Al Duhail announce the signing of Japan star Nakajima PAGE 18 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019

World’s best Under-17 talents return to for Al Kass Cup 2019 PAGE 18 PREMIER LEAGUE WEST HAM VS LIVERPOOL

WHICH IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF THE TOP GOALS OF ASIAN CUP 2019? MAKE YOUR PICK Almoez, Abdulaziz strikes among top goals of AFC Asian Cup 2019

Qatar star essays the brilliant bicycle kick against Japan in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 final. Two of Almoez and two of ’s scoring strikes made the top 10 list of the tournament’s outstanding goals.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the first time. DOHA Almoez’s Asian Cup form was engineered by his on- ’S Almoez Ali scored field relationship with Akram eye-popping record nine Afif, whose assist total of 10 goals at a single Asian Cup, set a tournament record. ASIAN CUP 2019 TOP 10 GOALS surpassing Iran legend Ali Afif supplied the pass that Daei’s total of eight set in put Almoez in the best posi- O India’s Sunil Chetri’s half-volley against Thailand 1996 with a glorious strike tion for his record goal. in the final that sparked a 3-1 “Akram and I have been O China’s Wu Lei’s scissors kick against the Philippines upset over Japan in the final. together for seven years and The Al Duhail striker’s I know where Akram will be O ’s Mohanad Ali’s solo effort against Yemen magnificent run saw him pick and where he will pass and O Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang Hei’s freekick against Yemen up the Most Valuable Player he knows what is expected honours, but Almoez still has from me, so it’s normal after O Japan’s Tsukasa’s Shiokani’s piledriver against Uzbekistan more to win. seven years that we get along His strikes against UAE very well together.” O Jordan’s Baha Abdelrahman’s freekick against Vietnam in the semi-final and the bril- Also making the Top 10 is liant bicycle kick against Ja- midfield enforcer Abdulaziz O Abdulaziz Hatem’s long range shot in QF against S Korea pan have been chosen in the Hatem whose two goals in top ten goals of the tourna- the tournament were nothing O Almoez Ali’s curler into the bottom corner against UAE ment, the AFC announced on short of spectacular. O Abdulaziz Hatem’s brilliant curler against Japan in the final its website. The Al Gharafa man’s The 22-year-old had plas- belter against South Korea in O Almoez Ali’s record-setting bicycle kick in the final tic bottles and shoes pelted at the quarter-final was nomi- Abdulaziz Hatem shapes up to deliver his stunning long-range goal in the quarter-final against S Korea. him after scoring in the semi- nated for top honours aw well final victory over hosts UAE, as 22-yards curler in the final half-volley against Thailand, against Yemen and Vietnam’s ni and Iraq’s Baha Abdelrah- ceding just one against Japan. 609 minutes to let in a goal. but had the last laugh as the against Japan. China’s Wu Lei’s scissors kick Nguyen Quang Hei’s freekick man complete the list. Goalkeeper set Fans can visit www.the- 2022 World Cup hosts went Other goals in the top 10 against the Philippines, Iraq’s against Yemen. Al Annabi scored 19 goals a record six clean sheets at a afc.com to vote for their favour- on to lift the Asian Cup for include India’s Sunil Chetri’s Mohanad Ali’s solo effort Japan’s Tsukasa’s Shioka- at the 2019 Asian Cup, con- single championship, taking ite goals of the tournament.

QATAR STARS LEAD IN ASIAN CUP’S NUMBERS GAME TOO FTER 51 games and a 22-year-old incredibly scored his ic defender Valeri Kichin, they average age of 23 years and Another Al Annabi star record 130 goals, the AFC nine goals from just 16 shots, had the player who executed the 309 days, or 23.85 years old. 46in the UAE was Boualem AAsian Cup has been run well short of the 28 from Sardar most interceptions in the tour- China PR (29 years, 212 days) Khouhki, who fulfilled a variety and won for another four years, Azmoun, who had the most at- nament. The Akshumkar captain were UAE 2019’s oldest side. of roles but earned the most with Qatar making history by tempts in the competition. intercepted 14 passes from op- The competition’s three young- praise for his defensive contri- winning the title for the first position players, one more than est sides, Iraq, Vietnam and bution to the Qatari cause, and time. With the ink still drying on If Almoez Ali was he Japan’s Gaku Shibasaki. Qatar, all reached the knockout racked up a competition-high 46 another memorable chapter in 10revelation of the tourna- stage, although the next three clearances. Khouki also man- the competition’s proud history, ment, was surely a Qatar’s Saad al Sheeb youngest (India, DPR Korea and aged to score two goals. One in here’s a look at some of the nota- close second. The Al Sadd for- 21was deservedly crowned Yemen) all finished bottom of the 6-0 group stage defeat of ble numbers & statistical high- ward earned Player of the Match the tournament’s best goalkeep- their respective groups. DPR Korea, and the other the lights of the 17th edition of Asia’s honours in the final, and lit up er, but it was Ignatiy Nesterov, vital opener in the 4-0 semi-final biggest football tournament. the tournament as a whole with appearing in a record fifth AFC Jamie Maclaren’s open- win over the UAE. 10 assists, the most in record- Asian Cup, who made the most 32ing goal for Australia Qatar came within 21 min- ed history. He provided the final saves. The 35-year-old made 21 in their 3-0 win over Palestine Korea Republic’s utes of keeping an entire pass for more than twice as stops, but spare a thought for wasn’t only his first at senior 495Jung Woo-young was 1tournament worth of clean many goals as any other player, Jordan’s Amer Shafi, who made international level, but it com- officially the competition’s pass sheets, but their final tally of one and also created a whopping 26 20 saves in his side’s four pleted the longest pass se- master, racking up 495 at an ac- goal conceded still meant the Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad al Sheeb knocks the ball over his goal during chances, with Australia’s Chris matches, and conceded just quence for a goal in the tourna- curacy of 89.7%, despite playing champions had the most miserly the 2019 AFC Asian Cup semi-final against UAE in .(AFP) Ikonomidis his nearest competi- one goal, only to face Round ment. ’s final ball was only five matches. Australia had defence in the tournament. It tor on 14. of 16 elimination via a penalty the 32nd pass in the build-up to three of the top five distribu- took 609 minutes for goalkeeper fans everywhere; tournament shootout defeat to Vietnam. the goal, with Qatar’s Abdelka- tors, with Trent Sainsbury, Mark Saad al Sheeb to be beaten, as Potentially the one sta- MVP Almoez Ali broke ’s Kyrgyz Republic won the rim Hassan’s goal against DPR Milligan and Milos Degenek all Qatar became the first team to tistic of this tournament 23-year-old record for goals in 14respect of the Asian Iraq were the Korea, which ended a 23-pass exceeding the 400-mark before reach the final by keeping six 9that will become assumed a single a tournament with nine football world with their fine dis- 23.85AFC Asian move, the nearest challenger. the reigning champions were successive clean sheets. knowledge for Asian football strikes in seven matches. The plays in the UAE and, in dynam- Cup’s youngest side, with an eliminated in the quarters. (AFC) Sports Monday, February 4, 2019 17 Al Shaqab all set to host exciting back-to-back international events CHI Al Shaqab 2019 & Longines Global Champions Tour 2019 to wow visitors at Qatar’s state-of-the-art equestrian venue this Feb and March

Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed winning the LGCT Grand Prix at Al Shaqab in November, 2018. Doha to raise the curtain as New York joins LGCT circuit ig action international to top-level show jumping showjumping will be with the first LGCT of the Bback much earlier season with all the action than usual at the Al Shaqab being broadcast on GCTV equestrian centre as Doha live streaming. will now play host to the The new event in New first event of the 2019 Lon- York will take place on Gov- The state-of-the-art Al Shaqab will host Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) 2019 from February 28 to March 2 and the prestigious CHI Al Shaqab 2019 from March 7 to 9. gines Global Champions ernors Island, with breath- Tour and Global Champi- taking views of the Statue TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar International Sports in three Olympic equestrian Al Shaqab’s Executive Di- ternational Sports and Fitness ons League for teams (GCL) of Liberty and the Lower DOHA and Fitness Exhibition (QIS- disciplines of showjumping, rector, said, “The Arab world Exhibition, as I’m confident rather than the finale as it Manhattan skyline. FE) from April 2 to 6, under dressage, and para dressage. has a very rich equine herit- they will leave Al Shaqab with did till the 2018 edition. New York joins existing DOHA is gearing up for an the patronage of Sheikh Joaan CHI Al Shaqab is the first age, and through events such unforgettable memories.” Three new cities join the flagship events in major cit- equestrian extravaganza with bin Hamad al Thani, Presi- equestrian competition of its as this, Al Shaqab preserves Tickets for both the first leg circuit this year – New York, ies including Paris, London, two major back-to-back events dent of the Qatar Olympic kind in the Middle East and and perpetuates that aspect of of the Longines Global Cham- Montreal and Sweden’s Shanghai, Madrid, Mexico taking place at Al Shaqab, Committee. Exhibitors across Asia region to be sanctioned Qatari culture. CHI Al Shaqab pions Tour 2019 and CHI Al capital city Stockholm – City, Rome and Doha. member of Qatar Foundation. the areas of sports and fitness by the International Eques- significantly contributes to Shaqab go on sale today (Mon- making a record 20 events 2019 LGCT & GCL Calendar The first, from February facilities, health and wellness, trian Federation. the international equestrian day, February 4), and will be for the world’s premier LGCT Doha: Feb 28-March 2; 28 to March 2, is the open- nutrition, and sportswear will Attracting the best ath- and business community, available on the Al Shaqab showjumping circuit. After Mexico City: April 11-13; Mi- ing leg of the Longines Global be displayed at the event. letes and horses from around highlighting Qatar’s role as a website (www.alshaqab.com). a series of strategic expan- ami: April 18-20; Shanghai: Champions Tour (LGCT) Unlike previous years the world since its incep- global sporting destination. Ticket prices are QR35 for sions in recent years, the May 3-5; Madrid: May 17-19; 2019. The second, and the where Al Shaqab was the host tion in 2013, it is one of only “Al Shaqab is also proud adults and QR15 for children Longines Global Champi- Hamburg: May 30-1 June; jewel in Qatar and Al Shaqab’s venue of the LGCT finals, this five international equestrian that CHI Al Shaqab always between the ages of 6 and 12. ons Tour and GCL series has Cannes: June 6-8; Stock- equestrian crown, is CHI Al year will see the spectacu- events to showcase three or serves as an important event Children under the age of 6 a significant footprint span- holm: June 14-16; Cascais/ Shaqab 2019, which will be lar venue providing the per- more equestrian disciplines. for the local community as will enjoy free entry to public ning The Americas, Europe, Estoril: June 20-22; Monaco: held from March 7 to 9. fect backdrop to kick off this Capturing the excite- well. The Festival Area is ex- areas of both competitions. Asia and the Middle East. June 27-29; Paris: July 5-7; In addition, during the thrilling competition. ment and spirit of top-class tremely popular and this year For the first time, exclu- And with Qatar’s capital be- Chantilly: July 12-14; Berlin: entire period of February CHI stands for Concours sport, CHI Al Shaqab further there will truly be something sive VIP tables and boxes ing the first to host the high July 26-28; London: August 28-March 9, Al Shaqab will Hippique International or strengthens Qatar’s status as for everyone in terms of enter- have been introduced this profile curtain raiser at its 2-4; Valkenswaard: August have a festival area to provide “Equestrian Internation- a hub for international sport- tainment and fun activities. I year to enable corporate or- world class equestrian facil- 9-11; Rome: Sept 6-8; Rama- a variety of fun-filled activities al Competition”, and is Al ing competition, while paying would like to encourage every- ganisations to entertain their ity. tuelle/Saint Tropez: Sept and entertainment that will ca- Shaqab’s signature event. tribute to Qatar’s rich eques- one in Qatar to attend CHI Al highly valued clients and Once again the soaring 12-14; Montreal: Sept 20-22; ter to children and adults alike. With ExxonMobil as the main trian heritage. Shaqab 2019, the first leg of the special guests to witness and architecture of the arena will New York: Sept 27-29; GCL Additionally, Al Shaqab sponsor, the competition Khalifa al Attiya, Presi- Longines Global Champions enjoy two world-class eques- be a magnificent backdrop Prague Playoffs: Nov 21- 24. will also be the venue for the will see top riders compete dent of CHI Al Shaqab and Tour 2019, and the Qatar In- trian competitions in Qatar.

Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens Khalifa International Complex wears with the trophy after her victory over Croatia’s Donna new look for Qatar Total Open 2019 Vekic in the final of the St. Petersburg tournament at Premier WTA The Sibur Arena in Saint Tour event in Petersburg on Doha starts on Sunday. (AFP) February 11 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Bertens claims St Petersburg DOHA title ahead of Qatar Total Open IF you have been using the Red Street to go to the City REUTERS/TNN the trophy at a glittering pres- Centre or crossing by the ST PETERSBURG entation ceremony. Corniche, you may have seen “It was an amazing final to Khalifa International Tennis SECOND seed Kiki Bertens of play... I will be back next year.” & Squash Complex sporting a the Netherlands, who will also Both players made 33 un- glittering new look. be seen in action at the Qatar forced errors each, but Bertens As you may have guessed Total Open 2019 tournament, won 79 percent of her first it right, with less than 10 days on Sunday defeated Croatia’s serve points and sent down to go for the start of the Qatar Donna Vekic 7-6(2) 6-4 to eight aces and 27 winners Total Open 2019, the stadium win the St Petersburg Ladies compared to 16 from Vekic. is ready, awaiting the annual Trophy and claim her eighth “Congrats to Kiki and your tournament which is one of WTA singles title. team. You were too good for me the most sought-after ladies Bertens, the world number today,” Vekic said. tennis events in the region. eight, was slow out of the blocks, “I’m really looking forward The venue is looking beau- and found herself trailing 5-2 in to playing doubles with you in tiful with the branding com- the first set before staging a re- Indian Wells. pleted and all necessary make- markable turnaround. “Sorry, (coach) Torben overs done in readiness for the “I would like to say to Don- (Beltz) we are going to have to Premier WTA Tour event to be na congratulations on a great wait a little bit longer for that held at the ultra-modern venue week and sorry for today,” first title but at least the finals from February 11 to 16. The Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex will be playing host to the 17th edition of Qatar Total Open. Bertens said after collecting are getting bigger,” she added. The $916,131 total prize money tournament will fea- 2016 finalist in Doha. welcoming everyone, especial- ture a host of the world’s top With tickets selling fast ly families, in this one week fi- players led by the new World both online and onsite at Land- esta of tennis. There are lots of No. 1 and Australian Open mark, City Centre and Villaggio activities lined up to make the Davis Cup champion Naomi Osaka of Ja- malls and the Khalifa Interna- event memorable for everyone pan, World No. 3 Simona Ha- tional Tennis & Squash Com- Osaka to lead stars’ show both on the courts and at the Kazakhstan defeat Portugal, make final lep of Romania, 2017 cham- plex, this year’s event, which is public village,” he added. pion in Qatar and World No. the 17th edition, promises a far The $916,131 total prize-money tournament will feature a Held since 2001, the Qatar ASTANA: Kazakhstan’s national tennis team defeated Portugal, the 5 Karolina Pliskova, Angelique bigger attendance compared to host of the world’s top players led by the new World No. 1 Total Open has grown to be- second day of Davis Cup qualification action, and is headed to the -fi Kerber – a three-time Grand the previous editions. and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan, World come one of the biggest WTA nals in the tournament’s new format in Madrid in November. The third Slam champion and 2014 fi- “The Qatar Total Open No. 3 Simona Halep of Romania, 2017 champion in Qatar Tour events in the region and and final point for the home team was sealed by Mikhail Kukushkin’s nalist, and Netherland’s Kiki 2019 is here and we are re- and World No. 5 Karolina Pliskova, Angelique Kerber – a it has consistently featured the 6-4, 6-1 victory over Portugal’s Joao Sousa on Saturday, reports Efe Bertens among others. ally impressed with level of three-time Grand Slam champion and 2014 finalist, and world’s top ten players on a news. Facing a 0-2 deficit, Sousa and Gastao Elias had given Portugal Other players to watch out our preparations and readi- Netherland’s Kiki Bertens among others. regular basis. a glimmer of hope in the doubles that opened the second day of the for include 2016 champion ness for this tournament. The The last edition was won tie, defeating the Kazakh duo of Aleksandr Nedovyesov and Timur Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain, event popularity is increasing by Czech Petra Kvitova, who 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Portugal have never played in the World Group under the World No. 13 Anastasija Sev- by the day and we are highly as one of the biggest event in all in the past,” said Tourna- recorded her 13th consecutive previous format, while Kazakhstan have competed in the top category astova, 2017 US Open finalist encouraged with the ticket Qatar’s sporting calendar and ment Director Saad Saleh al victory beating Spaniard Gar- eight times, reaching the quarterfinals five times.(IANS) Madison Keys as well as Lat- sales. Without any doubt, the we believe that the 17th edition Mohannadi. bine Muguruza 3–6, 6–3, 6–4 via’s Jelena Ostapenko – the tournament has come to stay this year will be far bigger than “We are looking forward to in a highly entertaining final. 18 Monday, February 4, 2019 Sports

QATAR’S ASIAN CUP 2019 TRIUMPH CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, shared the national team’s historic Asian Cup 2019 success with members of the staff at the headquarters in Doha on Sunday. Also present on the occasion were QOC First Vice-President Sheikh Saud bin Ali al Thani, QOC Secretary-General Jassim Rashid al Buenain and IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad. TWELVE UNDER-17 TEAMS TO GET INTO BIG ACTION FROM TODAY Aguero hat-trick World’s top talents for sinks Arsenal, City close gap Al Kass Cup 2019 on Liverpool AFP TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM DOHA MANCHESTER City closed TWELVE of the world’s best to within two points of Pre- U-17 teams from 12 different mier League leaders Liverpool countries will take part in the thanks to Sergio Aguero’s hat- 2019 Al Kass International trick in a 3-1 win over Arsenal Cup at from on Sunday. today. FOR the second time in a Football fans will have the week, Aguero scored inside opportunity to see some of the first minute to give City the the world’s greatest talents in perfect start. Doha for the 11-day tourna- However, just like in a ment that will conclude on shock defeat at Newcastle on February 15. Tuesday, the champions failed The technical meeting with to press home their advantage officials from all 12 teams was as Laurent Koscielny profited held at The Torch hotel on from some slack defending to Sunday, one of the two offi- head home an equaliser just 10 cial accommodation hotels for minutes later. the tournament with the other Pep Guardiola’s men were Man City striker Sergio Aguero one being Al Aziziya Boutique knocked out of their stride for (centre) celebrates scoring his Hotel. Qatar’s Aspire Academy most of the remainder of the goal during their Premier League will add local flavour to the first half, but retook the lead in match against Arsenal in tournament, which was won style just a minute before the Manchester, on Sunday. (AFP) last year by Paris St. Germain break when Ilkay Gundogan’s (France), who now hold the re- delightful lofted pass teed up City also led early on in cord of being the only team to Raheem Sterling to cross for defeats by Crystal Palace and have won three titles. Aguero to tap home. Leicester in December and Ko- The other participating The same two players com- scielny’s equaliser shifted the teams include Real Madrid bined for the Argentine to se- mood and momentum of the (Spain), Kashiwa Reysol (Ja- cure his 10th Premier League game as the home side feared pan), Rangers FC (Scotland), Fans will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest talents in Doha for the 11-day tournament that will conclude on February 15. hat-trick in controversial fash- the same fate may further Raja Club Athletic (Morocco), ion as the ball came back off damage their title challenge. AS Roma (Italy), FC Bayern eighth year, Al Kass Interna- Aguero’s arm before rolling over Instead, one brilliant move München (Germany), Altinor- Past winners tional Cup is organised by Al the line just after the hour mark. swung the outcome back in du FK (Turkey), Étoile Spor- Al Kass International Cup: Kass Sports Channels, in col- A sixth consecutive away their favour. Sterling played tive du Sahel (Tunisia), FC 2012: Paris Saint-Germain laboration with Aspire Zone league game without a win a one-two with Gundogan 2013: Fluminense Spartak Moscow (Russia) and 2014: Aspire Football Dreams Foundation and the Qatar sees Arsenal slip down to sixth before volleying a magnifi- Suwon Samsung Bluewings 2015: Paris Saint-Germain Football Association. The Un- behind Manchester United, cent, first-time centre across (South Korea). 2016: Aspire Football Dreams der-17 football tournament who were 1-0 victors at Leices- the face of the net for the un- The 2019 edition of the 2017: Real Madrid is a global championship for ter earlier on Sunday, and marked Aguero to turn in at tournament has a couple of 2018: Paris Saint-Germain worldwide competitive clubs. three points adrift of fourth- the far post. new features. For the first time The Al Kass International placed Chelsea in the battle for In contrast, the second half the video assistant referee skills.” Cup has established itself as Champions League football was a stroll and City should (VAR) is going to be used to The first day of the tourna- a key international football next season. have more than just the one review decisions made by the ment already offers many high- event that supports the Qa- Aguero has now scored goal to show for their domi- head referee with the use of lights: After the opening cer- tar National Vision 2030 and seven times in as many games nance. video footage and a headset for emony, taking place on Pitch 5 contributes to building on the in 2019 to underline his im- Sterling was again the ar- communication. Also, the tour- of Aspire Academy, the compe- foundations of a proud foot- portance to City’s quest for sil- chitect with a darting run into nament will star female ref- tition starts with the game be- balling nation up to the 2022 verware on four fronts. the area which left the Arse- erees from all over the world. tween last year’s finalists Paris FIFA World Cup and beyond. The 30-year-old capped a nal defence in tatters before They are sent by FIFA and will Saint-Germain and Kashiwa Inaugurated in 2012, Al flying start from the hosts by he reached the by-line and use the 2019 Al Kass Inter- Reysol at 4:35pm. In the sec- Kass International Cup is an steering home an unstoppable crossed for the sliding Aguero national Cup as part of their ond match of Day 1, Qatar’s annual tournament that pro- header past Bernd Leno just to steer the ball in via his arm. preparations for the 2019 FIFA Aspire Academy will face Raja vides some of the world’s choice 51 seconds in after Alex Iwobi Kevin De Bruyne, Ber- Women’s World Cup that takes Club Athletic from Morocco at young footballers the opportu- was caught in possession by nardo Silva and Aguero again place in France this summer. 6:45pm. nity to demonstrate their ability Aymeric Laporte. peppered Leno with powerful Ward Abdallah, Member Official tournament spon- and skills on the world stage. Moments later the ball was shots that the German kept of the Organising Committee sor Al Kass TV will broadcast The tournament also aims to in the Arsenal net again, but out to maintain some respect- of the Al Kass International all the games live with both contribute to the nurturing of this time Laporte was rightly ability for Arsenal. Cup, said: “We are honoured Arabic and English com- passion for football in Qatar flagged offside. But that is all they had to to welcome some of the world’s mentary. Live streaming of and the region by offering up a The Gunners had barely show for another sorry away top youth teams to Qatar to all the matches will available 12-day action-packed competi- threatened before levelling performance that leaves their compete in the eighth Al Kass on http://internationalcup. tion that seeks to propel Qatar when Koscielny stooped low chances of avoiding a third International Cup – a tourna- alkass.net. to the forefront of sporting ex- to head home Nacho Mon- straight season in the Europa ment that grants young play- ers an opportunity to showcase and enhance their football Currently celebrating its cellence and leadership. real’s flick-on. League fading. Al Duhail announce signing of Japan star Nakajima main team for his league debut If correct, the figure would The Blue Samurai star was signed to on Saturday. The Blue Samurai star him- be a record for the transfer of a As part of improving the self was withdrawn from the Japanese player, outstripping the replace the injured Nam Tae Hee team, Duhail parted ways with squad for the AFC Asian roughly $29 million Parma paid former Tunisian World Cup to acquire Hidetoshi Nakata from IKOLI VICTOR Cup in the United Arab to cruciate ligament injury. coach Nabil Maaloul for Portu- Emirates due to injury, Roma in 2001, according to Nik- DOHA The Blue Samurai star him- guese Rui Faria, an associate of kan Sports. self was withdrawn from the Jose Mourinho. where Japan lost 3-1 to The former FC Tokyo play- AL Duhail have announced the squad for the AFC Asian Cup in The six-time league champi- Qatar in the tournament’s er was previously linked with signing of Japan’s Shuya Naka- the United Arab Emirates due to ons are two points behind leaders final on Friday. a move to Wolverhampton tima from Portuguese first di- injury, where Japan lost 3-1 to Al Sadd SC. Duhail last week lost Wanderers, but Portimonense vision club Portimonense. The Qatar in the tournament’s final the QSL Cup against Al Gharafa reportedly rejected a transfer announcement was made on on Friday. and will hope the Blue Samurai pleting a loan spell with Vissel Ko- bid from the English Premier their official Twitter account on The left-winger will be a export delivers the results for the beof Japan. League side. Sunday. massive reinforcement for the Reed Knights. According to different re- After being left out of the Nakajima, who trained with QNB Stars League champions The league champions have ports, including Japan’s Nikkan squad for last summer’s World his Al Duhail teammates, was who will return to league action also added former Juventus and Sports, have reported that the star Cup, Nakajima has emerged as signed to replace South Korean against Al Sailiya on Saturday. Morocco international Mehdi playmaker has been bought by Al one of Japan’s next generation playmaker Nam Tae Hee, who’s The 24-year-old is expected Benatia to their ranks. Ahmad Shuya Nakatima of Al Duhail at a training session at the club’s train- Duhail for a rumored transfer fee of stars under new manager out for the rest of the season due to be drafted straight into the has rejoined Duhail after a com- ing ground in Al Duhail on Sunday. of €35 million ($40 million). Hajime Moriyasu. Sports Monday, February 4, 2019 19 Khawaja Azam’s fiery 90 Rayudu lifts India to back in form, smacks ton goes in vain AFP 4-1 ODI series win CANBERRA South Africa halt Pakistan’s T20 USMAN Khawaja finally series winning streak Visiting bowlers help inflict a crushing 35-run defeat on the home team found form again to stroke a fine century Sunday and steer AFP REUTERS Australia into a massive lead JOHANNESBURG WELLINGTON over Sri Lanka as the tourists battle to stay in the second BABAR Azam hit a majestic 90 AMBATI Rayudu struck a Test at Canberra. but Pakistan’s long streak of se- sparkling 90 in tough condi- At stumps, the visitors ries wins came to an end in the tions to help India overcome were 17 without loss, chasing a second Twenty20 international the loss of four early wickets huge 516 to win with two days against South Africa at the and beat New Zealand by 35 remaining after Tim Paine de- Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. runs in the final one-day in- clared Australia’s second in- South Africa took a winning ternational in Wellington on nings at 196 for three. 2-0 lead in the three-match se- Sunday, sealing a 4-1 series Dimuth Karunaratne and ries with a dramatic seven-run victory. Lahiru Thirimanne were both win. Pakistan had not lost a T20 With the series already unbeaten on eight, weathering series since they were eliminat- safe, stand-in skipper Rohit some 30 minutes before bad ed from the World T20 in India Pakistan’s Babar Azam during his Sharma sent his men in to light stopped play slightly early. in March 2016. knock of 90 in Johannesburg. bat on a moist surface and Sri Lanka had resumed the Pakistan were on track to the tourists found themselves third day at 123 for three and overhaul South Africa’s 188 for “We were too short and too struggling on 18 for four. in a hostile morning session three until Azam was out off wide but the bowlers pulled it Matt Henry did the early lost four wickets and Kusal the first ball of the 17th over. It back.” damage, uprooting Sharma’s Perera, who retired after being started a collapse in which six Although neither took a off-stump with the batsman hit on the head by a bouncer. wickets fell for 34 runs in four wicket, Miller praised left-arm on two, before Trent Boult Their resistence folded in overs. spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and enticed Shikhar Dhawan (6) the second over after lunch, The contrast between the new fast bowler Lutho Sipamla to play a loose shot that was with Mitchell Starc taking five two innings was stark. South Af- for economical bowling in the taken by Henry at third man. wickets to leave them trailing rica started slowly but stand-in middle overs before the late- Shubman Gill (7) was India celebrate their ODI series victory following the fifth one-day international (ODI) cricket match against by 319 after Australia’s first in- captain David Miller plundered innings collapse. the next player sent back New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday. (AFP) nings 534 for five declared. an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as Miller, captaining South by Henry, poking a routine Paine opted against the the hosts scored 127 runs off the Africa for the first time because catch to Mitchell Santner at Nicholls (8) early on, while SCOREBOARD follow-on in Australia’s last last ten overs, including 29 off Faf du Plessis was rested for the square cover, before Boult his strike partner Colin Mun- Test batting opportunity be- the final over bowled by Usman last two matches of the series, rattled MS Dhoni’s off- ro (24) lasted 19 balls, with INDIA: NEW ZEALAND: fore the Ashes tour to England Shinwari. hit five sixes and four fours in stump to claim a prized scalp Mohammed Shami account- R. Sharma b Henry 2 C. Munro b Shami 24 later this year. Pakistan scored rapidly at an explosive innings, which fol- S. Dhawan c Henry b Boult 6 H. Nicholls c Jadhav b Shami 8 for a single run. ing for both openers. S. Gill c Santner b Henry 7 K. Williamson c Dhawan b Jadhav 39 Khawaja padded up know- the start of their innings, with lowed a similarly aggressive 45 It was left to Rayudu to Ross Taylor was the next A. Rayudu c Munro b Henry 90 R. Taylor lbw Pandya 1 ing his place in that squad Azam hitting the first three balls off 27 balls by Rassie van der mount a salvage mission, to go after Pandya trapped M. Dhoni b Boult 1 T. Latham lbw Chahal 37 was in doubt after managing a off Beuran Hendricks for four. Dussen, who hit four sixes. which the right-hander duly him leg before on one. Re- V. Shankar run out (Neesham/Munro) 45 J. Neesham run out (Dhoni) 44 high-score of just 72 across six It was 70 for one at the end of South Africa made a rela- K. Jadhav b Henry 34 C. de Grandhomme lbw Chahal 11 did, staying at the crease for plays showed the ball would H. Pandya c Boult b Neesham 45 M. Santner c Shami b Pandya 22 Tests in a lacklustre summer. the six-over power play -- 26 tively sedate start on an unu- 113 deliveries and being abet- have gone over the stumps, B . Kumar c Taylor b Boult 6 T. Astle lbw Chahal 10 He responded in emphatic runs ahead of South Africa’s to- sually slow, dry Wanderers ted by Vijay Shankar (45). but Taylor did not review on M. Shami run out (Boult) 1 M. Henry not out 17 fashion, smashing his eighth tal at the same stage. pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad “After we lost four wick- the advice of skipper Kane Y. Chahal not out 0 T. Boult c Shami b Kumar 1 Test ton off 134 balls. Azam and Hussain Talat Wasim, who opened the bowl- Extras (b 5, lb 7, wd 2 nb1) 15 Extras: (wd 3) 3 ets, all we needed was some- Williamson at the other end. Total (for all out; 49.5 overs) 252 Total (all out; 44.1 overs) 217 “Obviously getting a hun- (59) put on 102 off 75 balls for ing, took one for nine in four body to show application. Williamson took 72 balls Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Sharma), 2-12 (Dhawan), 3-17 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Nicholls), 2-37 (Munro), 3-38 dred and setting up another the second wicket. overs. He bowled a maiden to The partnership between to get to 39, but he was (Gill), 4-18 (Dhoni), 5-116 (Shankar), 6-190 (Rayudu), (Taylor), 4-105 (Williamson), 5-119 (Latham), 6-135 game that we can hopefully “We had the game but we new opening batsman Janne- Rayudu and Vijay Shankar caught by Dhawan at deep 7-203 (Jadhav), 8-248 (Pandya), 9-252 (Kumar), (de Grandhomme), 7-176 (Neesham), 8-194 (Astle), win, that’s the ultimate feeling couldn’t finish it,” said Pakistan man Malan, who had an oth- 10-252 (Shami) 9-204 (Santner), 10-217 (Boult) turned the game for us,” mid-wicket off a Jadhav de- Bowling: Henry 10-1-35-4 (1nb), Boult 9.5-2-39-3 Bowling: Kumar 7.1-0-38-1, Shami 8-0-35-2 (1w), for the team and for myself,” captain Shoaib Malik. erwise promising innings of 33 Sharma said. livery to leave New Zealand (2w), Neesham 5-0-33-1, de Grandhomme 7-0-33-0, Pandya 8-1-50-2 (1w), Shankar 4-0-19-0, Chahal said Khawaja, who admitted it The tempo of the game off 31 balls. Kedar Jadhav (34) kept on 105 for four. Munro 10-0-47-0, Santner 3-0-18-0, Astle 5-0-35-0. 10-0-41-3, Jadhav 7-0-34-1 (1w). had been a tough few months changed when Azam pulled a Left-arm fast bowler Shin- the scoreboard ticking over Tom Latham and James on and off the field. slower ball from Beuran Hen- wari conceded 63 runs off his and all-rounder Hardik Pan- Neesham mounted a fight- dricks to deep midwicket after four overs. dya (45) cut loose at the end back before Yuzvendra Cha- out by Dhoni who, spotting That broke New Zea- BRIEF SCORES hitting 13 fours and a six in a with five sixes and two fours hal struck twice in succession the batsman out of his crease land’s spirit and Pandya, Sri Lanka 215 (Karunaratne 59, Starc 5-54) 58-ball innings. BRIEF SCORES to set the Kiwis a 253-run to remove Latham (37) and following an appeal for Chahal and Bhuvneshwar and 0 for 17 need 499 more runs to beat “We didn’t start too well South Africa 188 for 3 (Miller 65*, van der Dussen victory target. Colin de Grandhomme (11). lbw, picked up the ball and Kumar cleaned up the tail Australia 5 for 534 dec and 3 for 196 dec with the ball,” said Miller, who 45, Imad 1-9) beat Pakistan 181 for 7 (Babar 90, New Zealand lost Henry Neesham (44) was run knocked off the bails. and secured victory. (Khawaja 101*, Head 59*) was named man of the match. Talat 55, Phelukwayo 3-36) by seven runs

QCA HONOURS SHIRAZ Taskin ruled Shan fires CBQ to 40-run win over Galfar out of New TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Riding Titu’ all-round performance, DOHA Bangladesh Seniors crushed Al Rayyan Zealand tour Club by 102 runs in another match. Titu’s SHAN blasted an unbeaten century and 71 in 50 balls had a six and 10 boundaries AFP grabbed three wickets to spark Commer- and Ilyas hit seven fours in his 33-ball 50 DHAKA cial Bank Qatar to a fine 40-run victory had racing them to 192 for four. Al Rayyan over strong Galfar Al Misnad in an enter- Club collapsed at 90 all out in 19.3 overs, BANGLADESH’S tour of New taining Premier Division match at the Qa- crumbling under the run pressure. Rifat Zealand this month suffered a tar Airways Cricket Tournament. CBQ’s Shan (left) and Javed of Gulf Colours and Halim grabbed two wickets each. blow Sunday after pace bowler Qatar Airways, who has been sup- Taskin Ahmed was ruled out porting the Qatar Cricket Association teammates as he would have wanted. Ri- BRIEF SCORES: of the series with an ankle in- Premier Division (50 overs a side) activities in the country for a long time, zlan’s splendid 101 off 99 balls contained CBQ beat Galfar Al Misnad by 40 runs jury by the team doctor. has sponsored the tournament to provide nine boundaries. Joe contributed 63. His CBQ: 281 for 6 in 50 overs (Shan 142 not out, Abbas 56, Dharmang 24; Gayan Ahmed was recalled into competitive opportunity to players and 80-ball knock had four sixes and a four. 3/76, Yusuf 2/51) the side’s one-day international help them raise their level. Iqbal Chaudhry hit a six and three fours Galfar Al Misnad: 241 all out in 44.5 overs (Rizlan 101, Joe 63, Iqbal Chaudhry and Test squads after an im- 24; Shan 3/29, Zaheer 2/45, Amir 2/55) At the West Bay grounds, CBQ piled in 24. Man of the match: Shan (142 not out & 3 wkts) of CBQ pressive show for the Sylhet up 281 for six in 50 overs after electing Shan went on torment the rivals fur- Sixers in the Bangladesh Pre- to bat first. Shan was exceptional mixing ther with ball and collected three scalps. Division A T20 mier League Twenty20 tourna- his aggression and patience well. He fired Zaheer and Amir shared four wickets. Gulf Colours Lagaan beat United Challengers by four wickets ment. He was the competition’s Gulf Colours Lagaan: 136 for nine in 18 overs (Ahnaf 45 in 28 balls; Javed three sixes and 17 boundaries to compile In a Division A Twenty20 match, 3/24, Saeed 2/21) leading wicket-taker with 22 142 not out off 146 balls. Javed’s all-round show lifted Gulf Col- Gulf Colours Lagaan: 137 for six in 19 overs (Javed 51 in 40 balls, Ameen 32 scalps until an injury against Abbas (56 with four boundaries in 102 ours Lagaan past United Challengers by in 23 balls; Satish 3/30) Chittagong Vikings on Friday. balls) and Dharmang (24 in 20 balls with four wickets. His three-wicket haul and a Man of the match: Javed (51 runs & 3 wkts) of Gulf Colours Lagaan Chief selector Minhajul five fours) propped up the innings as well. double by Saeed limited the rivals to 136 Bangladesh Seniors beat Al Rayyan Club by 102 run Abedin said a replacement for Gayan (three for 76) and Yusuf picked five for nine in 18 overs. Later he slammed a Bangladesh Seniors: 192 for four (Titu 71 in 50 balls, Ilyas 50 in 33 balls; Qatar Cricket Association’s Domestic Cricket Head Gul Khan Jadoun Ahmed had not yet been decid- wickets between them. six and seven fours to get 51 in 40 balls Talha 2/31, Nasir 1/23) honours Galfar Al Misnad’s Mohamed Shiraz on being selected in the ed. Bangladesh will play three Rizlan led the chase and cracked a and Ameen whacked three sixes and a Al Rayyan Club: 90 all out in 19.3 overs (Ismail 21 in 32 balls; Rifat 2/19, Sri Lankan team for the tour of South Africa. The tour, starting on ODIs and three Test matches Halim 2/4) February 13 with one of the two Test matches, includes five ODIs and century for himself as well. However, he four in his 23-ball 32 to set up a four- Man of the match: Titu (71 runs, 1 wkt and 2 catches) of Bangladesh Seniors in New Zealand between Feb- could not get as much help from other wicket victory. three T20 internationals. ruary 13 and March 20.

Khelalfi dominates Manateq Qatar National Sprint again West Indies rout England, clinch Test series

Abdulla al Khelaifi continued his domination in the Class 1 as he AFP emerged the winner of the second round of the Manateq Qatar NORTH SOUND National Sprint at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. Driving Westfield Sport, he clocked 38.594 in the opening run and improved KEMAR Roach and captain Jason Holder led it to 38.059 in the next – which proved unmatchable for other drivers. another rout of the England batting line-up as Abdul Aziz Aljabri (Nissan 370Z) was overall runner-up with 41.155, the West Indies completed a crushing series- while Elie Daccache (Renault Clio) was third. The Class 2 was topped clinching 10-wicket victory after tea on the by Mohammed al Khayarin (Mitsubishi Evo8) with his third run of third day of the second Test at the Sir Vivian 39.259. Mohammed Aldelaimi (Mitsubishi Evo10) was narrowly Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday. second to him. Khayarin also won the Class 3 in Chevrolet Corvette, Trailing by 119 runs at the start of the sec- clocking 39.149 in the third run. Mansour Chebli (Renault Clio), ond innings after Darren Bravo’s ultra-patient Nadim Ziade (EvoX) and Saad Fahad (Porche GT3) won the Class P1, half-century extended the West Indies first P2 and P3, respectively. QMMF President Abdulrahman al Mannai, innings total to 306 in the morning, England Captain Jason Holder of West Indies celebrates the chief guest, gave away the prizes. The QMMF president along with were demolished for 132 with Roach and Hold- winning the second cricket Test match against other QMMF officials and participants also cut a cake to celebrate er claiming four wickets each. England at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Qatar’s historic Asian Cup victory. Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Camp- North Sound on Saturday. (AFP) bell then enjoyed the formality of knocking off the 14 runs required for victory in 2.1 overs, “This group has been together for a while Campbell sealing the result in style by hoisting and we have been doing some exceptional James Anderson for six over midwicket. things. The way we ended last year was disap- Following on a 381-run hammering of the pointing and everyone wanted to turn things visitors in the first Test in Barbados a week ear- around.” lier, the result gave the West Indies the series A dejected England captain Joe Root said: 2-0 with the final match of the rubber starting “It’s been frustrating. I think we’ve been out- next Saturday in St Lucia. performed once again and that’s quite hard to West Indies have also reclaimed the Wisden take. Trophy, symbol of supremacy in Test series be- “As a bowling group I thought we worked tween the two teams, after almost 10 years in exceptionally hard. Scoring under 200 isn’t go- England hands. ing to win you many games of cricket.” These two comprehensive victories also mark the first occasion since the 1994 tour of Brief scores the Caribbean that the West Indies have beaten England (1st Innings): 187 England in successive Tests. West Indies (1st Innings, overnight 272-6) “We’re hungry for success,” said a delighted England (2nd Innings): 132 all out Holder. West Indies (2nd Innings): 17 for no loss