GOLF | Page 6 DeChambeau wins by seven shots to set records

Monday, January 28, 2019 CRICKET Jumada I 22, 1440 AH Pakistan bowlers GULF TIMES force series decider against South Africa SPORT Page 7 AFC ASIAN CUP Nothing is impossible, says A sixth win in a row tomorrow would see Qatar into their first Qatar star Hassan ever AFC Asian Cup final

AFC Alongside club teammate Abu Dhabi Akram Afi f, and in-form strik- er Almoez Ali — who remains one goal away from equalling n the verge of his side’s Ali Daei’s tournament record fi rst ever AFC Asian of eight — Hassan has become Cup semi-fi nal, Qa- a key fi gure in Felix Sanchez’s tar’s star left-back side, but suspension made him OAbdelkarim Hassan has a simple a spectator during their historic message — anything is possible. quarter-fi nal against Korea Re- Qatar’s success would have public. been diffi cult to imagine four Despite not being able to per- years ago. Hassan, an unused sonally impact the breakthrough substitute, watched on as Qatar 1-0 win, Hassan wore one of the bowed out of the 2015 campaign biggest smiles at Zayed Sports without making much of an im- City Stadium, and remains pression.. delighted with his country’s Three successive losses meant achievement. Hassan’s side left Australia “I cannot say anything about without a single point. After the game,” he said. “Korea (Re- years of steady progress, and public) were strong and we had a quarter-fi nal appearance on to defend to stop them from home soil four years prior, it was scoring against us and we did it. their worst ever result at an AFC “We did it, we wrote history Asian Cup. and we enter history (being) the Skip forward four years and fi rst time in the Asian Cup that the circumstances are unrec- Qatar arrive in this stage, and I ognisable. Qatar have won fi ve am very proud of my teammates, successive matches, and beaten from the head coach to the ad- three former champions in a ministration, because we work row, to reach the fi nal four for hard, and a lot, to reach this the fi rst time history. stage. An unused substitute no more, “What can I say? It’s wonder- Hassan is the 2018 AFC Player of ful, and mabrouk for it.” the Year, and, with such signifi - The next challenge is a semi- cant changes, the 25-year-old is fi nal against the United Arab not one to set limits on what can Emirates, who beat Australia in be achieved. the quarter-fi nals. Qatar’s defender “What I have learned in foot- A sixth win in a row would see Abdelkarim Hassan ball, is there is nothing (that is) Qatar into their fi rst ever AFC (foreground) is marked by impossible,” said the Al Sadd Asian Cup fi nal, and a seventh Iraq’s Humam Tariq during dynamo. would make them champions. the 2019 AFC Asian Cup “Everything is possible, so All unthinkable four years ago, Round of 16 match in Abu we will keep working hard and but in 2019, according to Has- Dhabi on Tuesday. (AFP) pushing, until the end.” san, anything is possible. AlmoezAlmoez Ali, Qatar’sQatar goal machine

FIFA Korea DPR and then bagging a there with a game plan and ul- team, which is a dream come Abu Dhabi brace against Saudi Arabia to timately, it doesn’t matter who true. I feel like I’ve got the back- seal top spot in Group E. Having gets the goals; the important ing of everyone, including Qatar kept a lid on his emotions dur- thing is to find the net and fulfil FA president Sheikh Hamad bin hen the Qatari national ing his TV interview after that our objectives.” Khalifa, the other team off icials team travelled to the last match, Ali could contain his “I’m honoured to have achieved and my teammates. WAFC Asian Cup UAE joy no longer, sprinting on to such success and I’ll strive to “Every player needs to feel that 2019, their luggage included the pitch and yelling “top, top, achieve more. Why not?” he trust and I want to repay it by more than just the normal kit, Qatar, Qatar” before joining added. “I have big ambitions, doing everything possible for balls and other equipment his teammates in the dressing but any awards I win – whether the sake of the national team that every team bring to such room to continue the celebra- the competition’s top-scorer and the Qatari fans who are tournaments. It is fair to say tions there. prize or any other accolade – watching us back home. I feel that they had a few aces up Ali and the rest of the squad reflect on Qatar and my biggest blessed to have lived up to their sleeves. were naturally beaming when motivation is doing the country their expectations thus far and I Before the competition kicked they eventually emerged from proud and helping Al Annabi to pledge to keep delivering in the off , no one was quite sure what the bowels of the stadium, but go far in the competition.” knockout stage.” to expect from them, but Al An- it was clear that they were keen It appears Ali and his team- nabi quickly showed what they not to get carried away. WELL-PLACED FAITH mates are moving in the right were made of, turning heads “We came to this competition The 22-year-old may have taken direction, with this tournament with their cohesive style of with a number of goals. The many observers by surprise, marking another positive step play, tactical organisation and first was to win all three games but Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on the road to the 2022 FIFA firepower. in the group stage and we’re is not one of them. The Span- World Cup on home soil. Indeed, the Qataris concluded thankful to God that this mis- iard knows full well what the Sanchez said Ali and the other the group stage with a sparkling sion has now been accom- rangy attacker, who stands 5’11 young stars who have come record, ten goals scored and plished,” he told fifa.com after (1.80m) tall, is capable of. up through the ranks in recent none conceded adding up to Qatar secured the last 16 spot. The pair worked together at times have started to pick up three wins from three and nine With his seven goals so far, Ali is youth level, winning the AFC valuable experience. points from a possible nine. now the highest-scoring Qatari U-19 Championship 2014 – earn- “They’ll be mainstays of the They maintained their clean in the history of the Asian Cup ing a place at the FIFA U-20 side over the next four years. slate in the round of 16 as well finals. He is only two away World Cup New Zealand 2015 in They’ve come on in leaps and as the quarter-finals, riding a from surpassing Iran legend Ali the process – before taking the bounds and this is another momentum that could prove Daei’s record of eight goals at AFC U-23 Championship 2018 opportunity to experience hard to contain for rivals UAE in a single edition of the tourna- by storm, with Ali topping the diff erent scenarios and hone the semi-finals on Tuesday. ment, set in 1996. The young scoring charts. their competitive edge on the But beyond the team strengths forward also became the first Given this background, it is big stage. mentioned above, it is Almoez player in this instalment to hit a small wonder that the Spanish “I’m looking forward to the Ali, the goal machine who has hat-trick (he scored four against tactician has put such faith in World Cup in Qatar,” Sanchez accounted for seven of their North Korea), receiving a com- the young forward this month went on. “It will be a great hon- 12 strikes, who has caused the memorative ball to stick on his in the UAE. our for me to be involved, but biggest stir. mantelpiece. “I am proud of the belief the for the time being, we’re focused After settling the contest in “Scoring is my duty as an at- coach has always shown in me,” on the Asian Cup. We want to go Qatar’s 2-0 opening win over tacker,” he said. “I do my bit to said Ali, “but the past is in the as far as possible. We’ve proven Lebanon, Ali followed this up help us win, but I wouldn’t have past and this competition is a that we can go far. After that we by notching no fewer than four achieved what I have without diff erent story. This time I’m will focus on preparing for the Qatar’s Almoez Ali (right). (AFP) times in the 6-0 thrashing of the team’s eff orts. We go out playing for the senior national 2022 World Cup.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 28, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW Defence-fi rst Japan intend to Stability breeds follow same plan success, says Qatar against Iran ‘I’d like also to thank the Oman fans who have been supporting star Khoukhius during the competition’

Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu (R) greeting Vietnam’s coach Hang-Seo Park after their Asian Cup quarter-final match on Jan 23.

AFP Ritsu Doan’s VAR-assisted pen- Al Ain alty gave Japan a 1-0 win over Vi- etnam in the quarter-fi nals. “In every match, the players apan’s conservative tac- are learning as well as getting tics have won games if not the result and moving to the next admirers at the Asian Cup, stage, winning by small mar- but coach Hajime Moriya- gins,” Moriyasu said. suJ said yesterday the Blue Samu- “Winning is very important rai will stick to their blueprint in because no matter how we play, the semi-fi nals against attack- we’re playing with consistency. minded Iran. And also I think at the same time A succession of one-goal wins our players are trying to express — including a victory over Saudi our team concept. Arabia in which Japan control- “I want them to do the same led just 23% of possession — has tomorrow — play aggressively, evoked memories of Euro 2004, and hopefully get the result.” when Greece owed their surpris- While Japan have moved qui- ing victory to a similar approach. etly to the semi-fi nals, Iran are But Moriyasu, who took charge the form team, scoring 12 unan- in July after Japan’s last-16 exit at swered goals with a direct, phys- the World Cup, made no apolo- ical approach as they eye their gies, saying his young team were fi rst Asian Cup title in 43 years. getting results and still learning Moriyasu played in their ep- along the way. ochal meeting in 1992 when Ja- “When we came to the tour- pan, not yet an established force nament we knew every match in Asian football, ousted the re- would be diffi cult,” Moriyasu gional giants 1-0 at the group said in Al Ain yesterday, as the stage en route to their fi rst title. four-time winners prepare to He said certain traits remained take on Asia’s top-ranked team. in the Japanese team — although “We’re not a perfect team, and expectations were now much we’re not an experienced team so higher after Japan’s four Asian we’re developing each game we Cup titles surpassed the three play.” won by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Japan trailed against Turk- “I think the nature of the team, menistan and Uzbekistan be- they play as a unit and help each fore fi ghting back to win 3-2 and other, that has stayed the same 2-1 in Group F, where they also for many years,” Moriyasu said. needed Genki Haraguchi’s pen- “And also the motivation of alty to beat Oman 1-0. the team is the same. But now, A headed goal from a cor- winning is normal and players Iraq’s midfielder Bashar Resen (R) is marked by Qatar’s midfielder Boualem Khoukhi during their Round of 16 match in Abu Dhabi on January 22. ner, against the run of play, beat have to play with big pressure, Saudi Arabia in the last 16, while that’s what’s diff erent.” AFC The achievement is the lat- ago. This is an advantage for us, this tournament during his med bin Zayed Stadium. Abu Dhabi est for a side packed with and also, we have prepared the side’s 6-0 group stage win over Coach Sanchez is also look- young talents to have blos- team for a year, so everything DPR Korea. The utility player ing ahead with anticipation. APPEAL somed under the tutelage of went the way Felix wanted. revealed his delight at being a “Even though we are tak- atar’s Boualem head coach Felix Sanchez, who “We hope that we can part of history. ing it game by game, because Khoukhi says fa- also coached 11 players from achieve something in this com- “I’d like to congratulate our that is the only way to do it, miliarity and stabil- the current squad at last year’s petition.” players, my teammates, the we came here determined to Shojei urges Iran to ity within his side’s AFC U-23 Championship. Khoukhi turned in a superb technical staff, the adminis- show that we can compete with Qplaying and coaching ranks is The Qatari starting line-up display in the heart of the Qa- tration and everyone who has the very best of Asia,” said the a positive factor in their surge also featured no less than seven tari defence, helping to restrict supported us. Spaniard. At the moment my maintain focus to a first ever AFC Asian Cup players from the Al Sadd club, a Korean attack which featured “I’d like also to thank the players have shown that they semi-final. including Khoukhi, who be- Son Heung-min among several Oman fans who have been sup- are able to compete, perform AFC Qatar or hosts the United Arab The West Asians earned a lieves those examples of con- other attacking weapons. porting us during the competi- well and get positive results at Al Ain Emirates waiting in Friday’s fi nal. slice history on Friday, defeat- tinuity are aiding the team’s His performance was even tion. We now will focus on the an official competition which “I’m very happy and proud to ing two-time winners and 2015 cause. more impressive when con- semi-finals.” is the most important thing for be here and we are fully prepared runners-up Korea Republic “For sure, it gives us stability sidering he is also adept as a That semi-final will come a player. asoud Shojaei has for the game,” said the veteran thanks to Abdelaziz’s Hatim’s for the team,” said the 28-year- midfielder, winger or forward, tomorrow, when Qatar face “We are very proud of them warned his Iran midfi elder. “We can’t wait for 78th-minute screamer at Za- old. Felix has been with most and has 15 international goals host nation United Arab Emir- and we now hope we can con- teammates to keep the game to start and there’s no yed Sports City Stadium. of our players since seven years to his name, including one in ates at Abu Dhabi’s Moham- tinue in the same manner.” their focus on their doubt it’s going to be one of the Msemi-fi nal meeting with Japan best games of the tournament. in Al Ain today, despite admit- We will put all the diffi culties BOTTOMLINE ting he dreams of taking the AFC behind us and we’re happy and Asian Cup trophy home to Te- proud to play in the semi-fi nal. hran at the end of the week. “Our only target is to stay fo- The Samurai Blue stand be- cused and prepare for the next tween the Iranians and a fi rst game. We take everything game- appearance in the fi nal of the by-game and we’re only thinking AFC Asian Cup since Team Melli about our next game and that’s We must be ourselves in Asian claimed the last of three consec- against Japan. That’s all that utive titles in 1976, with either matters for us.”

Cup semi — Iran coach Queiroz Asian Cup semis live on beIN in fi ve games. Queiroz will have to shuffl e Reuters Doha: The semi-finals of the to reach the final. The his forward line today, though, after Meh- Abu Dhabi AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Tomorrow, hosts UAE who di Taremi, who scored three of those goals, was suspended for picking up a second will be shown live and exclu- beat defending champions arlos Queiroz says his Iran side yellow card in the quarter-fi nal. sive on beIN Sports. Australia 1-0 in the quarter- must believe in themselves and The Samurai Blue have been less im- In the first semi-final match- finals, meet Qatar in a much their football when they face pressive with coach Hajime Moriyasu up today, two of the most anticipated semi-final. four-times champions Japan coming under fi re for playing too defen- successful teams in AFC beIN experts Feras al- inC Al Ain today looking to book a spot sively but Queiroz said he had always had Asian Cup history go head Khateb, Abdelaziz al-Naser, in the Asian Cup fi nal for the fi rst time huge respect for Japanese football after to head as Japan face Iran in Saad al-Houti and Adnan since 1976. Iran have been the form team three years coaching at Nagoya Grampus. a clash of two heavyweights Hamad will be live in beIN’s of the tournament on their march to the “They have brilliant players, play bril- of Asian football. studios to discuss the AFC semi-fi nals and Queiroz said it would be liant football,” he added. Iran has won the tourna- Asian Cup UAE 2019 on beIN disastrous to change their approach, even “I did not see anything defensive in this ment on three occasions, SPORTS HD MAX 1 and 2. if they were facing “the most prestigious Japan team... they have great movement 1968, 1972 and 1976 and aim Commentators Raouf Khleif, and successful national team in Asia”. on the pitch and with their actions and to add a 4th AFC Asian Cup Ali Mohamed Ali, Youssef “The most important thing is to be our- decisions, they are very accurate. title to their name. Japan, Seif and Hassan al-Aydarus selves,” the Portuguese coach told report- “We have our own weapons to play with on the other hand won the will also be involved in both ers in Al Ain yesterday. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz (2nd-R) reacting during his team’s match against China. but of course we have to pay attention to AFC Asian Cup a record four semi-final matches. “It doesn’t make any sense to play one the Japanese team and adapt and try to times, in 1992, 2000, 2004 Schedule: game without being ourselves. After eight pens, express our football and say: ‘We are of Team Melli. control the strong points, and they have and 2011. With plenty of Today: Iran Vs Japan 5pm years and after so many sacrifi ces and so Iran’ and play our football against Japan.” His energetic side have reached the last a lot.” experienced and talented Qatar Time many games, now we have one game to Ending Iran’s 43-year wait for a fourth four without conceding a goal and were “It’s one more day, one more game,” players on both teams, Tomorrow: Qatar Vs United play against a great team. continental title has become something of clearly the superior team in their knockout he said. “As always we would like to be the Samurai blue and the Arab Emirates 5pm Qatar “We need to be ourselves we need to go a quest for the former Manchester United matches against Oman and China, taking ready and try to play a good football match Iranians will do all they can Time. out on the pitch and, no matter what hap- assistant in his nearly eight years as coach their tally of goals in the tournament to 12 against a great team from Japan,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, January 28, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Less travel will boost players’ Stumbling Spurs performance in 2022, says Swedish knocked out of FA legend Kallstrom Cup by Palace Spurs were without injured England stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli, while the in-form Son Heung-Min had still to return from the Asian Cup

ormer Sweden star Kim “They look beautiful and they are Kallstrom has praised also built in a smart way for the Qatar 2022’s compact legacy plans.” tournament plans – The fi rst FIFA World Cup in Falong with the country’s futur- the Arab world will be positive istic stadium designs – during a for both Qatar and the region, visit to the Supreme Committee according to Kallstrom. for Delivery & Legacy (SC). “It’s important to take the Källström, who won 131 caps World Cup to new countries. Qa- for Sweden and represented his tar has its issues but is making country at the 2006 FIFA World improvements. Progress is being Cup, was visiting Qatar for the made and having the World Cup fi rst time just a year after hang- in your country can help you to ing up his boots. evolve and develop. I’m truly im- The former Lyon, Rennes and pressed with the developments Spartak Moscow player told here, and also the hospitality.” www.sc.qa the compact nature Kallstrom is hoping Sweden of Qatar 2022 would be a major can qualify for Qatar 2022 after boost for players and fans. The an impressive showing in Russia longest distance between sta- last summer. The Swedes made diums will be just 55km in 2022, it all the way to the quarter-fi - with fans having the chance to nals – where they were beaten by attend more than one match a England – after coming through day during the early stages of the a group containing Germany, the tournament. defending champions, Mexico “Probably the only thing foot- and Korea Republic. ballers complain about is the “I think what Sweden did in constant travelling,” said Kall- Russia was amazing,” he added. strom, who now works as a TV “They came out of a tough group. pundit. The players were on top of their “You change hotel a lot, espe- games and the coach did a great cially during tournaments, and it job. aff ects your recovery. The plans “They have potential to do well here are amazing – and have in the World Cup – but fi rst you never been seen before. They will have to qualify, which is quite probably help the level of football hard. Swedish football is having a as players won’t be exhausted.” very positive time though and we Kallstrom continued: “It’s go- are looking forward to following ing to be great for the players – their progress.” and also the fans. They will have Kallstrom said his message to opportunities to see two games a Swedish fans is simple: come and day. It’s going to be easy for them see Qatar for yourself. – one hotel, one fl ight ticket, and “I think in Sweden we have an they don’t have to worry about image of Qatar which has been following their team around.” brought to us from the media – Kallstrom, who appeared but it’s important to visit a coun- Crystal Palace’s Martin Kelly, Andros Townsend and Scott Dann celebrate after the match against Tottenham yesterday. for Sweden at three Europe- try for yourself and get your own an Championship fi nals, also opinion,” he said. AFP Heung-Min had still to return “It was so painful to lose the praised Qatar’s stadiums – many “Obviously, Qatar has im- London Pellegrini ‘ashamed’ as Dons dump from international duty with game like this. There were some of which are modular and will provements to make but they are West Ham out of the FA Cup South Korea at the Asia Cup. key moments, like the (missed have some of their seats donated working very hard to do this. Peo- Pochettino, however, decid- penalty), which would have to developing countries after ple may be sceptics but I’ve had a ottenham Hotspur suf- ed to omit Christian Eriksen, changed everything.” 2022. really pleasant time here and it’s fered their second de- London: Manuel Pellegrini said rez and Felipe Anderson after with the infl uential playmaker He added: “We have to look “The stadiums are amazing – I been an eye-opener – sometimes feat in English knockout he felt “ashamed” of his play- the break, with both players not even among Spurs’ substi- forward to the Premier League really like the designs, which re- you shouldn’t believe everything football to a London ers during West Ham’s humili- scoring to make it 3-2. tutes at Selhurst Park. and Champions League. fl ect Qatari life,” said Kallstrom. you read in the media.” Trival in a matter of days as they For all they are third in the “We are in a crazy run of fi x- ating 4-2 defeat by AFC Wim- But Wimbledon teenager Toby lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace in the bledon in the fourth round of Sibbick settled the match just Premier League, Spurs are nine tures, but this is how it is in fourth round of the FA Cup yes- the FA Cup on Saturday. moments after coming on by points adrift of leaders Liver- England. We cannot complain terday. The Hammers may be 10th heading in the goal that ended pool. and just try in the two competi- Millwall promise life Connor Wickham gave the in the Premier League and all hope of a Hammers fight- And, with title-holders tions to give our best.” unfancied Eagles, 29 points Wimbledon rock bottom of back two minutes from time. Manchester City also ahead of It took Palace a mere nine bans for fans guilty adrift of Spurs in the Premier third-tier League One, but that “Was I angry at half-time? Yes them, it would be a surprise minutes to open the scoring, League, a ninth-minute lead be- didn’t stop them going 3-0 of course. I was ashamed of if Tottenham — last crowned Wickham following up after a of racist chanting fore a penalty by former Totten- down in this all-London tie, them,” said Pellegrini. champions of England in their Jeff Schlupp shot was blocked ham winger Andros Townsend with Scott Wagstaff scoring “I didn’t expect it, the attitude, ‘Double’ season of 1960/61 — by Spurs goalkeeper Paulo Gaz- London: Millwall have said they will ban for life any supporters made it 2-0. twice after Kwesi Appiah’s playing against a team that ended the season top of the zaniga. Palace then made the found guilty of racist chanting during a win over Everton Satur- Spurs’ Kieran Trippier missed opener. sits two divisions below us, table. most of a bizarre incident when day as the Football Association launched their own inquiry into with a penalty before half-time West Ham manager Pellegrini but in football, you can lose in The Champions League is Spurs’ Kyle Walker-Peters han- a video published online. as Tottenham suff ered more sent on substitutes Lucas Pe- two or three balls. now Tottenham’s only hope of dled a cross into the box. English second-tier club Millwall knocked Premier League side spot-kick woe following Thurs- a trophy this season, with Po- It was a clear penalty and Everton out of the FA Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory. day’s shoot-out defeat by Chel- chettino’s men playing German Townsend made no mistake But there was crowd trouble outside The Den, Millwall’s ground sea in a League Cup semi-fi nal. club Borussia Dortmund in the from the spot, slamming the ball in south London, while a video appeared to show home fans Tottenham pressed for a goal his fi rst trophy as Tottenham need to change their transfer last 16. into the middle of the goal. trying to rile supporters of Everton with racist chants. in the second half but Palace, manager since the Argentin- strategy and spend big in the Pochettino said his side had “It was good to get the goal in “Millwall Football Club is aware of, and extremely disappointed just three points above the rel- ian joined from Southampton closing days of the January win- suff ered a “painful” defeat, tell- the fi rst 10 minutes and give us by, a video circulating online displaying alleged racist chanting egation zone, upset the form in 2014, with Spurs’ last piece dow. ing BT Sport: “Palace did not do the platform to build on,” said during Saturday’s victory over Everton,” said a club statement. book to record a deserved win. of silverware the 2008 League Spurs were without injured much, but they scored and de- Wickham, whose goal was his “The club will, as is commonplace following such incidents, This reverse left Mauricio Cup. It is also bound to intensify England stars Harry Kane and served to go through to the next fi rst in any competition since work with all relevant authorities during investigations into Pochettino still searching for the debate over whether Spurs Dele Alli, while the in-form Son round. November 2016. the matter and look to identify individuals involved. Anyone identified and guilty of such abuse will be banned from The Den for life.” LA LIGA Ten man Fiorentina win Messi shines as Barca sweep past Girona seven-goal thriller at Chievo Milan: Fiorentina scored twice disallowed the goal. AFP who had cut the gap to two by day. The setting probably would with 10 men and saw their op- The Flying Donkeys then had a Girona beating Getafe on Saturday. Real have made little diff erence to the ponents miss a late penalty as penalty appeal turned down and Madrid will have to overcome Es- result — just the integrity of the they won 4-3 at Chievo yesterday were still protesting when Marco panyol later on Sunday just to re- competition — given Girona are in an extraordinary Serie A match Benassi scored a second for ionel Messi scored a sub- duce their own defi cit to 10. now without a win in 10 matches which also produced one of the Fiorentina. lime goal to make up for Outside the stadium before while Barca have managed eight most unusual video assistant Mariusz Stepinksi headed one the missed trip to Miami kick-off , propped up on a rail- league victories in a row. referee decisions of the season. back for Chievo before halftime as Barcelona beat Girona ing, was a sign with a scrawled Girona hustled and harried Colombian forward Luis Muriel and Benassi turned villain on L2-0 yesterday to go fi ve points message that read: “Miami, here their opponents in the opening gave Fiorentina a fourth-minute the hour when he blocked a lead with his third goal in two goalbound shot with his arm on minutes but the goal was soft as clear again at the top of La Liga. we come”. La Liga had hoped to games since his move on loan the line, was sent off and Sergio This was the fi xture intended to drag this game there to promote they failed to clear three times be- from Sevilla. Pellissier, 39, levelled from the be played in the United States but Spanish football and the clubs fore Semedo’s left foot swept the Bottom-of-the-table Chievo spot kick. With the game going any advantage Girona maintained had supported the idea, with vari- ball into the bottom corner. thought they had levelled when from one end to the other, by keeping it at their own Mon- ous perks dangled in front of fans, Barca were in control and Fiorentina goalkeeper Alban Federico Chiesa broke clear to tilivi ground was cancelled out by including free fl ights and tick- should have made it two, only for Lafont sent a goal kick straight to put Fiorentina ahead, then Chievo Messi, and another ruthless Barca ets, not to mention the chance to Philippe Coutinho to hit the goal- Emanuele Giaccherini, who fired were awarded another penalty display. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Jordi Alba after scoring be part of something “historic”. keeper after Messi had sent him into the net. for handball by Gerson but this Messi’s brilliant fi nish in the against Girona yesterday. Girona’s home, however, is here clear. But the VAR ruled that the time Pellissier’s eff ort was saved second half, his ninth goal in as and when opposition proved too Girona survived and then grew former Juventus and Sunderland by Lafont. Chiesa added a fourth many games, came after Nelson rona to 39 minutes with 10 men. caused it, but the Argentinian’s great, neither team wanted to ap- into the game. Marc-Andre ter forward had encroached when and Filip Djordjevic headed one Semedo had given the visitors an The home fans were left in- goal off ered the perfect riposte. pear disappointed. “I always felt it Stegen scuttled forward and back the kick was taken — he had his back but Chievo could not find an foot inside the penalty area — and equaliser. early lead, before Bernardo Es- censed by that decision, as well as Barcelona restore their hefty ad- was a distant option,” Barca coach from Pedro Porro’s cross and Es- pinosa’s red card consigned Gi- Messi’s reaction they believed had vantage over Atletico Madrid, Ernesto Valverde said on Satur- pinosa should have headed in. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 28, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT BADMINTON Saina is champion as Marin withdraws Another perfect aft er injury QTCC weekend for After the third round, al-Khelaifi is leading the Qatar Touring Car al-Khelaifi Championship with 96 points By Sports Reporter Doha

or the third time in a row this season, defend- ing Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) champion,F Qatar’s Abdulla al- Khelaifi , registered a double win at the Losail International Cir- cuit this weekend. Saadon al- Kuwari returned to the podium, fi nishing second, while Ibrahim al-Abdulghani completed the IANS Siwei and Huang Yaqiong won top three. Jakarta the summit clash. Al-Khelaifi (HondaS2000) The No. 1 mixed doubles pair who started on pole position in defeated Indonesia’s Tontowi the fi rst race, had a strong battle ce Indian shuttler Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir 19-21, in the fi rst race with al-Kuwari Saina Nehwal was 21-19 and 21-16 in 56 minutes, (ToyotaGT86) before clinching crowned champion of reports Xinhua news agency. the victory with a gap of 21.004 the Indonesia Masters “Today’s match was very seconds. The third place in the 2019A yesterday after her oppo- tough as our Indonesian oppo- podium was taken by al-Ab- nent Carolina Marin pulled out nents are very determined to win dulghani (ToyotaGT). of the summit clash due to an so as to get an honourable result In the second race, with the injury. for the end of their partnership. reverse grid, even though al- Marin, the reigning Olympic So, we played carefully and saved Khelaifi started from the back of champion and three-time world the best for the last game,” Zheng the grid and al-Kuwari, with a champion, twisted her right knee told a press conference. technical problem, started from after landing awkwardly following With Huang at his side at the the pit lane, both of them locked a smash in the fi rst game itself. press conference, Zheng said the top two spots respectively, The Spanish shuttler was that he and Huang had made but this time the gap between leading 10-4 before her discom- extra eff orts to avoid mistakes them was 10.379. fort and pain made her pull out of throughout the match, particu- Al-Khelaifi was very happy the mega fi nal. larly in the third game. with his performance. “I had a Saina was the runner-up in “It was because the score was lot of fun in the fi rst race. Some the 2018 edition of the Indonesia running neck-and-neck. We drivers are very close to me Masters. had to avoid mistakes that could in their performance and you Defending champions Chinese benefi t Tontowi and Lilyana,” he can’t relax so I pushed the car top mixed doubles pair of Zheng added. very hard and I am happy that the car survived until the end of the event. I had a tough battle Abdulla al-Khelaifi (centre) won both the races of the Qatar Touring Car Championship round ahead of second-placed Saadon al-Kuwari (left) FOCUS with Saadon, and in the end we and third-placed Ibrahim al-Abdulghani at the Losail International Circuit over the weekend. switched positions more than three times but fi nally I man- Al-Kuwari, who was on the was very hard to pass everybody. am on the podium and two times points and Ghanim al-Maad- aged to fi nish in front,” he said. podium for fi rst time this sea- It took me almost four laps to in a weekend, so it is amazing. heed is in third place with 47 Champ Ogier wins “In the second race, Saadon son, said, “I am very happy to be reach the front but when Abdul- The car didn’t have any issue at points. had a technical issue and started on the podium again. In the fi rst la saw me behind him, he pushed all but there is still some room Trophies were presented by from the pit so I didn’t push the race, I led the race from the sec- very hard and kept the gap.” for improvement and hope that QMMF Board members Salem season-opening car too much, managing the race ond lap until the sixth lap when For al-Abdulghani, this was next rounds I can do it better,” al-Mohannadi and Mohamed but at the fourth lap, I saw him I made a mistake. Abdullah his fi rst time in the podium in he said. al-Kubaisi, QMMF general sec- behind me in the rear mirror so passed me and I couldn’t catch this championship. “Overall, it After the third round, al- retary Abdulrazak al-Kuwari. Monte Carlo rally I had to push really hard to keep him as tyres were very hot. was a great weekend. This is my Khelaifi is leading the champi- The fourth round of Qatar the gap the same until the end of “In the second race, I had to second season in this champi- onship with 96 points. Hamad Touring Car Championship will the race,” he said. start from the pit lane and it onship but my fi rst time that I al-Sulaiti is second with 52 be February 8-9.

Britain’s Bird wins in Santiago to take Formula E lead Denmark win world handball crown, Germany fi nish fourth Reuters would have kept him a point second, for his first Formula E Santiago, Chile clear of Bird. podium, with Audi Sport’s Dan- DPA before. Denmark won 10 out of 10 However, he was subse- iel Abt third on a sweltering Herning, Denmark games in the tournament. quently dropped to 10th after day with track temperatures of Germany, who co-hosted the ritain’s Sam Bird won being handed a five-second 38 degrees Celsius. tournament with the Danes, the third round of the penalty for speeding under Abt finished fourth on the enmark clinched their first lost the bronze medal match in BFormula E season in yellow warning flags. track behind BMW’s Alex- men’s handball world title nailbiting fashion, going down 26- Chile on Saturday to take the Bird took over at the front ander Sims, who was then Dyesterday when the hosts 25 against previous title holders lead in the all-electric series. with 11 laps to go after Swiss penalised for causing a colli- beat Norway 31-22 in the final. France. The Virgin Racing driver now rival Sebastien Buemi, the sion with Venturi’s Edoardo The Danes added world glory to France’s Nikola Karabatic scored has 43 points, to Belgian 2015/16 champion, crashed Mortara. the Olympic title they won in Rio the winner in the final seconds. Jerome d’Ambrosio’s 41. out while leading from pole France’s reigning champion in 2016, delighting a home arena The tournament has been a Sebastien Ogier (right) and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia celebrate D’Ambrosio crossed the line position on the fenced-off Jean-Eric Vergne retired after packed with loud and colourful big success for the sport with a with the trophy after winning the Monte-Carlo Rally yesterday. (AFP) ninth for Mahindra and then Santiago street circuit. a collision at the start. fans. combined Korean team taking moved up to eighth, after D’Ambrosio’s rookie team The series, in its fifth season, Mikkel Hansen scored seven goals part and almost a million fans at- AFP ville. Argentina’s Jose-Maria Lopez mate and fellow former F1 has now had three diff erent to down Scandinavia rivals Norway, tending games since the opener Monaco “But it was a good fi ght, very received a penalty, which driver Pascal Wehrlein finished winners in three races. who had also never won the title on January 10. tight and that’s part of the game. Perhaps we can be satisfi ed with eigning world champion the result. It’s maybe not so bad Sebastien Ogier won the to not set off fi rst in the snow in SPOTLIGHT season-opening Monte Sweden.” Carlo Rally for a sixth Ogier led from the seventh straightR year yesterday. stage onward but was never able The Frenchman collected his to put more than a few seconds Dakar winner al-Attiyah expected to begin FIA World fi rst victory since returning to between himself and Neuville. Citroen this season in the World The Frenchman started Sun- Rally Championship (WRC) by day with a 4.3sec lead, but fi n- just 2.2sec from Belgian Thierry ished just behind Neuville on the Cup campaign with Qatar Cross-Country Rally Neuville in a Hyundai. morning’s fi rst three stages. Ott Tanak (Toyota) completed The gap was just 0.4sec enter- By Sports Reporter in a MINI John Cooper Works fi ve long distance fi ve or six- the podium, 2min 15.2sec behind ing the last stage and Ogier was Doha Rally in Qatar last April. day events in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Ogier. The Estonian passed nine- having problems with his accel- Scott Abraham, managing di- Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and time former winner Sebastien erator pedal. rector of the South Racing and Morocco will count for the FIA Loeb, making his debut for con- But Ogier drove an error-free asser Saleh al-Atti- South Racing Can-Am Teams, World Cup, while eight shorter structor Hyundai, on the closing fi nal stage to fi nish second, 3.9sec yah, the Arab world’s has also confi rmed that his Rus- Baja-style events in Russia, Du- power stage. The Frenchman fi n- behind Briton Kris Meeke (Toyo- most famous rally selsheim-based operation will bai, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Po- ished fourth, a further 13sec back. ta), who ended up sixth overall, but driver and a sport- send vehicles to the Qatar event. land, Jordan and Portugal con- Ogier, who is from Gap in the 1.8sec ahead of Neuville. Ning ambassador for the State South Racing built Can-Am stitute a new FIA Baja series. Alps where the rally started, Tanak, who won the day’s fi rst of Qatar, is expected to top the Maverick X3s that claimed the Organised by the Qatar Mo- equalled Loeb’s record of seven two stages, fi nished fourth on the entry list for the Manateq Qatar fi rst four places in the Side-by- tor and Motorcycle Federation Monte Carlo victories as Citroen stage to overhaul Loeb, who was Cross-Country Rally (QCCR), Side (SxS) category at the recent (QMMF), the Manateq Qatar won for the 100th time in the seventh. the opening round of the FIA Dakar Rally and there were 17 Cross-Country Rally gets un- WRC. “It wasn’t an easy rally,” said World Cup for Cross-Country cars built by the team at the fi n- derway with a ceremonial start “It’s the rally I want to win the Loeb, who had just a day and a Rallies, on February 21-26, 2019. ish in Lima last week. on The Pearl-Qatar on February most each season, that’s why half to test out his new car after Fresh from his domination of In 2017, South Racing-run 21 and fi nishes on February 26. I’m so happy,” said Ogier. “Six returning from the Dakar Rally. the recent Dakar Rally, where cars – in the hands of Germany’s The event will also host consecutive wins with three dif- “We had some good spe- he and French navigator Mat- Jürgen Schröder and Spaniard rounds of the Manateq Qatar ferent cars (Citroen, Ford and cials and others I’m less pleased thieu Baumel guided Toyota to Fernando Alvarez – fi nished National Baja Championship. Volkswagen), that’s not bad!” about. a fi rst ever victory in the world’s victory in the event on fi ve oc- American event that fi nished eighth and 12th in Qatar. Alva- The sixth round of the 2019 se- Neuville was left to rue over- “I’m not all that happy with toughest rally, al-Attiyah is ex- casions (2012 and 2014-2017) in last Thursday. rez returned last April in a new ries was won last weekend by the shooting a corner on the fi fth the performance today (Sunday) pected to try and win back the seven years. The German X-raid is likely to Volkswagen Amarok, but retired Qatari duo of Ahmed Allouh and stage as he lost up to 20 seconds, because I think I drove fairly well FIA World Cup and Qatar titles Entries offi cially close on Feb- send cars to the deserts of Qatar, on the fi nal day after sub-frame Nasser al-Kuwari in a T3 Can- but suggested it wasn’t all bad and it’s defi nitely not the time I that he last won in 2017. ruary 5, but the opening round with Poland’s Jakub Przygonski damage and hefty time penalties. Am Maverick X3. news going into next month’s wanted so we’re going to have to The Qatari’s home off -road of the FIA World Cup is sure and his Belgian navigator Tom This year’s FIA off -road scene The Losail Sports Arena plays rally in Sweden. analyse things, understand and event is close to his heart and to attract many of the sport’s Colsoul looking to target the de- has been split into two diff erent host to the event for the fi rst “I gave him a nice present with move on.” the host nation’s sporting all- leading protagonists, despite fence of their FIA World Cup ti- championships by offi cials at time with the bivouac located in my mistake on Friday, which cost “But we had fun behind the rounder has already secured its close proximity to the South tle and the fi rst win they claimed the sport’s governing body and the grounds of the stadium. me top spot,” bemoaned Neu- wheel,” he added. Gulf Times Monday, January 28, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Crosby, Barzal dazzle Durant sizzles as in All-Star Game AFP Los Angeles

idney Crosby and Mathew Barzal combined for 10 points as the Metropolitan Division defeated the Central Division 10-5 in the championship game of the 2019 NHL All-Star Game. Warriors win 10th SCrosby and Barzal both fi nished with two goals and three assist. and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 10 shots he faced in ‘They started off that fourth quarter on a nice little the fi rst half of the two period, three-on-three game at the SAP Center Arena in San Jose, California. run to cut the lead and we stayed poised. My Crosby, who was named MVP of the game, assisted on Barzal’s goal against Devan Dubnyk just 22 seconds into the championship teammates had my back. But coming in here on contest, and then made it 5-0 in the closing seconds of the fi rst half off a pass from Barzal. straight the road to get a win Boston is pretty solid for us’ Crosby said the 21-year-old Barzal is the one of the best puck handlers and three-one-three players he has seen. Agencies “Barzal makes it pretty easy. He lugs the puck so well and skates Los Angeles so well,” Crosby said of his fellow Canadian. “Watching him out there against the best and I don’t see anyone that really beats him in that category.” evin Durant scored a game-high The Pittsburgh Penguins center Crosby did not participate in 33 points as the defending NBA the skills competition on Friday because of an illness. champion Golden State Warri- Netminders Lundqvist and Braden Holtby backstopped the ors won their 10th straight game Metropolitan Division on its second title in four years of the three- Kwith a 115-111 victory over the Boston on-three all-star format, and the $1 million prize shared by the Celtics on Saturday. winners of the four-team divisional tournament. Stephen Curry scored 24 points and Mikko Rantanen scored two goals and Colorado teammate Klay Thompson fi nished with 21 as the Gabriel Landeskog added one for the Central. Warriors won the fi rst head-to-head The Metropolitan defeated the Pacifi c Division 4-3 at Staples meeting this season between powerhouse Center in Los Angeles in 2017. teams from the Eastern and Western NBA The NHL makes it mandatory for players to take part in the all- Conferences. star game or face a suspension. Washington Capitals star Alex “They started off that fourth quarter Ovechkin chose to take the ban rather than compete this year be- on a nice little run to cut the lead and we cause of the grind of a NHL season. stayed poised,” said Durant. “My team- Colorado Avalanche center and Central Division captain Nath- mates had my back. But coming in here on an MacKinnon did not play because of a bruised left foot. the road to get a win Boston is pretty solid for us.”

RESULTS Golden State 115-111 Boston Portland 120-111 Atlanta Denver 126-110 Philadelphia Memphis 106-103 Indiana San Antonio 126-114 New Orleans

Kyrie Irving scored 32 points with 10 assists and Al Horford had 22 points and 13 rebounds for Boston, who had their fi ve game win streak stopped. The game featured 21 lead changes as Thompson made a couple of clutch free Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins poses after being throws in the fi nal minute, and then Curry awarded a car for winning the MVP award during the 2019 iced the victory with a pair of foul shots Honda NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center in San Jose, California. with six seconds left in front of a crowd of (Getty Images/AFP) 18,600 at the Boston Garden.

SPURS BEAT PELICANS Elsewhere, LaMarcus Aldridge played Bears give Massie 4-year extension through the pain of a sore left wrist to The Chicago Bears retained a key piece of their off ensive line, tally 28 points and 12 rebounds as the San signing right tackle Bobby Massie to a four-year extension on Antonio Spurs beat the shorthanded New Saturday. Terms were not announced, but NFL Network report- Orleans Pelicans 126-114.Aldridge had 16 ed the deal is worth more than $8 million per year, a figure that points in the fi rst half, and then added 12 would put him among the four highest-paid right tackles in the more in a key scoring burst in the third league. Massie, 29, just finished his seventh season as a pro and quarter which saw the Spurs break the Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (right) works against Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving during the second-half of their third with Chicago after joining the team on a three-year, $18 game open. The visitors used a 25-12 run NBA game at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports million deal in March of 2016. He has missed just four games to stretch a three-point lead to 85-69. over the last five seasons, all as a starter. “Bobby has been an Rudy Gay had 22 points and 11 rebounds all missing from the Pelicans’ lineup with 57 at halftime in front of a crowd of 17,700 Jokic, the Nuggets’ leader in points, important part of our off ensive line the past three years and has for San Antonio, who ended a two-game injuries. The Spurs were without their top at Smoothie King Center arena. rebounds and assists, missed Denver’s shown steady improvement during that time,” said Bears gen- winless streak. Jrue Holiday had a game- scorer DeMar DeRozan, who was side- Also, Nikola Jokic delivered a triple- 132-95 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Friday eral manager Ryan Pace in a statement. “Bobby has a tremen- high 29 points and Jahlil Okafor added 24 lined with a sore left knee. double in his return from a one-game sus- because he was serving a one-game sus- dous work ethic and has displayed the kind of toughness and points and 15 rebounds for the depleted Coach Gregg Popovich said before the pension and the Denver Nuggets beat the pension for leaving the bench during an consistency we want in our players.” Massie spent the first four Pelicans, who lost their third consecu- contest that DeRozan is dealing with sev- Philadelphia 76ers 126-110. altercation in Utah earlier in the week. seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected tive game. Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, eral nagging injuries and will benefi t from Jokic fi nished with 32 points, 18 re- The 76ers gave leading scorer Joel Em- him in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Nikola Mirotic and E’Twaun Moore were some extra rest time. San Antonio led 60- bounds and 10 assists in the win. biid the night off .

NFL SPOTLIGHT Patriots’ Brady says love for Malaysia stripped of world para swim event over Israel stance

AFP be allowed to participate in pass. Paris the event with their safety as- “Malaysia stands fi rm with game has never wavered sured. our decision on the ground of Reuters “Since then, there has been humanity and compassion for New York alaysia has been a change of political leadership the Palestinian plight. We will stripped of the and the new Malaysian govern- not compromise,” the minister right to host the ment has diff erent ideas... We added. om Brady may be one of 2019 World Para are disappointed that Israeli At least 245 Palestinians the NFL’s oldest players MSwimming Championships athletes would not have been have been killed by Israeli fi re and getting set to play in for threatening to refuse to allowed to compete in Malay- since March, mostly during a record-extending ninth allow Israeli athletes to take sia,” he said. protests and border clashes but TSuper Bowl but on Saturday the part, the International Para- also by tank fi re and air strikes. New England Patriots quarterback lympic Committee said The championships, a Two Israeli soldiers have also said his love for the game has never yesterday. qualifying event for the been killed. wavered. The decision was taken af- Tokyo Paralympics, were Israel and Prime Minister The 41-year-old Brady, who ter the Malaysian authorities due to take place from Benjamin Netanyahu accuse will depart on Sunday for the “failed to provide the neces- July 29-August 4 Hamas of orchestrating the showpiece against the Los An- sary guarantees that Israeli protests and argue that Israel’s geles Rams on February 3, has Para swimmers could partici- Israeli foreign ministry actions are aimed at defending more Super Bowl appearances pate, free from discrimination, spokesman Emmanuel Nah- the border. than any other NFL franchise and safely in the Champi- shon tweeted: “This is a vic- Malaysia is one of several (apart from the Patriots them- onships,” the IPC said in a tory of values over hatred and Muslim states that have no selves, who will be appearing in statement. bigotry, a strong statement in formal diplomatic ties with their 11th) but he has not grown IPC President Andrew Par- favour of freedom and equality. Israel. It is forbidden to enter tired of the work it takes to reach sons said: “When a host coun- Thank you @Paralympics for the country on an Israeli pass- the title game. try excludes athletes from a your brave decision.” port. “I love competing, I love play- Tom Brady of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime during particular nation, for politi- The Palestinian cause has ing football. I think loving the the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (AFP) cal reasons, then we have ab- ‘MORAL COMPASS’ widespread support in Ma- game and trying to improve and solutely no alternative but to Malaysia – a predominantly laysia and thousands took to be the best I can be for the team is questions about when he will the pros and go further away from time, you have one of the great look for a new Championships Muslim country – said earlier the streets in protest when US great motivation for me and I’ve retire. But the face of the Pa- California and to be away from opportunities in your life. This host. this month it would refuse to President Donald Trump rec- just always spoken about win- triots, who just last month said there for 19 years... I loved playing is a memory you’ll have forever “All World Championships host events that have Israeli ognised Jerusalem as Israel’s ning and that’s what I love to do,” his goal is to not only play next then, I still love playing now,” said and I really hope we can go out must be open to all eligible ath- participation. capital in 2017. Brady told reporters. “That’s why season but beyond that, is still Brady. “I don’t take anything for and take advantage of it,” said letes and nations to compete Responding to yesterday’s Malaysia has prevented Is- I’m here, that’s why this team playing at a high level despite granted, I really don’t. I enjoy it.” Brady. “The Rams have worked safely and free from discrimi- decision, Malaysia’s Youth and raeli athletes from competing has done such a great job. I think being well past the age when Brady, who knows the feeling equally as hard. They’ve got a nation.” Sports Minister Syed Saddiq in a sports event before. everyone here is just commit- quarterbacks tend to lose their of Super Bowl heartbreak having great team. They do well in all The championships, a quali- Syed Abdul Rahman said: “If Two Israeli windsurfers had ted to winning and really doing effi ciency. The Patriots, based in lost in the championship game phases just like all the teams fying event for the 2020 To- hosting an international sport- to pull out of a competition whatever it takes to win.” Foxborough, Massachusetts and on three occasions, is fully aware we’ve played in this game. “It’s kyo Paralympics, were due to ing event is more important on the island of Langkawi after Brady has already secured who fell short to the Philadelphia of what is at stake and despite a very diffi cult game to win. I’m take place in Kuching on July than standing up for our Pal- they were refused visas in 2015. fi ve Super Bowl championships Eagles in last year’s Super Bowl, the grind of a 16-game regular excited for it. I’m going to try to 29-August 4. estinian brothers and sisters Kuala Lumpur also refused in a career in which he has es- are slight favorites to beat the season followed by playoff s has get as much rest as I can and try Parsons said that in Sep- who get murdered, maimed to host a conference for world tablished himself as one of the Rams in Atlanta where Califor- more to give. to go out and play our best game tember 2017, the IPC received and tortured by the Netanyahu football’s governing body FIFA game’s greatest players of all nia-born Brady will cap the 19th “Everyone at this point is tired of the year when we need it the assurances that all eligible regime, that means Malaysia in 2017 as an Israeli delegation time and for years has faced season of his career. “To come to and worn down but at the same most.” athletes and countries would has truly loss its moral com- was due to attend. Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 28, 2019 SPORT

GOLF FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN Late troubles leave Rose three ahead of DeChambeau wins Scott at Torrey Pines

Reuters LEADING THIRD New York ROUND SCORES

ustin Rose opened the 198-Justin Rose (ENG) 63- by seven shots to door to his rivals with 66-69 a bogey at the par-fi ve 201-Adam Scott (AUS) 70- 18th which cut his lead 66-65 toJ three strokes over Adam ‘Not good enough to put any 202-Jon Rahm (ESP) 62-72-68 Scott in the third round at the 203-Doug Ghim 63-73-67 pressure on, but just about good Farmers Insurance Open in San 204-Talor Gooch 69-68-67 Diego on Saturday. 205-Hank Lebioda 70-67-68, enough to get second’ Rose also recorded two Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71-65-69, set records double-bogeys but did enough Billy Horschel 66-68-71, Joel right to card three-under-par Dahmen 68-67-70, Hideki 69 and end the day with the Matsuyama (JPN) 66-66-73 same lead as he started at Tor- 206-Scott Brown 70-68-68, rey Pines. Michael Thompson 68-69- He posted an 18-under 198 69, Adam Svensson (CAN) total, while Australian Scott, 70-67-69, Wyndham Clark helped by a 100-yard eagle at 69-67-70, Bae Sang-moon the par-four second, raced to the (KOR) 68-67-71 turn in 30 shots on his way to a 207-Jason Day (AUS) 67-71-69, 65. Scott birdied the last to move Tony Finau 69-69-69, Patrick into second at 15 under, with 2017 Reed 69-69-69, John Huh champion Jon Rahm of Spain 68-68-71, Kang Sung (KOR) another stroke behind after a 71-70-66, Sepp Straka (SUI) 68. Leader Rose ran in a series 69-67-71 of mid-length putts, few better 208-Martin Laird (SCO) than a 20-footer from the fringe 73-66-69, Keegan Bradley for eagle at the par-fi ve ninth. 68-71-69, Kim Si-woo (KOR) “Three sixes on the card, I 67-68-73 played great golf today,” Rose told Golf Channel. he is putting well too with a “I was maybe close to shoot- new grip. “I did a pretty good ing 63. When I messed up I job of it all today,” he said of his messed up big, but I’m pleased overall game. with the way I responded to the “Sixty-fi ve around the south doubles. I was happy with the course, I don’t care what the way I played.” conditions are, it’s a good The world number one score. You’ve got to be very threatened to turn the event happy. I just didn’t make up into a one-man exhibition, go- enough ground on the leader. ing six ahead at one stage, be- I’m still lagging way behind.” fore he pulled his 160-yard ap- He was speaking before proach shot into a penalty area Rose’s bogey at the last. at the par-four 14th and gave Third-placed Rahm warned back two shots. At the 18th, not to expect a repeat of his Rose considered laying up from charge to victory in 2017, when the light fi rst cut of rough but he played the fi nal nine holes in in the end had a crack at the 30. “The fact I shot six under a green with a fairway metal. couple of years ago, it’s a bor- However, his ball came out derline miracle,” he said. heavy and found the pond “It’s very hard to do that guarding the putting surface. again. The back nine is no joke.” “Out of the fi rst cut it was Tiger Woods started with probably a little risky,” he said. two bogeys in the fi rst three Second-placed Scott, mak- holes and battled to a 71 that ing his fi rst appearance in the left him 13 shots behind on the event a strong one, has long course where he won the 2008 had a great swing and this week U.S. Open.

Bryson Dechambeau of United States gestures after winning the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai yesterday. (AFP)

AFP successful player on the European Tour Dubai LEADING FOURTH-ROUND SCORES last season with three wins, made a stun- ning birdie after spraying his tee shot wide 264-Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 66-66- Lucas Herbert (AUS) 69-63-72-69 right into the waste area on the 18th, to ryson DeChambeau showed impe- 68-64 274-Shane Lowry (IRE) 69-67-71-67, break out of a logjam on 16-under par and rious form as he secured his fi rst 271-Matt Wallace (ENG) 70-64-69-68 Byeong-hun An (KOR) 70-68-68-68, fi nish solo second at 17-under par 271. title outside American soil, win- 272-Ian Poulter (ENG) 67-71-70-64, Paul Ernie Els (RSA) 68-65-70-71 He is ranked 45th in the world and is ex- ning the $3.25 million Dubai Desert Waring (ENG) 67-70-71-64, Sergio Garcia 275-Romain Wattel (FRA) 68-70-70-67, pected to break the top 40 when the new ClassicB yesterday by a record seven shots. rankings come out on Monday. (ESP) 66-70-70-66, Alvaro Quiros (ESP) Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 68-70-68-69, “I’ve always dreamed of winning any 69-64-71-68, Li Haotong (PRC) 67-67- Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 65-70-70-70, Wallace, who played with Ernie Els (71, Tour event, and to have this many under 67-71 Samooja Kalle (FIN) 66-70-68-71 tied 13th), said his game on the fi nal day Justin Rose of England reacts to his birdie putt on the 16th hole during my belt, I don’t even know what I have 273-Justin Harding (RSA) 70-68-72-63, 276-Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 72-66-74- wasn’t good enough to cause any con- the third round of the the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey right now,” DeChambeau said after his Lee Westwood (ENG) 67-70-69-67, 64, Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 68-73-69-66, cerns for the eventual champion. Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP) fourth win in his last nine starts. Jason Scrivener (AUS) 67-67-71-68, Alexander Bjork (SWE) 68-70-72-66, “It was really good in parts, really “Being able to win internationally is Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 69-67-68-69, Romain Langasque (FRA) 66-70-74-66. shabby in parts,” Wallace said. “Not good something that I’ve always wanted to do enough to put any pressure on, but just FOCUS after winning so many times in the States.” lowest in the history of the tournament. Chambeau kept insisting that he did not about good enough to get second.” The highest-ranked player in the fi eld “Especially under the gun with the heat have his ‘A’ game. But he was delighted Two more Englishmen, Ian Poulter and at No. 5 in the world, DeChambeau pulled of some good players coming up and play- with his fi nal round eff ort. “Today, I was Paul Waring had set the target by fi nishing away from the chasing pack with three ing well from behind me, I knew I needed happy with my game,” he said. “I executed on 16-under par with rounds of 64. They Marathon Swim birdies in his fi rst three holes and in- to step on the pedal and that’s what I did a lot of great shots. The fi rst three days, I were later matched by 2017 champion creased his lead to six with an eagle on the today,” DeChambeau said. struggled with my game. Even though I Sergio Garcia (66) and 2011 winner Alvaro 10th and a birdie on the 11th. The previous biggest margin of victory played well and shot good numbers, I knew Quiros (both Spain), and the defending World Series set After making his only bogey of the day was six by Ernie Els over Greg Norman in it wasn’t up to my calibre, and today was a champion Li (71) of China to tie for third. on the diffi cult par-4 12th, he added fur- 1994. The old record for lowest tourna- good representation of what I can do.” South Africa’s Justin Harding shot the ther birdies on the 13th, 14th and 17th to ment aggregate was set last year by Li Ha- best round of the day in the morning – a for Doha return fi nish on eight-under par 64 for the day otong (23-under par). Despite rounds of WALLACE BEST OF THE REST nine-under par 63 elevating him to tied and 24-under for the four rounds, also the 66, 66 and 68 on the fi rst three days, De- England’s Matt Wallace (68), the most eighth place at 15-under par. QNA confi rm participation, over Doha 100 swimmers including top names from several countries SPOTLIGHT have already signed up for the he FINA/HOSA Mar- fi rst meet. Top swimmers who athon Swim World Se- have confi rmed their partici- ries Doha (QAT) 2019 pation include 2016 Rio Olym- is set to be held next pic gold medallist in the 10km Tmonth, with leading long-dis- Open Water Marathon, Sharon tance swimmers from around Van Rouwendaal (NED), who Pedder wins QGL golf tournament the globe, gearing up for the also won in Doha last year. ohann Pedder played 10km race in the turquoise Van Rouwendaal will com- fl awless golf to emerge waters of Doha’s picturesque pete alongside the 2015 and victorious in the golf Corniche on February 16. 2016 champion in the series, tournament organised Doha will be the fi rst city to and a Rio Olympic Silver Me- byY Qatar Golf Lovers over the host the FINA/HOSA Mara- dalist Rachele Bruni (ITA). weekend at the Doha Golf Club. thon Swim World Series 2019, Italian swimmer Arianna Bridi, Studded with four birdies, Ped- involving a total of eight stops, the 2018 European Aquatics der carded a gross score of 30 followed by cities with some Championships Gold Medallist after nine holes which is also the of the world’s most scenic in the 25km open water, will best ever gross score recorded in waterways. This includes Sey- also be competing in the race. QGL tournaments. chelles (SEY), Setubal (POR), In the men’s fi eld, overall JB Roy emerged as fi rst run- Balatonfured (HUN), Lac St. winner in 2016 and in the fol- ner-up while Sanjeev Gupta Jean (CAN), Lac Megantic lowing year, Simone Ruffi ni claimed the third position. 36 (CAN), Ohrid (Macedonia) (ITA) has confi rmed his partici- golfers participated in the event and Chun’An (CHN). pation along with Gregorio Pal- which was played on a Stroke- A day before the highly-an- trinieri, who has several world play format. ticipated event, Qatar Swim- and European records. Kazan PK Mathew won the special ming Association (QSA) will 2015 gold medallist, Jordan prize for ‘longest putt’, Amit also organise the Doha Open Matthew Wilimovsky (USA) Nagpal won the ‘closest to pin’ Water Challenge in the Cor- will also be seen in action. and Cherehzade Pedder won the niche waters, which turned out Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) ‘longest drive’ awards. to be a huge success last year. and Ferry Weertman (NED), The FINA/HOSA Mara- the 2018 overall winners, are thon Swim World Series Doha also expected to feature in the (Left to right) Winners of the Qatar (QAT) 2019 is receiving a series-opening race. Golf Lovers’ tournament JB Roy, massive response from swim- Weertman clinched the Cherehzade Pedder, Yohann Pedder, mers from all over the world, men’s title in FINA/HOSA Manoj Megchiani, PK Mathew, and with almost a couple of Marathon Swim World Series Sanjeev Gupta and Amit Nagpal. weeks left in the deadline to Doha 2018. Gulf Times Monday, January 28, 2019 7 CRICKET

RACIST REMARK Pakistan captain gets four-match suspension AFP body’s chief executive David Ri- mining an appropriate sanction,” tain by Shoaib Malik for Sun- Johannesburg chardson said as he announced said Richardson. day’s fourth one-day interna- the ban that the ICC “has a zero- The Pakistan Cricket Board tional of a fi ve-match series that tolerance policy towards con- expressed its “utmost disap- Pakistan lead 2-1. Pakistan won he International Cricket duct of this nature”. pointment” with the decision, the toss and decided to bowl with Council handed Sarfraz Sarfraz later apologised for saying it believed a ban was un- rain forecast later in the day. Ahmed a four-match the comment. necessary because the matter Pakistan will play three Twen- suspension yesterday “I wish to extend my sincere had already been resolved be- ty20 matches in Cape Town next Tafter a racist remark made by the apologies to any person who tween the two players. month. Pakistan captain was picked up may have taken off ence from my “PCB anticipated that the The country is ranked number by a stump microphone in South expression of frustration... My matter had been resolved amica- one in Twenty20 internation- Africa last week. words were not directed towards bly between the two players and als and have won nine consecu- Sarfraz was heard making a anyone in particular and I certain- the two Boards following Sarfraz tive matches, as well as a world comment in Urdu about Andile ly had no intention of upsetting Ahmed’s public apologies which record 17 out of the 19 T20Is they Phehlukwayo during last week’s anyone,” Sarfraz wrote on Twitter. were accepted by the player, the played last year. one day international in Durban, “I did not even mean for my Board and South Africa cricket Pakistan have recalled fast where the South African all- words to be heard, understood or team,” it said. bowler Mohammad Amir from rounder formed a match-win- communicated to the opposing It said it would argue at ICC the 15-man squad for the three- ning partnership with Rassie van team or the cricket fans.” forums “(to promote) amicable match Twenty20 series against der Dussen. The apology was given weight resolutions to issues as opposed South Africa. According to espncricinfo. by the ICC as it handed out its to penalties”. The 26-year-old left-armer com, the comment could be suspension. It added that Sarfraz would was left out of the limited-over translated as: “Hey black guy, “Sarfraz has promptly admit- return immediately to Pakistan. and Test squads after a poor where’s your mother sitting to- ted the off ence, was regretful of Phehlukwayo seemed at ease showing in last year’s Asia Cup, day? What (prayer) have you got his actions and has issued a pub- about the incident after the but was brought back into both her to say for you today?” lic apology, so these factors were match, saying: “It was good chat.” for the ongoing tour of South The global cricket governing taken into account when deter- Sarfraz was replaced as cap- Africa. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

FOURTH ODI FOCUS Unlikely hero Chase joins elite list of Pakistan bowlers Windies’ bowlers

Reuters Bridgetown, Barbados,

oston Chase, who engineered West Indies’ demolition of force series decider England in the fi rst test on Saturday, started his second- innings bowling spell to give the team’s pace quartet a ‘When the responsibility comes you should make sure to give it your best shot’ breather as much as anything. RA few hours later he had joined an elite list of West Indies’ bowl- AFP ers with eight wickets or more. Johannesburg Chase did not extract a great deal of turn from the Kensington Oval pitch in Barbados, but fl ighted the ball beautifully and, aided by some poor England batting, emerged with the fi gures of eight akistan shrugged off a for 60. “Looking at the wicket, I always thought I would come into four-match suspen- play in the second innings,” he told reporters. sion imposed on captain With the home team having opted for a line-up lacking a spe- Sarfraz Ahmed with a cialist spinner, captain Jason Holder had few options other than Pcrushing eight-wicket win over to use Chase, a batting all-rounder who entered the match with a South Africa in the fourth one- test bowling average of more than 40. day international at the Wander- “The quicks set it up for us in the fi rst innings and (spin bowling ers Stadium yesterday. coach Mushtaq Ahmed) told me I’m going to have to bowl 25 overs The result levelled the fi ve- in the second innings, to get my mind ready for it, so I was always match series at 2-2. The decid- prepared to do some work, to give the pacers a rest,” he said. ing match will be in Cape Town Chase’s fi rst wicket was perhaps his best and most important, on Wednesday. clean bowling Rory Burns for 84 with a ball that found the gate be- Pakistan’s bowlers set up the tween bat and pad. “I started to pick up some wickets and it went win, bowling out South Africa from there,” said Barbados-born Chase, 26. for 164. Imam-ul-Haq made 71 “I just tried to be consistent and land it my areas, despite what before playing a loose shot when the batsmen were doing, put some revs on the ball and vary my the scores were level as Pakistan pace a bit.” cruised to victory with 18.3 overs He fi ttingly delivered the fi nal blow by having Sam Curran to spare. stumped for 17, sealing a 381-run win for the hosts. Stand-in captain Shoaib Only Jack Noreiga – 9-95 v India at Port of Spain in 1971 – has Malik said at the after-match taken more than eight wickets in an innings for West Indies. presentation that Pakistan only Chase joined a list with eight wickets that also comprises Colin found out after they arrived at Croft, Lance Gibbs, Curtley Ambrose, Devendra Bishoo, Shannon the ground that Sarfraz had been Gabriel, Michael Holding and Alf Valentine. banned under the International Cricket Council’s anti-racism code for remarks aimed at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second match in Durban on Tuesday. The ban had still not been an- nounced by the ICC when Malik walked out for the toss. Malik handled his bowlers and fi elders astutely and South Pakistan’s Usman Shinwari (centre) celebrates after bowling out South Africa’s Dale Steyn (not in picture) during the 4th one-day international Africa were kept under pressure (ODI) at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) almost from the time he won the toss and sent them in on a pitch Scorecard said. “But you have to adapt. which had early life. They have fantastic bowlers and “It is a great honour to repre- SOUTH AFRICA Extras (lb1, w5) 6 F. Zaman c Van der Dussen b Tahir they are putting pressure on us.” sent your country, as a player or H. Amla b Imad 59 Total (41 overs) 164 44 Malik defl ected praise for the a captain,” said Malik. “When B. Azam not out 41 way the Pakistan players had the responsibility comes you Q. de Kock lbw b Afridi 0 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (De Kock), 2-18 shown energy and commitment should make sure to give it your R. Hendricks c Rizwan b Afridi 2 (R. Hendricks), 3-119 (Du Plessis), M. Rizwan not out 4 in the fi eld. “Not just today, in 4-130 (Amla), 5-140 (Miller), 6-156 best shot.” F. du Plessis c Hafeez b Shadab 57 Extras (lb1, w7) 8 the previous games as well,” he Shaheen Shah Afridi made (Van der Dussen), 7-156 (Steyn), said. H. van der Dussen c Rizwan b Total (2 wkts, 31.3 overs) 168 two early strikes before Hashim 8-156 (Rabada), 9-157 (Phehluk- “You need a bit of luck to get Shinwari 18 wayo) Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Zaman), Amla (59) and captain Faf du across the line. We are all profes- Roston Chase (left) and Jason Holder of West Indies celebrate 2-164 (Imam) Plessis (57) made half-centu- D. Miller lbw b Amir 4 Bowlers: Usman Shinwari 7-0- sionals and today our bowling after winning first Test against England in Bridgetown. (AFP) ries and put on 101 for the third A. Phehlukwayo c Azam b Shinwari 35-4 (1w), Shaheen Shah Afridi Bowling: Steyn 5-0-26-0 (1w), B. attack did the job and they took wicket. Malik’s use of spinners 11 8-1-24-2 (3w), Mohammad Amir Hendricks 7-0-31-0 (2w), Rabada wickets.” Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan 7-1-26-1 (1w), Imad Wasim 10-0-36- 5-0-29-0, Imran Tahir 10-1-51-1 Imam, the top scorer in the Holder first West Indies all-rounder D. Steyn b Shinwari 0 kept the scoring rate in check 1, Shadab Khan 9-0-42-2. (2w), Phehlukwayo 2.3-0-17-1 (2w), series, looked in control from since Sobers to top ICC rankings and both batsmen fell to the slow K. Rabada c Rizwan b Shinwari 0 R. Hendricks 2-0-13-0. the start of Pakistan’s reply. He men before the fast bowlers re- B. Hendricks not out 2 PAKISTAN Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets and Fakhar Zaman (44) put on Former New Zealand pace bowler Ewen Chatfield, known as turned. 70 for the fi rst wicket before he ‘The Naenae Express’, has finally retired from the game at the I. Tahir c Wasim b Shadab 5 Imam c De Kock b Phehlukwayo 71 Series: The 5-match series is tied was joined by the in-form Babar at 1-1 age of 68. Chatfield made the decision after getting “slogged” SHINWARI DISMANTLES Azam, who fi nished with 41 not all over the park playing for his local club Naenae Old Boys in LOWER ORDER man of the match. for leg before wicket with what because there was a faint in- out. Wellington on Saturday. Mohamed Amir dismissed the Shinwari had Rassie van der Shinwari hoped was the hat- side edge. Du Plessis gave credit It was South Africa’s fi rst de- “It might seem silly but I have standards, even at 68, and if I dangerous David Miller before Dussen caught behind for 18 and trick ball. to Pakistan’s bowlers but said feat in eight matches on what can’t play to those standards I thought it is time to flag it,” he fellow left-arm fast bowler Us- bowled Dale Steyn for a two-ball The ball was crashing into the it was not a typical Wanderers has become known as ‘Pink Day’ told New Zealand’s Stuff Media yesterday. Renowned for his man Shinwari claimed four duck. Kagiso Rabada was caught stumps but Shinwari acknowl- pitch. with their players and many miserly bowling and nagging line and length, the fast-medium wickets in six balls. He fi nished behind fi rst ball and Beuran edged that umpire Bongani Jele “The ball spun quite a lot and spectators dressed in pink in aid bowler acted as a superb foil to Richard Hadlee during the with four for 35 and was named Hendricks survived an appeal had made the right decision was sticking in the surface,” he of breast cancer awareness. team’s remarkable run of success during the 1980s. It was his experiences with the bat, however, that cemented him in New Zealand’s sporting folklore. A confirmed number 11 batsman, he was struck on the head by Former New Zealand bowler Chatfield finally retires at 68 a Peter Lever bouncer in his debut Test against England in 1975 after combining with Geoff Howarth in a final wicket partner- Former New Zealand pace bowler Ewen yesterday. Renowned for his miserly Howarth in a final wicket partnership of been struck on the head by a bouncer ship of 44. The delivery fractured his skull and his heart stopped Chatfield, known as ‘The Naenae Ex- bowling and nagging line and length, the 44. The delivery fractured his skull and and hospitalised. beating. The England team physiotherapist Bernard Thomas press’, has finally retired from the game fast-medium bowler acted as a superb his heart stopped beating. The England Chatfield had hoped to score a century performed CPR on Chatfield and saved his life. The incident led at the age of 68. foil to Richard Hadlee during the team’s team physiotherapist Bernard Thomas before he retired but his highest was to a debate about bowling bouncers to tailenders. Chatfield made the decision after getting remarkable run of success during the performed CPR on Chatfield and saved “50 something” in club cricket. He was He also helped Jeremy Coney win the third Test against Paki- “slogged” all over the park playing for his 1980s. It was his experiences with the his life. dismissed for a golden duck in his final stan in 1985, scoring 21 as the pair put on the 50 runs required local club Naenae Old Boys in Wellington bat, however, that cemented him in New The incident led to a debate about bowl- innings, although he said he did not want for victory after Lance Cairns had been struck on the head by a on Saturday. Zealand’s sporting folklore. ing bouncers to tailenders. that innings reported. bouncer and hospitalised. “It might seem silly but I have standards, A confirmed number 11 batsman, he He also helped Jeremy Coney win the He did, however, suggest a headline to Chatfield had hoped to score a century before he retired but his even at 68, and if I can’t play to those was struck on the head by a Peter Lever third test against Pakistan in 1985, scor- the end of his career. “The Naenae Ex- highest was “50 something” in club cricket. He was dismissed standards I thought it is time to flag bouncer in his debut test against Eng- ing 21 as the pair put on the 50 runs re- press has run out of steam,” he said. for a golden duck in his final innings, although he said he did it,” he told New Zealand’s Stuff Media land in 1975 after combining with Geoff quired for victory after Lance Cairns had “I would not mind that as a heading.” not want that innings reported.

Monday, January 28, 2019 GULF TIMES TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Devastating Djokovic claims record seventh title Serbian world number one moves past Federer and Australian great Roy Emerson’s six Australian Open titles Humbled Nadal says needs ‘time, work’ to beat Djokovic

Reuters Melbourne

chastened Rafael Nadal said even his best ten- A nis may have not been enough against a rampant Novak Djokovic after being thrashed by the Serb in the Aus- tralian Open final yesterday. The Spanish second seed came into the clash in outra- geous form but was dominated throughout the 6-3 6-2 6-3 loss at Rod Laver Arena, the worst in his Grand Slam rivalry with the world number one. Although reaching the final without dropping a set, Nadal said he was still short of his best after a long injury lay-off follow- ing the US Open and lacked an edge to pressure the Serb. “Of course, he played, I think, fantastic. At the same time it’s true that when he’s playing that way, I think I needed something else,” the 17-times Grand Slam champion Nadal told reporters. “I was not able to have that ex- tra thing tonight, being honest. “Playing the way he played of control. the chance to keep playing with tonight, I needed that defensive Despite the thrashing, the defiant healthy conditions. game to finally have the chance Spaniard said his five-set semi-fi- “I can’t be sad. It would not be to be off ensive. nal loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon fair to be sad. I played against Reuters “When he was hitting, it’s true last year was more disappointing a player that today was better Melbourne that maybe it was diff icult to than yesterday’s defeat. than me.” beat him even if I was at my 100 He has now lost eight succes- While buoyed to have played % (level). But probably it would sive matches to Djokovic on seven matches at Melbourne ovak Djokovic claimed a have been a little bit more of a hardcourts, his last win coming Park following a litany of record seventh Austral- fight.” at the 2013 US Open. injuries, he conceded that he ian Open crown in dev- Beaten in just over two hours, But he was adamant he could would still need to manage his astating style yesterday Nadal won barely a third of the rebound and find the skill to schedule carefully. Nas he condemned Rafael Nadal to match’s points, was broken five challenge again. “I need matches, but I can’t go the most stinging defeat in their times and conjured only a single “What I need is time, I need crazy to play matches. I have long Grand Slam rivalry. break point in the third set, work and I need more weeks my age,” said the 32-year-old. Three years after thrashing which the Serb saved. like this one,” said Nadal. “If I am healthy, I am com- Andy Murray for the 2016 trophy, He racked up 28 unforced er- “That’s really the only thing that petitive, I am happy, I have the the Serbian regained his Mel- rors while Djokovic leaked only I hope, is to have the chance to chance to win tournaments. If bourne Park throne with a 6-3 nine, in an astonishing display keep practising well and to have not, things change 100%.” 6-2 6-3 procession, clinching his 15th Grand Slam title and third in succession. France’s Herbert, Mahut win doubles crown Moving past Pete Sampras into AFP tough final 6-4, 7-6 (1). we went all the way to the final,” outright third on the all-time list Melbourne The French pair overcame said Herbert. “Now we have won of Grand Slam winners, Djokovic Finland’s Henri Kontinen and all of the Grand Slams. Thanks will head to Roland Garros look- Australia’s John Peers, seeded for sharing the court with me. It ing for a second “Nole Slam”, ifth seeded Pierre-Hugues 12, to become one of an elite has been fun.” having already swept all four ma- Herbert and Nicolas Mahut group of just eight to claim They are the second all-French jors in 2015-16. Fwon their fourth Grand doubles titles at all four of the pair to win in Australia after Only Federer’s 20 and Nadal’s Slam men’s doubles title when major tournaments. Michael Llodra and Fabrice 17 outstrip Djokovic’s tally of they were crowned Australian “Nicolas, our first tournament Santoro, who won back-to-back Grand Slam trophies, but on the Open champions yesterday in a together was here in 2015 and titles in 2003-04. strength of the champion’s vir- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the championship trophy during the presentation ceremony after tuoso performance at Rod Laver his victory against Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) Arena, they will be looking nerv- rything was right with the Span- two-set lead. ping him up with another drop- ously over their shoulders. fi ve times while conceding only a Djokovic said American Sam- that played much better,” said the iard when at 4-2, he swung a All business, Djokovic marched shot. It was a win that left even single break point, and coughed pras had inspired him to pick up 32-year-old. forehand and completely missed back to his seat in silence, with- Nadal fi nally prised a break Djokovic marvelling, seven years up only four unforced errors in a racket. “I am going to keep fi ghting the ball. out so much as a quiet fi st-pump. point in the fi fth game of the after needing a record fi ve hours the fi rst two sets. “It was defi nitely a sign of des- hard, going to keep working hard He was unable to take a point Nadal battled on but every third but it quickly disappeared and 53 minutes to fell the Span- Sealing the win when a desper- tiny to start playing tennis, to as- to be a better player every time, off Djokovic’s serve until the piece of magic he produced was in a maelstrom of power hitting. iard in the 2012 classic at Mel- ate Nadal fi red a backhand long, pire to be as good as Pete. To sur- for the good things in life.” ninth game, when the Serb was outdone by the Serbian sorcerer. From there, Djokovic knuckled bourne Park. Djokovic kneeled on the blue pass him with Grand Slam titles, already serving for the fi rst set. The Spaniard scrambled in to down to complete one of his most “It ranks right at the top. Un- hardcourt and shook his fi sts at I’m speechless,” he said. TOTAL DOMINANCE Nadal’s remodelled serve was feather a sliced drop-shot over stunning victories. der the circumstances, playing the sky. Blitzed from the start, Nadal It was a greater humbling than clinically dismantled, and he the net, raising premature cheers Firing a forehand down the line against Nadal, such an impor- He moved past Federer and could only congratulate an oppo- even the quarter-fi nals of the punched his racket strings in but Djokovic simply swooped on to bring up two championship tant match, it’s amazing,” the Australian great Roy Emerson’s nent that condemned him to his 2015 French Open, when Djokovic frustration after giving up two it and sent an even cleverer drop- points, he converted the second 31-year-old told reporters after six Melbourne titles, after two worst Grand Slam defeat in their thrashed Nadal 7-5 6-3 6-1 to end break points in the fourth game shot cross-court. when Nadal struck a backhand needing barely two hours to ex- barren years Down Under with long rivalry. his six-year winning streak at his of the second. After further baseline pun- long, and the Serb’s reign over tend his perfect record in seven elbow problems. “It has been very emotional favourite claycourt tournament. The Serb threw a fi ery glance ishment, he broke Nadal for the Melbourne was restored with a Australian Open fi nals. After raising the Norman two weeks. Even if tonight was Broken in his fi rst service game at his players’ box after breaking fourth time, pulling him around thunderous chorus of Serbian The peerless Serb broke Nadal Brookes Challenge Cup aloft, not my best, I had somebody on Sunday, it was clear not eve- to 5-2 and fi red two aces to take a like a puppet-master before trip- cheers.

BOTTOMLINE Osaka embraces pressure, eyes ‘Naomi Slam’

AFP now,” she told reporters as she posed “So, I’m not really sure if I’m satisfi ed.” was languishing in the 70s. Melbourne with the trophy at a Melbourne beach She said it was misleading to view yesterday. ‘GO WITH THE FLOW’ her rise as an overnight success. “I know that sounds a bit strange Osaka became the fi rst woman to win “I guess looking from the outside, ewly-minted Australian because this is only the second one but successive majors since Serena Wil- from your guys’ view, it does,” Osaka Open champion Naomi Os- the fi rst time I won it defi nitely felt a liams in 2015 and the youngest since said. “For me, every practice and every aka said she was not satis- bit more unreal.” Martina Hingis in 1998. match that I’ve played, it feels like the fi ed with back-to-back ma- While her maiden Grand Slam was Williams went on to complete her year is short and long at the same time. jorsN yesterday and hoped to complete marred by losing fi nalist Serena Wil- second “Serena Slam” — holding all “I’m aware of all the work that I put in. a “Naomi Slam” after her success at liams’ umpire-baiting histrionics four majors in the same 12 month peri- I know all the sacrifi ces that every player Melbourne Park. and boos from the Flushing Meadows od — and Osaka was excited about the does to stay at this level. In my opinion, The bubbly 21-year-old laughed off crowd, Osaka was allowing her follow- prospect of claiming the French Open it didn’t feel fast. It felt kind of long.” suggestions her meteoric rise had put up success in Melbourne to soak in. and Wimbledon for a “Naomi Slam”. Osaka said she had learned about her under pressure, saying she was rel- “It means a lot. I think moments like “I’m not going to lie and say that resilience at the Australian Open after ishing the big time after rising from 72 this are what you train for as a little kid thought hasn’t crossed my mind,” Os- completing three three-setters on her in the world to number one in the past to play the Grand Slams,” she said. “To aka said. “But I don’t know. way to the title, likening herself to “a 12 months. win another one is defi nitely a dream “For me, I just have to take it one robot” in the fi nal set against Kvitova. Japan’s Osaka becomes the fi rst come true.” tournament at a time, especially In- Quizzed about off -court pressure Asian to hold the top ranking after The rising star said she was hungry dian Wells is coming up and I won that that accompany life as a tennis super- downing Czech Petra Kvitova in a tight for more Slam titles. tournament last year. I feel like I have star, Osaka said she preferred to con- fi nal on Saturday night and adding the “The way the tennis world is, there’s to think about that.” centrate on her game. Australian crown to the US Open title always the next tournament, the next Osaka was unfazed by the attention “I feel like I’m going with the fl ow. she won last year. Slam, and we all just want to keep train- she was receiving, saying she was in That’s sort of been my motto my whole “This feels more like I’m used to it ing hard and winning more,” she said. the spotlight even when her ranking life,” she said.