SPORT Tuesday 16 January 2018

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 36 Luis Suarez fires Nadal charges into United great Barcelona nine next round as seeds Giggs named points clear tumble Wales boss

Qatari striker Almoez Ali carries the ball as he celebrates with team-mates Ahmad Moein (centre) and Hashim Ali (right) after scoring his first goal against China during their AFC U-23 Asian Cup match played in Changzhou, China yesterday. Players showed Ali strikes twice as Qatar great personality: storm into quarter-finals coach Sanchez THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

CHANGZHOU: Feared striker CHANGZHOU: Coach Felix Sanchez yesterday applauded Almoez Ali yesterday produced a the performance of his players, saying they showed ‘great sterling performance to guide personality’ in fighting for a 2-1 win over hosts China. Qatar to the quarter-finals of the Qatar conceded an early goal in yesterday’s Group A AFC U-23 Asian Cup. clash but feared striker Almoez Ali (44 and 77) produced Ali, one of Qatar’s rising foot- two amazing goals in each half to guide Al Anabi to the ball stars, scored a brace as Al quarter-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Anabi beat hosts China 2-1 in their Coach Sanchez was a final game of Group A. thrilled man after yester- Coached by Felix Sanchez, day’s thrilling clash. Qatar finished the group stage of “We conceded the the 16-team tournament with a goal because we were too maximum of 9 points from three soft, but what happened It is a good matches. afterwards was that the achievement to China finished with 3 points players showed great having lost to Uzbekistan last Fri- personality,” Sanchez told reach the top eight day. Uzbekistan are the other side reporters. in Asia. All the to qualify for the quarter finals “It is a good achieve- teams in our group leaving hosts China out of the ment to reach the top were of a very high tournament. eight in Asia. All the teams Ali scored once in each half as in our group were of a level: Sanchez Qatar secured their last-eight very high level,” the berth in what were chilly playing Spaniard added. conditions. “The game changed after the red card (against Chi- Yao Junsheng’s effort had Qatari midfielder Hashim Ali (second right) views for the ball possession nese ) as China started to play in a more direct given China an early lead but a with Chinese players during their AFC U-23 Asian Cup match yesterday. way. But we scored the second goal which was exactly resolute Qatar side hit back with what we were looking for. two goals. “We are very happy and very proud. We do not have The host nation also saw their shot was well blocked by defender any preference who we play in our next game,” he said. captain He Chao sent off AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP: GROUP A STANDINGS Obbosjon Otakhonov. China coach Massimiliano Maddaloni said yesterday: yesterday. RANK/TEAM MATCHES WON DREW LOST GF GA GD POINTS FORM Uzbekistan retaliated with a “From the beginning of this match until the 35th minute In a frenetic start to proceed- 1: Qatar 3 3 0 0 4 1 3 9 WWW close attempt seven minutes later, we played very well, and the players put on a very good ings, China were ahead after only 2: Uzbekistan 3 2 0 1 2 1 1 6 LWW when Azizjon Ganiev’s corner-kick performance.” four minutes. Deng Hangwen did 3: China 3 1 0 2 4 3 1 3 WLL found Zabikhillo Urinboev in the He added: “We had a chance to make it 2-0 which well to outmuscle defender Sul- 4: Oman 3 0 0 3 0 5 -5 0 LLL penalty area, but with a difficult would have been a very good start. Qatar are a very strong tan Al Brake deep inside the Qatar angle his header missed to the team and I am sorry that we did not make it.” penalty area, before finding Yao right. Maddaloni explained: “During half-time I tried to who deflected the ball home from courtesy of Almoez’s deft header An own goal from Thani Al In the 36th minute, a series of encourage all of my players because we were down to 10 close range. from a sublime cross by Afif. Rushaidi in the first half was passes around the box led to Rus- men and said that we still had a chance. I think that dur- Qatar’s response was swift as In the second half, China’s enough to give Uzbekistan a sec- tamjon Ashurmatov letting fly a ing the second half we played as a team.” Al Anabi scored twice to seal their hopes of a comeback were ond place finish in Group A, while left footed shot which was saved Earlier, in another Group A clash Uzbekistan beat hard-fought win. quashed when Ali found the net Oman exited the tournament with by keeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini but Oman 1-0 to seal their quarter-finals berth. With Qatar slowly beginning for the second time in the match no wins to their name. moments later, an own goal was Uzbekistan coach Ravshan Khaydarov said yester- to gain a degree of control, disas- from close range. In the opening minutes, Oman conceded by Al Rushaidi when day: “It was a very difficult and tough game, although my ter was to strike China on 41 Tameem Al Muhaza provided - who made six changes to their Oman failed to clear the ball from players didn’t show beautiful football, we still got the win. minutes when captain He was the cross for Ali to score Qatar’s starting line-up from their previ- the box. After our first loss, it made things difficult and we tried handed a second yellow card by winning goal. ous match - looked confident After the restart, Uzbekistan to improve game by game, and I told the team we had a referee Alireza Faghani follow- Qatar started the tournament playing around the tight spaces, returned more confidently but chance and to keep trying till the very end.” ing a foul on midfielder Akram by beating Uzbekistan 1-0 fol- with Al Mandhar Al Rawi and after several early attempts, opted Oman coach Hamad Al Azani said: “I’m sorry about Afif. lowed by a similar scoreline Marwan Awlad Wadi doing a to play at a slower pace as they the result, we’re out of the tournament without any points, From the resulting free-kick, against Oman. great job in keeping the Uzbek held on for the three points. but I’m proud of my team. We don’t deserve the losses Bassam Al Rawi rattled the cross- Also yesterday, Uzbekistan backline nervous with their quick As Group A runners-up, but this is football. These boys played well and have got bar with a stinging effort, before beat Oman 1-0 to progress to the passes. Uzbekistan will face the Group B a good future. We’ve all gained experience from this tour- parity was restored in the dying quarter-finals at the Jiangyin Eleven minutes in, Al Rawi winners in the quarter-finals on nament, not just for the players but the staff as well.” embers of a fascinating first period Sports Centre Stadium. surged down the middle but his Friday. The 16-team tournament will end on January 27. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 France suspends referee who kicked player

AFP added that 45-year-old Chapron know he kicked him,” Rongier -- who recently took charge of told Canal+. PARIS: The referee who kicked a game in China -- had reviewed “I know it’s very difficult to a player during a French Ligue video footage of the incident referee but you have to ques- 1 game and then sent him off has and “noted that his fall had been tion them from time to time... been suspended “until further caused accidentally.” We do that, we get a 10-match notice”, the French Football Chapron apologised, saying ban.” Federation (FFF) said yesterday. in a statement to AFP on Mon- Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Tony Chapron kicked Diego day: “The Nantes player, Diego Iker Casillas was among those Carlos of Nantes towards the Carlos, crashed into me. to express their bemusement on end of Sunday’s match against “At the time of the collision, Twitter, joking that the referee Paris Saint-Germain after being I felt a sharp pain where I had should have got a red card knocked over when the pair col- recently suffered an injury. My himself. lided in a bizarre incident. unfortunate reaction was to “Surely the good man will Chapron then showed the stick my leg out towards the have apologised. It was sponta- player a second yellow card. player.” neous,” wrote Casillas. He apologised yesterday, Footage of the incident “That said, for me it’s agres- saying Carlos had bumped into quickly went viral across the sion and red! Three matches him but that his own reaction world. minimum!” Chapron has been had been “clumsy” and Chapron and Diego Carlos refereeing in France’s top flight “inappropriate”. were racing to catch up with a since 2004 and has taken The FFF said its technical breakaway by PSG’s Kylian charge of more than 400 committee of referees had Mbappe as the game, which the matches, including the French decided that Chapron be “with- visitors won 1-0, moved into Nantes’ Brazilian defender Diego Carlos (second left) receives a red card from French referee Tony Cup final in 2014. drawn... until further notice”. stoppage time at the Stade de la Chapron during the French L1 match against Paris Saint-Germain at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes, Earlier this season he was He will be called to appear Beaujoire. western France, on Sunday. invited to referee in the Chi- before the French league’s dis- The referee appeared to cut nese Super League, officiating ciplinary commission to explain across the Brazilian defender the game between Shanghai himself. and contact was made, sending around and brandishing a sec- pushed in the back,” said Nantes Kita told French television. Shenhua and Tianjin Teda in The sanction means he has both to the floor. ond yellow card. He also president Waldemar Kita after Nantes midfielder Valentin October. been removed from refereeing As he got up, Chapron awarded PSG a free-kick. talking to Chapron. Rongier had a good view of the He recently told a French duties for Wednesday’s Ligue 1 kicked the player, catching him “He told me that he had “It’s a joke. I got 20 text incident and called for the ref- local television channel that he game between Angers and on his right foot. He then started never wanted to kick the player messages from across the world eree to be given a lengthy ban. would retire at the end of this Troyes. The FFF statement to walk away before turning and that he had felt himself telling me this referee is a joke,” “He says he slipped, but I season.

Mourinho Suarez fires Barca keen to tie up long-term nine points clear De Gea deal AFP languishing in fourth and closer fine low cross that Paulinho just on points to the relegation zone had to guide home to pull a goal AFP MADRID: Luis Suarez stole the than leaders Barca after Satur- back. show with a brace and an assist day’s 1-0 home defeat by The Uruguayan then scored LONDON: Jose Mourinho has as Barcelona fought back from Villarreal. a sensational equaliser in the indicated that Manchester two goals down to win 4-2 at Real’s embarrassment 50th minute, striding towards United will do all they can to Real Sociedad on Sunday and allowed third-placed Valencia Messi’s pass and clipping a loop- extend David de Gea’s restore their nine-point lead at to move eight points clear of ing shot over Sociedad stopper contract. the top of La Liga. Zinedine Zidane’s side with a 2-1 Geronimo Rulli, before putting The Spain goalkeeper, Suarez struck in the 50th win at third-from-bottom his side into the lead 21 minutes who almost joined Real and 71st minutes, his first a Deportivo La Coruna on Satur- later. Rulli’s long clearance was Madrid in 2015 and continues delightful chip from just inside day, which came thanks to goals fired back with a powerful shot to be linked with a move the area, after laying on from Goncalo Guedes and Rod- by Thomas Vermaelen that there, has a contract that Paulinho six minutes before the rigo. Barca came into Sunday’s found Suarez clean through on expires in June 2019, although break to start the comeback clash having not won at Socie- and ready to crash home Bar- United have the option to from first-half goals from Socie- dad since 2007 and with 34 ca’s third. extend it for a further year. dad’s Willian Jose and Juanmi. minutes gone it looked like the Messi’s free-kick, a dipping United manager Mour- A stunning Lionel Messi hex was going to continue. curler that any goalkeeper inho, though, says that the free-kick five minutes from time Jose gave the hosts a shock would have struggled to save, club are keen to negotiate a completed the comeback, which lead after just 11 minutes when was the icing on the cake for new contract soon, with Brit- puts Ernesto Valverde’s side on he headed home Xabi Prieto’s Barca and the Argentine, who ish newspaper reports 51 points, well ahead of second- superb cross, and a shambolic overtook Gerd Muller to become suggesting they would look placed Atletico Madrid, 1-0 looking Barca were deservedly the top scorer in the history of to get him to commit to the winners at Eibar on Saturday. two down 23 minutes later. Europe’s top five leagues with club until 2023. “The goal we scored before Juanmi burst through the his 366th La Liga strike. The 27-year-old, signed the break really helped us,” said away side’s distracted backline Real coach Zidane was given from Atletico Madrid for £18.9 Valverde. “It seemed the curse to meet Sergio Canales’ excel- some respite from the fierce million ($29.8 million, 22.7 was still there when we were lent through ball, and the criticism he received following million euros) in June 2011, 2-0 down, and yet we pushed Spaniard saw his shot deflected Villarreal’s first ever win at the was United’s players’ player and we believed we could turn off Sergi Roberto and creep Bernabeu, as Sevilla missed the of the year in 2014 and 2015, it around and take the lead, and inside Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s chance to draw level on points and Mourinho sees him as a Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (left) is congratulated by team-mate finally the goals came.” near post. in the race for Champions crucial part of the club’s bid Luis Suarez after scoring their team’s fourth goal during the Spanish The win also moves Barca a Suarez burst into life as the League qualification when they to return to the very top of the full 19 points in front of arch- first half came to a close and lost 1-0 at lowly Alaves on league football match against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium English and European game. rivals Real Madrid, who are gave the Catalans hope with a Sunday. in San Sebastian on Sunday. “We are not going to let the option disappear,” Mour- inho said. “A goalkeeper like he is, obviously at a club that wants to get better and bet- ter, we are not going to let Man United tipped to beat that year option go away. “But obviously, we are going to try to give him a con- tract that keeps him here, for City to Sanchez signing much more than the length of that option.” AFP the summer transfer window, are walk into United’s team while he Asked if contract negoti- understood to be reluctant to pay a would not necessarily be an automatic ations with De Gea were LONDON: Manchester United reported fee in the region of £35m for choice in City’s star-studded line-up. under way, Mourinho said: “I appeared to be closing in on Arsenal a player who is out of contract at the Runaway Premier League leaders City don’t know. I just trust the forward Alexis Sanchez yesterday, end of the season. boast an dazzling array of attacking board and the work they do. leading the chase to sign the Chile United boss Jose Mourinho has done talent with the likes of Kevin De Bru- I don’t negotiate with play- international ahead of long-time suit- nothing to rule out United’s interest in yne, Leroy Sane, David Silva, Raheem ers, I don’t discuss numbers ors and local rivals Manchester City. Sanchez, calling him a “phenomenal Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio in contracts, I just say what is If the transfer goes ahead it would player” and admitting that if there is a Aguero vying for places. obvious, and any of you could be the second blockbuster move of the “fantastic opportunity” to sign a top Sanchez would certainly feature say the same, that he is to January transfer window involving player in the January transfer window, for City, who lost their unbeaten Pre- keep.” Premier League clubs following the club would be interested. Former mier League record at Anfield on Mourinho, meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho’s big-money move England captain Alan Shearer said the Sunday, as they chase silverware on has suggested that he some- from Liverpool to Barcelona. signing would be a huge coup for United four fronts but he would struggle to times regrets the verbal Sanchez, 29, looks to have played because he has been a Guardiola target pin down a permanent starting berth confrontations he has with his last game for Arsenal, with man- for some time. at the Etihad. Second-placed United, rival managers, while adding ager Arsene Wenger saying on Sunday “I don’t know what Sanchez is who are 15 points behind City, also that he does not believe that that his move could be confirmed “in thinking but my guess -- and it is a have an impressive selection of for- he is always at fault. the next 48 hours”. guess -- is that he will choose City,” wards but Sanchez could expect more United’s manager has However there is uncertainty as to Shearer said on the BBC website, add- playing time alongside Romelu Lukaku become involved in an Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez passes the ball during whether he will pick the red or blue ing that the player knows Guardiola at Old Trafford, with doubts growing increasingly bitter trading of the English League Cup semi-final first leg match half of Manchester. from his time at Barcelona and would over the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic insults with Chelsea head against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London in Pep Guardiola’s City, whose move be joining the best team in the coun- following his recent return from a coach Antonio Conte over the this January 10, 2018 file picture. for the player collapsed at the end of try.But he admitted the forward would long-term injury. past two weeks. TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31

Barcelona’s Dembele Tunisia target round two at suffers new injury setback

FIFA World Cup in Russia AFP

ARMSTRONG VAS Tunisia coach Nabil BARCELONA: Barcelona’s THE PENINSULA Maâloul speaking at Ousmane Dembele has been a press conference We fear ruled out for “three to four DOHA: Tunisia - returning to at Aspire Academy in weeks” in a new blow for the the FIFA show piece event after Doha yesterday. Sterling more French forward, his club a 12-year hiatus – has a diffi- announced yesterday. cult task ahead of them at this than Kane: Dembele hurt himself year’s World Cup in Russia as after coming off the bench in they aim to get past the group Tunisia coach the second half of Sunday’s stages, feels coach Nabil 4-2 win away to Real Socie- Maâloul. dad in La Liga. Tunisia has not made it past AFP The injury is different to the knockout stages in their the hamstring tear that ruled previous four appearances at DOHA: Tunisia’s national him out for three and half the World Cup. Maâloul admit- coach said yesterday he months. ted his team has a tough task on will fear England’s “After the game against hand in Russia with Belgium Raheem Sterling more Real Sociedad, Dembele had ranked number five in the world than Harry Kane, when a problem with his left thigh and England at 15 in the group the two countries play and tests have confirmed that along with Panama. against each other in the the player has suffered a “We have tough teams to World Cup finals this hamstring injury of the semi- compete against in the group- year. tendinosus muscle that does stages. We’ll be ready. We have Nabil Maaloul was not affect the area operated good players and we’re prepar- speaking in Doha, where on earlier in the season,” Bar- ing very hard to increase our the Tunisian national team celona said in a statement chance of advancing (beyond are preparing for Russia published on their website. the group-stages),”said Maâloul, with a 15-day winter “The injury will mean he while speaking yesterday dur- three occasions they failed to Russia five months away, our us with everything we need, and training camp at the will be out for a period of ing the team’s winter training get past the preliminary group purpose is to make sure we put the training was made even bet- Aspire Zone. around three to four weeks.” camp at Aspire Zone stages. on an honourable performance ter thanks to the amazing Tunisia will meet Eng- He now faces a race Foundation. “The English national foot- that will make Tunisians and all weather. The facilities in Aspire land in their first game in against time to be ready for “We’re confident that eve- ball team has very decorated Arabs proud, that’s our goal. To Zone are unlike any other in the World Cup Group G, the first leg of Barca’s Cham- ryone will do their best. We are players, including the likes of do that, we need to change the world, and it is one of the best in which also contains Bel- pions League tie against constantly contacting various Sterling and Harry Kane, and the mentality of the players and the entire world. We’re very gium and Panama. Chelsea at Stamford Bridge regional and European clubs to Belgian team will also be tough equip them with a professional happy with the support we’ve Asked about his coun- on February 20. Dembele get some of the other Tunisian get through, because they have attitude to prepare them emo- received from the people in try’s prospects in the only returned at the start of players to join the team,” he a more offensive style of play tionally for the competition. We Qatar, and particularly the Tuni- opening match, and spe- this month after tearing his added. than the English team, and they have the Tunisian team’s best sian residents who were keen to cific players, Maaloul hamstring in September. The Making their debut in 1978, focus on individual skills as interest at heart, and we choose attend our training session for pointed to the threat from fitness problems have the Tunisians beat Mexico and well,” coach Maâloul said. what we think is the best for support,” he added. the Manchester City star blighted the start of his career drew with West Germany, but Talking about Tunisia’s them.” Maaloui was joined by goal- rather than the Tottenham at Barcelona following his failed to make it out of the ambition in Russia, he said: Maâloul spoke highly of their keeper Aymen Mathlouthi, the forward and English 105-million-euro move from group stage. In subsequent “With the 2018 FIFA World Cup training camp facilities at Aspire team’s captain, Aspire Zone’s captain. Borussia Dortmund in August Zone, and said: “This isn’t our Chief Marketing Officer Moham- “The most dangerous that could rise to as much as first time in Aspire, we’ve med Mubarak Al Kuwari, and player for me is Sterling, I 145m euros.Barcelona also entered a previous training camp Ibrahim Hilal, Head of Federa- think he is one of the best said that Andres Iniesta “has in 2013.” tions and Clubs Events at the players,” Maaloul said. a problem in his right calf and “We’re fortunate to have press conference. “People say that Harry his recovery will determine been given the opportunity from “We’ve been in Doha for 15 Kane is the biggest risk but his return to action for the Aspire Zone and the Tunisian days and everyone’s been very I think Raheem Sterling is coming matches.” Football Federation to come pleased with our time here. the one. He is the biggest Iniesta was an unused here for training. The training We’re currently focusing on threat as a player. It’s a substitute in Sunday’s game camp has been successful on all honing our technical skills and young team, it’s changed as Barcelona came from two levels. It’s great to be able to get the necessary medical in recent years. The kind goals down to win 4-2 at have access to such world-class assessments completed to of English football has Anoeta. Ernesto Valverde’s facilities, and medical and hos- ensure we’re as fit as we can be,” changed a lot after they side are already unable to call pitality services that are said Mathlouthi. hired coaches like Guar- on new record signing perfectly placed in one place,” “We’re honoured to have diola or Conte. Philippe Coutinho until the said Maaloul as the curtains the Tunisian national team train “It’s a new kind of end of the month after he came down on the 15-day win- here at Aspire, and we congrat- football, but we are going arrived with a thigh injury ter training camp at the Aspire ulate them on their 2018 FIFA to be prepared.” following his Spanish record Zone. World Cup Russia qualification,” 160 million-euro transfer Tunisia players training at Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. “Aspire Zone has provided said Al Kuwari. from Liverpool. Trailblazing England player Regis dies

AFP appearances for Albion before in August 1977 and scored again moving on to Coventry, winning on his league debut three days LONDON: English football the FA Cup in 1987. later. reacted with grief and praise He also played for Aston He was named the Profes- yesterday to the news that Villa and Wolves. He retired in sional Footballers’ Association’s former West Bromwich Albion 1996 having made 614 senior Young Player of the Year for and England forward Cyrille club appearances and scored 1978. Regis, a trailblazer for black 158 goals. At a time at a time when the players, had died aged 59. His widow Julia called her only other black player appear- British media reported Mon- late husband a “role model” and ing regularly in the English top day that Regis suffered a heart “a very precious treasure.” flight was Viv Anderson at Not- attack on Sunday. Regis was born in French tingham Forest, Regis, thrilling Regis played five times for Guiana in February 1958 but winger Cunningham, and England between 1982 and 1987 moved to London with his fam- Batson, an elegant defender, Nantes defender Diego Carlos (second right) vies with Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Jese during was one of the stars of the West ily at the age of five. He was were a novelty in English the French L1 football match at the La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, western France, on Sunday. Brom team between 1977 and spotted playing Sunday morn- football. 1984 alongside two other back ing football in Regent’s Park in They were nicknamed the players, Laurie Cunningham and London by the chairman of a “Three Degrees” by manager Brendon Batson. non-league club. Ron Atkinson and embraced the The trio faced frequent rac- He trained as an electrician joke, posing with the popular PSG extend Ligue 1 lead ist abuse from opposing fans and was playing for Hayes in American singing trio, with the throughout their careers. non-league football when he women wearing West Brom “He was more than just a attracted the attention of top shirts and the players matching REUTERS Motta, on to 53 points from 20 in the last minute, stayed fifth footballer, he blazed a trail for clubs and was bought by West fur coats. games. on 33 points. every black player who followed Brom for £5,000 in 1977. Regis became the third black PARIS: Paris St Germain’s Monaco are second on 42 PSG enjoyed most of the him, an inspiration to myself and “He came into football the player picked for England, after march towards a fifth Ligue 1 points after a goalless draw at possession and were quickly many players of my era. A hum- hard way and never lost his pas- Anderson and Cunningham, title in six years continued on Montpellier on Saturday with ahead as Di Maria scored from ble man and a great man,” sion for the game,” his wife said. when he won his first cap in Sunday when Angel Di Maria third-placed Olympique Lyon- inside the box after collecting a tweeted Mark Bright, a striker “He was a role model for so 1982. gave them a 1-0 victory at nais behind on goal difference low cross from Edinson Cavani who made his league debut many because he always treated “They did so much for the Nantes to extend their lead to 11 after a 1-1 home draw against in the 12th minute. three years after Regis and is everyone he met with kindness game and so much for the cause points. Angers. Di Maria went close to now a coach at Premier League and respect.” of black footballers,” British Argentine winger Di Maria Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes, doubling the lead eight min- side Crystal Palace. Regis scored twice on his broadcaster and West Brom fan scored before the break to lift who finished with 10 men utes before the interval but Regis, a swashbuckling debut for West Brom in a League Adrian Chiles recalled on BBC PSG, who were without the against PSG after Diego Carlos his shot from close range hit striker, scored 112 goals in 297 Cup victory against Rotherham radio. injured Neymar and Thiago received a second yellow card the bar. 32 SPORT TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 33

HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRST DAY

Kyrgios ATTENDANCE: eases to Day: 48,149; Night: 24,104; TOTAL: 72,253. Venus, Stephens out as upsets SEEDED MEN’S WINNERS: quickfire No. 1 , No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov, No. 6 Marin Cilic, No. 10 Pablo Carreno Busta, No. rock day one in Melbourne 15 Jo-Willfried Tsonga, No. 17 , No. victory 23 Gilles Muller, No. 24 Diego Schwartzman, REUTERS REUTERS No. 28 Damir Dzumhur, No. 30 Andrey Rublev, No. 31 Pablo Cuevas. MELBOURNE: CoCo Vandeweghe’s MELBOURNE: Home hope petulant standoff over a shortage of Nick Kyrgios launched his SEEDED MEN’S LOSERS: bananas was the low point on a horror I don’t know, it’s a campaign No. 8 , No. 11 , No. day for the United States at the Austral- tough sport. Obviously, with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 demolition 16 John Isner, No. 18 , No. 27 ian Open yesterday as a procession of it wasn’t my day ... it of Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva Philipp Kohlschreiber. American players skidded out of the yesterday to continue his season’s first in the first wasn’t some of the bright start to the year. round. SEEDED WOMEN’S WINNERS: American women’s The volatile 17th seed was A miserable day session for Amer- on his best behaviour and let No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 4 Elina Svitolina, ica saw US Open champion Sloane day but I guess that his racket do the talking as he No. 7 Jelena Ostapenko. No. 12 Julia Goerges, Stephens, seven-times grand slam win- it happens and that’s treated his fans in the Hisense No. 15 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, No. 19 ner Venus Williams, men’s 16th seed : Jack Sock Arena to an impressive open- Magdalena Rybarikova, No. 22 Daria Kasatkina, John Isner and eighth seed Jack Sock, ing salvo. No. 23 Daria Gavrilova, No. 30 Kiki Bertens, the highest ranked US player in the Kyrgios, one of nine Aus- No. 32 Anett Kontaveit. men’s draw, exit the tournament. sister Serena, was beaten in two sets by tralian men to start in the main The evening brought little relief, resurgent Swiss Belinda Bencic. draw, is shouldering his with defeats for Irina Falconi and Kevin Venus praised her opponent for SEEDED WOMEN’S LOSERS: nation’s hopes of a first home King bringing the tally to 12 Americans playing “above and beyond” but was men’s champion since 1976 No. 5 Venus Williams, No. 10 CoCo Vandeweghe, sent packing out of the 15 in first-round otherwise tight-lipped and sullen dur- and could not have asked for No. 13 Sloane Stephens, No. 24 Dominika action. ing her post-match media duties. a better start. Cibulkova, No. 25 Peng Shuai, No. 31 Ekaterina Vandeweghe was given two code Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic celebrates her victory against Venus Williams Isner was sent packing in four sets He wrapped up the open- Makarova. violations during her stormy 7-6(4), 6-2 of the US during their women’s singles first round match on day one of theby unfancied local on ing two sets in 51 minutes and defeat by Hungarian Timea Babos at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. Margaret Court Arena while Sock was never seriously troubled STAT OF THE DAY: the Hisense Arena. slipped to a 6-1, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-3 defeat until the third set when the The first came after she refused to “How are they not on court? I mean, every match, this time it was I believe by 41st-ranked Japanese Yuichi Sugita 9: Number of US women who lost (out of 10) 100th ranked Dutra Silva pro- restart play at the end of the first set c’mon, that’s not my fault,” she said dur- a time violation, but I’m not sure. on Show Court Two. on day one, out of 16 overall in the main draw. vided some stiffer resistance. Spain’s Rafael Nadal signs autographs after until a ball-kid delivered her bananas. ing an argument with the chair umpire. “The second one I believe was an Ryan Harrison was a rare shining Kyrgios, who was jeered by winning his opening match of the Australian “Why do I have to play under a dif- insult against me. If the umpire heard light as he battled manfully to defeat the home crowd last year when Open against Victor Estrella Burgos of QUOTE OF THE DAY: ferent set of rules? I don’t have to make it then it must have been this.” Israeli Dudi Sela in a tough five-setter. he lost a second-round match Dominican Republic yesterday. It was a tough day, and this is a tough sport. A miserable day session myself uncomfortable because it’s ill Vandeweghe became the third of There was also a dominant victory for from two sets up against Ital- This isn’t an indication of anything except we for America saw US prepared. four American women who made the Nicole Gibbs and Mackenzie McDon- ian Andreas Seppi, will face have a lot of depth and we had a bad day: Open champion Sloane “I have needs and it’s not my fault semi-finals at last year’s US Open to ald won a battle of qualifiers. Serbia’s Viktor Troicki next. Nicole Gibbs, the lone American women’s that this court is ill prepared.” fall at the first hurdle at Melbourne They were mere scraps on a day The 22-year-old warmed Stephens, seven-times The American was docked a point Park. when the star spangled banner was left winner. up for the Australian Open by grand slam winner Venus toward the end of the second set after The fourth, Madison Keys, begins decidedly mangled. winning the Brisbane title -- Williams, men’s 16th appearing to curse at 51st-ranked her tournament against China’s Wang “I don’t know, it’s a tough sport,” his first on home soil. FEATURED MATCHES TUESDAY: Babos. Qiang on Tuesday. said Sock, who came crashing back to Defending champion Roger Federer vs. Aljaz seed John Isner and Vandeweghe told reporters she was US Open champion Stephens, the earth after the high of reaching the last Nadal charges into next Bedene; No. 1 Simona Halep vs. Destanee eighth seed Jack Sock, not happy about Babos getting “in her 13th seed, was bundled out in three sets four at the ATP Tour Finals in Aiava; No. 3 Garbine Muguruza vs. Jessika the highest ranked US face” but the Hungarian denied trying by China’s Zhang Shuai. It was her November. to rile her up. eighth successive defeat since her “Obviously, it wasn’t my day ... it Ponchet; No. 4 vs. Thomas player in the men’s draw, Fabbiano; No. 14 Novak Djokovic vs. Donald “She always does that (loses her maiden grand slam triumph. wasn’t some of the American women’s Young; Maria Sharapova vs. Tatjana Maria. exit the tournament. temper),” Babos said. Fifth seed Williams, who lost last day but I guess that it happens and that’s round as seeds tumble “A couple of rackets are broken year’s final at Melbourne Park to her tennis.” AFP AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark serves to Mihaela MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal MEN’S SINGLES: 1ST ROUND Buzarnescu of Romania during their Australian says he has no doubts over a Open women’s singles first round match played knee injury as he destroyed his Malek Jaziri (TUN) bt Salvatore Caruso (ITA) 6-7 (2/7), 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 It’s feeling good. at the Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, Australia Wozniacki opening round opponent at the Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) bt Andreas Haider-Maurer (AUT) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 yesterday. Australian Open yesterday. If I did not feel The world No.1, a beaten Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x10) bt Jason Kubler (AUS) 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 myself ready I finalist to Roger Federer in Pablo Cuevas (URU x31) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 7-5 Melbourne last year, clinically would not be here. comfortably Gilles Muller (LUX x23) bt Federico Del Bonis (ARG) 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 took apart Victor Estrella Bur- I always have  gos of the Dominican Republic Ryan Harrison (USA) bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 doubts, but at the  6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in 94 minutes in Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Kevin Anderson (RSA x11) 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 same time I have the night match on Rod Laver Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) 6-2, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3) through Arena. confidence that I Venus  The Spaniard will play Matthew Ebden (AUS) bt John Isner (USA x16) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 was ready to start Williams Fourth seed  AFP unforced errors to her opponent’s 33. Leonardo Mayer of Argentina Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt Dennis Novak (AUT) 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 the tournament and waves as in the second round. Andrey Rublev (RUS x30) bt (ESP) 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2 “We know each other very well she leaves Svitolina Nadal, who is gunning for that was the case: MELBOURNE: Caroline Wozniacki as we played each other like a mil- after losing Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Alex Bolt (AUS) 6-7 (2/7), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 a 17th major title, was ham- Rafael Nadal said she was “happy to be through” lion times in the juniors,” she said her match clears first pered by a knee injury at the  (CAN) bt Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) as she kept her quest for a first of Buzarnescu, who made her first against Belinda tail-end of the 2017 season.  (JPN) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x27) 6-3, 2-6, 6-0, 1-6, 6-2 Grand Slam title on course at the WTA final appearance last week in It forced him to skip the of the team that is a huge Bencic of hurdle Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Corentin Moutet (FRA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 Australian Open yesterday. Hobart. lead-up Brisbane International support. Switzerland. “I’m happy to be through. It was AFP this month, and he only had a Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Nicolás Jarry (CHI) 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 “Toni is the most important On a day when a host of big one-match workout at the John Millman (AUS) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 7-5, 6-4, 6-1 person in my career,” he names went tumbling, the second not an easy match. Maybe on paper seed cruised past “tricky” Roma- it looks easy, but it wasn’t. (She’s a) WOMEN’S SINGLES RESULTS: 1ST ROUND MELBOURNE: Fourth seed exhibition Kooyong Classic in Damir Dzumhur (BIH x28) bt Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 6-4 added. Elina Svitolina (pictured Melbourne ahead of the open. Meanwhile, Jack Sock com- nian Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-2, 6-3 tricky lefty opponent with a lot of Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Wang Xinyu (CHN) 6-4, 6-2 above) stormed into the But he said his troublesome Diego Schwartzman (ARG x24) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 11-9 pleted a bleak opening day for on Margaret Court Arena in an hour confidence. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x7) bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-1, 6-4 Australian Open second round right knee felt absolutely fine Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Elias Ymer (SWE) 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 the American contingent at the and 11 minutes. “I think it’s a good start. Hope- Duan Yingying (CHN) bt Mariana Duque-Marino (COL) 6-0, 6-1 with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of during his rout of Estrella Gilles Simon (FRA) bt Marius Copil (ROM) 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 Australian Open when he was It had looked plain sailing for fully I can progress from here,” said Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK x19) bt Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-0, 7-5 Serbian qualifier Ivana Jorovic Burgos. knocked out by Japan’s Yuichi  the Dane who won the prestigious the player who is riding high again Julia Goerges (GER x12) bt Sofia Kenin (USA) 6-4, 6-4 yesterday. “It’s feeling good,” Nadal Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) Sugita yesterday. season-ending WTA Tour champi- after reaching eight finals last year.  The Ukrainian only stut- said.  (CYP) bt Yuki Bhambri (IND) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-3 The eighth seed tumbled Petra Martic (CRO) bt Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 onships in Singapore when she She can reclaim the top ranking Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Sloane Stephens (USA x13) 2-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 tered slightly once the finish “If I did not feel myself Nick Kyrgios (AUS x17) bt Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 out of the tournament on the line was in sight, squandering ready I would not be here. end of a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-3 raced through the first set in just 29 with a deep run at the season’s first Mona Barthel (GER) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) 6-4, 7-5 Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Víctor Estrella (DOM) 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 four match points at 5-2 before “I am happy to be here and loss in two-and-a-half hours minutes and then took a 2-0 lead Grand Slam. Belinda Bencic (SUI) bt Venus Williams (USA x5) 6-3, 7-5  closing out when a powerful happy to be on court again. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Gerald Melzer (AUT) 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to the 41st-ranked Sugita. in the second. Earlier in the day fifth seed Irina Begu (ROM) bt Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x31) 3-6, 6-4, 8-6 forehand drive forced her “I always have doubts, but Ivo Karlovic (CRO) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) It capped a dark day for the But the 44th-ranked left-hander Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo Anett Kontaveit (EST x32) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 6-4, 7-5 opponent to hit wide after 72 at the same time I have confi- American contenders with Yuichi Sugita (JPN) bt Jack Sock (USA x8) 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-3 Buzarnescu, sporting a heavily Vandeweghe and 13th seed and Kaia Kanepi (EST) bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x24) 6-2, 6-2 minutes. dence that I was ready to start Venus Williams and US Open taped shoulder, would not lie down reigning US Open champion Sloane  (BEL) bt Lucas Pouille (FRA x18) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6) Timea Babos (HUN) bt Coco Vandeweghe (USA x10) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 She will next face Katerina the tournament and that was champion Sloane Stephens in the first-round encounter and Stephens all made early exits, Siniakova of the Czech Repub- the case.”  knocked out of the women’s Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) bt Alison Riske (USA) 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 Casper Ruud (NOR) bt Quentin Halys (FRA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 11-9 broke Wozniacki twice to lead throwing Wozniacki’s side of the lic who overcame Greece’s Nadal, who wore no pro- event along with CoCo Kiki Bertens (NED x30) bt Catherine Bellis (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 Joao Sousa (POR) bt Dustin Brown (GER) 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 briefly at 3-2. draw wide open. Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), tective strapping on his knee, Vandeweghe and men’s 16th Denisa Allertova (CZE) bt Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 6-3, 6-0 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x15) bt Kevin King (USA) 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 Undaunted, the experienced “I never look at the draw, to be 6-4. left nothing to chance with seed John Isner. Magda Linette (POL) bt Jennifer Brady (USA) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 Svitolina came into the first eight service breaks and 28 Sock had a troubled build- Wozniacki, who first rose to world honest,” Wozniacki said. Olivia Rogowska (AUS) bt Jaimee Fourlis (AUS) 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 Grand Slam of the year in top winners in a complete first-up up the year’s opening Grand number one in 2010, reasserted her “I saw a couple of results. But,  form after winning the Bris- performance. I need to improve, the matches his uncle Toni, who coached Slam after a hip injury during dominance, taking four games in yeah, I don’t really follow too much, Katerina Siniakova (CZE) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 bane International warm-up It took the 31-year-old will give me those things. Vic- him from childhood until after his Hopman Cup match with a row to snuff out Buzarnescu’s to be honest.” Carla Suarez (ESP) bt Magdalena Frech (POL) 7-5, 6-3 event after picking up five WTA Spaniard’s Australian Open tories are the most important his US Open win last year. Sugita in Perth earlier this resistance with a cry of Wozniacki was informed by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x15) bt Kateryna Kozlova (UKR) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Tour titles last year, more than record to 52-11 as he chases his thing now.” Toni Nadal is now coach- month. “come on”. reporters she will next play Croatia’s Luksika Kumkhum (THA) bt Johanna Larsson (SWE) 6-3, 7-5 any other woman. second Australian title after Nadal needs to reach the ing at the Rafael Nadal He also bowed out in the Jana Fett, the world 119 who enjoyed Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) 6-2, 6-1 And she will fancy her beating Federer in the 2009 quarter-finals to be certain of Academy, with his nephew Auckland Classic second round “I knew it as Darya Kasatkina (RUS x22) bt Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK) 6-0, 6-3 chances of picking up a first final. retaining his world number under the tutelage of Carlos to German Peter Gojowczyk, going to be a run to the semi-finals at Hobart career Grand Slam title after “It’s a positive start with a one ranking after the Austral- Moya. compounding his poor tough and I had last week and beat Japan’s Misa Monica Puig (PUR) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS) 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 her half of the draw saw a slew good result. If I do months ian Open, with Federer “Toni was not always in the preparations. to try to fight Eguchi 6-3, 6-2. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-2 of top names go out on a without playing official match breathing down his neck. (player’s) box. It’s true that in Sock made a total of 52 for every Wozniacki admitted she knew Nicole Gibbs (USA) bt Viktoriya Tomova (BUL) 6-1, 6-1 calamitous day for America’s it’s always a little bit more dif- The top seed only conceded the Grand Slams he was here unforced errors and dropped point,” said little about her. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROM) 6-2, 6-3 top women in Melbourne. ficult,” he said. three games in the match and all the time,” Nadal said. his serve seven times to Sugita Wozniacki, who “I’ve never played her before. I Jana Fett (CRO) bt Misa Eguchi (JPN) 6-3, 6-2 Fifth seed Venus Williams, “But I started with positive had few problems with Estrella “I cannot think about that and was always chasing the played an impres- guess I’ll have to do some scouting Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Ivana Jorovic (SRB) 6-3, 6-2 10th seed CoCo Vandeweghe feelings. That’s most important Burgos, who has a modest 6-15 all day. I just have to move for- match after losing the opening sive, almost flawless and see how she’s playing,” Woz- and 13th seed and reigning US thing for me now. record at Grand Slams. ward, believe in the team I two sets. Marta Kostyuk (UKR) bt Peng Shuai (CHN x25) 6-2, 6-2 Open champion Sloane “Of course, there are things Nadal is at his first major have. I feel lucky I have Carlos The Japanese star next match with just five niacki said. Daria Gavrilova (AUS x23) bt Irina Falconi (USA) 6-1, 6-1 Stephens all made early exits. to improve. But the thing that tournament in years without today in my box, and the rest faces Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic. 34 SPORT TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 Kohli lights up rainy day with 153

REUTERS Indian players with most PRETORIA: India captain Virat number of 100s in Tests Kohli blazed a magnificent century, but South Africa hold the upper hand as they reached 90 SR Tendulkar 200 51 for two in their second innings R Dravid 163 36 on a difficult after rain SM Gavaskar 125 34 and then bad light curtailed day V Sehwag 103 23 three of the second Test yester- M Azharuddin 99 22 day. V Kohli 65 21 The home side lead by 118 D Vengsarkar 116 17 runs having bowled India out for VVS Laxman 134 17 307 after lunch, despite a classy SC Ganguly 113 16 153 from Kohli, who played CA Pujara 56 14 almost a lone hand in scoring GR Viswanath 91 14 half his side’s runs. PR Umrigar 59 12 AB de Villiers (50 ) has M Vijay 55 11 taken the attack to the Indian M Amarnath 69 11 bowlers after South Africa had RJ Shastri 80 11 sunk to three for two in their sec- ond innings on a wicket that is more Pune than Pretoria, with variable bounce and taking mas- sive turn for the spinners. De Villiers will resume on day four with opener Dean Elgar (36 not out), who has battled for rhythm but hung around in an unbeaten third wicket partner- ship of 87. South Africa had been rocked earlier by a double-strike from Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah (2-30), who trapped both Aiden India’s Jasprit Bumrah Markram (1) and Hashim Amla celebrates after taking (1) leg before wicket with deliv- the wicket of South eries that skidded through after Africa’s Hashim Amla keeping low. yesterday. There would have been plenty of panic in the South Afri- can dressing room at that point, SCOREBOARD but De Villiers started playing South Africa (I innings) ...... 335 Fall of : 1-28, 2-28, 3-107, 4-132, 5-164, 6-209, attacking shots from the moment India (I innings) 7-280, 8-281, 9-306 he reached the wicket to trans- Bradman, who made 29 hun- Philander (1-46). Mohammed M Vijay c De Kock b Maharaj ...... 46 : Maharaj 20-1-67-1, Morkel 22.1-5-60-4 (1nb, fer the pressure back onto the dreds and 13 fifties. Shami (1) edged a Morne Morkel India’s L Rahul c and b Morkel ...... 10 1w), Philander 16-3-46-1, Rabada 20-1-74-1, Ngidi 14-2- tourists. India had resumed on their (4-60) to slip, while the captain C Pujara run out (Ngidi) ...... 0 51-1 (1w) Kohli had spoken before the overnight score of 183 for five, latter also accounted for Ishant V Kohli c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 153 South Africa (II innings) match about showing more but lost Hardik Pandya (15) to a Sharma (3) when he was caught raises his R Sharma lbw b Rabada ...... 10 A Markram lbw b Bumrah ...... 1 “intent” against South Africa’s farcical run out as the all- at short-leg. P Patel c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 19 D Elgar (batting) ...... 36 bat and seam attack and he duly deliv- rounder ambled into his crease Kohli was the last batsman helmet H Pandya run out ...... 15 H Amla lbw b Bumrah ...... 1 R Ashwin c Du Plessis b Philander ...... 38 A de Villiers (batting) ...... 50 ered, compiling a brilliant 153 and failed to put his bat down, out as he tried to attack the bowl- as he Mohammed Shami c Amla b Morkel ...... 1 Extras (LB1, W1) ...... 2 from just 217 balls. only to be undone by a direct hit ing, caught at deep mid-on to be celebrates I Sharma c Markram b Morkel ...... 3 Total (2 wkts) ...... 90 He now has 21 Test tons to from Vernon Philander. become Morkel’s fourth victim scoring a J Bumrah (not out) ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-3 go with 15 half-centuries, a con- Kohli and Ravichandran Ash- of the innings. century Extras (B8, LB1, NB1, W2) ...... 12 Bowling: Ashwin 12-0-33-0, Bumrah 8-2-30-2 (1w), I version rate when passing 50 win (38) shared a quick-fire South Africa won the open- yesterday. Total (92.1 overs) ...... 307 Sharma 4-0-14-0, Mohammed Shami 5-1-12-0 that is only bettered in the game seventh wicket stand of 71 in 14.2 ing Test of the three-match series by Australian great Don overs, before the latter fell to by 72 runs in Cape Town. Tamim the hero Star Stokes charged with for affray over nightclub fight AFP AFP DHAKA: Opener struck an unbeaten half-century to guide Bangladesh to an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the LONDON: England all-rounder Ben Stokes opening match of a tri-nation one-day international tournament in (pictured) was charged with affray yester- Dhaka yesterday. day following an incident outside a nightclub, Tamim struck 84 off 93 balls at the Sher-e-Bangla National Sta- casting fresh doubt over his international dium as Bangladesh cruised to 171-2 in just 28.3 overs. future after he missed the side’s ill-fated The hosts earlier dispatched Zimbabwe for 170 in 49 overs as Ashes tour. left-arm spinner claimed 3-43. chiefs said they would meet in Sikandar Raza top-scored for the visitors with 52 as well as tak- the next 48 hours to decide if Stokes will be ing 2-53. allowed to take part in England’s upcoming Bangladesh never looked in trouble, with Shakib striking twice tour of New Zealand, for which he has in the first over after skipper won the toss and already been selected. opted to bowl. The confrontation in September in the Mashrafe and quickly reduced Zimbabwe southwestern city of Bristol reportedly left to 51 for four, before Raza provided some brief resistance with his a man with a fractured eye socket. Stokes, dogged 99-ball innings. Peter Moor supported Raza with 33 before 26, was suspended from international cricket (2-24) took two wickets off successive balls, fast- until further notice by the England and Wales tracking Zimbabwe’s collapse and becoming Bangladesh’s fifth Cricket Board (ECB), meaning he missed the bowler to claim 100 ODI wickets. Australia tour. Mustafizur, who claimed 2-29, produced an off-cutter to uproot “The CPS was passed a file of evidence Blessing Muzarabani’s off-stump and end Zimbabwe’s innings. by Avon and Somerset Police on 29 Novem- Tamim, who hit eight fours and a six, lost his opening partner ber in relation to an incident of disorder in at each step of the police inquiry. I am keen month, but has since returned home to be early on for 19 but added 78 with Shakib (37) for the Bristol city centre,” said a spokesman for to have an opportunity to clear my name with his wife and young family. second wicket to set up the innings for Bangladesh. England’s Crown Prosecution Service. but, on advice, the appropriate time to do Last week Stokes was included in Eng- Zimbabwe will face Sri Lanka in their next match of the tour- “Further material was subsequently this is when the case comes to trial. The CPS’ land’s 16-man squad for the Test tour of New nament at the same ground tomorrow. received in late December. Following a decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali Zealand, the country he left as a child when review of all the available evidence, the CPS and Ryan Hale, at least means that my his father got a job in England. has today authorised the police to charge account of what happened that night can But the ECB added that “his involvement SCOREBOARD three men with affray in connection with come out in court and be made public. Until remains subject to any relevant legal or dis- Zimbabwe lam 10-0-29-1 (w1), Mashrafe Mortaza 9-0-25-1 (w1), the incident.” then, my focus is very much on cricket.” ciplinary developments in relation to the H Masakadza c b Mashrafe Mortaza 15 Mustafizur Rahman 10-1-29-2 (w1), Rubel Hossain 5-0- Stokes and the two other men will appear Stokes had already been ruled out of incident in Bristol in September”. S Mire st Mushfiqur Rahim b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 0 24-2 (w1), Nazir Hossain 5-0-15-0 at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be England’s ongoing one-day international “ECB is aware that Ben Stokes has been C Ervine c b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 0 Bangladesh fixed following the incident in the early hours series in Australia and his next involvement charged with affray in relation to an inci- B Taylor c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mustafizur Rahman ....24 Tamim Iqbal (not out) ...... 84 of September 25 after England had beaten in senior cricket could be in the lucrative dent in Bristol in September,” said a board S Raza run out (Shakib Al Hasan/Mushfiqur Rahim) .52 Anamul Haque c Ervine b Raza ...... 19 the West Indies in a one-day international Indian Premier League after he was cleared spokesman. M Waller c Sabbir Rahman b Sunzamul Islam ...... 13 Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Raza ...... 37 in the city. by the ECB to play in a second season of the “The board will now convene within 48 P Moor b Rubel Hossain ...... 33 Mushfiqur Rahim (not out) ...... 14 A Cremer c Rubel Hossain b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 12 Extras (nb5, w12) ...... 17 Responding to yesterday’s announce- franchise Twenty20 tournament. hours to decide on Ben Stokes’s availability K Jarvis (not out) ...... 4 Total (2 wkts, 28.3 overs) ...... 171 ment, Stokes vowed to “clear my name”, England crashed to a 4-0 defeat in Aus- to represent England at this stage. A further T Chatara b Rubel Hossain ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-30 , 2-108 telling his Twitter followers: “I want to thank tralia in the absence of the dynamic Durham announcement will be made in due course.” B Muzarabani b Mustafizur Rahman ...... 1 Did not bat: , , Sabbir Rah- all those who have continued to support me all-rounder, who is an aggressive middle- Under English law, affray, which refers Extras (LB5, W11) ...... 16 man, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sunzamul Islam, Mustafizur in relation to the Bristol incident, not least order batsman, lively paceman and excellent to fighting in public, can carry a sentence of Total (all out, 49 overs) ...... 170 Rahman, Rubel Hossain my family, friends, fans and team-mates. slip fielder. up to three years in prison if the case is heard Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3-30, 4-51, 5-81, 6-131, 7-161, Bowling: Jarvis 4-0-15-0 (w1), Chatara 3-0-26-0 (nb1), “I gave a full and detailed account of my Stokes sparked talk of a possible Eng- in a crown court. But if the case is tried in a 8-167, 9-167, 10-170 Raza 10-1-53-2 (w8), Muzarabani 4-0-31-0 (w1, nb4), Bowling: Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-43-3 (w3), Sunzamul Is- Cremer 7.3-0-46-0 (w2) actions to the police on day one -- the same land recall by playing in his native New magistrates’ court, the maximum penalty is day as the incident -- and have co-operated Zealand for domestic side Canterbury for a a fine or six months in prison. TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 35 Donaldson agrees to $23m, 1-year deal with Blue Jays

AP The sure-handed infielder Carrera earned $1,162,500 2.56 ERA in a career-high 65 missed time from April 14 last season, when the 30-year- appearances and his most TORONTO: Third baseman Josh through May 25 with a calf injury, old Venezuelan played every innings at 70 1/3. Donaldson and the Toronto Blue which also hampered him dur- outfield spot and batted .282 with Toronto’s remaining arbitra- Jays agreed to a $23m contract ing spring training. eight homers and 20 RBIs in a tion eligible players are on Sunday, the largest one-year Donaldson was coming off a career-high 131 games for the right-handers Marcus Stroman deal for an arbitration-eligible $28.65m, two-year deal. He is Blue Jays — 91 of those in left and Roberto Osuna. Stroman is player. eligible for free agency after this field. seeking $6.9 million and Toronto The 32-year-old, a three- season. Pillar batted .256 with 16 countered at $6.5m, and Osuna time All-Star, topped the Toronto also agreed to one- homers and 42 RBIs in 154 asked for $5.8m while the Blue $21,625,000, one-year deal cov- year deals with outfielder games. He can earn a $50,000 Jays offered $5.3m. ering 2018 agreed to last May by Ezequiel Carrera for $1.9m, left- bonus for 450 plate Stroman is coming off a outfielder Bryce Harper and hander Aaron Loup for appearances. career-best year in which he Washington. $1,812,500, outfielder Kevin Pil- Loup, who made $1,125,000 went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA in 31 Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP, lar for $3.25m, right-hander in 2017, went 2-3 with a 3.75 starts while reaching 200 innings got a $6m raise after rebound- Aaron Sanchez for $2.7m, sec- ERA in 70 appearances and 57 for the second straight season ing from an injury-slowed 2016 ond baseman Devon Travis for 2/3 innings. Sanchez went 1-3 (201). Josh Donaldson to hit .270 last season with 33 $1.45m and right-hander with a 4.25 ERA in eight starts, He made $3.4m last homers and 78 RBIs in 113 games. Dominic Leone for $1,085,000. while Leone was 3-0 with a season. NFL: Vikings and Jaguars

reach Conference finals COURTESY AP Keith Jackson AFP Legendary WASHINGTON: Case Keenum connected with Stefon Diggs on sportscaster a desperation game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass on Jackson Sunday’s final play, giving the Minnesota Vikings a dramatic dies at 89 29-24 NFL play-off victory over New Orleans. AFP Minnesota advanced in astonishing fashion to play the NEW YORK: Keith Jackson, Eagles in Philadelphia in next whose 54-year US television Sunday’s National Conference sportscasting career included final. If they win, the Vikings will stints on the NFL and NBA become the first team to play the plus the Olympics, died on Super Bowl in its home Friday, his family said. He stadium. was 89. Jacksonville stunned host Jackson was known to Pittsburgh 45-42 in Sunday’s generations of Americans for other NFL play-off game, send- his colorful expressions and a ing the Jaguars to defending soothing voice on play-by-play champion New England in next coverage, beconming synon- Sunday’s American Conference ymous with collegiate final, but that upset was over- American football over 40 shadowed by one of the most years for ABC Sports from 1966 shocking finishes in NFL to his retirement in 2006. history. His catchphrases included With New Orleans leading “Whoa, Nellie” and terming 24-23 and only 10 seconds to gridiron blockers “big uglies” play, Keenum hurled a pass to and he would build the drama the right sideline and Diggs of a possible turnover by leaped high to grab it. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum (foreground)) celebrates after a touchdown. holding on the final syllable When Saints defender Mar- when alerting viewers to a cus Williams missed the tackle, “fumble.” diving past Diggs, the receiver it,” Diggs said. “Everybody 1-yard Latavius Murray touch- seconds remaining put the Saints Roethlisberger, who threw a “For generations of fans, turned and raced unchallenged thought it was over. I don’t stop down run. Drew Brees answered back in front until the final heart- career-high five interceptions in Keith Jackson was college into the end zone as the final sec- playing until there are all zeroes with a 14-yard touchdown pass breaking play. an October loss to the Jaguars, football,” said Bob Iger, chair- onds ticked away. on the clock.” to Michael Thomas and a 3-yard The Vikings, who boast the completed 37-of-58 passes for man and CEO of The Walt “They count us out all the Moments after the astound- touchdown toss to Thomas to NFL’s top-rated defensive unit, a Steelers post-season record Disney Company. time. Nobody thinks we could do ing touchdown play, Keenum pull the Saints within 17-14. reached the conference final for 469 yards and five touchdowns “When you heard his could only marvel at the Forbath added a 49-yard the first time since the 2009 sea- but it was not enough. voice, you knew it was a big NFL PLAY-OFF RESULTS miracle. field goal to give the Vikings a son, when they lost to New “The guys played with con- game,” said Bob Iger, chair- “I can’t even explain it,” Kee- 20-14 edge with 10:17 to play but Orleans. They haven’t played in fidence all day long,” Jaguars man of The Walt Disney American Football Conference num said. the Saints’ George Johnson a Super Bowl since 1977, when quarterback Blake Bortles said. Company, ABC’s owner. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania “We were definitely in a des- blocked a later Minnesota punt the Vikings lost to Oakland. “We knew we had to hold onto “Keith was a true gentleman Jacksonville Jaguars 45 Pittsburgh Steelers 42 peration moment. (Diggs) made and four plays later, Brees threw At Pittsburgh, Jacksonville the ball, make some plays and and a memorable National Football Conference a heck of a play. That was one of a 14-yard touchdown pass to rookie Leonard Fournette ran for hold them off at the end and we presence.” In Minneapolis, Minnesota the most special moments of my Alvin Kamara, Wil Lutz’s con- 109 yards and three touchdowns did it. It was incredible,” he His broadcast career Minnesota Vikings 29 New Orleans Saints 24 life. I don’t even know what just version kick giving New Orleans to put the Jaguars in defending added. began with a 1952 college January 21 happened. It’s crazy. I have no a 21-20 lead with 3:01 champion New England’s path. It’s the third time the Jaguars American football match. He Conference Finals words.” remaining. “It’s going to be another fight. have come so close to the NFL served as the NFL voice of Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots Minnesota jumped ahead Forbath connected on a It’s crazy,” Fournette said. “As a championship spectacle, having the 1970 opening season of

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles 17-0 on Jerick McKinnon’s 53-yard field goal to put the unit we came together. We kept lost to Tennessee in 2000 and at Monday Night Football, (Winners advance to Super Bowl) 14-yard touchdown run, Kai For- Vikings back in front but a pushing each and every play.” New England in 1997 in prior which continues today on bath’s 20-yard field goal and a 43-yard Lutz field goal with 25 Pittsburgh’s Ben conference finals. ESPN. Flames claim 7th straight win

AGENCIES two goals and 11 assists, while pass from behind the net just Crosby and Carl Hagelin each Hamilton is on a five-game outside the Wild blue line, added a goal for the Penguins, NEW YORK: Dougie Hamil- run with four goals and six eluded a defender, and beat who rattled off their fourth ton scored twice to lead the points. Devan Dubnyk with a shot straight victory and improved red-hot Calgary Flames to a Flames captain Mark from the slot. to 5-1-0 since the calendar 4-1 victory over the Carolina Giordano was handed a Penguins 5, Rangers 2 flipped. Hurricanes on Sunday after- match penalty and game mis- Phil Kessel’s second- Red Wings 4, Black- noon at PNC Arena in Raleigh, conduct after hitting period wrister beat Henrik hawks 0 NC, for their seventh consec- Sebastian Aho and knocking Lundqvist and accounted for Petr Mrazek stopped all 27 utive win. him from the game, which his 700th career NHL point shots he faced for his second Goalie Mike Smith might result in a suspension. and the decisive tally in Pitts- shutout of the season and the stopped 38 shots for the Canucks 3, Wild 2 (OT) burgh’s 5-2 victory against 12th of his career, and Detroit Flames, who go into their bye Brandon Sutter’s overtime New York at PPG Paints Arena cruised past host Chicago. week after running the table goal gave Vancouver a 3-2 in Pittsburgh. Dylan Larkin, Mike Green, on a four-game road trip and comeback victory over Min- Kessel’s goal, his 20th of Anthony Mantha and Tyler vaulting into second place in nesota in St. Paul. the season, was the Penguins’ Bertuzzi each scored as the Pacific Division. Sutter was a hero in his second goal in a span of 1:15 Detroit snapped a two-game Johnny Gaudreau, who first game back after missing after Dominik Simon’s first skid. had a pair of helpers, is rid- 21 games with a problem in tally of the season at 13:15 of The Red Wings shut out ing a seven-game point his mid-section. the second tied the game at 2. an opponent for the second streak, in which he’s collected He took Alex Edler’s long Patric Hornqvist, Sidney time in 43 games. Calgary Flames players celebrate a goal. TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 36 We’ll try to do our best in the next six days. If Carlos makes a mistake, we can CRICKET RALLYING catch him. But one hour... Nasser Al Attiyah, on his South Africa vs India, Carlos Sainz hopes to chances of a victory in the second Test (day 4) in retain lead as Dakar Rally it’s going to be difficult. ongoing Dakar Rally Centurion continues Korea’s skaters face tough task United great Giggs on home ice named Wales boss REUTERS AFP he declared his interest last SEOUL: Picking up medals on month and the Welsh FA was the fast ice of the Gangneung CARDIFF: Former Manchester keen to make the appointment Oval at the Winter Olympics I know the United great Ryan Giggs said before the UEFA Nations League could be a tall order for South international level, yesterday he was “itching” to get draw, which takes place in Swit- Korea’s speed skaters, it’s higher. I don’t back into football after being zerland on January 24. according to Dutchman Bob de want to talk about unveiled as the new Wales boss Giggs, who was in charge of Jong, who is assistant coach of -- his first permanent manage- United as caretaker for four the hosts’ national team. a target of how rial post. games at the end of the 2013-14 A long-distance specialist many medals we can Giggs, who replaces Chris season after David Moyes was with four Olympic medals take. First focus on Coleman, revealed he had sacked, spent two seasons as including gold in the 10,000m sought advice from his former Louis Van Gaal’s assistant coach. in Turin in 2006, De Jong good skating, even United manager Alex Ferguson His departure from Old Traf- arrived in the country last May I did that in my own over the job. ford ended a long association to help train their skaters. career: Bob de Jong The former winger, 44, has with the club where he made a The Koreans are better been out of football for 18 record 963 appearances as a known for their prowess in months since leaving the player, scoring 168 goals. short track, but the Dutchman corners are four steps and you coaching staff at Old Trafford Giggs knows his status as one is bringing his vast experience really slow down in rhythm, but when Jose Mourinho replaced of Wales’s greatest players is no to bear on honing their tech- for long track you need a higher Louis van Gaal in 2016. guarantee he will succeed as the nique over the longer rhythm,” he said. “I’m tremendously proud national team’s boss. distances. “They’re so comfortable and excited to be the next Wales “It opens doors but so many South Korea sprang a sur- with the low rhythm in the cor- manager and I can’t wait to get times it’s been said having a prise when they won five ners, but if you do that in the going,” Giggs said at his official good career as a player doesn’t medals on the long track in long track, your legs will be unveiling in Cardiff. make you a good manager,” he Vancouver, with the country blowing up.” “It’s a great opportunity and said. finishing with 14 medals in total De Jong said Olympic I’m excited. “I’ve got a great group of in 2010, their best haul at a records could fall in Gangneung “I played 64 times for my players to work with who have Winter Games. and is pushing his skaters to get country. I’d like to think I’ll be been so successful over the last The hosts are targeting a as close to those times as pos- the same kind of manager as I four or five years. Who can total of 20 medals at next sible to give them their best shot was a player, with profession- forget watching us at the Euros? month’s Games, but De Jong is at a medal. alism but also a little bit of fun I want to get us back there. just focusing on getting the best “A couple of skaters, they along the way.” “I think there’s a good bal- out of his skaters. are really close (to the Olympic Giggs said he had picked the ance. There’s experienced “They’ve got a longer short records),” he said. brains of his former boss at Old players and good young players track history,” he said from “Lee Seung-hoon is abso- Trafford, under whom he spent coming through and I can’t wait Seoul. “Four years ago (in lutely one of the biggest skaters almost his entire career. to work with them.” Sochi) they got two medals (on here in Korea and he’s in good “I’ve spoken to him over the Coleman spent nearly six the long track) so it was not that shape to make a good years as Wales manager before good, and even in the coming performance.” leaving to take over relegation- Olympics it’ll be really hard to Lee, who took gold in the threatened Sunderland in get medals. 10,000m at the Vancouver November. Newly-appointed football manager of Wales, Ryan Giggs poses “I know the international Games ahead of Ivan Skobrev He became the most suc- for photographers yesterday. level, it’s higher. I don’t want to and De Jong himself, could race I’m tremendously cessful manager in Welsh foot- talk about a target of how many in the mass start, 1,500m, proud and excited ball history when he guided the medals we can take. First focus 5,000m, 10,000m, and team to be the next Wales last 24 hours and I’ll speak to Giggs’s first fixture in charge country to the semi-finals of on good skating, even I did that pursuit. him in more depth but obviously of Wales will be in the 2018 Euro 2016 -- Wales’s first major in my own career.” “The team pursuit with the manager and I can’t I want to be my own manager,” China Cup against the hosts in tournament for 58 years -- only Most of the skaters De Jong three skaters are getting really wait to get going: he said. “I was itching to get back Nanning on March 22. to suffer the heartache of missing is working with have converted good times,” De Jong said. Ryan Giggs into football, that’s where I He had been the clear out on this year’s World Cup from short track and the seven- “One of the men’s teams belong.” favourite for the Wales job since finals in Russia. times world champion was really close to breaking the explained how they have had world record this year already.” to unlearn years of training in Lee Sang-Hwa and Kim a different technique to prepare Min-sun are carrying the coun- for the longer runs. try’s medal hopes in the wom- Peterhansel wins 8th stage “I’m not a transfer coach. en’s 500m, while Kim Bo-reum They’re already long track could challenge in the mass skaters,” he said. start and 1,500m. REUTERS Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah is not ruling “But you can see on the long Language is biggest barrier out his Dakar Rally chances. track they have the background De Jong has faced in South TUPIZA: Reigning champion of short track skaters. Korea and while he is loving his Stephane Peterhansel fought “The most important part is time in the country, the back to win the eighth stage of using your bodyweight in the 41-year-old is also having to the Dakar Rally in Bolivia on straights and that’s kind of new adapt to the culture. Sunday but Peugeot team-mate for the short track skaters “For me the language is Carlos Sainz remained more because they are not (used to) really hard,” he said. than an hour clear of the field. skating straights.” “I’ve got my translator in Peterhansel lost an hour and De Jong is also teaching the the team, the video analyst is 45 minutes repairing his car on Koreans how to conserve also translating a lot of things Saturday when he hit a rock energy while cornering. for me, but the biggest thing is while leading, the Frenchman “In the short track, the body language.” dropping to third place while Spaniard Sainz took over at the front. On Sunday, in the longest special stage of the race and having to contend with high alti- tude and rain after a stopover without mechanical assistance, the 13-times champion known as ‘Mr Dakar’ secured the 40th stage win of his career. It was also his second stage win of the current rally but, with timed stage leading into Argen- tina cancelled due to weather conditions, he knew it was unlikely to make much of a difference. back into the game. It’s a pity Peterhansel was an hour and with a reduced advantage after “At least we didn’t run into that tomorrow’s stage has been 13 minutes off the lead. a stage won by compatriot trouble, which is good,” he said cancelled because we needed “We’ll try to do our best in Antoine Meo on a KTM. of the 498-km special stage from every opportunity we could get the next six days,” said Al- Van Beveren is now just 22 the salt flats of Uyuni to Tupiza. our hands on to claw back time,” Attiyah, a two-time Dakar seconds clear of Argentina’s “I’m not back in the game, he said. winner. Kevin Benavides. Germany launch Games kit because we’re talking hours of Sainz was fifth on the stage, “If Carlos makes a mistake, The rally proper will resume time difference and I just got a seven minutes and four seconds we can catch him. But one hour... today for a stage between Salta Biathletes Laura Dahlmeier (left) and Simon Schempp are seen few minutes back,” added slower than Peterhansel, but it’s going to be difficult,” he said. and Belen. during the official German Olympic kit launch for the Pyeongchang Peterhansel. remained an hour and six min- In the motorcycle category, The Dakar Rally will con- Winter Olympic Games 2018, in Munich, Germany yesterday. “Gaining two minutes on utes clear of Qatari challenger French Yamaha rider Adrien van clude in Cordoba, Argentina, on Nasser Al Attiyah won’t bring us Al Attiyah in a Toyota. Beveren remained in the lead but January 20.