FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Atletico James extend celebrates lead aft er Real birthday with slip at Elche Lakers win

Friday, January 1, 2021 CRICKET Jumada I 17, 1442 AH Williamson overtakes GULF TIMES Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman SPORT Page 7 HORSE RACING Lekhraib completes feature double for Injaaz Stud Casamento rides Lekhraib to Al Shaqab Cup win

By Mikhil Bhat time it was Deborah Mountain- 3. Khattab De Faust (Ali Khalid Doha saddled Alizoom that edged out al-Mosallam), 4. Guyloud De Car- Casamento and his partner by rere (Marco Casamento). Won by: a short head in the 1,900m run. 5 ¾, ¼, 8 ¾. Time: 2:00.33. Owner: ekhraib ensured an Injaaz Alizoom was helmed to his fourth Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Stud sweep of the week’s overall victory by Ivan Rossi in Riyaz. features as the six-year- the colours of Ali Hassan Ali al- Race 2: PUREBRED ARABIAN old bagged the Al Shaqab Abdulmalik. MAIDEN PLATE (No Off icial CupL in spectacular fashion at The string of near-misses Rating) (Distance: 1,200m) the Qatar Racing and Equestrian for Casamento stretched when 1. Salsabiel (Marco Casamento), 2. Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Saadi helmed Hamad Ahmed al- Hadjira De Faluzins (Faleh Bugha- It was Injaaz Stud’s fi lly, Gaby Malki al-Jehani-trained Zarandi naim), 3. Al Rayyan (Ivan Rossi), 4. De Faust, that had won the to a quarter-length victory in Rahaf HA (Tomas Lukasek). Won Dukhan Cup at the same track on the Thoroughbred Handicap for by: 3 ½, 2 ¾, 3 ¾. Time: 1:21.02. Wednesday. horses rated 95 and below. Casa- Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al- Yesterday’s dirt feature for lo- mento-ridden Return To Senders Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim cal Arabians saw Marco Casa- was second, the colt’s best fi nish Ghazali. mento guide a winner after three this season. Race 3: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED straight near-misses earlier In the penultimate race yes- MAIDEN PLATE (Distance: 1,700m) yesterday as Mohamed Jassim terday, Al Sakab Stud’s versa- 1. Qawaafi (Michael Forest), 2. Ghazali-saddled AF AlBahar colt tile fi lly Al Faisaliya landed her Maksab (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Ser- won the 1,700m run by over fi ve third career victory when Ronan een (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. Wukair lengths. Thomas guided the Ibrahim al- (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 2 ½, 1 Casamento had his mount Malki charge to a fi ne win in the ½, 3. Time: 1:54.86. Owner: Khalifa stay on the heels of early leader six-furlong local Thoroughbred bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mo- Lama, helmed by Ali Khalid al- Handicap sprint. hamed Riyaz. Mosallam, before upping the The bay fi lly’s busy schedule Race 4: THOROUGHBRED pace and taking the lead coming has seen her line up for seven HANDICAP (Class 5) (75 & Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) with the winners of Al Shaqab Cup after Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib off the fi nal bend. Lekhraib kept races since the season began in below) (Distance: 1,200m) won the 1,700m feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim building the gap on the competi- October and only once has she 1. Southernmachoman (Ali Khalid tion eventually fi nishing ahead of fi nished outside the money, in- al-Mosallam), 2. Unbutton (Marco Time: 1:11.26. Owner: Saeed Nasser Soufi ane Saadi-ridden Hazm Al cluding two wins. Casamento), 3. Doha Incanto al-Qadi. Trainer: Hamad Ahmed Sulaimi, while Lama had to settle Earlier yesterday, Injaaz Stud’s (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. War Order al-Malki al-Jehani. for third. Mister General shed his maiden (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: Race 7: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-sad- status in dominant fashion with Shd, 4, 3 ½. Time: 1:12.82. Owner: HANDICAP (70-90) (Distance: dled Southernmachoman won an apprentice jockey Khalid al- Abdulaziz Saleh al-Jaber. Trainer: 1,200m) intriguing duel in the fi nal stages Balushi guiding the Mohamed Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. 1. Al Faisaliya (Ronan Thomas), of the Thoroughbred Handicap Riyaz-trained colt to a fantas- Race 5: THOROUGHBRED 2. Sarmad Bu Thaila (Killian for horses rated 75 and below. tic win in the Purebred Arabian HANDICAP (Class 5) (85 & Leonard), 3. Dhergham Bu Helmed by Qatari apprentice maiden for four-year-olds with below) (Distance: 1,900m) Thaila (Michael Forest), 4. Mizoun rider al-Mosallam in the colours almost six lengths to spare. 1. Alizoom (Ivan Rossi), 2. Immoral (Francois Herholdt). Won by: 2, 4, of Abdulaziz Saleh al-Jaber, the Two fi llies owned by Khalifa (Marco Casamento), 3. Comrade 2. Time: 1:12.96. Owner: Al Sakab four-year-old colt was locked bin Sheail al-Kuwari registered In Arms (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Stud. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. with Casamento-ridden Unbut- their fi rst career wins with Marco Roman Legend (Meteb Ali al- Race 8: AL SHAQAB CUP (Local ton in a battle for supremacy in Casamento riding Salsabiel in Marri). Won by: Shd, 1 ¼, 7 ¾. Time: PA) (Distance: 1,700m) the 1,200m sprint. At the post, an Arabian maiden sprint, while 2:04.20. Owner: Ali Hassan Ali 1. Lekhraib (Marco Casamento), 2. Southernmachoman eked out a Michael Forest was astride the al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Hazm Al Sulaimi (Soufiane Saadi), short head win, topping for the topper Qawaafi in a 1,700m local Mountain. 3. Lama (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 4. fi rst time since October 2019. It Thoroughbred maiden. Race 6: THOROUGHBRED Fahim (Ronan Thomas). Won by: was al-Mosallam’s 13th win this HANDICAP (Class 4) (95 & 5 ¼, 8 ¼, 3. Time: 1:59.76. Owner: season. RESULTS below) (Distance: 1,200m) Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Casamento lost out on a vic- Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN 1. Zarandi (Soufiane Saadi), Jassim Ghazali. tory again when he was astride MAIDEN PLATE (4 Year Olds) 2. Return To Senders (Marco Ghazali-schooled Immoral in (Distance: 1,700m) Casamento), 3. The Singer (Carlos Marco Casamento rides Injaaz the Thoroughbred Handicap for 1. Mister General (Khalid al- Henrique), 4. Catch A Wave (Faleh Stud’s Lekhraib to Al Shaqab Cup horses rated 85 and below. This Balushi), 2. Bakir (Soufiane Saadi), Bughanaim). Won by: ¼, 1 ¼, 7 ¼. victory yesterday.

MOTORSPORT His Highness The Amir Cup Qatar’s al-Attiyah focussed on fourth Dakar title draw to be held on January 4 QNA Group A that will include Agencies punctures. The tyres we had in winner on two wheels and four, “I’m happy to be here after Doha the first eight teams in London, United Kingdom South America were not suitable had to change co-driver after such a diffi cult year, like every- the final standings of the for Saudi Arabia. So not win- compatriot Dani Oliveras tested body, happy to be at the start,” QNB League competitions ning was a big disappointment positive at home before Christ- said the Spaniard. he draw for His High- for the 2019-2020 season ast year, Nasser Saleh but we still fi nished second,” al- mas and was unable to travel to The Dakar has a number of ness the Amir Cup which are: Duhail, Al Rayy- al-Attiyah had a forget- Attiyah, winner in 2011, 2015 and the Middle East. Oliveras’ place changes aimed at improving Twill be held on Janu- an, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al table Dakar Rally. The 2019, was quoted as saying on the will be taken by Frenchman Alex safety after bike riders Paulo ary 4, the Qatar Football Sailiya, Al Wakrah, Al Arabi then defending cham- Dakar Rally website. Winocq. Goncalves and Edwin Straver Association (QFA) said yes- and Qatar SC. pionL suff ered as many as a dozen He added: “Concerning the “It’s hard for us,” said 2014 died in last year’s event. terday. The draw ceremony Group B will include teams punctures as the event headed to tyres, we (along with Giniel de winner Roma, speaking on a vid- All bike riders must now wear — to be attended by QFA ranked from ninth to 12th Saudi Arabia for the fi rst time. Villiers) were able to test (in Ha’il) eo call while isolating in his hotel an airbag jacket and are limited to off icials, team representa- place in the QNB Stars Despite the setbacks, the Qatari and I am quite confi dent. This room. “But anyway I think every- six rear tyres to encourage lower tives and the media — will League namely Al Ahli, star fi nished runner-up behind year has been rather quiet for me. one had a real victory to start this speeds to reduce wear, although be held at Ritz-Carlton. Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Spaniard Carlos Sainz by a little I only contested the Qatar Rally Dakar in this situation around the some have questioned whether The draw for the 49th Shahaniya along with the over six minutes in his Toyota, before the confi nement and the world.” that will really happen. edition of His Highness the first three-ranked teams of numbered 300. The near miss has Andalucía Rally afterwards, as Nine-times world rally cham- “If we have six rear tyres for 12 Amir Cup will be based on the second division (2020- only made the 50-year-old hun- well as a few rounds of the Mid- pion Sebastien Loeb, with long- days of the race, you have to go the ranking of the teams 2019 season) Al Kharaitiyat, grier for his fourth Dakar title as dle East Rally Championship. time co-driver Daniel Elena, will with damaged tyres without being and their positions in the Al Markhiya and Al Shamal. the fi rst major motorsport event I stayed at home for more than also be competing. The French- able to slow down... I don’t think, QNB Stars League for the Muaither team, who quali- of 2021 heads into the dunes and 6 months but it felt good not to man has not raced in Saudi Arabia no matter what they try, that we last season 2019-2020 in fied from the preliminary remote deserts of Saudi Arabia in travel and enjoy my family. I am before but competed when the will slow down in competition,” which 16 clubs from the match that was held be- a bivouac ‘bubble’ this weekend. now looking forward to a Dakar number 301.” Dakar was held in South America, said American Ricky Brabec, the first and second divisions tween the fourth and fifth “Last year’s Dakar in Saudi where there will be more dunes All participants in the gruelling fi nishing second with Peugeot in defending champion. were seen in action. place holders in the Second Arabia was a real disappoint- and tricky bits.” event, which starts in Jeddah on 2017. Bike riders will also get an au- The draw for the Round 16 Division, will also be part of ment. It was great to be in a new Perhaps not leaving anything Sunday and ends in the Red Sea Triple winner and defending dible warning at dangerous parts matches will be conducted the draw. region with incredible scen- to chance, al-Attiyah also has port on January 15, have had to champion Sainz, father of the of the route. after the participating QFA has confirmed that the ery and above all we were full of his number game up to the mark, quarantine for Covid-19 after ar- Ferrari Formula One driver of the Electronic road books will be teams have been classified first match will be played confi dence, but as soon as the with the number 301 on his Toy- riving on charter fl ights. same name, returns with the X- used by some competitors ahead into two brackets. on January 25. rally started, we started getting ota . “I have always won with the Spaniard Nani Roma, a past Raid Mini team. of a general introduction in 2022. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 1, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Brazil prosecutors investigate PSG star Atletico extend ’s alleged New Year’s party

AFP ties and any health measures Mangaratiba, Brazil they might have put in place.” La Liga lead aft er One of Neymar’s assistants said he had did not know whether razilian prosecutors the player will see in 2021 in his said on Wednesday they luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, were investigating re- a small town 130km (85 miles) ports that football star from Rio, or if he will stay in San- NeymarB has organised a New ta Catarina. Year’s Eve mega-party at his Media reports about a planned Real slip at Elche luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, party attended by between 150 despite public health measures to and 500 people triggered a wave curb rising coronavirus deaths. of criticism at a time when sci- Diego Simeone’s Atletico are two points ahead of local rivals Madrid Sources close to the striker entists in Brazil, one of the denied he had plans to host such worst-hit countries in the world, an extravaganza, while the Paris are pushing for social distancing Saint-German player added to and isolation to avoid worsen- the mystery by simply posting ing a pandemic that has already pictures of himself with a friend cost some 194,000 lives there. on a yacht off a beach in the Such a party would not however southern state of Santa Catarina. be illegal, since the state of Rio de The Rio Prosecutor’s Offi ce Janeiro has not banned parties in said in a statement that it had private residences and the Man- opened an investigation after garatiba city council admitted it receiving “several claims, based did not have the power to inter- on information released by the vene. The AFP fl ew over the area press, about the events spon- where the mansion is located on sored by the player Neymar.” Wednesday, without observing The prosecutor’s offi ce also any signs of party preparations urged Neymar, as well as the on the grounds. Neymar bought exclusive community where his the mansion in 2016 and accord- mansion is located and another ing to media reports, the 10,000 neighbouring residential com- square metre property features plex, to urgently provide clari- a helipad, tennis courts, a spa, fi cations as to “the number of a sauna, a massage room, a gym guests, the organisation of par- and areas for food and drinks.

TRANSFER Garcia agrees personal

Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez (left) scores against Getafe in the La Liga at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Wednesday night. (AFP) terms for summer AFP Atletico, who despite fi elding a strong capital city rivals. ward struck the only goal of the return to Barcelona Madrid line-up did not impress in a match of lit- Earlier Granada moved to within two game in the fi fth minute by tapping in tle incident at the Wanda Metropolitano. points of the Champions League plac- a cross from his side’s top scorer Mikel By Fabrizio Romano However Atletico’s third straight win es after beating Valencia 2-1 in a feisty Oyarzabal, who was making his fi rst ap- The Guardian tletico Madrid extended their keeps them top of the pile after a fraught match where three players were sent off pearance since getting injured on Dec. 3. lead at the top of La Liga on last few days in which Diego Costa was in six second-half minutes. Jorge Mo- The visitors looked far likelier to get a Wednesday night after Luis allowed to leave and Kieran Trippier was lina’s powerful header two minutes from second goal than concede an equaliser to ric Garcia has agreed Suarez fi red them to a 1-0 win banned until the end of February for bet- time keeps Granada in seventh place on an unimaginative Athletic, who could not personal terms with Bar- overA Getafe while Real Madrid could only ting breaches. 24 points, two behind fourth-placed Se- manage a single shot on target. Sociedad’s celona over a fi ve-year draw 1-1 at Elche. Zinedine Zidane’s Madrid knew that villa, Sociedad and Villarreal. Swedish forward smashed contract but it remains Suarez struck in the 20th minute with whatever happened in the late fi xture Valencia’s seventh league defeat of the a shot against the crossbar in the second toE be seen whether he will leave a superb header from Yannick Carrasco’s they would trail Atletico going into the season leaves them level on 15 points with half while Igor Zubeldia missed the target Manchester City in January after cross to move Diego Simeone’s Atletico new year, but they looked on course for , who are third-from-bot- from close range when Athletic keeper rejecting their off er of a new deal. up to 35 points, two ahead of local rivals a routine win at struggling Elche when tom in the relegation zone. Javi Gracia’s Unai Simon spilled a stinging shot from The 19-year-old defender, Madrid after they were pegged back by a Modric opened the scoring in the 20th side haven’t won a La Liga match in their Oyarzabal at his feet. who moved to England from Fidel Chaves penalty following Luka Mo- minute. Croatian Modric pounced to last seven attempts and had their task A fi rst league victory since Nov. 22 took Barca in 2017, surprised City dric’s early opener. place a perfect header in the top corner made harder when Jason and Goncalo third-placed Sociedad on to 29 points last summer when he refused a are six points adrift after Marco Asensio’s longe range shot Guedes were sent off within three min- from 17 games, six behind leaders Atleti- contract extension, with City while Sevilla and Villarreal are a further thumped back out off the bar, the second utes of each other midway through the co Madrid who also have three matches in demanding a fee of £20mn plus nine points back, with Barcelona 10 be- time Madrid had hit the woodwork in the second half. hand. Athletic are 12th on 18 points. £10mn in add-ons from his hind Atletico in sixth after their 1-1 draw early minutes. Granada’s Domingos Duarte was then former club to purchase him. with Eibar on Tuesday. Atletico have also The away side thought they had a pen- shown a straight red card three minutes LA LIGA RESULTS But with less than six months of played two fewer matches than reigning alty nine minutes before the break when later after he cynically hacked down García’s contract remaining, he 0 Sociedad 1 (Portu 5) champions Madrid after a scrappy win referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez pointed to Manu Vallejo as he attempted to burst is free to negotiate with overseas may have a change of heart. emblematic of Simeone’s reign on his the spot for what he thought was an Ivan through on goal with the scores still level. Played Wednesday: Granada 2 (Kenedy clubs and has reached an agree- But although his move remains 500th match as club coach. Marcone handball, but the awarding was Molina punished the beleaguered away 45+2, Molina 88) Valencia 1 (Gameiro 36); ment to return to Catalonia at the contingent on the election of a “When I got on the plane to come here cancelled following a VAR check. side by thumping home Alberto Soro’s Atletico Madrid 1 (Suarez 20) Getafe 0; end of the season. new Barcelona president, García I thought that when I left the club (as Elche then got a spot-kick of their own cross. Celta Vigo 2 (Nolito 33, Aspas 61) Huesca Barcelona could still attempt is believed to be keen to to return a player) that I always wanted to come fi ve minutes into the second half when 1 (Seoane 84); Elche 1 (Fidel 52-pen) Real to bring forward the transfer but to the club that he fi rst joined as a back,” said Simeone, who is in his 10th Dani Carvajal was caught tearing at An- SOCIEDAD FINALLY WIN Madrid 1 (Modric 20) will need to agree a fee with City junior in 2008. “He [García] told year as Atletico coach. “I found men tonio Barragan’s shirt, with Fidel step- AGAIN BY TAKING SPOILS IN to sign him in January. García has us that he doesn’t want to extend (Koke, Saul Niguez) who wanted to get ping up to stroke home the leveller. Lucas DERBY AT ATHLETIC Played Tuesday: Sevilla 2 (Ocampo played just 200 minutes in the his contract with Manchester the club out of the bad patch it was in, and Boye then hit the post for the hosts before Yesterday, Real Sociedad ended a long 8-pen, En-Nesyri 53) Villarreal 0; Barcelo- so far this term City, so he has one more year,” I have a relationship with them that goes home keeper Edgar Badia made two su- barren spell without a win by beating na 1 (Dembele 67) Eibar 1 (Kike 57); Cadiz despite featuring regularly at the Guardiola said in August. “We beyond football.” perb stops deny Carvajal and Sergio Ram- Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao 1-0 away 0 Real Valladolid 0; Levante 4 (Duarte end of last season and it is un- wanted it but he doesn’t want Uruguay forward Suarez’s eighth goal os as Madrid pushed for a win that would from home, collecting their fi rst victory 2, Morales 22, 24, Roger 55) Real Betis 3 derstood that Pep Guardiola was to extend. I imagine he wants to of the season was a good as it got for have kept them level on points with their in all competitions in 10 matches. For- (Mandi 12, Canales 78-pen, 86) hoping the Spain international play in another place.”

PREMIER LEAGUE Burnley’s new American owners vow to back Dyche in transfer market Reuters che later yesterday to discuss plans lationship with outgoing chairman the board under the new ownership Brunley, England but said that he was ready to give the Mike Garlick in recent months and group and Pace, who plans to move manager the funds to bring in addi- has not been allowed to meet with with his family to Lancashire said the tions to the squad, who are currently the new ownership during the fi nal project was a long-term one. urnley’s new American in 16th place in the league, fi ve points stages of the takeover. “We wouldn’t do anything that’s chairman has vowed to back above the relegation zone. Pace said the consistency that Dy- not on a long-term basis, this is not manager Sean Dyche in the “We are very prepared to support che has brought the club in his eight a short, buy-to-fl ip, opportunity. January transfer window as Sean and the management team. We years in charge at Turf Moor, with the This is very much something we have theB East Lancashire club look to pull need time to get in and understand team in their fi fth straight season in a passion for ourselves and we are further clear of the Premier League what their needs are, what we’re the Premier League, was one of the looking forward to the opportunity relegation zone. The Clarets con- planning for and what the decisions attractions of the club as an invest- to be involved for years to come. This fi rmed yesterday that American in- were that they’ve taken so far and ment. “The longevity and stability of is something we’re excited about,” he vestment group ALK Capital had where they desire to go but we are the management side is something said. purchased an 84% controlling stake fully prepared to back the manager,” that has been very impactful from “I’m looking to take a very ac- in the club and that the deal had been Pace said. our perspective, along with the play- tive role on a daily basis, myself, my ratifi ed by the Premier League. Dyche has lamented that lack of ing style and the ability to perform family and some of my partners will ALK is headed by Alan Pace, an support in recent transfer windows at the level they have. We’re very big be moving to the local area and we’re American with a banking background and was critical of the way some fans of Sean,” he said. very excited to be engaged more reg- who was also president of Major players were allowed to leave after Outgoing Burnley chairman and ularly than some would expect.” League Soccer club Real Salt Lake. their contracts ran out last season. former majority shareholder Mike Burnley host Fulham next in the Burnley manager Sean Dyche. (Reuters) Pace was expected to meet with Dy- The 49-year-old had a strained re- Garlick will continue to serve on Premier League tomorrow. Gulf Times Friday, January 1, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP Former Man United manager Liverpool miss chance Docherty dies ormer Manchester Unit- ed and Scotland man- ager Tommy Docherty, popularly known as ‘The Doc’,F has died after a long ill- ness at the age of 92, his family announced yesterday. Docherty to stretch lead aft er managed 12 clubs — including Chelsea and Aston Villa and a stint in Australia — after a play- ing career that included 25 caps for Scotland between 1951-59 and more than 300 games at Preston North End. Newcastle stalemate Docherty was at Old Traff ord from 1972-77, replacing Frank O’Farrell, with the 2-1 FA Cup Champions go into the New Year with a 3-point lead over Man United, having played a game more fi nal victory over Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in 1977 a highlight. AFP However, celebrations did Newcastle, United Kingdom not last as he was almost im- mediately sacked for having an aff air with the wife of the iverpool squandered the chance club physiotherapist Laurie to open up a fi ve-point lead at Brown. Docherty later married the top of the Premier League Mary Brown and they remained in the fi nal English top-fl ight together until his death. Lmatch of 2020 after being held to a goal- He returned to management less draw by Newcastle on Wednesday at Derby before moving back to night. The 0-0 stalemate at St James’ QPR, where he was sacked, then Park means the champions go into the reinstated after just nine days – New Year with a three-point lead over and then sacked again. Manchester United, having played a game more. UNITED, CITY TO PLAY But they will rue their missed chanc- RESCHEDULED GAMES es in a match in which they enjoyed IN JANUARY nearly three-quarters of possession. Manchester United and Man- — top of the Premier chester City will play their League goalscoring charts with 13 goals rescheduled fi xtures from the — missed the target either side of half- opening weekend of the season time with just goalkeeper Karl Darlow to in January, the Premier League beat and strike-partner Roberto Firmi- announced. no saw two headers superbly saved. Both Manchester clubs did Three days after lowly West Brom not play on the opening week- snatched a point at Anfi eld, Jurgen end in September due to their Klopp’s men, who have now won only participation in the knockout two of their eight league away games stages of last season’s Euro- this season, were frustrated once again, pean club competitions which although it took a late goal-line clear- ended only in August due to the ance from Fabian Schar and Darlow’s Covid-19 hiatus. brilliance to keep them at bay. Burnley will host second- Klopp rued his side’s profl igacy in placed United on Jan. 12 while front of goal. “You might not think I City host Aston Villa on Jan. have to tip my hat to my team but I like 20. The fi xtures add to a packed the performance,” he said. “It was re- schedule for both Manchester ally good. Can we play better football? clubs who also play each other Yes, but in this game we did more than in the League Cup semi-fi nal enough to win it. I think we had four on Jan. 6 before they begin their 100% chances. We have won against Newcastle United’s goalkeeper Karl Darlow (left) saves a shot from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match on Wednesday night. (Reuters) FA Cup campaign the following Newcastle before with fewer chances. weekend. Tonight we didn’t but we accept that. I catching goalkeeper Becker duced a fi ne reaction save in stoppage deadlock midway through the second turn away. But Schar hacked the ball City, eighth in the standings, am happy with the things I saw tonight unaware with a speculative early shot. time to repel Firmino’s header from half when he was played in by Firmino off his own line ahead of Mane seconds have two games in hand after and I can really work with that. The The Reds needed Alisson to be at his point-blank range. but, after steadying himself, directed later and Darlow brilliantly clawed away Monday’s match at Everton was boys are frustrated and rightly so but best to deny Wilson once again 10 min- Mane headed into the side-netting his eff ort past the upright. Firmino was another Firmino header at the death to postponed due to a Covid-19 not about the performance. It is a basis utes later after he had outpaced defend- from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 49th- equally wasteful when presented with a preserve his clean sheet. outbreak at their club. to build on for the next few days, weeks, er Nathaniel Phillips. Liverpool should minute corner and when Liverpool glorious chance at the far post as New- Klopp’s men fi nish the calendar year City’s fi rst team have since months.” have been ahead 11 minutes before the turned the screw, with Mane going castle rode their luck. on 33 points from 16 games, three clear returned to training after their Newcastle, who came into the match break when Salah beat the off side trap through his full repertoire of tricks, It nearly got much better for the Mag- of United, who have 30 points after 15 facilities were closed for two without a win in four games in all com- to control the ball in front of the ad- the Magpies’ rearguard came under in- pies 11 minutes from time when Ciaran matches. The two teams, with a com- days but the league has yet to petitions, started positively, with re- vancing Darlow, only to stab his shot creasing pressure. Clark met ’s free-kick with bined 39 English titles between them, reschedule the game against turning striker Callum Wilson almost wide of the post, and the keeper pro- Salah had another chance to break the a downward header that Alisson had to meet on January 17 at Anfi eld. Everton.

SPOTLIGHT Cavani suspended by FA for three games over use of racial term Manchester: Manchester apologising. Cavani will miss also constitutes an ‘aggravated “Despite his honest belief Kolasinac joins Schalke on loan United striker Edinson Cavani United’s league game against breach’, which is defined in that he was simply sending has been suspended for three Aston Villa, the League Cup FA Rule E3.2, as it included an aff ectionate thank-you in games and fined 100,000 semi-final against Manchester reference, whether express or response to a congratulatory as Arteta targets Arsenal clearout pounds ($136,590) after he City and the FA Cup match implied, to colour and/or race message from a close friend, admitted a Football Association against Watford as a result of and/or ethnic origin.” he chose not to contest the By Paul Doyle (FA) charge for using a racial the suspension. The FA said Cavani would charge,” United said in a state- The Guardian term, the football governing “A comment posted on the also have to complete “face-to- ment. “The club trusts that the body said yesterday. Manchester United striker’s face education” as part of his independent Regulatory Com- The 33-year-old Uruguayan Instagram page was insulting, punishment. mission will make it clear in its ikel Arteta has re- used the word “negrito” in an abusive, improper and brought United said Cavani chose written reasons that Edinson vealed Arsenal’s pri- Instagram post last month after the game into disrepute con- not to contest the charge out of Cavani is not a racist, nor was ority in January is to beating Southampton on Nov. trary to FA Rule E3.1,” the FA respect for the FA and the “fight there any racist intent in rela- trim the numbers in 29, before taking it down and said in a statement. “The post against racism in football”. tion to his post.” Mtheir squad. Sead Kolasinac is one of several players who have barely featured this season and the defender has joined Schalke FOCUS on loan until the end of the cam- paign. “We have a large squad and we knew that,” Arteta said. “A lot Juve face uphill battle as Serie A resumes of things that should have hap- pened in the summer, we cannot Reutes accomplish for diff erent reasons. Turin, Italy “There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at erie A has become almost a formal- the moment. We cannot sustain ity for Juventus over the last decade the numbers that we have in cer- but the Turin side are suddenly fac- tain positions and we are looking ing an uphill battle as they chase a to do that, and then we will see League players will help to en- and around matches and the fact tenthS successive title this season. Juve host if we have the right opportunity sure that the season can continue that we play our sport outdoors Udinese as Serie A resumes on Sunday after in the positions where we need without interruption despite ris- all minimise the risks a lot. a 10-day Christmas break which has given some more help.” ing Covid-19 infection rates. “If you see the record since them plenty of time to refl ect on a their dis- Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Arsenal’s next match is tomor- we started to test, it is incredibly mal 3-0 home defeat by Fiorentina. Mustafi are among others who row against West Brom, whose positive and as long as we can we Leading scorer spent do not feature in Arteta’s plans manager, Sam Allardyce, called have to carry on doing that but part of that period in Dubai, a trip that raised but one player the manager said this week for a “circuit-breaker”. obviously without putting any- eyebrows in Italy where ordinary citizens are he would like to keep is Reiss The latest round of testing re- one at risk. under a Christmas and New Year lockdown Nelson, whose absence from the turned the highest number of “I think we have shown the and subject to severe travel restrictions. squad in recent weeks fuelled positives since the start of the system is working. In the last In their fi rst season under Andrea Pirlo — speculation that he could be on season, with 18 of 1,479 players week or so something has hap- a man with no previous coaching experience the verge of a move. and staff found to have the virus. pened and we will have more re- — Juventus fi nd themselves in sixth place Juventus’ Alvaro Morata (left) and Paulo Dybala at training yesterday. “He has not been 100% fi t and Two matches had to be post- strictions and more tests to try to with 24 points, 10 adrift of leaders AC Milan that is the reason why he has poned this week owing to high be as effi cient as we were before but with a game in hand. Juve have become tember,” said the bearded, moody-looking ter that and visit second-placed Inter Milan been out and not featuring in infection rates. and we will see, but I think it can used to letting their rivals do the chasing in coach after the Fiorentina match. “We will on Jan 17. Milan, who visit a Benevento side the squad,” Arteta said. “He had The Premier League has in- work and we can carry on.” the last few seasons and the last time they try to improve it when we resume.” led by their former coach and striker Filippo a muscular issue. He has been in creased the frequency of testing Arteta said football had a cru- were in a remotely similar situation was back Midfi elder Rodrigo Bentancur confessed Inzaghi, are still unbeaten with 34 points and out of training, but not been from once to twice per week for cial role to play in keeping peo- in 2015-16 when they were seven points be- that the players had approached the Fioren- although their mounting toll of injuries — 100%. It is a shame because I felt clubs in tier 4 areas, including ple’s spirits up during lockdown. hind the leaders at the similar stage. tina match in the wrong frame of mind. “We including 39-year-old forward Zlatan Ibra- he was getting into his perform- Arsenal. Arteta says he believes “The importance of football to Pirlo has insisted from the outset that are still in the title race, we know that,” said himovic — fi nally appears to be catching up ance levels, he was starting to that measure will help to tackle this society is massive. When you his team are “under construction” and the the Uruguayan. “The last match showed with them. have some really good games and the rise. ask around and talk to people and Fiorentina debacle came just as they ap- that every challenge must be approached Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan, who host to build that momentum. This “I think we are all concerned ask them what it means to have peared to be taking shape with a 3-0 win from the fi rst minute with the right mental- lowly Crotone in another Sunday game, little injury has stepped him back with our own health and with football in this diffi cult period away to Barcelona in the Champions League ity. We still have to face our direct rivals.” have cut their neighbours’ lead to one point. a little bit, but this week has been what is going on around us,” the for everybody when there is not and a 4-0 drubbing of Parma. Although midtable Udinese are no pusho- Having won their last seven league games, much better.” manager said. “But all the proto- so much to do, it is really, really “I’m trying to put my ideas together, the vers, the real battles begin afterwards as they are starting to look like favourites in Arteta says he is confi dent cols we have in place, everything important. What we have to do is players are understanding them, and we Juventus visit leaders AC Milan on Jan. 6, what is turning out to be the most unpre- that increased testing of Premier we do around the training ground try to do it in a safe way.” continue on this game plan started in Sep- host fourth-placed Sassuolo four days af- dictable title race for years. Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 1, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Gerrard can’t wait Reyna leads charge for fi rst whistle as Rangers prepare to host Celtic Reuters places and that’s the way it is of ’s but I’ll pick a team that can do Glasgow the job and I can’t really go on who scored in the last game or angers manager Ste- who’s on form. “... There will ven Gerrard said he be no sentiment... it’ll be the cannot wait for to- team that I think can get us the morrow’s “Old Firm” three points.” rising teen stars derbyR against Scottish Pre- miership champions Celtic at RACIST ABUSE WILL Ibrox as he looks to guide his NOT STOP ME, SAYS Reyna now wants to emulate teammates Haaland and , both 20 side to a 19-point lead over KILMARNOCK’S DYER their bitter rivals. Kilmarnock boss Alex Dyer said AFP Wednesday’s 2-0 victory he will not allow racist abuse to Berlin at St Mirren put Rangers on deter him from doing his job 59 points from 21 games, with after the 55-year-old English- Celtic, who beat Dundee Unit- man was targeted this week. he Bundesliga returns this week- ed 3-0, 16 points behind but Kilmarnock said they had con- end after a two-week break with having played three games less. tacted police after receiving a ’s American “A quick turnaround to the Old letter on Monday containing midfi elder Giovanni Reyna lead- Firm is always good,” Gerrard “racist abuse” directed at Dyer, Ting a crop of talented teenagers rapidly told the club’s website. the only Black manager in the becoming household names. Reyna, who “The quicker it comes the Scottish Premiership. marked his 18th birthday in November by better for me, I’m really look- “What’s happened to me extending his contract until 2025, scored ing forward to it. It’s a fantas- is not about Kilmarnock, be- his fi rst Bundesliga goal on the opening tic game, we’re in a good place cause the Kilmarnock people day of this season. and I can’t wait for that whistle have been good to me,” local He has featured in all of Dortmund’s to go. We want to go and give media quoted Dyer as saying. Bundesliga and Champions League games everything we can, be the best “It’s about someone who has in 2020/21, scoring three league goals — version of ourselves collective- a grievance against my colour, including the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at ly and individually. I’m con- it’s as simple as that. I work Frankfurt — and producing six assists. fi dent we can get those three hard every day, I give my all, Reyna, an attacking midfi elder who can (points).” because it’s the job I love doing. play on either wing, needs a strong per- Romanian Ianis Hagi has I’m never going to let someone formance at home to Wolfsburg on Sun- scored two goals in his last like that deter me from do- day after Dortmund’s shock 2-1 defeat to three appearances and set ing my job. It’s in the police’s Union Berlin a fortnight ago. up Kemar Roofe’s opener on hands and they will get on with The result left Dortmund fi fth in the Wednesday, while forward Al- it now.” league, eight points behind leaders Bay- fredo Morelos ended his goal Dyer said that it was im- ern Munich, who host Mainz on Sunday. drought by scoring the second portant to “carry on doing the Against Wolfsburg, Dortmund could wel- against St Mirren. right thing” in the face of rac- come back striker Erling Braut Haaland, Gerrard said he had plenty ism. “I can bat it off because who scored ten Bundesliga goals in eight of thinking to do before de- I’m in a privileged position games before being sidelined by a hip in- ciding his line-up. “Ianis has but there are people out there jury. Having forced his way into the Dort- come back into the team and who don’t have anyone so it’s mund fi rst-team, Reyna now wants to he’s contributing really well, for the likes of me to keep talk- emulate Haaland and England winger Ja- I’ve got some big decisions ing about it,” he added. “... We don Sancho, both 20, by deciding games. to make for the weekend but take the knee, keep getting the “You see guys like Sancho and Haaland that’s where I want to be,” Ger- message out there and hope- — I want to be at their level,” Reyna told rard added. fully one day there will be no The Players’ Tribune. “I know I can make “People are pushing for more.” that jump this season. I’ve come out of my shell. I now demand the ball.” The son of former USA captain Clau- dio Reyna, he joined Dortmund from New York City FC in July 2019. Shortly after his 17th birthday last January, Reyna made his Dortmund debut, then bagged his fi rst senior goal in February with a jaw- dropping strike in a German Cup game at Bremen. Giovanni Reyna has featured in all of Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga and Champions League games this season, scoring He marked his Champions League de- three league goals and producing six assists. but the same month with a brilliant pass to set up Haaland for the winning goal ern’s academy more than a decade ago, made the biggest impact. The attacking the football world can look forward to in the last 16, fi rst-leg victory over Paris were the last fi rst-team players to come midfi elder, who can also play on the left, what will come of this young talent,” Flick Saint Germain. However, Reyna’s raw tal- up through the club’s youth structure. became the club’s youngest goal-scorer said recently. ent needs polishing. His defensive work That has all changed with 17-year-olds during the 8-0 demolition of Schalke on Musiala also hit the post in Bayern’s 2-1 was exposed when Union’s Liverpool loa- and Bright Arrey-Mbi, plus the opening day of this season. win at Bayer Leverkusen which put them nee Taiwo Awoniyi got in front of him to Angelo Stiller, 19, given game time this Born in Stuttgart — his mother is Ger- top a week before Christmas. head home. Dortmund fi elded a youthful season for the European champions by man — Musiala moved to London as a His obvious talent has drawn the at- side in Berlin where Haaland’s understudy . As Alphonso Davies proved child and rose through Chelsea’s academy tention of Germany team director Oliver Youssoufa Moukoko became the league’s last season in making the left-back berth before joining Bayern’s youth structure Bierhoff , who hopes to persuade Musiala youngest goal-scorer at 16 years, 28 days. his own as a then 19-year-old, Flick last year. Shortly after earning his fi rst to play for the country of his birth rather Down in Bavaria, European champions cares more about talent than age. “Fi- England Under-21 cap in November, Mu- than England. Bayern Munich are also giving youth a nally, we once again have a few players siala then came off Bayern’s bench and “We’re watching him, because of his chance. on our (academy) campus who are break- scored with a superb strike in the 3-3 draw German FA past and his current perform- Before this season, double Champi- ing through,” said Bayern chairman Karl- against RB Leipzig. ances,” Bierhoff recently said of Muisala, a ons League winners Thomas Mueller and Heinz Rummenigge. “We’re very happy about Musiala’s de- rarity having played for Germany Under- , who graduated from Bay- Of Bayern’s trio of teens, Musiala has velopment, he’s very calm on the ball and 16s as well as England’s juniors. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (left).

LIGUE 1 ROUND-UP Nainggolan hopes to rediscover the Ten years aft er World Cup fiasco, joy of football on Cagliari return Domenech back in dugout Reuters Milan AFP Nantes, France idfi elder Radja Nainggolan rejoined Cagliari after an unhappy few months aymond Domenech at Inter Milan yesterday, saying he was unveiled as the hoped his third stint at the Sardinian new boss of struggling Mclub would help him rediscover the joy of playing French Ligue 1 side football. “As if in a long love story, tinged with red NantesR yesterday, 10 years after and blue, Cagliari and Radja Nainggolan are to- his rollercoaster reign as France gether once again,” said Cagliari in a statement, coach ended in a player strike confi rming that the Belgian had joined them on and World Cup humiliation. loan from Inter for the rest of the season. “I’m happy, it’s a real pleasure.... Nainggolan began his Serie A career with maybe I understand your prob- Cagliari in 2010, before moving to AS Roma in rie B side earlier this month and made an imme- lems better, I hope not to repeat 2014. After four impressive seasons with Roma diate impact when he met Carlos Augusto’s cross my mistakes”, he told journalists. — where he played under Cagliari’s current coach to put them ahead in a 3-0 win over league lead- The 68-year-old Domenech Eusebio Di Francesco — he joined Inter in 2018 ers Salernitana. Balotelli, who had been without was in charge of Les Bleus from but that move never worked out. a team since the summer before signing for the 2004 until the 2010 World Cup He was loaned to Cagliari for the whole of last club from just outside Milan, also had a goal ruled in South Africa. The tournament season and, having returned to Inter, made only out for a clear off side before he was substituted was an utter fi asco with temper- four Serie A appearances for Antonio Conte’s side just after the hour mark. amental striker Nicolas Anelka in the fi rst half of the current campaign. “I’m here Antonino Barilla put the hosts two up just be- sent home, players striking in Nantes new head coach Raymond Domenech (centre) talks to players during a training session at the because I want to rediscover the joy of playing fore the break when he slammed home from close response before the team was Joneliere training centre, in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, outside Nantes yesterday. (AFP) football that was taken away from me in this fi rst range, and substitute Marco Armellino made sure knocked out in the fi rst round. part of the season,” Nainggolan told reporters on of the three points which take Monza just two That was the last time Do- 1988-1993. “Through what we taking aim at him and club own- Domenech insisted yester- arriving in Cagliari. “I like playing football and points behind Salernitana when he added a third menech coached a team. If that are going to show on the fi eld, I er Waldemar Kita. Players were day that he was unperturbed by that’s all I want to do... I’m someone who’s been deep into stoppage time. was an excruciating experience hope that we will bring everyone compared to goats. the hostility. “At all clubs there moved around left, right and centre lately.” Third-placed Monza are also one point away for the combative Domenech, together. I’m not worried, I want “Ladies and gentlemen, wel- are problems. There are worries Nainggolan made 30 appearances for Belgium from the two automatic promotion spots as the next six months will be just things to go well on the pitch, come to the Kita Circus! The everywhere. If everything was but ended his international career after being left former AC Milan chiefs Berlusconi and Adriano as testing with Nantes down we are moving forward, we are Kita Circus brings you some new rosy, you’d have nothing more to out of the 2018 World Cup squad. Galliani target a place Serie A next season. Four- in 16th place in the table, three training, the players are strong in amazing new acts,” boomed a write,” he told reporters. “I don’t time Italian prime minister Berlusconi purchased points above the relegation trap- spirit, they are happy, with a lot member of the ‘Brigade Loire’ know anyone at this club who BALOTELLI FINDS TARGET Monza in September 2018 for around 3mn euros door. “The objective is to bring of joy and desire.” supporters’ club to a background does not want it to work, every- ON MONZA DEBUT having sold Milan for 740mn euros in April 2017. pleasure, to off er something The club’s fans, however, may of deafening music. “Raymond one wants it to work.” Mario Balotelli got off to a fl ying start for Monza Balotelli played under the pair at Milan between coherent to this team,” said Do- need convincing. When he ar- Domenech will explain to us Domenech’s fi rst match in on Wednesday after bagging his fi rst goal for his 2013 and 2014 and then on loan from Liverpool for menech who has not coached rived for training on Wednesday, his vision of football, what will charge will be on January 6 new club just three minutes into his debut for the 2015-16 Serie A season. He arrived at Milan at top-fl ight club level since he was greeted by a band playing make us laugh on the upcoming at home against Breton rivals Silvio Berlusconi’s ambitious team. Italy interna- in January 2013 and scored 12 goals to help them a fi ve-year spell at Lyon from circus music with a ‘ringmaster’ weekends.” Rennes. tional Balotelli signed a deal until June for the Se- reach the following season’s Champions League. Gulf Times Friday, January 1, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA James celebrates birthday with milestone in Lakers win Superstar celebrates his 36th birthday, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the win over Spurs

AFP Los Angeles, United States Spurs’ Hammon makes NBA history as fi rst woman to lead team os Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birth- Reuters day Wednesday with another New York, United States NBA milestone, scoring dou- Lble-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers’ 121-107 victory over an Antonio Spurs assistant the Spurs in San Antonio. coach Becky Hammon made James fi nished with 26 points to ex- Shistory on Wednesday, becom- tend his already record streak of dou- ing the first woman to take charge ble-digit games in the regular season. of an NBA team when she took over He sealed the milestone midway after head coach Gregg Popovich was through the second quarter with a ejected. turnaround jump hook that gave the Popovich received two technical fouls Lakers a 46-37 lead. with 3:56 left in the second quarter of “I just try to live in the moment and the Spurs’ eventual 121-107 defeat to just try to continue to get better with the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. my game, try to get better with my “I did not walk into the arena thinking teammates and try to just maximise I would be coaching tonight, but when I’m on the fl oor,” said James, who that’s the way things go and you is in his 18th NBA campaign after lead- roll with it, and I would have liked a ing the Lakers to the 2020 title in the diff erent outcome,” Hammon said. league’s quarantine bubble in Orlando. “Overall, I would have loved to get a “I’ve been blessed to play the game win tonight more than anything. that I love for 18 years and hopefully I can Hammon did not know she would be continue to play at a high level,” he said. put in charge if Popovich were to be James’ double-digit scoring streak ejected from a game. How did she began on January 6, 2007, when he was find out? playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. “He off icially pointed at me,” Hammon “It’s a tribute to his tenacity level... said. “That was it. He said, ‘You got his commitment to excellence,” Spurs ‘em.’ That was it. Very Pop-like.” coach Gregg Popovich said before the San Antonio trailed by 11 points at the Assistant coach Becky Hammon of game. “He deserves a lot of credit for time Popovich was tossed. San Antonio Spurs takes over head being the consummate professional. “We all group together, (assistant coaching duties on Wednesday. (AFP) His mental state along with his physical coaches) Will Hardy, Mitch Johnson, state really makes him really special.” ‘What can we do to help?’” Hammon York Liberty and 2007-14 with the San Shortly after James reached the said. “It was all about what can we Antonio Stars, the latter team owned milestone, Popovich was ejected from do to help win.... It was a great team by the Spurs. the contest for arguing with offi cials. eff ort, and they are in my ear giving “Obviously it’s a big deal, a substantial Assistant Becky Hammon took over LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks past San Antonio Spurs defenders during the NBA game at AT&T Center in San me suggestions and helping with moment,” Hammon said of leading on the Spurs bench, becoming the Antonio, Texas, United States, on Wednesday. (AFP) substitutions and whatnot. When Pop the Spurs on Wednesday. “I’ve been a fi rst woman to direct a team in an NBA gets tossed, we all come together and part of this organisation. I got traded game. points with a career-best 15 rebounds “You want to constantly develop become kind of another team.” here in 2007, so I’ve been in San Anto- Anthony Davis scored 20 points and RESULTS as the Heat rallied to stave off another some grit and toughness during the Hammon, 43, has been an assistant nio and part of the Spurs... organisa- pulled down nine rebounds for the Lak- home defeat. course of a long season, and our guys coach for the Spurs since August tion with the Stars and everything ers, newcomer Dennis Schroder added Boston 126-107 Memphis The Bucks had dominated on Tues- responded in an appropriate fashion,” 2014, the first woman to be paid for for 13 years. So I have a lot of time 21 points and four assists. Brooklyn 145-141 Atlanta day with an NBA-record 29 three- said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who that job in an off icial, full-time capac- invested, and they have a lot of time Wesley Matthews had his best game Miami 119-108 Milwaukee pointers in their 144-97 triumph. acknowledged before the game that ity. She had a 16-year playing career in invested in me in building me and since joining the champions, scoring 18 The Bucks, fuelled by a triple-double there was “a lot of anger and frustra- the WNBA, 1999-2006 with the New getting me better.” points off the bench as he made all six Charlotte 118-99 Dallas of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists tion” after the blowout loss on Tues- of his three-point attempts. LA Lakers 121-107 San Antonio from two-time NBA Most Valuable day. “As well there should have been,” ics withstand 30-point performances second period. LA Clippers 128-105 Portland Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked he said. from Atlanta’s Trae Young and John Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Le- HUMBLED HEAT BOUNCE BACK like making it two wins in a row when In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving scored 17 Collins. onard, who missed two games with a In early action, the Miami Heat re- they led by 14 in the third quarter. of his 25 points in the fourth quarter Boston, powered by Jaylen Brown’s mouth injury from an elbow to the face, bounded from an embarrassing second straight night. Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 career-high 42 points, defeated the returned in a protective mask to score 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119- Goran Dragic came off the bench to and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the rebounds and eight assists as the Nets Memphis Grizzlies 116-111. a game-high 28 points in his team’s 108 NBA victory over the Bucks. lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Ade- Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite dealt the Atlanta Hawks their fi rst de- The Celtics led by 12 points after 128-105 victory over the Portland Trail The Heat didn’t have to wait long for bayo added 22 points, eight rebounds missing Jimmy Butler for the second feat of the young season, 145-141. the opening quarter and took full Blazers. revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 straight game. Irving’s late burst helped the Celt- control with a 17-0 scoring run in the

BASEBALL Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen exits game Padres land Japanese star Darvish due to ankle injury Grizzlies guard Grayson Allen sustained a sprained left ankle during the second quarter of Memphis’ Wednesday road game against the Boston Celtics. Allen was from Cubs to boost MLB title hopes seen banging his fist on a nearby table as he limped toward the locker room. He was AFP fi red up, from top to bottom.” ruled out for the remainder of the contest Los Angeles, United States The Padres found a willing partner at halftime. The injury to Allen is the latest in the Cubs, who were looking for for the Grizzlies, who saw star Ja Morant young prospects. exit a 116-111 overtime victory over the apanese star pitcher Yu Chicago reached the playoff s in Brooklyn Nets on Monday with a Grade 2 Darvish was obtained by San fi ve of the past six seasons, including left ankle sprain. The reigning NBA Rookie Diego from the Chicago Cubs a 2016 World Series victory over the of the Year is expected to miss three to in a Major League Baseball Cleveland Indians for the Cubs’ fi rst five weeks with that ailment. Memphis dealJ to help make the Padres an im- MLB crown since 1908. is also playing without Jaren Jackson Jr. mediate championship contender. But the team hasn’t won a playoff and Justise Winslow. Jackson, the fourth The Padres and Cubs completed a game since 2017 and concern about overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is out seven-player deal that sent 34-year- an ageing roster and the potential to indefinitely while recovering from surgery old right-hander Darvish, who went lose top free agent talent in 2021 put to repair the meniscus in his left knee. 8-3 last season to lead the National the Cubs at a crossroads to try and Winslow is sidelined due to a left hip League in wins, to San Diego along revamp without rebuilding. injury. Allen, 25, missed his lone shot from with catcher Victor Caratini, behind “We’re at that time right now,” the floor Wednesday and finished without the plate for most Darvish starts. added Hoyer. “Are we going to be a point. He entered the game averaging “It’s as good a combination of competitive? Absolutely. 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds this season. power, fi nesse, multiple pitches as “But are we going to have an eye on anybody in the game,” Padres general the future and try to make sure that manager A.J. Preller said of Darvish. we continue to bolster our farm sys- Zero positives in latest “His last season and a half has tem and make sure that we can build week of NBA Covid-19 been as productive as anybody in the a future that is as bright as the last game. He’s a force.” six years that we just went through? testing Together with a trade for Tampa That’s our goal.” Bay star pitcher Blake Snell, the Pa- While Covid-19 cases are on the rise dres have assembled a formidable ‘ONE EYE ON FUTURE’ nationally, the NBA reported good news starting rotation. In the trade, the Cubs acquired Wednesday regarding its status amid the “We’ve got a chance to win a right-handed pitcher Zach Dav- pandemic. The league and the National World Series right away and you’ve ies, 18-year-old outfi elder pros- Basketball Players Association announced got to love being a part of that,” Snell pects Ismael Mena and Owen Cais- that no positive results emerged from said. sie, 17-year-old shortstop Reginald the 495 players tested for Covid-19 since “This team is lights-out. It’s time Preciado and 20-year-old shortstop December 24. Since the 2020-21 season for us to put the work in and make Yeison Santana. tipped off on December 22, the NBA has this happen, because we have the Hoyer won’t rebuild totally as he postponed just one game, between the team to do it.” and former Cubs executive Theo Ep- Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Darvish had a 2.01 earned-run stein did in 2012. Thunder on December 23. The Rockets average over 76 innings last season “I’m not going to run the same fell below the league-mandated minimum with Caratini calling what pitches he playbook that we ran in 2011 and of eight available players due to positive should throw, having caught 196 1/3 ’12,” Hoyer said. “I think that would Covid-19 cases for Ben McLemore and innings for Darvish, the most of any be foolish, and I think, frankly, that Kenyon Martin Jr. plus contact tracing that catcher in his career. playbook has been copied so many sidelined multiple others. The Rockets, “He became part of the deal, in times it doesn’t work the same way still short-handed, returned to action on part, because of his great relation- smooth Yu’s transition to San Diego, the deal.” front-of-the-rotation-type major anymore. Saturday. NBA games are being held in ship with Yu,” new Cubs president of I think, was a big part of the allure... The Padres talent on the mound league starters,” Preller said. “We “We need to make moves with one empty arenas or with limited numbers of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. that was something that the Padres should be among the best in baseball. feel like we have a bunch now. eye on the future, but we also have a fans in the stands. “His ability to sort of potentially were pretty insistent upon during “You can never have enough true “Everybody in the organisation is really competitive team.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 1, 2021 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Browns Covid-19 Saints go for historic positives are potential fi nal hurdle for NFL regular season

Reuters Dawn Aponte, the NFL’s chief NFC South sweep New York, United States football administrative offi cer, said the league was continuing contact tracing but was moving he Cleveland Browns forward with plans to play on shut down their training schedule. and practice facility on “We try to remain fl exible Wednesday after a player and adaptable as we go through Tand a staff member tested posi- this,” said Aponte. “Everything against Panthers remains on the table and as we tive for the novel coronavirus, posing a potential fi nal hurdle for continue to get the information, the NFL as it closes out its regu- we’ll assess it and address it.” Saints can clinch the NFC overall No. 1 seed and a first-weekend bye in the playoff s lar season. The NFL has seen numerous The 10-5 Browns are in the game delays due to Covid-19 Reuters hunt for a playoff spot going positives but no outright cancel- New York, United States into their Sunday game against lations, as it repeatedly ratcheted divisional rival the Pittsburgh up its safety protocols — and Steelers, who have clinched their handed down hefty fi nes for he New Orleans Saints playoff berth after winning the noncompliance. still have things to ac- AFC North title. The novel coronavirus has complish in the fi nal But the positive tests within spread rapidly across the United game of the regular sea- the Cleveland organisation, States, with more than 19mn in- Tson on Sunday against the Caro- which said it was cleared to reo- fections and over 330,000 Cov- lina Panthers. pen the facility later on Wednes- id-19-related deaths. The Saints are on the verge day, could pose a Week 17 chal- The Browns, who have not of dominating the NFC South lenge for the league, with little made a playoff appearance since in an unprecedented fashion scope to reschedule the game 2002, placed a handful of players when they visit Charlotte, North if the Covid-19 positives force on their Reserve/Covid-19 list in Carolina. a delay in the fi nal week of the the last week, including rookie That’s just part of the objec- regular competition. tight end Harrison Bryant and tive. League offi cials insisted on safety Andrew Sendejo. “I just want to be playing Wednesday that there was no The Reserve/Covid-19 list in- our best football,” New Orleans evidence of transmission within cludes players who have tested quarterback Drew Brees said. “I the Browns facility and that the positive or have had a close con- want to be as sharp as we possi- Covid-19 positives were the like- tact with an infected person. bly can, understanding that ob- ly result of community exposure. The Browns were without viously we’re still missing a few “To date, we don’t see any some of their top talent at wide guys that hopefully we’ll have connection among the recent receiver due to Covid-19 in their when we get to the playoff s.” positive cases with the Browns,” 23-16 loss to the New York Jets in The Saints (11-4) can clinch said NFL Chief Medical Offi cer Week 16. the overall No. 1 seed in the NFC Allen Sills. “We’re all prepared to adapt as and a subsequent fi rst-weekend “But obviously we’re going to necessary and really just take this bye in the playoff s if they win continue to work through that, thing day by day,” head coach at Carolina (5-10) along with a continue to monitor test results Kevin Stefanski said. Seattle (11-4) victory at San Fran- on a day-to-day basis.” cisco (6-9) and a loss by Green Bay (12-3) at Chicago (8-7). “We just have to keep play- SPOTLIGHT ing our game,” Saints off ensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk said. “... The stakes are high right now.” Already, New Orleans has se- Chiefs looking to cured its fourth straight NFC South title. A victory against the In this December 25, 2020, picture, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (right) makes a catch in front of Minnesota Vikings Panthers would mean the Saints strong safety Harrison Smith in the game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (USA TODAY Sports) stay healthy ahead complete a six-game sweep of the other NFC South teams, new coach Matt Rhule, the Pan- that’s what we’re doing,” Caro- Panthers quarterback Teddy (groin) also sat out Wednesday’s which is something no team in thers are trying to set a founda- lina cornerback Donte Jackson Bridgewater has another oppor- practice. of Chargers clash the division has ever accom- tion that will be benefi cial in the said. “We were in a search try- tunity to face New Orleans. Last The Saints defeated the Pan- plished. future. ing to fi nd our identity, but we year with the Saints, he fi lled thers 27-24 on October 25, with “You understand how hard “For us to have this new staff , found it.” in for an injured Brees during a the outcome not decided until it is to win the division,” Brees new players, it’s about building The Saints aim to build on midseason stretch. a late-game fi eld-goal attempt said. “Week-in and week-out, each and every week,” Carolina their reputation and be in posi- This is the fi nal chance for from 65 yards out was just short there are so many battles.... safety Tre Boston said. “I told y’all tion for a long playoff run. Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn to for Carolina’s Joey Slye. That would be a great accom- a few weeks back: When that wall “Understand exactly what make a case for NFL Defensive New Orleans has defeated the plishment. At the end of the day, on the house is just one wall, eve- wins football games and let’s Rookie of the Year. Panthers in the last three meet- it’s just getting another win, rybody is going to say stuff about make sure we’re doing all those “It has been my goal to fi nish ings and in seven of the teams’ which just better positions our- it, but as we build this house and things,” said Brees, who pointed the season strong,” said Chinn, past eight games. selves for the playoff s.” make it a home, we’re going to be out it’s important for the off ense who has 110 tackles, fi ve passes Attendance will be lim- Carolina won for just the one to reckon with.” to retain timing and rhythm. defensed, two fumble recover- ited to 1,500, with only fam- second time in a 10-game span The Panthers, who posted a Saints running back Alvin ies, two forced fumbles and a ily and friends of team mem- with last weekend’s conquer- November shutout of the De- Kamara’s NFL record-matching sack to go along with scoring bers permitted entry, because ing of Washington. Yet the Pan- troit Lions, held Washington six-touchdown performance two touchdowns. of increased concerns in the thers are accustomed to taking without a touchdown until the against the Minnesota Vikings Meanwhile, Panthers running Charlotte area regarding the on fi rst-place teams as this will last two minutes. on Christmas night showed back Christian McCaff rey won’t coronavirus pandemic. This is a Chad Henne is expected to start as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback in mark their fi fth game in a nine- “A lot of points this season, what the team is capable of do- play in the fi nale. He appeared change from most of the season, place of a rested Patrick Mahomes (not pictured). game stretch against a divisional we were really searching to fi nd ing with its talent-laden off ense. in just three games this season. when more than 5,000 fans were leader. our identity and fi nd out what “Over time,” Brees said, “it Running back Mike Davis (ankle) allowed to purchase tickets for Reuters get much playing time. I’m ex- With a fi rst-year staff under we do and what we have — and wears defenses down.” and receiver Robby Anderson Carolina home games. New York, United States cited and excited about the group we’re going to have out there.” The lineup could lack some BOTTOMLINE pparently subbing for fi repower the Chiefs typically Patrick Mahomes pro- deploy. vides a potential shot of Tyreek Hill (hamstring), youthful exuberance. Le’Veon Bell (knee), Clyde NHL’s oldest player Chara signs one-year Capitals deal AWith the No. 1 seed in the AFC Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and playoff s already secured by Kan- Sammy Watkins (calf) all missed sas City (14-1), the Chiefs will practice Wednesday. Travis Devils forward Hischier to miss start rest their MVP candidate Sunday Kelce could be another weapon of training camp when they play host to the Los the Chiefs sit since he has already Angeles Chargers (6-9). set the NFL season record for re- Reuters January 14. Mahomes’ backup, Chad ceiving yardage (1,416) by a tight New York, United States Hischier, who will turn 22 on Henne, is no stranger to the NFL. end and the franchise record for Monday, recorded 52 points That didn’t prevent Chiefs coach catches (105). (20 goals, 32 assists) in his Andy Reid, however, from telling The Chargers carry a three- leg injury will prevent rookie season after being his backup quarterback to go be a game winning streak behind Justin New Jersey Devils selected by New Jersey with kid again. Herbert, who engineered game- A forward Nico Hischier the top overall pick of the 2017 “I think he’s excited,” Reid winning drives in each of the three from taking the ice for the NHL Draft. said. “I told him, ‘Act like you’re wins. The No. 6 overall pick from start of training camp. Hischier had 36 points (14 20, man, and try to remember Oregon owns an NFL rookie record Hischier avoided surgery goals, 22 assists) in 58 games those days and feel it.’ He’s all in.” with 28 touchdown passes. after sustaining the injury in 2019-20 after signing a Henne, 35, will start for the Herbert’s fi rst start came in while training in his native seven-year, $50.75mn exten- fi rst time since the fi rst three Week 2 against the Chiefs after a Switzerland. He is considered sion before the season. He also games of the 2014 season with pain-killing injection punctured week-to-week with the injury, played in his first NHL All-Star Jacksonville. He entered as a re- the lung of Tyrod Taylor. The Devils general manager Tom Game last season. serve in two blowouts this sea- Chargers, who started 2-7, took Fitzgerald confirmed to NHL. Hishier has collected 135 son, completing 5 of 6 passes the Chiefs into overtime before com. points (51 goals, 84 assists) while rushing for one touchdown falling 23-20 as Herbert passed The Devils begin the season in 209 career games with the after missing all of last season for 311 yards and one touchdown. against the Boston Bruins on Devils. with a fractured ankle. “I think I’m a better teammate, Not quite the numbers Maho- son, friend because of all those mes has posted leading Kansas tough times we had this year,” and 250-pound (113kg) blueliner The Bruins will play the Capi- City to 10 straight wins as the NFL Herbert said. “I know I learned — the tallest player in NHL his- tals eight times this season, passing leader with 4,740 yards. a lot going forward, I know I’m tory — helped the Bruins win the the fi rst of them January 30 at The Chiefs have already estab- going to be better prepared for Stanley Cup in 2011 and won the Washington with Chara making lished a club-best win total and 2021.” Norris Trophy as the top NHL de- his return to Boston on March can set another franchise record One question is whether he fenseman in 2008-09. 3, although spectators are not with an 11th consecutive win in will be joined by fourth-year “We are extremely pleased,” expected to be allowed at games the same season. coach Anthony Lynn, who said AFP with the Boston Bruins. and I respect their decision,” Capitals general manager Brian due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, Reid embraced he has not been given any in- Washington, United States Chara, who was the longest Chara posted on Instagram. MacLellan said. “We feel his “As I begin this next chapter, the opportunity to rest sev- dication on his future with Los tenured NHL captain by having “Unfortunately, my time as experience and leadership will I want the people of Boston to eral regulars before the Chiefs Angeles. the role for Boston since 2006, the proud captain of the Bruins strengthen our blueline and our know how proud I was to be a observe a fi rst-round bye and “I am not concerned about lovakian defenseman will begin his 23rd NHL cam- has come to an end.” team.” Bruin and how grateful I am for home-fi eld advantage in the that; I am concerned about Kan- Zdeno Chara, the Na- paign when the league’s short- Five-time All-Star Chara, Chara, who had four seasons all of the support over the years,” playoff s. sas City,” Lynn said. tional Hockey League’s ened season opens in January. who turns 44 in March, signed each with the New York Island- Chara wrote. “‘Thank you’ does “It’s crazy to think it’s my fi rst Defensive end Joey Bosa (con- oldest player at 43, “Recently, the Boston Bruins for $795,000 after scoring fi ve ers and Ottawa Senators before not seem adequate to express (start) since 2014,” Henne said. “I cussion), wide receiver Keenan signedS a one-year free agent have informed me that they plan goals and setting up nine more joining the Bruins, has scored my sincere gratitude. I will al- got all my games in when I was Allen (hamstring) and safety deal Wednesday with the Wash- to move forward with their many in 68 games last season. 205 goals with 451 assists in 1,553 ways be a Bruin. I will always young and then I had like a fi ve- Rayshawn Jenkins (ankle) are ington Capitals after 14 seasons younger and talented players The massive 6-foot-9 (2.06m) career NHL games. love Boston.” or six-year span where I didn’t questionable for the Chargers. Gulf Times Friday, January 1, 2021 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Cheptegei gunning for 5,000m-10,000m Williamson shift s double at Olympics

Reuters gold medals,. Kampala “It would be really amazing to win the double, but if I win gold in the 10,000m I would still be Smith, Kohli as gandan Joshua Chep- grateful.” tegei says he is tar- Cheptegei, who runs in Nike’s geting the 5,000m- Dragonfl y spikes — a light- 10,000m double weight shoe that combines a Uat the Tokyo Olympics after unique foam and carbon plates breaking the world records in — said that his gear helped him both distances this year. The but was not the reason for his 24-year-old set a new 10,000 success this year. A debate over top Test batsman mark of 26 minutes, 11.00 sec- runners’ shoes has been raging onds at the Valencia World since high-tech footwear de- Williamson leapt from third to first after his player-of-the-match eff ort led the Record Day event in October to veloped by Nike played a star- beat Kenenisa Bekele’s time of ring role in two of the biggest Black Caps to a 101-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test this week 26:17.53 set in 2005. At the Mo- distance-running achievements naco Diamond League meeting of 2019. two months earlier he had also “The shoes really do help. But bettered Bekele’s 16-year-old in this case the shoes are not 5,000m record by almost two only available to Mr. Cheptegei. seconds with a time of 12:35.36. They are available for everyone If Cheptegei wins gold med- who wants to attack the world als in both events at next year’s record,” he added. postponed Games, he would “You have seen the likes of become only the eighth man to Yomif Kejelcha, Selemon Bar- complete the double. ega... it’s not about shoes only, “It would be a mountain to but athletes having this period climb, but the challenge is up concentrating more on training to me,” Cheptegei told the BBC. and not travelling. “It’s demanding a lot, in terms “I was focused on just this of racing and mindset but I want one thing... that was breaking to give myself a try to win both the world record.”

Numero uno...Kane Williamson of New Zealand.

IANS Smith slipped to third in the rankings match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch tion for up to six weeks. Stead said they Christchurch behind Kohli following scores of nought starting on Sunday, coach Gary Stead. would likely name his replacement on and eight in Australia’s second Test Wagner needed pain-killing injections Friday, adding that they would go “like against India while Kohli was on pater- during the Test, which the hosts won by for like”. ew Zealand skipper Kane Wil- nity leave. 101 runs, after he was struck on the foot Matt Henry, who has often been draft- liamson has overtaken Aus- “They are incredible players of our while batting on the second day at Bay ed in when a pace bowler goes down in- tralia’s Steve Smith and India generation,” Williamson said as he ar- Oval in Mount Maunganui. jured, is in contention after recovering captain Virat Kohli to be the rived in Christchurch ahead of the sec- He bowled several lengthy spells over from a hand injury. Nnumber one Test batsman in the world ond Pakistan Test which starts on Sun- the next three days and was instrumen- Stead was pleased with the fi rst test in the latest ICC rankings released yes- day. tal in New Zealand sealing victory late on performance against a tough Pakistan terday. “Those two players are the best so for the fi nal day when he captured centurion side, who were behind for much of the Williamson leapt from third to fi rst me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is Fawad Alam and the dangerous Faheen match but were still in with a chance of after his player-of-the-match eff ort led very surprising and humbling.” Ashraf to expose the Pakistan tail. snatching victory in the fi nal session. the Black Caps to a 101-run victory over All three players were this week named “Neil was absolutely outstanding,” “That was tough, really hard test Pakistan this week, scoring 129 in the in the International Cricket Council’s Stead told reporters at Christchurch air- cricket and it was good to come out on fi rst innings and a rapid 21 in the second team of the decade with Smith also port yesterday. “I don’t think there are the right side of it against a tough Paki- when New Zealand were building a lead named as the individual Test player of too many individuals who could do what stan team,” he said. before declaring. the decade. Kohli took the award for the he did in that Test match. “I thought Mohammad Rizwan and The New Zealand skipper described it best one-day player. “Neil hasn’t travelled with us. The Fawad Alam’s partnership was outstand- as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who Meanwhile, New Zealand pace bowler injections he was getting (to lessen the ing... and they nearly took the game away held the top spot for 313 days this year, Neil Wagner, who battled through the pain) were wearing off (quickly) and we from us. and Kohli, who was number one for 51 pain of two broken toes in the fi rst Test can’t let him go through that again.” “That’s what makes Test cricket what Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei. days. against Pakistan, will miss the second The left-arm quick would be out of ac- it is.”

Baxter, referee Owens among nominees SOARING INTO THE NEW YEAR for Rugby Union Writers’ Club award London: Exeter Chiefs’ double- leading South Africa to the winning director of rugby World Cup crown in Japan. Rob Baxter and Welsh referee Meanwhile, this weekend’s Nigel Owens were among the games, Worcester Warriors v nominees for the Rugby Union Harlequins and London Irish Writers’ Club (RUWC) Pat Mar- v Northampton Saints, have shall Award for 2020 named been cancelled due to Covid-19 yesterday. Baxter’s Exeter com- cases, Premiership Rugby said pleted a momentous double in yesterday. the 2019-20 season when they Harlequins’ trip to Worcester on lifted the European Champions Friday was called off after one Cup and Premiership titles, 10 of their players tested positive years after climbing out of the for Covid-19 and six others second division Championship. were placed in isolation due to Owens, who ended his 17-year contact tracing. international career earlier this London Irish’s home match month, is the most-capped ref- against Northampton on eree in world rugby and the first Sunday was called off after to off iciate in 100 tests when he they returned several positive took charge of an the Autumn results in the latest round of Nations Cup game between testing and had players unavail- France and Italy last month. able because of contact tracing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones protocols. has also been nominated after “A Premiership Rugby panel will he eclipsed All Blacks great now be convened to determine Richie McCaw’s milestone of the allocation of points and 148 test caps to become rugby’s a further announcement will most capped player. be made in due course,” the France’s electric scrum half league said in a statement, Antoine Dupont has also been adding that all other round- nominated while former Samoa five games will go ahead as international Dan Leo was also scheduled. named in recognition for his The Premiership recorded 33 representation of Pacific Island new positive Covid-19 results in players. The winner will be its latest round of testing, the announced through RUWC’s most in any week this season. Twitter account after the annual The league carried out a total of dinner was cancelled due to the 951 tests on players and man- Covid-19 pandemic. agement of the 12 clubs, with 24 Springboks captain Siya Kolisi players and nine members of Czech Republic’s Roman Koudelka in action in the Four Hills ski jumping competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, yesterday. won the award last year after staff returning positive results.

Friday, January 1, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Arise Sir Lewis; F1 champion Warner may play Hamilton gets 3rd Test even if not his knighthood fully fi t: McDonald Australia will have to pick from Will Pucovski, Matthew Wade and Marcus Harris as Warner’s opening partners if the left-hander returns to the field at the SCG

Reuters long felt his achievements London have not been suffi ciently recognised at home and they expressed delight at the Mer- even-times Formula cedes driver joining a select One world champion group of sporting sirs. Lewis Hamilton was “Lewis is a true giant of our awarded a knighthood sport and his infl uence is huge inS the UK New Year’s honours both in and out of a car,” said list published on Wednesday. newly-appointed Formula The 35-year-old this year One chief executive Stefano became the most success- Domenicali, a former Ferrari Australia’s David Warner. ful F1 driver of all time after team principal. equalling Ferrari great Michael “What he has achieved is Schumacher’s record seven ti- phenomenal with still more to tles and beating the German’s come.” IANS place at the top so yeah there is a 91 race wins. Mercedes team boss Toto Melbourne potential that he could come out The sport’s only Black Wolff hailed Hamilton, who Umesh Yadav out of final two Tests and open again.” driver, who grew up in social won his fi rst title with McLaren McDonald confi rmed that Pu- housing as the grandson of in 2008, as the most successful pener David Warner IANS at all. covski has resumed training and immigrants from the Carib- British sportsperson of his era. could play the third Melbourne Umesh had limped off the that he will join the team during bean, Hamilton has also used The knighthood, he added, Test in Sydney begin- field on the third day due to the training session on January 2 his profi le to campaign for di- showed that Hamilton – often Oning January 7 even if pain in his calf and did not and 3. versity and speak out against seen as a polarising fi gure – he is not 100% fi t, hinted Aus- ndia suff ered another ma- return to take field. “The head coach (Justin Lang- racial injustice. was “now receiving the recog- tralia assistant coach Andrew jor blow after pace bowler His exit now means that Jas- er) has had some deeper conver- The Monaco resident’s nition he has earned during a McDonald. Umesh Yadav was ruled prit Bumrah will be left with sation with him over where he presence on the overseas and career of unparalleled success Warner suff ered a groin injury out of the Test series a rookie pace bowling attack, is. Positive sign is he is joining international list, rather than a in motorsport”. during the second One-day In- I us in the next couple of days. He main one with many rewarded “The UK can be very proud against Australia and will re- comprising Mohammed Siraj ternational (ODI) and was ruled turn home for rehabilitation at and Navdeep Saini. Shardul will have sessions on second and for service to public health in to have a champion and am- out of the fi nal ODI, the T20I se- the National Cricket Academy Thakur, T Natarajan and third. And then we travel to Syd- a pandemic, was seen as a re- bassador of the calibre of Sir ries as well as the fi rst two Test (NCA), it has been learnt. Kartik Tyagi are already there ney.” fl ection of his tax status. Lewis Hamilton,” added the matches leaving Australia to open His exit comes after Moham- as net bowlers and two of the “He is resuming some light- The Daily Mail newspa- Austrian. the Test innings with makeshift med Shami was ruled out three will be named replace- work. He will be tested thorough- per said Prime Minister Boris Hamilton is the fourth F1 opener Matthew Wade and an following a fracture to his ment for Shami and Umesh. ly here in the build-up to the third Johnson had “bent the rules” driver to be knighted after the out-of-form Joe Burns. bowling arm in the first Test Umesh was part of the bowl- Test. We are assuming that since to get around the tax require- late Australian Jack Brabham, Burns has since been dropped in Adelaide and had to return ing attack alongside Bumrah, he has been added to the squad, ments for domestic awards. Stirling Moss and triple cham- from the squad while young un- home ahead of the second Ishant and Shami that helped he has met the concussion pro- The citation referred to pion Jackie Stewart and the capped opener Will Pucovski, Test at the Melbourne Cricket India beat Australia in Test tocols.” Hamilton’s sporting record only one to have received the who missed the fi rst two Tests Ground. Ishant Sharma, who series in 2018-19 although he McDonald, who was the coach and his “charitable and phil- award while still racing. due to concussion-related prob- is recuperating at the NCA, played just one Test on that of Victoria before his Australia anthropic contributions in the Cycling’s Tour de France lems, has been included in the had not travelled to Australia tour. job and guided Pucovski to big UK and overseas”. winner Bradley Wiggins, Ol- squad for the last two Tests. scores in Sheffi eld Shield said Cinematographer Roger ympic 5,000 and 10,000 me- Warner too returns. that the 22-year-old has come off Deakins, famed for his work tres gold medallist Mo Fa- “I think that is a clear option of the third Test. We will get an opening partners if the left- think he opened in junior cricket such instances in the past and has on movies such as 1917, Shaw- rah, twice Wimbledon tennis that he may not be 100% fi t. He idea when he comes to the camp hander returns to the fi eld at the too. It is something that was for- done well. shank Redemption and Skyfall, champion Andy Murray and is coming off an injury. If he is on the 2nd and 3rd (January)... we Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). eign to him. He has done a great “He has been coming off such was also knighted on the same England cricketer Alastair 90-95% and the conversation is are encouraged that he is back. I McDonald refused to confi rm job. But the combination – if we instances. He has returned and overseas list. Cook have also been knighted that if he is fi t enough to perform am sure he is excited to come to what pair will open but said that go in with Wade and Warner will has performed on return. It is Hamilton’s supporters have as active sportsmen. his duties for the team. That is the game.” they will look at the fi tness of depend on Will Pucovski, where upto the head coach to see if he is the conversation the head coach “He is a world-class player. both Pucovski and Warner when he is at. We have also got Marcus skill-ready,” said McDonald. (Justin Langer) will have with the His strike rate is higher than most Aussie nets resume in Melbourne Harris there.” This is the third time Pucovski Rohit Sharma resumes training player and most times Justin has world class players around the on January 2nd and 3rd. He added “I would suggest that Wade’s has been added to the Test squad. been pretty open with the play- world and he can put pressure on that Wade is essentially a middle- best batting position is in the The previous instances were aft er arrival in Melbourne ers, giving them accountability,” the bowling attacks as well.” order batsman even though he middle. He has batted a lot in the against Sri Lanka in 2019 and said McDonald. Australia will have to pick from has done a good job opening the middle-order and that is where earlier in this series against India Melbourne: India bats- “So there will be a conversa- Will Pucovski, Matthew Wade batting. “Wade has done a great he is best suited. Having said for the fi rst two Tests. He is yet to man Rohit Sharma resumed tion as we narrow in to fi rst ball and Marcus Harris as Warner’s job as a makeshift opener. Don’t that he hasn’t really looked out of play a Test. training yesterday, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) con- firmed on its twitter handle. BOTTOMLINE Rohit, who had been in a 14-day hard quarantine in Sydney after his arrival from India in mid-December, flew Murray pulls out of Delray Beach Open citing Covid fears to Melbourne on Wednesday to join the team. progress and that he would IANS which is scheduled to be held Yesterday, the BCCI tweeted have loved to have him re- London from January 7 to 13. The Scot had pictures of the India opener cuperate in Australia instead missed most of the 2020 season doing catching practice. of NCA. due to complications from his hip “The engine is just getting Since arrival, the hard quaran- ormer world no.1 Andy injury and has struggled for form started and here is a quick tine has meant that he has not Murray has pulled out since returning to the tour after the glimpse of what lies ahead,” had a chance of practice. of the Delray Beach Open Covid-19 induced break. the BCCI wrote on twitter with India coach Ravi Shastri made Fbecause of Covid-19 fears. He has been off ered a wild card the pictures. it clear that Rohit wouldn’t Murray, who is set to take part in for the delayed 2021 Australian Rohit’s match fitness will be simply walk in to the side. the Australian Open in February, Open, which starts on February 8. crucial as he has not played “We will have a chat with him said that he wanted to avoid trav- This will be the fi rst time Murray any cricket since the Indian to see where he is placed elling to the United States to mini- will play in Melbourne since the Premier League final on No- physically because he has mise risks ahead of the season’s 2019 event, where he said he was vember 10. been quarantined for a couple fi rst Grand Slam. considering retiring from the sport He had stayed back in India of weeks. We will have to see “After much deliberation with after the tournament due to his hip to recuperate at the National now how he feels before we my team I’ve decided not to travel injury. Cricket Academy (NCA) in take the call,” Shastri had told to play in Delray Beach. Given the Murray lost in fi ve sets to Rober- Bengaluru even though the media after the second Test increase in Covid rates and the to Bautista Agut in the fi rst round decision made the regular which India won. transatlantic fl ights involved, I in 2019 after which the organisers India skipper Virat Kohli Rohit last played a Test over want to minimize the risks ahead of had even played a video montage unhappy. a year back, against Bang- the Australian Open,” Murray was in tribute to his career featuring Kohli had said prior to the ODI ladesh in Kolkata. That was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. fellow tennis stars bidding him series that he had not been also India’s first pink-ball Test. Murray, 33, had accepted a wild farewell. Eventually, however, he informed about Rohit’s (IANS) card for the Delray Beach event, reversed his decision to retire.