Sport

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020 ’sJa Naomi says Brady would be a formidable opponent in semi-final ItIt (( 2020 ) will be simple rather than festive,fes but I hope it will be something moving that encouragesen people through the power of sport.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto Sport |09

QVA SENIOR LEAGUE: Al Wakrah beat Al Arabi 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 25-22); Al Rayyan beat Al Gharafa 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17) Space Jam beat Pro Sports in final to emerge QBF Ladies Champions

Players and team officials of Space Jam, Pro Sports and Women's National Team are seen with event organisers Federation (QBF) at the end of the Ladies Championship final yesterday. Space Jam beat Pro Sports 42-41. Eight teams featured in the Nov 11-Dec 28 event. Qatar Women's National Team finished in third spot.

Leicester Gutsy Qatar SC hold Al Sadd in move up to second after QSL thriller; Al Wakrah win 2-1 1-1 draw THE PENINSULA – at Palace The impressive winning streaks of both QNB Stars League (QSL) REUTERS – points leaders Al Sadd and Qatar SC this season came to an Leicester City moved up to end yesterday when the two second in the Premier League teams shared points following after a 1-1 draw at Crystal a one-all draw at Qatar SC Palace when Harvey Barnes Stadium. cancelled a Wilfried Zaha goal Consistent scorer Anthony at Selhurst Park yesterday. Okpotu put the hosts ahead in Leicester will remain the 31st minute in the thrilling second overnight with Round 11 clash before Santi Everton, level on points with Cazorla scored the equaliser in them, not playing later on the 42nd minute with a penalty Monday after their home kick. match against City The draw ended Al Sadd's was postponed following more six-game winning run. Qatar positive COVID-19 cases at SC were enjoying five wins in City. a row prior to yesterday's Leicester dominated the match. bulk of the game but failed to This result raised Al Sadd's take their chances and missed balance to 29 points, seven clear a first half penalty while of their closest opponent Al striker Jamie Vardy only came Gharafa who were also involved on as a second half in a one-all draw with Umm Qatar SC's Mohammed Youcef Belaili (second right) is challenged by Al Sadd's Pedro Miguel during substitute. Salal. With one point added to yesterday's QNB Stars League Round 11 match played at Qatar SC Stadium. Palace made it 1-0 just their total (19) Qatar SC made it before the hour mark when the top four depending on the Andros Townsend floated a goal difference. Qatar SC and Cazorla converted a cross to the far post for Zaha to Al Ahli now have same number penalty awarded after Qatar volley home from an acute of points. SC’s Ali Karimi brought down angle. However, Barnes Al Sadd attacked from the Bounedjah. equalised when he scored his beginning, with the likes of Al Sadd had much more of second goal in as many games, Baghdad Bounedjah, Nam the ball, but the teams took the driving a low effort from the Tae-Hee and Abdelkarim half-time break with a 1-1 edge of the box past the out- Hassan raiding the rival citadel scoreline. ROUND 11 stretched arm of Guaita in the time and again, giving Qatar SC Qatar SC’s substitute Eisa YESTERDAY'S RESULTS 83rd minute. goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail a har- Ahmed had a chance to give Al Gharafa 1-1 Umm Salal time. his side the lead a second time, Al Wakrah 2-1 Al Kharaitiyat However, it was Qatar SC but his shot was blocked by Qatar SC 1-1 Al Sadd Everton vs who took the lead against the the goalkeeper in the 80th run of play when Okpotu took minute. City PL game advantage of a defensive Soon, Bounedjah shot wide full points yesterday when they mistake committed by Tareq of the target and Cazorla too recorded a 2-1 win against Al postponed due Salman. hit wide, in the 90th minute, as Kharaitiyat. Okpotu tested goalkeeper the deadlock continued. At Al Duhail Stadium yes- to virus cases Meshaal Barsham again in the Elsewhere, Al Wakrah terday, Al Kharaitiyat took the 37th minute. became the only team to grab lead in the 21st minute through REUTERS – LONDON a goal by Mahmoud Saad Al Wakrah captain Mohamed Benyettou shoots at the goal. before Malian international Al Gharafa and Umm Salal players in action. Everton’s Premier League Ousmane Coulibaly scored the match at home to Manchester equaliser in the 43rd minute. City yesterday was called off Jassim Ali added the second early on attacking Umm Salal Alaaeldin charged towards the due to new COVID-19 cases goal in the 90th minute to take from the first minute. The Umm Salal box despite being reported at City, the league Al Wakrah’s points tally to 13 former champions even won a under pressure from Aymen said in a statement. as they climbed three spots in corner kick in the first 40 Abdennour. Just as he entered City returned a number of the QSL standings. seconds. the box, Umm Salal keeper positive cases for COVID-19 Later at the same venue, Al Al Gharafa continued with Malick stepped out and pro- after confirming four positives Gharafa and Umm Salal shared an attacking game and duced a sliding tackle that last week, including striker points after their Round 11 Jonathan Kodjia broke into the brought down Ahmed Gabriel Jesus and defender match ended in a 1-1 draw. Umm Salal box in the sixth Alaaeldin. Kyle Walker. Sofiane Hanni opened the minute. Kodjia, who dominated The referee pointed to the The Premier League board scoring for Al Gharafa by con- throughout the match, fired a spot and Hanni converted the agreed to rearrange the game verting a penalty in the 12th bullet from close range, but his penalty. as a precaution after City minute, while Kayke Rodrigues shot was blocked by keeper Umm Salal’s reply came lodged a request following the equalised for Umm Salal in the Baba Malick. when Adel Alawi clipped in latest round of testing. next minute of the hard-fought Kodjia managed a repeat a neat cross for Rodrigues City have decided to shut match. attack in the ninth minute and who arrived with perfect down their first-team training Al Gharafa now have 22 this time his shot went to the timing to deflect the ball on facility indefinitely, with the points and Umm Salal 10 left of keeper Malick. the volley from close range squad set to undergo testing points. Al Gharafa opened the as their fans celebrated the before any decision is made Al Gharafa showed intent scoring off a penalty. Ahmed equaliser. for training to resume. TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

Athletes in action at QOC Beach Games

Action during the men's and competitions of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Beach Games at the Aspire Zone yesterday. In events yesterday, Stars beat Lusail men with a margin of 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 15-13).

I’d love to experience living in the Mourinho , playing in that Messi undecided over future league and living that life unhappy at but I don’t know whether it’ll happen: at , drops US hint Spurs’ lack Messi put those the final six months of his not get distracted by other of ambition plans on hold contract. things.” till the end of the “I don’t know what I’m The Argentine did not REUTERS – WOLVERHAMPTON 2020-2021 season going to do yet, I’m going hide his pessimism about REUTERS – BARCELONA as the club insisted on to wait until the season the club, who have made Tottenham Hotspur manager enforcing the €700m ends,” Messi said in an their worst start to a season Jose Mourinho admonished his Lionel Messi has yet to ($854m) exit clause should interview with Spanish tel- in 33 years and are in a players after losing another make up his mind if he will another club want to snap evision channel La Sexta deep financial crisis due to lead, this time to Wolver- terminate his two-decade him up. broadcast. the impact of the corona- hampton Wanderers in long relationship with But with the Catalans “I’d love to experience virus pandemic. Sunday’s 1-1 draw, to continue Barcelona at the end of this languishing in fifth place in living in the United States, “It’s a difficult moment a poor run that has seen them season, hinting that he La Liga and a lot of playing in that league and for the club, for everyone, slip from first to fifth in the could end up seeing out his upheaval going on within living that life but I don’t but those inside the club Premier League. playing days in Major the club, Messi described know whether it’ll happen. know that it’s in a really “It is disappointing, of League Soccer. Barcelona’s plight as “really “Right now the most bad situation, things are course,” Mourinho said, The Argentine’s future bad”. important thing is to focus very bad and it’s going to acknowledging frustration has been a hot topic ever From January Messi on the team and finish the be difficult to return the after Tanguy Ndombele’s goal since he tried to leave Bar- will be free to negotiate his season well, to focus on club to where it used to be,” after 57 seconds was cancelled celona in August. He had to next move as he will enter trying to win trophies and he added. out by Romain Saiss’ late header. “We had control of the game. But we had 89 minutes Koeman grateful for Messi support in transition to score more goals, and we didn’t. And it was not just REUTERS – BARCELONA important player to this club and in the Eibar due to an ankle injury but should about not scoring goals, it was world of football, so anyone would be be fit to face Huesca on Jan. 3. French also about not being dan- Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman happy for him to speak well about winger Ousmane Dembele is set to gerous, not being ambitious, (pictured) is grateful to Lionel Messi for them,” Koeman said. return to the team against Eibar after and for me that’s the endorsing his appointment and praising “But I feel the same way, I’m trying recovering from an injury. Eibar are problem.” his impact even though they are enduring to get the team to move forward. It’s a hovering above the relegation zone They have dropped more their worst start to a season in 33 years. transitional year with lots of changes but gave champions Real points in the last 10 minutes of Messi said a young team were but he’s still a very important part of good game this month before losing matches this season than any growing under the Dutchman as they this team and if he can help us improve 3-1. other Premier League side. bid to improve on their current fifth more for the rest of this season we can “They are a very com- The draw at Wolves left Spurs place in La Liga, eight points behind be happy.” petitive team, who in fifth place and six points leaders Atletico Madrid. Messi, who is heading into the final always try to press their behind leaders Liverpool when “I’m not sure if it makes me more six months of his contract with Barca, opponents high up the a win would have put them calm but I’m grateful because he’s a very will miss today’s home game against pitch,” Koeman said. third. After eclipsing ‘mythological’ Bubka, Duplantis eyes Tokyo Olympics gold

REUTERS – LONDON motivation for the outdoor season at the end, to really get the 6.15m and cement myself as the Swedish pole vaulter (pictured) highest-ever jumper outdoors,” said Duplantis, said his desire to better Sergey Bubka’s outdoor who won all 16 of his meetings this year to reg- mark kept him motivated in the 2020 season and ister a perfect season. after clearing 6.15m to eclipse the Ukrainian great “Growing up ... you see Bubka as almost this in September the 21-year-old is aiming to go higher mythological creature. He was not real in the next year. things that he was doing, they didn’t seem pos- Duplantis, a world silversilver memedallistdallist in DoDohaha sible.sible. AnAnyy recordrecord wwherehere yyou can knock him down last year, set the world recordecord by clearing a ranking is a pretty spspeciale feeling.” Duplantis, 6.17m indoors in Polandd in FebruarFebruaryy named male athlete of the year earlier this and bettered that by a centimetreentimetre in month,month, is now targtargetinge gold at next year’s Glasgow the same month.th. TokyoTokyo Olympics. He then went highergher than “I“I definiteldefinitelyy thinkthi I can jump higher. Bubka’s outdoor mark off 6.14m,6.14m, ssetet There’sThere’s always rooroomm to improve. How high? in 1994, to win gold att the I don’t know,know, but tthere’sh more to come,” he Diamond League mmeetingeeting iinn saisaid.d. “Wi“Winningn an Olympic gold is Handball: win friendly against September. thethe ddream.re Ever since I was a World Athletics has notnot distin-distin- kidkid I wanted to win an Argentinian and Spanish players in action during the Qatar International Handball Tournament at guished between indooror and OlympicOlym gold, to be the best the Al Duhail Indoor Hall yesterday. Spain defeated South American champions Argentina 33-31 to outdoor records in pole vault polepole vaulter in the world. seal their first win in the tournament. Today, Qatar, who are unbeaten in the tournament, will meet since 2000. That’sTha the big goal going into Spain in their last match of the four-team event. “That was the mamainin thethe next year.” Qatar Senior Volleyball League: Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan record wins

A player of Al Wakrah leaps to attempt a smash against Al Arabi during their Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Senior Men's League match played at QVA Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Wakrah won the match 3-1 with a scoreline of 25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 25-22. RIGHT: An Al Rayyan player prepares to score against Al Gharafa during the second QVA League match of the day. Al Rayyan defeated Al Gharafa 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17). 10 SPORT TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020

Kohli and on the ropes as Perry close in on victory named cricketers REUTERS - MELBOURNE

A depleted Indian attack of the shrugged off an injury to paceman Umesh Yadav to rout decade Australia’s batsmen and give themselves a platform for a AFP - series-levelling victory on day three of the second Test India captain Virat Kohli was yesterday. named the ICC’s male With Umesh lost to a calf cricketer of the decade strain after lunch, spin- yesterday as Australia all- all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja rounder Ellyse Perry swept chipped in two and the top women’s awards. seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Kohli and Perry were the Mohammed Siraj took one big winners in the Interna- apiece to leave Australia 133 for tional Council’s six at stumps, clinging to a lead Awards of the Decade, while of two runs at the Melbourne Australian batsman Steve Cricket Ground. Smith was crowned the best India’s injured Raw all-rounder Cameron Test player. Umesh Yadav Green, 17 , and tailender Kohli, who was also Pat Cummins, on 15, dug in to leaves the field named ODI player of the ensure India will bat again but during day decade, lifted the 2011 World Australia face a massive task to three of the Cup and the 2013 Champions set them a proper chase. second Test Trophy with India, before Rejuvenated after the three- match between inspiring their first Test series day humiliation in the series- Australia and victory on Australian soil two opener, India’s batsmen are India at the years ago. highly unlikely to produce MCG, Melbourne, “It’s just been an honour another Adelaide-style horror Australia, for me to be able to go out show where they dismissed for yesterday. there and perform for my 36, their lowest ever test innings team, and it’s a great honour total. for me to win this award,” Australia chased 90 for Replacement opener Yet Bumrah nipped their India’s innings. Rahane paid after another cheap dismissal, Kohli said in a video victory to win that Test in three Matthew Wade, who managed 29-run partnership in the bud tribute to his bowlers but said the opener caught behind for message. days, but their batsmen have a 137-ball 40, had no complaints by bowling Smith, and Wade there was work still to be done. four off Umesh and then “My only intention was to failed to surpass 200 in their about the MCG pitch. was soon out lbw by Jadeja. “The bowlers bowled really burning a review before make winning contributions other three innings of the series. “It did more, probably, in His triggered a col- well and bowled in the right departing. for the team and I just strive Alarmingly for the hosts, the first innings,” the lefthander lapse with Travis Head (17) and areas,” he told broadcasters. Marnus Labuschagne (28), to do that in every game,” he star batsman Steve Smith’s form told reporters. “Disappointing Tim Paine (1) falling in suc- “We still got four wickets to who made 48 in the first added. woes have been starkly outs, myself included.” cessive overs, the former go, the game is not over yet.” innings, made another bright India’s all-formats exposed, with Bumrah bowling India, anchored by stand-in nicking Siraj to the slips and the Cummins and Green were start but was outpointed by captain was the decade’s him around his legs for eight captain Ajinkya Rahane’s inspi- latter caught behind. lucky to bat out the day, with Ashwin. highest run-scorer with yesterday shortly after the rational century on day two, Captain Paine’s dismissal the paceman dropped on 11 by Earlier, Rahane’s captain’s 20,396, hitting the most teabreak. were bowled out for 326 before after a review by India was con- recalled wicketkeeper Rishabh knock ended when left-handed fifties (66) and having the Smith, who nursed a back lunch in reply to Australia’s first tentious, with no nick detected Pant after nicking spinner Rav- Jadeja ran him out for 112 on a highest average (56.97) of injury in the leadup to Adelaide, innings 195. With Smith and by the “Hot Spot” technology ichandran Ashwin behind the risky single. players with more than 70 is yet to reach double-figures, Wade at the crease, Australia and faint evidence of a sound wicket. It was a deflating end to an innings. with scores of one and one not had resumed at 65 for two after picked up by “Snicko”. Australia have a litany of inspired innings but Rahane is He was also the only out in Adelaide, and a duck in tea, still hopeful of mowing Number three batsman problems to confront. unlikely to hold a grudge given player with more than the first innings in Melbourne, down a 66-run deficit and Cheteshwar Pujara had sur- After a first innings duck, Jadeja’s wickets exposed Aus- 10,000 one-day interna- his worst run of test scores. setting India a task for victory. vived a similar review during Joe Burns’ place is in jeopardy tralia’s tail. tional runs, including 39 cen- turies and 48 fifties at an average of 61.83. AUSTRALIA VS INDIA Perry was named female AUSTRALIA, first innings 195 Hazlewood 23-6-47-1, Lyon 27.1-4-72-3, Green Battle of broken toe: New cricketer of the decade as (M. Labuschagne 48; J. Bumrah 4-56, R. Ashwin 12-1-31-0 well as the top ODI and T20 3-35) player as she cleaned up in INDIA, first innings (overnight 277 for one) AUSTRALIA, second innings the women’s awards. M. Agarwal lbw Starc ...... 0 J. Burns c Pant b Yadav ...... 4 Zealand dominate Pakistan Perry, who also played S. Gill c Paine b Cummins ...... 45 M. Wade b Jadeja ...... 40 football for Australia at the C. Pujara c Paine c Cummins ...... 17 M. Labuschagne c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 28 A. Rahane run out ...... 112 S. Smith b Bumrah ...... 8 2011 World Cup, won four despite Wagner injury T20 world titles and the 2013 H. Vihari c Smith b Lyon ...... 21 T. Head c Agarwal b Siraj ...... 17 R. Pant c Paine b Starc ...... 29 C. Green not out ...... 17 one-day World Cup, scoring R. Jadeja c Cummins b Starc ...... 57 T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja ...... 1 AFP - MOUNT MAUNGANUI VS PAKISTAN stop me. It’s sore and it’s bloody 4,349 runs and taking 213 R. Ashwin c Lyon b Hazlewood ...... 14 P. Cummins not out ...... 15 uncomfortable but its just one wickets in the decade. NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings 431 (K. Wil- U. Yadav c Smith b Lyon ...... 9 Extras (nb3) ...... 3 Not even a broken toe could liamson 129; Afridi 4-109, Yasir Shah 3-113) of those things you’ve got to “It has been tremendous J. Bumrah c Head b Lyon ...... 0 Total (six wickets, 66 overs) ...... 133 stop New Zealand’s pace attack PAKISTAN, 1st innings (overnight 30-1) deal with and I still felt that I to develop the women’s T20 M. Siraj not out ...... 0 To bat: Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazle- dominating day three of the S. Masood c Watling b Jamieson ...... 10 didn’t want to let my team- game and take it forward,” Extras (b12, lb6, w2, nb2) ...... 22 wood first Test against Pakistan Abid Ali b Jamieson ...... 25 mates down.” Perry said. “Amazing to see Total (10 wickets, 115.1 overs) ...... 326 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Burns), 2-42 (La- M. Abbas c Taylor b Boult ...... 5 Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal), 2-61 (Gill), 3-64 buschagne), 3-71 (Smith), 4-98 (Wade), 5-98 yesterday, but their efforts to New Zealand need to win where it’s come from when Azhar Ali c Watling b Southee ...... 5 (Pujara), 4-116 (Vihari), 5-173 (Pant), 6-294 (Ra- (Head), 6-99 (Paine) quickly wrap up the innings both Tests against Pakistan to I was introduced to it.” H. Sohail c Nicholls b Southee ...... 3 hane), 7-306 (Jadeja), 8-325 (Yadav), 9-325 Bowling: Bumrah 17-4-34-1, Yadav 3.3-0-5-1, were slowed by Mohammad be in with a chance to make the Smith, who averaged F. Alam c Watling b Wagner ...... 9 (Aswin), 10-326 (Bumrah) Siraj 12.3-1-23-1, Ashwin 23-4-46-1, Jadeja 10-3- Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf’s World Test Championship final 65.79 with 26 centuries and M. Rizwan run out (Santner) ...... 71 Bowling: Starc 26-5-78-3, Cummins 27-9-80-2, 25-2 late century stand. in June, and Pakistan batting 28 fifties, won the Test award As intermittent showers and F. Ashraf c Watling b Jamieson ...... 91 coach Younis Khan said that despite his role in the ball- Yasir Shah b Boult ...... 4 an unseasonal hail storm dis- S. Afridi c Latham b Wagner ...... 6 would put added pressure on tampering scandal at the rupted proceedings at Mount Naseem Shah not out ...... 0 the Black Caps going into their 2018 Test which Maunganui, the Black Caps’ Extras (b3, lb4, w2, nb1) ...... 10 second innings today. saw him banned for a year. pace foursome took five for 50 Total (10 wickets: 102.2 overs) ...... 239 “If New Zealand want to Meanwhile, Afghanistan in the first two sessions before Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Masood), 2-39 (Abid win this Test match they should spinner Rashid Khan said he Pakistan rallied to be all out for Ali), 3-43 (Abbas), 4-51 (Azhar Ali), 5-52 (So- do some brave decisions so we was “speechless” after being 239 at stumps, still 192 in hail), 6-80 (Alam), 7-187 (Rizwan), 8-196 (Ya- are expecting there will be an picked as the men’s T20 arrears. sir Shah), 9-235 (Afridi), 10-239 (Ashraf) early declaration and we are player of the decade. Rizwan and Ashraf pro- Bowling: Southee 26-7-69-2, Boult 26-4-71- ready for that,” Khan said “For someone from 2 (1w), Jamieson 23.2-13-35-3, Wagner 21-5- vided a face-saving partnership 50-2 (1w, 1nb), Santner 6-2-7-0 yesterday. Afghanistan to get this award, for Pakistan with 107 for the When Pakistan resumed the it’s a special moment for me,” seventh wicket before Rizwan day at 30 for one, Abid Ali and he said. was run out for 71 by Mitchell toughest days of his career and nightwatchman Mohammad Former India captain Santner’s smart underarm revealed he needed pain killers Abbas put on just nine runs in Mahendra Singh Dhoni won throw from square leg. to keep going. 74 balls while Wagner was kept the decade’s Spirit of Cricket Ashraf soldiered on to a “After the first rain break I out of the early attack. award for sportingly calling career-best 91 before he was just went ‘dammit I can’t bear The partnership was broken back batsman Ian the last wicket to fall. the pain’ and I got a jab and that by Jamieson who hurt Abid Ali Bell after a bizarre run-out Kyle Jamieson returned the took the pain away a little bit... with the last ball of his first over in the 2011 Nottingham Test. best figures for New Zealand but it started wearing off pretty which smacked into the bats- And ’s Kyle with three for 35, while Neil quickly,” said Wagner, who man’s fingers. Coetzer and Kathryn Bryce Wagner ignored the pain from broke a toe on his right foot Two balls into Jamieson’s were named the decade’s Pakistan’s batsmen Faheem Ashraf (left) and Mohammad Rizwan a broken toe to charge in for 21 when batting on day two. next over Abid kept his hands best male and female crick- run between the wickets as New Zealand’s Trent Boult (rght) looks overs to take two for 50. “Injuries happen and it’s out of the way from a ball wide eters from associate, or non- on during day three of the first Test between New Zealand and He hobbled off at stumps unlucky but I can still do things of off stump, only to see it jag Test playing, countries. Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. describing it as one of the and run and it’s not going to back and he was bowled for 25.

SOUTH AFRICA VS SRI LANKA Du Plessis makes 199 as SA take lead SRI LANKA, first innings 396 Plessis), 8-610 (Nortje), 9-611 (Sipamla) , first innings (overnight 317-4) Bowling: Fernando 31.1-2-129-3 (3w), Rajitha D. Elgar c and b Shanaka ...... 95 2.1-0-16-0 (1nb), Shanaka 28.5-2-98-2 (3nb), REUTERS - PRETORIA who needed treatment on his thigh and 2.1 overs, fellow quick Kumara forced off A. Markram c Shanaka b Fernando ...... 68 Hasaranga 45-5-171-4 (1nb), Kumara 21.1-0- looked in some discomfort. Home seamer early and Hasaranga limping along after a H. van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara ....15 103-1 (2w), Karunaratne 6.5-0-36-0, Mendis Faf du Plessis made a career-best 199 as Lungi Ngidi (2-28) picked up both wickets sliding save on the boundary. F. du Plessis c Karunaratne b Hasaranga ..199 7-0-41-0 (2nb) South Africa prospered in the first Test to fall, bowling captain Dimuth Karunaratne South Africa had resumed on 317 for Q. de Kock c sub (Thirimanne) b Hasaranga 18 against injury-hit Sri Lanka with a massive (6) with a delivery that kept low, before four, with Du Plessis and Temba Bavuma T. Bavuma c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 71 SRI LANKA, second innings first-innings score of 621 and a lead of 160 Kusal Mendis (0) edged to slip. (71) sharing a record fifth-wicket stand for W. Mulder c Dickwella b Hasaranga ...... 36 D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 6 on day three yesterday. Du Plessis fell short of a major mile- the team against Sri Lanka of 179. K. Maharaj c b Fernando ...... 73 K. Perera not out ...... 33 K. Mendis c Van der Dussen b Ngidi ...... 0 Sri Lanka closed on 65 for two in their stone with a poor selection of shot as he It was broken in bizarre circumstances A. Nortje c Dickwella b Fernando ...... 0 L. Sipamla lbw b Hasaranga ...... 0 D. Chandimal not out ...... 21 second innings with Kusal Mendis (33 not attempted to lift leg-spinner Wanindu when Bavuma walked from the field fol- L. Ngidi not out ...... 2 Extras (b4, nb1) ...... 5 out) and Dinesh Chandimal (21 not out) at Hasaranga (4-171) over mid-on, but instead lowing an appeal for caught behind. He was Extras (b9, lb18, nb7, w10) ...... 44 Total (2 wkts, 12 overs) ...... 65 the crease, but are effectively five wickets offered a simple catch to Karunaratne. He not given out by the umpire, and replays Total (142.1 overs) ...... 621 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne), 2-22 down with team officials revealing that faced 276 balls and hit 24 fours. suggested he had missed the ball by a good Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Markram), 2-200 (Van (Mendis) injured Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Sri Lanka had toiled in the field as inch. Du Plessis also put on a record seventh der Dussen), 3-200 (Elgar), 4-220 (De Kock), Bowling: Ngidi 6-0-28-2, Nortje 3-0-23-0, and Dhananjaya de Silva will not bat. injuries severely hampered their bowling wicket stand against Sri Lanka of 133 with 5-399 (Bavuma), 6-476 (Mulder), 7-609 (Du Mulder 3-0-10-0 (1nb) There is also concern for Chandimal, attack, with seamer Rajitha managing only Keshav Maharaj (73). TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Masked and muted Olympics will still dominate crowded AFP - that just one in four people wanted to Athletes will be asked to arrive late The National Basketball Associ- Pyeongchang Winter Games in 2018, see the Games held in 2021 -- and a and leave early, minimise their time ation, which only finished its corona- there is talk of inviting North Korean The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics will majority backed either further delay in the Olympic village, refrain from virus-hit 2019-20 season on October leader Kim Jong Un to the Tokyo be the centrepiece of a crammed or cancellation. speaking loudly, avoid physical 12, agreed with its players union to Games and holding a summit with sporting year in 2021 as sports admin- “Whether it’s seen as too much or contact and wear masks when not start the new season on December 22, , , the United States istrators who had their calendars that we have done well to contain the competing or training. They will be cut the regular season by 10 games and host Japan. wiped away by the coronavirus costs, I think it depends on how you screened on arrival and undergo tests and end it on May 16. Another dominant theme in 2020, pandemic try to fill the gaps even as look at it,” said Tokyo 2020 CEO every four to five days. This was partly to allow players to opposition to racism, threatens to a second wave hits. Toshiro Muto. “I think the Games will go off,” compete in Tokyo, although since the cause friction in Tokyo. In early While the Games will still be Organisers have reduced the World Athletics president Sebastian playoffs are scheduled to continue December, Coe pointedly gave the called the 2020 Olympics, they have number of free tickets, scaled down Coe said this month. “What nobody is until July 22, the day before the Games World Athletics President’s award to been changed by Covid-19. the opening ceremony and made clearly across at the moment, is... start, some of the biggest stars could Tommie Smith, Peter Norman and Tokyo organisers and the Jap- savings on mascots, banners and whether we are going to have a still miss Tokyo. John Carlos, the three 400m runners anese government are struggling with meals, but so far have cut just $280m. stadium populated by good, noisy, One event that has not, so far, pub- who raised a fist in a black power increased costs and, despite the “It will be simple rather than passionate fans.” licly rethought its plans is the other salute on a medal podium protest at growing possibility of vaccination, festive, but I hope it will be something The challenge for the organisers is marquee casualty from the summer’s the 1968 City Games. whether to allow foreign visitors and moving that encourages people considerable, since the Games bring sporting wipeout: the European “Sadly, their cause and what they what safeguards and restrictions will through the power of sport,” he said. together 11,000 athletes from 206 football championships. so bravely stood for has not been con- apply to spectators and participants. The organisers are determined to countries, accompanied by at least Still called Euro 2020, they are signed to the history books,” said Coe. In early December, organisers go ahead next year, even if the pan- 5,000 officials and coaches, 20,000 scheduled to stick to the planned Thomas Bach, the head of the said the delayed Games will cost at demic has not receded. media representatives and 60,000 12-city format but some member International Olympic Committee, least an extra $2.4bn as the unprece- They want to welcome foreign volunteers. nations have reportedly been urging quickly responded with irritation, dented peacetime postponement and spectators and plan to waive quar- Meanwhile, other sports, desperate UEFA to put all the matches in one saying any gestures opposing racism, a raft of pandemic health measures antine requirements. They plan to to make up for lost time are, for the country. such as taking a knee, would be inflate a budget that was already over require fans to wear masks, to refrain most part, manoeuvering to minimise The significance of the Olympics against his rules prohibiting “political $13nn. Enthusiasm appears to have from cheering and keep their ticket overlaps between their revamped goes beyond sports. Following on from and religious marketing” at the waned in Japan. A poll in July showed stubs for contact tracing. schedules and the Olympic behemoth. the diplomatic gestures at the Games.

In this file photo taken on December 1, 2020, the Olympic rings are reinstalled at the waterfront in Tokyo. The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics will be the centrepiece of a crammed sporting year in 2021 as sports administrators - who had their calendars wiped away by the coronavirus pandemic - try to fill the gaps even as a second wave hits. The Games will still be called the 2020 Olympics.

First 7 weeks on the ATP Tour Federer to miss Australian DATES LOCATION TOURNAMENT 5-13 Jan Delray Beach Delray Beach Open 5-13 Jan Antalya Open 10-13 Jan Doha Australian Open Qualifying Open, planning 2021 return 31 Jan- 6 Feb Melbourne Melbourne 1 31 Jan- 6 Feb Melbourne Melbourne 2 ZURICH - AP 1-5 Feb Melbourne ATP Cup 8-21 Feb Melbourne Australian Open Roger Federer withdrew from the Australian Open while he The Delray Beach Open, originally scheduled to begin its continues preparing to return main-draw action on February 15, will now launch the 2021 ATP to action after two operations season on Tuesday, January 5. For those who can get to the ATP on his right knee and a tour 250 event in South , it provides a rare chance to com- absence that will have lasted pete ahead of the 14-day quarantine every competitor will need longer than a year, his agent to complete upon arriving in Melbourne. Those competitors will told The Associated Press. also be playing in front of fans—a maximum of 2,000, or roughly Tony Godsick - Federer’s 25 percent of the venue's stadium capacity. long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 - said yes- The City of Delray Beach along with our tournament staff terday he is working on putting worked very quickly to take advantage of this chance to play together a 2021 calendar for the 20-time host to a season-opening event. The players are eager to get back to champion, who plans to get playing in tournaments and we are happy to provide that back to competition soon after opportunity. We look forward to welcoming them as well as our fans the year’s first major tennis to a healthy and safely produced event in a few short weeks: tournament. Tournament Director Mark Baron This ends Federer’s streak of 21 consecutive appearances at Melbourne Park, a run that began with his 2000 debut there and includes six First 7 weeks on the WTA Tour championships. “Roger has decided not to DATES LOCATION TOURNAMENT play the . 5-13 January Abu Dhabi Open He has made strong progress 10-13 Jan Dubai Australian Open Qualifying in the last couple of months 31 Jan-7 Feb Melbourne Melbourne 1 with his knee and his fitness. 31 Jan-7 Feb Melbourne Melbourne 2 This file photo taken on January 26, 2020 shows ’s Roger Federer gesturing after a point However, after consultation 8-21 Feb Melbourne Australian Open against ’s Marton Fucsovics during their singles match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the The 20-time Grand Slam champion will miss the Australian Open for the first time in his career as long run is to return to com- he continues recovery from two rounds of knee surgery, organisers said yesterday. We are excited to announce the first swing of tournaments petitive tennis after the Aus- representing the opening weeks of the 2021 WTA season, all tralian Open,” Godsick said in his hiatus, is currently training event with in front Open, but was back at his best of which will operate in an environment that puts health and safety a statement sent to the AP. in his usual offseason home of a record tennis crowd of when he resumed playing, “I will start discussions this of Dubai, United Arab more than 50,000 people at a winning the Australian Open at the forefront. We want to express our sincere appreciation for the coming week for tournaments Emirates. soccer stadium in Cape Town, and Wimbledon in 2017. He cooperation between key tennis stakeholders and organizations, that begin in late February and The choice to delay his South Africa. won the Australian Open again along with the local health authorities who have been vital in getting then start to build a schedule comeback came with input Just weeks later, Federer the following year for No. 20 us to this point. The hard work will continue as we look further for the rest of the year,” from coaches Severin Luthi and announced he had arthroscopic in his Grand Slam collection, ahead into 2021 to ensure a safe and robust calendar: Godsick said. Ivan Ljubicic and fitness coach surgery on his right knee and which includes eight trophies The start of the Australian Pierre Paganini. would be sidelined for at least from Wimbledon, five from the Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO Open’s main draw was delayed “We wish him all the best four months. He later had a US Open and one from the by three weeks because of the as he prepares for his second procedure on that knee French Open. coronavirus pandemic and is comeback later in the year,” and wound up missing the rest While Federer was side- now scheduled to begin on Feb. Australian Open tournament of the pandemic-altered lined this year, Nadal equaled 8. In other news related to the director Craig Tiley said in a season. his men’s record for most tournament, Tennis Australia tweet confirming that Federer One measure of Federer’s major championships by col- announced that five-time pulled out of the field, “and popularity: Despite appearing lecting his 20th at Roland runner-up Andy Murray was look forward to seeing him in in only six matches in 2020, he Garros in October. Federer given a wild-card entry. Melbourne in 2022.” recently was voted the winner posted a congratulatory Murray, a three-time major Federer hasn’t played a of the ATP Tour fans’ favourite message on social media to champion and former No. 1, is tournament match since late award for the 18th consecutive Nadal that day, saying he hopes 122nd in the rankings after January at the 2020 Australian time. “20 is just another step on the going through two hip opera- Open, where he was clearly Until this knee issue, continuing journey for both of tions and considering injured while losing in straight Federer only had his career us.” retirement. sets to eventual champion interrupted once by an oper- Djokovic’s title in Australia A file photo of a billboard showing the tennis players which The 39-year-old Federer, in the ation - on his left knee in 2016. this year moved him closer to appeared at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in January 2019. The who has spent more weeks semifinals. He sat out the second half the other members of the Big Khalifa Tennis Complex, venue of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, will atop the ATP rankings than Soon after, Federer partic- of that season, including the Rio Three of men’s tennis with a host the Australian Open qualifying matches from Jan 10-13, 2021. anyone else but is No. 5 after ipated in an exhibition charity de Janeiro Olympics and the US total of 17. Sport TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020 08 New AIBA chief Kremlev eyes six-month reform programme

REUTERS – stripping it of any involvement in secure potential year because of the novel corona- Olympic qualifiers and the tournament I have planned that it would advertisement virus pandemic. Umar Kremlev, the new president of at the Tokyo Games over a string of take around six or seven and sponsorship Kremlev said he also hoped to the International Association governance, finance and ethical issues. months to implement the deals. bring transparency to the organi- (AIBA), plans to implement reforms “I have planned that it would take reforms. It’s an ambitious “I think we sation before the 2024 Olympics. over the next six months that could around six or seven months to plan. This will not be easy to will soon “The AIBA we see now has debts help restore its status with the Inter- implement the reforms,” said Kremlev, announce our and practically no interaction with national Olympic Committee (IOC), he who also serves as secretary general do. I think we will soon sponsors and the federations,” he said. told Reuters in an interview. of the Russian Boxing Federation. announce our sponsors and make the signing “By the 2024 Olympic Games, Elected to head ’s “It’s an ambitious plan. This will not make the signing of any of any deals you will see an independent AIBA governing body earlier this month, be easy to do.” Kremlev, named deals public: Umar Kremlev public,” he said. able to attract funds ... and help Kremlev has the task of implementing chairman of the AIBA Marketing Com- The IOC has national federations hold tourna- sweeping reforms in order for it to be mission last year, has pledged to attract said the status of ments. By 2024 we need to make recognised by the IOC in time for the $50m over the next two years to AIBA would be AIBA the cleanest organisation, make Paris Olympics in 2024. rebuild AIBA. international companies -- the names reviewed after the 2020 Tokyo it transparent for it to shine,” The IOC suspended AIBA last year, He said he was holding talks with of which he would not disclose -- to Games, which were postponed to next Kremlev said. Greg Norman Another blow Hayward shines as Hornets for Warriors as Chriss hand Nets season's first loss breaks leg LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES AFP – Gordon Hayward of the AFP – Charlotte Hornets drives to Gordon Hayward scored 28 the basket against Joe Harris center points as the Charlotte Hornets of the Brooklyn Nets. Marquese Chriss broke his cooled off red-hot Brooklyn, right leg in practice in Chicago handing the Nets their first and will require surgery, the defeat of the young NBA season NBA team said on Sunday, yet Norman back 106-104. another injury blow to a team On Sunday, Terry Rozier -- trying to return to title in hospital Hayward’s former team-mate contender status. in Boston -- added 19 points and The Warriors said Chriss after testing P.J. Washington chipped in 14 suffered a right ankle injury points and 12 rebounds for the and fibular fracture in practice positive for Hornets, who held the Nets to on Saturday as the team pre- 42.7% shooting. pared for their game on “Unbelievable win for us,” Sunday against the Bulls. COVID-19 said Hayward, who joined the “He will undergo surgery Hornets from Boston in the in the coming days and a REUTERS – MIAMI abbreviated off-season. “Espe- timeline for his return will be cially after dropping the first NBA RESULTS determined after that,” the Greg Norman is back in two, to come out here on a back Indiana 108, Boston 107 Warriors said in a statement. hospital in Florida after the to back and beat Brooklyn -- just 118, 94 Chriss, the number eight Australian golfing great tested proud of our effort, man, proud New York 130, Milwaukee 110 selection in the 2016 NBA positive for COVID-19, the of our defense. LA Lakers 127, Minnesota 91 Draft, played for three teams 65-year-old said late on “We finally got it together it Chicago 128, Golden State 129 in his first three seasons before Sunday. seemed like on that end.” Kevin Charlotte 106, Brooklyn 104 signing with the Warriors in Norman, whose two major Durant led the Nets with 29 Washington 113, Orlando 120 training camp last year. titles came at the British Open points and Kyrie Irving had 25 Sacramento 100, Phoenix 116 By the end of the season, in 1986 and 1993, had said he for Brooklyn, which had become 98, 95 he was the Warriors starting tested negative at the exhi- the first club since the 2008-09 LA Clippers 73, 124 center, averaging 9.3 points, bition PNC Championship in Lakers to win their first two 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in Orlando from Dec. 19-20 but games by 20 or more points. 59 games. So far this season, began to experience fever, It looked like the Nets might he was establishing himself as joint and muscle aches later pull out a close one when they in the season, which started on advantage of the absence of key for the Mavericks going backup behind rookie James in the week. erased a 16-point fourth-quarter December 22 after the shortest injured Clippers star Kawhi forward will be to maintain the Wiseman, the second overall He went into hospital on deficit, twice trimming the gap off-season in NBA history. Leonard in a 124-73 rout of the intensity they showed in the first pick in the draft in November. Christmas Day and returned to two points with less than three The Minnesota Timber- LA team. half consistently. His absence will put more home to self-isolate on Sat- minutes to play. wolves were without star Karl- Mavs point guard Luka “The challenge is to maintain responsibility on the shoulders urday while awaiting the Durant missed a fadeaway Anthony Towns for their clash Doncic scored 18 of his 24 points that level of competitiveness,” of the 19-year-old Wiseman. results of another test. jumper with 7.4 seconds left and with the reigning champion in the first half when Dallas he said. The Warriors lost five-time “I hope this will be my Rozier made two free throws Lakers in Los Angeles, powered to an NBA record “Our guys established a All-Star Klay Thompson for final update on this COVID that sealed the win. announcing before the game he 50-point halftime lead standard for collective toughness the entire season when he suf- saga ... back in hospital after The Hornets were playing had dislocated his left wrist -- 77-27. and will that we need to find a fered a torn Achilles tendon in getting a positive result,” he without center Cody Zeller, who against the on Sat- Josh Richardson added 21 way to maintain.” a workout in November. said on Instagram, adding he broke his left hand in their urday and would be evaluated points and Tim Hardaway Jr. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Thompson was a key part was receiving an infusion of season opener. weekly. chipped in 18 for the Mavs, who with 24 points, 14 rebounds and of the Warriors team that dom- antibodies. Brooklyn guard Spencer The Lakers were without had opened the season with two three steals from Andre inated the league with five “The path to full recovery. Dinwiddie departed in the third star forward Anthony Davis, defeats. Drummond, cruised to a 118-94 straight runs to the NBA Finals Hoping to be out later today.” quarter with a right knee strain who was nursing a calf con- “Everything was clicking on victory over a Philadelphia 76ers and titles in 2015, 2017 and Norman’s son, also named and didn’t return. tusion suffered in their season- all cylinders,” Hardaway said, team missing big-man Joel 2018. The Warriors had hoped Greg, had played with his Referee J.T. Orr departed opening loss to the Los Angeles adding that the Mavericks didn’t Embiid because of back trouble. Thompson would play a key father at the PNC Champi- with a lower leg injury in the Clippers and aggravated in a realize how big their halftime Collin Sexton added 22 role in a resurgence after he onship and has already con- fourth quarter. Christmas Day win over the lead was until they were in the points for the Cavaliers, who are missed all of the 2019-2020 firmed he and his wife had Injuries were making an Dallas Mavericks. locker room. off to a 3-0 start for the first time with a knee injury suffered in tested positive. impact around the league early The Mavericks took full Coach Rick Carlisle said the since the 2016-17 campaign. the 2019 NBA Finals. Chiefs grab NFL play-off bye as Steelers, Seattle win divisions

AFP – WASHINGTON Washington'S At cold and snowy Green NFL RESULTS running back Bay, Aaron Rodgers threw four Pittsburgh 28 Indianapolis 24 Patrick Mahomes rallied the J D McKissic touchdown passes and the Kansas City 17 14 Chicago 41 Jacksonville 17 over Atlanta is tackled Packers (12-3) beat Tennessee Cincinnati 37 Houston 31 17-14 on Sunday to give the by Carolina 40-14 to stay atop the fight for reigning champions the NFC top seed while keeping Baltimore 27 NY Giants 13 Panthers' Tre Cleveland 23 NY Jets 16 a first-round bye and home- Boston (left). the Titans from clinching the field edge in the NFL playoffs. AFC South title and a playoff Carolina 20 Washington 13 Mahomes completed berth. LA Chargers 19 16 24-of-44 passes for 278 yards Cleveland, out of the playoffs Dallas 37 Philadelphia 17 and two touchdowns, his since 2002, had four receivers Seattle 20 LA Rams 9 second scoring toss a 25-yarder and two linebackers out due to Green Bay 40 Tennessee 14 to Demarcus Robinson with 1:55 Covid-19 tests and contact remaining to lift the Chiefs tracing and fell behind 20-3. A ahead to stay. fightback died when the Browns “It’s that championship lost the ball on downs in the final swagger of knowing how to win seconds. the game even when you’re not spots will be settled next Super Bowl 54 Most Valuable Ravens, Cowboys win playing well,” Mahomes said. Sunday. Player Mahomes also threw a Lamar Jackson threw for 183 There was also plenty of Chiefs coach Andy Reid says 4-yard touchdown pass to Travis yards and two touchdowns and heartache in the season’s penul- his team must improve to repeat Kelce, whose seven catches for ran 13 times for 80 yards to timate weekend as losses jeop- as champions. 98 yards gave him an NFL one- spark the Baltimore Ravens over ardized the playoff hopes of “We just weren’t as sharp as season tight end record of 1,416 the visiting New York Giants Indianapolis, Washington, the we need to be,” Reid said. reception yards this year. 27-13. Los Angeles Rams and a Mahomes said he needs to Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlis- The Giants (5-10) stayed in Cleveland squad missing key play better. berger completed 34-of-49 playoff contention when Wash- players due to Covid-19. “The defense played their tail passes for 342 yards and three ington (6-9) lost to Carolina, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (left) rushes with Host Pittsburgh rallied late off to keep us in the game and touchdowns as the Steelers missing a chance to clinch the the football during the first quarter against the Tennessee to edge Indianapolis 28-24 and give us a chance,” he said. “The snapped a three-game losing NFC East title. Titans at Lambeau Field on Sunday. secure the AFC North division offense found a way to score a skid. Dallas (6-9) ripped Phila- crown while the host New York touchdown when we needed to.” Indianapolis led 24-7 before delphia 37-17 to end the Eagles’ Jets (2-13) beat Cleveland 23-16, A 39-yard field goal attempt by “Big Ben” hit scoring throws of playoff hopes. If Washington Green Bay for the NFC bye. Chicago victory over Green Bay. ensuring league-worst Jackson- South Korean kicker Koo Young- 39 yards to Diontae Johnson, 5 loses at Philadelphia next week, Russell Wilson ran four The Bears (8-7) overpowered ville (1-14) has the 2021 NFL hoe was wide right for Atlanta yards to Eric Ebron and 25 yards the Cowboys-Giants winner yards for a touchdown and Jacksonville 41-17. Draft top pick. in the dying seconds to seal to JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Colts captures the NFC East, the NFL’s flipped a 13-yard touchdown Los Angeles Chargers quar- Seattle defeated the Rams Chiefs’ bye as AFC top seed. fell level with Cleveland, Bal- weakest division, and will host pass to Jacob Hollister to give terback Justin Herbert broke 20-9 to secure the NFC West “When you look at the timore, Tennessee and Miami at a playoff game. the host Seahawks a division Baker Mayfield’s NFL one- title while host Washington lost history of the bye week, usually 10-5 in a fight for the last three Seattle (11-4) kept the Rams title. season rookie touchdown pass 20-13 to Carolina, failing to it’s a good thing for a team trying AFC playoff spots, but would (9-6) from securing an NFC The Rams (9-6) could miss record with his 28th of the cam- claim the NFC East crown. to make a championship run,” need help in the final week to playoff berth and stayed level the playoffs with a loss next paign in a 19-16 victory over Half the NFL’s 14 play-off Mahomes said. advance. with New Orleans chasing week to Arizona (8-7) and a Denver.