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Monday, February 4, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada I 29, 1440 AH Aguero hat-trick GULF TIMES fi res Man City to 3-1 win over Arsenal SPORT Page 2

FOCUS Almoez’s stunner nominated for best goal of the Asian Cup ‘He got two awards that are very well deserved. He got this because of the group, but he did excellent work’

Qatar players take part in a traditional Arab dance at the Al Kass headquarters to celebrate their Asian Cup triumph after their much-celebrated arrival in on Saturday.

By Sports Reporter year when he finished as the Doha leading scorer at the AFC U23 Championship in China, also was all praise for the 22-year- lmoez Ali winning the old forward and stressed that he Most Valuable Player expected even more from him in (MVP) award at the the future. Asian Cup came as no “Almoez is a fantastic player surpriseA but the star Qatari strik- and it’s a pleasure to coach him,” er could well be on course to also said the Spaniard. “He’s 100 pocket the honour for the best percent committed and in each goal of the tournament. game he gives 100 percent and he From fantastic free-kicks to reached this tournament in the sumptuous volleys and brilliant perfect moment. curlers, the tournament saw “We’re very proud of him. He some brilliant goals, but it’s Al- got two awards that are very well moez’s sensational bicycle-kick deserved. He got this because of eff ort in the fi nal that is being the group, but he did excellent talked about across the football work. It’s very well deserved world, not just for the thrill it and we’re proud of him. generated but also for the demor- “It’s not the fi rst time alising eff ect it had on four-time that he has shown this champions Japan. performance and last year Unsurprisingly, the Asian in China he was also the Football Federation (AFC) has top scorer, so he’s on chosen his goal as one of the top- the right way and I’m 10 goals of the tournament, with sure he will be look- fans being able to vote through its ing to do even better website (the-afc.com) to decide in the next tourna- the best. ment and help the Almoez used his left foot to tap team.” down a crisp chip from Akram Mean- Afi f from just outside the penalty while, Al- area, deftly lifted the ball with moez was his right foot to get it to a com- the star at- fortable height, before getting traction as Qa- airborne and shooting past the tar’s triumphant diving Japanese goalkeeper Shu- team returned to Doha ichi Gonda as a host of defenders on Saturday, triggering off were left rooted to their spots. ’s (second from left) prepares to score a goal during the AFC Asian Cup final against Japan wild celebrations in the country The goal laid the foundation in on Friday. This bicycle-kick stunner has been nominated for the best goal of the tournament. with hundreds of thousands of for Qatar’s total domination of citizens and expatriates throng- the Japanese, with Abdulaziz Ha- was a nice goal,” said Almoez. moez would shine in the UAE Hassan al-Haydos, they have ing the picturesque Corniche to tim and Afi f adding to the tally as “Akram and I have been to- tournament. great quality. These players help witness the victory parade. Al Annabi completed an amazing gether for seven years and I know “I think Almoez is a very good each other in attack which is Earlier, the team were accord- run in the UAE against all odds, where Akram will be and where player and we have seen him play very important. It is good for the ed a rapturous welcome when exacerbated of course by the he will pass and he knows what in the (QSL). Gulf nations as Qatar has done so they arrived by a special plane on blockade and the fact that their is expected from me, so it’s nor- He is a very diff erent player. I well,” said Mahmoud. Saturday, with His Highness the fans were not able to travel to the mal after seven years that we get knew he would score many goals. “I have played in Qatar for over Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad UAE to cheer their team. along very well together.” For Almoez also, it is great as he 10 years. So I know how good al-Thani personally receiving the Almoez and Afi f have been Almoez’s success however has been able to show his quality these players are. In Qatar, the players, coach Felix Sanchez and together through various age- was not much of a surprise, not in the Asian Cup,” Mahmoud told focus is also on developing the support staff with garlands and group teams and their under- the least for , Goal.com. youth. They are sent to several hugs at the airport. standing of each other was cru- easily the best Iraqi football Mahmoud added that the Ma- foreign leagues at a young age The celebrations continued cial to Qatar’s success in the player and the architect of his roons were impressive in attack and so when they come back to late in the night, with the play- tournament. country’s title triumph in the where they scored 19 goals in Qatar, they become very good. In ers taking part in a traditional “For the fi rst goal I had one 2007 Asian Cup. seven matches apart from merely 2022, Qatar have a good chance to Arab dance at the Al Kass head- defender behind me so I knew I Mahmoud, who won the MVP conceding once in over 630 min- do well in the World Cup because quarters before they retired for could put the ball in any corner, award then and now spends most utes. this team has got the quality.” some well-earned rest after so I tried to put it in the corner of his time in Doha as a football “This group of Qatari players Qatar coach Felix Sanchez, almost a month of strenuous, past the goalkeeper,” he said. “It analyst, said he always knew Al- are very good. In Akram Afi f and who worked with Almoez last non-stop action. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 4, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Lletget, Arriola Aguero treble sinks score to lift USA over Costa Rica

AFP moment for me,” Lletget said. San Francisco In the 88th, Lletget sent a pass ahead to Arriola, who lift- Arsenal as Man City ed a right foot chip shot over eserve Sebastian Llet- onrushing Costa Rica goal- get scored and set keeper Esteban Alvarado to up Paul Arriola’s late score the clincher. clincher to power the “He wants me to make an UnitedR States over Costa Rica impact immediately,” Lletget 2-0 in an international football said of Berhalter. “He wanted close in on Liverpool friendly Saturday. me to be creative immediately Lletget scored on a header and thankfully today it came in the 80th minute and fl icked out.” A sixth consecutive away league game without a win sees Arsenal slip down to a breakout pass to set up Ar- The win was especially riola in the 88th as the Ameri- pleasing to Lletget, a 26-year- sixth behind Manchester United, who were 1-0 victors at Leicester earlier yesterday cans improved to 2-0 under old Los Angeles Galaxy mid- new coach Gregg Berhalter six fi elder who suff ered a foot in- days after delivering a win over jury in the same stadium in a Panama in his debut. 6-0 World Cup qualifying win “In the second half the guys over Honduras in March 2017 rose to the challenge — much and was only recalled to the US more off ensive, much more squad last October. bravery. It was a good win for “It’s an amazing feeling, es- us,” Berhalter said. pecially after what happened “You can see how the guys two years ago here when I got are working together. From a injured and they put me away competing standpoint, these for a year,” Lletget said. guys are animals. You could see The Americans, rebuilding how they were going for it.” after failing to reach last year’s In rainy, windy conditions World Cup in Russia, next face in San Jose, California, the US Ecuador on March 21 at Or- squad spoiled the debut of Ar- lando and Chile fi ve days later gentine-born former Uruguay in Houston as they prepare international Gustavo Matosas for the North American Gold as coach of the Ticos. Cup in June and July and 2022 Nick Lima struck the far World Cup qualifying. post in the 54th minute and “This team has a lot going Gyasi Zardes nodded a header for it,” Lletget said. “(Berh- over the crossbar in the 69th as alter) has done a great job so the US side kept the pressure far. The detail he puts into this on Costa Rica. team — I’ve learned so much It paid off 10 minutes from at this camp. Going forward I full time as Wil Trapp lofted think it’s only going to get bet- a high pass to the left side for ter. Jonathan Lewis, who sent a “It’s going to be a growing left-footed centering blast to process. There’s a long way to the far post. go — the goal is 2022. Some- That’s where Lletget awaited thing special is growing within to nod the ball downward and all of us.” watch it bounce into the far The March friendlies will side netting, his second goal in give Berhalter his fi rst look at seven caps. European-based talent. “We’ve been working on his “I’m sure he can’t wait to get crossing and my heading all the whole squad here,” Lletget camp so it really is a special said. “But this is a great start.”

I want Bale to perform how he Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring his team’s first goal against Arsenal yesterday. At bottom, manager Pep Guardiola shows his joy. knows he can — Solari AFP fore rolling over the line just after the hour Koscielny’s equaliser shifted the mood Manchester mark. and momentum of the game as the home A sixth consecutive away league game side feared the same fate may further without a win sees Arsenal slip down to damage their title challenge. anchester City closed to sixth behind Manchester United, who Instead, one brilliant move swung the within two points of Premier were 1-0 victors at Leicester earlier on outcome back in their favour. Sterling League leaders Liverpool Sunday, and three points adrift of fourth- played a one-two with Gundogan before thanks to Sergio Aguero’s hat- placed Chelsea in the battle for Champi- volleying a magnifi cent, fi rst-time centre Mtrick in a 3-1 win over Arsenal yesterday ons League football next season. across the face of the net for the unmarked For the second time in a week, Aguero Aguero has now scored seven times in Aguero to turn in at the far post. scored inside the fi rst minute to give City as many games in 2019 to underline his In contrast, the second half was a stroll the perfect start. importance to City’s quest for silverware and City should have more than just the However, just like in a shock defeat at on four fronts. one goal to show for their dominance. Newcastle on Tuesday, the champions The 30-year-old capped a fl ying start Sterling was again the architect with a failed to press home their advantage as from the hosts by steering home an un- darting run into the area which left the Ar- Laurent Koscielny profi ted from some stoppable header past Bernd Leno just 51 senal defence in tatters before he reached slack defending to head home an equaliser seconds in after Alex Iwobi was caught in the by-line and crossed for the sliding just 10 minutes later. possession by Aymeric Laporte. Aguero to steer the ball in via his arm. Pep Guardiola’s men were knocked out Moments later the ball was in the Ar- Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and of their stride for most of the remainder senal net again, but this time Laporte was Aguero again peppered Leno with pow- of the fi rst half, but retook the lead in style rightly fl agged off side. erful shots that the German kept out to just a minute before the break when Ilkay The Gunners had barely threatened be- maintain some respectability for Arsenal. Gundogan’s delightful lofted pass teed up fore levelling when Koscielny stooped low But that is all they had to show for an- Raheem Sterling to cross for Aguero to tap the Argentine to secure his 10th Premier to head home Nacho Monreal’s fl ick-on. other sorry away performance that leaves home. League hat-trick in controversial fashion City also led early on in defeats by Crys- their chances of avoiding a third straight The same two players combined for as the ball came back off Aguero’s arm be- tal Palace and Leicester in December and season in the Europa League fading. AFP,Madrid: Santiago Solari days after the game against has challenged Gareth Bale Alaves, but Solari was reluc- to hit top form ahead of what tant to divert focus to the BOTTOMLINE could prove a defining period contest at the Camp Nou. in Real Madrid’s season. He insists, however, that Ma- Madrid face a double-header drid are used to big matches against Barcelona in the coming thick and fast at this Copa del Rey semi-finals in stage of the season. the next month, as well as “We are used to it, this team two legs against Ajax in the has experience of this at this Rashford fi res United into fi ft h last 16 of the Champions time of year,” Solari said. AFP clearly unaffected, as he took League. “First, you have to reach this Leicester just four minutes to respond in After Alaves on Sunday, they stage in all three competi- style. Ricardo Pereira was the also play city rivals Atletico tions, the aim is to keep all of guilty party for Leicester with Madrid in before a them open. le Gunnar Solskjaer a dangerous ball that was inter- third Clasico at the start of “We have already won the remains unbeaten cepted by Pogba. March. Madrid are 10 points Club World Cup and we come 10 games into his The Frenchman proceeded adrift of Barca already and into this period in good form, caretaker reign of to display his deftness of his cannot aff ord to let the gap with energy, with the whole ManchesterO United as the re- touch with a beautiful pass that widen further. squad available, except juvenated Marcus Rashford and was lofted over the Leicester Bale has just come back (Jesus) Vallejo, who is about combined to earn backline for Rashford to run after three weeks out with to come back. a 1-0 win at Leicester yester- onto and he did the rest, tak- a calf injury but his return “We face this run of games day to close in on the Premier ing a touch before drilling a to the starting line-up is not with absolute tranquillity.” League top four. low shot past a helpless Kasper guaranteed, given his team Madrid were thrashed 5-1 by Rashford blasted home his Schmeichel. have won six out of their last Barcelona in their last outing sixth goal since Solskjaer took “That pass by Paul Pogba is seven matches. at the Camp Nou in October, charge after taking an exqui- great and the control by Marcus “The spotlight is always on a match that led to Julen site touch to control Pogba’s better,” added Solskjaer. Gareth,” Solari said at a press Lopetegui being sacked lofted pass and United held Leicester have now conceded conference on Saturday. “But and Solari installed as his out to move above Arsenal into in the first 11 minutes in each of I see him focused, connect- replacement. Asked how his fifth and within two points of their last five games. ed, plugged in. team have progressed in the fourth-placed Chelsea. “It’s crazy. At the start “I want him to perform how three months since, Solari A 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United’s English striker we don’t believe enough in he knows he can, like he said: “We are in a very good Burnley in midweek is the only Marcus Rashford celebrates after our quality,” said under-fire did in the Club World Cup moment. The players are match Solskjaer has failed to scoring against Leicester City at King Leicester boss Claude Puel. and against Roma. He is an training well, enthusiastic, it win and much of that form is Power Stadium in Leicester yesterday. “Afterwards we play with in- important player for us and I is down to them. owed to the turnaround in both tent and we can hurt teams like think he is determined to do “They are a family, they say it Rashford and Pogba’s roles Solskjaer again chose to leave ward. missed a good chance when he United. “It’s a big disappoint- well.” Madrid meet Barcelo- themselves, and I think they since Mourinho was sacked on the substi- The England striker took just headed over when unmarked ment because we found good na in the first leg of the Copa are doing phenomenally in December with United 11 tutes’ bench, with Rashford nine minutes to respond with from Nemanja Matic’s cross. quality in the second-half with del Rey on Wednesday, three well.” points adrift of the top four. preferred as his centre-for- the crucial goal, having already Rashford’s confidence was a lot of chances to come back.” Gulf Times Monday, February 4, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Messi double earns Barcelona point vs Valencia AFP with 26 minutes left. means any confi dence Real feel comes with Rodrigo carried the ball 40 yards before Barcelona After their stunning turn-around against an asterisk. slipping a cute reverse pass behind Ver- Sevilla in midweek, Barca looked destined His 12 goals in his last nine games is the maelen and Gameiro banged in the fi nish. again to fi nish the job, but at the end of a same number the whole Valencia squad Valencia’s penalty was clear after Sergi breathless contest, Valencia had held on for managed in their fi rst 15 league matches. shoved in the back, with Parejo ionel Messi scored in a ninth con- a point. Valencia were 15th in December, with only whipping the ball into the corner to make it secutive match but his latest dou- “When you don’t win, you always feel three wins, and their coach Marcelino was two. ble on Saturday was only enough to you have missed something,” Valverde under pressure, just six months after pro- Barca looked shell-shocked but the third earn Barcelona a 2-2 draw against said. “But the league is long and there are pelling them back into the Champions goal in 15 minutes was theirs. Semedo beat Valencia.L matches where you come up against a good League. Toni Lato to Arturo Vidal’s pass and tum- Messi instigated another Barca come- team. This was one of those.” The club kept faith and results have im- bled after a clip on his shin. Messi slammed back at the Camp Nou before placing an in- Messi’s 20th and 21st league goals of proved. They have now lost only one of their the loose ball into the top corner but the jury doubt over his availability for Wednes- the season leave his team six points clear last seven matches and are within sight of whistle had blown. He rolled in the penalty day’s Copa del Rey Clasico against Real of Atletico Madrid, who could cut the gap the top four. Valencia deserved their fi rst- instead. Madrid. to three by beating Real Betis on Sunday, half lead and could have scored sooner, Sergi’s shot crashed against the post and Ernesto Valverde confi rmed after the with Real Madrid, 11 points back, at home Parejo drawing a smart save from Marc- Barca were dominant after half-time. At game his captain had felt a “small problem” to Alaves. Andre ter Stegen before the other end, on a rare Valencia break, Ro- but insisted it was nothing serious. After eight consecutive Barcelona wins lashed the rebound off the far post. drigo should have made it three but, on the Valverde is still unlikely to take any risks in La Liga, this result perhaps off ered the The visitors rode their luck as two deci- stretch, put it over from six yards. given Barcelona’s testing month ahead, chasing pack a little encouragement at sions went their way in a matter of minutes. That was in the 63rd minute, and in the even if Messi’s absence, however brief, least. First, Barca could have had a penalty when 64th, Barcelona were level. Vidal teed up would be a blow, particularly while he is in Real could infl ict further disruption blocked Nelson Semedo’s Messi, who teed up his own left foot and such irresistible form. themselves. The fi rst leg of the Copa del shot with his hand. curled the ball inside the post. and Dani Parejo’s penalty Rey semi-fi nals on Wednesday will be the Then the home team should have had The teams, and the crowd, seemed to gave Valencia a surprise two-goal lead but fi rst of three Clasicos in a month. The latter a free-kick as Messi was bundled over by take a breath, in anticipation of a late push, Barcelona’s Argentinian forward celebrates after Messi pulled one back with his own spot- two will be back-to-back, within four days. Parejo. The latter proved key, with Valencia but it never came. The draw was a fair re- scoring against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in kick before curling in a brilliant equaliser But Messi fi t and in this sort of form sprawling forward on the counter-attack. sult. Barcelona on Saturday night.

FOCUS SETBACK Atletico title bid suff ers with Al Kass Cup to loss at Real Betis

Reuters field what looked to be an ex- Seville citing, attacking lineup with pacey wingers Angel Correa and Thomas Lemar and Mor- tletico Madrid fell ata partnering the talismanic showcase world’s to their first La Antoine Griezmann up front. Liga defeat in five Barca’s 2-2 draw with Va- Amonths as they lencia a day earlier had given were beaten 1-0 at Real Betis Atletico the opportunity to yesterday, missing a golden move within three points chance to close the gap with of their title rivals yet they leaders Barcelona and slip- struggled to get a hold on the ping six points adrift of the game, and it took a spectacu- top young talent Catalans. lar save from Jan Oblak to pre- Alvaro Morata made his vent Zouhair Feddal heading debut for Atletico after com- Betis in front midway through Qatar’s will add local flavour to the tournament won by PSG last year pleting a loan move from the first half. Chelsea, but it was another Filipe Luis gave away the former Real Madrid player in penalty which decided the Sergio Canales who made the game, striking the ball with difference. his left arm as he attempted He scored a penalty midway to chest it down, and al- through the second half to though Oblak dived the right give Betis a victory which took way, Canales’ spot-kick was them up to sixth in the table. too powerful and inflicted a Atletico coach Diego Sime- first league defeat on Atletico one was without five regular since they lost at Celta Vigo starters but was still able to on Sept. 1.

Real Betis’ Sergio Canales celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT Neuer injury adds to Bayern’s woes Organising Committee member Ward Abdullah (third from left) speaks to the media yesterday in the presence of other off icials. At bottom, an off icial displays the Aspire Academy jersey. AFP won’t be easy, but we won’t By Sports Reporter the eighth Al Kass International sociation. The Under-17 football Berlin give up, we still believe and Doha Cup – a tournament that grants tournament is a global champi- will keep on working.” After young players an opportunity onship for worldwide competi- Leon Goretzka gave Bayern a to showcase and enhance their tive clubs. ayern Munich are 1-0 first-half lead and Rob- welve of the world’s football skills. Several players The Al Kass International unsure whether Ger- ert Lewandowski had a goal best U-17 football teams who appeared in previous edi- Cup has established itself as a many goalkeeper ruled offside, Kovac’s side from around the world tions of the tournament have key international football event Manuel Neuer can had few answers as Leon Bai- on their way to Qatar to gone on to star in the world’s top that supports the Qatar National Bplay in next week’s crunch ley curled in a free-kick, then Ttake part in the 2019 Al Kass In- leagues, and I am sure that Al Vision 2030 and contributes to German Cup tie at Her- Leverkusen attacked on the ternational Cup. From today to Kass 2019 will be another show- building on the foundations of tha Berlin after losing more counter with goals by Kevin Feb 15, local residents have the case for the stars of tomorrow.” a proud footballing nation up to ground in the Bundesliga ti- Volland and Lucas Alario. opportunity to see some of the The fi rst day of the tourna- the 2022 FIFA World Cup and tle race on Saturday. “We should have led by world’s greatest talents battling ment provides a taste of the beyond. The defending German more after the first-half, it out on the pitches of Aspire excitement to come. After the Inaugurated in 2012, Al Kass champions were humbled 3-1 then what happened is ex- Academy to be crowned cham- opening ceremony, the compe- International Cup is an annual at Bayer Leverkusen to leave actly what I didn’t want,” pions. tition starts with the game be- tournament that provides some them seven points behind said Kovac as Bayern’s sev- The Technical meeting with tween last year’s fi nalists Paris of the world’s choice young leaders Borussia Dortmund en-match winning streak in offi cials from all 12 teams took Saint-Germain and Kashiwa footballers the opportunity to in the title race. the league ended abruptly. place yesterday at The Torch Reysol, taking place on Pitch 5 demonstrate their ability and To make matters worse, “We got into an exchange hotel, one of the two offi cial ac- of Aspire Academy at 4:35pm. In skills on the world stage. The Bayern later dropped to third of blows with Leverkusen commodation hotels for the the second match, Qatar’s Aspire tournament also aims to con- in the table after Borus- and they killed us. tournament, with the other one Academy faces Raja Club Athlet- tribute to the nurturing of pas- sia Moenchengladbach’s To compound matters, being Al Aziziya Boutique Hotel. Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia), FC feature female referees from all ic from Morocco at 6:45pm. sion for football in Qatar and the 2-0 win at 10-man Schalke Munich club captain and Qatar’s Aspire Academy will add Spartak Moscow (Russia) and over the world. They are ap- Offi cial tournament spon- region by off ering up a 12-day meant they drew level on 42 Germany shot-stopper local fl avour to the tournament, Suwon Samsung Bluewings proved by FIFA and will use the sor Al Kass TV will broadcast all action-packed competition that points and leap-frogged into Neuer missed the defeat in which was last year won by Paris (South Korea). 2019 Al Kass International Cup the games live, with both seeks to propel Qatar to the fore- second on goal difference. Leverkusen after injuring his St. Germain, who now hold the The 2019 edition of the tour- as part of their preparations for and English commentary. Live front of sporting excellence and “The only positive thing thumb in training last week. record of being the only team nament has incorporated several the 2019 FIFA Women’s World streaming of all the matches will leadership. is that Dortmund didn’t get It is unclear whether Neu- winning three titles. exciting features. For the fi rst Cup, which takes place between available on http://internation- three points,” said Bayern’s er can play in Wednesday’s The other participating teams time, the video assistant ref- this summer in France. alcup.alkass.net. The Winners So Far… head coach Niko Kovac after German Cup, last 16 clash at are Real Madrid (Spain), Kash- eree (VAR) is going to be used to Ward Abdallah, Member of Currently celebrating its 2012: Paris Saint-Germain Dortmund drew 1-1 at Ein- Hertha Berlin, where Bayern iwa Reysol (Japan), Rangers FC review decisions made by the the Organising Committee of the eighth year, Al Kass Internation- 2013: Fluminense tracht Frankfurt on Saturday. have already suffered one of (Scotland), Raja Club Athletic head offi cial, with the use of Al Kass International Cup, said: al Cup is organised by Al Kass 2014: Aspire Football Dreams “Now we are seven points their four league defeats this (Morocco), AS Roma (Italy), FC video footage and a headset for “We are honoured to welcome Sports Channels, in collabora- 2015: Paris Saint-Germain behind and that’s no small season last September, go- Bayern München (Germany), communication. Also for the some of the world’s top youth tion with Aspire Zone Founda- 2016: Aspire Football Dreams amount. We have to use the ing down 2-0 at the Olympic Altinordu FK (Turkey), Étoile fi rst time, the tournament will teams to Qatar to compete in tion and the Qatar Football As- 2017: Real Madrid remaining games, which Stadium. Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 4, 2019 FOOTBALL

Sights of Qatar’s celebration of AFC Asian Cup triumph

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, QOC first vice-president Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani, QOC secretary-general Jassim Rashid al-Buenain and other off icials cut a cake celebrating Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup triumph in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Gulf Times Monday, February 4, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA EQUESTRIAN Al Shaqab set to host exciting Harden extends back-to-back competitions

By Sports Reporter 2013, it is one of only fi ve inter- Doha national equestrian events to streak, Doncic gets showcase three or more eques- trian disciplines. oha is gearing up Capturing the excite- for an equestrian ment and spirit of top-class extravaganza with sport, CHI Al Shaqab further two major back-to- strengthens Qatar’s status as backD events taking place at a hub for international sport- Al Shaqab, member of Qatar ing competition, while paying job done for Mavs Foundation. tribute to Qatar’s rich eques- The fi rst, from February 28 trian heritage. ‘We ask him to do a lot and he just buckled down and did it tonight’ to March 2, is the opening leg Khalifa al-Attiya, Presi- of the Longines Global Cham- dent of CHI Al Shaqab and Al AFP pions Tour (LGCT) 2019. The Shaqab’s Executive Director, Los Angeles second, and the jewel in Qatar said: “The has a and Al Shaqab’s equestrian very rich equine heritage, and crown, is CHI Al Shaqab 2019, through events such as this, ames Harden posted his 26th game which will be held from March Al Shaqab preserves and per- with at least 30 points for the third 7 to 9. In addition, during the petuates that aspect of Qatari longest streak in NBA history as the entire period of February 28 to culture. CHI Al Shaqab signifi - Houston Rockets rolled over the March 9, Al Shaqab will have a cantly contributes to the inter- UtahJ Jazz 125-98 on Saturday. festival area to provide a vari- national equestrian and busi- James fi nished with 43 points to extend ety of fun-fi lled activities and ness community, highlighting his streak and break a tie with legendary entertainment that will cater Qatar’s role as a global sporting Wilt Chamberlain. Hall of Famer Cham- to all children and adults alike. destination.” berlain also had the two longest streaks in Additionally, Al Shaqab will “Al Shaqab is also proud that history, runs of 65 and 31. also be the venue for the Qatar CHI Al Shaqab always serves as “He has great hands and great anticipa- International Sports and Fit- an important event for the local tion,” said Houston coach Mike D’Antoni. ness Exhibition (QISFE) from community as well. The Festi- “We ask him to do a lot and he just buckled April 2-6, under the patronage val Area is extremely popular down and did it tonight.’” of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad and this year there will truly Harden added 12 rebounds, six steals, al-Thani, President of the Qa- be something for everyone in fi ve assists and four blocks. He was 12 of tar Olympic Committee. terms of entertainment and 22 from the fi eld, making four of 12 three- Exhibitors across the areas fun activities. I would like to pointers, and made all 15 of his free throws. of Sports and Fitness Facilities; encourage everyone in Qatar to Health and Wellness; Nutri- attend CHI Al Shaqab 2019, the RESULTS tion; and Sportswear will be fi rst leg of the Longines Global present at the event. Unlike Champions Tour 2019, and the Denver 107-106 Minnesota previous years where Al Shaqab Qatar International Sports and San Antonio 113-108 New Orleans was the host venue of the LGCT Fitness Exhibition, as I’m con- fi nals, this year will see the fi dent they will leave Al Shaqab Dallas 111-98 Cleveland spectacular venue providing with unforgettable memories.” Indiana 95-88 Miami the perfect backdrop to kick off Tickets for both the fi rst Sacramento 115-108 Philadelphia this thrilling competition. leg of the Longines Global CHI stands for Concours Champions Tour 2019 and Atlanta 118-112 Phoenix Hippique International or CHI Al Shaqab go on sale to- Houston 125-98 Utah “Equestrian Internation- day and will be available on Charlotte 125-118 Chicago al Competition”, and is Al the Al Shaqab website (www. alshaqab.com). Orlando 102-89 Brooklyn Shaqab’s signature event. With ExxonMobil as the main spon- Ticket prices are QR35 for Milwaukee 131-115 Washington sor, the competition will see adults and QR15 for children Golden State 115-101 Lakers top riders compete in three Ol- between the ages of 6 and 12. Clippers 111-101 Detroit ympic equestrian disciplines Children under the age of 6 of Showjumping; Dressage; will enjoy free entry to public Gerald Green added 25 points, and Ken- and Para Dressage. areas of both competitions. neth Faried had 16 points and 12 rebounds CHI Al Shaqab is the fi rst For the fi rst time, exclusive as the Rockets snapped a two-game losing equestrian competition of its VIP tables and boxes have been streak. They managed to hold the Jazz to kind in the Middle East and introduced this year to en- 36 percent shooting and forced 23 turno- Asia region to be sanctioned by able corporate organisations vers. the International Equestrian to entertain their highly valued “We smelled a little blood and went af- Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (right) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden get their feet tangled during the first-half of their NBA Federation. clients and special guests to ter them,” D’Antoni said. Donovan Mitch- game at Vivint Smart Home Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Attracting the best athletes witness and enjoy two world- ell fi nished with 26 points and nine assists and horses from around the class equestrian competitions and Rudy Gobert added 10 points and 13 NBA before turning 20, following in the JAMES STILL SORE the Clippers posted the biggest comeback world since its inception in in Qatar. rebounds in the loss. footsteps of such stars as LeBron James, The four-time MVP had been set for his in team history. Elsewhere, Dallas rookie Luka Doncic Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant. second game back after missing 17 with an “We just stayed the course,” Williams matched his season high 35 points to lead Doncic also pulled down 11 rebounds injured groin, but woke up Friday feeling said. “We didn’t play our best basketball the Mavericks to a 111-98 victory over the and handed out six assists. “very sore” after playing 40 minutes in in the fi rst half. We played our style the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Slovenian sen- Harrison Barnes scored 13 of his 17 the 123-120 overtime win against the Los second half and gave ourselves an oppor- sation Doncic, who won’t turn 20 until points in the fourth quarter – his three- Angeles Clippers. tunity to win the game.” February 28, had 28 points by halftime – pointer with 4:34 to play putting the Mavs In Detroit, Lou Williams came off the Milwaukee’s Most Valuable Player can- almost as many as the 30 points scored be- up 15 points as Dallas ended Cleveland’s bench to score 18 of his game-high 39 didate Giannis Antetokounmpo made fore the break by all of Cleveland’s starters. two-game winning streak. points in the fourth quarter for the Los all 17 of his free throws on the way to 37 “I just felt great,” said Doncic, who was In Oakland, Klay Thompson returned Angeles Clippers, who erased a 25-point points in the Bucks’ 131-115 victory over cheered by a number of Slovenian fl ag- from a one-game absence to score 28 defi cit to beat the Pistons 111-101. the Washington Wizards. waving fans in Cleveland. It wasn’t my points and Stephen Curry overcame a Home fans were raining boos on the Antetokounmpo added 10 rebounds for best second half for sure, but we got a win slow start to lead the Golden State War- Pistons by the end of the night. Blake the Bucks, who notched a third straight so that’s all that matters for me.” riors to a 115-101 win over the Los Angeles Griffi n led the Pistons with 24 points win and remained two games ahead of To- Doncic had missed Thursday’s game in Lakers, who were again missing LeBron against his former team, but connected ronto atop the Eastern Conference. Detroit with a sore left ankle but showed James. Curry missed his fi rst eight shots on just fi ve of 17 shots over the last three Bradley Beal had 24 points for the Wiz- no sign of injury as he scored 18 points in but still fi nished with 14 points. James’ quarters. He made just three of 12 from ards, who are 9-7 since all-star point the fi rst quarter – when he became the rest was for what coach Luke Walton de- three-point range. The Clippers reserves guard John Wall suff ered a season-ending Bassem Mohammed of Qatar competes during the Longines seventh player to score 1,000 points in the scribed as “load management.” out-scored the Pistons bench 80-17 as heel injury. Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab equestrian centre.

NHL Stamkos, Lightning edge New York Rangers rello ended Domingue’s shutout bid at 16:17 Reuters RESULTS New York of the second when he put a wrist shot from Philadelphia 5-4 Edmonton near the right faceoff dot off the goaltender’s right pad and into the back of the net. Hayes teven Stamkos scored his 28th goal New Jersey 3-2 Montreal made it a one-goal game at 6:49 of the third of the season in the second period to Winnipeg 9-3 Anaheim when he one-timed Mika Zibanejad’s back- match his total from last season, and Toronto 3-2 Pittsburgh hand pass from the left wing off Dominigue’s it turned out to be the game-winner right arm. Detroit 2-0 Ottawa asS the Tampa Bay Lightning held on for a 3-2 victory over the host New York Rangers on Florida 3-1 Las Vegas STREAKING JETS BLAST DUCKs Saturday night. Islanders 4-2 Los Angeles Jack Roslovic delivered his fi rst career hat Tampa Bay jumped on top 3-0 at 8:33 of the St. Louis 4-2 Columbus trick, and Bryan Little added two goals as the second period on Stamkos’ fourth goal of the Winnipeg Jets came out fast with a six-goal season against the Rangers. Stamkos received Tampa Bay 3-2 Rangers fi rst period and rolled to a 9-3 victory Satur- a cross-ice pass from defenseman Victor Dallas 3-1 Nashville day in the fi rst game since the All-Star break Hedman and lifted a wrist shot from the mid- Chicago 4-3 Minnesota for the visiting Anaheim Ducks. Roslovic had dle of the right faceoff circle off Rangers goal- two fi rst-period goals while Little had one. tender Henrik Lundqvist’s left shoulder. The Vancouver 5-1 Colorado Andrew Copp, Blake Wheeler and Brendan Lightning’s Yanni Gourde scored in the fi rst Lemieux also scored in the opening period as period and rookie Erik Cernak scored his fi rst dqvist, making a glove save on a Chris Kreider Ducks All-Star goaltender John Gibson was career goal before Stamkos netted his 376th shot with about a minute left and a pad stop pulled less than 18 minutes into the game af- career goal. on a long drive by Kevin Shattenkirk with one ter giving up the six goals on 14 shots. Nikita Kucherov recorded the secondary second left. Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes It was the fi rst time in franchise history the assist on Stamkos’ goal and increased his scored for the Rangers, who lost their fourth Jets scored six goals in the fi rst period. It was league-leading points total to 80. Kucherov straight to Tampa Bay. also the most goals the Jets have scored in a also became the quickest player in Tampa The Lightning went ahead at 6:51 of the home game in franchise history. The Ducks Bay history to reach 80 points, getting there fi rst period due to some good fortune. Lun- gave up nine goals in a game for the third time in 52 games. He surpassed the mark set by dqvist stopped the initial shot by Ryan Mc- in their 25-year history. They have never giv- Vincent Lecavalier (60 games) in 2006-07. Donagh but could not fi nd the puck. Gourde en up 10. The six goals allowed in the open- Backup goaltender Louis Dominigue made eased past Shattenkirk in the low slot and ing period was a Ducks franchise record. The 31 saves and recorded his ninth straight win tapped in the loose puck into the vacated net. off ensively challenged Ducks expected a po- as Tampa Bay completed a back-to-back Tampa Bay took a 2-0 lead when Ryan tential scoring infl ux with the return of Co- sweep in the New York area after beating the Callahan made a slick cross-ice pass from rey Perry, Jakob Silfverberg and Patrick Eaves New York Islanders on Friday night at Nas- the left wing and Cernak lifted a wrist shot from injury but were in a deep 6-0 hole be- sau Coliseum. Dominique kept the lead in the from the low slot over Lundqvist, who was fore Nick Ritchie broke through 1:32 into the Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (left) and New York Rangers left wing Josh Bailey vying for fi nal moments after the Rangers pulled Lun- late to react. After Stamkos scored, Zucca- second period for his seventh of the season. the puck during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 4, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET GOLF Johnson holds off Li to emerge champion West Indies beat give himself some breathing Reuters King Abdullah Economic City, room with one hole to play. Li Saudi Arabia had ended his third round with an eagle, but could not repeat the feat on Sunday, and Johnson orld number three sealed victory after both players Dustin Johnson birdied the fi nal hole. won the inau- Johnson’s fi rst European England in second gural Saudi In- Tour win outside of Major Wternational by two strokes on Championships and World Sunday, holding off China’s Li Golf Championship events Haotong to claim his sixth Eu- moves him to solo fi fth on the ropean Tour title. list of American winners on Johnson and Li entered the the European Tour after Tiger fi nal day’s play tied on 16-un- Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack der at the top of the lead- Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Test to clinch series erboard, and the American struck fi ve birdies along with LEADING SCORES ‘It’s been a disappointing performance with the bat here and last week’ two bogeys to sign for a 67 in 261-Dustin Johnson (USA) 68- his fi nal round and end the 61-65-67 week on 19 under par. 263-Li Haotong (CHN) 67-65- Li, who edged a stroke ahead 62-69 of Johnson before the turn but 264-Tom Lewis (ENG) 71-66- fell back after three bogeys on 62-65 the back nine, settled for sec- 265-Min Woo Lee (AUS) 69-70- ond place after carding a one- 63-63 under-par 69 in his fi nal round 266-Alexander Levy (FRA) in King Abdullah Economic 69-65-67-65 City. Englishman Tom Lewis, 269-Joost Luiten (NED) 66-71- who began the day by making 69-63, Bryson DeChambeau fi ve birdies in a row, fi nished (USA) 68-68-68-65, Ian Poulter third after signing for a 65 (ENG) 68-67-68-66, Scott Hend in his last round at the Royal (AUS) 70-63-69-67, Ryan Fox Greens Golf and Country Club. (NZL) 67-67-67-68 Johnson struck fi rst against 270-Justin Harding (RSA) 65- Li with a birdie on the par-four 72-70-63, Gavin Green (MAL) second to get his nose in front, 68-68-67-67 but Li pegged the American 271-Bradley Dredge (WAL) back with a birdie on the fourth 67-70-72-62, Victor Perez hole, before moving into the (FRA) 66-70-71-64, Richard outright lead with another Sterne (RSA) 66-68-70-67, birdie on the ninth. Both play- Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 69- ers bogeyed the par-four 10th 71-63-68, Ross Fisher (ENG) hole, but Johnson made con- 65-72-65-69 secutive gains on the 11th and 272-Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 12th to edge back in front. 72-65-69-66, Marcus Kinhult Back-to-back errors from (SWE) 67-71-67-67, Renato Para- Li on the 13th and 14th holes tore (ITA) 65-74-65-68, Zander allowed Johnson to extend his Lombard (RSA) 65-67-70-70 advantage to three strokes, but 273-Yusaku Miyazato (JPN) 71- Li closed the gap with another 65-70-67, Thomas Pieters (BEL) birdie on the 15th. 63-74-69-67. A poor tee shot on the 16th saw Johnson’s lead pared back SELECTED OTHERS to one stroke once again after 281-Patrick Reed (USA) 67-71- the American was forced to take 72-71 West Indies players celebrate after winning the 2nd Test against England at Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on Saturday. (AFP) a drop, but he tapped in a birdie 282-Brooks Koepka (USA) 69- from close range on the 17th to 70-74-69 Reuters North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda Frank discussion set stage for West Indies turnaround, says Holder Fowler stretches Phoenix lead to 4 strokes Frank discussion among the players after a emar Roach and cap- short but dismal series against Bangladesh Rickie Fowler fired eight birdies in a seven-under par 64 on Satur- tain Jason Holder took last year proved a turning point for West day to stretch his lead to four strokes heading into the final round four wickets each as Indies, captain Jason Holder said on Satur- of the Phoenix Open. West Indies thumped day after his team clinched a series win Fowler, in search of his fifth PGA Tour title and his first since KEngland by 10 wickets in the over England in the Caribbean. the 2017 Honda Classic, had a 20-under par total of 193 at TPC second test in Antigua to gain West Indies won the second test by 10 Scottsdale, where he held the 54-hole lead last year but finished an unbeatable 2-0 series lead on wickets in Antigua, taking an unassailable tied for 11th. Saturday. 2-0 lead in the three-test series. “We’ve led for three rounds, now why not make it four,” said With fellow pace bowler Al- “I think we’re hungry for success. Credit to Fowler, who has converted just one of his six prior 54-hole leads zarri Joseph chipping in with two the boys for sticking to the task,” Holder to a victory. He has some breathing room, with a four-shot lead top-order wickets, including the said at the victory presentation. over US veteran Matt Kuchar, who had six birdies in a sparkling prized scalp of captain Joe Root, The transformation came after West Indies six-under 65 that put him on 197. Kuchar, 40, is in search of his the hosts bowled out England for lost both tests against Bangladesh in third win of the season, after victories in the Mayakoba Classic 132 in the second innings. November and December. The result in the and the Sony Open. “Good, steady golf again,” Kuchar said. Joseph’s performance came second test was especially pitiful, defeat by “I’ve been playing some nice golf. I’m excited to be in the final hours after his mother died fol- an innings and 184 runs in Dhaka. Holder group tomorrow.” Justin Thomas, who started the day one stroke lowing a long battle with a brain missed the tour due to a shoulder injury, off Fowler’s lead, nabbed four of his five birdies on the back nine tumour. West Indies needed only but was kept apprised of things. in a 68 that put him alone in third on 198. 14 runs in their second innings, “After the tour of Bangladesh the guys and they polished them off had a really long, hard talk in the dressing quickly to win with more than room,” Holder said. two days to spare. “It was something that was really needed. John Campbell clinched vic- We wanted to get some honestly in the Education City Golf Club tory in appropriate Calypso dressing room. We touched on a few is- fashion with a six over mid- sues.” launches mobile app wicket as batting great Viv Ri- Holder and several others were brought chards, after whom the stadium back for the current England series, includ- Education City Golf Club has become the first golf course in is named, grinned broadly in the ing number four batsman Darren Bravo, Qatar to implement a mobile application for its guests. crowd, ever the epitome of cool who ended a two-year exile after a falling In line with the clubs strategy of creating first class experience, in his dark sunglasses. out with the team’s governing body. service and guest satisfaction the mobile app was developed so West Indies lead the three- The classy left-hander has a test average a user can instantly access relevant information pertaining to the Test series 2-0. They won the of almost 40 and though he failed twice golf course. Education City Golf Club are focused on providing a fi rst test by 381 runs in Barbados. in the first test, he was key in the second. more connected approach to golf, through providing the means It is only the second time in the Bravo batted patiently on Friday and of communication and access to information in keeping with past 10 series that West Indies Saturday, frustrating the England attack by consumer digital trends. This approach is set to open the door to have won the Wisden Trophy. occupying the crease for 342 minutes for a greater proportion of society in Qatar’ England have dominated over the 50 runs, the third slowest half century in Leading an exciting new future for golf, Education City Golf Club past two decades with seven se- test history. is embracing a revolutionary approach to encouraging participa- ries wins, while one was drawn. His performance, among others, leaves tion. The mobile app is an integral part of making the cutting Holder said his West In- Holder hopeful the good times might be edge facility accessible for all ages. dies team had played to honour back for West Indies after years in the A key feature of the Education City Golf Clubs app is the support Joseph’s late mother. doldrums. it gives members with easy instant access to their accounts and “We all rallied around one and “Hopefully we can stay together for years being able to book rounds of golf online. While they play, our other,” he said. “We wanted to do to come. ECGC app gives them GPS distances to the green from precise lo- it for her, and for Alzarri to come “We want to be consistent, move up the cations, scorecards, tips and flyovers of our world class courses. out after that kind of news, the rankings,” he added with his team current- Other features of the app allow our members and guests to kept way he bowled was exceptional. ly languishing eighth in the test rankings. up to date with upcoming events, be the first to see our latest “This one is for him and his promotions, share their experiences on social media and receive family.” club notifications. Root acknowledged that Eng- and did some good stuff ,” he said. performance with the bat here uphill task having to bat fi rst on exploited it,” Root said. After many months of careful deliberation and evaluation, land had been outplayed, placing “Scoring under 200 in both and last week.” a green pitch that off ered the “Once the game gets going Education City Golf Club partnered with CourseMate to fulfill the the blame on the batting. innings is not going to win you Root had the misfortune of fast bowlers plenty of assistance you can’t look at things like that. requirements and embark on an exciting, revolutionary journey “I thought as a bowling group many games of cricket. losing the toss, which meant early on. “West Indies had that You’ve got to look at things you to deliver the clubs vision. we worked exceptionally hard “It’s been a disappointing England were always facing an opportunity (to bowl fi rst) and can control.” Additional features with will be off ered in the future with further updates looking to enhance their member’s and guest experi- ences. Currently the app is on ios however it will soon be avail- Scorecard able on all android phones in the coming weeks. “It was honour to be selected by Education City Golf Club to be ENGLAND 1st innings 187 Extras (b-8, lb-13, nb-2, w-1) 24 J. Root c wkpr Dowrich b Joseph 7 (Buttler), 9-125 (Broad), 10-132 (Anderson) their club app partner and use our expertise to create something WEST INDIES 1st Innings (overnight 272-6) Total (131 overs, all out) 306 J. Buttler lbw Holder 24 Bowling: K. Roach 13-2-52-4 (1w), S. really special and bespoke to them.” stated Jenni Biggs, Course- K. Brathwaite c sub (Jennings) b Ali 49 Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Campbell), 2-133 B. Stokes b Roach 11 Gabriel 10-3-22-0 (1w), J. Holder 12.1-2-43- Mate Co-Founder and App Director. “We are looking forward 4, A. Joseph 7-4-12-2 to helping ECGC make a real and impactful change to the way J. Campbell c Buttler b Broad 47 (Brathwaite), 3-151 (Hope), 4-155 (Chase), M. Ali b Roach 4 5-186 (Hetmyer), 6-236 (Dowrich) West Indies 2nd Innings ECGC will use digital technology to engage and communicate S. Hope c Bairstow b Broad 44 B. Foakes lbw Roach 13 with members and guests and improve their overall experience Bowlers: J. Anderson 29-5-73-2, S. Broad K. Brathwaite not out 5 D. Bravo st Bairstow b Ali 50 S. Curran not out 13 at the venue.” 36-16-53-3 (1w), B. Stokes 27-8-58-2 (1nb), S. J. Campbell not out 11 Commenting on the partnership General Manager Michael S. Hetmyer c Anderson b Ali 21 Curran 13-0-38-0 (1nb), M. Ali 25-4-62-3, J. S. Broad lbw Roach 0 Extras (lb-1) 1 Braidwood stated, “providing members and guests with access S. Dowrich c Buttler b Broad 31 Denly 1-0-1-0. J. Anderson c Joseph b Holder 0 to an app will further enhance their experience of Education Total (2.1 overs, 0 wkt) 17 J. Holder c Bairstow b Anderson 22 ENGLAND 2nd Innings Extras (lb-3, w-10) 13 City Golf Club. Busy modern lives demand instant access to Bowling: J. Anderson 1.1-0-10-0, S. Broad information and our app does just that. We are looking forward K. Roach c Stokes b Anderson 6 R. Burns c Campbell b Holder 16 Total (42.1 overs, all out) 132 1-0-6-0 to further developing the great features the App has, to provide J. Denly b Joseph 17 A. Joseph c Burns b Stokes 7 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Burns), 2-49 Result: West Indies won by ten wickets. a more personal experience and relevant information about our S. Gabriel not out 1 J. Bairstow b Holder 14 (Bairstow), 3-56 (Root), 4-59 (Denly), 5-88 facilities” (Stokes), 6-96 (Ali), 7-118 (Foakes), 8-118 West Indies lead three-Test series, 2-0. Gulf Times Monday, February 4, 2019 7 CRICKET

TWENTY20 SERIES Azam’s 90 in vain as SA halt Pakistan’s winning streak AFP Pakistan scored rapidly at the start the series, hit fi ve sixes and four fours Johannesburg of their innings, with Azam hitting the in an explosive innings, which followed fi rst three balls off Beuran Hendricks for a similarly aggressive 45 off 27 balls by four. It was 70 for one at the end of the Rassie van der Dussen, who hit four abar Azam hit a majestic 90 but six-over power play – 26 runs ahead of sixes. Pakistan’s long streak of series South Africa’s total at the same stage. South Africa made a relatively sedate wins came to an end in the sec- Azam and Hussain Talat (59) put on start on an unusually slow, dry Wan- ond Twenty20 international 102 off 75 balls for the second wicket. derers pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad againstB South Africa at the Wanderers “We had the game but we couldn’t Wasim, who opened the bowling, took Stadium yesterday. fi nish it,” said Pakistan captain Shoaib one for nine in four overs. He bowled a South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead Malik. The tempo of the game changed maiden to new opening batsman Jan- in the three-match series with a dra- when Azam pulled a slower ball from neman Malan, who had an otherwise matic seven-run win. Pakistan had not Beuran Hendricks to deep midwicket promising innings of 33 off 31 balls. lost a T20 series since they were elimi- after hitting 13 fours and a six in a 58- Left-arm fast bowler Shinwari con- nated from the World T20 in India in ball innings. ceded 63 runs off his four overs. March 2016. “We didn’t start too well with the Pakistan were on track to overhaul ball,” said Miller, who was named man BRIEF SCORES South Africa’s 188 for three until Azam of the match. “We were too short and South Africa 188-3 in 20 overs (J. Ma- was out off the fi rst ball of the 17th over. too wide but the bowlers pulled it back.” lan 33, H. van der Dussen 45, D. Miller It started a collapse in which six wickets Although neither took a wicket, 65 not out). fell for 34 runs in four overs. Miller praised left-arm spinner Tabraiz Pakistan 181-7 in 20 overs (Babar The contrast between the two innings Shamsi and new fast bowler Lutho Si- Azam 90, Hussain Talat 55; A. Phehluk- was stark. South Africa started slowly pamla for economical bowling in the wayo 3-36) but stand-in captain David Miller plun- middle overs before the late-innings Result: South Africa won by seven runs. dered an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as the collapse. Series: South Africa lead the three- hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten Miller, captaining South Africa for match series 2-0 overs, including 29 off the nalfi over the fi rst time because Faf du Plessis Remaining match: February 6, bowled by Usman Shinwari. was rested for the last two matches of Centurion. Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the 2nd T20 match against South Africa in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP)

FIFTH ODI SECOND TEST Khawaja, Starc return to form as Australia Rayudu to the rescue tighten noose Reuters Scorecard Canberra AUSTRALIA 1st innings 534-5 dec as India wrap up series sman Khawaja found SRI LANKA 1st innings 215 his scoring touch and ‘We required guys to show character and they came out and showed a lot of character today’ fast bowler Mitchell AUSTRALIA 2nd innings Starc returned to his M. Harris c Mendis b Rajitha 14 fiU ery best as Australia moved J. Burns c Mendis b Fernando 9 within sight of victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka U. Khawaja not out 101 at the Manuka Oval yesterday M. Labuschagne c Dickwella b After Australia, on course Rajitha 4 for a fi rst series win since beat- T. Head not out 59 ing England early last year, set Extras (nb6, w3) 9 the tourists an improbable 516 for victory openers Dimuth Total (three wickets; 47 Karunaratne and Lahiru Thir- overs) 196 imanne survived some nervy Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Harris), moments to take Sri Lanka to 17 2-25 (Burns), 3-37 (La- before bad light ended the third buschagne) day’s play. Sri Lanka bowling Bowling: Fernando 11-1-43-1, coach Rumesh Ratnayake told Rajitha 13-2-64-2, D. Perera reporters his side had to take it 15-3-52-0, C. Karunaratne 4-1- “stage by stage, session by ses- 18-0, De Silva 4-0-19-0. sion”. “The boys are aware that SRI LANKA 2nd innings they have to break it down into D. Karunaratne not out 8 portions and take it hourly and L. Thirimanne not out 8 try to bat as positive as they could,” he said. Starc picked up Extras (lb1) 1 his 10th fi ve-wicket haul, and Total: (no wickets; six overs) 17 his fi rst since his 5-34 against Bowling: Starc 3-1-6-0, Rich- South Africa in Durban last ardson 2-0-9-0, Lyon 1-0-1-0. March, as Australia bundled out Sri Lanka for 215 to take a may return on Monday. fi rst-innings lead of 319. Karunaratne, who was taken Australia, who won the to hospital on Saturday after opening test in Brisbane by an being hit by a Pat Cummins innings and 40 runs, did not bouncer, returned to the crease get off to a great start in their after Perera’s departure and second innings as they lost completed a gritty half-centu- Marcus Harris, Joe Burns and ry before edging Starc to Kur- Marnus Labuschagne cheaply. tis Patterson at gully to be out But Khawaja and fi rst-in- for 59. Starc took 15 wickets in nings centurion Travis Head fi ve tests during the India se- combined for a stand of 159 as ries and the opener against Sri Australia declared their second Lanka but faced heavy criti- innings closed on 196-3. cism for some wayward bowl- Captain Tim Paine called the ing that prompted calls for batsmen in after Khawaja com- Paine to take the new ball off pleted his eighth Test hundred. his hands. The left-hander enjoyed the “I’ve been working a fair bit moment, having scored only in the last few weeks... I’m my one fi fty in the home summer. best coach. I know what works He remained unbeaten on 101 for me best,” Starc said. “Wick- while Head made 59 not out. ets are a wonderful thing, they India players celebrate after winning the fifth one-day international match against New Zealand in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) Earlier, Starc, who got the help everything else.” wicket of Sri Lanka captain The left-arm quick was back AFP Scorecard step in the right direction” after Dinesh Chandimal on day two, to his best on Sunday, testing Wellington being comprehensively beaten bowled with pace and aggres- batsmen with short-pitched INDIA (Dhawan), 3-17 (Gill), 4-18 (Dhoni), M. Santner c Shami b Pandya 22 in the fi rst three games of the sion to pick up the fi rst two to deliveries, one of which ac- counted for Dhananjaya de Sil- R. Sharma b Henry 25-116 (Shankar), 6-190 (Rayudu), T. Astle lbw Chahal 10 series. “Throughout the series fall on Sunday, then returned commanding knock of 7-203 (Jadhav), 8-248 (Pandya), they had us under more pressure after lunch to polish off the tail va, who lost his balance going 90 by Ambati Rayudu S. Dhawan c Henry b Boult 6 9-252 (Kumar), 10-252 (Shami) M. Henry not out 17 than we would have liked,” Wil- and fi nish with fi gures of 5-54. for a pull shot and dislodged a rescued India from S. Gill c Santner b Henry 7Bowlers: Henry 10-1-35-4 (1nb), T. Boult c Shami b Kumar 1 liamson admitted. Kusal Perera did not return bail with his bat to be out for 25. deep trouble and saw A. Rayudu c Munro b Henry 90 Boult 9.5-2-39-3 (2w), Neesham Extras: (wd 3) 3 “Trying to soak that up with to bat for the touring side af- Starc dismissed Dilruwan themA beat New Zealand by 35 the ball, in the fi eld, with the bat, ter being hit on his helmet by a Perera and Vishwa Fernando M. Dhoni b Boult 1 5-0-33-1, de Grandhomme 7-0- Total (all out; 44.1 overs) 217 runs in the fi fth one-day inter- 33-0, Munro 10-0-47-0, Santner and revert it back on the opposi- delivery from fast bowler Jhye in his fi rst over after lunch to V. Shankar run out (Neesham/ Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Nicholls), national in Wellington on Sun- 3-0-18-0, Astle 5-0-35-0. tion we were able to do that on Richardson. He retired hurt on complete his fi rst fi ve-wicket day to wrap up the series 4-1. Munro) 45 2-37 (Munro), 3-38 (Taylor), 4-105 occasions but not often enough.” 29 but Ratnayake suggested he haul. Captain Rohit Sharma admit- K. Jadhav b Henry 34 (Williamson), 5-119 (Latham), Like India, New Zealand’s top ted he took a gamble – and Ray- NEW ZEALAND 6-135 (de Grandhomme), 7-176 order also went cheaply, before H. Pandya c Boult b Neesham 45 udu made sure it paid off – when C. Munro b Shami 24 (Neesham), 8-194 (Astle), 9-204 a 67-run stand by Williamson B. Kumar c Taylor b Boult 6 he opted to bat fi rst instead of H. Nicholls c Jadhav b Shami 8 (Santner), 10-217 (Boult) (39) and Tom Latham (37) for the playing to India’s run-chasing M. Shami run out (Boult) 1 Bowling: Kumar 7.1-0-38-1, Shami fourth wicket. strength. K. Williamson c Dhawan b Jadhav 39 But after they went in quick Y. Chahal not out 0 8-0-35-2 (1w), Pandya 8-1-50-2 They made a disastrous start R. Taylor lbw Pandya 1 (1w), Shankar 4-0-19-0, Chahal 10- succession Yuzvendra Chahal Extras (b 5, lb 7, wd 2 nb1) 15 and were four for 18 before T. Latham lbw Chahal 37 0-41-3, Jadhav 7-0-34-1 (1w) led a spin assault that saw the Rayudu, with help from Vijay Total (for all out; 49.5 overs) 252 hosts all out for 217, with Chahal J. Neesham run out (Dhoni) 44 Result: India won by 35 runs Shankar, steered the side to 252 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Sharma), 2-12 taking three lbw decisions for 41. and New Zealand in reply were C. de Grandhomme lbw Chahal 11 Series: India won 4-1 James Neesham threatened all out for 217. to get New Zealand up to their “That partnership was cru- I would have batted second, it’s feat when Matt Henry and Trent fours and four sixes. target when he whacked 44 off cial,” Sharma said. “It was not our strength to chase but we Boult ripped out the fi rst four He had a life on 60 when 32 deliveries before inexplicably easy after losing four wickets at wanted to test ourselves, how we wickets in under 10 overs. dropped by Boult and was even- running himself out. When India the start and then to build that bat,” Sharma said. But when the swing bowlers tually removed when Henry, fruitlessly appealed for a leg be- partnership and get to a decent “We required guys to show were taken out of the equation, New Zealand’s most successful fore decision, Neesham stepped total, I thought 250 was a really character and they came out and Rayudu and Shankar toyed with bowler, came back for his second out of his crease in search of a good score on that pitch.” showed a lot of character today.” the attack, putting on 98 for the spell. Hardik Pandya provided possible leg bye, unaware the India went into the match with Four months out from the fi fth wicket before Shankar was late fi reworks for India with 45 ball had been picked up by wick- an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the se- World Cup the series highlighted run out at 45. off 22 deliveries, while Henry etkeeper MS Dhoni who had an ries and looking to atone for their the gulf between second-ranked Rayudu, who faced 84 deliv- fi nished with four for 35. easy shot at the stumps. The sole loss, an eight-wicket defeat India and third-ranked New eries to reach 44, needed only 27 New Zealand batted through series now moves on to three Australia’s Usman Khawaja celebrates his century during day in the previous match. Zealand. It did look as if India more for his remaining 46 runs to the 45th over, which captain Twenty20 matches beginning in three of the second Test against and Sri Lanka at the Manuka “If the series was on the line were heading for another de- in an innings that included eight Kane Williamson described as “a Wellington on Wednesday. Oval Cricket Ground in Canberra yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, February 4, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HE Sheikh Joaan crowns winners of HH The Amir’s Sword Trials and HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani’s Trophy

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani presented the trophies to the winners of HH The Amir’s Sword Trial (Group 3 PA), HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani’s Trophy and Al Sabiq races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Park on Saturday. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Gazwan, ridden by Theo Bachelot for trainer Julian Smart, won HH The Amir’s Sword Trial (Group 3 PA), while Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi’s Pazeer, trained by Ibrahim al-Malki, was ridden to victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani’s Trophy by Eduardo Pedroza. Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim, in the colours of Al Jeryan Stud, rode Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-trained AJS Moaddie to victory in HH The Amir’s Silver Sword Trial.

TENNIS Khalifa Complex wears new look for Qatar Total Open ‘Without any doubt, the tournament has come to stay as one of the biggest event in Qatar’s sporting calendar’

Bertens beats Vekic to win St Petersburg title

Reuters tion ceremony. “It was an amaz- as she allowed Vekic to level at Bengaluru ing final to play... I will be back deuce before finally claiming next year.” her fourth championship point The Dutchwoman won 17 of 18 after her backhand caught the econd seed Kiki Bertens points to first draw level and net and dropped short. of the Netherlands beat then win the first-set tiebreak Both players made 33 unforced SCroatia’s Donna Vekic 7-6 against Vekic, nearly break- errors each, but Bertens won (2), 6-4 to win the St Petersburg ing the Croatian’s will with 79% of her first serve points Ladies Trophy yesterday and that unexpected surge before and sent down eight aces and claim her eighth WTA singles breaking her serve early in the 27 winners compared to 16 title. second set. from Vekic. Bertens, the world number Vekic, 22, refused to surrender “Congrats to Kiki and your eight, was slow out of the without a fight, breaking back team. You were too good for blocks, and found herself trail- and winning three games in a me today,” Vekic said. “I’m re- ing 5-2 in the first set before row before Bertens rallied to ally looking forward to playing staging a remarkable turna- snuff out any chance of the doubles with you in Indian round. match being pushed to a third Wells. “I would like to say to Donna set with a second decisive “Sorry, (coach) Torben (Beltz) congratulations on a great break of serve. we are going to have to wait week and sorry for today,” Bertens served for the match a little bit longer for that first Bertens said after collecting the at 5-4, racing into a 40-0 lead title but at least the finals are trophy at a glittering presenta- but then displayed some jitters getting bigger.”

Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens poses with the trophy after beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy final By Sports Reporter The tournament, with a to- online and onsite at Landmark, tions,” said tournament director yesterday. Bertens is Doha tal prize money of $916,131, will City Centre and Villaggio malls, Saad Saleh al-Mohannadi. expected to play in Qatar feature a host of the world’s top besides the Khalifa International “We are looking forward to Total Open 2019, which players led by world No. 1 and Tennis & Squash Complex, the welcoming everyone, especially starts on February 11. ith less than 10 days Australian Open champion Naomi 17th edition of the event promises families, in this one-week fi esta (Reuters) to the start of the Osaka of Japan. Also making the to attract a far bigger attendance of tennis. There are lots of activi- Qatar Total Open trip will be world No. 3 Simona compared to the previous editions. ties lined up to make the event 2019, the Khalifa Halep of Romania, 2017 champion “The Qatar Total Open 2019 memorable for everyone, both on WInternational Tennis & Squash and world No. 5 Karolina Pliskova, is here and we are really im- the courts and at the public vil- Complex is already wearing a three-time Grand Slam champion pressed with level of our prepa- lage,” he added. new look in preparation for the and 2014 fi nalist Angelique Ker- rations and readiness for this Held since 2001, the Qatar To- annual tournament which is one ber, as well as Netherland’s Kiki tournament. The event popu- tal Open has grown to become of the most sought after ladies Bertens among others. larity is increasing by the day one of the biggest WTA Tour tennis event in the region. Other players to watch out for and we are highly encouraged events in the region and it has The branding at the venue has include 2016 champion Carla with the ticket sales. Without consistently featured the world’s been completed and the neces- Suárez Navarro of Spain, world any doubt, the tournament has top ten players on a regular basis. sary makeovers done in readiness No. 13 Anastasija Sevastova, 2017 come to stay as one of the big- The last year’s edition was won for the Premier WTA Tour event, US Open fi nalist Madison Keys gest event in Qatar’s sporting by Czech Republic’s Petra Kvi- which will be held at the ultra- as well as the 2016 fi nalist Jelena calendar and we believe that tova who beat Spaniard Garbine modern venue from February 11 Ostapenko. the 17th edition this year will be Muguruza 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in an to 16. With tickets selling fast both far bigger than all previous edi- entertaining encounter.

SPOTLIGHT Yastremska battles past Tomljanovic to clinch Thailand Open title AFP Hua Hin, Thailand ond WTA title. 22 minutes. cated her win to her mother, who had to After dominating the fi rst set, eighth The Ukrainian teen burst into tears return to Ukraine for an operation. seed Yastremska faced some strong returns and collapsed on the fl oor, and then put The victory capped an impressive run krainian Dayana Yastremska from the 25-year-old Tomljanovic, who her hands together in a traditional Thai in the inaugural $250,000 tournament won the Thailand Open yester- took the second set to level the match. greeting to acknowledge the cheering for Yastremska, who dispatched top seed day with a hard-fought victory, A fi erce rally in the fi nal moments of crowd. Garbine Muguruza in the quarter-fi nals. battling past Australia’s Ajla the third set pushed the fi nal into a tie- “I was always trying to play the same as Both fi nalists — who fi rst faced each UTomljanovic 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (3). breaker. you,” she said to Tomljanovic in the post- other in the China Open qualifi ers last The overtime thriller in the seaside city Yastremska sealed her win with a sear- match interview. year — were in top form in Thailand, not of Hua Hin gave the 18-year-old her sec- ing forehand after a tense two hours and The 47th-ranked Yastremska dedi- dropping a set until the fi nal.