Pakistan Super League. al Challengers Bangalore may yet it... “It sounds like a proper turf in the IPL at an average of 22.9 at turn out to be a huge mistake, “So we’re confident that there wicket now rather than some- a rapid strike rate of 161.13. He TABRAIZ SHAMSI toyed with the Indian bowling. won’t be an overreaction, and thing that’s more like a concrete is one of the fi ve Australians to (SOUTH AFRICA) Hetmyer smashed 11 fours and that will see a better balance deck, so we’re really optimistic have their base price set at 20mn Shamsi has emerged as South seven sixes during his 106-ball between bat and ball at the about Boxing Day.” rupees ($282,000). Africa’s fi rst-choice limited- blitz, but denied that he had an MCG.” Australia lead the three-match overs spinner since Imran Tahir’s eye on the auction. The MCG’s drop-in wicket has series against New Zealand EOIN MORGAN (ENGLAND) retirement from ODIs. “I wasn’t thinking about that been under scrutiny since it 1-0 after winning the pink-ball Having led England to their The left-arm bowler’s unu- too much, said Hetmeyer who was given a “poor” rating by the day-night opener by 296 runs fi rst 50-over World Cup in July, sual wicket celebrations include should see plenty of interest at West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer celebrates after scoring a half century International Cricket Council in Perth. fast-scoring Morgan will be a the magician’s trick of turning a a base price of fi ve mn rupees during the first one-day international match against India at the M.A. hot property again having set handkerchief into a stick, with ($70,000). Chidambaram Cricket Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. (AFP)