India floor Australia by 137 runs in third Test, take 2-1 lead in series MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 PAGE 18

Man City bounce back from slump as Pogba shines in United victory PAGE 19 TENNIS QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN

2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open Djokovic seeks to fly high with the ‘Falcon’ a third time in Doha The 14-time Grand Slam champion is aiming to become the second player after Federer to win three titles in Qatar

World number one Djokovic poses with a camel.

Two-time champion Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem and Stanislas Wawrinka dressed in the traditional thobe, pose with camels during a photo call at the Katara Cultural Village ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Sunday. (PHOTOS: QATAR TENNIS FEDERATION TWITTER) VINAY NAYUDU ORDER OF PLAY career, however long that’s go- On his part, Djokovic will DOHA ing to be, and of course trying start against 26-year-old Bos- CENTER COURT START 3:30 pm R. Haase (NED) vs N. Jarry (CHI) to also fight for No. 1 with eve- nian Damir Dzumhur, who re- WORLD No. 1 Novak Djokovic [8] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) D. Goffin (BEL) / P. Herbert (FRA) vs K. Khachanov ryone else,” he said. tired hurt after losing a set when Not Before 5:30 pm (RUS) / S. Wawrinka (SUI) (DOUBLES) arrived in Doha on Saturday for P. Kohlschreiber (GER) vs [WC] T. Berdych (CZE) M. Marterer (GER) vs P. Gojowczyk (GER) Such has been Djokovic’s he played against the Serbian at Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 A. Rublev (RUS) vs A. Seppi (ITA) COURT 3 START 3:30 pm hot form of late that he has lost the Paris Masters. having already sent out an early COURT 1 START 3:30 pm M. Fucsovics (HUN) / G. Pella (ARG) vs [2] J. Murray just three times in the last six Second seed Thiem will warning ahead of 2019 by win- M. Berrettini (ITA) vs [7] R. Bautista Agut (ESP) (GBR) / B. Soares (BRA) (DOUBLES) months. But interestingly, all begin his campaign against [WC] M. Djokovic (SRB) / N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [WC] C. [3] N. Mektic (CRO) / A. Peya (AUT) vs M. Copil (ROU) ning the Mubadala title in Abu Ilkel (TUR) / M. Zayid (QAT) (DOUBLES) / H. Tecau (ROU) (DOUBLES) his three defeats came against tournament debutant Pierre- Dhabi on Saturday. A. Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) vs [5] N. Basilashvili (GEO) [1] O. Marach (AUT) / M. Pavic (CRO) vs D. Dzumhur players aged 22 and under. That Hughes Herbert and could meet The Serbian clearly seemed COURT 2 START 3:30 pm (BIH) / D. Lajovic (SRB) includes a certain Karen Khach- wild card entrant Czech Tomas in good spirits as he soon made anov of Russia. Berdych or Spaniard and Doha an appearance at the Katara The 22-year-old Khachanov resident Fernando Verdasco in Cultural Village here wearing tournament began 27 years ago. six majors behind Federer and beat Austrian Dominic Thiem the quarter-finals. the traditional ‘thobe’. The 2016 and 2017 cham- three away from Rafael Nadal, (2nd seed in the tournament Fourth seed Marco Cecchi- He then tweeted a video of pion, who had to pull out of but is likely to keep up the pres- here) and Djokovic en route to nato of Italy may run into 6th his saying, “Hi, This is Novak the tournament last year due to sure on his rivals this upcoming picking the ATP Masters 1000 placed David Goffin of Belgium, Djokovic in Qatar. It’s great injury, has had an impressive season considering how he re- Paris title in 2018. He also end- while 7th seed Roberto Bautista to be back and this is the first 2018, winning the Wimbledon captured his form to dominate ed Djokovic’s 22-match win- Agut of Spain could set a pos- Wawrinka tries his hands at falconry. time that I am dressed this and the US Open alongside a the second half of the year. ning streak in the final. sible last eight meeting with way. I want to send my best host of other titles. Speaking after his latest tri- Having risen in stature and Wawrinka or Khachanov. – vs Verdasco, and German raffle draws. regards to everyone of you and The Qatar ExxonMobil umph, the Serb made it clear rankings, Khachanov is now Meanwhile, the qualifiers Maximilian Marterer, who will As Djokovic said, the new I hope to see you during this Open on the ATP Tour serves that he wants to win as many World No. 11, the Russian could who claimed their spots on play compatriot Peter Gojow- generation of players will con- week at Qatar ExxonMobil as a preparatory tournament Grand Slam titles as possible. possibly run into the top-seeded the draw list and could well czyk. tinue to challenge the stars. It’s Open 2019.” for the year’s first Grand Slam “I would be lying if I say I didn’t Djokovic in the top half of the spring surprises include Span- An exciting week of tennis surely going to produce some Djokovic, a 14-time Grand – the Australian Open. Djoko- want to get to as many Grand draw. That is, if he can get past iard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, awaits Qatar fans who could be fireworks in Doha as the Serbi- Slam champion, is aiming to vic, who will bid for his 7th title Slam wins as possible. That’s three-time Grand Slam cham- who will play against Qatar’s seen flocking the Khalifa In- an looks to lift his third Falcon make history as only the second in Melbourne later in January, definitely the objective, the de- pion and an eager Swiss Stan- Mubarak Shannan Zayid, ternational Tennis and Squash Trophy, and as Wawrinka aims player, after Swiss maestro Rog- would surely want to continue sire, the goal. islas Wawrinka, who is making Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis Complex and purchasing tick- to return to top flight tennis. er Federer (2005, 2006, 2011), his winning momentum leading “Those are probably the a comeback after three months – meets Goffin, Ukrainian Ser- ets. Fun and entertainment for Be there! to lift the Falcon Trophy in him there. tournaments where I want to following knee worries, in the giy Stakhovsky – against Cec- all is on the cards from the or- Qatar for a third time since the The 31-year-old is currently do my best for the rest of my opening round. chinato, Italian Paolo Lorenzi ganisers including freebies and See page 18 Ô Qatar young stars ready to attack in Asian Cup

Abdulkarim Hassan on their the players lost their rhythm Qatar face roster, Al Annabi should have FACT FILE in the last 20 minutes of the been a force to reckon with. game to concede three goals. Iran in last But they failed to deliver at the AFC RANKING: #13 Qatar’s combination of warm-up today last two major tournaments, ASIAN CUP RECORD four strong defenders, a mid- leading many to suspect if the field carrying both flair and IKOLI VICTOR UAE 2019 is their final chance Quarter-finals: 2011, power and three explosive DOHA to show what they can really 2000 forwards, allows them pro- do ahead of the first World duce razor sharp counter- QATAR have one of the young- Cup in the region. Group Stage: 2015, attacks. In fact, they are so est squads going into the While the phrase “po- 2007, 2004, 1992, quick and skilled that they Asian Cup and the strengths tential World Cup team” fits 1988, 1984, 1980 can often create breaks out for the Felix Sanchez-tutored some of the players, Qatar 9 Appearances of nothing. Haydos’ ability side are their creativity and have enough firepower to to run and bring Afif and Al- attacking flair. progress from the group stage 1980 First participation moez into play gives Qatar Al Annabi, with an aver- and go deep in the UAE. quick-strike potential. And age of 24.83 years, have been Qatar will rely heavily 2015 Last participation overall, it lends the attack ex- drawn to face Lebanon, North on their gifted trio of Hay- tra teeth. Korea and three-time win- dos, Afif and Almoez and the 2015 Group Stage Sanchez has got a good ners Saudi Arabia in Group threesome is likely to cause a Akram Afif scores his goal against Switzerland in a friendly match recently. Matches 32, Won 6, bench and tactical and timely E. They will kick off their plenty of problems to Leba- Drawn 11, Lost 15 substitutions are certainly campaign in Al Ain, the UAE, non and North Korea, and, player. by current Asian Player of to get as many of his best 11 going to improve the fortunes against the Lebanese team on potentially may give their bit- Qatar’s attacking players the Year Abdulkarim, whose players on the field ready. KEY MAN: AKRAM AFIF of the team or maintain the January 9. ter rivals Saudi Arabia a run are “faster and they looked overlapping runs and crack- Sanchez must now deliver team’s advantage. On paper, Qatar’s blend for their money in a mouth- like a Mercedes”, said Ecua- ing strikes will add extra bite a first eleven that can chal- Qatar will play their last of youth and experience make watering clash. But the eye- dorian coach Hernan Dario to the team’s attack. lenge the rest of the team in need to be disciplined and warm-up match against Iran them a formidable side. With popping talent doesn’t stop Gomez recently after his Coach Felix Sanchez has the competition. The defence focused during games. The on Monday before leaving for the likes of Hassan Haydos, there. Salem al Hajri, on his team’s 4-3 loss. picked his squad and seem- line is rock solid but players match against Ecuador ex- the UAE. Akram Afif, Almoez Ali and day, is quite a dangerous The defence, will be led ingly created his formation like Abdulakrim and Pedro posed the team’s naivety as 18 Monday, December 31, 2018 Sports NEW YEAR GIFT TO THE NATION All batsmen should be scared of lethal Bumrah: Kohli AFP MELBOURNE

INDIAN skipper Virat Kohli hailed “outstanding” pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday and declared batsmen around the world should be scared of the young hotshot fast bowler. The 25-year-old right-arm quick with an unorthodox rigid action took 9-86 in the Mel- bourne Test against Australia, Virat Kohli of India holds a match stump after winning the Boxing Day Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Sunday. (Right) An including a career-best 6-33 in excited Indian captain Kohli gestures after the victory. (AFP) the first innings. In his first year of Test crick- et he has claimed three five- wicket hauls overseas - in South Africa, England and now Aus- India floor Oz in Boxing tralia, where his exploits were “Bumrah looks at a pitch India’s paceman Jasprit Bumrah bowls during the third cricket and he doesn’t think it’s a Test match against Australia in hard toil, he thinks wick- Melbourne. (AFP) Day Test, grab 2-1 lead ets, he thinks how can I get a breakthrough for the one of the best batsmen of his team” generation and even he said he wouldn’t want to be facing Bumrah, Sharma share remaining two wickets and set up win in 27 balls on the fifth day Bumrah on surfaces like the central to India’s 137-run win. recent Perth Test, where the AFP SCOREBOARD a very capable all-rounder, widely believed that they will “Credit has to go to the cracked pitch caused variable MELBOURNE tipped by some as a future Aus- be reintegrated quickly into bowlers. I think they have been bounce and numerous blows to INDIA (1ST INNINGS): 443-7 DECL N. Lyon c Pant b Sharma 7 tralia captain, had kept his side the team. outstanding, especially Jasprit. the body. A clinical and “obsessed” India AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): 151 J. Hazlewood not out 0 in the hunt with an impressive “India batted superbly in The way he bowled in this Test “In Test cricket, especially INDIA (2ND INNINGS): 106-8 DECL Extras (lb6, b2, w2) 10 mopped up Australia’s tail in AUSTRALIA (2ND INNINGS, OVERNIGHT 258-8): Total (all out, 89.3 overs) 261 61 not out on Saturday. the first innings and from that match was outstanding,” said on a pitch like Perth, I wouldn’t 27 balls to win the third Test in M. Harris c Agarwal b Jadeja 13 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Finch), 2-33 (Harris), 3-63 He added just two runs and moment we were behind the Kohli after win gave India a 2-1 want to face him to be honest Melbourne on Sunday by 137 A. Finch c Kohli b Bumrah 3 (Khawaja), 4-114 (S. Marsh), 5-135 (M. Marsh), 6-157 was out for a Test-best 63 after game,” admitted Australian lead in the four-Test series. because once he is on a roll, he runs and take an unassailable U. Khawaja lbw b Shami 33 (Head), 7-176 (Paine), 8-215 (Starc), 9-261 taking a career-best 6-27 with skipper Tim Paine. “The mindset he has at the can really crank it up.” S. Marsh lbw b Bumrah 44 (Cummins), 10-261 (Lyon) 2-1 lead into the final clash at T. Head b Sharma 34 Bowling: Bumrah 19-3-53-3, Sharma 14.3-1-40-2, the ball to be one of the few “In this game we were no moment is what separates him It wasn’t just the bowlers Sydney. M. Marsh c Kohli b Jadeja 10 Jadeja 32-6-82-3, Shami 21-2-71-2, Vihari 3-1-7-0. successes for Australia. Lyon doubt a little bit disappoint- from anyone else in the world that were impeccable for India The home team resumed at T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja 26 Toss: India added one to his overnight to- ing, but that’s going to hap- right now. in Melbourne. The batsmen, 258 for eight after the morning P. Cummins c Pujara b Bumrah 63 Result: India won by 137 runs tal. pen from time to time and just “He looks at a pitch and he led by Kohli and Cheteshwar session was wiped out by rain M. Starc b Shami 18 Series: India lead 2-1 Bumrah finished with have to make sure we are im- doesn’t think it’s a hard toil, he Pujara, were also top class. in their unlikely quest to hunt 3-53, following his six-wicket proving.” thinks wickets, he thinks how Kohli said he was most down a huge 399, which would India, the world’s top- this was very possible because first innings haul, and left-arm In contrast, India were dis- can I get a breakthrough for the proud of the way the team have been a record fourth-in- ranked nation, are now zero- of the talent we have in the spinner Ravindra Jadeja 3-82. ciplined with rock solid num- team. bounced back after losing in nings chase at the Melbourne ing in on a first-ever series win side and the mindset we have Cummins aside, no other ber three Cheteshwar Pujara “He’s as strong-headed as Perth. Cricket Ground. Down Under in Sydney later been carrying for the last 12 Australian passed 50 in Mel- scoring another century and I’ve seen anyone in the past and “I think that takes more No team before had made this week, where they need months,” Kohli said. bourne, exposing their lack of Kohli showing restraint and that’s the key to his success that mentally out of you than start- more than 332 to win, and that only a draw to smash the long- “If you want to win a series batting depth and reinforcing composure, while debutant I’ve seen in the last 12 months, ing a series well, so I think that’s was in 1928 by England. time jinx. away from home, it has to be how much they are missing the Mayank Agarwal impressed at the way he has matured as a why this victory is more special But they fell well short of It is a feat that skipper Vi- an obsession, so hats off to the banned Steve Smith and David the top of the order with 76 in Test cricketer.” for the bowlers,” he said. the target, with Jasprit Bum- rat Kohli has so publicly cov- whole team for sticking togeth- Warner. his first Test knock. He added that the way “They’ve been so tired and rah taking the key wicket of eted since his men arrived in er, believing in themselves and The bedrock for India’s vic- Bumrah was bowling so soon in bowled so many overs. Even dogged Pat Cummins and Is- Australia last month. being obsessed about getting ‘Bit disappointing’ tory was their 443 for seven his Test career “is a very scary in this game they had to put in hant Sharma snaring Nathan results.” The pair’s year-long sus- declared in the first innings, sign for batsmen around the more effort because of the na- Lyon to secure the emphatic ‘Always believed’ Tailender Cummins, who pensions for ball-tampering built on the back of Pujara’s world”. ture of the pitch. So outstand- win. “We always believed that is rapidly proving himself to run out in late March and it is 106 and Kohli’s 82. Kohli is widely seen as ing, hats off to them.” Kiwis crush Lanka to post record series victory We’re playing against

AFP for 22 before Boult came back world’s best pace: Paine CHRISTCHURCH to finish the innings, trapping SCOREBOARD Dushmantha Chameera in his NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNINGS): ...... 178 IANS perienced batting line-up, you NEW Zealand completed second over for three. SRI LANKA (1ST INNINGS): ...... 104 MELBOURNE are bound to have an innings their demolition of Sri Lanka Wagner, who had strug- NEW ZEALAND (2ND INNINGS): ...... 585-4 DECL like we did in the first innings. SRI LANKA (2ND INNINGS, OVERNIGHT 231-6): on day five of the second Test gled for wickets earlier in the D. Gunathilaka c Watling b Southee ...... 4 AFTER suffering a 137-run de- We are going to learn from it,” in Christchurch on Sunday, series, found the Christchurch D. Karunaratne c Watling b Boult ...... 0 feat against India in the third he added. needing only 14 balls to take conditions to his liking and D. Chandimal c Nicholls b Wagner ...... 56 cricket Test here on Sunday, “The guys are working re- the last three wickets for a co- took four for 48. K. Mendis c sub (Henry) b Wagner ...... 67 Australia skipper Tim Paine ally hard and we have a huge A. Mathews retired hurt ...... 22 lossal 423-run victory. Boult finished with three R. Silva c Watling b Wagner ...... 18 praised the Indian pacers say- challenge ahead of us in Syd- The overwhelming victory for 77. N. Dickwella b Southee ...... 19 ing the current team has the ney. There is always little dis- gave New Zealand the series Sri Lanka held a slight edge D. Perera c Williamson b Wagner ...... 22 best pace attack in the world. cussions around the batting 1-0 after the first Test in Wel- on day one of the second Test S. Lakmal b Boult ...... 18 Paine also rued Australia’s order. The conditions will be D. Chameera lbw Boult ...... 3 lington was drawn. when they rolled New Zealand L. Kumara not out ...... 0 ‘disappointing’ performance different in Sydney,” Paine said. This is the first time in their for 178 after winning the toss Extras: (b 4, lb 2, wd 1) ...... 7 and said their entire top and The Australian skipper also 88-year Test history that New and bowling first on the green- Total: (for 9 wickets; 106.2 overs) ...... 236 middle order are inexperi- praised pacer Pat cummins, Zealand have won four succes- topped wicket. Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Karunaratne), 2-9 enced. who produced a superb all- (Gunathilaka), 3-126 (Mendis), 4-158 (Chandimal), sive series, following wins over But six wickets for four 5-181 (Dickwella), 6-208 (Silva), 7-233 (Lakmal), “We are probably playing round performance with match the West Indies, England and runs in a 15-ball burst by Boult 8-233 (Perera), 9-236 (Chameera) against the best pace attack in figures of 9/99 and a gritty half- Pakistan this year. New Zealand celebrate winning the Test match series against Sri brought New Zealand back Bowling: Boult 28.2-11-77-3, Southee 27-13-61-2, the world right now and our century in the second innings. Trent Boult and Neil Wag- Lanka during day five of the second cricket Test match at Hagley Park into the game, with Sri Lanka’s de Grandhomme 10-1-23-0 (1w), Wagner 29-10- top-6 is pretty inexperienced. “Pat (Cummins) has been 48-4, Patel 12-9-21-0. ner mopped up the innings Oval in Christchurch on Sunday. (AFP) first innings folding at 104. Result: New Zealand won by 423 runs We should find positives and superb all series. We all know to have Sri Lanka 236 for From there, it was all New Series: New Zealand 1-0 move forward,” Paine said after that he is a quality player. He nine with the injured Angelo on 231 for six and were in im- third ball of the morning with- Zealand’s as a second innings the match. has been fantastic for us. He Mathews not returning to fin- mediate trouble. out adding to his overnight 18. 176 from Tom Latham and declare at 585 for four, giving “It’s a bit disappointing. I turns up every day and rolls his ish his innings. Suranga Lakmal was Neil Wagner had Dilruwan an unbeaten 162 by Henry Sri Lanka an improbable 660- thought we took a big stride for- sleeves up. We want more guys Sri Lanka resumed Sunday bowled by Trent Boult on the Perera caught in the next over Nicholls saw the home side run target. ward in Perth but with an inex- to perform like him,” Paine said. ExxonMobil Public Village Stand to offer fun-filled activities

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK introduced to the dugong – an edition of Qatar ExxonMobil DOHA endangered marine mammal open. This event has become that has lived in Qatar’s waters a symbol of the strategic and EXXONMOBIL Qatar, the title for centuries. They will be im- enduring partnership between sponsor of the 2019 Qatar Exx- mersed in a compelling 3D un- the Energy Company Exxon- onMobil Open, announced that derwater world and take part in Mobil and QTF aimed at taking it will be offering a wide range an aquatic journey of wonder. the sport to higher heights and of fun and creative activities at The popular “ExxonMobil bringing the community of Qa- its stand in the tournament’s Minute” will also be part of the tar the finest tennis and enter- Public Village. For over two 2019 tournament. Winning tainment.” decades, ExxonMobil Qatar players randomly serve tennis “Fans will live a new ex- has made sure that the stand is balls into the audience at the citement with the unique a high point of the tournament end of each match, and lucky experience that ExxonMo- for visitors of all ages. spectators can catch them and bil’s Family had prepared for “We are thrilled that the claim a valuable prize at Exx- them. We are proud of what Qatar ExxonMobil Open will onMobil Qatar’s stand in the we’ve been able to do together be back in Doha at the end Public Village. and we promise to keep deliv- of this month,” said Saleh al The Public Village is a lively ering the highest levels of fun Mana, Vice-President and Di- “ExxonMobil’s community tives. Our work is inspired by alistic racing experience based perience the unique movement mix of music, entertainment, engagements.” rector Government and Public relationships are an essential our commitment to fulfilling on a full-size specification rac- of the car under realistic accel- performances, restaurants Marking the 27th anniver- Affairs for ExxonMobil Qatar. part of our global business, and the objectives of the National ing car, has been a main attrac- eration, braking and cornering and cafes, and a traditional sary of the tournament, this “A great deal of planning, time that is particularly true here in Vision 2030 towards building tion for both tournament-goers conditions. A built-in 5.1 sur- Souq. It’s a place to relax be- year’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open and effort goes into preparing Qatar. We are honored to be a sustainable future for Qatar and tennis stars during past round sound system also pro- tween matches with family and will run from December 31 to for the tournament – we have an active member of the local and its people,” added Mana. tournaments. It has an authen- vides users with a full-sensory friends and enjoy the food and January 5, 2019. been working closely with our community and to share long This year, the ExxonMobil tic, padded cockpit headrest, experience. entertainment. Tickets for the six-day partner the Qatar Tennis Fed- term partnerships that sup- Qatar stand will include the all- four-point racing harness, Additionally, visitors can Tariq Zainal, Tournament’s event are available to the public eration for months to ensure port world-class events like popular racing car simulator. gear lever paddles, and a quick enter a green cube for an amaz- General Coordinator said: “It’s online at www.qatartennis.org, that the tournament is a suc- the Qatar ExxonMobil Open The car, which provides visi- release carbon fibre steering ing interactive 3D virtual real- our pleasure to welcome our as well as at various locations cess from start to finish.” and renowned global initia- tors with an interactive and re- wheel, that allow drivers to ex- ity experience. Users will be fans once again to another across Doha. Sports Monday, December 31, 2018 19 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Defeat against Liverpool means title race is ‘over’ for City: Guardiola

AFP “Against Crystal Palace SOUTHAMPTON and Leicester they were happy with 1-1 and they found a sec- PEP Guardiola has warned his ond one, I always judge our Manchester City side a failure intentions of the game and al- to beat Liverpool at the Etihad ways our intentions are to try.” Stadium on Thursday will ef- The former Barcelona and fectively mean their title chal- Bayern Munich boss added: lenge is “over”. “We won a lot of games but un- Reigning champions City fortunately we lost two and we revived their bid to retain the have a rival (Liverpool) who at Premier League trophy with a the moment is the best team in 3-1 win away to Southampton Europe, or in the world. on Sunday that followed shock “That’s why it’s a challenge defeats by Crystal Palace and for us next Thursday, to try Leicester. and win and sustain this posi- Victory at St Mary’s, how- tion as far as possible to arrive ever, still left City seven points at the end of the season fight- behind leaders Liverpool and for a while it seemed Guar- Liverpool may diola’s side might drop more points on the south coast. drop few points David Silva put City ahead after 10 minutes but they then “It would be almost squandered several chances impossible. Of course they are and gifted Pierre-Emile Hojb- going to drop points but not jerg a 37th-minute equaliser. too many. If you want to be But the uncertainty that there as far as possible until crept into City’s play was end- the end we have to remember ed by a James Ward-Prowse what happened last season own goal and a Sergio Aguero and this as well -- apart from Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (centre) celebrates after scoring his goal against Bournemouth during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. AFP) header just before half-time the last few days,” Pep that left City 3-1 up. Saints’ frustrations boiled Guardiola said. over with a red card for Hojb- jerg after a wild challenge on ing for the title.” Fernandinho late in the game. - ‘Know what we have to Man City bounce back as “We knew it, that with the do’ -City may again be with- position of Liverpool, if we out Kevin de Bruyne against drop points then it is over, Liverpool because of the in- it (the title race is finished,” fluential playmaker’s muscle Guardiola said. problem, but Guardiola re- Pogba shines for Man U “It would be almost impos- jected suggestions that a de- sible. Of course they are go- feat of Southampton had sent ing to drop points but not too a message to Jurgen Klopp’s many. If you want to be there Liverppol side. United remain eight points off the top four as Chelsea ground out a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace as far as possible until the end “We’re not here to send a we have to remember what message,” he said. “Liverpool AFP put United 3-0 up. happened last season and this know what they have to do, we MANCHESTER Nathan Ake reduced as well -- apart from the last know what we have to do next Bournemouth’s deficit before few days,” the City manager Thursday. I know the distance MANCHESTER City cut Liv- half-time, but Pogba turned added. is big, seven points, especially erpool’s lead at the top of the provider for substitute Romelu Guardiola was adamant he because they’re so solid and Premier League to seven points Lukaku to make it 4-1 and only had not lost confidence in his consistent, but we’re at home. with a 3-1 win at Southampton the post denied Pogba a first side, despite the Palace and “Hopefully our people at as Paul Pogba shone again for ever hat-trick. Leicester reverses. the Etihad can help, they can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man- Despite Solskjaer’s 100 “How can I doubt them?,” support us. Not just for the chester United by scoring twice percent record, United remain he said. “Football is like this. game, but these players de- in a 4-1 victory over Bourne- eight points off the top four as We make 30 exceptional min- serve it. What they have done mouth on Sunday. Chelsea ground out a 1-0 win at utes again, especially without in the last 14 or 15 months, City’s shock run of three Crystal Palace thanks to N’Golo the ball, we create chances to how they defend this club, is defeats in four league games Kante’s winner. go 2-0 or 3-0, we concede one incredible, it’s massive,” Guar- has allowed the unbeaten Liv- The French World Cup goal. diola added. erpool to close in on a first title winner has been encouraged by since 1990 with the sides set to Maurizio Sarri to get into more meet at the Etihad on Thurs- goalscoring positions with day. Jorginho occupying Kante’s But after Jurgen Klopp’s usual holding midfield role for men thrashed Arsenal 5-1 on the Londoners this season. “He Saturday to open up a nine- is improving, especially in his point lead, the champions re- movement without the ball,” sponded despite an early scare said Sarri. at St Mary’s. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero scores their third goal against Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday. (AFP) “Today his movement was Charlie Austin wasted a really very good and done with great chance to give South- ling’s cross into his own net Results Jose Mourinho, but continues the right timing.” Southampton ampton the lead before David before Alex McCarthy couldn’t to flourish since the Portu- are now above the relegation Silva slotted home Bernardo keep out Sergio Aguero’s head- Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Chelsea guese’s departure with his sec- zone only on goal difference as Silva’s cross to put the visitors er. Burnley 2 - 0 West Ham ond double in four days. third bottom Burnley secured in front. Guardiola’s men should Southampton 1 - 3 Man City The Frenchman’s opener just a second win in 13 games However, just as in defeats have added to their advantage on five minutes owed much by beating West Ham 2-0. to Crystal Palace and Leicester, as Aguero hit the bar and Mc- Man U 4 - 1 Bournemouth to the brilliant skill of Marcus Sean Dyche dropped for- City surrendered the lead when Carthy made amends by deny- Rashford who dribbled beyond mer England number one goal- Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg blasted ing Gabriel Jesus. two Bournemouth defenders keeper Joe Hart to the bench high past Ederson eight min- Fernandinho had been jbjerg was shown a straight red before crossing for Pogba to tap for the first time in the league utes before half-time. badly missed in City’s recent card for scything down the Bra- into an empty net. this season and was rewarded The game swung back in defeats, but his return from zilian five minutes from time. Pogba then powered home with a rare clean sheet as first back in City’s favour just be- injury made a huge difference Pogba had scored just one a header from Ander Herrera’s half goals from Chris Wood fore the break as James Ward- in midfield and Southampton goal from open play in the Pre- inviting cross before Rash- and Dwight McNeil secured a Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola during the Premier League Prowse turned Raheem Ster- ended with 10 men after Ho- mier League this season under ford’s outside of the boot finish vital three points. match at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on Sunday. (AFP)

Barca confirm Rabiot contact Federer crushes Norrie as Switzerland but deny breaking transfer rules

GOAL.COM tero Henrique claimed Ra- vanquish Britain at Hopman Cup MADRID biot “misled” the club over his intentions to re-sign and DPA 37-year-old said. match and obviously all the accused Barcelona of not fol- SYDNEY “So I’ve got a lot of defend- credit is to David coming back BARCELONA have denied lowing transfer rules, alleging ing to do this Australian sum- from a set down and a break reaching an agreement to a pre-contract agreement had ROGER Federer demolished mer but I’m ready to go.” Ben- down,” Zverev said, adding sign Paris Saint-Germain been sought with the player Cameron Norrie in just 57 cic overpowered Boulter easily that the former world number midfielder Adrien Rabiot and outside of the permitted win- minutes at the Hopman Cup in in the first set but the Brit, who 3 would be much missed on the dismissed allegations of im- dow in the final six months of Perth on Sunday, as defending only broke into the top 100 this tennis circuit. propriety in their transfer a contract. champions Switzerland took an year, fought back in the second, Zverev has had a break- dealings. La Liga champions Barca unassailable 2-0 lead over Brit- pushing her to a tiebreak in through year, beating both The La Liga champions have released a statement in ain. which Bencic then took control. Federer and Novak Djokovic on have been extensively linked response, confirming they The 20-time grand slam The wins meant the mixed his way to winning the ATP Fi- with a move for Rabiot, whose twice made contact with PSG champion beat the British new- doubles finale to the Group B nals in November. contract at the Parc des Princ- over Rabiot but denying any comer 6-1, 6-1 while his team- session at the RAC Arena was a The Germans, who next play es expires at the end of this further arrangement have mate Belinda Bencic also de- dead rubber. France’s Alize Cornet and Lu- season. been sought or agreed. feated Katie Boulter in straight Earlier in the day German cas Pouille on Wednesday, also However, Liverpool, Ar- “FC Barcelona wish to sets 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) on the second favourites Angelique Kerber claimed the mixed doubles, 4-2, senal and Juventus are also address stories published in day of the mixed team, round- and Alexander Zverev defeat- 4-3 (5-3). On Monday Ameri- among the teams credited France regarding the signing robin event. ed Spaniards Garbine Mugu- cans Serena Williams and her with an interest in the France of players from Paris Saint Federer, who is also pre- ruza and David Ferrer 3-0 in Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return during the men’s singles team-mate Frances Tiafoe take international, who can start Germain, and make clear that paring to defend his Austral- Group A. The Germans lost out match on day two of the Hopman Cup in Perth on Sunday. (AFP) to the court for their open- discussing a summer move they have not breached any ian Open title next month, said to the Swiss duo in the last edi- ing matches, facing Stefanos with other clubs as of Janu- rule in this regard,” the state- he was feeling good about his tion of the tournament and are back effort to take the second. mer world number three now Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari of ary. ment read. game and that defending was keen to avenge that defeat. But the German broke early ranked 126, who forced him to Greece, who lost to the Brits on The 23-year-old withdrew “The only contact made “easier than winning the first World number 2 Kerber in the third to lead 3-1 before a tiebreak in the final set. Saturday. from talks over an extension was during the month of Au- time around.” “You’ve got to beat Spain’s two-time grand continuing to hold serve for The 21-year-old German But the tournament’s high- and has not started for the gust and one week ago. In break it, you know, like that nut slam champion Muguruza con- the match. afterwards paid tribute to light will come on Tuesday, runaway Ligue 1 leaders since both cases, this contact was and you’ve got to crack it once vincingly 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Her teammate, world num- 36-year-old Ferrer, who is to re- when the US take on Switzer- December 5, although head made with PSG’s sporting and once you know how that After Kerber took the first ber four Zverev, afterwards tire next year, calling him “may- land, pitting Federer and Wil- coach Thomas Tuchel insists management to show FC Bar- works, that second time around set comfortably, 25-year-old ground out a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7- be the greatest fighter we’ve liams against each other in the that is a footballing decision. celona’s interest in the player you know the technique,” the Muguruza mounted a come- 0) win against Ferrer, a for- ever seen in tennis.” “What a mixed doubles. PSG sporting director An- Adrien Rabiot.” 20 Monday, December 31, 2018 The Last Word A year of rare diplomatic achievements for Qatar

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK commitment to tackling them DOHA together with the global frater- nity. Qatar and the US held the THE year 2018 has been an inaugural strategic dialogue suc- eventful year for Qatar on the cessfully. diplomatic front wherein the Besides, Qatar signed an country reached out to the agreement with the UK to coop- world and made its presence felt erate in the fight against terror- globally. ism. Qatar also signed several Qatar took part in a num- cooperation agreements with ber of global forums, including Turkey, Italy, Germany, Russia, among others the general debate Bulgaria, Argentina, Ecuador at the 73rd session of the United and Croatia to name a few during Nations in New York, making its the Amir His Highness Sheikh stance clear on all the issues fac- Tamim bin Hamad al Thani’s ing the global population with a visit to those countries.

Sidra Medicine recreates Thailand princess visits SC, smile for young patient gets insights into WC 2022 RH Princess Bajrak- itiyabha Mahidol of HThailand recently visited the Supreme Com- mittee for Delivery and Legacy (SC). Accompanied by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong and Ambas- sador of Thailand to Qatar HE Nathapol Khantahiran, the princess and the delegation learned about preparations for Qatar World Cup 2022. Princess Bajrakitiyab- ha took particular interest in the long-term social Ozair underwent two operations at Sidra Medicine: The first was to rebalance the mus- and economic impact the cles of his lower lip and the second, a more complex surgery, was to take a muscle from 2022 FIFA World Cup will his thigh to recreate a smile. have. She was inspired by how Qatar 2022 will unite TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK clearly,” Dr Glass added. cultures and the legacy DOHA Ozair’s parents said, “It is truly it will leave for the region beautiful to see our lovely little boy and Asia. During the tour, SIDRA Medicine has successfully op- Ozair being able to smile. Dr Glass, Dr she was also given a erated on a four-year-old patient born Stotland and the wider team at Sidra detailed explanation about with congenital facial palsy. Medicine have all played a key role in the SC’s other legacy The child, Ozair, could not move the transforming not only his smile but also programmes, including left side of his face because of the under- his life. We are already starting to see Generation Amazing and development of his facial nerve at birth. subtle changes to his personality since Challenge 22. (TNN) This also meant that simple func- the operation and appreciate the post- tions like smiling or being able to com- operative follow up and care we con- municate clearly were difficult. tinue to receive. Ozair underwent two operations led “We are very grateful to the Govern- by Dr Graeme Glass, attending plastic ment of Qatar and Qatar Foundation for and craniofacial surgeon at Sidra Medi- their commitment to providing highly cine. specialised medical facilities for chil- The first was to rebalance the mus- dren in the country. To have a hospital cles of his lower lip and the second, a like Sidra Medicine in Qatar has made more complex surgery, was to take a all the difference knowing that we didn’t muscle from his thigh to recreate a smile. have to consider travelling abroad to Commenting on the case, Dr Glass seek the type of world-class care Ozair said, “Conveying feelings by way of facial received here.” expression is crucial to good communi- The Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery cation and positive, meaningful social programme at Sidra Medicine leverages interactions. For children with facial the expertise of a distinguished team palsy, trying to smile can come across as in providing cutting edge care to indi- a grimace instead. viduals with congenital and acquired “This can result in the child being deformities of the skull, face and hand. misunderstood and socially isolated. It provides a comprehensive range of Ozair came to us when he was three-and- services for children and young people a-half years old and a multidisciplinary with isolated and syndromic craniofacial team involving a number of specialists conditions – including total cranial vault have helped devise a management plan remodelling, distraction and spring ex- to give him his smile back.” pansion; the full range of cleft lip and Ozair’s second operation took ap- cleft palate surgeries, orthognathic sur- proximately six-and-a-half hours. It re- gery, orbital and eyelid reconstruction, quired removing muscle from his inner ear reconstruction; facial re-animation thigh and transferring the muscle to his surgery; primary and secondary facial face. The blood vessels were re-attached trauma reconstruction; as well as the under a microscope. treatment of complex hand anomalies A new nerve supply was borrowed and vascular anomalies. from the muscle used to clench the teeth Dr Mitchell Stotland, Division Chief and was connected to the transferred of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, said: muscle. “Ozair’s care and treatment is just one Using a portable ultrasound ma- of many examples of the cutting-edge chine to ‘listen’ to the reconnected blood surgeries that Sidra Medicine offers in supply, Ozair’s new smile muscle was Qatar. It highlights the comprehensive monitored closely in the first 48 hours. and collaborative nature of our clinics, He was discharged after four days. His as Ozair was initially referred to me on post-operative recovery took three account of his congenital missing ear (a weeks. condition referred to as microtia). “The surgery was one of the most “As we have world-class expertise in challenging operations for plastic sur- different areas of Plastic and Craniofa- geons. The nerve supply will take at least cial Surgery, Ozair was transferred to Dr three months to grow into the nerve Grass who specialises in facial reanima- of the new muscle to make it move. I tion. Following the recreation of Ozair’s am confident that with the help of our smile, in a few years, I will work on man- therapists, Ozair will learn to smile sym- ufacturing a new ear for him from his rib metrically and spontaneously over the cartilage.” next 12 to 18 months. The presence of a A multidisciplinary team including spontaneous smile will be a huge step to- physiotherapy, neurology and child psy- wards him rediscovering his confidence chology will continue to play a key role in and being able to express himself more Ozair’s follow up care at Sidra Medicine.