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THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 Koeman has listl of transfer targets and departures EveryE coach always looks at the month of January as a cchance to improve their squad and I’m the same. All I’ve done is to come up with a plan of players that could leave and a list of players that it would be interesting to bring in. But it ddepends on the club.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman Sport |10

QVA SENIOR MEN'S LEAGUE: beat Al Sadd 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-17); Al Wakrah beat Al Shamal 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-22) Al Attiyah wins third Dakar stage winning run ends with but Peterhansel still in the lead shock defeat

AP – : Stage 4 STANDINGS (CARS-TOP5) REUTERS – MILAN 1: (QAT) Nasser Al Attiyah, (FRA) Matthieu Baumel Toyota Gazoo Racing 02H 35’ 59’’ Nasser Al Attiyah won a third 2: (FRA) Stéphane Peterhansel, (FRA) Edouard Boulanger X-Raid Mini JCW Team + 00H 00’ 11’’ Inter Milan’s eight-match consecutive stage of the Dakar 3: (ZAF) Henk Lategan, (ZAF) Brett Cummings Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 01’ 30’’ winning run in Serie A came to Rally in and 4: (FRA) Sebastien Loeb, (MCO) Daniel Elena Bahrain Raid Xtreme + 00H 02’ 36’’ an end as two of their former remained five minutes behind 5: (ESP) , (ESP) X-Raid Mini JCW Team + 00H 02’ 56’’ players, Antonio Candreva and overall leader Stephane Peter- OVERALL STANDINGS (CARS-TOP5) Keita Balde Diao, struck to give hansel yesterday. 1: (FRA) Stéphane Peterhansel, (FRA) Edouard Boulanger X-Raid Mini JCWTeam 13H 15’ 12’’ Sampdoria a shock 2-1 win in Al Attiyah opened the 2: (QAT) Nasser Al Attiyah, (FRA) Matthieu Baumel Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 04’ 58’’ Genoa yesterday. 337-kilometer (209-mile) 3: (ESP) Carlos Sainz, (ESP) Lucas Cruz X-Raid Mini JCW Team + 00H 36’ 19’’ Candreva converted from special between Wadi Ad- 4: (FRA) Sebastien Loeb, (MCP) Daniel Elena Bahrain Raid Xtreme + 00H 48’ 14’’ the penalty spot before Keita Dawasir and and led for 5: (ZAF) Henk Lategan, (ZAF) Brett Cummings Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 48’ 44’’ guided home a finish to give the almost all of it, out-dueling hosts a two-goal lead at the Toyota teammate and Dakar interval, and a Stefan De Vrij newcomer Henk Lategan and header was all Inter could seven-time champion muster in response. Peterhansel. Inter struggled to threaten Lategan led the fourth stage in the absence of striker briefly after the midway point, Romelu Lukaku, who was only Toyota's Qatari driver Nasser while Peterhansel started the fit enough to feature for the Al Attiyah and navigator Matthieu last 40 kilometers more than a final half hour and couldn’t minute behind but powered Baumel in their inspire a comeback. home to finish second by just 11 during the Penalties dominated the seconds. yesterday. opening stages as Inter were “We aren’t making too awarded one for handball fol- many mistakes,” Peterhansel lowing a Video Assistant said. ”In the old times, 50% of Referee (VAR) review, which all contenders would be Emil Audero saved, before the knocked out by driving mis- same offence at the other end takes or technical issues, but it’s gave Candreva the chance to become far less common, so score against his former you just have to hold on.” employers. Sebastien Loeb also had a The hosts hit the bar great finish to place fourth, through a Lorenzo Tonelli while defending champion header, and Keita then doubled Carlos Sainz did not, dropping their advantage on the 38th from second to fifth after minute after some excellent starting 17th. work by Mikkel Damsgaard to Peterhansel remained the find the space to set him up overall leader and Al Attiyah with a cross. was second. Conte threw on attackers Nobody else was within 30 in search of a response as Ivan minutes of them. Sainz was Perisic, Lukaku and Christian third, Loeb fourth, and Lategan was second overall to Xavier de newcomer Daniel Sanders was runner-up last year, was 7 1/2 “It’s difficult to open up Eriksen were introduced, but fifth. Mathieu Serradori, who Soultrait, the fifth different third. minutes off. De Soultrait, who large gaps in stages like these,” De Vrij’s header from a corner started the day third overall, leader in five days. Only 5 1/2 , who has also was seventh in 2019, led overall de Soultrait said. “We’d have to was their only breakthrough. suffered an early navigation minutes separate the top six won two stages, had an by only 15 seconds from attack like a madman, but we’re Lukaku picked up a mus- error, lost more than 20 riders. unplanned detour early and lost Barreda. Branch, Argentine already going very fast. I again cular problem in Sunday’s 6-2 minutes, and slid to seventh. Barreda dominated the five minutes. Defending brothers Kevin and Luciano reached 175 kph. I could go win against Crotone and was In the motorbike class, Joan stage -- he also won stage two champion was Benavides and previous leader faster, but I don’t feel like it. You lacking fitness, but he managed Barreda of Portugal won the -- followed by Ross Branch of nearly 13 minutes off the pace, Skyler Howes were all within also need to follow the to draw a sharp save from stage from starting 30th, and Botswana. Australian and Pablo Quintanilla, the seven seconds of each other. roadbook.” Audero with a header.

Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc Xavi predicts tough game as Al Sadd take on Al Sailiya in QSL Round 13

CHINTHANA WASALA will also be absent due to an injury, but Xavi THE PENINSULA is positive that the rest of the players will be able to pull off a good show. Al Sadd, despite their outstanding unbeaten “We have to wait, we have to be patient. run this season, will not be taking eighth- Of course we are unlucky that we are missing placed Al Sailiya lightly when the two sides three players due to COVID-19. Tarek is also We have a lot of work meet in the opening fixture of the 13th Round injured. But it’s not an excuse to win because of QNB Stars League. we feel that we are in a good moment and to do: Al Rayyan coach Spaniard Xavi Hernandez (pictured), head position,” he said. coach of Al Sadd, yesterday said that Al Sailiya, “Of course we are talking about important THE PENINSULA – who have defeated defending champions Al players of the team, but that’s why we have a Duhail and high-flying Al Gharafa in the earlier bigger squad to replace these players.” The newly appointed Al Rayyan coach rounds of this season’s QSL before pulling off “We are missing all of them but we have Laurent Blanc yesterday admitted that a 2-0 stunner against Al Rayyan last weekend, many players to do a good job,” Xavi added. the Lions will have to do a great job if will be a tough nut to crack. His opposite number, Trabelsi said his they are targeting full points against FIXTURES “Al Sailiya is our next opponent and we team is determined to have a solid game strong Al Gharafa in today's QNB Stars TODAY must know that they defeated Al Rayyan, Al against Al Sadd. League (QSL) Round-13 match. Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya Duhail and Al Gharafa. It means the game will “We will enter the game against Al Sadd “In Al Gharafa, we will face a Al Sadd Stadium (16:15) be difficult, especially as they work really well with great enthusiasm. We are determined to Al Rayyan VS Al Gharafa strong team. They are a side that com- Al Sadd Stadium (18:45) in defence. They follow man-to-man marking have a solid game against Al Sadd. Yes, it will petes for the league title, they have SC VS Al Kharaitiyat almost all over the pitch, and their coach Sami be a difficult match. Al Sadd, as we know, are good players. From our side, Al Rayyan Qatar SC Stadium (18:45) Trabelsi has a lot of experience,” Xavi Said “We have an eight-point difference with described as one of the best teams in Asia. have to do a great job of creating TOMORROW during a press conference on the eve of the Al Duhail and we have to take advantage of Playing against a big club like Al Sadd is not chances and scoring goals. We have Al Duhail VS Al Wakrah match. this game before playing against Al Duhail (in easy and the match in itself will be very dif- to keep doing this until we come out Al Duhail Stadium (15:15) “They are doing really well and it’s a really the next round).” ficult. Everyone knows who Al Sadd are and Al Khor VS Umm Salal with a positive result," the Frenchman Al Duhail Stadium (17:45) good team, and not just this season, but for a “We are in the best position, at the top of that they have not lost a single match so far,” said during a press conference Al Arabi VS Al Ahli long time over many seasons. Their foreigner the table and we are really happy because the the Tunisian said. yesterday. Al Arabi Stadium (17:45) and local players are very experienced so it performance has been really good,” the Barca “They have had the most stable season so “I see that this clash is a little com- will be really tough to get the three points,” great said. far. They have the best offensive line and the plicated. Our team is always looking for victory and currently he added. “All the players have been performing well best line of defence. Al Sadd include many dis- we need rapid development of sorts. I hope to sign new players Al Sailiya are placed eighth in the QSL and we must keep going like this,” he said. tinguished players at the local, Asian and inter- to support the team. standings with 15 points. Apart from the giant- “There are ten games remaining and we national levels. We know that a difficult match “We have three injured players and there is no possibility killing performances, they also defeated strug- cannot lose points. We have to keep the awaits us against a strong team, but let us not to change some players in some positions as we lack solutions. gling Al Kharaitiyat in round-3. They drew advantage until the end. And of course the forget that there is nothing impossible in In the previous match against Al Sailiya, the team showed a three matches and have lost five. target is to win this competition, and we are football. We always have the ambition and strong defensive performance, especially after the opponents On the other hand, former champions Al in the best position in the table. determination to do well when we enter a scored the first goal as a result of our mistake. Their second Sadd, favourites to win the Falcon Shield this “So we are happy but we have to keep this match,” Trablesi added. goal came from a penalty kick. That complicated matters and time, are yet to lose a game and are eight level.” The match will kick off at Al Sadd Stadium made it difficult for us to score three goals to win," the member points clear of their closest rivals - Al Duhail In today’s encounter, Al Sadd will miss at 4.15pm. Later - at the same venue - Al of France's World Cup winning team (1998) said. at the top of the standings with 32 points. three players due to COVID-19 infections, Rayyan will take on Al Gharafa while Qatar “I saw that some players lacked focus and did not have the “We are on the top of the table and we Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif, Khoukhi SC hosts Al Kharaitiyat in the third match of ability to control the game,” said Blanc. have to keep going,” Xavi said. Boualem and Hussam Kamal. Tarek Salman the day. THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11

Rugby Northampton’s clash with Leicester cancelled over virus cases

REUTERS — LONDON

24th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters to tee off on March 11 Northampton Saints’ Premiership Rugby meeting with Leicester Tigers on Saturday has been called off ECGC to host European Tour event after the Saints returned positive COVID-19 tests, the league said yesterday. The Premiership said that for the second year in succession Saints’ training ground has been closed following the results after the latest round THE PENINSULA – DOHA game of golf here in Qatar and of testing. The next round of we aim to use it as a platform to testing is scheduled for Once again, the Education City get as many new people engaged Monday. Golf Club (ECGC) will be on the in the sport.” “The health and safety of European Tour Calendar when The Commercial Bank Qatar players, management, staff it hosts the 24th edition of the Masters was attended by thou- and match officials is our pri- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters sands of spectators in 2020 and ority. We wish those who have in 2021 for the second year in a broadcast to a global TV tested positive at Saints a row, from March 11-14. audience of over 500 million speedy and safe recovery,” a Designed by two time Major viewers. For the 24th edition of Premiership Rugby represent- Champion and World Golf Hall the event, all eyes will be on ative said in a statement of Fame 2009 - José Maria Doha as the biggest names in the yesterday. Olazábal, the exciting venue sport vie for the Mother of Pearl A Premiership Rugby panel expects to not only challenge the Trophy on one of the newest golf will be convened to determine Hussain Al Abdulla European Tour stars but to Hassan Nasser Al Naimi Joseph Abraham courses on the Tour. the allocation of points and the entertain local and international The European Tour league said a further spectators with its unique views hiding from the fact that most of to our commitment tosupporting through supporting more sports announced its 2021 schedule announcement will be made of the Doha Skyline and the 2022 2020 has been packed with chal- Qatar’s vision to be a sporting activities in the future.” which will feature a minimum in due course. Education City World Cup lenges for everyone. Once again, hub. Not only does such an event The 2021 event will see Edu- of 42 tournaments in 24 coun- “The East Midlands Derby Stadium. on behalf of the Qatar Golf Asso- increase community partici- cation City support and tries, as golf’s global Tour is a day that Saints supporters The highly-anticipated event ciation, we are truly grateful for pation in sports activities but it emphasise community and resumes a full international will have circled in their cal- is organized by The Qatar Golf the continued commitment and also attracts international fans family activities as it aims to programme. endar months in advance. It’s Association (QGA), the Qatar support of the Qatar Olympic and members of the Qatari encourage young Qataris to take Keith Pelley, Chief Executive a game entrenched in history Olympic Committee (QOC), Committee and our long-term society, and promotes a healthy up the sport and to grow the of the European Tour, said: and one our players particu- ECGC and long-term Title Title Sponsor, Commercial Bank lifestyle in the country.” game of golf in Qatar. “There is no question that the larly relish being a part of,” Sponsor, Commercial Bank. The which has helped us position the Commercial Bank EGM, Speaking on behalf of ECGC, challenge of reshaping our 2020 Saints director of rugby Chris tournament is considered Qatar’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Chief Marketing Officer, Hussain the General Manager Michael season in many ways informed Boyd said. annual ‘must-attend’ sporting as a significant world-class golf Al Abdulla said: “Qatar is now Braidwood stated: “Education our approach to 2021. One of the “It’s also a big blow to have and social event, first held in event. We are also very excited considered a world-class City Golf Club is excited to be key learnings was to group back-to-back matches can- 1998 and widely known for about working alongside Edu- sporting destination where inter- hosting the 2021 Qatar Masters events together in terms of their celled, as we had hoped to pick bringing together the world’s cation City Golf Club for the national tournaments are and for the second time. The players geographical location to create up some momentum again fol- best golf talent; the likes of Sergio 24thEdition and aim to continue will be held. Our fruitful cooper- enjoyed the challenge and con- a more travel friendly season for lowing an important win on Garcia, Rory Mcllroy, Adam its longtime success.” ation with Qatar Golf Associ- dition of our course in the 2020 our members. Also, our events Boxing Day.” Scott, Justin Rose, Ernie Els and Commercial Bank’s GCEO, ation, the Olympic Committee, edition of the event. We are in the initial part of the 2021 This marks the second Henrik Stenson have all com- Joseph Abraham stated: “We are and Education City comes to add looking forward to seeing how season will continue to operate time Leicester have had a peted in past years. honored to sponsor the Com- another international tour- they will tackle the course on under the guidelines of our game called off in recent Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, mercial Bank Qatar Masters nament to the agenda of Qatar their second visit. The event is world-class Health Strategy, weeks due to COVID-19 cases President of Qatar Golf Associ- tournament for sixteen consec- as we look forward to widening an ideal opportunity for us to which will evolve aligned to the after Newcastle Falcons ation, commented: “There is no utive years. This is a testament the platform of this cooperation further our goal in growing the latest medical advice.” returned positive tests. QBF League: Qatar Every player will dream of winning the SC, Al Wakrah win World Cup in Qatar: Brazil legend Cafu

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is less than two years away, and with every milestone reached, excitement continues to build in the country and across the region. Football’s showpiece event means many things to many people, especially those who have lifted the coveted trophy. And one player who has special memories of the tournament is former Brazil Cafu. The 50-year-old won the World Cup on two occasions during a storied career that included trophy-laden spells with Sao Paulo, Milan and Roma. The former defender is also Brazil’s most capped player with 142 inter- national appearances. As a Global Ambassador for felt around the world. Their com- A: The timing of the tour- to stay in one place throughout the Supreme Committee for mitment to sustainability is some- nament means that many players the tournament. How will that & Legacy, Cafu believes thing that will have a positive will be in peak fitness, because be different from other World Qatar 2022 will deliver the kind impact on the environment and they won’t be joining their national Cups? Qatar SC's Miroslav Todic (left) and Al Shamal's Omar of memories he was fortunate set the bar for how mega sporting teams after a long club season. A: For those that love Abdelkader Salem vie for the ball during their Qatar enough to experience as a player events should be organised in the Combined with the perfect watching football, whether it’s on Basketball League match played at Al Gharafa Indoor in previous tournaments. future. This includes plans to weather conditions that Qatar is TV or in person, Qatar 2022 will Hall yesterday. Al Shamal beat Qatar SC 82-78. BOTTOM: Q: As the most-capped repurpose parts of stadiums after known for at that time of year, we be a dream come true. Four group Al Wakrah's Julius Coles Jr. drives to the basket against player in Brazil’s history and a the final whistle to support are set to see some exciting stage matches a day, all played at Al Rayyan during their match played at the same venue. winner of the FIFA World Cup sporting infrastructure in devel- football on the pitch. There will be stadiums that are close to each Al Wakrah won the game 85-80. in 1994 and 2002, how oping countries. no excuses for the biggest stars to other, means that you can poten- important do you think it is for shine. tially attend two matches in one this tournament to come to the Q: Qatar 2022 will take day. Middle East and Arab world for place in November and Q: This will also be the most That’s something that hasn’t the first time? December. How will the timing compact World Cup in modern happened in the modern era of the A: The World Cup is a tour- of this tournament impact the history, with all the stadiums in World Cup. nament for the entire world and quality of play? close proximity and teams able For the teams that are partic- so every country has the right to ipating, they will make the most bid and play host to it. For pas- out of being able to stay in one sionate fans across the region, this team base and avoid any long must be very exciting. Having the For those that love travel between matches. This will tournament in your neighborhood watching football, undoubtedly give players more will offer millions the chance to whether it’s on TV or in time to train, rest and be better attend it for the very first time. And person, Qatar 2022 will prepared for what matters most knowing what Qatar is planning be a dream come true. – the football! in terms of infrastructure and fan experience, this World Cup will be Four group stage matches Q: Of all the tournaments exciting for everyone. a day, all played at you have played in during your stadiums that are close to career, why is the World Cup so Q: Having been a part of so each other, means that important to you? many World Cups, what legacy you can potentially A: It’s what every player will Qatar 2022 have on the dreams of – to be a world region and beyond? attend two matches in champion. You play with and A: This organisers behind this one day. against the best players in the edition of the World Cup have world. It’s where you want to be made sure that its legacy will be as a player. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 Barca’s Koeman has list of transfer targets and departures REUTERSREUTERS – BBARCELONAARCELONA not allow him to get the the same,” he told a news con- announced it had been forced to having played a game more, have personnel he wants. ference on the eve of their game delay January payments to lost 1-0 on their last two visits to BarcelonaBarcelona coachcoach Ronald While Real Madrid coach Zin- at Athletic Bilbao. players. Athletic in all competitions and KoemanKoeman revearevealedled oonn Tuesday edine Zidane likes to repeat that “All I’ve done is to come up Carles Alena looks like being last scored there in a 2-0 win in thatthat hhee hashas mademade a list of his squad is the best and needs with a plan of players that could the first player to head out of the 2017. playersplayers hhee wants to aaddd and let no additions or departures, leave and a list of players that it door as Koeman said the mid- The Basques are ninth on 21 gogo in the January Koeman made it clear he would would be interesting to bring in. fielder has been given permission from 17 matches and will be transfertransfer window, like some new arrivals to help his But it depends on the club.” Barca to find a new team on loan. playing their first game under whilstwhilst acknowl- side recover from their worst La are unlikely to hand the Spanish media said he has agreed new coach Marcelino, who has edgingedgin the Liga start since 1987-88. Dutchman a transfer war chest, to join Getafe. happy memories of his last match cluclub’sb frail “Every coach always looks at however, as the novel corona- Barca, who are fifth on 28 against the Catalans when his financialfina situ- the month of January as a chance virus pandemic has hit their rev- points from 16 games and trail Valencia side beat them 2-1 in the ationati may to improve their squad and I’m enues and the club recently leaders Atletico Madrid by 10 2019 Copa del Rey final. Ronald Koeman

Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Sissoko (centre) head the ball to score their first goal against Brentford Three more during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final played in London, on Tuesday. Mourinho senses COVID-19 Spurs desire to positives at end trophy drought Man City REUTERS – LONDON Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho REUTERS – MANCHESTER said he senses the desire of his players to end the club’s 13-year trophy drought after Manchester City reserve goal- they reached the League Cup final beating keeper Scott Carson, Championship side Brentford 2-0 on midfielder Cole Palmer and a Tuesday. member of staff have tested Spurs have not lifted a major trophy positive for COVID-19 hours since their League Cup triumph over Chelsea before their League Cup semi- in 2008 and goals from Moussa Sissoko and final at Manchester United, the Son Heung-min secured their ninth final club said appearance in the competition, which they yesterday. have won four times. The trio join a growing list Mourinho, who is seeking his fifth of individuals that have con- League Cup crown as a manager after pre- tracted the disease at the club, vious triumphs with Chelsea (2005, 2007, with City missing six players 2015) and Manchester United (2017), said due to positive tests in their 3-1 there was a simple secret to success in the league victory against Chelsea competition. last weekend. “I came to England in 2004 and I The club said in a remember ... I had to learn the meaning of statement that they will the cups here and I always took it seriously. observe a period of self-iso- If there’s any secret it’s to take it seriously. lation in accordance with To respect what English football is,” league and UK Government Mourinho told reporters. protocols on quarantine. “What I sense in the team is exactly that City’s game at Everton last Sissoko, Son fire Spurs desire. I’m not saying winning mentality, week was also postponed due I’m not saying we are this or that. I just say to several positive cases in we’re honest people. their camp, with the Man- “The guys since the first game against chester club joining Newcastle Chelsea, then Stoke City, and now ... took it United, Sheffield United and seriously. That’s what I hope to do on Fulham among those who into League Cup final Sunday in Crosby against Marine (in the FA have suffered virus Cup third round). Try to be serious, respect outbreaks. REUTERS – LONDON from close range after three months, we have to wait for the the opponents and try to progress.” In the The Premier League nodded a cross back across the face final so we have to focus on what we final at Wembley Stadium on April 25, Tot- returned 40 new COVID-19 Tottenham Hotspur reached the of goal. have coming up... so let’s forget the tenham will face Manchester United or Man- cases on Tuesday, the highest League Cup final after goals from Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side final for now. But when April arrives chester City who meet in the second semi- in a week this season, after two Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min responded to that let-off with South we have to be ready and to fight for final on Wednesday. rounds of testing last week. sank Championship (second-tier) Korean forward Son collecting a fine the trophy,” he added. Tottenham defender said his Brentford 2-0 on Tuesday to set up a pass from and Brentford boss Thomas Frank team mates were desperate for clash with Manchester United or bursting goalwards before slotting past added: “It was an open game, we had silverware.re. Manchester City in April’s showpiece goalkeeper to make it 2-0 a top attitude, we were brave and an “Sincee I’vI’vee Marseille match. after 70 minutes. equaliser wouldn’t have been a totally been hereere Fellow London side Brentford, Brentford’s disappointment was unfair result against a world-class we’ve beenen offer stadium playing in their first semi-final in a compounded when Josh Dasilva was team. wantingg major cup competition, started brightly sent off six minutes from time for an “If you want to go to a final against to, thatat for COVID but fell behind in the 12th minute when over-the-top challenge on Totten- a top team, you need the margins with motivationon unmarked French midfielder Sissoko ham’s Denmark midfielder Pierre- you but then they show class to get a hasn’t’ t vaccinations headed in a fine Sergio Reguilon cross Emile Hojbjerg, who was immediately second and after that it was game over.” changed,”d,” from the left. substituted with blood streaming down Spurs have not lifted a major Dier told SkySky REUTERS – MARSEILLE The visitors, who had beaten four his shin. trophy since their League Cup triumph Sports. top-flight teams on their way to the “It’s a game that takes us to a final over Chelsea in 2008 but this will be "There’sre’s a have semis, thought they had drawn level to, probably, but I hope not, an empty their ninth final in the competition, lot of footballtball to offered to make their Stade after the break when striker Ivan Wembley final but of course I’m very which they have won four times. be playedd before Velodrome ground available Toney headed home but the goal was happy,” said Mourinho, who has won The showpiece match will be held it but it’s fantasticfantastic to to French health authorities disallowed for a very tight offside, the League Cup four times in his career at Wembley on April 25, after the be in the first final for COVID-19 vaccinations, which was spotted by VAR. - three with Chelsea and once with Football League moved the date back possible.”.” the club said Toney’s grounded knee was ruled Manchester United. from February to increase the chances Jose Mourinho yesterday. to be offside before he rose to head in “The final is now in a pocket for of fans being able to attend. “The club is offering to provide the Regional Health Authority with facilities within the Orange Velodrome to MLS offers to extend contract instead of cutting salaries facilitate the organisation of the vaccination campaign,” REUTERS – NEW YORK MLS relies heavily on in-person attendance and of the league while paying MLS players 100% of their OM said in a statement. after losing nearly $1 billion last year, it expects signif- salaries.” France accelerated vacci- Major League Soccer (MLS) on Tuesday offered to icant losses again this year. MLS Players Association did not immediately return nations of medical staff in extend the terms of the current collective bargaining “According to public health officials, the restric- a request for comment on the proposal. hospitals on Monday after a agreement (CBA) by two years instead of cutting player tions on attendance at live sporting events will con- MLS saw its season come to a halt in March due to slow start to inoculations in salaries to cope with anticipated losses in 2021 because tinue far into the 2021 MLS season,” MLS President and the pandemic only to return with its “MLS is Back” tour- one of the most vaccine-scep- of the COVID-19 crisis. Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott said in a statement. nament in a bio-secure “bubble” in Orlando in July. In tical countries in the world, MLS avoided a lockout in June when the players “To address the ongoing impact of the pandemic November the teams returned to their home stadiums delivering just 516 COVID-19 ratified a CBA that included a 5% pay cut to player sal- in 2021, MLS is proposing to extend the term of the for playoffs and the MLS Cup was won by the Columbus shots during the first week of aries but last month the league invoked a clause to existing collective bargaining agreement for two years Crew in December. a campaign that focused on renegotiate the agreement with the union, giving both rather than seeking any salary reduction. If the sides can reach an agreement, the 2021 season nursing home residents. sides 30 days to strike a deal. “This proposal will help ensure the long-term health is expected to begin in mid-March. Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan clinch easy wins in Qatar Volleyball League

Al Wakrah's Samb Tamsir (top left) scores against Al Shamal during their Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Senior League match played at the QVA Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Wakrah finished the game in dominant fashion as they blanked Al Shamal 3-0 with a 25-11, 25-16, 25-22 scoreline. RIGHT: Al Rayyan players block an attempt by an Al Sadd player during their match played later at the same venue. Al Rayyan won 3-0 (25- 23, 25-15, 25-17). THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09 NZ sweep Pakistan series, seal top ranking

REUTERS — WELLINGTON and only an extraordinary rear- SCOREBOARD guard action was going to PAKISTAN, 1st innings 297 (Azhar Ali 93, M. Kyle Jamieson took his second prevent a heavy defeat when Rizwan 61, F. Ashraf 48; Jamieson 5-69, South- five- haul of the match they resumed on 8-1 after ee 2-61) as New Zealand beat Pakistan Jamieson had removed opener NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings 659 (Williamson by an innings and 176 runs in Shan Masood on Tuesday night. 238, Nicholls 157, Mitchell 102 n.o.) the second Test yesterday to Mohammad Abbas was PAKISTAN, 2nd innings sweep the series 2-0 and top the caught behind off a Trent Boult S. Masood c Southee b Jamieson ...... 0 world rankings for the first time. delivery before Jamieson got A. Ali c (Sub) b Kyle Jamieson ...... 26 The young paceman took into the swing again to send M Abbas c BJ Watling b Boult ...... 3 6-48 to add to his 5-69 from the back Abid Ali and leave the Azhar Ali c BJ Watling b Jamieson ...... 37 first innings as the Black Caps tourists labouring to lunch at H Sohail c BJ Watling b Jamieson ...... 15 dismissed the tourists for 186 to 69-3. Fawad Alam c Taylor b Boult ...... 16 seal an eighth straight home Jamieson secured his fourth M Rizwan b Kyle Jamieson ...... 10 Test series triumph with victory five-wicket haul in six Tests in F Ashraf c BJ Watling b Jamieson ...... 28 Z Gohar c Henry b Boult ...... 37 inside four days at Christch- the second session by dis- S Afridi c Taylor b Williamson ...... 7 urch’s Hagley Oval. missing Haris Sohail, Azhar Ali N Shah ...... 0 The win also pushed the and stand-in skipper Extras: (1b, 0lb, 2nb, 4w) ...... 7 Black Caps firmly into con- Mohammad Rizwan. Boult dis- Total (81.4 overs) ...... 186 tention for one of two berths in missed Zafar Gohar, who made Fall of : 1-3, 2-17, 3-46, 4-79, 5-88, June’s inaugural World Test 37, to seal the victory for New 6-98, 7-126, 8-145, 9-171, 10-186 Championship final at Lord’s. Zealand who remain unbeaten Bowling: Southee 20-8-45-0, Boult 18.4-6- As much as player-of-the- at home since being bested by 43-3, Jamieson 20-6-48-6 (3w, 1nb), Henry 15-5-25-0 (1w), Mitchell 5-1-8-0 (1nb), Wil- match Jamieson’s fine bowling, Team New Zealand celebrates with the trophy. PIC COURTESY: @PHOTOSPORTNZ South Africa in 2016-17. liamson 3-0-16-1 the win was built on the mag- “I’m very disappointed that nificent 238 skipper Kane Wil- I didn’t get a result for Pakistan liamson scored in New Zea- “Even though the result on it’s the small margins,” Wil- “We won those small as they put their faith in me,” “We tried our very best but land’s only innings, which paper was very much in our liamson, who was adjudged margins and had a bit of luck go rued Rizwan, who led in the we didn’t do very well. As the enabled the hosts to declare on favour, we know that when you player-of-the-series, said after our way as well.” Pakistan absence of their injured regular captain, as a player, I take 659-6. are playing quality opposition, the win. managed 297 in the first innings skipper Babar Azam. responsibility.” Warner, uncapped Stakes high, tension builds Pucovski likely to for third Test Down Under open for Australia

AP — SYDNEY REUTERS — SYDNEY (Labuschagne) and Steve Smith and other guys coming in when The series is tied at the halfway David Warner (pictured) and the bowlers are a bit tired, point. Australia and India have uncapped Will Pucovski look obviously it’s a huge advantage been surpassed by New Zealand highly likely to open the for them.” atop the Test rankings. for Australia in this week’s third The selection of Pucovski, There’s quarantine and Test against India, even as who has battered down the travel restrictions. There’s real skipper Tim Paine was not able door to selection with a torrent tension. to confirm the team on the eve of runs this season, would Australia captain Tim Paine of the match. mean a move down the order let it be known on the eve of the Warner was always going or out of the team for Matt third Test at the Sydney Cricket to go straight back into the side Wade, who acted as a make- Ground that the gloves are off. Indian as soon as he had sufficiently shift opener in Adelaide and Rumors about the India squad’s players recovered from a groin strain Melbourne. discontent with hotel isolation during third that ruled him out of the first A switch of position for and reluctance to travel to day of the two Tests, while Pucovski’s Wade would probably cost Brisbane to play the fourth Test second Test much-anticipated debut was Travis Head his place in the at the Gabba next week have against delayed by a concussion. side as all-rounder Cameron opened up a little bit of Australia at Paine said Pucovski, who Green offers bowling support acrimony that has been appar- the MCG in has now cleared the concussion to Australia’s pace unit. ently absent in the first two Test Melbourne. protocols, would open the Paine said reports that matches of the series. batting if he was selected for India were reluctant to go back “It’s boiling away, there’s the match, which starts today into strict quarantine to play some stuff starting to happen, could happen. “So for us we just SQUADS that has sidelined the veteran at the Sydney Cricket Ground the fourth Test in Brisbane a bit of chat starting to happen,” want to be really clear on this opener for the first two Tests. with the four-Test series tied might add a bit of spice to the Paine said yesterday. Test match.” India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, He could be partnered at at 1-1. match. “This Test is going to be fas- There’ll be changes to both Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), the top of the Australian order Paine said he was delightedg “There’s a bit of tension cinating not just from a cricket lineups for the SCG. Rohit Hanuma Vihari, , Ravindra by 22-year-old Will Pucovski, with the rreturneturn of sstartingtarting to bboiloil ununderder tthehe point of view. Sharma will replace opener Jadeja, , Jasprit Bumrah, who has passed concussion Warner to a bbattingatting surfacesurfr ace withwith unnamedunnamed “There’s a bit of tension after showing Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini. protocols and looms as a unit thatt hhasas sourcessources comingcoming out starting to boil under the no signs of discomfort from the Australia: David Warner, Will Pucovski, stronger contender to make his managed oonlynly fromfrom ttheirheir camp sasayingying surface with unnamed sources hamstring injury that sidelined Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Test debut in Sydney after Joe one inningsings where they want to play coming out from their camp him for the limited-overs Head, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Burns was dropped from the score of 20000 or thethe ffourthourth Test anandd

saying where they want to play portion of the tour and the first Paine (captain), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, squad following a lean spell of more in thee seriesseries,, wherewhere ttheyhey ddon’ton’t want to the fourth Test and where they two Tests. He’ll also be deputy Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. runs. in the failedd attempt go,” hhee saisaid.d. don’t want to go. I think it’s to stand-in captain Ajinkya That could also mean a to avoid ddefeatefeat in “I“I think it’s startinstartingg starting to grind a few people.” Rahane, whose gritty century changes to the bowling attack, change to the middle-order, Melbourne.e. toto grindgrind a ffewew Australia’s eight-wicket win guided India to victory in with 28-year-old right-arm fast with Matthew Wade - a make- “He puts peoppeople,le, so in a day-nightht Test in Adelaide Melbourne. bowler NavdeNavdeepep SaSaini selected shift opener in Adelaide and pressure backack on we’llwe’ll see to open this series anandd India’sIndia’s IndiaIndia aalsolso mamadede forfor a test debutdebut tot support Melbourne - either batting oppositionsons hohoww iitt equalising eight-wicketight-wicket win in enforcedenforced JaspritJasprit Bumrah and MohammedM lower or being dropped, or better thanhan goes.”goes.” Melbourne wwereere played in good Siraj, who took five wickets on Travis Head losing his spot at most,” Paineaine spirits. Test debut lastlast wweek. Saini No. 5. said of tthehe India’s standistandingng as the rreplaceseplaces Umesh Yadav,Y who Australia can regain Test experiencedced financial powerhouseowerhouse ofof tthehe joinedjoined fellow fafasts bowlers cricket’s top ranking with a opener. sport meantt spspeculationeculation about MohammedMohammed SShamihami and Ishant series win, and India needs a “Regardlessdless the squad’s apparentapparent reluctance SharmaSharma on the iinjuredn list. 3-1 win to move to No. 1. New of who wewe’re’re to play whatt could be a series- SpinnersSpinners RavichandRavichandran Ashwin Zealand took No. 1 spot for the playing against,gainst, deciding Testest at the Gabba, and Ravindra JadejaJa are first time yesterday by com- we’re a bettebetterr where Australiaralia hasn’t lost a expectedexpected to have a bbig influence pleting consecutive sweeps of team by a fair Test since 1988,88, was taken seriseri-- onon a wicketwicket tthathat takestak turn. West Indies and Pakistan at margin wwhenhen ously by Paine’sne’s lineuplineup.. Australia’sAustralia’s bowlingbow attack home. David Warnerrner It causedd a “bit“bit ooff uuncer-ncer- isis settled, bubutt the batting Despite the high stakes, is in it. Not tainty,” Painene said. departmentdepartm is due there’s no chance of the match only throughugh ”Becausee when you hear forfor aann overhaul. being a sellout. the runs thatat hhee things like tthathat comincoming,g, PaineP indi- The state government has scores... but hehe particularly from India catedcate David insisted the crowd capacity has also protectstects our Tim Paine who we knowow hholdold a WarnerWa was be lowered to 25% at the SCG - middle orderder a bitbit,, I lot of powerwer in readyrea to come and all fans must wear masks - suppose.” world cricket,t, it’s backba from a because of a recent COVID-19 “So if we cacann likely that it groing injury outbreak in parts of Sydney. have MarnusMaMarnus

England squad barring Moeen test negative for COVID-19 SA look forward to Pakistan trip REUTERS — JOHANNESBURGOHANNESBURG completedcompleted on TuesdayTuesday withwith a challenge.challenge. BubbleBubble lifelife is stuck in a place,” De Kock said. REUTERS — COLOMBO Woakes, who was deemed a 10-wicket1 0 -wic k et win in probably going to be the hardestharde “That’s the worst case scenario possible close contact of South Africa’sa’s ccricketricket teateamm will Johannesburg. challengechallenge we will face outo but it is something you do think All members of England’s Moeen, was among those head to Pakistanakistan laterlater tthishis “I’m“I’m there.”there.” about. But for now, we just have travelling squad barring all- who tested negative but will month for thehe first time in 14 eexcitedxcited to SSouthouth Africa were in a bbio-i to deal with it in the best way rounder Moeen Ali have continue to isolate in his years with captaincaptain Quinton de gegett over securesecure environmentenvironment ffor possible.” tested negative for COVID-19 room as a precaution. Kock (pictured)ured) excited bbyy a ththereere andand December’sDeD cember’s abortiveabortive limitedlimit International cricket has before their two-match Test “All PCR tests from yes- new challengenge but wary of the plplayayy overover series against EnglandEnglan returned to Pakistan in the past series in Sri Lanka starting on terday are negative, except rigours of being stuck in cricketcricket and again for the two TestsTes 15 months following a militant January 14, the England and for Moeen Ali, and we can another bio-secure-secure bbubble.ubble. in againstaagainst Sri Lanka. attack on the Sri Lanka team Wales Cricket Board (ECB) start controlled training this South AfricaAfrica lastlast touredtoured whatwhat will “It’s“It’s very unsettling andand a bus in Lahore in 2009 that said yesterday. afternoon," an ECB Pakistan in 2007 when they be a newnew llittleittle nervy. It’s an accuaccumu-m killed six policemen and two Moeen had tested pos- spokesman said. England’s won the two-matcho-match seseriesries 1-1-00 challenge. lallationtion ooff a llotot ooff lilittlett civilians. itive on Monday upon training session yesterday and return foforr twotwo TTestsests aandnd But tthehe off-off- thtthingsings you are nnot The country has hosted Sri arriving in Sri Lanka and will was their first since arriving three Twenty20y20 internationals the-fieldt h e -fie l d used to plusplus thet Lanka, Bangladesh and Zim- now continue his 10-day in Sri Lanka. later this month.onth. sstufftuff iss unuuncertaintycertainty of babwe since September 2019, self-isolation in a separate Both of England’s Tests “There aarere two sides to it,” anothera n oth e r being caucaughtg while England recently wing of the visitors’ team will be played in Galle. Their said De Kock,ck, who began his type of iinn a announced a short two-match hotel in Hambantota. series in Sri Lanka will be fol- tenure as Southouth Africa’s new llockdown,ockdow 20-over series in October next Fast bowler Chris lowed by four Tests in India. test skipperr with a 2-0 home where youy year in the build-up to the T20 series win overover SriSri LankLLanka,anka, areare thtthenh World Cup in India. Sport THURSDAY 7 JANUARY 2021 08 Golf: Schauffele All is OK for Melbourne, says recovers from coronavirus, Australian Open CEO Tiley optimistic about

AP — MELBOURNE The world’s leading tennis players are set to start arriving in Melbourne new year Australian Open chief executive from January 15 and must undergo AP — KAPALUA, HAWAII Craig Tiley is reassuring players 14 days in hotel quarantine. Craig Tiley that the delayed season-opening PIC COURTESY: TENNIS AUSTRALIA Grand Slam tournament will get Xander Schauffele played the front nine of the under way on February 8 and has Plantation Course when he arrived at Kapalua asked for patience with the logistics for the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and and quarantine planning amid the then he couldn’t help himself. COVID-19 pandemic. Just beyond the ninth green was the 18th The world’s leading tennis green, so he turned to caddie Austin Kaiser and players are set to start arriving in said, “Let’s go hit that putt.” Melbourne from January 15 and Schauffele is good at moving forward, which must undergo 14 days in hotel is not to suggest he never forgets. A year ago, he quarantine, although they’ll be was on the 18th green in two and needed two allowed to practice for limited putts to win. He knocked his first putt 7 feet by periods daily in a bio-secure the hole in 30 mph gusts and three-putted for bubble. par to fall into a playoff with Justin Thomas and Reports from Europe about Patrick Reed. players being unclear on charter Schauffele was eliminated after the first extra flight details prompted a series of hole and Thomas went on to win. Twitter posts from Tiley to provide “I two-putted,” Schauffele said. “No, I didn’t an update. Australian Open organ- hit it past the hole. It wasn’t as windy. My mind isers are chartering up to 20 flights was in a much better place. Like I said, beginning from Dubai, Singapore and Los of the year, no demons.” Angeles to bring players to Schauffele is just happy to be here. His girl- Melbourne. friend came down with COVID-19 in the middle “There have been some una- of December, and a few days later, Schauffele voidable delays finalising flight tested positive and eventually had minor details for players and I’d like to symptoms. His self-isolation ended in time to take this opportunity to provide get out to Maui, and he feels healthy. The real an update,” Tiley posted on Top-ranked Novak Djokovic “Clearly, if there is significant test will be walking the Plantation Course when Twitter. and No. 2 Rafael Nadal will be Reports from Europe about players community spread at the time, the the tournament starts today. “There are a lot of pieces to this involved in a 12-team ATP Cup to being unclear on charter flight details government will make decisions Schauffele is among 16 players at Kapalua logistical puzzle and the last few be staged at Melbourne Park, along on reducing those crowd numbers, who failed to win an official event, though he are being finalised right now. with a WTA tournament and an prompted a series of Twitter posts from or not,” Tiley told Melbourne radio did have the lowest 72-hole score at the Tour “We appreciate your patience ATP 250 event, from Feb. 1-5 to Tiley to provide an update. Australian station 3AW yesterday. Championship. The winners-only field is and are conscious that time time- give players some exposure to Open organisers are chartering up to 20 “Those are the things we’ve got including players who reached the Tour Cham- lines are very tight.” The profes- match play in Australia before the flights from Dubai, Singapore and Los to be ready to change at any point. pionship because golf was shut down for three sional circuit resumes this week, season’s first major. Angeles to bring players to Melbourne. “We are not going to put an months due to the pandemic. with main-draw action yesterday Despite a small recent out- event on that is going to be unsafe Schauffele already has played four times in at the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s break of coronavirus in some for the community.” the new season, which began in September, and Tennis Open, where Sofia Kenin parts of Sydney and Melbourne, The players will be tested that includes two majors. Still, there’s something leads the field, and today at the organisers are still planning to zones to minimize movement before traveling to Australia and about January. ATP’s Delray Beach Open. have limited crowds at the Aus- around the sprawling complex. every day during quarantine. “The beginning of the year is more blue-eyed, Women’s singles qualifying or tralian Open. There’s still a chance there’ll be no “When they come of their 14 more open-minded,” he said. “The middle of the the Australian Open will be staged Tennis Australia is hoping to crowds if the number of corona- days there’s no way they are going year you have a pulse on what’s going on and in Dubai and men’s singles quali- have up to 35% capacity at Mel- virus cases in Melbourne spikes to be in a position where they are where your game is at, how you’ve played and fying in Doha, Qatar from January bourne Park, all with ticketed and triggers tighter health and going to be spreading the virus,” what you’ve accomplished. Everyone is excited 10-13. seating and divided into three travel restrictions. Tiley said. at the beginning of the year, whether it goes well or not. And then you reassess in the middle.” Meanwhile, Stewart Cink is having as much fun as ever. He won the Safeway Open in Sep- Daria Kasatkina wins Kyrgios out of Australian ATP Cup tember for his first title since he won the British Open at Turnberry in 2009. That brings him back first women’s match to Kapalua for the first time in 11 years. of new season team as world ranking slips More than that, however, is having son Reagan as his caddie. They were together when he won the Safeway Open, and his son will stay AP — ABU DHABI REUTERS — LONDON doubles players John Peers and forward to stepping up and rep- on the bag. Luke Saville as Australia look resenting their countries again, But that means more work, and a little more Daria Kasatkina and Maria Sakkari won their Nick Kyrgios has paid the price to improve on their semi-final and the field, including walking. opening matches yesterday as the women’s for a year of inaction over finish at last year’s inaugural defending champions Serbia “He’s never seen any of these courses,” Cink tennis season began at the Abu Dhabi Open. COVID-19 concerns after he tournament. and finalists Spain, is strong,” said. The WTA set up the Abu Dhabi tour- was ruled out of Australia’s The ATP Cup will be held tournament director Tom “He’s walked around a lot of them and he nament last month to give players more time team for next month’s ATP Cup from Feb. 1-5 in Melbourne Larner said. knows a lot about them, but he’s never seen them to prepare for the Australian Open, which after his world ranking slipped ahead of the Australian Open, “This is a format that shows from a strategy and playability type of a stand- was postponed from its usual January dates to number 46 following a the year’s first Grand Slam, and off the passion of the players point. So my year is going to include more to mid-February amid the coronavirus pan- 11-month absenceence fromfrom thethe ATPATP thethe eveventent wiwillll ffeatureeature wworldorld andand wewe’re’re expeexpectingc some spec- practice rounds than it did because of that.” demic. It will be the only warm-up tour- Tour. numbernumber oonene taculartacular tennis aaction.” nament outside Melbourne. The 25-year-oldear-old lastlast playedplayed NovakNoN vak TheThe drawdraw forfo the ATP Cup Kasatkina was the first winner of the new a competitivetive match at DDjokovicj okovic willwill take place on January 20. season, beating Wang Qiang 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 Acapulco in FeFebruarybruary afterafter anda n d Kyrgios,Kyrgios, ooften branded after trailing 2-0 in the deciding set. It was deciding to remainemain at hhomeome in second-s econd- ““polarising”polarising” forfo his long rap the Russian’s first match since October, and Australia whenhen the circuitcircuit rankedr a n ked sheetsheet ofof inindiscretions,discre had been Wang’s first since March. resumed in EEuropeurope and North RafaRafa Nadal.Nadal. a galvanisinggalvanising forcef in raising “The first match after a long stop is never America afterr a hiatus.hiatus. “The“ The fundsfunds andand aawarenesswa for Aus- easy,” Kasatkina said. “I was not that nervous Each nationtion havehave ttwowo players are traliantralian busbushfirehfir relief efforts but I felt my stomach a little bit.” singles slots tthathat will be taken lookinglooking duringduring the AATPTP Cup last year. Kasatkina added she didn’t mind by their top-rankedanked players HeHe will nonoww play in Mel- spending time alone, making her better and Australia’sa’s chal-chal- bbourneourne 2, one of two placed than most to adapt to quarantine lenge at the ATPTP Cup ATP 250 events measures ahead of the Australian Open. will be led byy AlexAlex bbeinge i held Sakkari, seeded ninth, faced four break de Minaur aandnd alongsidealo the ATP points but saved them all in a 6-4, 6-2 victory John Millman who Cup.Cu Melbourne over Anastasia Potapova. Also, Veronika are ranked 23 aandnd ParkPar is also hosting Xander Kudermetova beat 10th-seeded Anett Kon- 38, respectively.ely. Nick Kyrgios twotwo WTA 500 tour- Schauffele taveit 7-5, 6-1, and Yulia Putintseva defeated The duo wwillill namentsnam alongside Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-3. be joined by the event.ev NBA: Bulls rally past Blazers; Nets down Jazz

REUTERS — NEW YORK for Utah, which shot 38.9 percent after three blocked shots for the Lakers, who scoring a season-high 130 points won their fourth straight game. James hit Coby White led seven players in double Sunday in San Antonio. a turnaround jumper to give Los Angeles figures with 21 points as the visiting Denver Nuggets 123 - Minnesota a five-point lead with 1:03 remaining, and Chicago Bulls, despite using just nine Timberwolves 116 then he blocked Brandon Clarke’s shot players, used superior depth to overtake Nikola Jokic scored a season-high in the key with 49.4 seconds left as the the Portland Trail Blazers 111-108 on Chicago 35 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Will Lakers prevailed. Tuesday night to snap a seven-game Bulls guard Barton scored 20 points, and host San Antonio Spurs 116 - Los losing streak in the rivalry. Coby White Denver beat Minnesota. Angeles Clippers 113 Wendell Carter Jr. broke a late tie (centre) JaMychal Green had 17 off the Patty Mills made a career-best eight with two free throws, Otto Porter Jr. drives to bench, Jamal Murray scored 13, Facundo 3-pointers and scored 27 points off the nailed a midrange jumper and White the basket Campazzo added 11 and Gary Harris and bench, and San Antonio snapped a four- connected from just inside the arc in a on Portland Paul Millsap had 10 apiece to help the game losing streak with the victory over six-point Bulls flurry that produced a Trail Blazers Nuggets beat Minnesota for the 10th host Los Angeles. 106-100 lead with 2:08 to play, and the centre Jusuf straight time. Dejounte Murray had 21 points and visitors held on from there to record Nurkic (left) D’Angelo Russell had 33 points and LaMarcus Aldridge, who returned from their first win over the Trail Blazers during the 11 assists, Juancho Hernangomez had a three-game absence after a knee since Nov. 15, 2016. first half of 21 of his 25 points in the first half and injury, added 14 points and six rebounds Garrett Temple and Patrick Wil- the game at Malik Beasley and Anthony Edwards for San Antonio. Rudy Gay had 16 points liams finished with 14 points apiece, Moda Center. scored 15 each for the Timberwolves. and Devin Vassell scored 12. Kawhi Carter added 13 and Thaddeus Young Los Angeles Lakers 94 - Memphis Leonard had 30 points and 10 assists had 10 for the Bulls, who won for the Grizzlies 92 for the Clippers, who played without fourth time in their past five outings in Anthony Davis and LeBron James Paul George (ankle). Nicolas Batum con- the opener of a four-game Western and cruised to a wire-to-wire victory He also added six rebounds, five assists each scored 26 points to lead visiting tributed 21 points and Patrick Beverley swing. over Utah in New York. and three steals while playing with four Los Angeles past Memphis. made six 3-pointers while contributing Brooklyn Nets 120 - Utah Jazz 96 Irving made his first nine shots, shot new starters (Taurean Prince, Jeff Green, James also had 11 rebounds and scored 20 points, eight rebounds and Kyrie Irving scored 29 points in 12 of 19 overall, and made five Bruce Brown and Jarrett Allen). seven assists, while Davis pulled down eight assists. Lou Williams chipped in three quarters as Brooklyn started fast 3-pointers as the Nets shot 55.9 percent. Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points 10 rebounds to go with three steals and 15 points.