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Friday 13 January 2017 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Amla bags ton in Konta downs 100th Test as SA Bouchard to storm take control into Sydney final Sheikh Joaan elected President of QOC

Doha committees attended as well. President of Qatar Football Asso- Al Attiyah as head of the Taek- Hockey and Federations, QNA They discussed the committee's ciation, Nasser Ghanem Al wondo and Judo Federation, Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Atti- schedule for 2017, the new for- Khulaifi as President of the Qatar Hassan Nasser Al Nuaimi as head yah as president of Qatar E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad mation of different sports Tennis Federation (QTF) and of the Golf Association, Khalil Equestrian Federation, Dr Al Thani was yesterday associations, as well as the com- Squash, Dr Thani Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jaber as Qatar Swim- Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari as Helected President of Qatar mittee's progress in terms Al Kuwari as president of Qatar ming Association. Abdulsalam head of the triathlon and cycling Olympic Committee in its new qualification for the Tokyo Olym- Athletics Federation, Rabea Abbas Hassan as head of Qatar federation and Lolwa Hussein Al term 2017-2020, with Thani bin pics 2020. Mohammed Al Kaabi as head of Association, Yousuf Ali Marri as head of the Women's Abdulrahman Al Kuwari elected The new formations of the the Qatar School Sport Associa- Kazim as President of Qatar Box- Sports Committee. as Secretary-General. sports federations came as fol- tion, President of the Qatar ing Federation, Khalifa At the conclusion of the The election took place in the lows: H E Sheikh Joaan bin Fencing Federation and Weight Mohammed Al Hitmi as president assembly, H E Sheikh Joaan bin General Assembly that was held Hamad Al Thani heads the Qatar Lifting, Khalil Ahmed Al Moha- of Qatar Chess Association, Ali Hamad Al Thani thanked all pre- at the committee's headquarters. Air Sports Committee, H E Sheikh nadi as President of Qatar Table Ahmed Al Hitmi as President of vious officials for their efforts and H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Abdulrahman bin Saoud as head Tennis Association, Ahmed Qatar Gymnastics Federation, Ali achievement. His Excellency then Qatar Olympic Committee Thani presided over the assem- of the special needs sports com- Mohammed Al Shaabi as presi- Ghanem Al Kuwari head of Qatar called on the new committee to President H E Sheikh bly. The Secretary-General and mittee, H E Sheikh Hamad bin dent of Qatar Handball Volleyball Association, Youssef put more effort to support the Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani heads of the Olympic Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani as Association, Khalid bin Hamad Jaham Al Kuwari the Rugby, Olympic movement in Qatar. Qatar eye repeat show in France

Fawad Hussain The Peninsula

yeing another impres- sive run in the prestigious competi- tion, Qatar will take on Egypt in their opening Ematch of the World Handball Championship hoping to start their campaign on a winning note in Paris today. Two years ago when the Gulf state hosted the event, Qatar dis- played historic performance in front of home fans and became the first non-European side to reach the final of the global event. The competition which surprise 2015 runner-up side will started on Wednesday is featur- meet Sweden and Denmark on ing as many as 24 teams with Al January 18 and 20 respectively Anabi being placed in group D in their final group games. along with European giants Den- Qatar’s stunning perform- mark and Sweden besides tough ance in the 2015 edition was Argentinean side. Bahrain and ended by giants France with a Egypt are other teams in the 25-22 win in the final at Lusail Qatari player Rafael group. Multipurpose Hall. Despite the After their match against loss in the final, Al Anabi won Capote in action in this file Egypt, Qatar will take on Bah- applause from the entire world photograph. INSET: The rain on January 15 before taking handball fraternity. Qatar National Handball on Argentina on January 17. The “The world championship team and officials. that we played at home two Pictures: www. World Handball years ago was certainly the best francehandball2017.com moment of my handball career,” Qatar take on Egypt in said star Qatari player Rafael their opening game of Capote ahead of team’s opening got hope to get a good result,” he Denmark, Sweden and Argen- Meanwhile, hosts and Jose Toledo netted five goals for World Handball game. added. tina, three teams that will want defending champions France, Brazil. Adrien Dipanda and Championship. “I’d really like to obtain such The 29-year-old stressed to finish at the best spot as they started their title-defence with Olivier Nyokas added three goals results again. We know that that the team will have to give a can so make life easier for the a crushing 31-16 win over Olym- each for France in the second Defending champions France will be the obvious good display in preliminary rest of the competition. And the, pic quarter-finalists Brazil on half. and hosts France target favourite in this world champi- round of the event. from the Last 16, it will be Wednesday in Paris. France are targeting their onship since, with your fans “The main thing for us will another competition, anything Valentin Porte who scored sixth world crown. They were the their sixth world crown. backing you up, you can do be to play well in the group can happen when you play only six goals was the top scorer for winners in 1995, 2001, 2009, almost surreal things. But we’ve games, where we’ll meet with one game,” he said. the hosts while 2011 and 2015 editions. Qatar Total Open ticket go online QFA suspends seven

The Peninsula hands are on the deck to ensure players for misconduct a very successful tournament he online ticket-sales for and it is our belief that this the 2017 Qatar Total Open year’s event will be greater than Doha two months. He was also fined Twas launched by Saad Al all the previous in all ramifica- QNA QR30,000. Mohannadi, Qatar Total Open tions,” Tournament Director El Jaish's Romario Ricardo Tournament Director and Guil- Saad al Mohannadi said. atar Football Associa- was suspended for two laume Chalmin, Total E&P “Qatar Total Open is a sym- tion's (QFA) disciplinary matches and fined QR30,000 Qatar Managing Director bol of the strategic and Q committee yesterday for unsportsmanlike conduct. yesterday. enduring partnership between issued suspensions and fines His teammate Sanad Al A private sale of tickets for the prominent energy leader for seven players and an offi- Nuaimi was suspended for the employees of the Total E&P Total-Qatar and QTF aimed at cials for their misconduct three weeks and fined a simi- was also launched yesterday taking the sport to higher during the 15th round of Qatar lar amount. morning alongside the opening heights and bringing the com- Stars League (QSL). Another El Jaish player, of public sales via the www. munity of Qatar the finest The first round of suspen- Mohammed Ahmed Al Jabri, qatartennis.org web site. tennis and entertainment.” He sions were for misconduct was suspended for two “It’s a great privilege to host added. during the Al Arabi vs El Jaish matches and fined QR10,000. this world-class event again in Fans can also purchase match. The committee also sus- Doha. Qatar has become a tickets are available today at The committee suspended pended Umm Salal's Mahmoud Guillaume Chalmin, Total E&P Qatar Managing Director (left) and home for tennis and we are City Centre, Land Mark and Director of Football Salah Al Al Mawas and Yannick Sagbo, ready as usual to showcase the Khalifa Complex and tomorrow Saad Al Mohannadi, Qatar Total Open Tournament Director pose for Mulla from staying at the dug- Al Rayyan's Victor Caceres and best the game can offer. All at Villaggio and Mall of Qatar. a photo during the launch of ticket-sales for 2017 Qatar Total Open. out or the changing rooms for Abdul Kareem Salem Al Ali. SPORT 13 JANUARY 2017 FRIDAY 21

South African batsman Hashim Amla swings for a four scoring a century in his 100th Test during Mominul, Tamim shine the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. in New Zealand gloom

Wellington SCOREBOARD AFP Bangladesh (I innings): T Iqbal lbw Boult ...... 56 ominul Haque and I Kayes c Boult b Southee ...... 1 Tamim Iqbal plundered M Haque (batting) ...... 64 Mthe New Zealand attack Mahmudullah c Watling b Wagner ...... 26 to have Bangladesh 154-3 at S Al Hasan (batting) ...... 5 stumps on a rain-disrupted Extras (LB-2)...... 2 opening day of the first Test in Total (for 3 wkts)...... 154 Fall of : 1-16, 2-60, 3-145. Wellington yesterday. Bowling: Boult 12.2-3-53-1; Southee 11-3- Only 40.2 overs were pos- 45-1; de Grandhomme 6-0-26-0; Wagner 11- sible with play stopped twice 2-28-1. because of rain and eventually New Zealand: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane ended by bad light with Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls,

Mominul unbeaten on 64 at the Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling, Mitchell close and Shakib Al Hasan on Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult. five after being dropped on four. Opener Tamim went for 56. resumed after the first rain The overcast weather, break as he trapped Tamim lbw strong wind and green in the first over of his second at the Basin Reserve suggested spell. a bowler's paradise at the start It was the second leg- of the day but the conditions before appeal Tamim faced and proved not as threatening as both were initially turned Amla bags ton in 100th first thought. down. Instead the bowlers, partic- New Zealand sought a ularly Trent Boult in the early review both times and were overs, had trouble keeping their successful with the second balance and line in the wind – challenge. with gusts up to 120 kilometres Mominul, who has scored Test as SA take control per hour (74.6 mph). two centuries in four previous The wind sent the bails, innings against New Zealand, players' caps and sunglasses had been rather circumspect SA dominate penultimate over of the day. The flying and forced the television until the rain arrived for a sec- pair wrested the initiative away cameramen to vacate their ond time 89 minutes into the Hashim Amla and JP from Sri Lanka, who had made tower at the exposed end of the middle session. Duminy put on 292 a bright start in seamer-friendly ground but it could not stop The left-hander launched for the third wicket conditions, having been asked Tamim and Mominul cashing into Tim Southee with two fours on the opening day to bowl. in. and a top-edge that flew over South Africa's openers Tamim only faced 50 deliv- the wicketkeeper's head for six Amla scores his 26th Stephen Cook (10) and Dean eries for his whirlwind 56, before the players left the field. century in his 100th Elgar (27) put on 45 in an hour which included 11 boundaries, Southee, working into the Test before both fell at the same while Mominul has 10 fours and wind, removed opener Imrul score. Cook was plumb leg a six to his name. Kayes for one and had figures before wicket to visiting Tamim was particularly of one for six off 5.3 overs when Johannesburg Angelo Mathews in the 16th over, tough on Boult at the start of the rain first stopped play, and fin- Reuters wasting a review. day and New Zealand's new- ished the day with one for 45. Five balls later, Elgar chased ball specialist, with the wind Boult has one for 55 and Wag- ashim Amla became a wide ball from Kumara and behind him, was pulled out of ner, who removed the eighth player to with little foot movement, edged the attack after three overs Mahmudullah (26) ended with score a century in the ball to Dimuth Karunaratne which cost 26 runs of which one for 28. The forecast for the their 100th Test as at first slip. Tamim had 25. next two days is for fine he guided South South Africa handed a debut But Boult had the final say weather with further rain HAfrica to a commanding 338 for to 24-year-old seamer Olivier, in their battle when play expected on Sunday. three at the close of play on day the leading wicket-taker in one of the third and final Test domestic four-day cricket, in against Sri Lanka at the Wan- place of spinner Keshav Bangladesh's derers yesterday. South African batsman JP Duminy celebrates his 150th run Maharaj. Mominul Haque Amla put behind him some during the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers in celebrates his half- wretched recent form that had Johannesburg, yesterday. century during seen him without a 50 in his pre- SCOREBOARD day one of the vious 10 innings to finish the day was put down by Dhananjaya Greenidge, Alec Stewart, South Africa (I innings): first Test against on 125 . de Silva and grew in stature as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ricky Ponting S Cook lbw Mathews ...... 10 New Zealand at D Elgar c Karunaratne b Kumara ...... 27 The 33-year-old put on 292 his innings progressed on a (both innings) and Graeme the Basin Reserve for the third wicket with JP wicket that had some life in it. Smith. H Amla (batting) ...... 125 J Duminy c Mendis b Kumara ...... 155 in Wellington, Duminy (155), a record for any He reached his 26th century Duminy had initially been D Olivier (batting) ...... 0 yesterday. wicket for South Africa against off 169 balls, with the second 50 the aggressor in the partnership Extras (B-9, LB-8, NB-1, W-3) ...... 21 Sri Lanka, to boost their chances taking just 60 deliveries as he and went to his sixth Test cen- Total (for 3 wkts)...... 338 of a series clean-sweep. picked the gaps in the field with tury off 140 balls, displaying Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-45, 3-337. He will resume in the morn- ease. some immaculate timing and Bowling: Lakmal 20-3-70-0; Pradeep 18-3-58- ing with debutant Amla joins an elite group of straight drives down the ground. 0 (2w); Mathews 12-4-25-1 (1nb); Kumara 18-1- nightwatchman Duanne Olivier, players who have made a cen- He was eventually caught at 79-2 (1w); Herath 14-0-67-0; De Silva 8-1-22-0. Sri Lanka: A Mathews, D Karunaratne, K Silva, K

who has yet to score. tury in their 100th Test – the second slip by Kusal Mendis off Mendis, D de Silva, D Chandimal, U Tharanga, R Amla offered a simple others being Colin Cowdrey, the bowling of teenage seamer Herath, S Lakmal, L Kumara, N Pradeep. chance to gully when on five that Javed Miandad, Gordon Lahiru Kumara (2-79) in the Windies to host Pakistan Lynn, Stanlake to make ODI debuts with eye on ICC rankings Sydney AUSTRALIA AFP Australia - David Warner, Travis Head, Jamaica International Cricket Council Steve Smith (capt), Chris Lynn, Mitchell Reuters (ICC) World rankings. hris Lynn and Billy Stan- Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, "Any series against Pakistan lake will make their James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell est Indies will host a always poses an interesting limited overs debut for C Starc, Billy Stanlake. full series, including contest for the West Indies," he Australia in today's opening one- W three Tests, against said in a statement. day international against Australia's Pakistan beginning on March There was no word from Pakistan in Brisbane today. Glenn Maxwell "He's got a licence to play the 31, the West Indies Cricket WICB, however, on the possi- Skipper Steve Smith said makes a way he wants to play," Smith Board (WICB) has said. bility of playing two Twenty20s dynamic batsman Lynn and return for ODI told reporters. "But 50 overs is Queen's Park Oval in Port- in Pakistan, which remains a beanpole pace bowler Stanlake series against a long time so you've also got be of-Spain will stage two no-go zone for top teams wary would start with Usman Kha- Pakistan. a bit smarter with the way you Twenty20s between the two of security issues in the south waja and leg-spinner Adam play, but he's got some freedom sides , to be followed by three Asian country. Zampa left out of the first of five to go out and play nice and one-dayers at the Guyana games against the visitors this positively. National Stadium. SCHEDULE month. "He's been in red hot form Kingston's Sabina Park will March 31: 1st T20I, Port-of-Spain Lynn has appeared in five and hopefully he can bring that host the first Test from April 22, T20s for Australia but will play to the international stage." followed by matches in Bridg- April 2: 2nd T20I, Port-of-Spain international 50-over cricket for The elevation of Head to the etown (April 30 to May 4) and April 7: 1st ODI, Providence the first time while Stanlake will Allrounder Glenn Maxwell is being rested from the open- top of the order has come at the Roseau (May 10 to 14). debut despite having played just also returns for the first time in ing ODI after a heavy schedule expense of Khawaja, who has Former giants West Indies April 9: 2nd ODI, Providence four one-dayers for his Queens- 13 matches, with the Australians this season. returned to the ODI squad but rank a lowly eighth in Tests and April 11: 3rd ODI, Providence land state side. opting for a pace attack of Stan- Smith said he expected won't play on Friday. WICB manager of operations Travis Head will open the lake, Mitchell Starc and Pat right-hander Lynn to play with It also means Zampa, the Roland Holder said the series April 22-26: 1st Test, Kingston batting alongside David Warner Cummins as well as medium- the same freedom he has shown leading ODI wicket-taker in the against number five Pakistan April 30-May 4: 2nd Test, Bridgetown in the absence of the dumped pace allrounders James Faulkner for the Brisbane Heat in the this world in 2016, misses out with would offer an additional Aaron Finch, with Lynn to bat at and Mitchell Marsh. season's Twenty20 Big Bash Head and Maxwell to carry the May 10-14: 3rd Test, Roseau opportunity to improve their number four. Test bowler Josh Hazlewood League. spin-bowling workload. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 2017

Reasons to love Konta downs Bouchard to Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

The Peninsula

olf fans will be in for a treat when a star- storm into Sydney final studded line-up will feature at the Doha GGolf Club during the 20th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which will be held from Sydney winning in Stanford and a runner- January 26 to 29. AFP up in Beijing last year. The highly anticipated event is organised Radwanska, the 2013 champion, by The Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the Qatar ohanna Konta blasted Eugenie was too clinical for the 19th-ranked Olympic Committee (QOC), Doha Golf Club and Bouchard in straight sets to set Czech, who was showing the drain- long-term title sponsor, Commercial Bank. up a Sydney International final ing effects of the four hours and 22 Since 1998 the prestigious Qatar Masters with Agnieszka Radwanska minutes on court in her Wednesday's golf tournament has been hosted by Doha Golf Jyesterday. singles and doubles matches. Club at the beginning of each year as part of The The British sixth seed dominated "I think I'm playing better and European Tour. her evening semi-final with the better each match," Radwanska said. To celebrate the 20th edition of the Com- former Wimbledon finalist, winning "I really like to play in Australia. mercial Bank Qatar Masters from 26-29 January, 6-2, 6-2 in 68 minutes. I love the courts. I feel very comfort- we take a look at our 20 favourite things about She will face Polish second seed able here and in Melbourne. the unmissable annual sporting event at the Radwanska, who is one win away "I'm just very happy to make Doha Golf Club. from her second Sydney title after another final, especially here when crushing fatigued Barbora Strycova it's always very strong 1.GETTING OUTDOORS: When you're chained to a desk sit- 6-1 6-2 earlier yesterday. tournament." ting at a computer most of the day, getting a full weekend out Konta lost both her only two Radwanska, who has reached and about under the glorious sun and in-between nature, matches with Radwanska last year, two Australian Open finals, said she breathing in that fresh air and freshly cut grass is just therapeu- but she has been in terrific form this was ready for next week's first Grand tic, isn't it? week, accounting for Arina Rodi- Slam tournament of the year. 2. THE NERVES: This is easily one of the things we love most onova, Daria Gavrilova, Daria "I've already had good matches. about golf in general. It's an excited anticipation. Watching your Kasatkina and now Bouchard with- I can feel I'm playing better and bet- favourite golfers tee off at sunrise in Doha’s perfect January out dropping a set. ter. I'm hitting the ball better each "She's been one of the best play- match," she said. weather is incomparable to anything else. ers for as long as I can remember, "So I think that's the most impor- 3.GOLFING ACTION: Your favourite golfer pulling off a spec- so she's definitely doing something tant thing to have match rhythm. So, tacular shot. Isn't it the best when you witness history made live right," Konta said of facing Radwan- yeah, I think I have had enough. in action? ska in the final. "And I'm just ready for tomor- 4.PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES GALORE: The chance for the "I've played her twice before, I've row for my last match before ultimate sporting #Selfie at Qatar’s largest annual sporting lost twice, so hopefully I will do a Melbourne." event. Nothing beats that better job tomorrow, but either way Strycova has now lost seven 5.ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY: Much more I am looking forward to the straight matches against Radwan- than four days of international golf action, the Commercial Bank challenge." ska and didn't win a game on serve Qatar Masters brings a range of family fun to Doha as one of the It will be 25-year-old Konta's until the fifth game of the third set. biggest social events on Qatar’s calendar third career WTA Tour final after Radwanska dropped just three 6.YOU DON’T NEED A BABYSITTER: no matter the age of points on serve in the second set, your kids you can come down and enjoy the weekend with the wrapping up the contest in an hour entire family as your kids will be able to try out a range of sports Exciting final on the cards and 15 minutes. Johanna Konta including mini & soft golf. Kids under 14 enter for free. Radwanska, who has been The British sixth seed of Britain hits unbeaten in her past six finals 7.THE PUBLIC VILLAGE: The most popular social area of the Johanna Konta sets up a a return to Eugenie matches, has been in confident form event, located to the 9th Fairway of the Academy Course, with a Sydney International final this week with victories over Amer- Bouchard of Canada huge range of entertainment from outstanding food and bever- with Agnieszka ican Christina McHale and China's in their women's age options to big screens, shopping opportunities and live Radwanska. Duan Yingying. semi-final match at the scoring. It was a big night for Britain on Sydney International 8. YOU WON’T GO HUNGRY: The wide array of gourmet food Polish second seed Ken Rosewall Arena with Daniel tennis tournament in offerings that are set to tantalize your taste buds making the Radwanska is one win Evans beating the top seed Dominic Sydney yesterday. tournament just that bit more enjoyable. away from her second Thiem to reach today's men's semi- Konta won 6-2, 6-2 9.SHOP TILL YOU DROP: Exclusive shopping boulevard ex- Sydney title. final before Konta's smashing win in 68 minutes. perience for visitors, with a wide selection of accessories and over Bouchard. apparel. 10.UNIQUE GOLF COURSE: The Doha Golf Club was one of the first grass golf courses to be built in the Middle East. It enjoys all the merits of golf with excellent fairways, true greens and Johnson challenging holes Muller reaches third-straight 11.FAIRWAY STREET STYLES: This is Doha’s biggest social event of the year, come down and witness the Doha Golf club upsets Isner transform into a fashion runway as everyone will be dressed to in Auckland the nines. People will be coming out to the 20th edition of semi-final, faces Troicki Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in carefully chosen outfits to be featured in the following week’s society pages. You better start Auckland thinking of an outfit, we know you want to. Agencies Sydney Gilles Muller of Luxembourg hits a 12. WATCHING THE STARS PRACTICE: at the driving range. AFP return during the men's quarter-final You may begin to understand how Branden Grace has con- merican Steve match at the Sydney International quered the very tricky and windy Doha Golf Club course to lift Johnson upset uxembourg's Gilles Muller tennis tournament in Sydney the Mother of Pearl trophy two years in a row. Acountryman and reached his third-straight semi- yesterday. 13.THE VILLAGE CONCERT SERIES: continues each day friend John Isner 6-3, final at the Sydney International L following close of play, with a diverse range of regional and in- 4-7, 7-6(3) in two with a big-serving straight sets vic- ternational acts packing the venue and making for one of the hours and 14 minutes tory over second seed Pablo Cuevas on Thursday for a yesterday. most popular social events on Doha’s calendar. place in the Auckland Muller thundered down 17 aces in 14. TRICK SHOT BOYS: will entertain the masses daily with Classic semi-finals. ousting the Uruguayan 7-6 (7/5) 6-4 their unique brand of golfing comedy. Johnson won 85 per and will face two-time defending 15. HOSPITALITY: Guests can enjoy a memorable alfresco or cent of his first-serve champion Viktor Troicki in today's retreat to climate controlled luxury hospitality to enjoy exquisite points and overcame 19 semis. five-star dining and access to an open bar followed by high tea, Isner aces. Troicki, on a 13-match winning as well as live coverage on multiple television monitors. Isner netted a fore- streak in Sydney, advanced to the last 16.LIVE COOKING STATIONS: Guests, in hospitality, will de- hand volley to bring up four after German Philipp Kohlsch- light in complimentary dining specially prepared by IHG Culinary three match points for reiber withdrew before their match Ambassadors, Chef Tobias Gensheimer and Chef Hiroaki Nagai- Johnson in the third-set citing a lower back injury. shi, for breakfast and lunch. tie-break. Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem 17. QUIET PLEASE: there is something almost magical about He would need only went out to British number three Dan- (I'll) try to play well. I think if I serve semi-finals with only one win," the moment right before a tee where you are asked to stand still one, though, as he hit a iel Evans 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in just over two like I did today it won't be easy to Troicki said, having enjoyed a bye in and be quiet. Followed by the perfect sound of driver striking forehand net-cord win- hours in the evening match. break me. the opening round. golf ball. There is nothing quite like it. ner on the next point. It was the 26-year-old Briton's "I have to focus on that and try to "This is by far the most-success- Johnson, the sev- first win over a top-10 ranked player build up from there. ful tournament for me ... I also played 18.DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT: even if you are not a enth seed, will meet and it will be his second ATP World "For me it's the third year in a row one final here in 2011," he said. diehard golf fan. The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has some- fourth-seeded Ameri- Tour semi-final since Zagreb in 2014. for the semi-finals so I'd also like to Earlier in the day, German jour- thing for everyone, and that is what we love about it. can and last year’s Lleyton Hewitt and Pete Sampras get one stage further." neyman Kohlschreiber succumbed to 19.Gifts galore: across the weekend spectators will get a chance finalist Jack Sock, who have won back-to-back titles in Syd- It was not always straightforward lower back soreness that developed to win lots of prizes. That is unmissable! converted four of his 25 ney but no-one has lifted the Sydney for Muller, with Cuevas saving six set a few days ago. 20.COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE: The first thing you notice break point opportuni- trophy in three consecutive years points before losing the opening set "It's unfortunate. I think I played at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is the extra buzz in the ties to beat Jeremy since Australian John Bromwich from tiebreaker and then Muller winning a good tournament," the 33-year-old air. You marvel at great plays and players and the plain truth Chardy of France 5-7, 1937-40. Sixth seed Muller knew he on his third match point. said. that watching a game of golf live brings people closer together, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours would face a tough test against Troicki "Today was definitely a big step "But the improvements are not irrespective of victory or defeat. You can sense it in the crowds, and 10 minutes. Sock to make it to Saturday's final. forward. Even though I don't think I that big that I'm 100 percent sure to and you can even feel it when watching the players warm up. hit 12 aces to Chardy’s "He hasn't lost a match in Sydney played a great match... I played a solid be able to go out on court today. Everywhere from the grandstands to the driving range there is a 14 aces. like, forever. He beat me in the semis match. I served pretty well, I was able Russian Andrey Kuznetsov over- distinct feeling that screams "this is something special." Joao Sousa saved two years ago," Muller said. to focus during the whole match -- came Spanish fourth seed Pablo both break points to "I know he's a great player. He's there were no ups and downs like in Carreno Busta 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 and will reach his first Auckland up there for a long time and it's gonna the previous rounds. So I'm very face the 67th-ranked Evans in the semi-final after he be a tough match." happy about that." other semi-final. defeated Dutchman Muller knew his best chance was Troicki continues his golden run "That's pretty much the best win Robin Haase 6-3, 6-2 in to continue serving well as he had in Sydney and is shaping up for of my career," Evans said of his upset 57 minutes. done this week in the tournament. another final. of Thiem. "In the end he didn't really "(I'm) just trying to stay positive, "It's pretty weird to go into the know how to get it by me." FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23

French trio Messi free-kick magic sends pens new Arsenal deals London AFP Barcelona into Cup quarters rsenal's French trio Olivier Gir- Aoud, Laurent Barcelona Barcelona's Lionel Koscielny and Francis AFP Messi (right) Coquelin have all agreed contract extensions, the vies for the ball ionel Messi's third goal from a Premier League club possession with free-kick in as many games this announced yesterday. year secured Barcelona's place Athletic Bilbao's The club said the in the quarter-finals of the Copa Mikel San Jose three players had signed del Rey as the holders beat Ath- (centre) and Mikel "long-term" contracts, Lletic Bilbao 3-1 to edge through 4-3 on Balenciaga during but did not disclose the aggregate on Wednesday. their Copa del Rey duration of their deals. Luis Suarez's 100th Barca goal and Cup match at the "We are very pleased Neymar's penalty cancelled out Athletic's Camp Nou Stadium that three important 2-1 first leg lead, but Enric Saborit's header in Barcelona on members of our team six minutes into the second-half had the Wednesday. have committed to us for tie headed for extra time. the long term," Arsenal However, just as in the first leg and in manager Arsene Wenger a 1-1 draw at Villarreal on Sunday, Messi said on the club rode to Barca's rescue with another exqui- website. site free-kick that clipped the inside of "Francis has made the post on its way past Gorka Iraizoz. tremendous technical "There is a reason why Messi is the strides over the past few best in the world," Suarez told Barca TV. years because he's so "He surprises you with something beau- focused every day. tiful in every game." "Olivier has big expe- Barca were under huge pressure to rience in the game now deliver their first win of the year as the and has become a more slip-up at Villarreal left them five points and more complete adrift of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, player since joining us. who also have a game in hand. The build- "Laurent is of course up to the game had been dominated by a key part of our squad talk of controversial refereeing calls in and I believe one of the the first leg as Athletic ended the game best defenders in the with nine men, whilst Barca had a stone- world today. So overall, wall penalty claim waived away. this is great news for us." And there was more controversy on Messi handed Neymar responsibility 26th goal in 23 games this season. Striker Giroud, 30, Copa Del Rey 26 minutes when Neymar was wrongly from the spot and the Brazilian ended a An incredible individual run by Ney- has hit the headlines in flagged offside as he set up Suarez for a 1,023-minute drought for Barca as he sent mar nearly sealed the tie as he hit the recent weeks with four A week after beating the tap in. Iraizoz the wrong way to register his first outside of the post moments later, but goals in as many games, Athletic 'keeper to his right, However, the same combination goal since October 19. Barca held on to maintain their record of including a celebrated Messi outfoxed Iraizoz pulling wasn't to be denied 10 minutes before Barca's joy was short-lived, though, not being eliminated by anyone other than scorpion kick volley his free-kick in off Iraizoz's half-time when Neymar's cross was ham- as with their first serious attack Athletic Real Madrid since 2008. against Crystal Palace. left-hand post for his 26th mered into the far corner by Suarez to got the away goal they needed when Sab- Barcelona will be joined by Real Centre-back goal in 23 games this season. bring up his Barca century. orit's downward header at the back post Sociedad, Alcorcon and Alaves in Friday's Koscielny, 31, has been a The former Liverpool man's strike was beat both Jasper Cillessen and Samuel draw after they also secured their place mainstay of the Arsenal Suarez's strike was also the also the 300th goal scored by Barca's fear- Umtiti on the line. in the last eight on Wednesday. defence since signing 300th goal scored by Barca's some "MSN" forward line since he joined However, Messi proved the match Atletico Madrid moved into the last from Lorient in July 2010 fearsome "MSN" forward line the club in 2014 with Messi netting 124 winner 11 minutes from time as he out- eight on Tuesday 4-3 on aggregate despite and midfielder Coquelin, since he joined the club in and Neymar 76. foxed Iraizoz. A week after beating the losing 3-2 at home to Las Palmas. 25, has become an 2014 with Messi netting 124 It was 301 just three minutes into the Athletic 'keeper to his right, the five-time Real Madrid carry a comfortable 3-0 important figure since second-half when Neymar was chopped World Player of the Year pulled his free- lead into the second leg of their tie away breaking into the first and Neymar 76. down by Eneko Boveda. kick in off Iraizoz's left-hand post for his at Sevilla on Thursday. team in early 2015. Giroud and Koscielny are key members of Didier Deschamps's France squad, but Klopp unable to explain Coquelin is uncapped. Reds lethargy in Saints loss Payet wants Liveropool reporters after the semi-final. Saints manager Claude Reuters "I'm actually not used to Puel agreed with his German a reaction like this from my counterpart, indicating his to leave West iverpool manager Juer- boys but they have to accept side needed to be more clin- gen Klopp admitted he that tonight was not good. We ical in front of goal. Ham: Bilic L was at a loss to explain did not have a lot of chances... "It a great performance Thiago nods his side's lacklustre perform- if we had some (at all)." against this team but we are London ance during a 1-0 defeat to Goalkeeper Loris Karius, a little disappointed with the AFP Southampton in the first leg who had not played against result considering the holders PSG of the League Cup semi-final Premier League opposition chances we had," he told Sky est Ham United on Wednesday. since a 2-2 draw against West Sports. playmaker Dimitri Southampton, who cre- Ham last month, made some "In the end, we were WPayet has informed into last four ated the majority of clear-cut crucial saves that kept the unlucky and unhappy with the club of his desire to leave chances, will take a slender Merseyside club in the tie the result because we know and no longer wishes to play advantage to Anfield courtesy ahead of the return leg at away at Liverpool will be for them, manager Slaven of Nathan Redmond's 20th- Anfield on Jan. 25. very difficult, but it was a Bilic revealed yesterday. minute strike but the "You have two disap- good performance from my Payet, 29, joined West Paris attempting to set up Cavani with a outcome could have been a pointed managers after the team." Ham from Marseille in a AFP panenka-style pass when a simple lot worse for Liverpool at St game," Klopp added. Southampton, currently reported £10.7m ($13.1m) deal cross would have sufficed. Mary's. "One, because he lost and 10th in the league, visit in 2015 and had a sensational aptain Thiago Silva (pictured) The pressure finally told shortly "I've tried (to explain the the performance wasn't good, Burnley on Saturday, while first season, scoring 12 goals showed the wasteful Edinson before the half-hour mark when performance) in three or four and the other because he only second-placed Liverpool face and supplying 12 assists. But CCavani how to do it with two Brazilian defender Silva, a doubt interviews but I cannot," the won 1-0 and has to go to rivals Manchester United at with West Ham lying 13th in crashing headers as holders Paris coming into the quarter-final, rose Liverpool manager told Anfield afterwards." Old Trafford on Sunday. the Premier League table and Saint-Germain surged into the semi- to thump home a header from a Di amid speculation linking him finals of the French League Cup with Maria corner. Metz offered nothing Liverpool's Philippe with a return to Marseille, the a 2-0 win over Metz on Wednesday. as an attacking force and had just Coutinho (left) France international has Also into the last four are Nancy, one shot on goal -- a tame free kick speaks with manager decided he wants out. Monaco and Bordeaux, who won that was easily saved -- in the first Juergen Klopp "We are not going to sell their quarter-final 3-2 at home to half. before coming on as him," Bilic told a press Guingamp earlier in the evening. The second half was more of the conference. substitute against Home side PSG were all over same. Cavani missed another easy Bilic has asked Payet to Southampton during Metz, struggling near the bottom of header, this time from a Di Maria stay away from training and Ligue 1, from the off and should have clipped cross, on 50 minutes and a their EFL Cup match said he would not feature in been 2-0 ahead after a quarter of an minute later the increasingly influ- at St Mary's Stadium, tomorrow's home game with hour. ential Argentine winger Di Maria had in Southampton, Crystal Palace. Payet signed Both times it was striker Cavani an effort cleared off the line. England on a new five-and-a-half-year who was wasteful, heading wide Di Maria was heavily involved Wednesday. contract last February. from near the penalty spot and then again after the hour, his run ending "He's probably been minutes later seeing his shot from up with Cavani -- the top scorer in tapped up by some clubs or point-blank range saved by the legs French Ligue 1 -- having yet another whatever. That is usual at this of goalkeeper David Oberhauser. chance saved. time of year. Angel Di Maria -- who has failed On 72 minutes the hosts finally "But until he changes his to really win over the fans at the Parc sealed the game with their second -- attitude he is out of the team des Princes since his big-money and it was Silva again with the header, and he's not going to train move from Manchester United -- this time from a bending Di Maria set with us. But we are not going was the next one guilty of profligacy, piece. to sell him."