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WEDNESday, FEBRUARY 10, 2021 FIFA Club World Cup 2020 an extremely beneficial experience: Fatma Al Nuaimi QNA hosted by Doha during the community to test their abili- mitigating the psychological Doha coming period provides us ties to deal with such situa- effects of the outbreak of the with the opportunity to ben- tions and emergency matters Coronavirus, which guaran- Supreme Committee Com- efit and develop our expertise in the future. tees the improvement of pub- munications Director and in light of getting closer to or- She said that Qatar is the lic health, the preservation of Communications Head at the ganizing the World Cup 2022, only country that recently society and its safety, as well Local Organizing Commit- she said, stressing that they hosted continental and global as ensuring a bright future for tee of the ongoing FIFA Club continued to work closely with sporting events, with large future generations. World Cup Qatar 2020, Fatma all partners to achieve success participation in light of the Al Nuaimi continued by Al Nuaimi, has termed the and provide a wonderful and current crisis, after imple- saying that the impact of sport organizational success of the exceptional experience to the menting health procedures is great in bringing together tournament so far under vari- fans, players and administra- and measures in coordination people from all over the world ous challenges due to the cur- tors during the tournament. with the Ministry of Health. and sympathsizing and under- rent coronavirus (COVID-19) Al Nuaimi also confirmed Al Nuaimi pointed out standing each other, saying pandemic as an extremely that Qatar has achieved great that the challenges that have that this matter is the main beneficialexperience and an success in its pivotal role faced the preparations for the pillars and main goals for exceptional opportunity to in hosting a series of local, World Cup 2022 since the which Qatar sought to organ- benefit and develop expertise regional and international outbreak of the coronavirus ize the World Cup in Qatar, as the World Cup 2022 draws events during the year 2020 crisis led, in one way or an- as it aims through the tourna- closer and will be held in less despite the Covid-19 pan- other, to a slowdown in the ment to highlight that Qatar than two years from now. demic crisis, thus achieving workflow at the beginning of and the Arabs love football, to In an exclusive interview the leadership position on the pandemic, but after taking give visitors an opportunity to with Qatar News Agency the global sports map by es- precautions and health meas- explore a new culture, and to (QNA), Al Nuaimi said that tablishing new standards in ures in coordination with the correct misconceptions about the FIFA Club World Cup is a maintaining the health and Fatma Al Nuaimi: Supreme Committee Communications Director and Communications Head at the Local Ministry of Public Health and the Arab region. pilot tournament for the State safety of all participants. Organizing Committee FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020. the Workers’ Welfare team She said the Qatar World of Qatar and its main objective Al Nuaimi said that sta- in the Supreme Committee, a Cup is getting more and more is to improve the preparations tistics showed impressive stadium’s capacity, saying that the outbreak of the pandemic. Qatar during the World Cup. mechanism was reached that important day by day in view and various operational plans achievements after the success nearly 900 players and tech- Qatar is preparing – in less The Director of Communi- significantly preserved the of the various challenges and before hosting the first edition of hosting the AFC Champions nical teams from 30 teams than two years – to host the cation at the Local Organizing safety of workers, while ensur- the current crisis, as it will be of the World Cup in the Mid- League competitions for the participated in the AFC Cham- World Cup 2022. It aims to Committee for the Club World ing the pace of work within the one of the largest global gath- dle East and the Arab world, east and west zones, and spe- pions League competitions test the readiness of the vari- Cup stressed that organizing planned timetable for comple- erings in the post-coronavirus which is what was achieved cifically the final of the tour- alone, and 76 matches played ous stadiums and facilities of the tournament under the re- tion of all projects, thanks to crisis, and this will undoubt- during this year’s edition that nament, which was attended at a number of World Cup the tournament by hosting percussions of coronavirus the emergency plans for the edly be accompanied by chal- tested two new World Cup sta- by 10,000 fans, followed by Qatar 2022 stadiums, during a number of major sporting allowed them to gain more World Cup projects that have lenges, but it will give us at the diums, namely Ahmad Bin Ali the distinguished organization which the largest safe space of events and to enhance the pro- experience, as the organizers proven their worth. same an important opportu- and Education City. of HH the Amir Cup with the its kind - known as the “medi- vision of a distinctive experi- took advantage of this new She noted the distinctive nity to unite the world through Every tournament or event presence of 50 percent of the cal bubble” - was set up since ence for fans and visitors to phenomenon for the global role that sport can play in a shared passion for football.

QOC celebrates 10th edition of Bayern one step away National Sport Day virtually, launches from 6th title in a year Bayern Munich new website have the chance Bayern are seeking Tribune News Network to make another Doha a sixth crown at FIFA addition to their CWC having won the The Qatar Olympic Com- Bundesliga, German mittee (QOC) celebrated trophy cabinet Cup, Champions the 10th edition of National League and the Sport Day on Tuesday but and crown the German and this year’s celebrations European Super were held virtually in light of the protective measures superb 2019-20 Cups in 2020. The taken by the State of Qatar Germans have won to curb the spread of coro- season, securing the Club World Cup navirus (COVID-19). and its predecessor, The QOC held a num- a title they the Intercontinental ber of virtual awareness Cup, three times and educational events to haven’t fought before, in 1976, promote an active lifestyle nationwide and highlight for since 2013 2001 and 2013. the important role of sport Qatar’s star athlete in creating a healthy com- Abdurrahman Samba. munity. DPA Bayern Munich players celebrate one of Robert Lewandowski’s two goals in FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Team Qatar athletes Berlin Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday. (Pic: FC Bayern Munich) who qualified to To- kyo 2020 Olympics have Bayern Munich could win served to score a second goal. ka and Javi Martinez won’t be 2010, Tigres have secured five ico, “would be the cherry on shared their thoughts their first trophy in 2021 and We played well defensively, I’m able to travel to Qatar for the domestic league titles and are the cake.” about this year’s edition of sixth in one year when they very satisfied with my team.” final after missing the semi- experiencing their most suc- “We have the chance to National Sport Day as high face Tigres UANL of Mexico Flick knows his team is the fa- final. Both tested positive for cessful era. become the second team ever hump world champion on Thursday in the FIFA Club vourite but also understands coronavirus and remain in On Thursday there’s also to win six titles in one year. Mutaz Essa Barshim said, World Cup big finale. they will have to put up a fight quarantine. the match for third place be- When you are so close to win- “This year’s NSD is a spe- The international silver- to take the trophy to Munich. “We decided Leon and Javi tween Al Ahly and Palmeiras. ning a trophy, you have to give cial occasion marking the ware would crown a season “I watched the first semi- won’t travel. It’s sad because everything to make it happen,” 10th edition. It makes me that saw the Bavarians clinch- final. Tigresare a very dynam- both would like to come. But Lewandowski seeks the striker said. reflect on my career over ing everything on their way: ic team with a lot of power. We it’s also important they can to write history Against Al Ahly, Lewan- the past decade and how Bundesliga, German Cup, have to counter that well in the train in Munich and eventu- Meanwhile, Bayern Mu- dowski increased his goal tally I wouldn’t achieve what I Champions League and the final,” he said. ally be available for the game nich’s star striker Robert Le- to 29 in 27 competitive games. have achieved without the domestic and European Super Amid the busy football on Monday (against Arminia wandowski has stressed the In the Bundesliga he has support of my country.” Cup titles. calendar with midweek and Bielefeld in the Bundesliga),” importance of the FIFA Club scored 24 goals in 27 matches For his part, athlete Ab- Qatar’s weightlifting Last time Bayern won weekend games Bayern seem Flick said after the Al Ahly World Cup and said he wants so far and chases Gerd Muel- durrahman Samba, said, champion Fares Hassouna. the Club World Cup was in ready for the clash and eager game. to write history with the club. ler’s 40-goal record from the “National Sport day is a 2013 after their first-ever tre- for victory. CONCACAF champions “We have the chance to 1971-72 season. great celebration of sport made me who I am today,” ble winning season and un- “The final is going to be a Tigres defeated Copa Liber- win the sixth title. We know “At the moment there are in Qatar, and on this day he said. der newly signed coach Pep big match. We’re having a nice tadores winners Palmeiras of what that means, not just in more important things than the I hope more and more Also, on the occasion, Guardiola. time here, we want to win the Brazil on Sunday for a spot in the history of Bayern, but record,” Lewandowski said. youngsters spend the day QOC launched its new web- The 2-0 win in the semi- trophy and the sixth title,” said the final. in the whole of football. We He also said it was a “beau- being active and engaging site to keep up with the lat- final against Al Ahly ofE gypt Robert Lewandowski, who “No other Mexican team want to show that we are de- tiful moment” to play in front in a new sport.” est technology. The QOC of was never in doubt, but Bay- scored both goals in the 2-0 have gone this far, but now we termined to win this competi- of fans again. Asian Games silver website is an important ern struggled a bit to put the win over Al Ahly. want more,” Tigres forward tion,” he told a news confer- Around 12,000 spectators medalist Fares Hassouna platform for Qatari Sport African champions away. “A world cup is always spe- Carlos Gonzalez said. ence on Tuesday. were allowed in the stadium invited all the community and a reliable source of “We travelled to Qatar be- cial. We’re ready. I hope we’ll “We came here hoping to Lewandowski scored a to watch the semi-final match, members to try weightlift- information and news of cause we want to win another turn in an even better display lift the trophy and now that brace in the 2-0 win against Al while in Germany currently all ing. “I invite everyone to Team Qatar, Sports Feder- trophy. We needed time to in the final and that we won’t we’re close, we’re encouraged Ahly of Egypt in the semi-final games must be played behind try out weightlifting on Na- ation and Sports Commit- get into the run of the game,” need so many chances,” the and motivated that we can on Monday. closed doors. tional Sport Day this year! tee in addition to upcoming coach Hansi Flick said. striker added. achieve our goal.” He believes winning the “I honestly have to say, I It is a fantastic sport that sports events in Qatar. “When we did, I think we Flick already confirmed Under coach Ricardo Fer- title on Thursday, when Bay- almost forgot how it is to play dominated the match and de- that midfielders Leon Goretz- retti, who’s in charge since ern face Tigres UANL of Mex- in front of fans,” he said. Sports Wednesday, February 10, 2021 13 QFA PRESIDENT MEETS SAUDI, BRAZIL FOOTBALL CHIEFS Al Ahly super fan’s dream becomes reality

mosphere has been very Mohamed Abouzeid is a good and provided fans of member of the FIFA Fan the clubs attending some Movement. Here’s his eternal memories. first-hand account of the When I was a child, my FIFA Club World Cup family always took me to the Qatar 2020™ experience stadium to watch Al Ahly’s matches. From there, my passion for football started, ixteen years ago, in as well as my love for Al Ahly December 2005, Al of course. Now, I finally got SAhly SC participated the opportunity to give my at the FIFA Club World son the same experience, Cup™ for the first time in that my family gave to me their history. when I was a child. At that time, I was at- February 4 was my son tending university and would Selim’s first ever Al Ahly Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association, met with Yasser Al Mishal, President of the Saudi Football Association, and his accom- never miss a single Al Ahly match, the team he loves panying delegation. Later, the QFA President also received Rogerio Langanke Caboclo, President of the Brazilian Football Confederation, at his office. Meanwhile, the Saudi football match, travelling across Afri- too. He got to sit with Al delegation will also be attending the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 final at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. ca to support the team from Ahly’s supporters and was the stands. However, due to so happy and excited. The the tournament being held in next morning, I found Selim Japan, I was unable to travel sitting alone in his room, and be with the team. singing the famous chant That day a new wish was “Let’s go Ahly”. This was born within me and every music to my ears! ‘Ahlawy’. That wish was to I consider him to be a Qatar’s ‘Diamond in the Desert’ follow Al Ahly to the Club very lucky child due to the World Cup. As our chant fact that his first ever live Al goes: “Wherever you may go, Ahly match was a victory in we follow you.” the FIFA Club World Cup. Sixteen years later, this There is no better start to his wish became a reality and I Al Ahly journey than that. ready to shine during CWC final attended Al Ahly’s first match It was not just Selim at the FIFA Club World Cup that experienced this mo- Qatar 2020™. My team is ment. The stadium had Education City played at the highest level lots of families in attend- in a world club competition, ance. I was witnessing right Stadium gears and this is something I am in front of me the love for very proud of. My team’s Al Ahly being taught and up to host presence among the world’s passed down from genera- third-place continental champions is a tion to generation. historic event. In the semi-final against play-off & final The moment when Hus- Bayern Munich, Al Ahly may sein Elshahat scored Al have lost, but I’m sure the Tribune News Network Ahly’s winning goal is one players benefited from test- Doha of the most memorable mo- ing themselves, to see where ments I have experienced in they stand in comparison to The past few days have seen following Al Ahly over the European football. For my the football world focused last 30 years. It is a moment son and the other boys and on the Middle East and the given worldwide exposure to Assessment System. that I will cherish forever. girls, there was also a lesson: FIFA Club World Cup Qatar Education City and are the lat- “The stadium is equipped For me and as a supporter, football involves winning 2020™. As fans around the est milestones for a venue that with premium facilities to the joy of seeing your team and losing. globe have tuned into the ac- is a source of pride for those accommodate all stakehold- score a goal at a World Cup is At the final whistle, we tion, they have been intro- closely connected to it. “I re- ers from match audiences completely different. There saluted our players, thanking duced to two FIFA World Cup call Education City Stadium to football players,” Al Jabir is no bigger glory. What pro- them for their effort against Qatar 2022™ venues. as a huge hole in the ground added. “For example, the sta- vides a different flavour to the strongest club team in Alongside Ahmad Bin Ali in 2014, and I often catch my- dium can host more than one this year’s FIFA Club World the world. We will demand Stadium, Education City Sta- self overwhelmed to see how football match per day. It is Cup experience is the fact an even bigger effort in the dium has been front and cen- quickly this excavation be- equipped with four dressing that it takes place at stadi- third-place match, to try and tre, while the world’s top clubs came a huge diamond located rooms instead of the stand- ums set to host the FIFA add another bronze medal to have battled it out for the pres- in the middle of universities East Region portion of Asia’s was another challenge, since ard two dressing rooms op- World Cup™, just 22 months the one won in 2006. tigious title. As anticipation and schools in Education top club competition. Staging the stadium hosted 13 match- tion found in other stadiums. from now. One day, I hope the builds for the tournament’s fi- City,” said Engineer Muneera these matches provided valu- es over seven days. The utili- It also has a cooling system in Despite the difficult cir- stands will be full of fans nal match day on 11 February, Al Jabir, Education City Sta- able feedback. sation of the pitch was high, the bowl and the spectators’ cumstances of the COVID-19 again, and I get to see Al Ahly the ‘Diamond in the Desert’ is dium’s Precinct Manager. “We learned many lessons which led to wear on the field of tiers, making the experience pandemic and the social dis- in the final and they win. ready to showcase an exciting “Every now and then, when that helped us to test the ven- play, particularly in the warm- more comfortable, especially tancing restrictions between Even as an adult, you never conclusion to the week-long I stand in the middle of the ue and readiness of the sys- up and goal areas. Thankfully, during summer.” fans, the tournament’s at- stop dreaming! (Fifa.com) event by staging the third- pitch, and look around at the tems and the facilities to host the team was monitoring this Set to host eight matches place play-off between Al beautiful infrastructure, and such events,” said Al Jabir. closely and managed to have up to the quarter-finals stage Ahly SC and SE Palmeiras and all the details from the colour “The AFC Champions League the turf restored and promptly during Qatar 2022, Education the final between FC Bayern of the spectators’ seats to the was an opportunity for us to replaced where necessary to City is ready to welcome the München and Tigres UANL. quality of the grass, I cannot know more about the opera- maintain the required playing world when football’s show- The 40,000-capacity ven- help but feel pure pride as well tion of the stadium and how conditions.” piece event takes place in less ue was tasked with staging as gratification to see that all it could be improved from dif- Located 13km from Doha than two years’ time. For Al four matches over three match our hard work has paid off.” ferent aspects.” city centre and at the heart Jabir, the Club World Cup is days at the Club World Cup. Since being inaugurated Hosting a large number of Qatar Foundation – a vi- another key moment for a ven- On Thursday, 4 February, last June as the third tour- of high-level matches provid- brant centre for knowledge ue project she has been part of reigning Qatar Stars League nament-ready venue for Qa- ed some maintenance chal- and innovation – fans that from the beginning. champions Al Duhail SC took tar 2022, Education City has lenges for the stadium staff. have attended Club World “Attending an official on Egyptian giants and CAF been put to good use, as Qa- “The challenges were mainly Cup matches have enjoyed the match in the stadium and Champions League holders tar stepped up to provide a related to the COVID-19 pre- venue’s accessible nature, es- seeing it operational with live Al Ahly in a second-round centralised hub for football cautions and safety of the peo- pecially via the Doha Metro’s broadcasting on international clash. On Sunday, 7 February, competitions to complete ple participating and working Green Line, with Education television makes me feel proud Education City played host to their schedules in 2020 due in the stadium. The stadium City station situated within and confident with our readi- recently-crowned CONME- to the COVID-19 pandemic. had three rounds of disinfec- walking distance of this ul- ness to host the FIFA World BOL Libertadores champions Top of that list was the 2020 tion per match day for facili- tramodern arena. It is also Cup 2022, which always mo- Palmeiras in the competi- AFC Champions League, as ties like the press conference a lasting symbol of sustain- tivates us to look for the best tion’s first semi-final, as they the venue hosted a total of 23 room, players’ bench areas ability after becoming the first to ensure we provide an un- faced CONCACAF Champions matches. This included ten and competition and bubble Qatar 2022 tournament venue forgettable experience of the League holders Tigres UANL. games in the West Region area,” Al Jabir said. to receive a five-star rating matches that will be hosted in Mohamed Abouzeid with his son Selim. Those match days have section and 13 matches in the “The pitch maintenance from the Global Sustainability our stadiums in 2022.” FIFA CWC important step towards 2022: SC Ambassadors

QNA under these current circum- for the club champions, re- with this exceptional situation Doha stances is a great challenge, es- jecting the idea of holding the in a distinctive way through the pecially in light of the world’s tournament with 24 teams, es- health bubble that included all Ambassadors of the Su- exposure to a second wave of pecially since the international the participants of the tourna- preme Committee for Delivery the pandemic, and as the ma- agenda is crowded and will not ment: players, officials, admin- and Legacy (SC) Mohammed jority of the big leagues on the allow a tournament of this size. istrators, escorts and fans. Saadoun Al Kuwari and Wael European continent are held Jumaa also noted the great Gomaa said the remarkable Gomaa on Tuesday praised the without public attendance. difference in levels as well as success in organizing the FIFA distinguished organizational He added that Qatar has technical differences between Club World Cup is a new step success of the ongoing FIFA been very successful in organiz- Arab clubs and their European in the road to organize a his- Club World Cup Qatar 2020 in ing the tournament and has sent counterparts, stressing it is toric World Cup in 2022 and Doha, under the current corona- an important message to the difficult for Arab representa- provide all World Cup visitors virus pandemic crisis, terming it world regarding its readiness tive in the Club World Cup or with an exceptional experience, a good introduction and an im- to host the World Cup 2022, as any other Arab team to defeat pointing out that Qatar has left portant step on the road to host it operated and tested two new the European team participat- nothing to chance, especially the World Cup 2022 that will be World Cup stadiums, namely Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Ambassadors Wael Gomaa (left) and Mohammed Saadoun ing in this tournament, which in light of the distinctive in- held for the first time in the Arab Ahmad Bin Ali and Education Al Kuwari. is expected to win the title. frastructure, luxurious tourna- world and the Middle East. City stadiums, highlighting Qa- Gomaa praised the distin- ment facilities as well as stadi- In an open online con- tar’s great capabilities in hosting sports facilities in preparation opened and operated, namely at Al Thumama, Lusail and guished organization of the Club ums that are in close proximity versation with the media, Al any sporting event. for the World Cup which will Khalifa International, Ahmad Ras Abu Aboud stadiums. World Cup in Qatar for the sec- to one another, which will al- Kuwari said that hosting the The SC Ambassador Al be a legacy for the Arab re- Bin Ali, Al Janoub, and Educa- On his part, SC Ambassa- ond edition in a row, especially low fans to attend more than champions of the six conti- Kuwari noted the paradigm gion in general, pointing out tion City, as Al Bayt stadium dor Wael Gomaa said that the under the current pandemic one match on the same day, a nents and holding the FIFA shift that Qatar is experienc- that with regard to the stadi- is completed and construction Club World Cup is an enter- conditions, indicating that the feature that cannot be found in Club World Cup competitions ing in the infrastructure and ums, four stadiums have been works are completed by 90% tainment and honorary event health system in Qatar dealt any previous tournament. 14 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 Sports Djokovic backs technology over linespeople

DPA Sydney

World number one Novak Djokovic is in favour of tech- nology replacing linespeople across the ATP Tour amid the absence of judges at the Aus- tralian Open. This year’s is being held without line judges as a response to coronavirus restrictions ’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates after winning against Montene- Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts on a point against Serbia’s Laslo Djere during the men’s singles match on day at Park, where Novak Djokovic at a press confer- gro’s Danka Kovinic at Australian Open on Tuesday. (AFP) two of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday. (AFP) “Hawk-Eye Live” technology ence at the Australian Open. (AFP) is being used on every court. It is the first Rafael Nadal. to replace all linespeople with “I respect all of my oppo- technology as the tournament nents’ records. I think espe- seeks to limit the number cially Roger and Rafa, what Nadal, Medvedev and of people on court amid the they have achieved over the COVID-19 pandemic. years. They are legends of our Djokovic was sensation- sport, and I admire them a ally disqualified in the fourth lot,” Djokovic said. “They have round of last year’s US Open positively affected my game Rublev power on; Barty for inadvertently hitting a ball and my growth, my develop- at a line judge during his clash ment and all my success. with Pablo Carreno Busta in New York. Asked about the situation Novak Djokovic was at the Australian Open, de- sensationally disqualified makes comeback fending champion and eight- time winner Djokovic told re- in the fourth round of DPA son Inglis in straight sets. porters: “I think back [at the] last year’s US Open for Sydney SHADOW PLAY: Russia’s Daniil The 22-year-old American US Open last year, someone inadvertently hitting a ball Medvedev hits a return against won 7-5, 6-4, eliminating lo- asked me whether I would at a line judge during his Spaniard Rafael Nadal Canada’s Vasek Pospisil during cal wildcard Inglis, who Kenin support the idea of introduc- clash with Pablo Carreno made it through to the Aus- their men’s singles match on day said was “playing well”. ing this kind of line call tech- Busta in New York. tralian Open’s second round two of the Australian Open in “She’s playing well. I knew nology at every tournament. as he downed Serb Laslo Djere Melbourne on Tuesday. (AFP) it was going to be a tough “Obviously providing that 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 on Tuesday. match. I played her I don’t the tournament is able to af- Wouldn’t be what it is if The 20-time Grand lam know how many years ago, but ford financially that kind of these two guys were not there. winner had been struggling with we played at Maureen Con- investment, because obviously “I have had tremendous a back injury in recent months nolly, I lost,” Kenin said. it is an investment. rivalries with these two guys but it did not appear to hold “She’s playing the defend- “I said that I support that, and we still keep on going. But him back as he powered against ing champion, so of course because I feel, yes, I under- I don’t want any of their suc- number-56-ranked Djere. she’s more loose. I wasn’t there stand that there is a tradition cess, if you know what I mean. “I needed to survive today 100 per cent mentally, but a and history and the way we I’m not jealous of their success and that’s what I did. Just win is a win and I’ll take it.” kind of got used to the line um- or anything like that. tried to be focused all the time, Later, two-time Austral- pires being there, and I think I try to build my own au- tried to get through,” said Na- ian Open champion and 12th it’s nice that there is a lot of thentic career and my own dal, the 2009 champion at seed Azarenka was people and also volunteers success, and I stick to that.” . shocked by American Jessica with these line umpires that Djokovic added: “I am always “Here I am to try my best Pegula 7-5, 6-4. love and love to have an motivated and inspired to as always. That’s it. Let’s go Garbine Muguruza, whom opportunity to be out on the achieve big goals and break re- day by day. Kenin defeated in the 2020 court and be close to the play- cords. I would lie if I say that’s Today I was able to find a Melbourne final, also made it ers and be part of a great event. not, you know, something that way to be through. That gives through to the second round in “But I think when you I’m thinking about or that my me the chance to have one more Australian Open semi-finalist, I’m excited to play my sec- it’s incredible. I felt great out straight sets, beating Russian draw a line that generally I attention is not going that way. day tomorrow,” Nadal added. was sensational to kick off his ond round.” In the women’s here tonight. To play in front Margarita Gasparjan 6-4, 6-0. actually am in favour of tech- “I have been very transpar- Russians Daniil Medvedev campaign beating Gilles Simon competition, world number of you guys is a real honour, a US teenage phenomenon nology. I think it’s proven to be ent about the fact that one of and Andrey Rublev have con- in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-1. one Ash Barty made a perfect privilege, and we’re truly grate- Coco Gauff grabbed a convinc- very accurate in this particular the biggest goals is to try to tinued their unbeaten sum- A five-set marathon that Grand Slam comeback with a ful to be here,” she told the ing 6-3, 6-2 win over Switzer- instance. I don’t see a reason reach the number one of all mers and will also head to the lasted over four hours took place 6-0, 6-0 win over Danka Ko- crowd at the . land’s Jil Teichmann at the why we need the line umpires, time weeks’ record, and I’m second round. between Michael Mmoh of the vinic and advanced to the sec- Barty is trying to end a renamed , to be honest, if we have tech- getting closer and closer to Two days after defeat- United States and Viktor Troicki ond round. wait of more than 40 years for formerly Melbourne Arena. nology like this. I would of that one. That’s a kind of a life- ing Italy in the ATP teams of Serbia. Mmoh won 7-6 (7-3), Home favourite Barty a home win at the Australian The 16-year-old will next course keep the ball kids, but time achievement for me. event, fourth-seeded Medve- 6-7 (3-7), 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5. has hardly played in the last Open since Chris O’Neil in 1978. face fifth seed Elina Svitolina, line calls I’m in favour of this “Grand Slams, as well. Of dev crushed Canadian Vasek Debutant Carlos Alcaraz months having elected to stay “The competitor in me who defeated Czech Marie technology.” course the Masters events, I Pospisil 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 while was impressive in his first in Australia rather than cross missed what this is all about. Bouzkova 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) at Rod Djokovic was speaking think the 1000 events over the the seventh-seeded Rublev main court match in a grand the world during the corona- It’s coming out here and really Laver Arena. after beginning his quest for years I have managed to be very downed German Yannick slam to defeat Botic van de virus to compete in the rear- enjoying that thrill and the Another rising star, Greek a ninth Australian Open title consistent and win a lot of ti- Hanfmann 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Zandschulp of the Nether- ranged tennis schedule at the fight,” Barty said. 20th seed Maria Sakkari, was with a 6-3 6-1 6-2 win over tles there. Those are the biggest “I didn’t know how I was lands 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. end of 2020. Defending champion Sofia stunned by France’s Kristina Jeremy Chardy on Monday. events that we have on the four going to feel physically ... hap- “I’m very happy to [get] This was her first Grand Kenin made it through to the Mladenovic 6-2, 0-6, 6-3, a The 17-time Grand Slam other than Grand Slams. I try to py that I managed to finish it this win today in my first Slam match since her semifi- competition’s second round of disappointing result a year af- champion is trying to close the be a good student of the game. fast. Feeling good, let’s see how Grand Slam,” he said. “I try to nal appearance at Melbourne the Melbourne slam on Tues- ter the 25-year-old reached a gap on 20-time major winners “And yeah, I’m still lucky I go after,” Medvedev said. enjoy, to play my game. I en- Park 12 months ago. day without much difficulty, career-best fourth round in a Roger Federer – who is absent to be where I am. Let’s see Stefanos Tsitsipas, a 2019 joyed it. I got the experience. “This is what it’s all about, defeating Australian Maddi- slam in Melbourne. from this year’s event – and what the future holds.” Reverse-swinging Anderson stars as England humble India Root & Co win Scoreboard England (1st Inns): 578 first Test by India (1st Innings): 337 England (2nd Innings): 178 227 runs India (2nd Innings; Overnight 39-1) Rohit Sharma b Leach 12 Shubman Gill b Anderson 50 Agencies Chesteshwar Pujara c Stokes b Leach 15 Chennai Virat Kohli b Stokes 72 Ajinkya Rahane b Anderson 0 England coasted to a re- Rishabh Pant c Root b Anderson 11 sounding 227-run victory Washington Sundar c Buttler b Bess 0 against India in the first Test R Ashwin c Buttler b Leach 9 in Chennai, with Jimmy An- Shahbaz Nadeem c Burns b Leach 0 derson reverse swinging his Ishant Sharma not out 5 Jasprit Bumrah c Buttler b Archer 4 way to 611 wickets. Extras: (b8, lb5, nb1) 14 The victory lifted England Total: (All Out, 58.1 overs): 192 all the way to the top of the Fall of wkts: 2-58, 3-92, 4-92, 5-110, 6-117, ICC World Test Champion- 7-171, 8-179, 9-179, 10-192. ship standings, and if they Bowling: Jofra Archer 9.1-4-23-1, Jack Leach can win two more matches 26-4-76-4 (nb1), James Anderson 11-4-17- matches in this series, they India captain Virat Kohli, who made a rearguard 72, is castled by 3, Dom Bess 8-0-50-0, Ben Stokes 4-1-13-1. can seal their qualification for England players greet James Anderson after he claimed one of his three scalps on the final day of the first Ben Stokes. This is the first time in three years that Kohli has been Toss: England. Result: England won by 227 runs. the marquee final againstN ew Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. (Pics: BCCI) dismissed clean bowled. Zealand at Lord’s. India too will need to win founded by Jack Leach. From spinners, using his feet to dis- getting started. Three balls third wicket when he tamely faced up to a short-ball attack the excellent Leach broke the two matches in the series to wide of the crease, Leach got turb their lengths, but he was later, he meted out the exact pushed one to short cover. from the Indian pacers, tak- stand, doing Ashwin in with seal their qualification, mak- one to pitch on middle and no match for Anderson, who same treatment to Ajinkya Washington Sundar, who ing a few blows, even as Kohli extra bounce. ing for a potentially exhilarat- spit away, and Pujara could do had started reversing the ball. Rahane, who had narrowly scored 85* in the first-in- showcased his class in a few It wasn’t long before Ben ing rest of the series. little but fend at it. Shortly after bringing up survived an lbw appeal on the nings, scored nought this time strokes, in between some solid Stokes got one on a crack, and The day began with India In came captain Virat his half-century, Anderson previous delivery, and India around, Dom Bess joining the defensive play. They put up Kohli’s stumps were uprooted resuming on 39/1, with Shub- Kohli to join Gill, and the duo had Gill cleaned up with a were 92/4. party to having him caught a fighting 54-run stand, dur- as it kept low. Kohli looked at man Gill and Cheteshwar Pu- went about pushing back. Gill beauty. He pitched it in full, Rishabh Pant, who had behind. India were 117/6, ing the course of which Kohli the pitch in frustration, and jara in the middle. It wasn’t an looked good for as long as he and angled it in with the re- scored a fine counter-attacking with their hopes more or less brought up his 24th half-cen- with the Indian captain gone ideal start for India, with Pu- was there, notching up a third verse, completely beating 91 in the first-innings, couldn’t snuffed out. tury in Test cricket. for 72, it wasn’t long before jara walking back shortly into half-century in a fledgling ca- Gill’s defences and uprooting repeat the feat this time Ashwin and Kohli then India were always fighting England sealed victory. the morning, having been con- reer. He expertly dealt with the the stumps. Anderson was just around, becoming Anderson’s pushed back. Ashwin bravely against the tide, though, and (ICC-cricket.com)