TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 08

TENNIS FOOTBALL It's deeply saddening for the world of sport Australian Open EFL Cup (semi-final) and for all of us. Not just for fans, quarter-finals in Aston Villa but for everything he did for sport: Neymar Melbourne Park vs Leicester City ACTION

dedicates goal to Bryant. TODAY’S

President , a transcendent Trump offers condolences to Kobe Bryant’s star who never took a night off family

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES In this file photo taken on January 29, 2011, Shaquille O’Neal of the and Kobe Bryant of the chat during their game at AA — WASHINGTON Kobe Bryant became one of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. greatest players in basketball, a tran- US President Donald scendent star who went straight from Trump offered his condo- high school to the game’s biggest stage lences to the family of and brought “Showtime” back to the basketball star Kobe Los Angeles Lakers for two glittering Bryant, who was killed decades. Sunday morning in a heli- But Bryant, who was killed in a hel- copter crash in Calabasas, icopter crash in Southern California California. on Sunday at the age of 41, was not ini- “Kobe Bryant, despite tially rated by National Basketball being one of the truly great Association (NBA) scouts as a can’t- basketball players of all time, miss prospect. was just getting started in After deciding to skip college and life. He loved his family so go straight to the NBA, at the time an much and had such strong unusual career path, he was not taken passion for the future,” until the 13th pick in the 1996 draft, by Trump said on Twitter. the , who immedi- The helicopter crashed ately traded him to the Lakers in a pre- in foggy conditions and arranged deal. then caught fire. According NBA teams at the time were wary to the Los Angeles County of teenagers straight out of high school. Sheriff’s Department, the The 1996 draft was also particu- crash left nine people dead, larly strong, though some of the players including Bryant’s 13-year- taken before Bryant turned out to be old daughter Gianna and complete busts. Orange Coast College Acquiring Bryant from the Hornets baseball coach John Alto- was one of the best pieces of business belli. Bryant was 41. the Lakers ever did, as he led the “The loss of his beau- team to five NBA championship rings tiful daughter, Gianna, and was the face of the franchise mailing it in, no matter how seemingly to extend his congratulations to James: venomous snake native to Africa - he makes this moment even during his 20-year career that ended meaningless the game. “Much respect my brother,” he tweeted. spent his entire career with the Lakers more devastating. in 2016. Bryant was an 18-times NBA All- A few hours later, Bryant perished before retiring in 2016. Melania and I send our A and shooting Star who wore the jersey numbers 24 in the crash. He is survived by wife Apart from the five championship warmest condolences to guard, Bryant made his debut at age and 8 - both of which were retired by Vanessa, with whom he had four rings, he made 18 All-Star teams and Vanessa and the won- 18 and averaged 25 points over no less the Lakers - and continued the daughters, one of whom, 13-year-old in 2008 was named the NBA Most Val- derful Bryant family. May than 1,346 regular season games while “Showtime” tradition of the storied Gianna, also died in the accident. uable Player. God be with you all!” said twice leading the NBA in scoring. franchise that has been home to the Born in Philadelphia, Bryant spent Internationally, he won two Trump, referring to Bry- But he did more than just rack up likes of , Kareem Abdul- eight years of his childhood living in Olympic gold medals, part of the ant’s wife. points, equally proficient in defence Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. Italy, where his father played profes- United States team in 2008 and 2012, Upon hearing the while playing with an intensity night The fourth-highest scorer in NBA sionally, an upbringing that gave him helping spread the gospel that has tragic news, Chicago Bulls after night that few could match. history with 33,643 points, Bryant only an urbane and worldly outlook that made basketball arguably the second legend In a league with a grinding 82-game gave up the third spot on the list on helped him become a global superstar. biggest global sport behind soccer. said: “Words can’t describe regular season, he turned up with his Saturday night to LeBron James. Eventually giving himself the Part of a legacy that will live much the pain I’m feeling. I loved game face on every time, never just On Saturday, Bryant used Twitter nickname “Black Mamba” - a longer than his 41 years. Kobe - he was like a little brother to me.” NBA commissioner ** Kobe Bryant was a five-time NBA champion in a Adam Silver released a career that began in 1996 straight out of a high school and statement saying that the lasted until his retirement in 2016. NBA family is devastated. ** He also was a two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kobe’s former team- helping spark the US squad of NBA stars to titles in 2008 mate Shaquille O’Neal, in Beijing and 2012 in London. with whom he won three ** Bryant bowed out of the NBA in 2016, scoring 60 back-to-back champion- points in a fairytale farewell appearance at the Staples ships in 2000, 2001 and Center. 2002, also took to ** The son of former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, Instagram. the Lakers legend was born in Philadelphia while his father “There are no words to played for the 76ers. express the pain I’m going ** The elder Bryant played from 1984 to 1991 in Italy, through now with this giving young Kobe a global worldview as he grew up tragic and sad moment of dreaming of following his dad into the NBA. losing my friend, my ** He would eventually join the ranks of professionals brother, my partner in at the age of 17, jumping directly into the NBA, only the winning championships, sixth player to make such a leap. my dude and my homie. I ** At 18, Bryant became, at the time, the youngest player love you brother and you or starter in an NBA game and the youngest winner of the will be missed. My condo- NBA . lences go out to the Bryant ** With Bryant paired alongside Shaquille O'Neal, the family and the families of Lakers captured three NBA crowns in a row from 2000- the other passengers on 2002, returning the team to glory days unseen since 1988. board. IM SICK RIGHT In this file photo taken on December 13, 2010, US President Barack Obama chats with Kobe Bryant NOW !” of Los Angeles Lakers at a Boys and Girls Club in Washington. Players pay respects to Bryant at Australian Open AP — MELBOURNE 8 or 24. Australian Open organ- talking to Serena Australia’s Nick Kyrgios wears a jersey of the late NBA legend isers also played a short video after one match. A Kobe Bryant as he arrives for his match against Spain’s Rafael Nick Kyrgios wore a Lakers No. tribute to Bryant ahead of the terrible day for Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. 8 jersey to honour Kobe Bryant match, one of the most antici- sport. He’s one of ahead of a fourth-round match pated encounters in the two- the great, great against Rafael Nadal at the week, season-opening major. champions.” Australian Open, paying his Darren Cahill, who coaches Gauff lost in respects without needing to say two-time major winner Simona the fourth round a word. Halep and works as television at the US Open The 15-year-old Coco Gauff analyst for ESPN, said he “felt last year and beat had Bryant’s numbers 8 and 24, sick” when he woke up to news defending Aus- along with the inscription of Bryant’s death. tralian Open “Mamba Mentality,” on her “Certainly I looked up to champion Naomi shoes in a doubles match at what he used to do as an athlete, Osaka here before Melbourne Park. as a professional, an incredible losing in the Bryant’s sudden death in a basketball player,” Cahill said. fourth round at helicopter crash near Los “And especially his daughter Melbourne Park Angeles on Sunday along with passing away, as well. I couldn’t to fellow eight others, including his think of anything worse. My two American Sofia 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, kids are here. They are 18 and Kenin. She was has shocked and upset fans and 15. I could not get my head still in contention athletes around the world. around that.” in the doubles Kyrgios, a big NBA fan who Former Australian player with another US often wears basketball jerseys and TV commentator Rennae teeanger, Caty while practicing, wore a Bryant Stubbs said she knew Bryant McNally on jersey from the locker room, was a big tennis fan. Monday. Gauff through the corridor of cham- “We saw Kobe a lot at the and McNally both pions, and into the warm-up on US Open”- he was there a lot wrote inscriptions on their family,” she said. Other players Definitely when I found out after his loss to Dominic Thiem. Rod Laver Arena yesterday. He last year,” Stubbs said. “He was tennis shoes for their match. were affected. that, I was really, really sad, “To be honest with you, really took it off before play began on the ESPN set many times. He Wimbledon champion “It was really tough this because it was someone that for devastated by that, because it against top-ranked Nadal. commentated half of Coco Halep woke up to the news. morning. You know, is the first sure I was looking up growing means quite a lot for me. All my Fans in the crowd wore Gauff’s match with our team. “It’s a huge loss for the thing, you know, when I woke up and someone very special,” thoughts and prayers for his Bryant jerseys with the numbers We saw him around. I saw him world, for the sport... for the up, bunch of messages. 10th-seeded Gael Monfils said family.” 06 SPORT TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 07 Kobe Bryant Factfile Bryant left deep legacy in Factfile on 18-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant, who died in World mourns basketball legend a helicopter crash Sunday at age 41 after playing his entire 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers: LA sports, basketball world Name: Kobe Bryant AP — LOS ANGELES Former Team: Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2016) Kobe Bryant after helicopter crash Position: Guard Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA AFP — LOS ANGELES Kobe Bryant (pictured right) inspired a Born: August 23, 1978 just getting“Kobe was started a legend in what on wouldthe court have and generation of basketball players Died: January 26, 2020 Basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s death in been just as meaningful a second act,” worldwide with sublime skills and an Height: 6feet, 6inches, 1.98m a helicopter crash along with his teenage Barack Obama tweeted. unquenchable competitive fire. Weight: 212lbs, 96kg daughter sparked an outpouring of grief “Laker Nation, the game of basketball He earned Los Angeles’ eternal ado- across the worlds of sports and enter- & our city, will never be the same without ration during his two decades as the - Bryant was the son of Joe “Jelly Bean” Bryant, who played tainment yesterday. Kobe,” former Los Angeles Lakers star fierce soul of the beloved Lakers, and eight seasons in the NBA Bryant, 41, was travelling Sunday with Magic Johnson tweeted. he was respected by basketball fans - Bryant spent eight years of his childhood with his family his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven American football star Tom Brady from every place with a hoop and a in Italy other passengers and crew when their hel- wrote simply: “We miss you already Kobe.” dream, including his native Philadelphia - Bryant married Vanessa Laine, April 18, 2001. Daughter icopter slammed into a rugged hillside in At the Australian Open, Australian and in Italy, his other childhood home. Natalia was born in January, 2003; daughter Gianna was born thick fog in Calabasas, west of Los Angeles. tennis player Nick Kyrgios wore a Lakers Less than four years into his May, 2006; daughter Bianka was born December, 2016 and There were no survivors. jersey before he took on Rafael Nadal. retirement, Bryant was seizing new chal- daughter Capri was born June, 2019 A five-time NBA champion and two- At the Staples Center in Los Angeles, lenges and working to inspire his time Olympic gold medallist, Bryant is crowds of shocked fans gathered to pay daughters’ generation through sports AWARDS/CAREER HIGHLIGHTS widely regarded as one of the greatest bas- tribute as the venue which witnessed many and storytelling when his next chapter ketball players in history. of Bryant’s career highlights hosted the ended shockingly early. - Bryant won five NBA championships -- 2000, 2001, 2002, He was an iconic figure who became music industry’s Grammy Awards. Bryant, the 18-time All-Star who 2009, 2010 one of the faces of his sport during a glit- Hundreds, many wearing purple and won five NBA championships and - Named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in leading Lakers tering two-decade career with the Los gold Lakers shirts, placed flowers and became one of the greatest basketball to titles in 2009 and 2010 Angeles Lakers. candles at a makeshift memorial for their players of his generation during a - Earned Olympic gold medals with USA at 2008 Beijing All-time basketball great Michael hero. 20-year career all with the Lakers, died Olympics and 2012 London Olympics Jordan said Bryant was “like a little “This dude is everything to me man. It in a helicopter crash Sunday. He was 41. - Named NBA regular-season MVP in 2007-08 season and a brother” to him. makes no sense,” said distraught Lakers The crash occurred in the foggy hills record-tying four-time NBA All-Star Game MVP -- 2002, 2007, “Words can’t describe the pain I’m fan Bobby Jimenez. above Calabasas, California, about 30 graciously to the achievements of James, the Lakers, saying he was just as pas- 2009 and 2011 feeling,” the former Chicago Bulls star said. Singer Alicia Keys paid a somber miles northwest of downtown Los his former on-court rival who joined the sionate about storytelling as he had been - On January 22, 2006 scored a career-high 81 points in “We used to talk often and I will miss those tribute at the Grammys. Angeles. Bryant was killed, a person Lakers in 2018. about his sport. He won an Oscar in 2018 Lakers’ 122-104 victory over Toronto, second-most points in a conversations very much.” “To be honest with you, we’re all familiar with the situation told The Asso- “Continuing to move the game for his contributions to “Dear Basketball, game in NBA history Dozens of firefighters and paramedics feeling crazy sadness right now,” Keys told ciated Press, and a different person forward @KingJames,” Bryant wrote in ” an animated short about his rela- - In 2018, his movie “Dear Basketball” won the Academy battled across hilly terrain to reach the the audience. “Los Angeles, America and familiar with the case confirmed Bryant’s his last tweet. “Much respect my tionship to the game. He also produced Award for Best Animated Short Film. flaming wreckage of the Sikorsky S-76 but the whole wide world lost a hero. And been a tweet congratulating James. “Con- played for the 76ers. The elder Bryant Bryant’s career was almost derailed in 13-year-old daughter Gianna also died. brother.” , the San Antonio content for ESPN. - Selected with 13th overall choice by Charlotte Hornets in found no survivors, officials said. Fans and we’re literally standing here heartbroken tinuing to move the game forward @King- played from 1984 to 1991 in Italy, giving 2003 when he was arrested in Colorado Authorities said nine people were Spurs great who also retired in 2016, is Bryant went on to become one of 1996 NBA draft, becoming the 27th player to join NBA straight mourners descended on the area but police in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” James,” Bryant wrote. “Much respect my young Kobe a global worldview as he grew over a sexual assault complaint filed by a on the helicopter, and all were presumed also expected to be part of the Hall of the NBA’s most popular players and the from high school. warned people to stay away. Across the NBA, tributes were held at brother #33644.” up dreaming of following his dad into the 19-year-old hotel employee where Bryant dead. No names were released. Fame class that will be announced at face of the Lakers. Winning a record four - Acquired by Lakers shortly after draft “As you can imagine, it’s a logistical several of the eight games played Sunday. Bryant was a five-time NBA champion NBA. was staying ahead of knee surgery. Bryant lived south of Los Angeles in the NBA’s All-Star weekend next month. NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, he was - Named an NBA All-Star 18 times - 1998 and 2000-2016 nightmare in a sense because the crash Denver Nuggets fans began chants of in a career that began in 1996 straight out He would eventually join the ranks of Bryant was accused of rape. He coastal Orange County, and he often Duncan, now a Spurs assistant, was the overall league MVP in 2008 and a - Two-time NBA scoring champion - 2006 and 2007 site itself is not easily accessible,” Los “Kobe, Kobe” as a minute’s silence was of a high school and lasted until his professionals at the age of 17, jumping admitted to adultery but said he did not used helicopters to save time and avoid visibly emotional on the bench during two-time NBA scoring champion, but - 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva held before their game against the Houston retirement in 2016. directly into the NBA, only the sixth player commit rape. The case was dropped in Southern California’s notorious traffic. their game against Toronto on Sunday. he also earned 12 selections to the NBA’s - Had both his jersey numbers, 8 and 24, retired by the told reporters. Rockets. He also was a two-time Olympic gold to make such a leap. 2004 after the accuser refused to testify He travelled to practices and games Bryant had been spending more time All-Defensive teams. Lakers, an unprecedented move The National Transportation Safety In New York, Madison Square Garden medalist, helping spark the US squad of At 18, Bryant became, at the time, the in a trial. by helicopter before his playing career with his daughters since leaving the He teamed with Shaquille O’Neal in - Scored 33,643 points, grabbed 7,047 rebounds and passed Board said an 18-strong team of investi- was lit up in purple and gold alongside a NBA stars to titles in 2008 in Beijing and youngest player or starter in an NBA game A separate civil suit was settled under ended in 2016. He continued to use them league. The Bryants’ first daughter, a combustible partnership to lead the off 6,306 assists over 1,346 career NBA games gators would be sent to California to probe giant image of Bryant captioned: “Kobe 2012 in London. and the youngest winner of the NBA Slam terms kept private. after retirement as he attended to his Natalia, turned 17 a week ago. Bianka Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and - Scored a season-high 60 points in his last NBA game on the crash. Bryant, 1978-2020.” Bryant bowed out of the NBA in 2016, Dunk Contest. After his playing career, Bryant suc- new ventures, which included a bur- Bella Bryant is 3 years old, and Capri 2002. He later teamed with April 13, 2016 in a 101-96 Lakers’ victory over Utah, becoming Tributes to Bryant flooded in from The crash came only hours after Bryant scoring 60 points in a fairytale farewell With Bryant paired alongside Shaq- cessfully branched out into the enter- geoning entertainment company that Kobe Bryant was born last June. to win two more titles in 2009 and 2010. the oldest player in NBA history to score 60 points at 37 years former US presidents, pop stars and ath- was passed by current Lakers star LeBron appearance at the Staples Center. uille O’Neal, the Lakers captured three tainment industry. In 2018, he won an recently produced an Academy Award- Gianna, better known as Gigi, had a A two-time Olympic gold medallist and 234 days letes from different sports, a sign of how James for third on the all-time NBA scoring The son of former NBA player Joe “Jel- NBA crowns in a row from 2000-2002, Oscar for his animated short film “Dear winning animated short film. promising youth career and a compet- with the dominant US team, Bryant the man known as the “Black Mamba” had list in a Saturday game at Philadelphia. lybean” Bryant, the Lakers legend was returning the team to glory days unseen Basketball”, a love letter to the sport which The basketball world and Los itive pugnaciousness that reminded eve- retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points transcended basketball. Bryant’s final post on social media had born in Philadelphia while his father since 1988. brought him fame and fortune. Angeles reacted with an outpouring of rybody of her dad. Bryant sat with her in his final NBA game. In December 2017, pain and disbelief. Bryant is all but courtside at a game late the Lakers hung banners retiring his No. Bryant’s death In this file photo taken certain to be elected to the Naismith last year, clearly passing along his 8 and No. 24 jerseys in the Staples Centre Bryant hailed as ‘true on February 05, 2013, Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this wisdom to his daughter. rafters in an unprecedented double draws tributes Los Angeles Lakers’ year, when he is eligible for the first time. Bryant told Jimmy Kimmel in 2018 honor. Olympic champion’ by Kobe Bryant drives the “For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us that Gianna wanted to play in the WNBA Bryant looms large over the current from Asian ball past Brooklyn Nets what is possible when remarkable talent and recalled how fans would often generation of NBA players, most of IOC President Bach Gerald Wallace during blends with an absolute devotion to approach him saying “you gotta have a whom grew up either idolising Bryant their NBA game at the winning,” NBA Commissioner Adam boy, you gotta someone to carry on the or absorbing his work ethic and com- Silver said. “He was one of the most tradition, the legacy.” petitive spirit in the same way Bryant’s fans and AP — LAUSANNE Barclays Centre in the Brooklyn borough of extraordinary players in the history of Gianna took exception: “She’s like, generation learned from Jordan. Bryant politicians New York City. our game with accomplishments that ‘Oy, I got this,’” Bryant recalled. exemplified and passed on that men- Kobe Bryant was as “an outstanding and true Olympic are legendary... but he will be remem- News of Bryant’s death inspired an tality to James, and the champion,” IOC President Thomas Bach said yesterday. bered most for inspiring people around outpouring of grief around the sports NBA’s current wave of high-scoring AP — BEIJING The basketball great, who was killed in a helicopter the world to pick up a basketball and world and beyond, but it was felt par- superstars. crash near Los Angeles on Sunday, helped the United compete to the very best of their ability.” ticularly painfully in Los Angeles, where After James passed Bryant on Sat- Kobe Bryant was a hugely States win Olympic gold medals at the 2008 Beijing The crash occurred about 20 miles Bryant was unquestionably the urday, he remembered listening in awe popular figure in Asia, no more Games and the 2012 London Games. from Mamba Sports Academy, Bryant’s sprawling city’s most popular athlete to Bryant when the superstar came to so than in China where Bryant also worked with the Olympic hosting bid basketball training complex in Newbury and one of its most beloved people. speak at a childhood basketball camp. basketball rivals soccer as the for Los Angeles, the city where he won five NBA titles Park, California. A youth basketball tour- Buildings from downtown to Los Angeles “I remember one thing he said: If you most popular sport. with the Lakers. When Los Angeles hosts the 2028 nament - the Mamba Cup - was International Airport were illuminated want to be great at it, or want to be one However, his death Sunday Olympics, men’s basketball will be played at the Staples scheduled for a second day of compe- in Lakers purple and gold. of the greats, you’ve got to put the work in a helicopter accident comes Center, where Bryant played with the Lakers. tition Sunday at the facility, and Bryant The Lakers’ next game is Tuesday in,” said James, who later teamed up at an awkward time between the “He embraced the power of sport to change peo- had attended the opening day Saturday night against the crosstown rival with Bryant on the 2008 US Olympic country and the league. ple’s lives,” Bach said in a statement published by the with Gianna. Bryant and his wife, Clippers, but hundreds of fans - many team in Beijing. National broadcaster CCTV International Olympic Committee. Vanessa, had four daughters. He had in Bryant jerseys and Lakers gear - spon- Bryant was a basketball superstar pulled all NBA games off the air “After retiring from the game he loved so much, he been a vocal booster of women’s sports taneously gathered at Staples Centre and for his entire adult life, and he grew up following a tweet in October continued to support the Olympic Movement and was since his retirement, coaching and men- in the surrounding LA Live enter- from a teenager to a respected veteran from Houston Rockets general an inspiration for the Olympic Games LA 2028.” toring basketball players around the tainment complex on Sunday, weeping in the unforgiving Hollywood manager Daryl Morey Bryant narrated the final filmed segment of the LA world while also backing women’s and staring at video boards with Bry- spotlight. expressing support for Hong bid team’s presentation in July 2017. He was a member soccer and other endeavors. ant’s image before the Grammy awards He entered the NBA draft straight Kong’s pro-democracy of the bid’s board of directors. Bryant retired as the third-leading ceremony. out of suburban Philly’s Lower Merion protests. The 41-year-old Bryant and his 13-year-old scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points, “I thought he was going to live High School in 1996 after a childhood The Chinese Basketball daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died all scored in Lakers purple and gold. The forever,” Lakers great Magic Johnson told spent partly in Italy, where his father, Association, led by former in the crash. self-nicknamed Black Mamba was a KCBS-TV. “I thought he was invincible.... former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Rockets MVP Yao Ming, “We will all miss his energy and his humble nature,” prolific, gifted shooter with a sublime There was nobody who took more pride Bryant, played professionally. Bryant announced it would suspend all Bach said. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends all-around game and a relentless, hard- in putting on that Laker uniform than was occasionally estranged from his cooperation with the Texas- and all the other victims.” edged work ethic that thrilled his fans Kobe. Nobody. He was just special. We now-65-year-old father, but based team. International basketball federation secretary general and almost everyone else, even those will miss him and we’ll remember him reconciled. Yao and the association have Andreas Zagklis described Bryant as a “sun in the bas- who reviled him. for his greatness, but let’s not forget how Bryant spoke four languages and yet to comment on the crash ketball universe, shining on and off the court.” Taking cues from Michael Jordan, he impacted the world, too.” played a major role in the NBA’s inter- Sunday in California that killed one of his idols, Bryant played with a Bryant retired as the Lakers’ fran- national growth over his two decades Bryant, his daughter Gianna and swagger that compelled him to talk chise leader in points, games played, in the league, travelling the world and seven other people. People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and trash, to guard the toughest opponents, 3-pointers and steals - no small feats on connecting with athletes in other sports However, Yi Jianlian, the Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, to play through pain and to demand the a franchise that has employed many of and celebrities. The Lakers acquired the other Chinese player to find at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles yesterday. Bryant’s helicopter flew in fog that grounded other choppers ball at the biggest moments of games. the greatest players in basketball history. 17-year-old Bryant in a trade shortly major success in the NBA, took He didn’t always hit them, but Bryant The NBA kept its games on as scheduled after Charlotte drafted him, and he to China’s Weibo micro-blogging accompanied by photos of match that Bryant’s death was AP — CALABASAS game’s most popular players and southeast, and climbed to more than never stopped trying. when the news broke. The Spurs and immediately became one of the most site to praise Bryant for teaching Bryant and his daughter Gianna a “huge loss for the world, for the face of the 16-time NBA 2000 feet (609 meters). It then “He had zero flaws offensively,” Raptors both took voluntary 24-second exciting and intriguing players in the him the value of persistence. with the letters R.I.P. Others the sport.” Australian tennis The helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant champion Lakers. The cause of the descended and crashed into the LeBron James said Saturday night. “Zero. shot clock violations at the start of their sport alongside O’Neal, who had signed “Thank you! Kobe! Hope showed the two dressed in legend Rod Laver tweeted he and eight others that crashed into crash was unknown, but conditions hillside at about 1400 feet (426 You backed off with the father and daughter continue to uniform walking away into was “terribly sad to wake up to a rugged hillside outside Los at the time were such that the Los meters), according to data from of him, he Lakers as a enjoy basketball in heaven! We clouds under a basketball net. this news.” Angeles was flying in foggy condi- Angeles Police Department and the Flightradar24. could shoot the Michael Jordan mourns death of ‘little brother’ free agent. will always remember you!,” “For our generation, our In Taiwan, where the NBA tions considered dangerous enough county sheriff’s department When it struck the ground, the 3. You body Bryant won wrote Yi, who signed with six memories of the NBA begin with also is an enormous draw, Pres- that local police agencies grounded grounded their helicopters. helicopter was flying at about 160 him up a little Michael Jordan mourned the death of Kobe Bryant yesterday, saying the Los Angeles the Slam different NBA teams, including Jordan, and move through Kobe ident Tsai Ing-wen tweeted that their choppers. The Los Angeles County medical knots (184 mph) and descending at bit, he could go Lakers icon was “like a little brother” to him. Six-time NBA champion Jordan said in a Dunk briefly the Lakers in 2016. “Rest and Yao Ming. You were a part her “thoughts go out to the The helicopter plunged into a examiner, Dr. Jonathan Lucas, said a rate of more than 4000 feet per around you. He statement Bryant would be remembered as one of basketball’s greatest players. Contest as a in peace to the legend,” he added of our youth. Already missing the Bryant family & the families of steep hillside at about 9:45am the rugged terrain complicated minute, the data showed. could shoot rookie, and in English. bright sun of Kobe. Go well,” all those who lost loved ones Sunday with an impact that scat- efforts to recover the remains. He The chopper went down in Cal- from mid- “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t the Lakers Bryant’s popularity among wrote commentator “ZhanHao” today.” tered debris over an area the size estimated it would take at least a abasas, about 30 miles (48 kilom- range. He describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe - he was like a little brother to me. We used gradually Chinese fans was rivaled only on the popular Twitter-like “Kobe inspired a generation of a football field and killed all couple of days to complete that task eters) northwest of downtown Los could post. He to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, grew into a by Yao, LeBron James and Weibo messaging service. of young Taiwanese basketball aboard. before identifications can be made. Angeles. Bryant’s Mamba Sports could make one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad team that Michael Jordan. “Your willpower has players, & his legacy will live on The accident unleashed an out- Bryant’s helicopter left Santa Academy in nearby Thousand Oaks free throws.... who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the won three His playing appearances, inspired a generation. Thank through those who loved him,” pouring of grief from admirers Ana in Orange County, south of Los was holding a basketball tour- He was just game of basketball.” consecutive including the 2008 Beijing you,” wrote “Teacher Kai Ting.” Tsai wrote. around the world who mourned the Angeles, shortly after 9am and nament on Sunday. immortal champion- Summer Olympics won by the “I hope there is basketball in Philippine presidential sudden loss of the all-time bas- circled for a time just east of Inter- Federal transportation safety offensively because of his skill set and game in honour of Bryant, who wore No. ships. Bryant and Gasol, the Spanish star, US, were far exceeded by his heaven. Kobe just went to spokesman Salvador Panelo ketball great who spent his entire state 5, near Glendale. investigators were on their way to his work ethic.” 24 for the second half of his career. Several formed the nucleus of another champi- promotional appearances in the another world to play basketball noted that Bryant had been a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Air traffic controllers noted poor the scene. Bryant held the No. 3 spot in the other teams followed up by deliberately onship team in 2008, reaching three country, both on behalf of his with his daughter,” wrote “Cici’s frequent visitor to the Philip- Lakers. visibility around Burbank, just to the Among other things, they will league scoring ranks until the day before taking delays of 24 and 8 seconds, hon- straight NBA Finals and winning two own brand and basketball green paper.” pines. “He was well-loved by his Thousands of fans, many north, and Van Nuys, to the look at the pilot’s history, the chop- his death, when James passed him oring both of his jersey numbers. Many more titles. Between those title runs and generally. At the Australian Open, Filipino fans,” Panelo said in a wearing Bryant jerseys and chanting northwest. per’s maintenance records and the during the Lakers’ game in players were seen crying before their before the quiet final years of his career, At a 2013 Lakers preseason Americans Coco Gauff and Caty statement. “On the hard court, his name, gathered outside the After holding up the helicopter records of its owner and operator, Philadelphia. games, and James looked emotional on the Bryant accomplished innumerable feats game against Golden State in McNally wore written tributes he was a sight to behold with his Staples Centre in downtown Los for other aircraft, they cleared the said NTSB board member Jennifer On Saturday night, James said he was tarmac when he got off the Lakers’ team including an 81- game against Beijing, the arena rang out with to Bryant on their shoes during dexterity and accuracy in Show host Alicia Keys speaks Angeles, home of the Lakers and site Sikorsky S-76 to proceed north Homendy at a news conference. “happy just to be in any conversation plane from Philadelphia. Toronto in January 2006. Bryant’s final chants of “Kobe! Kobe!” despite their doubles match. The tour- sinking that ball in the ring. He about the passing of NBA of Sunday’s Grammy Awards where along Interstate 5 through Burbank Kurt Deetz, a pilot who used to with Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the all- Bryant’s future appeared to be lim- NBA seasons were dogged by injuries, the injured superstar not even nament tweeted its condolences was a master of his craft. The basketball player Kobe Bryant Bryant was honored. before turning west to follow U.S fly Bryant in the chopper, said the time greatest basketball players to ever itless in retirement, whether in sports but he still went into retirement with having suited up for the game. to the grieving families, and basketball world has lost one of (seen on large screen). The 41-year-old Bryant, who Route 101, the Ventura Highway. crash was more likely caused by bad play. One of the all-time greatest or entertainment. He opened a pro- that jaw-dropping 60-point per- Commemorations begin Romania’s Simona Halep said its legendary greats,” Panelo perished with his 13-year-old Shortly after 9:40am, the heli- weather than engine or mechanical Lakers.” Bryant always reacted duction company shortly after leaving formance against Utah. rolling in online, many of the after winning her fourth round said. daughter, Gianna, was one of the copter turned again, toward the issues. TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Aussie Leishman wins at Torrey Pines AFP — LOS ANGELES Farmers Insurance Marc Leishman of Australia and four of his five birdies on Open poses with the Torrey Pines the back nine -- including three Leading scores after Australia’s Marc Leishman fired trophy after winning the birdies to end his round -- Sunday's final round of eight birdies in a seven-under final round of the Farmers weren’t enough to the US PGA Tour Farmers par 65 on Sunday to win the US Insurance Open at Torrey compensate. Insurance Open at Torrey PGA Tour title at Torrey Pines Pines South in San Diego, McIlroy, meanwhile, began Pines in La Jolla, California by one stroke from overnight California, on Sunday. bogey-bogey on the way to 69. (USA unless noted, par-72): leader Jon Rahm. Tiger Woods missed the 273 - Marc Leishman (AUS) Leishman started the day green on his opening approach 68-72-68-65 four shots behind Spain’s Rahm, and began with a bogey but 274 - Jon Rahm (ESP) but his storming run on Torrey dropped his approach inches 68-71-65-70 Pines’ South Course gave him a from the cup at the second to 276 - Brandt Snedeker 69-67- 15-under total of 273. set up a birdie and added 72-68, Rory McIlroy (NIR) Rahm, meanwhile, fired a another tap-in birdie at the 67-73-67-69 two-under 70 for 274, two shots par-5 sixth to pull within three 277 - Tom Hoge 71-71-67-68 in front of American Brandt strokes of the lead. 278 - Bubba Watson Snedeker and Rory McIlroy -- The 15-time major 67-73-69-69, Patrick Reed the Northern Ireland star who champion finished with four 69-69-70-70, Tony Finau could have regained the world birdies in a two-under 70 that 70-70-68-70 number one ranking with a left him tied for ninth on 279. 279 - Max Homa 73-68-71-67, victory. He remains in search of a Patrick Rodgers 70-69-72-68, “Playing well helps,” said record 83rd career PGA Tour Leishman, who has come from victory -- having tied Sam Beau Hossler 72-66-73-68, behind in all five of his PGA Snead’s mark at the Zozo Charley Hoffman 69-74-71- Tour victories. Championship in Japan in 65, Tiger Woods 69-71-69-70, “I didn’t actually hit it that October. Harry Higgs 70-68-69-72 well off the tee today, so I don’t As he came off the course 280 - Maverick McNealy know what the knack is. Woods learned of the death in 71-71-69-69 Putting, always, you’re not a helicopter crash of Kobe 281 - Jason Day (AUS) 73-67- going to win tour events if Bryant -- the NBA great who 72-69, Keegan Bradley you’re not putting well. started his pro career the same 66-72-73-70, JB Holmes “I putted probably as good at the 12th and 14th, and Leishman’s victory came on Classic. McIlroy and Rahm year as Woods. 68-69-71-73, Kang Sung as I’ve ever putted today,” rebounded from his ony bogey Australia Day -- also the same struggled in the final group, “People were yelling, ‘Do (KOR) 69-71-67-74, Cameron added Leishman, who had five of the day at 17 with a birdie at day that fellow Aussie Lucas Rahm playing his first five holes it for Mamba.’ Now I under- Champ 71-68-68-74 birdies on the front nine. the last that proved enough for Herbert claimed his first pro in four-over with two bogeys stand,” Woods said. “Unbe- He drained par-saving putts victory. victory at the Dubai Desert and a double-bogey. An eagle lievably sad.”

Sweden’s Sagstrom captures Gainbridge LPGA Leading scores after Sunday's final round of the Gainbridge first career LPGA victory LPGA at Boca Rio in Boca Raton, Florida (USA unless AFP — MIAMI start,” Sagstrom said. noted, par-72): “If you just continue Madelene Sagstrom earned her fighting, things can go your 271 - Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) first career LPGA Tour title on way. And I just told myself, 72-62-67-70 Sunday with a closing round of If you just continue ‘Keep fighting, keep fighting." 272 - Nasa Hataoka (JPN) two-under 70 to capture the fighting, things can She got her putter going 72-64-67- 69, 273 - Danielle Kang 72-67-65-69 Gainbridge LPGA by one stroke. go your way. And with a birdie on the par-five The 27-year-old turned pro eighth hole, the fourth straight 275 - Celine Boutier (FRA) in 2016 and won in her 69th I just told myself, day she birdied the hole. 71-67-67-70 start on the LPGA Tour, edging ‘Keep fighting, keep Sagstrom then rolled in two 277 - Kim Sei-young (KOR) out runner-up Nasa Hataoka of straight birdies on Nos. 10 and 68-69-67-73 Japan and finishing with a fighting'": Sagstrom 11 to get to 16-under. She 278 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 17-under 271 total. drained her fourth and final 72-67-67-72, Cydney Clanton Hataoka shot a final round birdie of the day on the par- 72-64-69-73 three-under 69 to finish alone to win on the LPGA Tour and three 17. 279 - Klara Spilkova (CZE) in second. the first to win since Pernilla She won by parring the final 72-68-68-71, Jessica Korda American Danielle Kang Lindberg won the 2018 ANA hole as Hataoka missed a three 66-73-69-71, Yui Kawamoto closed with a 69 for sole pos- Inspiration. footer on 18. (JPN) 68-73-69-69 session of third at 15-under She had shot a third-round Hataoka finished with five 280 - Charley Hull (ENG) 75-68- while Celine Boutier (70) was 67 to seize a 54-hole lead for birdies and two bogeys. He 69-68, Cristie Kerr 72-71-69-68, two strokes back in fourth with the first time in her young second bogey came on the par- Lin Xiyu (CHN) 69-72-67-72, a 13-under 275. South Korea’s career. four 18 which prevented her Jennifer Song 72-64-72-72 Kim Sei-Young (73) rounded The three-time Symetra from getting into a playoff. 281 - Carlota Ciganda (ESP) out the top five by finishing at Tour winner got off to a rocky “Missing the win gives me 69-66-75-71, Georgia Hall 11-under, six strokes back of start Sunday at the Boca Rio more motivation to keep on (ENG) 70-71-68-72, Brooke Sagstrom. Golf Club course with bogeys going for the next many tour- Henderson (CAN) 72-68-68- Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden poses with the trophy after winning Sagstrom became the 12th on two of her first four holes. naments coming,” Hataoka 73, Lexi Thompson 73-68-69-71 the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday. different player from Sweden “It doesn’t matter how you said.

Play-off push ramps up as NHL NBA: Lillard scores 50 as Blazers down Pacers

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES returns to action Buildings around the Staples Center display screens paying tribute to former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant on Sunday following his REUTERS — MIAMI continued his death in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles. scoring spree with 50 points, The NHL playoff race can turn matched his season high of 13 upside down during the stretch assists and grabbed six run, as the St. Louis Blues rebounds to lead the Portland proved last season. Trail Blazers to a 139-129 The Blues rallied from last victory over the visiting Indiana place in the league in January Pacers on Sunday night. to reach the playoffs and rolled Lillard made 14 of 23 shots through four postseason from the field -- including 8 of rounds to win the Stanley Cup. 12 from 3-point range -- to That run provides fuel for this become the first player in fran- season’s race, which still chise history to record three includes most of the league. straight efforts of 40 points or “With the Blues, they found more. their groove and they kept Lillard has scored 158 points going last year and rode that in the three games, beginning wave,” said Toronto Maple with a franchise-record 61 Leafs forward Mitch Marner, against Golden State today and whose team sat four points out 47 against Dallas on Thursday. of the playoffs entering this Lillard has made at least season’s All-Star break. eight 3-pointers in each game “We need to find that and has 27 during the stretch. groove and keep pushing. The CJ McCollum scored 28 teams right behind us and right points and made six 3-pointers in front of us are doing the for the Trail Blazers after same thing.” missing the previous three Only the Detroit Red games because of an ankle mandatory eight seconds -- the for the night and make the score a 66-56 lead at the break. All-Star guard Kemba Wings, New Jersey Devils injury. numbers 24 and 8 representing 137-126 with 1:26 left en route Sabonis scored 18 before Walker led the Celtics with 35 and Ottawa Senators are out Jeremy Lamb scored 28 what Bryant wore during his to Portland closing out the halftime for Indiana. points, Gordon Hayward scored of the Eastern Conference points and Domantas Sabonis stellar 20-year career with the victory. Meanwhile, Zion Wil- 23, and Jaylen Brown, returning race. Only the Anaheim had 27 points, 14 rebounds and Los Angeles Lakers. Hassan Whiteside con- liamson had his first double- from a two-game absence due Ducks and Los Angeles a career-best 11 assists for the The Pacers trailed by 17 tributed 21 points, 14 rebounds double as an NBA player, and to an ankle injury, added 20. Kings appear to be done in Pacers, who lost for just the early in the fourth quarter and six blocked shots and the won Before the singing of the the Western Conference, second time in their past nine before Justin Holiday connected Carmelo Anthony had 14 points for the first time with him in the national anthem, the Pelicans though the San Jose Sharks games. on a 3-pointer to complete a and eight rebounds for the Trail lineup, 123-108 over the visiting held a 24-second moment of are sinking fast. Indiana dropped its 11th 13-4 burst and bring his club to Blazers, who shot 54.4 percent Boston Celtics on Sunday. silence in honor of Bryant, who Otherwise, postseason straight game at Portland. 116-108 with 8:18 remaining. from the field and 20 of 35 from Williams, the top pick in the died along with one of his berths are up for grabs for NBA legend Kobe Bryant Indiana later was within 3-point range. 2019 NBA draft, had 21 points daughters, Gianna, and seven teams that can gain traction died in a helicopter crash earlier seven points before Lillard Doug McDermott made six and 11 rebounds in his third others in a helicopter crash near and sustain it into April. Sunday at the age of 41, and scored eight straight points -- 3-pointers while scoring 19 game after his debut following Los Angeles on Sunday For instance, the surprising both teams remembered him at including two 3-pointers -- to points for Indiana. preseason knee surgery. morning. Columbus Blue Jackets won six the outset of the game. give the Trail Blazers a 129-114 Indiana was without Jrue Holiday scored a team- When the game began, the consecutive games coming The Trail Blazers won the tip lead with 4:22 remaining. Malcolm Brogdon (concussion) high 25 points, and Derrick teams followed the lead of the into the All-Star break. They and let the 24-second clock run The Pacers made one last and Myles Turner (illness). Favors added 15 points and 10 Spurs and Raptors earlier in the currently sit in the first wild- out without attempting a shot. push to cut the deficit to nine Lillard scored 23 first-half rebounds. had a day by dribbling out the shot card spot in the Eastern The Pacers took possession and points. But Lillard made two points on 7 of 8 shooting from career-high 15 assists to go with clock in Bryant's honor on their Conference. did not cross midcourt in the free throws to reach 50 points the field as the Trail Blazers held eight points. first possessions. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020

Visitors outplay South Africa in fourth Test to clinch a 3-1 series victory Pakistan and Bangladesh England register thumping win T20 rained off AFP — LAHORE AFP — JOHANNESBURG The third Twenty20 interna- Ben Stokes and Mark Wood tional between Pakistan and made a double strike shortly Bangladesh was abandoned before tea, breaking stubborn without a ball being bowled South African resistance and yesterday because of bad setting up a 191-run win for weather in Lahore, giving the England on the fourth day of the home side a 2-0 series victory. fourth and final Test at the Murky conditions and Wanderers Stadium yesterday. drizzle delayed the scheduled The win clinched a 3-1 13:00 pm (0830 GMT) toss at series victory for England. the Gadaffi stadium pitch, but Set to make a world record play was called off three hours 466 to win, South Africa later. reached 181 for two before Pakistan won the first Stokes bowled home captain match by five wickets on Faf du Plessis for 35. Friday and the second by nine In the next over man-of- wickets the next day. the-match Wood dismissed The series win helped Rassie van der Dussen for 98. Pakistan hang on to their He went on to claim four for 54 number one ranking in to finish with match figures of England’s Ben Stokes and Joe Root hold the respective Man-of-the-Series and Basil D’Oliveira trophies as they pose for a photograph Twenty20 internationals with nine for 100. with team-mates after winning the Test series at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday. 270 points, leading Australia Quinton de Kock and by just one point. Temba Bavuma shone briefly Pakistan skipper Babar but South Africa were bowled Van der Dussen and Du minutes of an extended two- where the bounce was grad- in the penultimate over before Azam said the series win will out for 274. Plessis batted for all but 13 and-a-half hour afternoon ually becoming more lunch. Stokes finished with two help the team’s confidence. session to give South Africa unpredictable. for 47. De Kock and Bavuma “Our bowling was out- SCOREBOARD some hope, making the England With tea looming, England batted brightly in a fifth wicket standing in both the games... England (I Innings) ...... 400 A Nortje c J Buttler b M Wood ...... 4 bowlers toil on a hot afternoon. set a field which suggested a stand of 48 before Broad helped us keep them down to But Stokes bowled a ball short-pitched barrage was bowled a vicious bouncer which low totals,” said Babar who South Africa (I Innings) ...... 183 B Hendricks run out D Sibley ...... 4 which hit a crack and kept low, likely. But Wood then bowled Bavuma gloved to wicketkeeper lost 2-0 in Australia last year England (II Innings) ...... 248 Extras (4B 2LB 3W) ...... 9 deflecting off the toe of Du a full-length delivery which Jos Buttler. in his first series as skipper. South Africa (II Innings) Total (all out) ...... 274 Plessis’ bat into the stumps. Van der Dussen drove awk- Broad had Dwaine Pretorius Bangladesh skipper Mah- P Malan c Ben Stokes b C Woakes .....22 Fall of Wickets: 1-39, 2-89, 3-181, Van der Dussen looked set wardly to short cover where caught at fine leg in his next mudullah said the loss was Dean Elgar c&b Ben Stokes ...... 24 4-187, 5-235, 6-239, 7-260, 8-267, for a maiden Test century but Stuart Broad held a good over and the rest followed. disappointing. Dussen c S Broad b M Wood ...... 98 9-273, 10-274 in the next over he fell to Wood diving catch. Vernon Philander, playing Bangladesh will fly out but Faf du Plessis b B Stokes ...... 35 Bowling: Stuart Broad 10-1-26-2; Sam two short of the landmark. It was the second wicket for in his last Test, struck a couple return on February 5 to play He had batted impressively, Stokes -- both which came at of beefy blows before falling to the first of two Tests, in Q de Kock c C Woakes b M Wood ...... 39 Curran 11-2-38-0 1w; Mark Wood 16.1-3- hitting 15 fours and two sixes in crucial times shortly before an Wood who supplied the coup Rawalpindi. T Bavuma c Jos Buttler b S Broad ...... 27 54-4 1w; Chris Woakes 14-3-47-1; Ben a 133-ball innings but both he interval. His first victim was de grace, another lifting ball They play a one-day inter- D Pretorius c Sam Curran b S Broad .....2 Stokes 16-4-47-2 1w; Joe Root 7-1-37-0 and Du Plessis were given a opening batsman Dean Elgar, flicking Anrich Nortje’s glove on national on April 3 in Karachi, V Philander c Jos Buttler b M Wood .10 Joe Denly 3-0-19-0 torrid time by Wood, bowling who was caught and bowled its way through to Buttler down and the second Test starting at express pace on a pitch playing an awkward pull shot the legside. April 7.

Zimbabwe’s captain Sean Williams celebrates after scoring a century Williams century gives Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, yesterday. upper hand against Sri Lanka

SCOREBOARD AFP — HARARE from last week’s 10-wicket Kasuza batted through the defeat at the same venue in the morning before losing his off Zimbabwe (I innings) A fine second Test century by first Test, Zimbabwe pressed on stump to Suranga Lakmal for P Masvaure c N Dickwella b L Kumara .. Sean Williams enabled in the evening with Regis 38. Lakmal, who bowled 9 Kevin Kasuza b Suranga Lakmal .....38 Zimbabwe to dominate the Chakabva on 31 and debutant superbly in the first Test, pro- C Ervine c O Fernando b D de Silva ....12 opening day of the second Test Tinotenda Mutombodzi on 10. duced another fine delivery to B Taylor lbw S Lakmal ...... 62 against Sri Lanka in Harare After the early losses of remove Taylor, nipping one S Williams b D de Silva ...... 107 yesterday, as they reached 352 Prince Masvaure and Craig back to peg him leg before. S Raza c A Mathews b L Embuldeniya 72 for six at the close. Ervine, Taylor began the Williams began swiftly gal- Regis Chakabva (batting) ...... 31 The Zimbabwe captain, counter-attack, hitting 10 fours loping to 36 from just 36 balls. Tinotenda Mutombodzi (batting) ...... 10 who won the toss and chose to and one six over long-off from He slowed slightly to reach his bat first, made 107 from 137 left-arm spinner Lasith third Test half-century and Extras (8B 2LB 1NB) ...... 11 balls, an innings which swung Embuldeniya in his brisk knock. found a handy partner in Raza. Total (90.0 overs) ...... 352-6 between the swashbuckling, Taylor scored the lion’s Together they added 159 for Fall of Wickets: 1-21, 2-49, 3-114, with 10 fours and three sixes, share of the runs in a 65-run the fifth wicket as the Sri 4-133, 5-292, 6-324 and the pragmatic. He was well partnership with opener Kevin Lankans struggled to plug the Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 17-6-31-2 1nb backed up by Brendan Taylor Kasuza who played in spite of gaps in the field. The break- Vishwa Fernando 14-1-45-0; Lahiru Ku- who made a run-a-ball 62 and being ‘substituted’ for the through came when Raza, on mara 15-3-46-1; Lasith Embuldeniya 30- Sikandar Raza who hit two second innings in last week’s 72, miscued a pull off 3-153; Dhananjaya de Silva 14-0-67-2 sixes and four fours in his 72. first Test after being hit on the Embuldeniya and dollied up a Looking to bounce back head while fielding at short leg. catch to Angelo Mathews. Struggling Napoli Neymar dedicates goal to Bryant shock Serie A as PSG go 10 points clear leaders Juventus AFP — MILAN AFP — PARIS and for all of us,” said Neymar to Canal+ after the win, which put PSG 10 points clear at the Piotr Zielinski and Lorenzo Neymar dedicated his second goal in Paris top of the league. Insigne scored in the second Saint-Germain’s 2-0 win at Lille to basketball “Not just for basketball fans, but for every- half as struggling Napoli legend Kobe Bryant, whose death in a helicopter thing he did for sport.” He had already put his shocked champions Juventus crash earlier on Sunday shocked the world, as side ahead with a fine strike in the first half 2-1 to spoil coach Maurizio his double shot the French champions 10 points before putting the game out of reach and Sarri’s return to the Stadio San clear at the top of Ligue 1. increasing the gap between them and second- Paolo on Sunday. The world’s most expensive player slotted placed Marseille. Sarri had not been back to home the 52nd-minute penalty and went over His 12th league goal of the season tipped Naples since being sacked in to television cameras by the side of the Stade the balance in the Parisians’ favour after a pos- May 2018 after three suc- Pierre Mauroy pitch to make the number 24 itive start for the home side, who were unbeaten cessful campaigns, and before Real Madrid’s Nacho celebrates scoring their first goal with team- with his fingers in honour of Bryant’s shirt at home ahead of the match. moving to Chelsea. mates in the La Liga match against Real Valladolid at the Estadio number. The Brazilian almost immediately slipped This season he has taken “It’s deeply saddening for the world of sport through Mbappe but the onrushing Mike Jose Zorrilla in Valladolid, Spain on Sunday. over eight-time reigning Maignan stopped the France World Cup winner champions Juve, a move seen Neymar dedicates his second goal to Kobe Byrant from clinching his 14th top-flight effort of the as a betrayal by his former in the Ligue 1 match against Lille, on Sunday. campaign. Real Madrid go top with team, the two-time Serie A Mbappe was stopped again by Maignan runners-up. when he got his body in the way of a fierce Juve missed the chance to close-range effort, but the away side were given victory over Valladolid open up a six-point lead on a penalty soon after for a clear Gabriel handball Inter Milan at the top of the just before the forward’s shot. AFP — VALLADOLID, SPAIN Saturday under new coach table, after Antonio Conte’s Neymar squeezed his spot-kick just beyond Quique Setien could prove a side were earlier held 1-1 by Maignan, who got his hand to the shot but Real Madrid moved top of La turning point in a nip-and-tuck Cagliari, their third consec- looked on in horror as it made its way in off the Liga for the first time since title race. utive draw. post. October on Sunday after Madrid now have the “It’s a victory for the whole Lille stay seventh after the defeat, two points grinding out a 1-0 win away at luxury of hosting their strug- of Naples,” said Insigne after away from the European places. Real Valladolid to make gling city rivals Atletico his team’s first home win in the Neymar’s tribute came on what was already Barcelona pay for their surprise Madrid, who are 10 points league since October 19. an emotional day in French football, with defeat to Valencia. back after a goalless home Inter are three points Nantes and Bordeaux also honouring their It is 16 weeks since Madrid draw with Leganes earlier on behind Juve with Lazio a former striker Emiliano Sala, a year after his last finished a round top of the Sunday, with a cushion next further two points adrift in death in a plane crash. pile and it looked like a scrappy weekend, not to mention on third after city rivals Roma The clubs remembered Argentine forward contest at the Jose Zorilla would the back of a 19-game ended Simone Inzaghi’s side’s Sala before the Derby de l’Atlantique at the end goalless until Nacho unbeaten run. 11-match winning streak. Stade de la Beaujoire. headed in the winner with 12 That streak included them In Naples, Zielinski broke Bordeaux won 1-0 courtesy of a late goal minutes remaining. drawing a game they arguably the deadlock after 63 minutes by Jimmy Briand as Nantes played most the Victory means Zinedine should have won at Camp Nou finishing off a after second half with 10 men after the dismissal of Zidane’s side pull three points in December and then lifting Insigne was denied by Juve Andrei Girotto. ahead of Barca, whose 2-0 loss the Spanish Super Cup earlier goalkeeper Wojciech away at the Mestalla on this month in Saudi Arabia. Szczesny. TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11 Nadal beats Kyrgios to reach Australian Open quarter-finals

MELBOURNE REUTERS — Spain’s Rafael Nadal (right) shakes hands with Australia’s Nick greatest Kyrgios after their match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. sportsmen in Rafa Nadal suffered his first lost history” - an elite set of the tournament but rode he would surely out a challenge from a wholly also rank among. committed Nick Kyrgios to He has always move into the quarter-finals of found Kyrgios a the Australian Open for the 12th tricky propo- time with a 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) sition, however, 7-6(4) victory yesterday. and held only a Kyrgios was a match for the 4-3 career record 19-times Grand Slam champion against the in the second set and for much Australian. of the third but the muscle- The Spaniard bound Spaniard looked like the looked well on the most likely winner once he got way to making his nose back in front. that 5-3 when he The Australian, however, raced through the broke back when Nadal was first set against a serving for the match in the slow-starting fourth set, reigniting the contest Kyrgios in cool, and bringing the partisan Rod blustery condi- Laver Arena crowd back into tions. Kyrgios the equation. needed 14 The world number one minutes to hold at gritted his teeth and went again the start of the in the tiebreak and moved second set but through to a last-eight meeting to our sport,” said Nadal, who more than A$5.6m ($3.8m) two games later with Austrian Dominic Thiem has previously criticised Kyr- There was a more recent had a break when his forehand when Kyrgios netted a forehand gios’s behaviour. “He is one of tragedy on his mind yesterday pass at the end of an 18-shot after three hours and 38 the best talents we have. I like and he sported an LA Lakers rally just kissed the baseline. minutes. the Nick Kyrgios of this shirt in the warm-up. The Australian served out “It was a very tough match, tournament.” A basketball fanatic, Kyrgios the set with two aces and, with it seemed like I had control at The match was preceded by appeared to be close to tears as the crowd roaring his every the start, but against Nick you a ceremony honouring the 50th he walked out on court only a point, the contest moved into a are never in control,” said anniversary of the Grand Slam few hours after the death of blockbuster of a 72-minute Nadal, who hit 64 winners to achieved by Margaret Court, Kobe Bryant. third set. Kyrgios’s 50. once adored by Australians for “It’s horrible news,” said The pair slugged it out Kyrgios showed once again her tennis prowess but now a Kyrgios. “(But) if anything, it through one intense game after Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory against Australia’s Nick he has the skills to be a Grand more divisive figure because of motivated me. If you look at the another and on to an equally Kyrgios during their singles match on day eight of the Australian Slam champion and will her opposition to same-sex things he stood for, what he tough tiebreak, which Nadal, Open in Melbourne yesterday. console himself at having marriage. wanted to be remembered by, also feeling the pressure, sealed shown more of the mental for- Kyrgios has proved divisive it helped me tonight. despite passing up one set point titude and discipline he will himself due to his on-court “When I was down a break with a double fault. Kyrgios was not about to lie tonight,” said Kyrgios. “(But) I need to win major prizes. antics, but has earned praise in in the fourth, I was definitely The Australian handed down and took the set to its feel like I’ve made progress as “When he is playing like recent weeks for kickstarting thinking about it. I fought back.” Nadal an early break for 2-1 dramatic conclusion in the a human (this summer)... I want today with this positive attitude, the Tennis Australia bushfire After the match Nadal lead in the fourth with a double tiebreak. to keep going in this direction, he gives a lot of positive things relief appeal which has raised described Bryant as “one of the fault, but the “new” Nick “I’m shattered to have lost for sure.” Nadal praises Wawrinka edges Medvedev in Melbourne battle Kyrgios after AP — MELBOURNE There was an Australian Open debut quarter-finalist on weathering As the fourth-set tiebreaker ended, Stan the women’s side, too: No. 28 Wawrinka tapped his right temple with Anett Kontaveit of Estonia storm to make his index finger, his signature cele- rallied from a set and a break bration. He probably figured he had his down to beat 18-year-old Iga Open quarters Australian Open opponent right where Swiatek of Poland 6-7 (4), 7-5, he wanted him. 7-5, despite being broken twice Heading to a fifth set. while serving for the match. AFP — MELBOURNE Wawrinka came back to beat US “Absolutely delighted that Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev 6-2, she found a way to get through. World number one Rafael 2-6, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 yesternday to reach I mean, it wasn’t the easiest to Nadal praised showman Nick the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park, watch,” said Kontaveit’s coach, Kyrgios yesterday after weath- where he won the 2014 championship. Nigel Sears. “A bit of an emo- ering a fierce storm to reach This was Wawrinka’s 51st career tional roller-coaster. Certainly the Australian Open quarter- five-setter, which is tied for the sixth- put me through the ringer finals and keep alive his quest most on record in men’s tennis history, today.” for a 20th Grand Slam title. and his 29th such victory. Kontaveit, who had been The Spanish top seed came The No. 4-seeded Medvedev, mean- 0-3 in the fourth round at through a riveting clash on while? He is now 0-6 when going the majors, next plays two-time Rod Laver Arena 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 distance. major champion and 2018 Aus- (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) to end the “Of course,” Medvedev said, “feels tralian Open runner-up Simona gallant hopes of the bas- not good to never win one.” Halep. ketball-mad Australian, who Consider this a win for age and “Mentally,” Halep said after came on court wearing an LA Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka gives a hug to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev (left) after their experience. her 6-4, 6-4 win over Elise Lakers shirt in honour of Kobe singles match on day eight of the Australian Open in Melbourne. “I still have only - I don’t know how Mertens, “I think I did a great Bryant. many, but not many years left,” job today.” He will now face fifth seed Wawrinka said. “I want to do the Medvedev began to wilt right then, against No. 32 Milos Raonic of Canada, Another two-time Grand Slam title Dominic Thiem after the Aus- maximum with it.” part of a portion of the match when he and Roger Federer against 100th-ranked winner advanced to the quarter-finals trian swept past Gael Monfils Wawrinka is 34, Medvedev 23. ceded 12 of 13 points. That stretch Tennys Sandgren of the United States. when Garbiñe Muguruza eliminated No. 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Wawrinka owns three Grand Slam included a break in the final set’s initial After beating No. 10 Gael Monfils 6-2, 9 seed Kiki Bertens 6-3, 6-3. “When he wants to play titles in all and now is on his way to his game when Medvedev sent a forehand 6-4, 6-4 yesterday, Thiem said he Muguruza won the 2016 French tennis, when he’s focused on 18th major quarter-final. long. planned to kick back and watch Nadal Open and 2017 Wimbledon. She is what he’s doing, I think he’s a Medvedev’s lone run to that stage at The 15th-seeded Wawrinka will meet vs. Kyrgios on TV. unseeded at a Grand Slam tournament very important player for our a Slam came at Flushing Meadows last No. 7 Alexander Zverev, who put an end For scouting purposes, sure, but also for the first time since the 2014 French sport because he has a big September, when he eliminated to No. 17 Andrey Rublev’s 15-match for its expected entertainment value. Open. Now she’ll face the 30th-seeded talent,” said Nadal, the 2009 Wawrinka along the way to eventually winning streak by beating him 6-4, 6-4, After losing a second consecutive Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who champion. losing in the final against Rafael Nadal 6-4 yesterday night. final at Roland Garros to Nadal in June, defeated three-time major champion “I am never against his in -- yep, you guessed it -- five sets. Zverev, a 22-year-old German, is into Thiem didn’t win another match at a Angelique Kerber 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4). way or style to play. When I This one hinged on the conclusion his first quarter-final in Australia and Grand Slam tournament in 2019, losing Kerber won the 2016 Australian criticised him in the past it’s of the fourth set, when Wawrinka came third at a major tournament. first-rounders at Wimbledon and the US Open, and her departure means that because I think he did a couple through by taking the last three points The men’s quarter-finals today will Open. But now he’s into his first quar- there will be a first-time champion at of things that are not right and of the tiebreaker. be defending champion Novak Djokovic terfinal at Melbourne Park. Melbourne Park this year. are not the right image of our sport and for the kids. But when he’s doing the right RESULTS YESTERDAY FROM AUSTRALIAN OPEN AT MELBOURNE PARK things, I am the first one who (SEEDINGS IN PARENTHESES): supports this.” Their clash was billed as a Men's Singles - 4th Round grudge match after a series of Dominic Thiem (5), Austria, def. Gael Monfils (10), France, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. bad-tempered exchanges last Stan Wawrinka (15), Switzerland, def. Daniil Medvedev (4), Russia, 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2. year when Nadal accused Alexander Zverev (7), Germany, def. Andrey Rublev (17), Russia, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Kyrgios of lacking respect and Rafael Nadal (1), Spain, def. Nick Kyrgios (23), Australia, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4). the Australian fired back that the Spaniard was “super salty”. Women's Singles - 4th Round But Kyrgios struck a concili- Simona Halep (4), Romania, def. Elise Mertens (16), Belgium, 6-4, 6-4. atory tone beforehand, and the Anett Kontaveit (28), Estonia, def. Iga Swiatek, Poland, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-5. match was played with Garbine Muguruza, Spain, def. Kiki Bertens (9), Netherlands, 6-3, 6-3. respect. A Pavlyuchenkova (30), Russia, def. Angelique Kerber (17), Germany, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-2 The Australian said he was “shattered to lose” but hailed Men’s singles quarter-finals line-up Nadal for “the champion he is, Rafael Nadal (Spain x1) vs Dominic Thiem (Austria x5), the player he is” and said he Tennys Sandgren (US) vs Roger Federer (Switzerland x3) was working hard to keep up Milos Raonic (Canada x32) vs Novak Djokovic (Serbia x2) his new-found positivity. Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland x15) vs Alexander Zverev (Germany x7) “The trouble for me is being able to actually just Women’s singles quarter-finals line-up produce the same attitude Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) vs Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) over and over again,” he said. Sofia Kenin (USA x14) vs Ons Jabeur (TUN) “I mean, hopefully I can keep Anett Kontaveit (EST x28) vs Simona Halep (ROU x4) Germany’s Alexander Zverev (left) embraces Russia’s Andrey doing it. I’m just taking it day Garbine Muguruza (ESP) vs A Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x30) Rublev after victory during their match at the Australian Open. by day, trying to be positive, just bring positive vibes.” SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 10 Sagstrom England captures first register career LPGA thumping victory win

TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020

Al Annabi overcome South Korea to clinch 19th Asian Handball Championship in Kuwait Qatar win fourth consecutive Asian title

ARMSTRONG VAS — THE PENINSULA firm grip over the proceedings. They Qatar winners of the 19th Asian started on a flourish and went into the Championship pose for a group picture. Qatar crushed South Korea 33-21 to win half time break with the scores leading the 19th Asian Championship in Kuwait, 14-11. their fourth continental title in a row. In the second half, Qatar stepped up Yesterday win in the final further the pace and widen the gap and stamped Qatar dominance in the region wrapped up the proceedings in an as it was their fourth successive Asian emphatic fashion registering a facile title having earlier won in 2014, 2016 win. This is the second defeat South and 2018. Korea suffered at the hands of Qatar at South Korea are the record winners the Championship in Kuwait. of the continental event, having won it The winners of the last three edi- nine times, but their last success was in tions saw off the last bronze medallists 2012. 37-24 in the group match. It is the Qataris who have estab- Bahrain, who lost to Qatar in the lished themselves as the dominant Asian semi-final, have been runners-up at four force since then, besides winning the out of the last five Asian Championships, Asian title thrice and reaching the World including all of the last three behind Championship final on home soil in Qatar. Besides the finalists, the other two 2015. losing semi-finalists also qualified for Qatar meant business right from the the 2021 World Men’s Handball Cham- kick off and had no trouble in taking a pionship to be held in Egypt. Al Rayyan face Esteghlal hurdle as Al Sailiya eye upset in ACL play-offs ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA Rayyan vs Esteghlal match will join Group A, which includes Qatar’s Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya the UAE’s Al Wahda, Iraq’s Al are among 16 teams which will Shorta and the winners of be vying for the eight places up another play-off between Saudi for grabs in the AFC Champions Arabia’s Al Ahli and Tajikistan’s League (ACL) main draw when FC Istiklol, also be played today. they take to the field today in The other QSl side Al the play-off matches. Sailiya, making their debut in Today’s matches will decide the championship after having on the final eight teams which their best-ever finish in the will make it to the 2020 AFC Qatar League under Tunisian Champions League group stage coach Sami Trabelsi last season as the teams fight for their are eyeing a upset in today’s passage to the Continental tour- match. The match is one of the nament in the one-legged Play- more intriguing clashes of the off Round. Play-offs Round as Al Sailiya Four games will take place take on Iran’s Shahr Khodro. in the East and a further four in Al Sailiya finished third in the West, with former Asian the Qatar Stars League last year champions Kashima Antlers, Al to move within a game of Ain and Esteghlal among those advancing to the Continental competing to secure a place in competition and boast Iranian the 18th edition of the international Karim Ansarifard competition. within their ranks. Qatar fortunes will revolve Al Rayyan players train in Doha on the eve of their Shahr Khodro, meanwhile, around Al Rayyan and Al today's AFC Champions League play-off match came fourth in the Iranian Pro Sailiya, who aim to join Al Sadd against Iran's Esteghlal in Doha. League and edged past Bah- and Al Duhail, the top two rain’s Riffa 2-1 in Preliminary teams in the 2018-19 QNB Stars Round 2 on Saturday. League (QSL), who have qual- Esteghlal at the Al Sadd Stadium game in Doha ending 2-2 and The Al Sailiya-Shahr ified directly for the group stage with a 6.15pm kick-off. Esteghlal winning 2-0 in Tehran Khodro kick-off is at 18:10 at of Asia’s premier club Al Rayyan are aiming to as the Iranian side advanced the Al Duhail Stadium. The competition. qualify for the 10th time and Al Rayyan exited. winners of the Al Sailiya vs Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan although they have never been Esteghlal qualified to play Shahr Khodro game will join Mourners arrive at a makeshift shrine at Staples Center after qualified for the play off by able to make it beyond the Al Rayyan after they defeated Group B, which includes Saudi retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant was killed virtue of finishing the third and group stage. Kuwait SC 3-0 in Dubai in the Arabia’s Al Hilal, Shabab Al Ahli in a helicopter crash, in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. (See fourth in last season’s QSL. The pair last faced off in the preliminary round on January Dubai and Uzbekistan’s Al Rayyan take on Iran’s 2018 group stage, with the 25. The winners of the Al Pakhtakor. pages 26, 27 and 28 for related news) FIFA Technical Experts’ Workshop kicks off in Doha

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

A FIFA workshop for Technical Experts was opened yesterday by Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary General of Qatar Football Asso- ciation (QFA), with the partici- pation of 100 experts and coaches - including Arsene Wenger. Fahd Thani, Director of the Development Department of QFA was also present at the opening ceremony of the workshop that will last for five days. Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, Stephane Martinez, the FIFA delivering a talk during the FIFA coach who heads the workshop workshop for Technical Experts in was also present. Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Participants World-class coaches such pose for a group picture. as Germany’s Erik Reutemüller, April Dawn Heinrichs of the US and Englishman Stephen Al Ansari said Qatar remains the field. The QFA Secretary For his part, FIFA coach work closely with FIFA so that affiliates, especially coaches. McLaren were also present. proud to host the workshop for General said Qatar’s rapid Martinez thanked the QFA for the development of the game The activities of the workshop The opening ceremony the second year in running. He progress to stage the 2022 FIFA hosting the workshop and for away from the field bears fruit will continue on a daily basis kicked off with remarks from thanked FIFA for taking such World Cup also includes hosting putting in effort to take the in quick time. Former Arsenal from 11:00am until 7:3opm, QFA Al Ansari, who welcomed the events to Qatar where QFA workshops and technical game forward through help of coach Wenger stressed the said yesterday. Last year Doha participants on behalf of Sheikh underlines great importance in courses to help new entrants the game’s experts. importance of continuous work hosted the first workshop across Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed contributing positively to the learn the game from the top He said that the important towards developing the football 4 seminars attended by dozens Al Thani, President of QFA. game’s development on and off experts around the world. thing is that all the federations system and its of experts and coaches.