CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 No reprieve United for Kohli’s off er £25mn India in for Arsenal’s Centurion Test Sanchez

Friday, January 12, 2018 TENNIS Rabia II 25, 1439 AH Federer to open title GULF TIMES defence against Slovenian Bedene SPORT Page 3 FOCUS FOOTBALL / AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP 2,400 runners for Qatar not resting on today’s Ooredoo their laurels Doha Marathon as Oman Event features 10km run, half-marathon, full marathon, children’s 1km fun run loom large

By Sports Reporter Ooredoo Doha Marathon preparations, AFC Championship in Myanmar. Doha the athletes also took part in a special Changzhou, China “No one particular player ‘Meet and Greet’ at the Mall of Qatar stands out. They are all very good on Wednesday night, taking the time and they help each other out, and ith as many as 2,400 run- to sign autographs, address the huge alismanic midfi elder I think they will go far in this ners, the sixth edition of crowds and invite them all to attend the Akram Afi f has said that tournament.” Ooredoo Doha Marathon event. Qatar remain focussed Qatar will conclude their will begin today from the Speaking about the Ooredoo Doha on the task in hand de- group stage matches against WMuseum of Islamic Art (MIA). Marathon, Ooredoo CEO Waleed al- spiteT a morale boosting 1-0 win China at the Changzhou Olym- A host of internationally-renowned Sayed said, “Ooredoo is deeply grateful over Uzbekistan on the opening pic Sports Centre on Monday. athletes, including multiple Olympic to such world-class athletes for taking day of the AFC U23 Champion- gold medallist Mo Farah, will be joined the time to visit some of the schools ship 2018. UZBEKISTAN BRACE FOR by enthusiastic runners from across in Qatar and people from across our An Almoez Ali strike gave Qa- CHINA TEST Qatar’s communities. country’s communities. We believe that tar a perfect start to their Group Captain Zabikhillo Urinboev The Ooredoo Doha Marathon will be- Qatar will soon be an internationally A campaign, but with a crunch believes Uzbekistan can rectify gin at 6:30am and end at 11:30am, and renowned sporting destination and we game to come against regional their poor start when they face all roads following the Corniche will be want to help nurture and inspire local rivals Oman today, Afi f has said China in the second round of closed during this time. talent to take part in this growth. that his side should not get car- Group A matches today. To ensure the safety of spectators, “We wish everyone the best of luck ried away by their early success. The 22-year-old Pakhtakor organisers have requested that all visi- in today’s race – whether you’re a sea- “Our team really did well, and striker was a star performer for tors not participating, stand to the side soned runner, or a beginner and thank it was important to win that his country in Tuesday’s nar- of the road along the Corniche, or at the you all for helping us show the world game,” explained the 21-year- row 1-0 loss to Qatar, a result Finish and Starting line in MIA Park. that #UnitedWeRun.” old, who plays in Belgium for that, combined with China’s 3-0 As part of the Ooredoo’s vision to This year’s marathon will once again Eupen. win over Oman, leaves the Cen- encourage more people to get fi t and ac- feature courses for runners of all abili- “Yes, we won the game and got tral Asians currently occupying tive, the company, in partnership with ties, including a 10km run, half-mara- the three points, but that doesn’t third place in Group A and need- Qatar Tourism Authority, arranged a thon, full marathon and a special chil- mean that we have won (the ing a positive result against the host of activities this week. dren’s 1km fun run. tournament). It’s not enough, host nation to realistically have To inspire Qatar’s children to live a Prizes will be awarded to the best and right now we are only look- any chance of progressing to the more active life, some of the top inter- runners in a range of categories, based ing ahead to playing Oman.” quarter-fi nals. national athletes visited Qatar Acad- on age and gender. With Qatar currently occupy- “After the fi rst matchday re- emy Primary School yesterday, and As a special incentive for partici- ing second spot, China lead the sults, it is fair to say that we are spoke about the determination it takes pants, Ooredoo has also announced way at the top the group thanks in a diffi cult situation,” Uriboev to be a professional athlete and rewards that Nojoom members will be rewarded to their comfortable 3-0 win said. this brings. with 300 Nojoom Points for every kilo- over Oman, a margin of victory “We are busy preparing for A selected number of lucky As- metre they complete at the event. that came as no surprise to Afi f. the match against China because pire Academy students were given the Terms and conditions for the same “China are a very good team,” they are undoubtedly a strong chance to take part in a training ses- and event details are available on the he said whilst recalling the pen- opponent. Nevertheless, we will, sion with the athletes, led by Farah. The Ooredoo Qatar website. alty he scored against the East of course, try to improve the cur- Marathon Master Class covered a host Asians at the 2014 AFC U-19 rent situation in the next game.” of subjects, such as warm-ups, pre-race preparation and stamina. The Elite athletes took part in a special To ensure that Qatar’s communi- ‘Meet and Greet’ at the Mall of Qatar on ties had the chance to take part in the Wednesday night. Farah and co. hold training session with Aspire student-athletes

By Sports Reporter with people that care about you.” Doha Abdihakem, who at 41 years of age is still competing at the top in marathons, extolled the student-athletes to find pas- spire Academy hosted four-time sion for their sport and find enjoyment Olympic champion and six-time in their sporting activity. Aworld champion Mo Farah, “When you love your sport and enjoy fellow British long-distance runner it, you are more likely to put in your all. Chris Thompson, four-time Olympian That combination of passion and eff ort Abdihakem Abdirahman from the USA, usually brings success and satisfaction.” and Hendrik Pfeiff er from Germany Farah agreed, and admitted that he yesterday. might never have had his great career The athletes, who are in Doha to take if his physical education teacher, Alan part in the Ooredoo Doha Marathon Watkinson, had not identified his talent 2018, met with the young Aspire Acad- and encouraged him to take up running emy athletes, spoke to them about their and join a sports club from a young age. careers in sport and engaged them in The support of his coaches, he admitted, warm-up exercises and a short train- played a crucial role in his career. ing session, held on the Aspire outdoor “You have to respect your coach, try athletics track. to understand him, communicate with Speaking on the sidelines of the visit, Fa- him and give him the right information. rah said, “The kids see us winning on TV, British long-distance star Mo Farah (left) runs with Aspire Academy student-athletes Then he will be able to get the best out but they don’t see what it takes and what at the Aspire outdoor athletics track yesterday. of you.” you have gone through to get to the top. German Pfeiff er said, like the student That’s why I appreciate opportunities pion. Nothing in life is given to you, you athletes, Thompson said: “I’m very athletes, he is still learning from the likes like this when you can share experiences always have to work for it.” impressed. They are enthusiastic young of Farah, Thompson and Abdirahman. “It’s with young athletes.” When asked about the importance lads with clearly a lot of talent. They a privilege for me to listen to these top ath- Farah’s told the young athletes that of rivalry in encouraging motivation, have huge opportunities here and there letes. l am still working hard on cultivating the key to his success include “hard Thompson said, “I grew up with Mo is no doubt that they are on a pathway the right positive attitude that will drive work, commitment and your belief in Farah, we trained a lot together, we to become successful athletes.” me to be the best l can be.” yourself”. constantly battled each other. One time I Meanwhile, praising the role of coaches Some of the Aspire student-athletes, He added: “I adopted an attitude that was faster, the next time he was. Friendly in athlete development, Abdihakem who attended the training session with encouraged me not only to be better but competition and rivalry is definitely a Abdirahman said: “I have been with my the stars are travelling to Iten in Kenya be the best. I resolved to push myself to good stimulus and can bring out the coach for 25 years. He showed me the for high altitude training in the coming my highest potential and aimed to be best in you and it definitely helped Mo path and what I had to do in the diff erent period, and Pfeiff er, who will also be more than just the British champion or a and I get better when we were young.” stages of my career to be successful. heading to train there, expressed his Europe champion but a world cham- Commenting on the Academy’s student- It’s very important to surround yourself willingness to train with them if possible. An Almoez Ali strike against Uzbekistan gave Qatar a perfect start to their Group A campaign at the AFC U23 Championship on Tuesday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 12, 2018 TENNIS

INTERVIEW Zverev must be patient, says Becker Reuters He will arrive in Melbourne as the shown last year when he won two Masters Melbourne fourth seed for the Australian Open, but beating Novak (Djokovic) in one fi nal and Becker has urged caution, saying Zverev Roger (Federer) in another, which is as needs to be ready to play the long game. hard as it gets,” Becker said. oris Becker was a man in a hurry “For him the important thing is to get “He has the quality to do it over a week, when he took Wimbledon by comfortably into the second week, get to but needs a bit more experience to do it storm to win the title as a pre- the quarter-fi nal and feel good about his over two weeks.” cocious 17-year-old in 1985 but game and then he will be very dangerous,” Zverev, who could face his older broth- saysB today’s game requires a little more Becker, who will be working as an analyst er Mischa in the third round, is one of a patience. for Eurosport during the tournament, number of rising stars who are trying to Alexander Zverev, Germany’s latest told Reuters by telephone. dislodge one of the greatest men’s gen- tennis hope and the man many predict “The tough thing when you are young erations ever. can go some way to emulating Becker’s is that you don’t have any patience. You Becker believes Australian Nick Kyr- feats, found that out last year when, de- want it to happen yesterday. Playing a gios is beginning to show the mentality to spite rising to fourth in the world rank- grand slam over two weeks is tough for have a deep run in Melbourne. ings, the grand slams proved frustrating. a 20-year-old to keep the concentration Blocking the way though is the A third-round defeat in the Austral- and keep the rhythm going. 36-year-old reigning champion Federer ian Open by Rafael Nadal in fi ve sets was “It’s easier when you’re older and you who shows no sign of being ready to hand nothing to be ashamed of and he also have done it before. When you are 19 or over power. made the second week of Wimbledon, 20 you want to play the fi nal tomorrow! “He must be celebrated and enjoyed reaching the last 16. “But it’s a two-week process.” because we’ll never see a player like him But at the US Open, when he was being Becker, who stormed past Kevin Cur- again, at least not in my lifetime,” Becker lauded a potential champion, he buck- ren to win Wimbledon in 1985 and went said. led under the expectations and blew out on to win a total of six grand slams and “What I hope is that he, Nadal, Djoko- in the second round to fellow youngster top the rankings, is confi dent that Zverev vic and (Andy) Murray are all still at the Borna Coric, playing what he described will win a major. top when the 20 somethings take over, as his worst match of the season. “He has all the tools,” he said. “He has not after they have declined.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Vintage Ferrer stays on course in Auckland Kerber marches on mood for long rallies and his plan AFP Auckland to look for early winners paid off as he wrapped up the match in 74 minutes. avid Ferrer may be Ferrer, who has slipped from heading into the twi- a career high number three to light of his career but 38 has a 6-4 win record over the the 35-year-old rolled 13th ranked del Potro who strug- in Sydney, Muller backD the years as he beat Hyeon gled to get on top of Khachanov. Chung to cruise into the ATP There were no break points in Auckland Classic semi-fi nals the fi rst set but the Argentinian yesterday. managed to break the Russian’s Spain’s Ferrer, a four-time fi rst serve in the second set and Auckland champion, disposed felt it was an encouraging per- of the young Korean 6-3, 6-2 formance ahead of facing Ferrer. in their quarter fi nal to set up a “David is great fi ghter, we have beaten by Paire showdown with Juan Martin del a great relationship and it’s go- Potro in the fi nal four. ing to be an interesting match to ‘Being now in the semis again here, it’s really a good feeling, especially that I had Del Potro beat Russian Karen watch. I hope I can play even bet- Khachanov 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in his ter than tonight,” del Potro said. the goal, to have a lot of matches before going to Melbourne’ quarter-fi nal. In a battle between the 2016 Chung had been a surprise and 2015 winners, the more re- package in the tournament, par- cent champion Roberto Bautista ticularly with the way he out- Agut proved too good for Jiri lasted fourth-seed John Isner in a Vesely with a 7-6, 7-2 victory three-set classic on Wednesday. to enter the semi-fi nals where But he had no answer to the he will play Robin Haase of the wiles of the veteran Ferrer and Netherlands today. could only hold serve three times Haase won his quarter-fi nal in the match. 6-4, 6-4 against Germany’s Having seen the 21-year-old Peter Gojowczyk who had beat- Chung chase down everything en the top-seed and reigning Isner fi red across the net in the champion Jack Sock the previ- second round, Ferrer was in no ous day.

KOOYONG CLASSIC Bouchard puts pain behind her for fi rst win of 2018

AFP hard in the off -season, changing Melbourne some things,” she said. In other matches at the exhi- bition event, France’s Richard truggling star Eugenie Gasquet won his second match, Bouchard won her fi rst overcoming Australian Matthew match of the year yester- Ebden 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). day, posting a 6-2, 6-0 “It was perfect in these condi- defeatS of Australian teen Desta- tions,” the 31-year-old said. “I’m nee Aiava at the Kooyong Classic preparing my game to be ready in Melbourne. for the Open and to perform The Canadian had gone down there.” in three group matches last week Gasquet, who has never gone at the Hopman Cup in Perth, past the Australian Open fourth where she suff ered a buttock in- round, added: “I’ll keep up the jury, and was eliminated in the training. I have no injuries and fi rst round at Hobart on Monday, am feeling great.” Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return against Dominika Cibulkov of Slovakia in their quarter-final at the Sydney International in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) denting her Australian Open World number fi ve Dominic preparations. Thiem, meanwhile, withdrew AFP learn from every single match,” over Kiki Bertens with a thigh “I was happy to be out there in from his scheduled match as he Sydney Kerber said. injury. a pretty offi cial-feeling match,” recovers from illness, disrupting “Being now in the semis again “For us, it’s perfect. We can go said the 23-year-old. “There his Grand Slam plans. here, it’s really a good feeling, out and have a really good match, were stands, a crowd, and an ermany’s Angelique especially that I had the goal, to go hard at each other, and still umpire. It was like a practice Bouchard, who made the Kerber won a sev- have a lot of matches before go- shake hands, have a hug at the match but kind of real.” Australian Open semi-fi nals enth straight match as ing to Melbourne.” end of the match, and wish each With time running out for in 2015 and the quarters a she steamed into the Kerber, who knocked out Ve- other the best,” Barty said. her to be ready for the opening year later, said her game Gsemi-fi nals of the Sydney In- nus Williams in her opening Defending champion Gilles Grand Slam of the year, the 2014 was a work in progress aft er ternational yesterday boosting match in Sydney, said she was Muller was knocked out of the Wimbledon fi nalist, now ranked changing her routine and her confi dence for next week’s not yet back to her best form of Sydney International men’s 83rd after a dismal last season, coaches in the off -season Australian Open. 2016 when she won the Austral- event by unseeded Frenchman eagerly accepted a late invitation Kerber, who began last year ian and US Opens. Benoit Paire 6-4, 6-4. for a hit-out at Kooyong, a non- The Austrian arrived late in as No.1 before fi nishing at “It’s just the beginning of the The 42nd-ranked Paire will tour event. Melbourne from Doha after pull- No.22, continued her 2018 re- year, so it’s tough to say. But meet rising young Austral- Bouchard, who made the Aus- ing out prior to last weekend’s surgence with a thumping 6-3, I’m feeling good - I’m healthy. I ian star Alex de Minaur, who tralian Open semi-fi nals in 2015 Qatar Open semi-fi nal with 6-1 win over Slovakia Dominika was working hard in the last few downed Spain’s Feliciano Lopez and the quarters a year later, said Gael Monfi ls after contracting a Cibulkova. weeks,” Kerber said. in the night match, 6-4, 6-4. her game was a work in progress virus. The German will meet Ital- “So now, I just am trying to Paire sent down 17 aces after changing her routine and He lost in straight sets to No- ian qualifi er and world No.100 playing like I played years before against the world No.25 to ad- coaches in the off -season. vak Djokovic on Wednesday Camila Giorgi, who upset Po- and enjoying it again.” vance to his second semi-fi nal “It’s progressing,” she said. and decided against playing any land’s former world No. 2 Ag- The other semi-fi nal will be in a week, after reaching the last “I was just focusing on myself more matches. nieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-2. an all-Australian aff air between four in India. and the things I have to work on Thiem’s substitute, Rus- It is an impressive start to the Ashleigh Barty and Daria Ga- Italian fourth seed Fa- throughout the match.” sian Andrey Rublev, beat Lucas new year for Kerber, having won vrilova. bio Fognini set up a semi-fi - The Canadian, who said her Pouille of France 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. her four matches at last week’s Barty, ranked nineteenth, nal against qualifi er Daniil buttock injury was now fi ne, “I only arrived yesterday,” said mixed teams Hopman Cup in cruised past Barbora Strycova Medvedev following a 7-6 (7-4), added that she was keen to elim- Rublev, who made the Doha fi - Perth before her three victories 6-3, 6-2, while 25th-ranked Ga- 6-7 (7-4), 6-2 marathon against inate all memories of a poor 2017 nal. “I’m happy to be here and in Sydney. vrilova had direct passage to the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. campaign. pleased with my preparation af- “This start is not bad for 2018, last four when Spain’s Wim- Medvedev is eyeing off his rstfi Camila Giorgi of Italy hits a return to Agnieszka Radwanska “I don’t want to feel any con- ter this match. for sure. Still, I’m just trying to bledon champion Garbine Mu- career title after toppling veteran from Poland in their quarter-final at the Sydney International in tinuation of 2017, it really wasn’t “We’ll see what happens in a focus on every match, trying to guruza withdrew after her win Italian Paulo Lorenzi 6-3, 6-3. Sydney yesterday. (AFP) a good year for me. I worked couple of days (at the Open).” Gulf Times Firday, January 12, 2018 3 TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Federer to open title defence against Slovenian Bedene World number one and top seed Nadal takes on Estrella Burgos, Halep takes on Australian wildcard Aiava

Reuters Melbourne

oger Federer will open his Australian Open title defence against Slovenian Aljaz Bedene nextR week, while top seed Rafa Nadal, the losing fi nalist last year, was paired with Domini- can Victor Estrella Burgos at the draw yesterday. Women’s top seed Simona Halep of Romania faces Austral- ian wildcard Destanee Aiava in the fi rst round, with second seed Caroline Wozniacki starting out against Halep’s compatriot Mi- haela Buzarnescu. Serena Williams will not de- fend the women’s title having had her fi rst child last year but 2008 champion Maria Sharapo- va, who failed a drugs test at the tournament in 2016, is back un- seeded after a ban and will face Germany’s Tatjana Maria. Williams’s sister Venus, who lost to her sibling in the fi nal last year, is seeded fourth and the 37-year-old was handed a tricky fi rst encounter against Swiss former world number seven Be- linda Bencic, who is 17 years her junior. Men’s third seed Grigor Dim- itrov will face a qualifi er, with Alexander Zverev, ranked fourth, playing Italian Thomas Fabbiano but with 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, returning after sur- gery, in his section of the draw. Young gun Zverev had lit- tle luck in his fi rst Australian Open draw as a top fi ve seed with either Wawrinka, who plays Ricardas Berankis, or Novak Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he stands near the men’s trophy during the off icial draw ceremony ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) Djokovic potentially standing in his path in the quarter-fi nals. Britain’s Andy Murray and Ja- Six-times Melbourne Park pan’s Kei Nishikori have already Australian Open rules to prevent first-round farce champion Djokovic, seeded 14th withdrawn from the champi- after missing the back end of last onships and women’s world Players could forfeit their prize money if matches on Centre Court. ‘Couldn’t care less’ “Ranking points, player withdrawals and season with an elbow injury, will number three Garbine Muguru- they retire from first-round singles matches “A player should not go on court if he Australian bad boy Bernard Tomic was how we deal with that is something we’ve take on American lefthander za has twice pulled out of tour- at the Australian Open, under new rules knows he should not finish,” Federer said fined a third of his £35,000 ($47,500) prize got to and are looking at,” he told Fairfax Donald Young in his fi rst match naments over the last two weeks aimed at limiting the early injury withdraw- at the time, while Djokovic noted his money for unsportsmanlike conduct at Media in Auckland. with mercurial Frenchman Gael due to leg cramps and a thigh als which have long caused controversy at opponent, Martin Klizan, even “had issues Wimbledon, after saying he felt “bored” and In a separate rule change designed to get Monfi ls looming in round two. problem. Grand Slams. walking onto court” with a calf injury. “couldn’t care less” following a straight-sets matches started more quickly, warm-up Federer also has Milos Raonic, The Wimbledon champion is Players will also be able to claim 50 Now, under new rules by the International defeat on day one. times will be strictly enforced. Juan Martin del Potro, David scheduled take on France’s Jes- percent of their prize money if they pull Tennis Federation (ITF), any Grand Slam Any repeat this year and he would lose Players will be fined up to US$20,000 Goffi n and Tomas Berdych in sika Ponchet in the fi rst round, out before their first match, an incentive player who withdraws after 1200 local time the lot. for taking more than one minute after his quarter of the draw, while while French Open champion Je- designed to allow a replacement to play yesterday before the tournament draw will A similar controversy blew up at the Auck- walking on court to get to the coin toss. Nadal would appear to have the lena Ostapenko was paired with instead. still receive 50 percent of first round prize land Classic this week when four players They will also be restricted to five minutes’ easier section, although former veteran Francesca Schiavone With tens of thousands of dollars at stake money. pulled out before their opening matches, warm-up time on court, and another one U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic and U.S Open champion Sloane just for playing in round one, early injury Their replacement - a ‘lucky loser’ from citing injury or illness. minute before the first point. looms as a last-eight opponent. Stephens will take on China’s pull-outs have often caused suspicion at the qualifying tournament - will get the Simply by turning up, they were eligible However, plans for a shot clock to enforce If the draw goes to seeding, Zhang Shuai. Grand Slams, particularly at last year’s other 50 percent of the first-round prize for prize money and avoided a fine. a 25-second time limit between points Dimitrov would face American Australia’s sole men’s seed, Wimbledon. money. But players who do not “perform Chris Kermode, executive chairman of have been shelved, and will only be used Jack Sock in the last eight, with Nick Kyrgios, takes on Brazil- Eight players retired from the first round to the required professional standard” in the men’s tour, the Association of Tennis in the qualifying tournament at Melbourne ailing world number fi ve Domin- ian Rogerio Dutra Silva and lo- at the All-England Club, including the round one, including by retiring, also risk Professionals (ATP), promised a shake-up, Park. New rules reverting Grand Slams to ic Thiem, who withdrew from cal women’s 18th seed Ashleigh opponents of Roger Federer and Novak being fined their prize money, the new although he accepted the players’ reasons 16 seeds from the current 32 are due to Kooyong because of illness on Barty takes on Belarusian Aryna Djokovic during the second sets of their rules say. for withdrawing. come into force in 2019. Thursday, taking on Zverev. Sabalenka.

FOCUS Serena absence gives chance for a new superstar to emerge omen’s tennis starts its 2018 campaign with the Serena says motherhood may make her better player usual early focus on the Look out, women’s tennis. Serena Olympia was born. “Knowing I’ve got Australian Open and a Williams isn’t quite back on tour, but this beautiful baby to go home to Whuge question mark over who can fi ll she says she wants more Grand Slam makes me feel like I don’t have to play the yawning gap left by the absence of titles and may be an even better another match,” she said. “I don’t need Serena Williams. player after becoming a mother. In the money or the titles or the prestige. No one was able to get anywhere an interview with Vogue magazine “I want them, but I don’t need them,” close last year, not just in terms of published Wednesday, Williams also she said. “That’s a diff erent feeling for consistently winning the biggest recounts the harrowing medical ordeal me.” Williams told Vogue she had an tournaments but also when it comes she went through after giving birth to emergency caesarean section after the to charisma. Williams left Melbourne her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian baby’s heart rate fell dangerously low a year ago with a 23rd grand slam title shared by three rising stars of the let it really put me down,” the 27-year- to the circuit but a Tianjin Open win Jr., on September 1. Williams, 36, played during contractions.The surgery went under her belt but soon hung up her game, with Latvian teen Jelena Os- old said after her Singapore triumph. in October and run to the Shenzhen an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi in well “and then everything went bad,” racket for the remainder of 2017 upon tapenko storming to the French Open “I looked at the positive and said I put Open semi-fi nals suggests the fi ve- late December but pulled out of this she said. Williams, who has a history of discovering she was eight weeks preg- title, Garbine Muguruza winning myself in contention almost every week time major winner is nearing her best month’s Australian Open, saying she blood clots, suff ered from shortness of nant at the time of her triumph. Wimbledon and Sloane Stephens re- and eventually it will have to turn.” and the 2008 champion will expect to was “super close” but not yet playing breath the day after the birth and told Her forced hiatus will extend past turning from injury to lift the U.S. As Williams sits out a fourth go deep in Melbourne. at the level needed to compete. She is her doctors she needed a CT scan. this year’s tournament after she de- Open crown. The world rankings saw straight grand slam, Halep and Plisk- One former champion who will not now eyeing a return to the women’s Several small blood clots were found in cided last week that she was not fully three new names ascend to the top ova will join Wozniacki in a quest for a be at Melbourne Park is Victoria Aza- tour at the Indian Wells tournament her lungs, and Williams was put on an match-ready, giving the chasing pack last season with big-serving Czech major breakthrough in Australia. Ha- renka, whose protracted custody bat- in March. Williams, a 23-time Grand anticoagulant. “I was like, listen to Dr more opportunities to stamp their au- Karolina Pliskova’s two-month reign lep is probably the best placed to claim tle for her young son has prevented the Slam champion, told Vogue she is Williams!” she joked. More complica- thority on the women’s game. ended by Spain’s Muguruza in Sep- the fi rst grand slam of the season, the Belarusian from playing since Wim- determined to win more major titles tions followed as intense coughing Boris Becker, who knows a bit about tember, before Romania’s Halep took Romanian cementing her number one bledon last July. and surpass the record of 24 Slams caused her C-section wound to open both winning grand slams and star ap- over to end the year in pole position. status with a Shenzhen Open triumph. With Muguruza an injury doubt held by Australia’s Margaret Court. and a haematoma was found in her peal, believes the landscape at the top However, perhaps the most sig- Maria Sharapova, however, is the after withdrawing from her fi rst two “Maybe this goes without saying, but abdomen. After returning home, Wil- of the women’s game is just too con- nifi cant indicator of who could shine one player who can match Williams’ events of the year, Ukrainian Elina it needs to be said in a powerful way: liams said she was unable to get out fused at the moment. “I think there is brightest in 2018 came in October intensity and single-minded desire Svitolina, improving Frenchwoman I absolutely want more Grand Slams,” of bed for six weeks. In the interview, a real opportunity for the next super- when Caroline Wozniacki battled to a for success, not to mention her status Caroline Garcia and Julia Goerges of she said. “I’m well aware of the record Williams also discussed her rivalry with star. It’s not clear cut,” he told Reuters. maiden WTA Finals title, displaying a as a drawcard. The Russian is lurking Germany will also attract backing after books, unfortunately. “It’s not a secret her older sister, Venus. “I know that her “(Simona) Halep is number one at new brand of ruthless tennis that sug- in the shadows as a major contender solid early form. Becker, though, has that I have my sights on 25,” said the career might have been diff erent if she the moment but we have four or fi ve gested a fi rst grand slam was imminent. as she continues to rebuild her career his eye on another of his compatriots, 36-year-old Williams. Williams, who had had my health,” Serena said. “I know diff erent girls. It’s just that there is no The Dane had lost six straight fi - after a 15-month doping ban after she the 2016 Melbourne Park champion married Reddit co-founder Alexis how hard she works,” she said. “I hate one dominating, but it’s up to them. nals before winning the Pan Pacifi c tested positive for meldonium at the Angelique Kerber. “It’s so tough to Ohanian at a star-studded wedding playing her because she gets this look on “I could mention 10 names who Open in Tokyo a month earlier and 2016 Australian Open. predict,” the German said. “Kerber can in New Orleans in November, said her face where she just looks sad if she’s could win the Australian Open, that’s she carried that momentum to Singa- Despite irking her critics with a come back, I think she had a good win- being a mother may boost her quest. losing. Solemn. It breaks my heart. “So good and that’s bad. I think the sport pore before starting the season with a tendency to paint herself as a victim, ter training camp and did well at the “Actually, I think having a baby might when I play her now, I absolutely don’t needs a strong rivalry because that’s solid showing in Auckland to move up the 30-year-old has been welcomed Hopman Cup. “She did it two years ago help,” she said. “When I’m too anxious, look at her, because if she gets that look, good for fans. But the women’s game to second in the world rankings. “For back with open arms by fans and in Melbourne and that will give her be- I lose matches, and I feel like a lot then I’ll start feeling bad, and the next doesn’t have that at the moment.” me, the biggest thing was when I lost tournament organisers alike. Injury lief. You can’t buy that feeling of how of that anxiety disappeared when thing you know I’ll be losing,” she said. The remaining 2017 majors were the fi rst six fi nals of the year, I didn’t and illness stalled her initial return to win a slam.” (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 12, 2018 CRICKET

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Australia recall White to replace Lynn No reprieve for India for England ODIs

Reuters selector Trevor Hohns said in a Melbourne statement yesterday, referring to White’s impressive displays for Melbourne Renegades in ameron White will this year’s Big Bash League. in Centurion Test fancy playing his fi rst “He’s one of the leading run- one-day international scorers in this season’s BBL, ‘In this series and for the rest of the summer, we will be looking to see how best in three years after re- he’s experienced, he’s a very placingC the injured Chris Lynn smart cricketer and he’s a good we can fit four fast bowlers into whatever formula we come up with’ in the Australia squad for the fi elder. He ticks all the boxes fi ve-match series against Eng- for what we need at this stage.” land beginning on Sunday. White’s unexpected selec- A calf injury to explosive tion ahead of Glenn Maxwell batsman Lynn opened an un- follows Tim Paine’s shock likely door for 34-year-old and inspired inclusion in Aus- White, who played the last of tralia’s Ashes-winning team his 88 ODIs in 2015 and has despite the wicketkeeper not since been critical of a pro- even being Tasmania’s number youth policy he felt did not re- one choice. ward the performance of sen- Melbourne hosts the fi rst ior players. one-dayer between the Ashes “Cameron’s in very good rivals, before the series moves form, as his fi gures demon- on to Brisbane, Sydney, Ad- strate. He’s playing very well,” elaide and Perth.

India, Oz tours are biggest challenges for England, says Buttler Ahead of the five-match ODI rubber against Australia, starting on Sunday, English top-order batsman Jos Buttler yesterday rated the tours of India and Australia as the toughest chal- lenges for his side. Buttler, who is also the vice captain of the 50-over side, feels the One-day International series, starting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be a “great test” for the Englishmen, who were humiliated 0-4 in the preceding Ashes Test rubber. “Coming here and going away to India are the two biggest challenges for us in the last few years. Massive chal- lenges for us and exciting ones,” Buttler was quoted as saying by ecb.co.uk. “The Australians became the world champions here at the MCG three years ago, so it will be a great test for us as a side. But the swashbuckling batsman is confident of turn- ing things around in coloured outfit and indicated that they will stick to their own game plans in the series. “We won’t be trying to change much with the way we play. You got to be smart and adaptable to the conditions and try to play the type of cricket we normally play,” he said. After the opener at the MCG, the visitors will play the second ODI in Brisbane on January 19, followed by the third game in Sydney on January 21. The final two games will be played at Adelaide (January 26) and Perth (January 28). The ODI rubber between Australia and England will be followed by a T20I tri-series also involving New Zealand.

South African bowler Kagiso Rabada (left) celebrates the dismissal of Indian batsman Virat Kohli (right) during the fourth day of the first Test in Cape Town. (AFP)

Reuters against England at the venue two ball; get in their faces a bit and ICC approves Perth Stadium to host Cape Town years ago. use our physicality in terms of Always good to face new Morne Morkel will be the our pace.” all international formats third seamer, with Chris Mor- challenges, says Bumrah f India were hoping for a re- ris likely to play in place of the SHOW INTENT India pacer Jasprit Bumrah who made his Test debut in the series Perth Stadium is set to take over hosting duties from the historic prieve from fast and bouncy injured Dale Steyn. He will also India know what is coming opener against South Africa at Cape Town, yesterday said it’s good to WACA ground after the International Cricket Council (ICC) ap- South African wickets in the strengthen the batting. and their success will be deter- face new challenges. Bumrah said he is relishing the challenges posed proved the newly-built venue to host all international formats, second Test starting tomor- There have been murmur- mined by how they handle the by the wickets and the conditions which he was unfamiliar with before Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday. Irow, they will not fi nd it in Pre- ings that South Africa may even threat. They managed a match making it to the Test squad. The 50,000-seater stadium will now become the main venue for toria, a ground where the home select a fi fth seamer and leave aggregate of 344 over their two “It’s always challenging when you come to a new country. The wicket cricket in Western Australia, and the fifth one-day international side have a formidable record. spinner Keshav Maharaj on the innings in Cape Town and cap- is diff erent, weather is diff erent. So it’s always good to face new between Australia and England on Jan. 28 will be the first major South Africa romped to a 72- sidelines, with Duanne Olivier, tain Virat Kohli has told his bats- challenges and when you play more and more you get to know the sporting event held at the ground. run victory in the fi rst test of Andile Phehlukwayo and un- men to take the attack to the wickets and conditions,” Bumrah told reporters here. “The stadium is a magnificent asset for the state of WA and its the three-game series at New- capped Lungi Ngidi in the squad home side. India lost the first match by 72 runs and are trailing 0-1 in the three- sports fan,” said Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland. “We lands in Cape Town on Monday, to off er that option. “We need to have intent be- match series but the right-arm pacer said the team is focussed on very much look forward to bringing this big Australia-England a match that eff ectively needed “In this series and for the cause of the kind of bowling at- correcting the mistakes and prepare accordingly. one-day match to Perth to the Stadium on 28 January.” just three days to be completed rest of the summer, we will be tack they have,” Kohli said. “We are not focussing on the result because when ever we look far The state-of-the-art stadium will also host matches from the do- with one lost to rain. looking to see how best we can “You need to fi nd the per- ahead we drift away from the plan,” Bumrah said. mestic Big Bash League, Australian rules football and soccer. The Pretoria wicket is likely fi t four fast bowlers into what- fect balance to do well in South “We are taking each day at a time and take it forward from there. We ICC match referee Richie Richardson said the stadium was “world to be similar, with perhaps not ever formula we come up with,” Africa, especially where there are focusing on our preparations, as far as the wicket is concerned, I class” after an inspection. the same sideways movement South Africa coach Ottis Gibson is more bounce. You cannot be have not played over here but there is a lot of bounce in the wickets at “The new Perth Stadium is a wonderful, refreshing, world class of Newlands, and will provide told reporters this week. casual at the same time you can- the nets. stadium, and I have no hesitation in recommending that the another test of the Indian bats- “When you are playing at not have loose shots also.” “We are looking to adapt to it and rectify the mistakes that we did in venue is approved for staging all three formats of international men’s bravery against a seam home, you must play to your South Africa have a dominant the first Test and go forward,” he added. cricket,” he added. bowling barrage. strengths. If you want to beat the record in Pretoria, with 17 wins Reacting to many cricket experts suggesting that Bumrah could be The ODI between Australia and England will be the fifth and final Vernon Philander looked at best team in the world, which and three draws in their 22 tests. the X-factor during the South Africa tour because of his bowling action, match of the series, which begins on Jan. 14. It follows the home times unplayable in Cape Town, India are, then maybe we have to Four of their last six victories the Gujarat seamer said: “I dont think about these things. I just wanted side’s dominant 4-0 Ashes test series win. while the new leading bowler do something slightly diff erent have been by an innings, includ- to be here and it is always a dream to play Test with all these players.” The WACA, which has hosted cricket matches since the early in test cricket, Kagiso Rabada, to what we’ve done in the past. ing against India in 2010, and “Now I’ve played a Test and hopefully go and play more,” Bumrah 1890s, will be turned into a boutique ground with a capacity of brings plenty of pace, fi re and “We have to get stuck in and the other two by more than 200 added. (IANS) 10,000-15,000 by the local board. skill. He took 13 wickets in a test be tough with the bat and the runs.

SELECTION Stokes, Livingstone in England squad for NZ Tests AFP Bristol three months ago. successful in the Test arena.” Sydney He kept his hand in by playing Selectors also recalled Dur- for Canterbury, his New Zealand ham seamer Wood, who is back birth province, for a month, but in the Test squad for the fi rst ll-rounder Ben Stokes has since returned home to be time since last year. was included in Eng- with his wife and young family. “After a frustrating period land’s 16-man cricket England selectors said he was with injuries, Mark is now back squad for their Test in the frame “though to full fi tness and is looking for- tourA of New Zealand yesterday, his involvement remains sub- ward to being part of our Test while Lancashire batsman Liam ject to any relevant legal or disci- plans,” said Whitaker. Livingstone got his fi rst call up. plinary developments in relation “He will play a signifi cant part Seamer Mark Wood returns to the incident in Bristol in in our forthcoming ODI tour of after struggling with injury, and September”. Australia and we will be paying Ashes underperformers Mooen “Should the ECB Board re- close attention to his eff orts over Ali, James Vince and Mark ceive formal confi rmation that the next few weeks.” Stoneman were all retained. Stokes has either been charged England play fi ve one-dayers But Gary Ballance, Jake Ball or that he will face no charges, against Australia, starting in and Tom Curran, who were all they would convene within 48 Melbourne on Sunday. part of the Australia Test squad, hours to make a decision on his From the Ashes Test squad, miss out. availability for the team at that Yorkshire batsman Ballance, England play two Tests in New stage,” they said. Nottinghamshire seamer Ball Zealand starting in Auckland on Livingstone was rewarded and Surrey all-rounder Curran March 22 after being thrashed for his form with Lancashire, all miss out and will return to 4-0 by Australia in the Ashes with National Selector James county cricket. series that ended in Sydney this Whitaker saying they had been “They are talented players and week. watching him for some time. I am sure their time will come In the chastening campaign, “Liam has been a player that again,” said Whitaker. Australia record four compre- we have been impressed with hensive wins – including two in- for quite some time, having per- England: Joe Root (capt), nings victories and a 10-wicket formed well in the county sys- Moeen Ali, James Anderson, triumph. tem with Lancashire and over Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Stokes missed the entire series the past couple of years with the Alaister Cook, Mason Crane, Ben in Australia after being banned England Lions,” he said. Foakes, Liam Livingstone, Dawid from international duties while “He is a very talented and Malan, Craig Overton, Ben police investigate his alleged role tough cricketer who has the ideal Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James in a fi ght outside a nightclub in qualities and character to be Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood England all-rounder Ben Stokes. Gulf Times Friday, January 12, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Suter’s goal lift s Williams scores 50, Wild to win over Blackhawks milestone for Durant Reuters 34 of 35 shots for Minnesota. Chicago Anton Forsberg made 25 saves for Chicago. Seabrook tucked in a rebound Durant becomes the 44th player in league history to score 20,000 career points yan Suter’s go-ahead of Michal Kempny’s one-tim- goal early in the third er off Dubnyk’s blocker with period proved to be the 7:36 remaining in the fi rst pe- winner as the Minneso- riod to put Chicago up 1-0. Nick taR Wild held on for a 2-1 victory Schmaltz, playing in his 100th against the Chicago Blackhawks NHL game, was credited with a on Wednesday night at the Unit- secondary assist. ed Center in Chicago. Suter’s Minnesota challenged the goal strike came with both teams on the basis of off sides, but the short-handed 3:03 into the third. call was upheld. The Wild an- The 13-year veteran’s dragging swered one period later when wrist shot from the right circle Brodin’s slap shot defl ected off sailed just above Anton Fors- a defender’s stick past Forsberg berg’s glove, with Mikko Koivu with 10:02 to go in the second. and Mikael Granlund assist- Jason Zucker and Matt Dumba ing. Jonas Brodin also had a goal got the assists. Minnesota’s Nino for Minnesota (23-17-4), which Niederreiter missed his sec- snapped its two-game skid. ond straight game with a low- Suter’s goal was his sixth of er-body injury. Chicago made the season and Brodin’s was his waves on the trade front before fourth. Brent Seabrook scored the game, dealing Richard Panik the lone goal for Chicago (21-16- and Laurent Dauphin to Arizona 6). It was Seabrook’s fi rst goal for Anthony Duclair and Adam since the Blackhawks’ opening- Clendening. Prior to puck drop, night 10-1 rout of Pittsburgh on Chicago’s Patrick Kane and Min- Oct. 5. The Blackhawks had won nesota’s Eric Staal were named two straight games. NHL All-Stars for the seventh The Wild were coming off a and fi fth times, respectively. The couple of tough losses, 7-2 at Blackhawks continue their six- Colorado last Saturday and 3-2 game homestand today against in overtime versus Calgary on Winnipeg, who then visit the Tuesday. Devan Dubnyk stopped Wild tomorrow.

Los Angeles Clippers' Lou Williams (right) shoots as Golden State Warriors' Nick Young tires to block during the NBA game on Wednesday night. (USA TODAY Sports)

AFP not bad company.” said Butler. Butler, who is in his fi rst sea- Minnesota is on the rise having beaten Los Angeles Williams tallied 27 of his 50 points in son with Minnesota after coming over New Orleans, Cleveland and Oklahoma the third quarter for the visiting Clippers from the Chicago Bulls, said he is trying City in recent home games thanks to their who beat Golden State for the fi rst time in to be one of the veteran leaders on a young improving defence and consistently solid ou Williams scored a career-high more than three years. Williams also had team. “Last year this team didn’t under- off ence. Minnesota had won seven of 50 points as the Los Angeles Clip- eight three pointers and seven assists and stand how important every possession eight games before a disappointing East pers spoiled a milestone night rookie Tyrone Wallace came off the bench is,” he said. Coast road trip featured losses at Brook- for Kevin Durant with a 125-106 to score a season-high 22 points. Andrew Wiggins fi nished with 19 lyn and Boston. Lvictory on Wednesday. Durant became “It was hard to stop him,” Durant said points in 42 minutes of playing time for Then the Wolves beat New Orleans at Vinnie Hinostroza of Chicago Blackhawks (left) tries to keep the puck the 44th player in league history to of Williams. “His pull-up three is a cash the Timberwolves. Thunder star Russell home and led by as many as 34 points, a away from Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter during the third score 20,000 career points, reaching the shot. We were too loose on him and let Westbrook had a game-high 38 points season-high mark to that point. Hosting period of the NFL game in Chicago. (USA TODAY Sports) achievement with a pull-up jump shot him go where ever he wanted.” and 10 rebounds but he didn’t get much James and Cleveland on Monday, Minne- late in the second quarter. Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler fi nished help from his supporting cast. sota dominated play, led by as many as 41 NBA fi nals MVP Durant needed 25 with 26 points and eight assists on as Carmelo Anthony continues to strug- points on its way to a 127-99 victory. FOCUS points to get to 20,000 and that is the the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated gle with his new team as he fi nished with number he fi nished on at the end of struggling Oklahoma City 104-88, hand- 15 points and one rebound. RESULTS the fi rst half. At age 29 he is the second ing the Thunder their third consecutive Paul George was the only other Thun- Golden State 106, LA Clippers 125; Brooklyn youngest to do it behind LeBron James. loss. Centre Karl-Anthony Towns tallied der player in double fi gures with 13 points 80, Detroit 114; New York 119, Chicago 122 Grace soars to joint “He is one of the all-time greats,” said 18 points and 12 assists for the Timber- as Oklahoma City has lost fi ve of their last (OT); Denver 97, Atlanta 110; Houston 121, Warriors coach Steve Kerr of Durant, who wolves who are playing some of their best seven games. Portland 112; Memphis 105, New Orleans fi nished with 40 points. “There is going basketball of the season and have three The loss drops the Thunder to 22-20 102; Milwaukee 110, Orlando 103; Minnesota lead of SA Open to be another one (milestone) in a month. straight resounding home wins in a row. on the season and into sixth place as they 104, Oklahoma City 88; Charlotte 111, Dallas He’s Kevin Durant. The second youngest When we start to compete on the de- dropped below Portland in the Western 115; Indiana 106, Miami 114; Washington 104, Reuters birdies and a bogey in his round to do it... Who is the youngest? LeBron, fensive end like that we are tough to beat,” Conference standings. Utah 107 Johannesburg of 66. South African major win- ners Ernie Els (71), Retief Goosen (69) and Charl Schwartzel (69) outh African Branden all had solid opening rounds, but Grace carded three eagles Trevor Immelman carded 79 on Qatar tennis team to take part in tournaments in Turkey on his way to a seven- a day to forget for the 2008 US under-par 65 for a share Masters champion. ofS the lead with American Chase Defending champion Graeme Doha: The Qatari tennis team will since last week. The camp, which Qatar’s Jabor al-Mutawa. participate in three futures tourna- will conclude tomorrow, is held as Koepka after the fi rst round of Storm from England struggled to ments to be staged in Antalya, part French team’s preparation for the European Tour’s South Afri- an opening 75. The tournament is Turkey from January 15. The Qatari the upcoming tournaments. can Open yesterday. the second oldest Open champi- squad includes Mubarak Shanan, The French team includes Jean Grace, the highest ranked onship in the world having fi rst Mousa Shanan and Jabor al-Mutawa. Quiquampoix, who claimed the player in the fi eld at number 30 been formally played in 1903. The Turkey Tennis Federation has silver medal in the men’s 25 m rapid in the world, also recorded three given wild cards to the three players fire pistol event at Rio Olympics birdies and two bogeys as he at- LEADING SCORES to participate in the main draw of and Alexis Raynaud, who clinched tacked the pins, particularly (RSA unless noted): the three futures tournaments. bronze in the men’s 50 m rifle three on the front nine. All his eagles 65 — Branden Grace, Chase Koepka positions event at Rio Games. came on par-fi ve holes, the sec- (USA) FRANCE SHOOTING TEAM Nicolas Schianchi, coach of the ond, eighth and 15th, the last fol- 66 — Chris Paisley (ENG) HOLDS ITS WINTER TRAINING French team extended his thanks lowing an excellent 20-foot putt. 67 — Nacho Elvira (ESP), Bradley CAMP AT LUSAIL COMPLEX to the Qatar Shooting and Archery Koepka, the younger brother of Neil (SCO), Erik van Rooyen, Rich- The French shooting team (for rifle Association for hosting the French 2017 US Open champion Brooks, ard Sterne and pistol events) has been holding team and for the support provided carded an eagle and seven birdies 68 — Ulrich van der Berg, Jacques its winter training camp at Lusail to his players during the training to go with two bogeys. The pair Blaauw, Kyle McClatchie, Tyrone International Shooting Complex camp. were one shot ahead of England’s Ferreira, Garrick Higgo, Jacques Chris Paisley, who had seven Kruyswijk, Adrien Saddier (FRA)

GOLF Europe’s Ryder hopefuls face Asia in EurAsia Cup

AFP win over Asia last time around in 2016, Bjorn 10 at the inaugural EurAsia Cup in 2014. Leading Kuala Lumpur said he is taking nothing for granted. “We’re players on Atwal’s team include world number very well aware that Asia has never fi elded a 36 Yuta Ikeda from Japan and world number 49 stronger team than they do this time,” the Dane Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Anirban La- yder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn will said, according to the European Tour website. hiri of India and South Korean star An Byeong- run the rule over a heavyweight Eu- “Golf is a strange game. Whatever it says on Hun. Promising young Malaysian Gavin Green, ropean team when he skippers them the paper very rarely comes out on top. Golf in the latest Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, is against Asia in this week’s EurAsia Asia is growing dramatically and the amount of among a handful on the Asian side playing in the Cup.R Bjorn, who will captain Europe against players that are coming out of Asia in world golf event at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club USA in September, has six Ryder Cup veterans shows where golf is going for the future.” for the fi rst time. The $4.8mn EurAsia Cup runs among his players as they take on Team Asia Team Asia captain Arjun Atwal of India said from today to Sunday at Glenmarie Golf and from today. that his players also refused to see themselves Country Club. A total of 24 points are on off er, All 12 of Bjorn’s team in Kuala Lumpur are Eu- as underdogs. “Defi nitely everybody knows we meaning the fi rst team to 12.5 points will win. ropean Tour winners, including world number are underdogs — except my team,” said Atwal. nine Henrik Stenson and Race to Dubai champi- “There is no such thing as an underdog in match SCHEDULE: on Tommy Fleetwood. It gives Denmark’s Bjorn play golf. You can be underdogs on paper, but Today, January 12: Six fourball matches a great chance to test players in a team environ- once the matches start, anything can happen.” Tomorrow, January 13: Six foursome (alternate ment before the showdown against USA in Paris. The Asians have already proved they can shot) matches Asia captain Arjun Atwal of India (centre right) and Europe captain Thomas Bjorn of Denmark pose But despite Europe’s emphatic 18 1/2 to 5 1/2 match the Europeans, after they held them 10- On Sunday, January 14: 12 singles with their teammates ahead of the Eurasia Cup golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 12, 2018 FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP Zidane pens new Real Madrid deal Neymar strikes as until 2020 Madrid: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on Wednes- day confirmed that he has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the Eu- PSG storm into semis ropean champions until 2020. “It’s signed,” said the French star after his side drew 2-2 with PSG will travel to Rennes for semi-finals at the end of the month Numancia to progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa del AFP Rey 5-2 on aggregate. Paris After a dream start at Real, with eight trophies out of a possible 10, Zidane has endured eymar scored a second-half a tough season with his side 16 penalty as four-time defend- points behind Barcelona in the ing champions Paris Saint- La Liga title race. Germain toiled before over- And the 45-year-old cau- Ncoming 10-man Amiens 2-0 to reach the tioned: “I’m enjoying what I do semi-fi nals of the French League Cup on every day, because that’s the Wednesday night. way it is. I can’t imagine myself PSG were again without leading scorer as a coach in two, three years, Edinson Cavani, who also missed Sun- because things are not like that. day’s French Cup rout of Rennes after re- I know how it goes, nothing turning late from his Christmas and New more, even with this contract it Year break in Uruguay. does not change anything.” Amiens’ hopes of springing an upset On Wednesday, Real fielded were heavily undermined by the dis- an almost unrecognisable team missal of goalkeeper Regis Gurtner on 34 and struggled into the Copa minutes for a foul on Kylian Mbappe after del Rey last-eight. Zidane could charging out of his area. aff ord to rest his superstars And Neymar eventually made the visi- with one eye on La Liga and night’s other early second leg tors’ numerical advantage count by win- the Champions League last 16 tie, last season’s runners-up ning and converting a spot-kick eight with a clash against Paris Saint- Alaves downed third division minutes into the second half at the Stade Germain next month. However, Formentera 2-0 for a 5-1 ag- de la Licorne. they were far from convincing gregate win. Mbappe, earlier denied by a fi ngertip at the Bernabeu. Lucas Vazquez Last night, three-time de- save from Jean-Christophe Bouet, was scored both of Real’s goals after fending champions Barcelona then thwarted by a combination of the the 11th and 59th minutes. were playing Celta Vigo with substitute keeper and the crossbar before But on both occasions, the two sides locked at 1-1. fi ring another eff ort narrowly wide. their modest visitors fought Marquinhos also struck the woodwork back thanks to a brace from SPANISH COPA DEL REY after connecting with a cross from Gio- Guillermo on the stroke of half- LAST 16, SECOND LEG RESULTS vani Lo Celso, but Adrien Rabiot wrapped time and then after 82 minutes. Alaves 2 (Demirovic 55, Pedraza up a remarkable 35th consecutive win in Numancia ended the game with 90+1) Formentera 0 domestic cup ties for PSG with a glancing 10 men after captain Dani Calvo Alaves win 5-1 on aggregate header from an Angel Di Maria corner on was red-carded in the dying Villarreal 2 (Raba 48, Cheryshev 78 minutes. moments. 89) Leganes 1 (El Zhar 31) The goal was given following consul- Leganes, a modest club from Aggregate score 2-2, Leganes tation with the video assistant referee the Madrid suburbs, reached through on away goals (VAR) — being used for the rest of the the quarter-finals of the Copa Real Madrid 2 (Lucas Vazquez 10, competition as a test ahead of its expect- del Rey for the first time in their 59) Numancia 2 (Guillermo 45, 82) ed arrival in Ligue 1 next season — after Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar attempts to get past Amiens’ Serge during the French League quarter-finals. (Reuters) 89-year existence. Despite los- Real Madrid win 5-2 on aggregate goal-line technology failed to award it. ing 2-1 at Villarreal, who are cur- Played Tuesday “Our team worked hard but we didn’t the month, with Monaco set to host Angers, while Adrien Hunou struck twice FRENCH LEAGUE CUP RESULTS rently sixth in La Liga, Leganes Atletico Madrid 3 (Carrasco 57, shine like on Sunday, but we also didn’t Montpellier in the other last-four tie. late on as Rennes defeated Toulouse 4-2. Quarter-finals: Rennes 4 (Yago 21-og, progressed on away goals Gameiro 74, Vitolo 81) Lleida 0 concede chances. It was easier to win be- “All teams prefer to play at home. But Monaco became the fi rst side to reach the Bourigeaud 42, Hunou 86, 90+3) Toulouse 2 having won the first leg 1-0. Atletico Madrid win 7-0 on ag- cause we played with an extra man,” said we will make another trip to Rennes full last four of the competition on Tuesday (Sylla 40, Sanogo 63); Amiens 0 Paris Moroccan international Nabil gregate PSG coach Unai Emery. of desire to reach the fi nal and win the ti- as goals from Thomas Lemar and Adama Saint-Germain 2 (Neymar 53-pen, Rabiot 78) El Zhar scored the crucial away Valencia 4 (Vietto 30, 48, 66, PSG will travel to Rennes, who they tle,” Emery added. Diakhaby saw Leonardo Jardim’s team Angers 0 Montpellier 1 (Mbenza 86) goal for mid-table Leganes Maksimovic 54) Las Palmas 0 thrashed 6-1 in the last 64 of the French Isaac Mbenza scored with four minutes overcome Cote d’Azur rivals Nice 2-1 at Played Tuesday: Nice 1 (Plea 18) Monaco 2 on the half-hour mark. In the Valencia win 5-1 on aggregate Cup, in the semi-fi nals at the end of left as Montpellier snatched a 1-0 win at the Allianz Riviera. (Lemar 3, Diakhaby 37)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Mancini wants to fulfi l France halts goal-line technology he French league (LFP) to have handled inside the area at France from 2004 to 2012. But the seille and has scored three goals in has decided to “immedi- Windsor Park, although replays Gold Cup tournament uses FIFA 38 Ligue 1 games. dream as Italy coach ately suspend” the use of clearly showed the ball having rules, which has been deemed to goal-line technology after struck his shoulder. Switzerland’s make him ineligible. JAPAN'S ‘KAZU’ RENEWS Ta series of glitches with the system, Ricardo Rodriguez duly converted The North and Central American CONTRACT AT 51 LFP director general Didier Quillot and the Swiss won the game 0-1. confederation CONCACAF handed Former Japan striker Kazuyoshi said yesterday. The decision covers A goalless return leg draw in Ba- down the sanction after Malouda Miura, who will turn 51 next all matches under the jurisdiction sel saw the Swiss go through 1-0 on played in a 0-0 draw against Hon- month, renewed his contract with of the LFP, notably Ligue 1 and the aggregate, booking them a place in duras in the United States in July. Yokohama FC yesterday, extend- French League Cup, and comes Russia. Northern Ireland’s dreams CONCACAF awarded Honduras ing his record as the oldest player in the wake of two errors during of playing in the World Cup for the a 3-0 victory and fi ned the Guiana in the J-League. The golden oldie, Wednesday’s League Cup quarter- fi rst time since 1986 were crushed. federation due to Malouda’s admiringly nicknamed “King fi nals . France is also trialling Hategan was chosen as Roma- participation. Malouda, who had Kazu” for his spirited grit and the video assistant referee (VAR) nia’s best referee last year by the previously played for Guiana in style, will kick off his 33rd career system in the League Cup — from country’s association of profes- June in a diff erent competition, season this year after a stunning the quarter-fi nals onwards — with sionals and amateurs. But he is not told AFP on Wednesday that he 2017 in which he surpassed the a view to introducing it in Ligue 1 among the 36 referees chosen by was “within my rights” as he took previous professional longev- next season. It has also encoun- FIFA for this summer’s World Cup. his appeal to CAS. ity record set by England legend tered hitches while being tested by Malouda played for Chelsea for Stanley Matthews. several countries, although FIFA is MALOUDA TO LEARN BAN six seasons, winning the Cham- Miura also became the oldest hoping to use the VAR at this year’s APPEAL FATE IN FEBRUARY pions League in 2012, the Premier player to score a competitive goal World Cup in Russia. Former Chelsea winger Florent League in 2010 and the FA Cup in a professional match last year, Malouda will learn his fate over an three times. He has not played club another record held previously by REFEREE ADMITS ERROR IN appeal against a two-match ban in football since featuring for the Matthews. “I was able to renew the WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF mid-February, the international Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super contract this season too,” Miura AFP ing boss Carlo Tavecchio saying he did not The Romanian referee in a fate- Court of Arbitration for Sport said League more than a year ago. said second-division Yokohama Milan expect that before June. ful World Cup play-off between yesterday. The 37-year-old former FC. Miura shot to fame in the Mancini joined Zenit, currently second Switzerland and Northern Ireland France international was handed a TOULOUSE OUTCAST early 1990s, becoming Asia’s best- in the Russian league, last June and is under in November has admitted making two-match ban and $3,500 (2,930 MACHACH JOINS NAPOLI known footballer and helping to ormer Italy international Roberto contract until 2020. a mistake in awarding the Swiss a euros) fi ne after playing for French French midfi elder Zinedine Mach- put the Japanese game on the map Mancini said Wednesday he wanted “Money wouldn’t be a problem,” contin- match-winning penalty. “It was a Guiana at last year’s CONCACAF ach has signed for Serie A leaders after the professional J-League was to take over as Italy national football ued Mancini when asked of the 5mn euro sad and not very nice moment for Gold Cup. Napoli until June 2022, the Italian launched in 1993. coach to fulfi l his dream of winning ($5.6mn) budget reportedly set aside by FIGC me,” Ovidiu Hategan told Roma- Because French Guiana is an club confi rmed. There 22-year- He blazed a trail for Japanese theF World Cup. Mancini, 53, is positioning for the coaching role. “Let’s make it clear nian television at a gala event for overseas department of France, old midfi elder saw his Toulouse players in Europe when he joined himself among the favourites to manage the though, we’re just talking here: I have a con- the country’s football association and therefore not a full member contract terminated last month Italy’s Genoa in 1994, and scored four-time World Cup winners, with Chelsea tract with Zenit, who are doing well.” this week. of world governing body FIFA, following a training ground bust- 55 goals in 89 games for Japan. manager Antonio Conte and former Bayern Mancini has won silverware with all clubs Hategan awarded Switzerland a Malouda can play for the team, up with coaching staff . Machach Miura has said he wants to play on Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti, also being he has managed. He led Manchester City in penalty after deeming Corry Evans despite his 80 appearances from spent last season on loan at Mar- until he’s 60. touted as candidates. 2012 to their fi rst English title in 44 years, and “I have a dream, to win as national coach won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and what I couldn’t win as a player — a World Italian Cups with Inter, Fiorentina and Lazio, SPOTLIGHT Cup,” Zenit Saint Petersburg coach Mancini and a Turkish Cup with Galatasary. said in an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport. And despite their recent woes he sees po- “I’ve been working on the pitch every day tential in the demoralised Azzurri. “There are for 40 years as a player and a coach. Besides, good young people there, I like (Andrea) Be- I’m young, I could always return to clubs lotti, (Lorenzo) Pellegrini, and (Alessio) Ro- Flores top target for Stoke manager job after the national team. I’ve worked in big magnoli, who can still grow a lot. And more clubs and won. Coaching the national team are coming through every season. The Guardian The Republic of Ireland manager, Martin is a beautiful thing. It would be an honour, a “Italians have something more. The ma- London O’Neill, remains under consideration. source of pride. And winning a World Cup or terials are there to do a good job, perhaps we Flores guided Watford to a 13th-placed European Championships even more.” need to give a common approach to all the Premier League fi nish and reached the FA Mancini never became a regular with Italy youth teams as happened when I was there.” uique Sanchez Flores is Cup semi-fi nals. The Spaniard took charge during his ten-year international career dur- “I’d like to see (federation) jobs for former Stoke’s fi rst choice to succeed at Espanyol in the summer of 2016, on a ing which the former Lazio and Sampdoria players, but not just by virtue of who they Mark Hughes. It is understood a three-year deal, and they fi nished eighth forward won 36 caps and scored four goals. were. Only those with something to give, Stoke delegation met the Espan- in La Liga last term. They were 14th going He reached the semi-fi nals of Euro 1988, and with passion and charisma. And they’d have yolQ manager, who was in charge at Watford into the match at Levante on Thursday. was on the squad that fi nished third in the to be in roles proportionate to their knowl- for the 2015-16 season, in Barcelona on O’Neill and his coaching team agreed 1990 World Cup in Italy. edge and their experience, symbols don’t Wednesday. contract extensions with the Football As- Giampiero Ventura was fi red as coach last help anyone.” Stoke sacked Hughes last Saturday after sociation of Ireland last October. But the November days after Italy’s shock failure to Mancini added he would be favourable to- the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at League Two Cov- 65-year-old said after the Republic lost reach the World Cup fi nal for the fi rst time wards a return of in-form Nice striker Mario entry, which followed a run of seven losses their World Cup qualifying play-off the in 60 years. His successor will be appointed Balotelli. “He’s only 27, he has to go back to in 10 Premier League games. They were in- following month that he would need to after elections for Italian Football Federation the national team. Someone like him can de- terested in Derby’s manager, Gary Rowett, have “a real think” about his future, and (FIGC) president on January 29, with outgo- cide certain matches on his own.” until he signed a new contract on Tuesday. still nothing has been signed. Gulf Times Friday, January 12, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Chelsea frustrated by Arsenal in League United off er £25mn Cup stalemate London: Chelsea wasted a early on when Hazard’s pass chance to take control of their gave Alvaro Morata an op- League Cup semi-final against portunity that he drove into the Arsenal as the misfiring Blues side-netting. were forced to settle for a 0-0 After a tepid opening from draw in Wednesday night’s Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette for Arsenal's Sanchez first leg. Antonio Conte’s side escaped the Chelsea defence dominated possession for long to collect Jack Wilshere’s pass, periods at Stamford Bridge but the French striker wasted Chilean has already agreed personal terms worth around £250,000 with Man City — where the Video Assistant the chance as he scuff ed a Referee system (VAR) was in hurried shot wide. Chelsea By Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons operation — but lacked the wing-back Victor Moses forced The Guardian Alexis Sanchez came on as a killer instinct required to take a David Ospina into action with a substitute in the first leg of the step towards the final. stinging drive that the Arsenal League Cup semi-final against They had 21 shots to just goalkeeper fumbled before anchester United have made Chelsea on Wednesday night. (AFP) eight from Arsenal, yet the recovering to snatch the ball a bid to sign Alexis Sanchez tie remains on a knife-edge away from Morata. from Arsenal as Jose Mourin- heading into the second leg at Moses was proving a prob- ho attempts to scupper Man- the Emirates Stadium on Janu- lem for young left-back Ainsley Mchester City’s hopes of securing the Chile ary 24. “We are not so clinical Maitland-Niles and the Nigerian forward this month. despite creating chances. If you found space for another shot Sanchez has already agreed personal want to win you have to score,” moments later, this time his terms worth around £250,000 a week Conte said. “We didn’t concede low shot hit Ospina’s near post with Pep Guardiola’s side, with City a goal, but we know we play before Arsenal scrambled it having submitted a £20mn off er for the away at Arsenal and we must away. 29-year-old earlier this week. Arsenal be ready to fight if we are to Alex Iwobi was selected have yet to respond to that but it is under- play the final.” despite Wenger saying he stood United have since entered the race While it was a frustrating could be fined for reportedly with a bid in the region of £25mn. evening for Chelsea as they partying until the early hours Their proposal would also see Sanchez chase a first League Cup final of Saturday morning and the earn more than proposed by City, with berth since 2015, the stalemate Arsenal winger almost repaid Mourinho believed to be confi dent of was a welcome tonic for their his manager’s faith with a drive winning the race despite the forward London rivals. Arsenal, who that Courtois pushed away. having played under Guardiola at Bar- also drew both Premier League When Maitland-Niles went celona. United have off ered Arsenal the encounters with Chelsea this down under pressure from opportunity to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan, season, suff ered one of the Moses in the area, referee although a stumbling block to that deal most chastening defeats of Martin Atkinson consulted the could be the Armenian international’s Arsene Wenger’s reign on Sun- video assistant referee, but no wages, which are believed to be around day as second tier Nottingham penalty was given. Fabregas £200,000 a week. Forest won 4-2 in the FA Cup should have given Chelsea the Sanchez’s representatives have already third round. lead just before half-time, but held talks with City having agreed to join While Arsenal were well the former Arsenal midfielder them last summer, only for the deal to below their best once again, in wastefully headed straight at collapse when Arsenal failed to sign Tho- contrast to their surrender in Ospina from close range. mas Lemar as a replacement on dead- Nottingham, the Frenchman Andreas Christensen fared line day. He remains a target for Arsene will be encouraged that they no better after the interval Wenger, although the Frenchman is also showed enough spirit to keep when the Chelsea defender keen on signing Malcom from Bordeaux Chelsea at bay. “I felt there dived to head over from inside and held preliminary talks with his agent unsettled star for the League Cup semi- commitment does not depend on the what he does.” was great togetherness. I am the six-yard box. Chelsea were this week. The Brazilian forward is un- fi nal clash with Chelsea. Wenger opted to duration of his contract, just depends on Remarkably, Wenger appears to believe pleased with the spirit and de- piecing together their most derstood to have another fi rm proposal keep Sanchez on the bench until the last the fact when he’s on the football pitch he Sanchez could still be persuaded to re- termination,” Wenger said. “You convincing spell of pressure, to leave this month, although not from 25 minutes of Wednesday’s 0-0 fi rst leg wants to play,” Wenger said. main in north London. “I want him to stay want first to be solid, but ideally but they couldn’t find the United or Tottenham, who have both draw at Stamford Bridge. “People don’t know Alexis Sanchez. for longer,” he added. “I have no problem you want to score as well.” finishing touch as Morata’s been linked with the 20-year-old in re- It was a bold gamble by Wenger given This is a guy completely focused on play- if he signs with us now or in June.” Conte had mostly fielded powerful eff ort was well saved cent weeks. the League Cup represents one of the few ing football. Did you see how he came on Meanwhile, United’s hopes of signing fringe players en route to the by Ospina. Bordeaux are demanding a fee of chances for Arsenal to win silverware in today? How he warmed up? Like a player Ryan Sessegnon this month have been last four, but Eden Hazard, back Wenger’s response was €50mn (£44.5mn) and would prefer to another frustrating season. Some Arsenal who wants to play football. He can make a dealt a blow after Fulham’s head of foot- from a calf injury, N’Golo Kante to send on Sanchez for the retain Malcom until the end of the sea- fans and pundits say Sanchez no longer diff erence between what’s going on out- ball operations insisted the 17-year-old and Thibaut Courtois were ineff ective Lacazette with 25 son. The situation is complicated by his gives 100% because his contract expires side and what’s going on on the football would not be leaving Craven Cottage in called upon with a Wembley minutes left, yet within sec- ownership status, with the French side at the end of the season and he has so far pitch. January. showdown against Manchester onds Moses almost broke the reported to own only 50% of his eco- refused to sign a new deal amid reports he “He doesn’t need to tell me he speaks Sessegnon, who fi nished as joint-top City or Bristol City in sight. deadlock when his goal-bound nomic rights and the remainder held by a is a divisive fi gure in the dressing room. to anybody else. He doesn’t need to alert scorer at the European Under-19 Cham- Wenger surprisingly left shot was deflected over by number of agents. Wenger claimed he is still completely the club. He can do it on his own. We live pionship in June with three goals, has Alexis Sanchez on the bench Shkodran Mustafi. Meanwhile, Wenger insists Sanchez focused on the Arsenal cause despite a with facts, not with psychological theo- been tracked by United’s scouts for some amid talk of the unsettled Chile When Christensen headed remains committed to Arsenal even series of lacklustre performances. “The ries. When you come on to the pitch you time and has also attracted interest from forward joining Manchester wide of an open goal after Os- though the Gunners boss left out his performance of Alexis Sanchez and the play football and give 100 per cent. That’s Tottenham and Real Madrid. City, while Mesut Ozil missed pina misjudged a corner, Conte out with a knee injury. Wenger must have feared it wouldn’t be was watching from the press Chelsea’s night. So it proved as BUNDESLIGA box as he serves his touchline Willian was denied by Ospina ban and the Gunners boss was and Fabregas clipped a post in shifting anxiously in his seat the closing moments. Bayern Munich resume title quest today

AFP the fi rst half of the season with six goals Berlin and four assists. However, Heynckes warns there is plenty of talent in Bayer’s ranks, pointing to Germany winger Ju- undesliga leaders Bayern Mu- lian Brandt and teenager Kai Havertz, 18, nich will kick-off the second who are both dangerous in front of goal. half of the German league sea- “They are also strong in defence and are son at Bayer Leverkusen today a convincing team, that is why they have withoutB star striker Robert Lewandowski gone 12 games without a defeat,” added and key defender Mats Hummels. Bayern Heynckes. Having also steered the club hold a commanding 11-point lead over to the 2013 treble of Champions League, their nearest German league rival, but Bundesliga and German Cup titles, Bay- fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen are on ern’s bosses want to keep Heynckes on, a 12-match unbeaten run dating back to but he insists he will leave — as promised September in all competitions. — when the season fi nishes in May. Bayern will be missing key stars. Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s top- Bayern Munich players trained in Doha last week. (AFP) FIXTURES scorer with 15 goals in 17 games so far, is (all times 1430 GMT unless stated) labouring with a knee injury while Hum- owski out, burly Germany striker Sandro the start of October, but built up a com- Today: Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich mels has a groin strain and the away Wagner is set to make his fi rst Bundesliga manding lead as key rivals RB Leipzig and (1930) match at Leverkusen’s BayArena has appearance since joining from Hoff enhe- Borussia Dortmund faltered. Tomorrow: Werder Bremen v Hoff enheim, come too early. im last month, reportedly for 12mn euros. Bayern ran out comfortable 3-1 win- Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Augsburg v “Both have been taking part in team In Hummels’ absence, Heynckes will ners over Leverkusen when the teams last Hamburg, Hanover 96 v Mainz, Stuttgart v training and we will only increase their most likely pair Niklas Suele and Jerome met in Munich in August, but Heynckes’ Hertha Berlin, RB Leipzig v Schalke (1730) Manager Arsene Wenger (right) and his assistant Jens Lehmann training schedule on Monday, anything Boateng at centre-back. Bayern were fi ve side last won away at Leverkusen in 2013. On Sunday: Cologne v Borussia Moencheng- sat in the press box at Stamford Bridge during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw else would be negligent,” said Bayern head points adrift in the league when Hey- Leverkusen’s Jamaica winger Leon ladbach, Borussia Dortmund v Wolfsburg with Chelsea in League Cup on Wednesday. (Reuters) coach Jupp Heynckes. With Lewand- nckes, 72, replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Bailey, 20, made a name for himself in (1700)

ROUND-UP Arsenal’s out of favour midfi elder Coquelin joins Valencia rsenal midfi elder Francis Coquelin Liverpool are reportedly keen to bring Keita to up for the FA Cup third round 0-0 draw with AUBAMEYANG DEAL DEAD AS CHINA joined Valencia yesterday in a four Merseyside early. his former club Fleetwood Town last weekend. CHAMPIONS VOW TO FOCUS ON YOUTH year deal, the La Liga side announced. In November, RB Leipzig also ruled out Vardy has scored 10 Premier League goals this Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande The 26-year-old Frenchman moves to Keita joining Liverpool earlier than planned. season including one in the 2-1 home defeat by appear to have ended any interest in Borussia SpainA for an undisclosed fee with an 80 mn eu- Countinho’s departure has changed the situa- Chelsea in September. Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubam- ros (96.4 mn dollars) buy-out clause attached tion at Liverpool. Report say the Reds are pre- eyang after a public dressing-down by football to his new contract. “I’m very happy, it’s a big pared to pay 15mn euros extra to sign Keita this COLOMBIA MINA JOINS BARCA authorities in the country. challenge for me, I start a new life, but I’m very month. Keita has not been impressing in train- Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina joined Bar- The club coached by Italian legend Fabio excited,” Coquelin said, saying he had talked ing in a bid to force the German club’s hand. celona from Brazilian side Palmeiras yesterday Cannavaro had reportedly won a 72-million- to coach Marcelino Garcia Toral. Coquelin Leipzig will get 75mn euros for Keita if they on a fi ve year contract for a fee of 11.8mn euros euro tug-of-war with Chinese Super League joined Arsenal in 2008 and made 160 appear- qualify directly for the Champions League next ($14mn), the Catalan club announced. The 6ft (CSL) rivals Beijing Guoan for the Gabon ance for the club. Jack Wilshere’s return to season, which will drop to 65mn euros if they 5in (1.95m) 23-year-old is set to fi ll the void left hotshot. the Arsenal team helped limit Coquelin to one fail to qualify for Europe. The German club, by Javier Mascherano, who is on the verge of a But on Tuesday, the Chinese Football As- Premier League appearance this season. He had who are fi fth in the Bundesliga, have repeatedly 10mn euro switch to China’s Hebei Fortune. sociation (CFA) warned the two clubs — with- been linked to West Ham and Crystal Palace as said they need their midfi eld dynamo to help The Colombian international will be Barcelo- out naming them or Aubameyang — against well as Valencia. After leaving Coquelin out of them qualify again for the Champions League. na’s second signing of the January transfer win- “engaging in a bidding war” and said that its Arsenal’s team for Wednesday’s League Cup dow after Philippe Coutinho’s 160 million-euro prohibitive 100% tax on incoming foreign play- semi-fi nal fi rst leg draw at Chelsea, Wenger Naby Keita will not be moving before next VARDY FIT TO RETURN AGAINST CHELSEA capture from Liverpool. Mina has a 100mn euro ers would be strictly enforced. confi rmed: “He goes to Valencia. He didn’t get season, amid reports the Merseyside club want Jamie Vardy will be fi t to play for Leicester in a release clause attached to his contract. CSL champions Evergrande consequently enough games for us this season. He had an op- the Guinea midfi elder immediately to replace clash of the past two Premier League champi- With Mascherino set to leave and injured denied that they were pursuing the 28-year- portunity and I let him go.” Philippe Coutinho. ons when they visit Chelsea on Saturday, the young French centre-back Samuel Umtiti old — though they too did not name him — and Keita, 22, already has a contract with Liver- Foxes manager Claude Puel said. widely reported to be in talks with Manchester on Wednesday reiterated that they want to LEIPZIG AGAIN RULE OUT pool which comes into eff ect on July 1, but hav- Vardy, who turned 31 yesterday, has recov- City, Barcelona had faced being left with only fi eld an all-Chinese team within two years. The EARLY KEITA LIVERPOOL MOVE ing completed the sale of Brazil star Coutinho ered from the groin injury that kept the England two recognised centre backs in Gerard Pique club won a seventh CSL title on the bounce in RB Leipzig yesterday again told Liverpool that to Barcelona on Monday for 160mn euros, international out of the 2016 champions line- and Thomas Vermaelen. October.

Friday, January 12, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Molheb Al Naif, Umm Qarn’s TM Thunder Struck shine Owner-trainer-jockey trio of Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, Jassim Mohamed Ghazali and Harry Bentley register hat-trick

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani with trainer Alban de Mieulle after Umm Qarn’s TM Thunder Struck won HH Sheikh Abdullah His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani with the winner of Al Gerald Avranche rides Molheb Al Naif to victory in the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy at the Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup (Gr3 PA) yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Sabiq races yesterday. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Dream (Pier Convertino), 4. Poet’s Song Doha (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: ½, Shd, 1 ¼. Time: 1:23.49. Owner: Al Shahania Stud. Trainer: Julian Smart. olheb Al Naif continued Race 3: 1. Khataaf (Saleem Golam), his upward run and in style 2. Ard San Aer (Vaclav Janacek), 3. when Yousef Ben Taher’s Shabbab (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Parkes ward won the mile long HH and Ride (Gerald Avranche). Won by: MSheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani ½, ¼, ¼. Time: 1:54.02. Owner: Ibrahim Trophy at the Qatar Racing and Eques- al-Malki. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. trian Club yesterday. Race 4: 1. The Blue Eye (Harry Bentley), The turf race-day also saw Umm 2. Opera Baron (JP Guillambert), 3. Al Qarn’s TM Thunder Struck take the Mohalhal (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Duke of honours in the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Dundee (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: Khalifa Al Thani Cup (Gr3 PA) for the 2, ¾, ½. Time: 2:03.36. Owner: Khalifa second straight year, while Qatar Derby bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim winner Easter De Faust stayed unbeat- Mohamed Ghazali. en in Qatar topping HH Sheikh Abdul- Race 5: 1. Caid De L’Ardus (Harry lah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup. Bentley), 2. Qassy (Marc Lerner), Al Naif Racing’s Molheb Al Naif, the 3. Ba’sil (Theo Bachelot), 4. Mutazz highest rated horse in the fi eld, had (Gerald Avranche). Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¾, No. come into yesterday’s feature on the Time: 1:11.60. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail back of three straight wins under Ger- al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed ald Avranche, who was astride the grey Ghazali. son of Amer once again, and the result Race 6: 1. Easter De Faust (Harry Bent- was no diff erent yesterday as the six- ley), 2. Al Kabeer (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. year-old beat Hassan Ali al-Matwi’s Monfarid (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Anouf impressive colt Raqee with two lengths (Marvin Suerland). Won by: 1 ¾, 4 ½, 1 ¼. and three quarters to spare. Time: 2:30.38. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani with the winners on HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Cups and Trophy Day at QREC yesterday. al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Khalifa al-Thani’s Reda, also rated 122 Ghazali. like Molheb Al Naif, completed the der Jean Baptiste Hamel. jockey Faleh Bughanaim in Al Shaqab opening the eight-race card with a win 1850m Yasmeen Cup, a Thoroughbred Race 7: 1. TM Thunder Struck (Jean top three for Julian Smart under Theo The owner-trainer-jockey trio of Racing silks. in the Very Nice Name Cup, a Class 5 handicap event for horses rated 70-90. Baptiste Hamel), 2. Shabih Alreeh (Theo Bachelot’s ride. Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, Jassim Caid De L’Ardus and The Blue Eye Thoroughbred Graduation Plate event, Bachelot), 3. AJS Al Rayyan (Eduardo In the penultimate race of the day, Mohamed Ghazali and Harry Bentley were the other winners for the trio, while, Al Shahania Stud’s Oryx stayed RESULTS Pedroza), 4. Mahess Du Soleil (Carlo Fi- Alban de Mieulle’s ward, TM Thunder swept three straight races with French with the former winning the Majd Al unbeaten in Qatar with a victory, his Race 1: 1. Barwod (Theo Bachelot), 2. occhi). Won by: 1, 3 ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:44.67. Struck, was back in the winner’s en- recruit Easter De Faust notching a hat- Arab Sprinters Championship (Gr3 PA), second straight, in the Charm Spirit Beach Samba (Saleem Golam), 3. Tea Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de closure, having beaten a Smart ward trick of wins that also includes a Group while the 2016 HH The Emir’s Trophy Cup, a Thoroughbred handicap event Leaf (JP Guillambert), 4. War Order Mieulle. for the second straight year in the race. 1 in France and the Derby last month. topper leading a one-two for Ghazali in for horses rated 70-90. (Carlo Fiocchi). Won by: 1 ¼, ½, ¼. Time: Race 8: 1. Molheb Al Naif (Gerald After denying Ba’sil last year, this time, And just like in the Derby the four- the Umm Qarn Trophy for Thorough- Ibrahim al-Malki’s Khataaf brushed 1:36.55. Owner: His Highness Sheikh Avranche), 2. Raqee (Marc Lerner), 3. the eight-year-old Umm Qarn horse, year-old fi lly beat Umm Qarn’s Al breds. aside his Qatar Derby disappoint- Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Reda (Theo Bachelot), 4. Rassan (Harry who had won the Group 2 Qatar Na- Kabeer for the victory, while Hossin Smart and jockey Theo Bachelot ment with his fourth victory this sea- Julian Smart. Bentley). Won by: 2 ¾, 1 ½, Shd. Time: tional Day Trophy last month, beat a Mohamed Ashour’s ward Monfarid did have two winners on the day with son, when Saleem Golam guided the Race 2: 1. Oryx (Theo Bachelot), 2. Al 1:44.40. Owner: Al Naif Racing. Trainer: capable Shabih Alreeh by a length un- was guided to third by talented Qatari Sheikh Mohamed-owned Barwod four-year-old gelding to victory in the Maftoon (Harry Bentley), 3. Hillside Yousef Ben Taher.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Darragi makes dream start in Umm Salal win

By Sports Reporter Doha Sneijder boost for Al Gharafa against Al Ahli

ussama Darragi had a By Sports Reporter dream start for Umm Doha Salal as he helped his team to a 3-1 victory awayO to Al Kharaitiyat at the Al uch focus of Week 12 action will be Khor Stadium yesterday. on the encounter between mid- Darragi, the fi rst signing in the Mtable sides Al Ahli and Al Gharafa QNB Stars League in the current on the former’s home turf. winter transfer window, found Their first-phase clash had ended in a 1-1 the net in the 20th and 24th min- draw, but Al Gharafa start as favourites utes before Mohamed Abu Bakr this time. The very presence of Dutch star grabbed the third in the 42nd. Wesley Sneijder can tilt the scale in their Abdulaziz al-Ansari replied for favour. The UEFA Champions League-win- Al Kharaitiyat in the 84th. ning attacking midfielder joined them in the Having threatened with a current winter transfer window. long-range strike that was well The Cheetahs are also under new coach saved in the fourth minute, it did Bulent Uygun, who replaced Frenchman not take Darragi long to open his Jean Fernandez. His vast experience in account for The Orange Fortress. Qatar football, having coached Umm Salal tain Meshaal Abdullah. programme following a surgery he had at After collecting the ball 30 yards from 2013 to 2016, should give Al Gharafa It has to be seen whether Jorge succeeds Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine out, he found strength to counter an added advantage. in helping them improve their sixth place hospital Aspetar on December 11 to correct the pressure of a number of op- To add to that, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi in the standings. Yassine Chikhaoui and Ali an injury on his ankle, is a doubtful starter. position players before drilling is expected to join Al Gharafa and strength- Qadri are players who can cause trouble for Al Arabi are also determined to move up the the ball into the far-right corner en their attack. the rivals. table after finishing the first phase in ninth from distance. Even though influential midfielder Vladimir position with just nine points. Just a few minutes later, Mah- Umm Salal’s Oussama Darragi scored a brace in the win over Al Weiss is out for the season injured, the good AL SAILIYA FACE AL ARABI They strengthened their porous defence by moud al-Mawas played a one- Kharaitiyat yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil form of captain Luis Jimenez, Almahdi Ali as Al Sailiya are having one of their best signing Croat Ivan Foster, replacing Tunisian two inside the area with Mo- well as youngsters such as Ahmed Alaeld- seasons this time. They are likely to face defender Ammar Jemal, in the winter trans- hamed Abu Bakr before sending a through ball and he confi dently a late consolation. din, Othman al-Yahri and Amro Seraj augur competition from Umm Salal, Al Gharafa fer window. a pass across the six-yard line for powered it past the goalkeeper All in all, Umm Salal’s strat- well for Al Gharafa. and Al Ahli to stay there eventually. Coach Luka Bonacic would expect Khalfan Darragi to tap home. when in on goal. egy allowed them to control the Al Ahli, playing their first competitive game Uzbek striker Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov, Ibrahim and co to also take the positives Al Kharaitiyat tried to respond, The Thunders did try to apply second half and see out the win. under George Jorge who recently replaced Wagner Ribeiro and Valentin Lazar lead from the friendlies they played against Al but Umm Salal pounced on the pressure in the second half, with They will be delighted with the fellow Spaniard Joaquin Caparros, will be their charge. Defender Ghanem al-Qahtani, Mesaimeer and Al Markhiya during the counter just prior to half-time. Rashid Tiberkanine hitting the victory, which can strengthen bolstered by the return from injury of cap- who underwent an intensive rehabilitation break. Al-Mawas found Abu Bakr with post before Abdulaziz gave them their challenge for the top four.