SPORT Wednesday 26 September 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 Wozniacki and Ronaldo turns to Kerber start with Juventus challenge wins at Wuhan Open after award snub El Shorbagy to defend Classic title

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA Around 50 players, Abdullah Al Tamimi will lead the hosts challenge including the at the 2018. : Rising star Abdullah Al world’s top 30, will Tamimi will be the leading home continue their battle player along with Egyptian for points on the icon Mohamed El PSA World Series Shorbagy at next month’s Qatar Standings at the Classic, organisers of the event $177,750 total prize confirmed yesterday. The hugely popular PSA money tournament World Series event will be played considered to be from October 27 to November 2 one of the richest in at the Khalifa International the series. Tennis and Squash Complex. Al Tamimi, who broke into the world’s top 30 rankings after Three-time winner his stunning victory at the Mohamed El $35,000 Malaysian Open in July, Shorbagy of will be joined by compatriots Nasser Ghanem Al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis, Squash and will be leading a star Syed Azlan Amjad (146) and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), handing over the Qatar Classic Abdulrahman Al Malki (242) at cast of the world’s the six-day event. trophy to in this last November’s file photo. top players who Amjad and Al Malki are wild have confirmed their card entries for the tournament, the richest in the series. able to achieve over the years. All participation in the organisers said. Tournament Director Tareq hands are on deck to ensure the Qatar Classic 2018. Three-time winner El Zainal yesterday said: “Once best tournament ever,” he said. Shorbagy of Egypt will be leading again, we are proud to host the Defending champion El a star cast of the world’s top world’s top players in Doha. It has Shorbagy won the tournament keep his superb run going in first title in 2001 after defeating Egyptian trio , Amr players who have confirmed their always been our tradition to for the third time last year after Qatar but is expected face ’s David Palmer in the Shabana and took participation in the Qatar Classic organise a tournament whose a 3-1 win over Egypt’s Tarek resistance from the likes of World final. He repeated the same feat up the mantle of the Qatar Classic 2018, the 16th edition of the memories will linger on for a long Momen, a surprise finalist. No.2 , 2011 winner the following year against the champion over the next three tournament. time in the minds of all El Shorbagy, 27, won the Gregory Gaultier and the in form same opponent. Former World tournaments. Around 50 players, including participants.” Qatar Classic in 2013, 2015 and Simon Rosner and Miguel Angel No.1s and James Tickets for the six-day event the world’s top 30, will battle for “This year’s edition is no 2017 and also appeared in the Rodriguez as he looks to take the Willstrop kept the title in English will soon be on sale in selected points on the PSA World Series exception. Squash is growing in final of the 2012 and 2014 PSA lion’s share of the prize purse. hands either side of a short break malls and locations across Qatar, Standings at the $177,750 tour- leaps and bounds in Qatar and World Championships, in Doha. Historically, ’s Peter in 2004 while the World Cham- organisers said in a statement nament considered to be one of we are proud of what we’ve been The Egyptian will look to Nicol secured the tournament’s pionship was held in Qatar before yesterday. Aspire Dome key to World Championships success

THE PENINSULA championships. “With the big event, “the scale of the compe- and competition. A few weeks A Japanese gymnast in action during number of participants, we need tition is really big and this ahead of the event, preparations the FIG World Cup finals at Aspire DOHA: Aspire Dome, the world’s six training halls, a warm-up hall creates a challenge in venue are in the final stage to welcome Dome, in this March 2018 file photo. largest indoor multi-purpose and the competition hall. Aspire operation and site man- gymnasts, officials and spec- dome, will play host to the 48th Zone is the only place in Qatar agement,” said Feras Ahmed, tators to Aspire Dome. Artistic Gymnastics World that englobes this kind of facil- Deputy Venues Manager of the “The sport equipment should Championships that Doha is set ities,” Saoud said. 48th Artistic Gymnastics World arrive in Hamad Port on Sep- to stage from October 25 to Aspire Dome has the Championships. tember 25. The Sport Equipment November 3 for the first time in capacity to host 13 different One of the challenges that Committee will start to install the the Middle East region. sporting events simultaneously. were bound to arise was meeting different training halls, the The championship, which As part of Aspire Zone, it previ- the requirements of the Interna- warm-up hall and the field of serves as the first qualification ously hosted the Asian Games in tional Gymnastics Federation play on September 28,” Saoud event for the 2020 Tokyo 2006, the 2010 IAAF World (FIG) in terms of venue capacity. added. Summer Olympics, is the world’s Indoor Championships, the 2011 “FIG requires a minimum of Qatar is the first Arab biggest gymnastics competition Arab Games as well as an annual 6,000 Seats for the World country to host the Artistic and, therefore, Aspire Dome was event in the Artistic Gymnastics Championships. That is why we Gymnastics World Champion- the logical pick as a host venue World Cup series since 2009. will add 800 seats to reach that ships. Only and China for an event of such magnitude, With nearly 700 female and requirement,” Saoud said, organised it in Asia and it was said Anis Saoud, Deputy Com- male gymnasts from 83 coun- adding that all the halls of Aspire never held in Africa or South petition Manager of the world tries competing in next month’s Dome will be used for trainings America. Qatar ease past Syria at Asian Youth Handball

QNA players who were busy with their studies. AMMAN: Qatar youth team Al Mulla said the Qatar beat Syrian counterpart Qatar were the played very good matches 29-24 on Monday in the better team since in the first round of the penultimate round of the the beginning of tournament after drawing third group of the Asian with Japan, which qualified Men’s Youth (U-18) the game and won for the World Cup. Handball Championship the first half 13-11. He added the team also 2018 held in Amman, played well against Iranian Jordan. team, adding that despite Qatar were the better with the results the Qatar a difficult group, the Qatari team since the beginning youth team achieved in the team was very close to Al Rayyan aim to bounce back of the game and won the Asian tournament at the qualification and came in first half 13-11. Jordanian capital. the third place with goal Al Rayyan Rodrigo Tabata (left) speaks to Abdulla Al Mutawa, Vice-President of Al Rayyan, in Doha, yesterday. Al Anabi will take on He said that the youth difference behind second Veteran striker Sebastian Soria (right) is also present. The two key players along with team coach Rodolfo Martin Oman in the final round of team had a short prepa- place. Arruabarrena met with Al Mutawa after their 5-0 defeat to Al Sadd last week. ‘The Lions’ are looking to bounce back the group stage. ration period, in addition He pointed out that from the ‘Qatar Clasico’ drubbing at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium last Saturday. Al Rayyan, who take on Al Shahania in Qatar Handball Asso- to that most of the team Qatar would have been their next QNB Stars League, are one of the top football outfits in the country. Al Rayyan won the QNB Stars League in ciation Secretary-General members are from the qualified for the second the 2015-16 season winning the title with five rounds to spare. Mohamed Jaber Al Mulla junior national team due round in the team if played expressed his satisfaction to the absence of the youth in any other group. 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2018 ‘An incredible feeling’ to be the best: Modric

FIFA.COM AWARD WINNERS (SINCE 2000) and, of course, to have won and my friends. individual awards like The Best Q: How do you overcome : Real Madrid and 2018 - Luka Modric, Croatia and the award for the best those difficult times you Croatia midfielder Luka 2017 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal player at the World Cup. mentioned? Modric collected The Best FIFA 2016 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Q: If you could choose one A: By believing in yourself, Men’s Player 2018 award in 2015 - Lionel Messi, Argentina highlight, what would it be? even when others don’t. By London on Monday. Visibly 2014 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal A: There were so many that staying close to your family, moved by the experience, he 2013 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal choosing one is difficult. I think your loved ones, being positive later shared his feelings about 2012 - Lionel Messi, Argentina it has to be the World Cup Final and moving forward all the the stunning 2017/18 season 2011 - Lionel Messi, Argentina though. It was the biggest time. By working hard and that led to this crowning match of my career, and never giving in, without getting 2010 - Lionel Messi, Argentina moment with FIFA.com. playing for your country in the distracted along the way. 2009 - Lionel Messi, Argentina FIFA.com: How does it feel Final of the World Cup – the Those are the things you have to have won the first The Best 2008 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal biggest sporting event on the to keep in mind. award of your career? 2007 - Kaka, planet – is unique. I also had Q: It’s been a wonderful Luka Modric: It’s an 2006 - Fabio Cannavaro, Italy the extra motivation of cap- year for you. How can you incredible feeling. I am proud 2005 - Ronaldinho, Brazil taining my side. Unfortunately, better it? and honoured to be here. It’s 2004 - Ronaldinho, Brazil things didn’t work out for us A: It’s not going to be easy. been a special night for me and 2003 - Zinedine Zidane, France and we lost, but I still see it as Like I said before, I always like a special moment in my career. 2002 - Ronaldo, Brazil a success to have got that far. to improve in every way, but

Q: The Best award is voted 2001 - Luis Figo, Portugal We did something that will go if I can maintain this kind of for by players, coaches, the 2000 - Zinedine Zidane, France down in history. form, it would be incredible. media and fans. How does it Q: Every child dreams of It’s not easy to reach the top, feel to be recognised by all of being the best player in the but staying there is even them? picked up this award. There world. Was that the case with harder. I’ve been at the top for A: It’s very important. are so many good players – you as well? a few years now and I hope I There’s no bigger reward than those two and many more – A: You always have dreams can stay there for a few more. being chosen by so many that it makes you feel proud to when you start playing Q: You are now ‘The Best’ people. I’d like to thank all the beat them to it. It shows you football. I’m the type of person in the game. If you could people who’ve helped and sup- that your hard work has paid who always wants to be the choose something else in ported me all this time. off. It’s been a night when all best, so it’s only natural that I which you could be the best, Q: It’s been years since my dreams have come true. dreamed one day I would what would it be? anyone other than Lionel Messi Q: Let’s talk a little about come this far, and thanks to A: I am a very down to Luka Modric and his or Cristiano Ronaldo has won your year. God here I am now. It’s what earth and modest person, a family members pose this individual award. Will it A: It was fantastic, one of I’ve worked so hard for. I family guy and friendly with it, with his award in be the first of many for you? the best of my career, on a col- pushed myself and believed in so I’d probably choose being London on Monday. A: We’ll see. I’m not lective and individual level. I myself, even in difficult times. the best at spending time with thinking about that right now. am very satisfied with what I I’ve also made it this far thanks my family and sharing big I’m very pleased to have did with my club, my country to my team-mates, my family moments with them. Ronaldo turns to Juventus United target trophies as challenge after award snub revenue hits record high AFP United brought in an increasingly competitive AFP £590m ($776m) in transfer market.” Manchester LONDON: Manchester United the year ending June City earlier this month posted MILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo turns executive vice-chairman Ed 30 2018 -- a rise of record revenues of £500.5m his focus back to Juventus’ quest Woodward underlined the following their record- for a treble this season today club’s hunger for silverware just 1.5 percent on breaking season. after losing out in the FIFA’s best yesterday after announcing the previous year. United’s annual accounts player of the year award. record-breaking revenues. reveal that the Old Trafford Five-time Ballon d’Or United, under manager “Everyone at the club is giants paid employees winner Ronaldo skipped the Jose Mourinho, are seventh in working tirelessly to add to £295.9m in fiscal 2018 -- a hike awards ceremony in London on the Premier League after a dis- Manchester United’s 66 and of £32.4m over the previous Juventus’ forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he scored Monday as his former Real appointing start to the season, Jose’s 25 trophies,” Woodward year. during the Serie A match against Frosinone on Sunday in Frosinone. Madrid team-mate Luka Modric eight points behind leaders said. The club said the increase beat him for the award. Liverpool and six behind “That is what our pas- was “primarily due to player The 33-year-old Portu- League with 15 goals to help Real Modric, I’d give the Ballon d’Or reigning champions Man- sionate fans and our history salary uplifts related to partic- guese superstar also lost out to a third straight title. to Ronaldo for what he did last chester City. demands.We are committed ipation in the UEFA Champions to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah “With no offence to Luka season. I think he deserves it,” The club have not won the to our philosophy of blending League” but Alexis Sanchez’s for the Puskas Award for the said Allegri. Premier League since 2013, top academy graduates with January arrival will also have best goal. He had been nomi- The Italian champions face under former boss Alex world-class players and are made an impact. nated for his superb overhead a heavy week in Turin with three Ferguson. proud that, once again, last United saw operating bicycle kick for Real Madrid games in their Allianz Stadium United, who have been top season we had more academy profits drop by 45.4 per cent to against Juventus in last season’s With no offence to in the space of seven days. of the Deloitte Football Money graduate minutes on the pitch £44.1m. That was largely due Champions League quarter- Aftergame against 18th- League for two successive than any other Premier League to the United States’ federal final, which even drew a Luka Modric, I’d give placed Bologna, who shocked years, brought in £590m club. corporate income tax rate standing ovation from Juventus the Ballon d’Or to Roma 2-0 at the weekend, ($776m) in the year ending June “Our increased revenue being reduced from 35 per cent supporters in Turin. Ronaldo for what Juventus play Carlo Ancelotti’s 30 2018 -- a rise of just 1.5 expectation for the year dem- to 21 per cent. Juventus coach Massi- he did last season. Napoli in a top-of-the table clash percent on the previous year. onstrates our continued strong Adjusted earnings before miliano Allegri had backed on Saturday. But the expectation is for long-term financial per- interest, tax, depreciation and Ronaldo -- who has scored I think he deserves Juventus have had a perfect revenue to rise to between formance which underpins amortisation (EBITDA) were three goals in his last two league it: Juventus coach start to the season with five wins £615m and £630m over the everything we do and allows £177.1m, down from £199.8m games -- for the award, as he Massimiliano Allegri and 15 points -- three points coming financial year. us to compete for top talent in the previous year. led the way in the Champions ahead of Napoli. Giovinazzi joins Raikkonen at Sauber for 2019

REUTERS Jarno Trulli and Vitantonio team’s young drivers. Ericsson, Liuzzi lined up respectively for 28, has limited options after LONDON: Italian Antonio the now-defunct Caterham and failing to achieve much in four Giovinazzi will race for Sauber ambassador’.“I am delighted to HRT teams. seasons with Sauber after next season in a new line-up be joining the Alfa Romeo Raikkonen’s arrival was making his debut with Cat- with former world champion Sauber F1 Team. This is a dream announced this month in what erham in 2014. Kimi Raikkonen, the Swiss- come true, and it is a great was seen as a straight swap with The Swede, who has based Formula One team said pleasure to have the chance to 20-year-old Monegasque enjoyed close ties with Sauber’s yesterday. race for this team,” said rookie Charles Leclerc, who publicity-shy owners, failed to Giovinazzi, who had been Giovinazzi. took the Finn’s place at Ferrari. score a point between September the reserve driver, made two “As an Italian, it is a huge However, Sauber said that 2015 and April 2018 with a total race starts last year as a honour for me to represent a Giovinazzi, who is also a Fer- haul of 15 points from 91 starts. replacement for the injured brand as iconic and successful rari-backed driver, was a direct Leclerc has scored 15 already Pascal Wehrlein, who was as Alfa Romeo in our sport...I am replacement for Leclerc rather this season. dropped at the end of that very motivated and cannot wait than Ericsson. Ericsson said in a separate season. to start working towards Sauber are sponsored by team statement that he would Antonio Giovinazzi The 24-year-old’s confir- achieving great results Alfa Romeo but have close ties have loved to continue “but mation means Sweden’s Marcus together.” with Ferrari, using the Italian having a driver like Kimi Ericsson loses his race seat, Giovinazzi will be the first sportscar manufacturer’s Räikkönen on board is a great although he will stay on as Italian driver to start a Formula engines, and have a long tra- opportunity for the whole reserve and ‘brand One season since 2011, when dition of taking the Italian team.” WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

QOC PRESIDENT H E SHEIKH JOAAN MEETS FIFA PRESIDENT DURING AWARDS CEREMONY IN LONDON

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino interact during the Best Fifa Football Awards in London on Monday. RIGHT: H E Sheikh Joaan and Infantino along with other dignitaries watch the awards ceremony. Luka Modric was named the world’s best male player at the awards ceremony. Brazil and Orlando Pride forward Marta won the best female player award. France’s Didier Deschamps - whose side beat Modric’s Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final - was named best men’s coach. Asia Cup: Afghanistan stun in thrilling tie AFP -- skipper Rohit Sharma, Shikhar SCOREBOARD Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Afghanistan India : Stockily built Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuv- c Karthik b Jadhav ..124 K Rahul lbw b Rashid ...... 60 Mohammad Shahzad knocked neshwar Kumar -- as they had st Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 5 A Rayudu c Zadran b Nabi ...... 57 a brilliant hundred as spirited already qualified for Friday’s b Jadeja ...... 3 D Karthik lbw b Nabi ...... 44 Afghanistan pulled off a last over final. st Dhoni b Yadav ...... 0 M Dhoni lbw b Ahmadi ...... 8 tie against India in the Super The winner of today’s match b Yadav ...... 0 M Pandey c Shahzad b Alam ...... 8 Four match in Dubai yesterday. between and Bang- c Jadhav b Chahar ...... 15 K Jadhav run out ...... 19 Shahzad’s 124 laid the foun- ladesh will meet India in the final c Yadav b Khalil ...... 64 R Jadeja c Zadran b Rashid ...... 25 D Chahar b Alam ...... 12 dation of Afghanistan’s fighting in Dubai. lbw b Jadeja ...... 20 () ...... 12 K Yadav run out ...... 9 total of 252-8 in 50 overs before India were helped to 110 by Aftab Alam (not out) ...... 2 S Kaul run out ...... 0 bowling out India in 49.5 overs openers Lokendra Rahul (60) Extras: (B1, NB1, W5) ...... 7 Khaleel Ahmed (not out) ...... 1 for the same total at Dubai and Ambati Rayudu (57) and at Total: (eight wkts) ...... 252 Extras: (LB 5, NB 1, W 3) ...... 9 stadium. 166-3 they looked on course for Did not bat: Total: (all out; 50 overs) ...... 252 Needing seven to win off the an easy win but Afghanistan Fall of : 1-65, 2-81, 3-82, 4-82, 5-132, Fall of wickets: 1-110, 2-127, 3-142, 4-166, 5-204, final Rashid Khan over, Ravindra pulled back through key wickets. 6-180, 7-226, 8-244 6-205, 7-226, 8-242, 9-245 Jadeja hit a boundary off the Rahul hit five boundaries Bowling: Khalil 10-1-45-1 (1w), Chahar 4-0-37-1 Bowling: Alam 10-0-53-2 (1nb), Mujeeb 10-1-43-0 second ball before taking a single and a six in his 66-ball knock (2w), Kaul 9-0-58-0 (1w), Jadeja 10-1-46-3 (1w), (1w), Naib 4-0-41-0, Nabi 10-0-40-2 (1w), Rashid off the next. Last man Khaleel while Rayudu’s 49-ball innings Yadav 10-0-38-2, Jadhav 7-0-27-1 10-0-41-2 (1w), Ahmadi 4-0-19-1, Shah 2-0-10-0 Ahmed then took a single but had four sixes and as many Jadeja holed out off the fifth to boundaries. Spinners Rashid and two defeats Afghanistan can give Afghanistan a morale- Dinesh Karthik made 44 and Mohammad Nabi, and paceman hold their heads high as they Indian cricketer Virat Kohli (left) receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel boosting tie with the defending Jadeja scored 25 to bring India Aftab Alam finished with two beat Sri Lanka and Bangldesh in Ratna award from the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind at the champions. closer but India could not cross wickets apiece. the first round and only lost to Rashtrapati Bhavan in yesterday. India rested five top players the finish line. Despite crashing out with Pakistan in the final over. Countering Yasir is Australia’s Starc ready to ‘number one’ priority: Siddle carry the lone REUTERS paceman burden REUTERS DUBAI: Surviving the wiles of Pakistan’s Yasir Shah shares team with bat and ball. “We’ve Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah is a joke whilst he plays a game got other part-timers to call on Australia’s “number one plan” of football during nets in DUBAI: Mitchell Starc if need be. If conditions suit spin in the upcoming Test series in this file picture. (pictured) is ready step up and and they go down the road of the United Arab Emirates, fast do the heavy lifting as the extra spinners, I can change bowler Peter Siddle has said. Australia’s sole specialist pace my role slightly again.” Yasir played a key role in bowler should the tourists opt Starc, who Tested a new Australia’s unravelling during for a three-pronged spin attack run-up to prevent further the last UAE tour in 2014, when in next month’s two-Test series injuries but retained his old one the legspinner took 12 wickets against Pakistan. as he was losing pace, went at an average of 17.25 to drive Using a trio of slow bowlers wicketless in his first Test in the the hosts to a thumping 2-0 win in the United Arab Emirates region but has been Australia’s in the two-Test series. remains a strong possibility for most successful bowler in South Four years later, a raw Aus- the Australians as they explore Asia since that 2013 match in tralia squad has returned to the means to capture 20 wickets in India. Gulf state without two of their the absence of injured pace duo The left-arm paceman took best batsmen in the suspended Josh Hazlewood and Pat 24 wickets on the 2016 tour of Steve Smith and David Warner, Cummins. Sri Lanka, the biggest haul by and would appear vulnerable to Cummins played the lone an Australian in a three-Test another spinbowling assault paceman role in Bangladesh series, and will look to replicate from Sarfraz Ahmed’s team. last year when Australia that form in Dubai, which hosts Looking to counter Yasir and selected three specialist the first Test from October 7, 19-year-old prodigy Shadab spinners for the first time in 40 and Abu Dhabi 11 days later. Khan, Australia have re-hired years and the 28-year-old Starc “It’s something I’ll probably spin bowling consultant Srid- is poised to emulate his fellow look at and try to take little haran Sriram and flown in two He took a lot of wickets, so I actually break up but this series With regular pacemen Josh quick against Pakistan. things out of to take into this Indian wristspinners, including think it’s going to be number one it looks like it’s going to break Hazlewood and Pat Cummins “I haven’t had to do that series on the subcontinent with Pardeep Sahu, who has played plan to keep him out. up a lot earlier so spin is going ruled out of the tour by injury, before,” Starc told .com. where and how I bowled -- the for Indian Premier League side “But he’s not the only one to play a part.” Siddle said he felt his experience au on Tuesday. lengths and some reverse Kings XI Punjab. we’ve got to focus on as we get The Test series is Australia’s was an important factor in his “If I need to bowl long spells swing,” Starc added. Siddle said the tourists had closer.” first since the scandal-plagued recall as the team strive to forge and be the only spent plenty of time in the Dubai Recalled to the Test squad South Africa tour, which led to a new identity. out-and-out heat working out ways to deal for the first time in two years, long suspensions for former “From an outside point of quick, then I with legspin and Yasir, 33-year-old Siddle expects to captain Smith, Warner and view, the side probably in the can definitely specifically. play a support role behind Aus- batsman Cameron Bancroft for last little bit maybe lacked a little fill that role. “He’s (Yasir) going to play a tralia’s own spinners but ball-tampering. bit of leadership,” he said. We’ve got guys big part,” said the veteran believes the Dubai could Under new captain Tim “I think without having the like (all- paceman. be more lively than usual after Paine and recently appointed captaincy or vice-captaincy or rounder) Mitch “Spin bowling in this series hosting the recent Asia Cup. coach Justin Langer, Australia any of those terms, it’s just about Marsh who’s is going to play a massive part. “I think the last series we will hope to build cohesion on being a leader in my own right, back bowling “I think it’s going to be a came here, the wicket was a bit the tour ahead of their home doing what I do, lead by example now, I’m sure tough conTest. He bowled well more flat,” he said. series against India later in the and just help out the young he’ll be a big against us last series over here. “It sort of took a few days to year. guys.” part of the WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25 If we were able to come out on top, it would be something 10.00PM 2:30PM CRICKET I would cherish the rest of my FOOTBALL Phil Mickelson Tottenham Hotspur vs Pakistan vs life. Because I’ve played in United States Ryder Bangladesh

Watford ACTION these events for so long and Cup team member have never won over here. TODAY’S

TENNIS RESULTS Results of yesterday’s WTA Wuhan Open matches at the Optics Valley In- Wozniacki, Kerber start ternational Tennis Centre (x denotes seed): Singles - 2nd Round: Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Rebecca Peterson (SWE) 6-4, 6-1 Angelique Kerber (GER x3) bt Madison Keys (USA) 6-0, 4-1 (Keys retired injured) Petra Kvitova (CZE x5) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 6-3, 6-4 with wins at Wuhan Open Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x6) 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 Wang Qiang (CHN) bt Karolina Pliskova (CZE x8) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 AFP Sofia Kenin (USA) bt Julia Goerges (GER x11) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x12) 6-4, 6-2 Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return against Ashleigh Barty (AUS x16) bt Zheng Saisai (CHN) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 WUHAN, CHINA: World number Madison Keys of the US during their women’s singles Garbine Muguruza (ESP x14) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-0, 6-1 two Caroline Wozniacki and Daria Gavrilova (AUS) bt Barbora Strycova (CZE) 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) match of the WTA Wuhan Open in Wuhan, yesterday. Wimbledon champion Angelique Monica Puig (PUR) bt Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) 6-2, 6-2 Kerber eased through their Anett Kontaveit (EST) bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-2, 6-4 opening matches at the Wuhan Open in China yesterday. Chengdu Open champion Results of yesterday’s ATP Chengdu Open matches at the Sichuan Interna- Wozniacki, who received a first- tional Tennis Centre (x denotes seed): round bye, was barely troubled by Singles - 1st Round: the 61st-ranked Swede Rebecca Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 6-3, 2-0 (retired) Peterson, winning 6-4, 6-1 to set Matthew Ebden (AUS x6) bt Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) 6-3, 6-4 up a third round clash with Sam Querrey (USA) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 Olympic champion Monica Puig, Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Chun Hsin Tseng (TPE) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 who romped past Aliaksandra Sas- Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-3, 6-4 novich 6-2, 6-2. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) bt Yibing Wu (CHN) 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-1

Peterson offered some Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt Tennys Sandgren (USA x8) 6-4, 6-3 resistance in the first set, breaking Lloyd Harris (RSA) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x5) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 Wozniacki’s serve at 5-2, but faded as the Dane -- who lost her first match at Japan’s Pan Pacific Open last week -- quickly regained control as she looks for a good run a knee injury forced her American successful end to the season, said at China’s $2.7m Wuhan Open. US in Wuhan to secure a return to the opponent Madison Keys to retire. earlier this week she was not con- Open winner Naomi Osaka WTA Finals, which she won last The German looked set for a cerned about rankings. withdrew with an illness after year. big win over the 2017 US Open “For me it’s the most important losing the Pan Pacific Open final “It’s great to get a good start, semi-finalist and was leading 6-0, thing, that I go on court, play my on Sunday. obviously. Every match counts,” 4-1 when Keys could not best, have fun out there, enjoying Six spots at the WTA Finals Wozniacki said. continue. every single moment,” she said next month remain up for grabs “I’m just trying to keep my “I was feeling good. I played Monday. with only Halep and Kerber head down and keep focused and the first set really well,” Kerber “We will see what’s happening securing their places so far. try to win as much as I can to get said. “It’s nice to be in the next at the end of the year.” Current Sixth-ranked Elina Svitolina that (WTA Finals) spot.” round. number one and French Open became the biggest Wuhan cas- World number three Kerber “The first rounds are... not champion Simona Halep plays ualty so far when the Ukrainian Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark hits a return against Rebecca has already qualified for next easy. You have to find your later Tuesday against Dominika was beaten 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 by 20th- Peterson of Sweden during their women’s singles match of month’s Finals which will be held rhythm.” Kerber, who could return Cibulkova. ranked Aryna Sabalenka of in Singapore and advanced after to world number one with a Nine of the world’s top 10 are Belarus. the WTA Wuhan Open tennis tournament in Wuhan, yesterday. Woods bidding to end Ryder Cup struggles

AFP Tour Championship, he can help greens. A different reception will the United States end their surely face him when the com- FRANCE: Tiger Woods redis- 25-year wait for a win on petition starts, though, after he Fleetwood gets pep talk covered his former glories by European soil. was greeted warmly on Tuesday claiming his first title in over five “We haven’t done well,” he by the French spectators, many years last weekend, but now he admitted to reporters at Le Golf of whom would never have seen turns his attentions to a compe- National yesterday. him play before. from City boss Guardiola tition he has never dominated “My overall Ryder Cup A tee shot on the dangerous AFP -- the Ryder Cup. record, not having won as a par-three second hole to around he’s busy at the weekend but he might make The 14-time major player since 1999 is something four feet drew gasps from the it over. But yeah, we always talk quite a lot. champion was peerless for 11 that hopefully we can change. crowd surrounding the green, FRANCE: Ryder Cup rookie Tommy Fleetwood “He’s somebody that’s great to know.” years as an individual, although “We haven’t won as a US as did a sumptuous pitch to the will hope a message of motivation from Guardiola gushed about his first-hand Ryder struggled with the team squad here in 25 years on third. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola can Cup experience as a fan at the 2012 edition in dynamics of the match-play foreign soil, so hopefully that Woods said that he couldn’t spur him on to success for Team Europe at Le Medinah, when Europe pulled off a remarkable showdown and has only been will change this week, as well.” wait to experience the atmos- Golf National this week. final-day comeback to stun the Americans on on the winning side once in The 42-year-old, at Le Golf phere of a Ryder Cup as a player Fleetwood, introduced to Guardiola their home patch. seven previous appearances. National for the first time since for the first time since 2012. through a mutual friend, was on a Cheshire The Spaniard, then on a 12-month sab- His return from the wil- in 1994 as an amateur, unsur- “It’s going to be fun. It’s golf course with the City boss in April when his batical after leaving his post at Barcelona, was derness of back surgeries and prisingly looked in an upbeat going to be an awesome envi- side were crowned Premier League champions invited to the tournament as a guest of personal problems has brought mood playing alongside possible ronment,” he added. following Manchester United’s defeat by West European captain Jose Maria Olazabal. about the opportunity to have partner Bryson DeChambeau, “There’s a lot of nerves. It’s Brom. “He was at the Ryder Cup in Medinah, and another crack at the Ryder Cup old adversary Phil Mickelson excitement. I mean, it really is. The pair then struck up a partnership at he’ll always mention that that’s one of the in France, where he looks more and Patrick Reed in practice on “It’s something we don’t get Wentworth for the celebrity Pro-Am event greatest times he’s had in his life being at that relaxed and at ease among his Tuesday. to experience in that regard ahead of the BMW PGA Championship in May, Ryder Cup,” said Fleetwood. teammates after serving as a Woods looked to have because basically it’s the final and Guardiola has shown his support for “Yeah, it was a very special time. It has a vice-captain at Hazeltine two carried his strong play from tee round of a tournament on the Fleetwood ahead of this week’s showdown special place in his heart, the Ryder Cup, and years ago and at the 2017 Pres- to green from East Lake to Paris, very first hole and every match with the United States. he’s been very supportive through the whole idents Cup. as he and his teammates took you tee it up. “We all have these videos in the room, these thing. And Woods is hoping that in their time trying to come to grips “It’s a different atmosphere motivational videos, and he was one of the guys “Maybe we’ll see him, I don’t know.” City are the new stage of his career, and with the vagaries of the undu- and one that we absolutely that sent a message to me,” Fleetwood, 27, told due to host Brighton in the Premier League on after his stunning victory at the lating areas around the Albatros love.” reporters on Tuesday. Saturday, not ruling out the possibility of Guar- American captain Jim Furyk “I’m not sure he’s coming over. I’m sure diola making an appearance for Sunday’s singles. has long been expected to pair Woods with the more methodical DeChambeau, and that looks increasingly likely after the two spent much of yes- terday morning locked in con- versation on the fairways. Woods has appeared to Team Europe’s Tommy intimidate partners in the past, Fleetwood during with major champions Mick- Ryder Cup practice elson, Mark O’Meara and Furyk session at Le Golf among those to struggle National in Guyancourt, alongside him. France, yesterday. But he and DeChambeau should, on paper at least, form a formidable foursomes combi- nation on the tight, tricky course where placement will be more important than brute power. “It would be awesome to play with him,” said US golfer Tiger Woods addresses media representatives during a DeChambeau. “Is it going to press conference ahead of the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National happen? We’re still working on Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, south-west of Paris, yesterday. it.