Aviv won the domestic cham- pionship, and the season also saw the emergence of two homegrown stars — play- maker Chen Lippin and defensive guard Motti Daniel. Israel finished top of the Oceania group in the World Cup qualifying competition. Unbeaten with one victory and three draws in home and away matches against New Zealand and Australia, Israel must now overcome Paraguay or Colombia to reach the World Cup finals in Italy next summer. Israel faces its Latin American opponents as underdogs but nevetheless with a good outside chance of victory. In domestic soccer competi- tion Maccabi Haifa were once again league champions but were deprived of the double in a thrilling cup final against Betar Jerusalem who even- tually triumphed on penalties. Former Maccabi Haifa star striker Ronnie Rosenthal, now of Belgium's Standard Liege, was at the center of an unsavory con- troversy when his transfer deal to the Italian team Udinese fell through over an alleged abnormality in his spinal vertebrae. Some sug- gested that anti-Israel senti- ment in Italy was at play here. Meanwhile, former Betar Jerusalem hero Eli Ohana helped his club Mechelen to the Belgian championship and was chowen for a World Best XI which played in a charity match in Russia. Tennis also say some com- mendable international per- formances. Israel retained its place in the David Cup top flight with a comfrtable vic- tory over South Korea, after defeat byFrance, whose superstars Henri Leconte and Yannik Noah were too strong for Israel's aces Amos Mansdorf and Gilad Bloom. but Mansdorf did show the French his calibre last November by winning the Paris Grant Prix, which with a prize of $250,000 is one of the world's most prestigious tournaments. Mansdorf disappointed many of his fans, however, when it was revealed that he was registered as a New York resi- dent in order to avoid paying Israeli income tax. Financial wheeling and dealing aside, Mansdorf con- solidated his position as one of the world's best players. At the time of going to press he was ranked 19th in the ATP standings, one off his best position of 18th. Bloom had a more modestly successful year, finishing in 190th place. Sports fans also had an off Best Wishes for a New Year of Health, Happiness and Prosperity Wishing all our customers a healthy and happy NEW YEAR UNIQUE CONG. PTS IN SPACE PLANNING CALIFORNIA CLOSET COMPANY 3160 Haggerty Rd., West Bloomfield (North of Pontiac Trail in West Bloomfield Tech Center 32671 Northwestern Hwy. Farmington Hills Two locations to serve you 547-1214 • Berkley Store (313) 624-1234 The Staff Of Aipallyne Se/or? wishes everyone a healthy & happy Holiday Season On the Boardwalk, Orchard Lake Road 855-6377 The Great Cover - Up wishing all their friends and customers a most happy and prosperous new year The Great Cover-Up 851-1125 Iry and Eve Simons and the staff of Puritan Auto Service wish their family, friends and customers a healthy and happy New Year Wishing All Our Friends A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year FLORENCE ABEL & JUDY STEIN WNW RED CARPET' REAL K ERE 855-9100 W. BLOOMFIELD TIFFANY PLAZA 32855 NORTHWESTERN HWY. (South of 14 Mile Road) Professional Measure and In-Home Design Consulting At No Obligation MM. VISA' =INN A Very Happy and Healthy New Year tto All Our Friends and Family. We/14 '4, fiwasiVin...4 Wishing all our patients and their families a very happy and healthy New Year. Dr. James Ginzler Dr. Randall Shaw Harold, Debbie, Maureen, Michael and Rebecca, Michael, Marie, Rachel & Brian, Jeffrey, Gary, and Esther Weisserman & Kate Goldfine Advertising in The Jewish News Gets Results Place Your Ad Today. Call 354-6060 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS J 149