FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 Man City’s title bid rocked by Newcastle United

Thursday, January 31, 2019 TENNIS Jumada I 25, 1440 AH Kvitova overcomes GULF TIMES fi ghting Azarenka in St Petersburg SPORT Page 4 AFC ASIAN CUP AFC to probe UAE shame; fans call for tough punishment

was a ‘pressure game’ from the Shoe-throwing start. Boualem Khoukhi, , hosts bring Hassan al-Haydos and Hamid Is- mail were the goal heroes as Qa- disgrace to the tar crushed UAE. “I am happy for Qatar players beautiful game and the team offi cials. I am very proud of our performances. Let of football me tell you everyone has worked so hard for this,” Sanchez said af- Agencies ter the match. “I congratulate the people of Qatar on this great show,” he add- ed. “I am sure they are happy and sia’s football body celebrating. It was an extremely promised a “thorough diffi cult game. We did not feel investigation” yester- comfortable at the beginning but Aday after the United we scored two brilliants goals in Arab Emirates’ turbulent Asian the fi rst half,” he added. Cup semi-fi nal loss to arch- “Then we put pressure and rivals Qatar, during which fans added two more goals. That’s hurled shoes and bottles. how we achieved success today. Many have also called for UAE “The (unruly) situation was to be punished for their support- not easy to handle in general. ers’ behaviour and for its failure Fortunately there were no prob- to protect the Qatari team. lems and our players acted pro- “UAE fans threw shoes at Qa- fessionally,” Sanchez said about tari players. They started off the the crowd disturbances.” game with booing national an- Sanchez, however, also sound- them. International bodies should ed sympathetic towards the UAE reconsider giving UAE the chance players. to host reputed sporting events,” “There may have been a wrote user Olivia Thomas. number of (UAE) players who be- Qatar fan Arwa al-Mansoori haved in an inappropriate man- said football governing body ner but everybody feels in such FIFA and the AFC had to punish certain situations,” Sanchez said. the Emirati authorities for the “We were aware of the pres- crowd’s behaviour. sure from the fans and we were “We demand penalties for the able to deal well with this pres- disrespectful and uncivilised ac- sure,” Sanchez said. tion from the UAE fans towards “For the next game we will get the Qatari team. What happened back Bassam al-Rawi and Ab- to our team is not acceptable!” dulaziz Hatim. We need to evalu- she wrote alongside a video of a ate our players during the next two Qatari player being struck by a days. It is not ideal situation for a shoe on his chest. championship title match but we Plastic water bottles pelted have to deal with it,” Sanchez said. the turf and several shoes were “Now we will take stock and hurled, an Arab insult, as Qa- UAE fans threw shoes and water bottles among other things at Qatari players during the former’s 0-4 loss in the AFC Asian Cup semi-final on Tuesday. prepare for the fi nal (against Ja- tar celebrated the second goal in pan) on Friday,” he added. Tuesday’s 4-0 rout of the tour- struck the crossbar behind Qatari “Once the investigation has thousands of spare tickets and Loud booing and whistling also problems but we don’t care — we “It is obvious that not conced- nament hosts in Abu Dhabi. goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb. been completed the AFC will de- handed out them out to fans with drowned out the Qatari anthem just play football,” Qatar defend- ing goals gives us the opportunity Akram Afi f twice had to delay “The AFC (Asian Football cide on the appropriate steps.” Emirati identifi cation, meaning before the game, which Qatar — er Pedro Correia told AFP. to attack and that was great com- taking a corner as objects rained Confederation) is conducting The defeat was deeply embar- the 42,000-capacity Mohamed who will host the World Cup in “Let the people talk, winning mitment from my players. In six down, and Salem al-Hajri was a thorough investigation into rassing for the UAE, who are in the bin Zayed Stadium was nearly 2022 — dominated to reach their 4-0 is more important.” matches, we have not conceded struck on the head after Qatar’s events at the (semi-fi nal),” a midst of a stand-off with Qatar. unanimously behind the home fi rst Asian Cup fi nal. Qatar coach Coach Felix goals and that shows great con- third goal. One plastic bottle spokesman told AFP. Abu Dhabi authorities bought team. “Everybody knows about the Sanchez said the last-four clash centration from our backline.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Records not history man Almoez’s priority PSG’s al-Khelaifi

AFC the next match and study Japan They have maintained a per- elected to UEFA Abu Dhabi very well.” fect winning record, becoming Ali’s eighth goal was memora- the fi rst team in tournament ble for its historical signifi cance, history to keep clean sheets in executive committee fter making history but it was also a beauty, as he the fi rst six matches of the tour- by equalling Ali Daei’s delivered an inch-perfect curl- nament in the process. Reuters longstanding record ing low drive across Khalid Eisa Ali took a moment to take in the London Afor most goals in an and in off the bottom of the right achievements of a national team AFC Asian Cup, Qatar striker upright. which lost all three matches in Almoez Ali immediately turned Understandably, it was a goal 2015, before refocusing aris St Germain presi- his attention to tomorrow’s fi nal the pacey hitman was delighted his gaze to the challenges ahead. dent Nasser al- against Japan. to score, but he insists he re- “I would like to congratulate Khelaifi is set to join Ali, who was born four mains focused on bigger things. the Qatari people back home European football gov- months before Daei set the “Of course, I was really happy who supported us since the start erningP body UEFA’s executive record in the 1996 edition of the with the goal,” he said. “It was of the tournament and my team- committee as one of two club tournament, drew level with the a beautiful strike, but it means mates who gave their all on the representatives. Iran legend eight minutes before nothing, because our objectives pitch and proved their worth,” The European Club Associa- half time, scoring superbly from are bigger than just scoring a he beamed. tion (ECA) said the Qatari had the edge of the penalty area to beautiful goal. “We achieved a dream of all been elected to replace Ivan put his side 2-0 up against the “I have to keep my head down Qataris, and hopefully we will do Gazidis, the former Arsenal chief . and work so I can reach my ob- even better in the future.” executive who has moved to It- “I wasn’t thinking about jectives.” “We don’t look at the statis- aly’s AC Milan. The other ECA equalling Ali Daei’s record,” he Beyond Ali’s individual tics: You could win 1-0 today seat is taken by Juventus presi- told the-AFC.com. “No, I just achievement, the match will be and lose 3-0 tomorrow. Every- dent Andrea Agnelli. pean leagues and international left it to fate, and thankfully remembered as the night Qa- thing we did so far is one thing, Al-Khelaifi ’s election still has to club and country tournaments. I managed to score a goal and tar stormed into their fi rst ever but what’s coming up is more be ratifi ed by the UEFA Congress The UEFA executive commit- bring joy to my parents, the Qa- Continental fi nal, with Boualem important. at a meeting in next week. tee is made up of the president tari people and my teammates. Khoukhi, Hassan al-Haydos “The fi nal needs patience, so if The Qatari is also chief execu- and 16 other members elected by “This is what I was thinking and Hamid Ismaeil also get- we are patient, play well and for- tive of BeIN Media, which holds the Congress, as well as two ECA about, to score for the fans and I ting on the scoresheet for Felix’s get about everything we did so far, Qatar’s Almoez Ali (left) celebrates after scoring a goal against the exclusive television rights in the representatives and one from the did it. Now we have to focus on Sanchez’s rampant side. only then will we win the fi nal.” UAE during the AFC Asian Cup semi-final on Tuesday. (Reuters) Middle East to the major Euro- European leagues. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 31, 2019 FOOTBALL

COMMENT FOCUS Focus, dedication Soothsayer has last paying off for Qatar laugh with From Aspire Academy to the clubs, Sanchez highlights Qatar’s progress in the game predictions AFC Abu Dhabi

s the countdown to their hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup continues, Qatar’s qualifiA cation for the nation’s fi rst-ever AFC Asian Cup fi nal highlights the progress being made on the fi eld by the coun- try’s football programme. Felix Sanchez’s side booked their spot in tomorrow’s decider against four-time champions Japan with an empathic 4-0 vic- tory over hosts the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday that sets AFP to get to the last eight — Vietnam up a fascinating clash at the Za- did instead — and Australia to yed Sports City Stadium. make the semi-fi nals, but they But while the focus will be on lost to the United Arab Emirates. the meeting between the two he 2010 World Cup had But apart from that, Xavi has nations later this week, Qatar’s Paul the Octopus, the proved remarkably prescient. progress to the fi nal highlights NFL has play-call pre- He was ridiculed online after the advances being made in the dictor extraordinaire he went on Doha-based TV sta- lead-up to their hosting of the TTony Romo, and this year’s Asian tion Al Kass in December and FIFA World Cup in just under Cup has Barcelona great, and publicly announced his predic- four years’ time. now soothsayer, Xavi Hernan- tions for the tournament. “I think Qatar is very well or- dez. Many accused the Doha-based ganised in terms of sport,” said The Spanish World Cup win- star of home town bias after Sanchez. “We have the Aspire ner has proved remarkably picking Qatar to reach the fi nal Academy, which is one of the skilled off the pitch as well as on but Xavi is having the last laugh. main keys to building this na- it, with a series of stunning pre- For tomorrow’s fi nal, the Al tional team. dictions about what would hap- Sadd star and 2022 World Cup “There’s the performance pen in the tournament. ambassador has, perhaps unsur- centre where we develop play- He has an almost 100 percent prisingly, predicted Qatar to lift ers and this works together with Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi (right) celebrates his goal with captain Hassan al-Haydos during the AFC Asian Cup semi-final against the UAE in record, including picking Qatar the trophy for the fi rst ever time. the QFA, with the Aspire Acad- Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. and Japan as surprise fi nalists. But as he is matching Paul emy and with the clubs, because Before that he correctly pre- the Octopus, who managed 85 the nation is following the same dicted seven of the last eight per cent in 2010 including cor- target. We are playing as a solid unit: Khoukhi quarter-fi nalists and three of the rectly selecting Xavi’s Spain to “Of course, the result we can four semi-fi nalists. lift the World Cup, there is a see in this tournament, which By Our Correspondent not a personal achievement the final, the Al Sadd midfielder Academy. And now to play in The only predictions he has good chance the Spaniard will be gives us the proof that with hard Abu Dhabi – the win is the eff ort of the said: “We have reached the final similar fashion with the national got wrong so far is tipping Syria proved correct. work and good organisation we entire team,” Khoukhi said on the strength of top perform- team is also very thrilling. It has can achieve good results.” yesterday. “I want to congratu- ances against solid teams. I am been a wonderful show and we Sanchez has fi rst-hand atar’s Bualem Khoukhi late our loyal supporters, their talking about teams like Saudi have enjoyed ourselves. knowledge of the work that has lauded Qatar’s emphatic support is the fuel Arabia, Iraq, Korea and the UAE. “We have done well as the We have a responsibility to make has been done since Qatar was Qteam’s magnificent 4-0 for our success, knowing that We will now eye win against Asian level against top Asian history, says Japan’s Shibasaki granted the rights to host the win over rivals UAE, saying the the whole nation certainly Japan also.” sides. Now we play Japan. We FIFA World Cup in late 2010. boys played as ‘one unit’. gives you the needed boost to He added: “We have played must do our best to achieve believes the midfielder said. The Spaniard joined the As- “As I said we are playing as a overcome any obstacle”. organised football right from the something great for Qatar,” he current generation of Japanese “If we can win the trophy it pire Academy as a coach in 2006 team, as one unit. The win is About playing against Japan in time most of us were at Aspire added. footballers has a responsibil- would create a new page in the and has worked with the core of ity to deliver the nation’s fifth history of Japanese football, so the current national side, lead- AFC Asian Cup title, and he is our mission and the responsi- ing them to the 2014 AFC U19 head coach’s position with the this performance,” said Sanchez a Japan side that also boasts a teams and (against Islamic Re- focusing on doing just that in bility on our shoulders is huge. Championship before moving senior national team to main- of his team’s progress to the AFC number of impressive young public of Iran) they showed how tomorrow’s final against Qatar. “I want to stand on the pitch on to take charge of the coun- tain his close links with a group Asian Cup UAE 2019 fi nal. “I’m talents as re- good they are and they played an The 26-year-old’s name hasn’t carrying that responsibility and try’s team at the 2016 AFC U23 of players that includes Almoez very proud of them and all the builds the Samurai Blue follow- outstanding game against an- appeared in many headlines, mission with me.” Championship. Ali, Akram Afi f and Abdelkarim staff . ing their performance at the other great team. but he has been an important A perfect record of six wins Qatar reached the semi-fi nals Hassan, who should all be vital “We have been working for FIFA World Cup in Russia last “So we know we will have to contributor on the Samurai from six might give the impres- of that tournament but nar- to the country’s performance in a long time, more than three summer. play an excellent game if we are Blue’s road to the final, appear- sion that Japan have cruised rowly missed out on qualifying 2022. weeks. We are working very hard And Sanchez knows only too going to compete against them. ing five times in Japan’s six into the final. But Shibasaki for the Olympic Games in Rio de “I’m very happy for the coun- and we’re very proud and very well that his team will have to We have arrived at this point, successive wins in the tourna- insists it will all be insignificant Janeiro, but Sanchez remained try because they’re working happy knowing that we need raise their game again if they the players are confi dent and we ment. if they fail to defeat the Qataris. in place to lead the country to very hard to have a co-operative to start to prepare for the last want to take the trophy back to are going to try to arrive well to “Getting our hands on the title “If we lose the next game then another semi-fi nal fi nish at the team, but for these players they game, which is the most impor- Doha. have a good performance and to would give this team with a all of this means nothing, so we 2018 AFC U23 Championship in are amazing in the way they are tant.” “Japan is a top team,” said have the opportunity to chal- lot of young players a great have to make sure we prepare China. working and the eff ort they are Standing between Qatar and Sanchez. “They win all of the lenge the game and to have our deal of confidence,” Getafe properly,” he said. He was then promoted to the putting to be here and to have a fi rst AFC Asian Cup title is games against diff erent types of chances.”

Moriyasu v Sanchez: about the coaches SPOTLIGHT

Tomorrow’s AFC Asiann CCupup final wwillill not only pit Qatar againstt Japan but also two highly motivated anandd experienceexperiencedd Salman saw Qatari success coming coaches who have successfullyccessfully guided their respective teamss tthroughhrough to thethe AFC title showdown. Abu Dhabi In Felix Sanchez, Qatarar have a head coach who has overseeneen tthehe steasteadydy progress of several off Al Annabi’s leading atar’s surge to their lights – notably Akramm AfifAfif and Almoez fi rst ever AFC Asian Ali – thanks to his spellslls with a host of Cup fi nal has taken the West Asian nation’sn’s age-group the competition by storm,Q but it comes as no sur- teams. The 43-year-old Barcelonaelona native prise for 21-year-old defender joined the Doha-basedd AspireAspire . Academy in 2006 before,fore, sevensevenn A rampant 4-0 win semi- years later, taking chargearge ooff Hajime fi nal over host nation United the Qatari side which would Moriyasu Arab Emirates has Al Annabi 90 go on to beat North KKoreaorea (Head coach minutes away from their great- and claim the AFC U-199 of Japan) est ever international football Championship in 2014.4. Been in charge achievement, having racked up Sanchez subsequentlytly since: July 2018 six AFC Asian Cup wins in a row replaced Jorge Fossa-a-- Previous AFC without conceding a single goal ti in the Qatar hotseatatt titles: AFC Asian Cup in the competition thus far. Qatar’s defender Tarek in 2017, a role he noww Japan 1992 For a team that had won only Salman (centre) in action combines with the country’sountry’s U-U-2323 side Did you know: If six of their previous 32 matches during the AFC Asian Cup who he guided to a third-placehird-place ffinishinish at Japan win in the in the Finals, it is a turnaround semi-final against the UAE the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship.hampionship. final, Moriyasu will few could have predicted, but on Tuesday. (AFP) Facing him will be Japan’span’s Hajime Mori- become the first Salman said Qatar’s rise is the yasu who as a player wwonon the AFAFCC Asian person to win the result of years of considered thing for our country. It’s his- a signifi cant mental challenge With the semi-fi nal done, Cup in 1992 – a tournamentament which saw AFC Asian Cup as preparation under head coach tory. It’s the fi rst time for our for Qatar, but, with Boualem Qatar enter their fi rst continen- the then-midfielder excelxcel fforor the SaSamuraimurai both a player and Felix Sanchez, and that he is far country to achieve this level of Khoukhi’s opening goal silenc- tal decider with the confi dence Blue before missing thehe finalfinal through a coach from surprised. the competition, to arrive to ing the crowd, they overcame of a perfect record, a potent at- suspension. Felix “Actually, no (I am not sur- the fi nal with the top scorer, the every hurdle with fl ying colours. tack and, at least until now, a Most of the 50-year-old’sold’s playing career Sanchez prised), because we have been top assists, the clean sheet for Salman said his he and his watertight defence, but, with was spent with J.Leaguegue side SanfrecceSanfrecce (Head coach together for maybe seven years six games. This makes us very young teammates approached four-time champions Japan still Hiroshima where, afterer making nearly of Qatar) with the coach as a team, as proud of ourselves. the fi xture with calm. to play, Salman insists his said 300 appearances, he returned to coach Been in charge young players, so it’s not the “We hope to continue with “We talked to each other,” will take nothing for granted. the club to three top-flightflight titles betweebetweenn since: July 2017 fi rst time to achieve something this. We now have an extra step said the Al Sadd stopper. “We “Japan, in every tournament, 2012 until 2017. Previous AFC titles: like this. against Japan and we need to were relaxed. as you say, they achieve,” he Moriyasu, who like Sancheznchez is also in AFC U19 Championship “In 2014 we took the AFC U-19 start to recover from now to be “We said to each other that said. “They arrive to the fi nal, charge of his country’s’s U-23 team, was Thailand 2014 Championship, and in 2018 in ready for the next game.” we are playing a normal game the semi-fi nals, so they are a assistant to former Japanapan head coach Did you know: Sanchez China we achieved third in the With almost all of the 38,646 and don’t think about it a lot, very strong team. Akira Nishino at the 2018018 FIFA World was a youth coach at (U-23) competition, so it’s not the fans in attendance at Abu just focus on them and do it like “We respect them, but also we Cup in Russia, before succeeding Spanish giants Barcelona fi rst thing. It’s step by step. Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed we did each game before. We have our team and we are ready Nishino in July last year.ear. before moving to Qatar “I’m very proud of myself and Stadium supporting the UAE, won, and I’m very happy and for them, and we hope to make a my team. It’s a very, very big the semi-fi nal looked to pose very proud of our team.” good game against them.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 31, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Jardim denied third straight fi nal by Guingamp

Guingamp denied returning Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim a third straight French League Cup final, beating the Principality side on penalties after a dra- matic 2-2 draw on Tuesday. Portugese City’s title bid rocked boss Jardim returned to the team he led to the French title in 2017 three months after his sacking in a period where Thi- erry Henry took over the reigns. Both sides are fighting relegation bat- tles in the French top flight with the Brittany-based outfit sitting bottom of the table and Jardim’s side one by Newcastle United point and one place above them. Sofi- ane Diop missed the seventh penalty for the visitors before Marcus Coco Manchester United preserve Solskjaer’s unbeaten start in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Burnley secured the hosts a place in the final. Piatek scores twice as AFP the 51st minute and Chris Wood struck London in the 81st minute to double their lead. Milan reach Coppa semis But former United star Solskjaer, serv- ing as interim boss until the end of the Krzysztof Piatek said it was “just the anchester City’s Premier season after temporarily leaving Nor- start” to his AC Milan career after scor- League title challenge was way’s Molde, has had the midas touch. ing twice on his full debut as Gennaro rocked by a stunning 2-1 And in the 87th minute Gattuso’s side beat Napoli 2-0 at the defeat at Newcastle, while dragged back Jesse Lingard to concede San Siro on Tuesday to reach the Coppa MManchester United’s late escape pre- a penalty that was converted by Paul Italia semi-finals. Piatek, signed from served Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s unbeat- Pogba. United poured forward and Vic- Genoa last week as a replacement for en start in a dramatic 2-2 draw with tor Lindelof snatched the equaliser in Gonzalo Higuain, put the hosts ahead Burnley on Tuesday night. City needed the last seconds. “The comeback was in the 11th minute before doubling the a win at St James’ Park to close the gap brilliant. The players have been asked lead before the half-hour mark with a on leaders Liverpool to one point ahead how they would react if they went be- fine individual strike. It was the second of the Reds’ clash with Leicester late hind, so the way we fought back was time in four days that Milan had dealt last night. But Pep Guardiola’s 100th fantastic,” Solskjaer said. a blow to Napoli’s hopes of winning a league game as City manager proved an paid an emotional tribute to trophy this season, after a goalless draw evening to forget for the champions. Emiliano Sala following the striker’s on Saturday at the San Siro in . Second-placed City’s loss means disappearance, but Arsenal ran out 2-1 Liverpool, chasing their fi rst English winners at the Emirates Stadium. title since 1990, can move seven points Sala signed from Nantes in a club- Rodrigo treble inspires clear with a win over Leicester. It was a record deal, but the 28-year-old Ar- Valencia Copa fi ghtback remarkable result given City took just gentine was one of two people on board 24 seconds to open the scoring. the Piper Malibu plane which vanished Rodrigo scored a hat-trick as Valencia Raheem Sterling crossed to David in the Channel Islands last week en staged a stunning late fightback at the Silva and the City midfi elder bravely route to Cardiff . Yellow daff odils were Mestalla to stun ten-man Getafe 3-2 on headed it back as he collided with carried onto the pitch by Cardiff cap- aggregate to reach the Copa del Rey Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubrav- tain Sol Bamba and there was a minute’s semi-finals on Tuesday. Valencia went ka. Aguero pounced on the loose ball applause before kick-off for Sala. into the game looking to fight back to poke home from close range for his A banner shown by Cardiff fans read: after a 1-0 first-leg defeat and keep alive 17th goal of the season. But City lost “We never saw you play, we never saw their hopes of winning a first major title their rhythm after that and were pun- you score, but Emiliano, our beauti- since lifting the Copa del Rey 11 years ished when Salomon Rondon equalised ful Bluebird, we will love you forever ago. And Rodrigo’s treble, including two for Newcastle in the 66th minute from more.” The Gunners took the lead in the injury-time strikes, sent Marcelino’s men ’s header. 66th minute when Bruno Manga fouled into a semi-final clash with either Real There was worse to come for City in Sead Kolasinac and Pierre-Emerick Madrid and Girona after a thrilling 3-1 the 80th minute. Fernandinho’s foul on Aubameyang stroked home the result- second-leg victory. Last night, holders Sean Longstaff gave the ing penalty. Barcelona were hosting last season’s chance to score from the penalty spot Alexandre Lacazette’s 83rd-minute runners-up Sevilla looking to overturn a and the Newcastle midfi elder fi red his strike ensured fi fth-placed Arsenal 2-0 first-leg deficit. eff ort low into the net. “It wasn’t our moved level on points with fourth- best. We started with a goal but we placed Chelsea. “We talked about didn’t have the rhythm to impose our Emiliano before the game and I thought Welsh teen Matondo joins game,” Guardiola said. it was appropriate we gave a good ac- Schalke from Man City It was City’s fi rst defeat since a loss count of ourselves against a good side,” at Leicester on December 26, ending Cardiff manager said af- club Schalke 04 signed a run of eight successive wins in all ter Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored in 18-year-old winger Rabbi Matondo competitions. Of City’s title chances, stoppage-time for the visitors. from Manchester City with the Guardiola said: “It is diffi cult. We have Ten-man Everton ruined Jan Siew- international penning a contract until a chance to do it but we need to win our ert’s fi rst game in charge of Hudders- 2023. Matondo has already trained games. The advantage is not there but fi eld with a 1-0 win over the bottom Newcastle United’s Scottish midfielder Matt Ritchie (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Manchester with his new team after completing a we need to continue.” club at the John Smith’s Stadium. City during the English match at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England. (AFP) medical check at Schalke, who face City Solskjaer had overseen eight straight Former Borussia Dortmund reserve in the last 16, first-leg, of the Champions 3); Manchester United 2 (Pogba victories in all competitions – includ- team boss Siewert replaced David Wag- professional foul on Adama Diakhaby PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS League on February 20. Matondo had ing six in the league – since replacing ner, who left by mutual consent earlier in the 66th minute. Wolves added to Arsenal 2 (Aubameyang 66-pen, 87-pen, Lindelof 90+2) Burnley 2 joined City from Cardiff City’s academy the sacked Jose Mourinho in Decem- in January. West Ham’s woes with an emphatic Lacazette 83) Cardiff City 1 (Barnes 51, Wood 81); Newcastle in 2016. Matondo, who became a full ber. He lost that perfect streak, but still But it was a nightmare start for 3-0 victory at Molineux. Second-bot- (Mendez-Laing 90+3); Fulham 4 United 2 (Rondon 66, Ritchie 80-pen) Wales international last November, fi nished impressed by United’s never- Siewert as Richarlison’s third-minute tom Fulham staged a superb fi ghtback (Chambers 47, Mitrovic 58, 74, Vietto Manchester City 1 (Aguero 1); Wolves 3 reportedly cost nine mn euros, with an say-die spirit at Old Traff ord. strike put Everton ahead. Everton had to boost their survival bid with a 4-2 79) Brighton 2 (Murray 3, 17); (Saiss 66, Jimenez 80, 86) West Ham option in his contract for City to buy Ashley Barnes put Burnley ahead in defender sent off for a win over Brighton. Huddersfield 0 Everton 1 (Richarlison United 0 him back for 50mn euros.

SPOTLIGHT Plane cushions found in search for missing footballer Sala London: British investigators said yester- Gharafa face Duhail in fi nal, day it was “likely” that two seat cushions that washed up on the French shore this week were from the missing plane carrying aim to retain QSL Cup title footballer Emiliano Sala. Britain’s Air Ac- cidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which By Sports Reporter ger to lift the cup, having missed good opportunity for young play- is probing the disappearance of the light Doha out on the season-opening Sheikh ers. We’ve many players presently aircraft over the Channel on January 21, Jassim Cup after losing to Rayyan. doing duty for Qatar at the Asian said the cushions were discovered on the Interestingly, all four semi-fi nal- Cup in the UAE and also have Normandy coastline on Monday. he stage is all set for the ists were from Group A. some injury worries. (Wesley) “From a preliminary examination we QSL Cup fi nal between Gharafa qualifi ed for the Sneijder is almost ruled out for have concluded that it is likely that the reigning champions Al knockout stage by fi nishing as the match, but midfi elder Diogo cushions are from the missing aircraft,” it Gharafa and Al Duhail. runners-up in Group A, whereas Amado can play tomorrow. We said in a statement. The plane transporting TThe kick-off is at the Abdullah Duhail came third. Gharafa reg- will try to fi eld the best available Sala — who had just been transferred from commissioned a “specialist survey vessel” miles “based on a detailed assessment of bin Khalifa (Al Duhail) stadium istered two wins and three draws team. We’ve to overcome diffi - French team Nantes to Premier League club equipped with sonar equipment to search the flight path and last known radar posi- at 7pm today. Duhail qualifi ed to remain unbeaten, compared culties. Al Duhail aren’t the same Cardiff City in a 17mn euro ($19.3mn) move the seabed for the plane. tion”. It said it was in contact with David for the fi nal by defeating Qatar to Al Duhail’s two wins, as many side as they’re in the QNB Stars — and British pilot Dave Ibbotson vanished “If the wreckage is found, a remotely Mearns, a shipwreck hunter hired by Sala’s SC 4-0 in the fi rst semi-fi nal, draws and one defeat. The face- League. Yet, they’re a good mix from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) operated vehicle will be used to visually ex- family, who announced on Monday his while Gharafa booked their berth off between Gharafa and Duhail in of youth and experience. They north of the Channel island of . amine the wreckage,” it added. The agency Bluewater Recoveries firm was planning despite losing the second semi- Round 2 had ended in a 1-1 draw. proved it especially against Qatar Police there suspended the off icial search said due to weather and sea conditions, it to begin an underwater search on Sunday. fi nal 1-4 to Al Kharaitiyat. In the quarter-fi nals, Gharafa SC in the semi-fi nal. We’ll try to for the aircraft last Thursday after an inten- expected to start the three-day underwater “We are liaising closely with those involved The Qatar Football Associa- put it across Al Ahli 1-0, while put up an improved show than we sive hunt involving planes and boats failed search at the end of the weekend. The AAIB to maximise the chance of locating any tion’s Disciplinary Committee Duhail defeated Al Khor 5-1. Both did against Al Kharaitiyat in the to locate it. The AAIB said with the help of said it had now identified a priority search wreckage and ensure a safe search opera- accepted the protest by Gharafa the teams have star players in semi-fi nal. Our goal is to win the Britain’s Ministry of Defence it had now area of approximately four square nautical tion,” the AAIB said. against Kharaitiyat for violating their ranks and it has to be seen QSL Cup again,” he said. the rule of number of resident whether Gharafa will be able to Al Duhail’s Under-23 coach players who were on the startlist. stop Duhail in their tracks. If the Madjid Bougherra said his team Kharaitiyat had fi elded six resi- teams are tied after regular time, was ready for the fi nal. FOCUS dent players in the game. The they will play an extra 30 minutes “This cup is important for both committee ruled Kharaitiyat had divided into two halves. If the me and the players. This is my breached the rules thus awarding deadlock remains after extra time fi rst fi nal as in charge of Al Du- the semi-fi nal result to Gharafa. too, then penalty shoot-out will hail’s Under-23 team. And then, PSG’s Neymar ruled out for 10 weeks Gharafa will be keen to retain be introduced. most of these young players were the title they won last season by Al Gharafa coach Christian playing in this tournament right AFP March 6, and the timeline announced by the the eventual winners. But while last year the beating Al Rayyan in the fi nal. On Gourcuff says his team’s goal is from the beginning. They deserve club means he could just make it back in time Brazilian national team’s infl uence proved the other hand, Duhail will be ea- to win the title again. “This is a the title,” he said. for a quarter-fi nal fi rst leg, due to be played crucial in persuading Neymar to go under the on April 9 and 10. The second legs are set for knife, this time PSG were determined to play eymar will miss both legs of the following week. the deciding role in the treatment of their Paris Saint-Germain’s upcom- While Neymar will now sit out a crucial record signing. “The club took control of the ing Champions League last-16 tie period in PSG’s season, there has also been matter,” a source close to PSG told AFP. against Manchester United after concern in Brazil, which will host the Copa So how will they get the former Barcelona Nthe French club confi rmed yesterday that America in June and July. An operation would superstar back to full fi tness in two and a the world’s most expensive player would be have put Neymar’s participation in that tour- half months without an operation? “A sim- out for 10 weeks with a metatarsal injury. nament at risk, as well as eff ectively ending ple consolidation of the aff ected bone by However, Neymar will not undergo an op- his club season. orthopaedic treatment, which could also be eration, with PSG saying the 26-year-old Brazil coach Tite and national team doctor accompanied by the injection of stem cells,” Brazilian had instead agreed on “a conserva- Rodrigo Lasmar have been in Paris this week an expert in sports rehabilitation, who asked tive treatment” that could see him return in to visit Neymar, who suff ered a fracture to not to be named, said. time for the Champions League quarter-fi - the same right foot at the end of February last Neymar’s new injury is a major boost to nals in April should they qualify. year. He underwent an operation, performed United, who are unbeaten since Ole Gunnar Neymar suff ered the injury in PSG’s 2-0 by Lasmar, and returned just in time for the Solskjaer replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho French Cup win against Strasbourg last week, World Cup in Russia last June. in the dugout. It is also a blow to PSG’s am- and his coach Thomas Tuchel had already all Then, the injury ruled him out of the sec- bitions of going all the way in Europe after but ruled the 222-million-euro forward out ond leg of their Champions League last-16 years of disappointment in the Champions of the fi rst leg against United at Old Traff ord tie against Real Madrid, hampering PSG’s League since the Qatari takeover of the club on February 12. hopes of overturning a fi rst-leg defi cit. They in 2011. Neymar has scored 20 goals this sea- Al Gharafa will be keen to retain the QSL Cup title they won last season by beating Al Rayyan in the final. The second leg of that tie is scheduled for went on to lose that tie 5-2 on aggregate to son in 23 appearances. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 31, 2019 SPORT

ST PETERSBURG LADIES TROPHY TENNIS ROUND-UP Ex-No.1’s clash in Kvitova overcomes Fed Cup as Czechs host Romania AFP Kvitova, the Wimbledon Prague champion from 2011 and 2014, is defending last year’s titles from St Petersburg this week and Doha fi ghting Azarenka wo former world number the week after the Fed Cup tie. one players are set to Besides Halep, Romanian cap- clash in the Fed Cup fi rst tain Florin Segarceanu has called round as holders the up 28th-ranked Mihaela Buzar- Sharapova’s right shoulder problems force her to pull out of the tournament TCzech Republic take on Romania nescu, Irina-Camelia Begu (71), on February 9-10, team nomina- Ana Bogdan (99) and Monica Reuters tions showed yesterday. World Niculescu (100), according to the St Petersburg number fi ve Karolina Pliskova Fed Cup website. “It will be ter- Top seed Petra Kvitova will spearhead the Czech Repub- ribly tough, the Romanian team beat Belarusian Victoria lic, while third-ranked Simona is strong and the chances are 50- op seed Petra Kvitova shook off Azarenka 6-2, 7-6(3) in the Halep is due to lead the Romani- 50,” said Pala. In their last head- her Australian Open hangover St Petersburg Ladies an team. Pliskova was the world to-head encounter, the Czechs to beat Belarusian Victoria Aza- Trophy yesterday. number one for seven weeks in beat Romania in Cluj 3-2 in the renka 6-2, 7-6(3) in the St Pe- 2017, while Halep led the rank- fi rst round in 2016. Ttersburg Ladies Trophy yesterday, but not ings for a total of 48 weeks be- before the former world number one gave fore being replaced by Australian REVAMPED DAVIS CUP the Czech a scare. Kvitova, the defending Open champion Naomi Osaka on DRAW TO BE HELD FEB. 14 champion, showed she was still feeling Monday. “Simona Halep is com- IN MADRID the eff ects of Saturday’s defeat by Nao- ing so it’s going to be a big battle,” The draw to determine the mi Osaka in the Australian Open fi nal as Pliskova wrote on her website. groups and quarter-fi nal ties of she lost her fi rst two service games. The Pliskova, an Australian Open the revamped Davis Cup will be world number two managed to break back semi-fi nalist, will team up with held in host city Madrid on Feb. immediately on both occasions before 38th-ranked Katerina Siniakova, 14. The 18 teams competing this holding for the fi rst time, and then used the world number one for dou- year will be decided at the week- her powerful groundstrokes to dominate bles, 73rd-ranked teenager Mar- end, when 24 potential qualifi ers the longer rallies and claim the opener. keta Vondrousova and doubles vie to join 2018 semi-fi nalists With her serve fi ring, Kvitova charged specialist Barbora Krejcikova. Croatia, , Spain and the out of the blocks in the second set, win- Siniakova emerged as an unex- United States, plus wildcards ning the fi rst three games to spark what pected team leader in last year’s and Britain. The fi nals looked to be a stroll into the quarter-fi - fi nal when she won both her are on Nov. 18-24. nals and breaking Azarenka’s serve again singles to hand the Czechs a 3-0 The 18 fi nalists will be split to open up a 5-1 lead. win against the United States into six groups, organisers said, But the Czech double faulted on match and their sixth Fed Cup title out with the winners of each group point, allowing Azarenka to break back of the last eight editions. advancing to the knockout phase and mount what was almost a fi ghtback “I’m glad we have a very along with the two second- for the ages. “I don’t know why (the dou- strong team,” said Czech captain placed teams with the best per- ble fault) happened. I really wanted to Petr Pala, who will miss Aus- centage of sets, games and points fi nish it earlier but unfortunately I had to tralian Open fi nalist and world won. Six teams will be seeded for fi ght in the second set and I did quite well number two Petra Kvitova for the draw, including last year’s in the tiebreak,” Kvitova said courtside the tie in the eastern Czech city winners Croatia and runners- after her win. of Ostrava. “Petra Kvitova has up France. The remaining seeds Azarenka, her confi dence restored, excused herself and I understand will be determined in accordance pinned Kvitova back behind the baseline and respect this, considering her with the Davis Cup nations rank- with her aggressive tennis, and broke programme,” Pala added. ing as of Feb. 4. again to level the set at 5-5 and force a tiebreak. Kvitova hit 40 winners to Aza- renka’s 14, but she also made 33 unforced errors compared with 17 from her oppo- nent. The Czech’s composure came to the fore in the tiebreak and she closed out the match with a powerful backhand down the line to set up a quarter-fi nal clash with either Russia’s Veronika Kuderme- tova or Croatia’s Donna Vekic. Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova’s ongo- ing right shoulder problems led her to pull out of the tournament, the organisers said. “I tried to do everything possible to RESULTS be able to be ready to compete this week, the sidelines during her 15-month dop- of work to do.” but my right shoulder continues to be an ing ban that ended in 2017. The fi ve-time Sharapova’s withdrawal opened the 2nd rd: Petra Kvitova (CZE x1) bt Victoria issue for me,” Sharapova said of her deci- major winner beat Daria Gavrilova of way into the last eight for third-seeded Azarenka (BLR) 6-2, 7-6 (7/3); Donna sion. “I will meet with my team of doc- Australia 6-0, 6-4 in her debut in the Russia’s Daria Kasatkina, who enjoyed Vekic (CRO x8) bt Veronika Kudermetova tors over the next few days to evaluate the tournament, but suff ered with her shoul- an opening round bye. The former world (RUS) 6-4, 6-3; Daria Kasatkina (RUS x3) bt situation, and I look forward to returning der injury afterwards. “I have worked number one Sharapova failed to reach the Maria Sharapova (RUS) -- walkover; Vera to completion as soon as possible.” hard for months to put it (her shoulder) in Australian Open quarter-fi nals earlier in Zvonareva (RUS) bt Julia Goerges (GER x5) World number five Karolina Pliskova (left) will spearhead the The 31-year-old has been struggling order, but to no avail,” she said after her January, but claimed she still believes she 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. 1st rd: Ekaterina Alexandrova Czech Republic, while third-ranked Simona Halep is due to lead the back to elite fi tness since watching from match with Gavrilova. “I still have plenty can increase her tally of fi ve Slam titles. (RUS) bt Katie Boulter (GBR) 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 Romanian team in first round of the Fed Cup. (AFP)

RUGBY FOCUS France name Willemse and Payne wins fi rst members tournament Ntamack for Wales match at Education City Golf Club AFP Paris ducation City Golf Club held its fi rst ever members golf tournament over the 18-hole Championship course last outh African-born Paul Willemse will Friday. Still in its soft opening period, make his debut for France in tomorrow’s Ethe golf course has an active golf club mem- Six Nations opener against Wales in Paris. bership playing on a regular basis since the Willemse, a 2012 junior world champion start of 2019. The fi rst members’ stableford withS the Baby Boks, arrived on French soil in 2014 was played over the course measuring 7200 as a 21-year-old, and has the three years of resi- yards. Seeing as the golf course has only just dency required by regulations. opened, the results were exceptional with He received his French passport in November over 50% of the golfers scoring over 30 points. and will become the 11th South African-born Taking the honours of winning the fi rst player to wear France’s blue jersey. Also making France’s head coach Jacques Brunel. (AFP) ever members’ stableford was Jesse Payne, his debut against the Welsh and facing a bap- who scored an impressive 75 gross with 41 tism of fi re in midfi eld will be , a year but we’ve been unable to because of inju- stableford points. In second place was Anup the 19-year-old son of emblematic ex-France ries,” Brunel said. Biswas with a score of 37 points, while Hanley Jesse Payne (left) receives his back Emile. Ntamack is preferred to vice-captain , and Wenceslas Hilton came third with 35 points. prize from Nico James Visser, , whose latest dramatic fall Lauret form a combative back row. But fl anker Education City Golf Club have a holistic Golf Operations Manager at from favour means he is not even named among , France’s stand-out player in approach to growing the game in Qatar to Education City Golf Club. the replacements. last season’s Six Nations, has been out injured continue to engage established golfers in golf “It’s not a sanction, he’s an important player in and is not in the match-day 23, so La Rochelle’s and encourage new golfers to participate in the squad. He’s defi nitely not been thrown out,” uncapped Gregory Alldritt, capable of playing the game. “Encouraging people to get active bers we aim to encourage active participation guests and we are pleased to now be open for coach Jacques Brunel maintained, when asked centre or on the fl ank, is on the bench. Willemse is part of our vision and by creating memo- through our competitions. All of the feedback golfers in Qatar,” said Rhys Beecher, Director about the absence of Bastareaud, who was pro- is partnered by Sebastien Vahaamahina in a mas- rable events and experiences for our mem- has been so positive from our members and of Golf. moted to captain in last season’s Six Nations after sive lock pairing, while -born Uini was injured. “It was certainly a Atonio makes his return at prop. Jeff erson Poirot tricky call. Mathieu Bastareaud has shown many is at loosehead with skipper Guirado at hooker. mental qualities. You must not forget that when was preferred to in-form Toulouse matches are tough and when the team’s in trou- scrum-half on the bench for his Wales pick Williams at scrum-half for France opener ble, he’s been one of the best.” superior kicking ability, Brunel said. Cardiff : Wales have selected much as anything,” Gatland told 49th Six Nations appearance. final season with the side before Ntamack has been at the heart of a buoyant “From the moment we made the decision to Tomas Williams at scrumhalf for reporters. “It’s a good opportuni- and Jonathan he ends his 12-year tenure after Toulouse side in the this season and his se- go with one fl y-half (Lopez), we needed a com- tomorrow’s Six Nations opener ty for him (Williams).He’s not the Davies continue their partner- the World Cup in Japan. lection hints at a change of gameplan by Brunel, pletely trustworthy kicker,” the ex- coach against France in Paris, with biggest but he’s competitive. He ship at centre with , TEAM: 15-Liam Williams, who last season oversaw three wins and eight de- said. “That comes with Serin, who is currently coach preferring has things to work on but he’s and Liam Williams 14-George North, 13-Jonathan feats, including a fi rst-ever loss to Fiji. “Romain the best kicker in the Top 14.” Should Lopez be the number nine one for the future. He has some making up the back three. Leigh Davies, 12-Hadleigh Parkes, Ntamack is a strong pick,” Brunel admitted. “Of injured, Ntamack would take over at fl y-half, to the more experienced Gareth x-factor. It’s a position of depth Halfpenny, Leon Brown, Rhys 11-Josh Adams, 10-Gareth course, he’s a lad whose qualities we all know. Brunel added. Davies. Williams made his Wales at the moment with Gareth and Patchell and Scott Williams were Anscombe, 9-, He’s shown since the start of the season that he’s debut in June last year and has Aled Davies but we’re still look- not considered due to in jury. 8-, 7-, capable of adapting to the levels he’s played at.” six caps, compared to 36 for ing for some improvement.” “I haven’t really contemplated TEAM (15-1): Maxime Medard; , 6-Josh Navidi, 5-Alun Ntamack will be partnered in the centres by Davies, who has only recently is set to make anything other than winning the Wesley Fofana, Romain Ntamack, ; (captain), 4-, 3-Tomas Wesley Fofana, who missed the November Tests , ; Louis Picamoles, returned from a thigh injury and a 61st appearance that would Six Nations. I don’t think about through injury, with Gael Fickou and Geoff rey will be among the replacements. make him the most capped a (finishing) position,” Gatland Francis, 2-Ken Owens, 1-Rob , Arthur Iturria; Paul Willemse, Evans. Replacements: 16-Elliot Doumayrou providing cover from the bench. Sebastien Vahaamahina; , Guilhem Gatland opted instead to pair hooker in Welsh history. Josh says. “We came second last Maxime Medard was named at full-back, with Dee, 17-Wyn Jones, 18-Samson Guirado (capt), Jeff erson Poirot Williams with his Blues team Navidi is back from injury to year which was okay but you Damian Penaud and Yoann Huget on the wings. mate Gareth Anscombe, who start at flank in a back-row that want to win. I think if we win the Lee, 19-, 20-Aaron Morgan Parra teams up with Clermont team- Replacements: Julien Marchand, , will start in the flyhalf berth at also includes Justin Tipuric and first game, we can win the Six Wainwright, 21-Gareth Davies, mate Camille Lopez at half-back for just the sec- , Felix Lambey, Gregory Alldritt, the . number eight Ross Moriarty. Nations.” 22-, 23- ond time at international level and four years after Baptiste Serin, Gael Fickou, Geoff rey Doumayrou “Gareth didn’t train all week so Alun Wyn-Jones will captain Wales are on a nine-match un- (Reporting by Nick Said; editing their previous game together, in the 2015 Six Na- Coach: Jacques Brunel (FRA) the call was made on fitness as the side from lock in what is his beaten run in what is Gatland’s by Ken Ferris) tions. “We’ve wanted to play this combination for Gulf Times Thursday, January 31, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Doncic, Young among choices for Pelicans stun Rockets NBA Rising Stars

Reuters Los Angeles

he rosters for the NBA 121-116, Bucks bounce Rising Stars game an- nounced Tuesday in- clude Rookie of the ‘I think everything that TYear candidates Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Trae needed to be said has Young of the Atlanta Hawks. Ten fi rst- and second-year been said’ NBA players from the United back in Detroit States will play 10 fi rst- and AFP second-year NBA players from Luka Doncic Los Angeles around the world in the an- nual showcase of some of the (Finland), Minnesota Timber- league’s best young talent in wolves guard Josh Okogie (Ni- he New Orleans Pelicans shrugged the game on Feb 15 in Char- geria) and Cleveland Cavaliers off multiple injuries and uncer- lotte, NC. forward Cedi Osman (Turkey). tainty surrounding star Anthony Along with Young, the US The honorary coaches for the Davis on Tuesday, rallying for a team includes Utah Jazz guard game will be the Celtics’ Kyrie T121-116 NBA victory over the Houston Donovan Mitchell, Brooklyn Irving (U.S.) and the Mavericks’ Rockets. Nets centre Jarrett Allen, Sac- Dirk Nowitzki (World). The Ris- One day after Davis requested a trade, ramento Kings forward Marvin ing Stars head coaches will be and with fi ve of the team’s top six scorers Bagley III and guard De’Aaron an assistant coach from each – Anthony included – absent because of Fox, Los Angeles Lakers guard 2019 NBA All-Star Game coach- injury, the Pelicans withstood a 37-point Lonzo Ball and forward Kyle ing staff . The coaching staff s for performance from Rockets star James Kuzma, Hawks forward/center the All-Star Game, to be played Harden to triumph. John Collins, Memphis Griz- February 17 in Charlotte, NC, are Jahlil Okafor scored 27 points for New zlies forward/center Jaren determined by the best record in Orleans. Jrue Holiday added 19 and Ian Jackson Jr. and Boston Celtics each conference through games Clark chipped in 15 off the bench for a forward Jayson Tatum. played on February 3. New Orleans team that used its 20th dif- Doncic (Slovenia) is joined The Rising Stars rosters ferent starting lineup of the season thanks on the World team – repre- were selected by NBA assist- to injuries to Davis, Nikola Mirotic, Julius senting four continents – by ant coaches, with each of the Randle and Elfrid Payton. Philadelphia 76ers guard and league’s 30 teams submitting New Orleans took the lead for the fi rst reigning Rookie of the Year one ballot per coaching staff . time in the game with 2:06 left in the third Ben Simmons (Australia), To- Voters had to select a minimum quarter on Kenrich Williams’ basket – and ronto Raptors forward OG of three fi rst-year NBA play- they never trailed again. Anunoby (United Kingdom), ers and three second-year NBA Holiday played a key role with six Phoenix Suns center Deandre players for each team. blocked shots, helping slow scoring jug- Ayton (Bahamas), Kings guard Last year, the World team gernaut Harden just enough to get the job Bogdan Bogdanovic (Serbia), beat the US team 155-124. done. Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdanovic was named the Harden notched his 24th straight game Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 2018 Rising Stars MVP after of at least 30 points, but his 17 in the (Canada), Nets forward Rodi- hitting seven 3-pointers and fourth quarter weren’t enough to turn the ons Kurucs (Latvia), Chicago fi nishing with 26 points, six tide. Davis, sidelined by a fi nger injury, Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen assists and four rebounds. watched from the bench hours after he was fi ned $50,000 by the NBA because his agent’s public revelation of his desire to be traded violated league rules. Hall of Famer Robinson “That’s going to play out the way it plays out,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry in failing health said before the game. “I think everything Hall of Famer Frank Robinson is battling a life-threatening illness, that needed to be said has been said.” according to multiple reports. Word of Robinson’s situation arose Milwaukee’s MVP candidate Gian- late last week when MLB Network’s Jon Heyman revealed on his nis Antetokounmpo scored 21 points and Twitter account that Robinson was “ailing.” handed out 11 assists to lead the Bucks to The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday that the 83-year-old Robin- a 115-105 victory over the Pistons in De- son is in the late stages of a long illness, and cited a “source with troit. direct knowledge of the situation.” The Bucks, who lost to Oklahoma City Robinson, who serves as a senior adviser to major league com- on Sunday, underscored their bounce- missioner Rob Manfred, hasn’t appeared at a baseball event back credentials with the win. They are since July’s All-Star Game in Washington, according to the Sun. the only NBA team that hasn’t lost two in Robinson ranks 10th in baseball history with 586 career hom- a row at any point this season. ers and won MVP awards in both the National and American Brook Lopez scored 12 of his 14 points New Orleans Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor (left) makes a spin move around Houston Rockets guard James Harden in the second-half of Leagues. He also became the first African-American manager for Milwaukee in the fi rst quarter as foul their NBA game at Toyota Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports when he was hired by the Cleveland Indians in October of 1974. trouble limited Antetokounmpo. Robinson was National League Rookie of the Year for the Cincin- Eric Bledsoe added 20 points, reserve with 30 points. wasn’t enough as the Suns endured their nati Reds in 1956. He was named NL MVP in 1961 and hit 30 or RESULTS Pat Connaughton scored 16 and Khris ninth straight defeat. homers in seven of his 10 seasons with Cincinnati before being Middleton chipped in 15 for the Bucks, Philadelphia 121-105 Lakers SUNS ‘ROBBED’ In Orlando, Paul George did his damage traded to the Baltimore Orioles. who have won seven of eight games and Rudy Gay’s buzzer-beating jump shot early and Dennis Schroder came on late to In his first season with the Orioles in 1966, Robinson won the San Antonio 126-124 Phoenix stretched their league-leading record to lifted the San Antonio Spurs to a 126-124 lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 126- Triple Crown by batting.316 with 49 homers and 122 RBIs. He 36-13. Brooklyn 122-117 Chicago victory over the lowly Phoenix Suns – a 117 victory over the Magic. also earned MVP honours and remains the lone player to win In Brooklyn, the Nets shook off the fa- New Orleans 121-116 Houston win that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said George scored 31 of his 37 points in the the honour in both leagues. He played six seasons in Baltimore tigue of the second night of a back-to- Cleveland 116-113 Washington he didn’t think his team deserved. fi rst half and Schroder scored 18 of his before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1972), back, grinding out a 122-117 victory over “We had no respect for them or for the 21 in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma California Angels (1973-74) and the Indians (1974-76). the Chicago Bulls. Milwaukee 115-105 Detroit game,” Popovich said after Phoenix, last City handed the Magic a fourth straight He served as player-manager in Cleveland for two seasons be- The Nets overcame a nine-point sec- Oklahoma City 126-117 Orlando in the Western Conference at 11-42, con- defeat. fore retiring with 2,943 hits and a.294 career average. ond-half defi cit thanks to strong second- nected on 60 percent of their shots from Thunder star Russell Westbrook Robinson went 1,065-1,176 in parts of 16 seasons as a manager half performances from D’Angelo Russell it 75-70. Chicago cut the defi cit to 107-104 the fi eld and 44.8 percent from three- notched his fourth consecutive triple- with the Indians (1975-77), San Francisco Giants (1981-84), Orioles and Shabazz Napier. with 2:54 to play, but Joe Harris drained a point range.” double – and 17th of the season – with 23 (1988-91) and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2002-06). Napier’s three-pointer with 5:07 re- three and put in a layup as the Nets held “It was a pathetic performance and points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. The Reds, Orioles and Indians all have statues of Robinson out- maining in the third quarter put them up on. Napier scored 17 of his 24 points in the Phoenix got robbed,” Popovich said. George recorded his eighth straight side their ballparks. 71-67 and he drained a jump shot to make second half, while Russell led all scorers Devin Booker scored 38 points but it game with 24 points or more.

NHL Stolarz, Flyers shut out New York Rangers ter several fakes on the shootout winner, an Reuters RESULTS New York appropriate analogy for the back-and-forth Winnipeg 4-3 Boston aff air. Buff alo 5-4 Columbus First, Patrice Bergeron put the Bruins on the board at 9:49 of the opening frame. Brad nthony Stolarz made his homecom- Philadelphia 1-0 Rangers ing to the New York area a winning Marchand picked up a loose puck and set up one Tuesday night in the Flyers’ 1-0 (2007-08) also had seven starting goalies. Bergeron at the right faceoff dot for a short- victory over the New York Rangers, The Flyers’ top goalie this season, rookie side rocket. Then Josh Morrissey tied the becomingA the latest Philadelphia goalie to Carter Hart, sat out Tuesday after being in score with a power-play goal at 13:53, fi ring a author a surprisingly stout performance. net for each of Philadelphia’s previous four long shot through the screen for his sixth goal Oskar Lindblom scored in the fi rst period wins, including a 3-1 victory over the Winni- of the season. The Bruins again took the lead for the Flyers, who have won fi ve straight. peg Jets on Monday night. Alexandar Geor- when David Pastrnak scored a power-play The Rangers’ three-game winning streak giev made 18 saves while taking a hard-luck goal with 87 seconds left in the fi rst period, ended with the loss. loss for the Rangers. wiring a one-timer set up by Marchand for Stolarz, who grew up about 35 miles away Lindblom capped a Flyers fl urry by scoring his 28th of the year. from Madison Square Garden in Edison, NJ, the game’s only goal a mere 100 seconds into However, Connor scored twice 34 seconds made a career-high 38 saves in his fi rst ap- the contest. apart early in the third period. The fi rst goal pearance for the Flyers since he sustained a After Sean Couturier’s shot sailed over came on a breakaway set up by Tyler Myers lower body injury Dec 15. It was the second the net, Lindblom corralled the puck, skat- at 4:27 of the period. Connor then tallied his NHL shutout for Stolarz, who also blanked ed around the net and passed back into the second – and 21st of the season – when he the Detroit Red Wings on Dec 11, 2016. crease. Both Jakub Voracek and Couturier put was left alone in the slot and made no mistake The Rangers peppered Stolarz throughout shots on net before Lindblom backhanded a after getting the pass from Mark Scheifele. a third period in which they outshot the Fly- rebound over Georgiev’s arm and into the top However, Bergeron evened the count at the ers 13-4. Stolarz stopped Brendan Smith at of the net. 11:39 mark with his 16th of the year, another point-blank range with 2:02 left and survived tally set up by Marchand, who has amassed a fl uky opportunity with 57 seconds remain- JETS’ CONNOR SCORES IN three goals and nine points in a fi ve-game ing, when Vladislav Namestnikov’s redirect SHOOTOUT TO BEAT BRUINS point streak. Jaroslav Halak stopped 24 shots bounced over the top of the net. Kyle Connor scored twice and netted the lone for the Bruins, who have just one win in fi ve Stolarz is the third Flyers goalie to post a shootout tally as the visiting Winnipeg Jets games (1-2-2). shutout this season; Brian Elliott and Calvin claimed a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins There was some good news for the Bruins, Pickard have one apiece, as well. He is one on Tuesday night. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck though. No. 1 goalie Tuukka Rask, out since of seven men to start in net for Philadelphia made 36 saves through regulation and over- sustaining a concussion Jan. 19, could be this season, already tied for the most goal- time and denied all three Boston shootout back in action on Thursday against the Phila- tenders used by an NHL team in a single sea- attempts as the Central Division-leading Jets delphia Flyers. Center Joakim Nordstrom son. The Quebec Nordiques (1989-90), St. snapped a two-game losing skid. could be back for that game, too, after miss- Anthony Stolarz of the Philadelphia Flyers makes a second period save on Chris Kreider of the New York Louis Blues (2002-03) and Los Angeles Kings Connor executed a perfect backhand af- ing 10 games with a leg injury. Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 31, 2019 NFL

FOCUS Brady sees great early signs from Patriots in Atlanta ‘I was standing right next to him and he was having a good time, which tells me a lot of good things’

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady addresses the media at press conference at the Hyatt New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wears a sombrero during Opening Night for Super Bowl LIII at State Farm Arena. Regency Atlanta. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters The Patriots will be on the fi eld fuel. Atlanta Wednesday at Georgia Tech Uni- Brady body guards key to unlocking Super Bowl win But if New England fans versity. needed a morsel of optimism on “Having a good practice gives Whether it is heads of state, endangered Brady off ered proof posting a picture of exceeded all expectations. Tuesday, it could be found in a om Brady, preparing to you confi dence - all of those species or Fort Knox there are few things in his spotless jersey on Instagram following After losing All-Star Nate Solder to free wide-open and relaxed Brady start his record-stretch- things are going come up on this world better protected than New Eng- New England’s AFC title game win over the agency, the Patriots line looked like it was sharing stories about snapping a ing ninth Super Bowl on Sunday,” he said. land Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Chiefs with the tagline; “Not even 1 grass in for a rebuild but New England coach Bill golf club, punching a hole in the Sunday, knows positive Brady is well-practiced when And keeping Brady safe will be a key on stain!”. Belichick cobbled together a unit of late wall and smashing a video game Tsigns when they appear. it comes to the Super Bowl. controller in what turned into a Sunday when the Patriots take on a ruthless “I love that group,” said Brady. “I have so round draft picks that has become one of And after two sleeps at the While the Patriots are play- Los Angeles Rams defence led by Aaron many great guys that I play with up front. the NFL’s best. spontaneous Ask Me Anything J.W. Marriott in Atlanta, the ing for a Lombardi Trophy for Donald and Ndamukong Suh in the Super “They’re sole job is to protect me and help Thuney, a third-round pick and Mason style session with a couple hun- 41-year-old quarterback loves the third consecutive season, Bowl. The problem facing the Rams is that our off ense block for the running backs. It is a fourth round selection, Cannon a fifth dred members of the media and what he sees from the New Eng- the experience is still novel for Patriots Trent Brown, Marcus Cannon, Shaq the most unselfish job on the team.” rounder, Brown a seventh and Andrews, an cameramen. land Patriots. a handful of players on the ros- Mason, Joe Thuney and David Andrews Brady rarely ventures outside of his protec- undrafted unrestricted free agent form a “Must be a big game,” he said It started Monday night, when ter. Brady is sharing his advice have provided a virtual force field around tive cocoon. This season, after 19 years in 1,633 pound (741 kg) wall protecting Brady. to start the festivities. tight end Rob Gronkowski broke in-house. the 41-year-old Brady allowing him to go the league, he finally surpassed 1,000 rush- “They played as well as any off ensive line However, Brady, trained un- into spontaneous dance moves “It’s a long game, a lot of time- about his work undisturbed. ing yards. For his entire career. all season, they have really come together,” der tight-lipped head coach Bill during Opening Night introduc- outs, a lot of breaks,” Brady said, In playoff wins over the Los Angeles Charg- But Brady has not steered the Patriots to praised Brady. “We’ve been able to play the Belichick, wanted no part of the tions at State Farm Arena. adding he will encourage play- ers and Kansas City Chiefs, who also boast three consecutive Super Bowl appearances game on our terms and that includes being “GOAT” questions again Tues- Brady said Gronkowski’s gyra- ers to spend Saturday searching strong defences, Brady was not sacked and four in the last five years with his legs, able to run it and throw it on our terms. day. tions should give everyone asso- out rest and reminding families once, with his off ensive line doing such a he has done it with his arm. “Our line has done and incredible job all “Football is a team sport,” he ciated with the Patriots “a good on hand the one remaining day complete job that he did not even need to To do that Brady requires time and that has year but we have the biggest test of the said. feeling.” of the season is by far the most have his jersey laundered. been provided by an off ensive line that has year coming up.” Even so, a win over the Rams “I was standing right next critical. would put New England, Brady to him and he was having a For Brady, weekend distrac- gets in the way of that. I’m not best things about the season the getting rid of the ball quickly. game.” and Belichick on a plane all their good time, which tells me a lot tions are not an issue. really going out at night.” Patriots will close the book on Brady said he will be mind- Patriots fans are beyond look- own, peerless and unparalleled of good things,” Brady said of His family will arrive Thurs- Patriots off ensive coordinator this week, Brady didn’t discuss ful of getting the ball out of his ing for positive signs in Brady. by the most legendary winners Gronkowski, who was not avail- day, when the Patriots host a Josh McDaniels said the reason the dramatic overtime win at hand Sunday against likely NFL His 5-3 record in the Super Bowl in the sport. able to media on Tuesday after- family meal and help players set Brady is still playing at a high Kansas City or any other victory. Defensive Player of the Year includes wins in 2002, 2004, “He’s a great quarterback,” noon. priorities for the two remain- level is no one expects more from “It was nice this season with Aaron Donald and his sidekick 2005, 2015 and 2017. Belichick said of Brady. “It means he’s feeling good, ing days of preparation: a Friday Brady than Brady himself. no injuries to be a full-go at at defensive tackle, Ndamukong The losses, to the New York “I’d certainly put him up there and he’s excited. I think we practice and Saturday walk- Practice and game day are not practice,” he said. Suh. Giants (twice) and last year against anybody. I don’t think should all be happy about that.” through. dramatically diff erent in terms McDaniels was willing to “This is a really unique de- against the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s my job to rate anyone. His The next sign Brady needs “I know what I need to priori- of Brady’s level of intensity. point out Brady is one of the best fense,” Brady said, with a wry provide “mental scar tissue,” the record is unmatched and I’m to see: execution at practice. tize,” Brady said. “Nothing really When asked to identify the “in the history of the game” at grin. “It’s going to take our best type of endemic Brady uses as glad that he’s my quarterback.”

SPOTLIGHT Goff eyes Super Bowl jackpot aft er Rams bet AFP and a 13-point defi cit to pilot his lein in range for the decisive Atlanta team to a 26-23 overtime victory fi eld goal. “The noise in that fi rst NFL to consider challenge of judgment calls in the Superdome. quarter was the loudest atmos- It was an outcome which un- phere I’ve ever played in and a lot The NFL is reviewing options to allow coaches to challenge derscored the strides Goff has of the guys said the same thing,” judgment calls by off icials, but their teams would be negatively hree years after the Los taken since a disastrous rookie Goff told AFP. “I think being in a impacted if a review shows off icials got the call right, ESPN’s Adam Angeles Rams bet their season in 2016, where he lost all big game like that, having those Schefter reported Wednesday morning. Schefter said that if a chal- future on Jared Goff , the seven of his starts, threw more big moments, can prepare you to lenge is wrong, the team could be penalized or time could be run young quarterback is set interceptions than touchdowns be ready. It’s the hardest envi- off the clock. He said that by adding such a disincentive, coaches Tto deliver the jackpot. and left many wondering if the ronment I’ve ever played in.” will reserve the option for the most obvious of cases. A similar rule Goff goes head-to-head with No.1 pick was a bust. Goff credits his upbringing for would have allowed New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton to chal- Tom Brady here Sunday in a The arrival of head coach Sean helping cope with pressure. lenge the non-call on a crucial third-down play late in the NFL cham- clash of generations that pits the McVay in early 2017, however, From childhood his fa- pionship game; the NFL has acknowledged that off icials should 24-year-old Rams quarterback was to be the catalyst for a dra- ther, Jerry Goff , a former Ma- have called a penalty for pass interference or helmet-to-helmet against a living legend of the matic reversal in Goff ’s fortunes. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff addresses the media at jor League Baseball player, had contact. The Saints had to settle for a field goal instead of continu- NFL. Bookmakers have installed McVay, who replaced the the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports simply encouraged him to enjoy ing their drive for a potential touchdown, giving the Los Angeles the New England Patriots and sacked Jeff Fisher, has turned the sport. “My dad just made it all Rams a chance to tie the game and go on to win it in overtime. the 41-year-old Brady – appear- Rams into one of the most potent fearless nature, not being afraid are on this team, and it feels good about fun,” Goff said. “His at- A league source told Schefter that the NFL’s competition commit- ing in an incredible ninth Super off ensive units in the NFL, with to fail and always attacking suc- to say that we were able to turn titude was, ‘If you’re not having tee likely will pass a rule on judgment calls this off season and this Bowl – as favourites to claim a Goff his key on-fi eld lieutenant. cess, is something that certainly that around,” Goff said. The de- fun, don’t do it.’ And I’ve tried to particular idea has some support. sixth championship. Unsurprisingly, the Rams helps me as a coach.” feat of New Orleans was also keep that with me. Yet Goff , chosen with the No.1 head coach has nothing but the Goff , who has cut a relaxed proof of the team’s maturity. “It’s just the way I am. I think was playing in his fi rst Super after year.” While Brady has set pick in the 2016 draft after a high highest of praise for Goff , who fi gure since arriving in Atlanta Goff was unable to hear in- I have a good perspective on the Bowl. “What he’s done his whole new benchmarks for longevity, stakes trade with the Tennes- has registered 26 wins against with the Rams this week, says structions from the touchline game. Just try and enjoy it. Some career, being in this game nine Goff says there is no chance of see Titans, has demonstrated a nine losses under McVay. he has derived satisfaction from due to the decibel level from the guys are better when they’re times,” Goff said. “What makes his career extending into his 40s. knack of rising to each new chal- “What I love most about Jared helping the franchise transform Saints fans in the fi rst quarter. emotional, some are not.” him special is his never-ending “I’m 24 and I’ve been playing lenge in his three-year career. is he doesn’t let the circum- from a dismal 4-12 campaign in Yet the Rams quarterback Goff meanwhile is relish- perseverance and drive. People for three years and I feel it,” Goff In the NFC title game against stances of a game - good or bad - 2016 to authentic Super Bowl gradually discovered his poise ing the prospect of coming up continue to count him out and he said. “How he’s been able to do it the New Orleans Saints, Goff aff ect the way that he competes,” contenders. “There’s a lot of and set up the game-winning against Brady. The Rams quar- just keeps coming back and hav- for so long I just don’t know. It’s overcame deafening conditions McVay said. “And I think that guys who were on that team that drive to get kicker Greg Zuer- terback was seven when Brady ing tremendous seasons, year truly incredible.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 31, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bach gives full marks to Beijing 2022 preparations IANS engagement of the Chinese people the nation’s youth. And we see the Chinese athletes. Beijing with winter sports. We met chil- many pieces of art being produced “It is very important that China Tokyo Games ticket sales process to start in April dren who were enthusiastically and displayed around the world, has set this goal, because the suc- playing winter sports, and we met including at the Olympic Museum cess and participation of the home The organisers of the Tokyo Olympic Games nternational Olympic Com- tourists who are becoming famil- in Lausanne,” Bach said. team always plays an important said yesterday that ticket applications for mittee (IOC) president Thomas iar with winter sports, and there- The 2022 Winter Games will role for the overall success of the the sports event in 2020 will start as early as Bach yesterday said that he fore making a great contribution take place in February, which will Olympic Games,” Bach said. April, local media reported. would give China’s preparations to achieve this goal of making 300 coincide with that year’s Spring “There we can see some progress Those in Japan can register for buying Ifor the 2022 Winter Olympic Games million Chinese familiar with win- Festival, China’s most important already being made, but we can tickets in April for any of the 33 sports on the a perfect ten. Bach, who inspected ter sports,” Bach said. public holiday. Bach said that it see that there is still a lot to do. off icial ticket selling website, according to several Beijing 2022 competition With roughly three years to go would add to the experience for (Achieving this) needs a lot of in- the schedule of ticket allocation revealed on zones in Zhangjiakou and Yanqing before the 2022 Winter Olympics both the Games’ participants and ternational experience, and it also Wednesday. on Tuesday, made the comments open, the seven-year preparation the Chinese people. “It is a great needs cooperation with interna- However, successful applications will not during an exclusive interview with time has reached its halfway point. opportunity for China and the tional coaches, because there is a be announced until June 14 when Japan’s Xinhua news agency. When asked how many marks out Chinese people to promote their lack of experience in both training new law against ticket scalping takes eff ect, “The impressions are really ex- of ten he would give for the work al- culture and tradition to the world. and competition. “But knowing reports Xinhua news agency. cellent. The progress being made is ready completed, Bach replied “ten”. And it’s a great opportunity for my Chinese friends, I am sure they As to payments, the applicants can use a VISA remarkable. The projects are with- While the Olympic Games the world to become more familiar will make good use of the remain- credit card or pay cash at convenience stores. in the schedule,” Bach said of the showcase the world’s most elite with and learn more about Chinese ing three years and will eventually The first batch of ticket allocation includes construction sites for events in- athletes, the broader Olympic culture and traditions,” he said. have a strong team in these Winter packages of 2,020 yen (18 US dollars) for cluding ski jumping, Nordic com- Movement centres on blending Apart from hosting a successful Olympic Games.” wheelchair users, and families or groups with bined, alpine skiing and biathlon. sport with culture, which Beijing Winter Games in 2022, China also China claimed one gold medal children, senior citizens or individuals with nated stores in Tokyo starting from spring in The IOC chief added that he was 2022 has made eff orts to embrace. aims to have at least one competi- at last year’s Winter Games in impairments. 2020. equally impressed by the rise in the “With an education programme, tor in each of the 109 events. Bach PyeongChang, with eight more In addition, the sales of first-come, first- The Tokyo Olympic Games will be held from popularity of winter sports among we see that there is a team of peo- admitted that this would represent silver and bronze medals seeing served tickets will begin online in fall this July 24 to August 9 in 2020, followed by the the Chinese people. “What is im- ple who are touring China and a big challenge for the host nation, them placed 16th in the overall year, and tickets will be allocated at desig- Paralympics from August 25 to September 6. portant is that we see the growing spreading Olympic values among but still expressed confi dence in standings.

GOLF FOCUS Germany embassy, QWSC promote role Rose aims to cement of women in sports o mark the FC Bayern also in view of the World Cup Munich women’s foot- 2022, hosted by Qatar. Wom- ball team’s Doha visit en’s football is one of the fast- for a training camp and est growing sports disciplines. Tcross-cultural outreach pro- In Germany around 350,000 top rankings in gramme with female athletes girls aged 16 and under are ac- in Qatar, the German Embassy tive members of football clubs. and the Qatar Women Sport The DFB (German Football As- Committee (QWSC) organ- sociation), founded in 1900, ised a workshop on the role of today has some 26,000 mem- women in sport and the society ber clubs with 17 million play- yesterday. ers, including 870,000 female The workshop was held at members and 8,600 women’s controversial event the German ambassador’s res- teams. idence and was jointly hosted Germany goes to great ‘Any time you have the opportunity to play against the best players in the world, it by Lilian Muzel-Kiviet, spouse lengths to reach levels of ex- of the German ambassador and cellence as a means of crisis brings added inspiration and for me, that’s a big goal this week’ president of the Qatar Women prevention, understanding be- Sport Committee (QWSC) tween people as well as being Lolwa al-Marri. The workshop an ambassador for more fair- was a part of the activities of ness, tolerance, integration and a Germany Embassy outreach peaceful competition. programme in conjunction The German Foreign Of- with the upcoming Women’s fi ce also actively promotes Day 2019. sports, an integral part of its Members of the FC Bayern cultural relations and educa- Munich women’s football team tion activities abroad. “On the along with their team manager, Move – overcoming Borders” Qatari female athletes as well is the motto of its Interna- as prominent local Qatari and tional Sports Promotion Pro- international female leaders of gram. Sport is also regarded as the government sector, media, a soft diplomacy tool in crisis sport, arts, business, various prevention, fostering under- institutions and international standing between people and organisations participated in contributing to more fairness, this cross-cultural outreach. tolerance, integration and Mariam al-Farid, the 2019 peaceful competition. Doha IAAF World Champion- Thanking the president of ship Ambassador, and Yas- the Qatar Women Sport Com- mian al-Sharshani, the Qatari mittee for her outstanding women’s golf champion, were leadership in promoting the among the participants. role of women in society, Lilian This meeting was character- Muzel-Kiviet underlines that ised by Lilian Muzel-Kiviet and sport in particular is only one Lolwa al-Marri as an example of many prospects and tools of the successful bilateral co- of achieving gender equality: operation in the fi eld of culture This is one of the reasons why and sports, promoting people this meeting and the cross- to people contacts between cultural activities of German women of various cultural and Qatari female athletes will backgrounds and nationalities. give an important message to It was agreed to expand the Women’s day 2019, celebrated programme for female leaders in Qatar and around the world in society in the coming years, on March 8.

Europe chooses Polish sports minister as candidate to head WADA

Poland’s sport minister Wi- also a huge responsibility,” told Banka has been chosen Banka told Poland’s state- as Europe’s candidate to owned news agency after become the next head of the winning the vote. WADA will World Anti-Doping Agency, vote on a new president at a which has continued to face conference from November criticism over its handling of 5-7 in Katowice, Poland. its Russian aff iliate. Last week, WADA decided Banka had proposed estab- not to re-impose a suspen- lishing a separate funding sion on Russian anti-doping Justin Rose plays a shot from a bunker on the 14th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course on January 27, mechanism to help countries agency RUSADA despite 2019. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with less developed anti- Moscow missing a deadline doping systems fight the to hand over laboratory data. AFP Dustin Johnson and No. 5 Bry- that’s a big goal this week.” primary focus this year will be world. The Golfers are not the problem. WADA last year voted, King Abdullah Economic City, son DeChambeau, who won last The win at Torrey Pines wid- around the major champion- only ones facing questions about He also wants to improve subject to certain conditions, week’s Dubai Desert Classic. ened the gap between Rose and ships, but clearly it’s a nice thing participation in the event, with communication with athletes to lift the ban on RUSADA, Koepka at the top of the rank- to have,” Rose added. performers, including pop star and engage them in anti- which it suspended in 2015 He will go up against world ings, but the American still has “The bigger lead you can build, Mariah Carey, rapper Sean Paul doping activities, establish after a WADA-commissioned orld number one No. 2 Brooks Koepka, No. a chance to go back to No. 1 with the better. It’s never straight- and DJ Tiesto, set to appear at more anti-doping laborato- report found evidence of Justin Rose is de- 3 Dustin Johnson and No. a win here. “Obviously the world forward, is it? But we are here to King Abdullah Economic City as ries worldwide and improve state-sponsored doping in termined to avoid 5 Bryson DeChambeau, No 1 position has been going support the European Tour. I’m part of the tournament. cooperation between Russian athletics. politics and focus who won last week’s Dubai back and forth, back and forth,” a European Tour player,” Rose Carey has been urged by activ- governments and the sports But for RUSADA to keep its Won consolidating his position on said Rose, who has held the top said. “For me, I think I can only ists, including US-based wom- Desert Classic movement. accreditation, Russia had top of global golf against a stel- position four times for a com- commend their vision in terms of en-led peace and human rights Poland’s Ministry of Sport to provide WADA with data lar fi eld at the inaugural Saudi “That’s one of the big reasons bined eight weeks since reach- growing the game of golf. That’s group CodePink, to either cancel and Tourism said on Wednes- from the Moscow anti- International. that attracted me to the tourna- ing the summit for the fi rst time the industry in which I live. I’m her performance or use the plat- day that Banka had received doping laboratory by the end The 38-year-old Englishman, ment. They had secured Brooks last September. “Last year we not qualifi ed to speak on any other form to call for the Saudi regime 28 votes to be Europe’s of last year, which it failed to who won last week’s Farmers In- and DJ to come and play and I had four guys vying for it. It was subjects to be honest.” to release imprisoned women’s candidate and defeated Nor- do. WADA said on Jan 17 that surance Open at Torrey Pines on think I was No. 3 in the world going to take a player a good run “Between now and 2030, rights campaigners. wegian politician Linda Hel- it had finally recovered data the US Tour, is part of a formida- at the time when I announced and a consistent run of wins to there’s a big push here for golf. The tournament starts today. leland, who got 16 votes, and from the Russians. ble 132-man fi eld in the $3.5 mil- playing here,” Rose said. go break clear,” Rose said. Many, many courses are going Also in the fi eld are the reigning Belgian politician Philippe The WADA presidency lion European Tour event at the “Any time you have the op- “So, last week I managed to to be developed. Hopefully, golf Masters champion Patrick Reed, Muyters on five votes. rotates between government Royal Greens Golf Course. portunity to play against the best just put a little bit of breathing is a conduit to bridging the gap the 2017 Masters champion Ser- “This is a great honour, a representatives and the He will go up against world players in the world, it brings space in there, and that’s mo- between this region and how gio Garcia and the 2016 Open great privilege for me and sports movement. No. 2 Brooks Koepka, No. 3 added inspiration and for me, tivation for me this week.” “My we perceive golf in the western champion Henrik Stenson.

Thursday, January 31, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FIFTH ODI De Kock shines as South Africa beat Pakistan to clinch series Opener slams 83 off 58 balls as hosts chase down 241 with seven wickets and ten overs to spare

Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (centre) celebrates with teammates after dismissing South Africa’s Hashim Amla in Cape Town. (AFP)

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN INNINGS SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock plays a cover drive during the fifth ODI against Pakistan at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. (AFP) Imam-ul-Haq c Pretorius b Steyn 8 Q. de Kock c sub (Ali) b Shinwari 83 F Zaman c Tahir b Phehlukwayo 70 H. Amla c Rizwan b Afridi 14 AFP While man-of-the-match De Kock at an average of 54.20 in fi ve innings. chest-high chance. Fellow left-hander Babar Azam b Pretorius 24 R. Hendricks c Afridi b Amir 34 Cape Town sealed the win with his dazzling stroke- “He is improving day by day,” said Ma- De Kock went for his shots from the play, South Africa’s bowlers played a lik. Malik said he believed Pakistan start of South Africa’s innings and M Hafeez c De Kock b Phehlukwayo 17 F. du Plessis not out 50 signifi cant role by restricting Pakistan were making good progress ahead of had a let-off in the third over with his Shoaib Malik run out (Pretorius) 31 H. van der Dussen not out 50 pening batsman Quinton de to 240 for eight despite an aggressive the World Cup in England and Wales, score on 12 when a mis-hit against M Rizwan c De Kock b Pretorius 10 Extras (lb1, nb1, w8) 10 Kock launched an assault on 70 by Fakhar Zaman. which starts on May 30. Usman Shinwari looped to cover. But Pakistan’s bowlers to set up While Zaman was at the crease, Pa- “A good sign for Pakistan cricket is after asking for a replay, umpire Gre- Shadab K c der Dussen b Mulder 19 Total (3 wkts, 40 overs) 241 a series-clinching win for kistan were on course for a big total. that we are fi ghting to the last ball. We gory Brathwaite no-balled Shinwari for Imad Wasim not out 47 Did not bat: W. Mulder, D. Pretorius, SouthO Africa in the fi fth and fi nal one- He was fourth out after a 73-ball in- are going forward.” overstepping. A. Phehlukwayo, K. Rabada, D. Steyn, Mohammad Amir b Rabada 6 day international at Newlands yester- nings when the total was 128 in the 25th Imad Wasim, batting at number De Kock went on to hit 11 fours and Imran Tahir Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 0 day. De Kock slammed 83 off 58 balls over. But the scoring rate slowed after eight, gave the innings late impetus, three sixes before he was again caught Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Amla), 2-100 as South Africa chased down a target of his dismissal, with only 49 runs scored hitting 47 not out off 31 balls. off Shinwari, this time off a legal deliv- Extras (b1, lb1, w6) 8 (Hendricks), 3-146 (De Kock) 241 with seven wickets and ten overs to in the next 15 overs. “Our top three bat- He struck sixes off Dale Steyn and ery, with substitute Hasan Ali taking a Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 240 Bowling spare to seal a 3-2 series win. ters got starts and we wanted them to Kagiso Rabada in the last two overs. good running catch at deep midwicket. : Usman Shinwari 7-0-43-1 (1nb, Did not bat: Usman Shinwari “Quinny made it easy for the rest of capitalise,” said Pakistan stand-in cap- Medium-paced all-rounders Dwaine With the required rate reduced to less 1w), Shaheen Shah Afridi 7-0-34-1 (2w), the batters,” said South African captain tain Shoaib Malik, who has temporar- Pretorius and Phehlukwayo both took than three an over, Du Plessis and Rass- Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Zaman), 2-64 Mohamed Amir 8-0-40-1 (1w), Shadab Faf du Plessis, who said he was “ex- ily taken the role from Sarfraz Ahmed two wickets in a disciplined South Af- ie van der Dussen were untroubled in (Azam), 3-108 (Hafeez), 4-128 (Zaman), Khan 10-0-78-0, Mohamed Hafeez 1-0- tremely happy” with the way his team after the wicketkeeper was banned for rican bowling performance. an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership 5-147 (Rizwan), 6-174 (Malik), 7-200 7-0, Imad Wasim 7-0-38-0 (1w) had played. “Our best performance making a racist remark about Andile The left-handed Zaman hit ten fours of 95, with both batsmen hitting half- (Shadab), 8-221 Result: South Africa won by came tonight in a crunch game,” said Phehlukwayo. “White-ball cricket is all in making his fi rst half-century after centuries. Van der Dussen fi nished the Bowling: Steyn 8-0-51-1 (1w), Imran seven wickets Du Plessis. “The bowling was excellent about the fi rst three batters.” a sequence of low scores in both the match by hitting a straight six off leg- Tahir 10-0-36-0, Rabada 10-1-43-1 (1w), Series: South Africa won the and the fi elding was really good. And Malik congratulated opening bats- Tests and the ODIs. He was dropped on spinner Shadab Khan. All fi ve matches Pretorius 10-1-46-2, Mulder 3-0-20-1 five-match series 3-2 when Quinny plays like he did tonight man Imam-ul-Haq, who was named 20 when he slashed Rabada to Hashim in the series were won by the side bat- (1w), Phehlukwayo 9-0-42-2 (3w) Toss: South Africa he’s extremely diffi cult to bowl to.” man of the series after scoring 271 runs Amla, who could not hold a sharp, ting second.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT West Indies women thankful Denly to make England debut in 2nd Test AFP in 2009, playing in the one-day and Twen- North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda ty20 sides but had to wait for almost a dec- for Pakistan’s cricket revival ade before winning a recall as he took four wickets with his leg-spin in a T20 victory West Indies women’s team oe Denly will make his England de- over Sri Lanka. captain Merissa Aguilleira (left) but in the second Test against the Meanwhile, England leg-spinner Adil and her Pakistan counterpart West Indies, replacing out-of-form Rashid has temporarily left the tour and Bismah Maroof pose with the opener Keaton Jennings, captain Joe returned home. “Adil Rashid will leave the RootJ said yesterday. Denly, 32, comes into party during the second Test to return home T20 trophy on a camel in Karachi yesterday. (AFP) the team after Jennings managed just 17 and as his wife is expecting their second child,” 14 in the fi rst Test in Barbados which Eng- said the England team on Twitter. “He will land lost by 381 runs. return ahead of the ODIs.” Rashid bowled Root named a 12-man squad for the match just 26 overs in Barbados, going wicketless at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, which starts in the defeat. today, with Stuart Broad and Jack Leach also England 12-man squad for second Test vs in contention having missed out on a place some excellent things and he will continue West Indies: Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Jonny in the side for the fi rst Test. to work on developing his game and be a big Bairstow, Joe Root (captain), Jos Buttler, Ben “It gives Joe an opportunity,” Root said. part of this squad.” Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes, Sam Curran, “It’s disappointing for Keaton, he’s done Denly made his international debut back Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, Jack Leach

ROUND-UP Sri Lanka suff er more setbacks ahead AFP — will play three matches against sadors of the sport.” Karachi their Pakistani counterparts on Pakistan’s captain Bismah of second Test match against Australia Thursday, Friday and Sunday in Maroof — one of four players Karachi. who played in the Bangladesh AFP Chameera returned home after picking up my support and everyone’s support in that est Indies skipper Aguilleira said Pakistan — series at home four years ago — Sydney injuries in the fi rst Test in Brisbane. change room, so it is pretty unfair criticism Merissa Aguilleira which has only hosted a handful said the West Indies tour sends Uncapped right arm fast bowler Chamika in my eyes.” yesterday called for of limited over matches since a the right message. Karunaratne was picked to replace Kumara. Former national selector Mark Waugh cricket nations to militant attack on the Sri Lankan “Defi nitely, this tour was im- ri Lanka’s preparations for the fi - Sri Lanka are bidding to level the two-Test became the latest Australian Test veteran to Wreturn to Pakistan as her squad team bus suspended interna- portant for the promotion of nal Test against Australia suff ered series in Canberra when it gets underway chide Starc, saying the 29-year-old “needs arrived in the country ahead of tional cricket in the country in women’s cricket,” said Maroof. further setbacks yesterday when tomorrow, after being thrashed by Australia to get his act together and start getting some a three-match Twenty20 series. 2009 — is back on track. “I think “West Indies team coming here coach Chandika Hathurusingha was by an innings and 40 runs in the fi rst Test. wickets” or risk replacement. “I think as The 31-year-old from Trinidad right now we are heading in the will send a good message to the strippedS of his team selection responsibili- Sri Lanka recently lost their series against the season’s got longer his form has actu- is leading the 13-member side right direction when it comes to world and our people love the ties and their batting coach returned home New Zealand 3-0 and face the prospect of ally dropped off even more,” Waugh told Sky that landed in Karachi early yes- bringing back the cricket in Paki- game and hopefully West Indies for personal reasons. being swept again. Sports. “He’s got to start getting some wick- terday, amid tight security for the stan,” said Aguilleira. team will enjoy here.” Hathurusingha was offi cially removed ets and getting some balls in the right areas.” fi rst visit to Pakistan by a non- “I really believe that the other Approximately 1,000 police from the on-tour selection panel, govern- LYON DEFENDS UNDER FIRE STARC Meanwhile all eyes have been on Marcus Asian women’s team in 15 years. teams should really be thinking and paramilitary forces will also ing body Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said, al- Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon de- Stoinis after he was called into the extended Even as security dominated the about it (touring Pakistan) be- be on hand to provide security though it is understood he still has a say on fended Mitchell Starc ahead of the second squad for the second Test in Canberra, tak- day’s discourse, the team was cause it’s not just about teams, at The South End Club where all player decisions. “The majority decision of and fi nal Test against Sri Lanka, saying ing over Mitchell Marsh’s all-rounder spot. able to enjoy the fi ner sides of it’s about cricket and when you three matches will be played. On the manager, captain and members of the criticism of the paceman’s recent strug- Stoinis, who has been in good white-ball Pakistan’s largest city, including look at the fans they are so happy the fi eld, West Indies will start selection committee shall prevail on any gles was “unfair”. Starc has long been Aus- form, told reporters he would “look to play a camel ride along Clifton beach. that we are here. I am so thankful as favourites after winning the selection made,” SLC said in a statement, tralia’s main strike bowler but has suff ered a my natural game” if given his Test debut. Bangladesh was the last wom- to God that we can really bring Twenty20 World Cup in 2016 without giving details about why the change lacklustre summer, taking just 15 wickets at Lyon said he was focused on securing en’s team to tour Pakistan in back cricket to Pakistan,” Aguil- and competing in the semi-fi nals was made. 36.46 in fi ve Tests. another victory. “I’m worried about com- 2015. The West Indies last visited leira added. last year. They have beaten Paki- It added that batting coach Jon Lewis was “I don’t understand all the criticism, to ing out here and making sure that each and the country in 2004. The side, “I am urging that other teams stan in six of the nine Twenty20 “on leave to attend a family matter”, with be honest,” Lyon said, according to cricket. every Australian plays our role and performs which will miss their captain come back to Pakistan because internationals between the two Avishka Gunawardena fl ying to Australia com.au. “He has 200 Test wickets, so if any- to the best of our ability, and making sure Stefanie Taylor — who withdrew the people love cricket which is teams with one defeat and two to replace him. The news came as injured one can get 200 Test wickets you must know that we can get another win for Australian from the tour over security fears most important to do as ambas- tied matches. bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha what you are doing... Mitch has got all of fans,” he said.