MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 08

TENNIS FOOTBALL I'm just enjoying being out there. I've had some great Australian Open International practice sessions. I've done everything I could to prepare first round matches Friendly: Iceland vs as well as I can for this tournament, then hope for the best: at Melbourne Park El Salvador

Caroline Wozniacki ahead of Australian Open ACTION TODAY’S TODAY’S

Odell's ‘rear James scores 31 as Lakers shoot slapping’ case dropped, says down Rockets; Bucks defeat Nets lawyer AFP — MIAMI AFP — LOS ANGELES Toronto Raptors edged into third place -- nine games adrift Cleveland Browns wide LeBron James scored 31 points -- with a 122-111 victory over receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will and handed out 12 assists as the the Minnesota Timberwolves not face prosecution for Los Angeles Lakers rallied for a while the Boston Celtics slipped slapping a New Orleans 124-115 NBA victory over the back to fourth with a 123-119 policeman’s rear after the Houston Rockets. loss to the Phoenix Suns. officer withdrew his Los Angeles outscored the Toronto’s Fred VanVleet complaint, the NFL star’s Rockets 32-17 in the third scored 29 points in his return attorney said. quarter to turn around the from injury and Kyle Lowry Beckham had faced being game, rebounding from a added 28 points for the Raptors, fined up to $1,000 following Wednesday loss to the Orlando who have won three straight. the incident which occurred Magic that snapped the Western Minnesota’s Andrew in the wake of Louisiana State Conference-leading Lakers’ Wiggins posted the first triple- University’s victory over nine-game winning streak. double of his career with 18 Clemson in the US collegiate “We want to continue to get points, 11 assists and 10 American football champi- better,” James said. rebounds in defeat. onship game on Monday. “We want to stay on an even Phoenix guard Devin Video of the incident keel throughout the season, it’s Booker fell just shy of a triple- appeared to show Beckham an 82-game season, and we did double with 39 points, 10 smacking the police officer’s that. rebounds and nine assists as the rear as he confronted LSU “We had a chance to Suns withstood a Celtics-record players for allegedly smoking reshape, refocus and start the 11 three-pointers by Marcus in the Superdome locker room second half of the season the Smart. following the team’s 42-25 right way, and we did that.” Deandre Ayton scored 26 win. Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points with 15 rebounds and An arrest warrant on a points, and Danny Green and Mikal Bridges added 26 points charge of simple battery Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for the suddenly surging Suns, against former LSU student chipped in 20 points apiece for Los Angeles Lakers' forward LeBron James (right) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward who have won four of their last Beckham had been issued on Los Angeles. Danuel House Jr. defends during their NBA game. five. Thursday. Russell Westbrook scored Smart who made half of his However Beckham’s 35 points and James Harden had around in an energetic first sixth straight. Milwaukee led came two days after the Bucks 22 three-point attempts, fin- attorney Daniel Davillier said 34 for Houston, who dropped quarter, and they led 65-59 at 57-42 at half-time and stretched let a double-digit lead dwindle ished with a career-high 37 in a statement on Saturday the their third straight. halftime. the advantage to 93-71 heading to four points late in the fourth points. case had been dropped after The Rockets looked deter- But the Lakers responded into the final period. quarter in close-run a win over Elsewhere, the Los Angeles the officer in question decided mined to turn their fortunes after the break, pushing their Khris Middleton added 20 the Boston Celtics. Clippers launched a six-game not to pursue it. lead to as many as 16 early in points for the Bucks, who had “We were focused, we had road trip with a 133-130 victory “There is no warrant out- NBA RESULTS the fourth quarter. six players score in double the lead but we were playing over the Pelicans in New standing for the arrest of Odell As the Lakers reasserted figures. like it’s a tie game,” Antetok- Orleans. Beckham Jr.,” Davillier said in Oklahoma City 119, Portland 106 themselves in the West, the Mil- Kyrie Irving led the Nets ounmpo said of the Bucks’ With forward Paul George a statement. Houston 115, LA Lakers 124 waukee Bucks continued to roll with 17 points, but Brooklyn determination not to let up on out for a fifth straight game with “The security officer Atlanta 103, Detroit 136 in the East. never really looked like the accelerator on Saturday. a hamstring strain, Kawhi involved does not wish to New York 87, Philadelphia 90 Led by 29 points from stopping the Bucks, who con- “We know that Brooklyn is Leonard continued his red-hot pursue charges in this matter. Utah 123, Sacramento 101 reigning NBA Most Valuable nected on 50.6 percent of their a team that can get hot. We scoring pace, delivering 39 The legal matter has been Chicago 118, Cleveland 116 Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, shots from the field, including were able to be smart, move the points for the Clippers -- who resolved.” Minnesota 112, Toronto 122 the Bucks ran roughshod over 17 of 37 three-point attempts. ball, get good shots, so we were trailed by 10 points late in the Beckham, 27, spent his first Boston 119, Phoenix 123 the Nets in Brooklyn, improving They held the Nets to 33.3 able to build on that lead.” third quarter. five NFL seasons with the New Brooklyn 97, Milwaukee 117 their league-leading record percent shooting, and never At 38-6, the Bucks are 7 1/2 Lou Williams scored 14 of York Giants before joining the

Golden State 109, Orlando 95 with a 117-97 victory. trailed after the opening games ahead of the Miami Heat his 32 points in the final period, Browns last year. He has 464 New Orleans 130, LA Clippers 133 Antetokounmpo added 12 minutes. in the East. when the Clippers outscored the career NFL catches for 6,511 rebounds in the win, the Bucks’ The dominant performance The reigning champion Pelicans 31-20. yards and 48 touchdowns. Tour de France repeat is Bernal’s ‘one big goal’ despite Olympics pressure

AFP — PARIS first one without a team days after the end of the Tour, time-trial. Bernal confirmed: “I’ll be taking Egan Bernal warned rivals that “There’s lots of mountains, part. I want to do well for defending his Tour de France not really long ones and not the Colombia, but my biggest goal title remains his “big 2020 goal” I want to have just same altitude we had last year,” will be the Tour de France. despite the competing attraction one big goal, it will added Bernal, who operates well “I don’t want to be thinking of the Tokyo Olympics which over long climbs at high altitude, about two races -- just focus 100 follows quickly in the slipstream obviously be the but less well over the short, percent on the Tour. of the world’s greatest cycling Tour: Egan Bernal sharp climbs that punctuate the “In any case, the Olympics race. 2020 route. come a week after the Tour, so In 2019, Bernal became the “It looks like a really hard if I finish the Tour in good con- youngest post-war champion on goal, it will obviously be the Tour, but it does look like it’ll be dition, I will be good in the the Tour at 22 and this year will Tour.” won by a climber.” Olympics too.” share Team Ineos’ assault Co- with Thomas, The Colombian says he With the Tour and Olympics alongside 2018 champion Bernal rode much of the 2019 knows he will be targeted by back-to-back, Bernal will have Geraint Thomas and possibly Tour with a low profile, before rivals this season after also to temporarily shelve his Giro even four-time winner Chris surging into the overall lead and winning Paris-Nice and the Tour dream. Froome. claiming the yellow jersey. de Suisse in 2019. He was initially Ineos’ Giro “I want to arrive fresh for the Bernal, who grew up in the “I will try and go again for captain in 2019 but a broken col- Tour de France and this year high-altitude Andes town of the GC (overall win) and I’m larbone saw him race the Tour with the Olympics and the Giro Zipaquira, warned however that really motivated,” he said. de France instead. (either side) it doesn’t leave some factors may conspire “The team has a lot of con- “Maybe next year, at some much time,” said Colombian against his Tour de France title fidence in me and I really respect time in the future, maybe I’ll go Bernal who will keep his hopes defence. this race.” for the Giro,” he said. In this July 28, 2019 file photo, Colombia’s Egan Bernal (left) of an eventual Giro d’Italia bid “It’s strange there is no team Of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic “That’s a big change for me celebrates his overall leader’s yellow jersey at the end of the 21st on the back-burner. time-trial,” said Bernal. “This road race, which takes place at from last year. I will be really and last stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France in Paris. “I want to have just one big will be my third Tour and the Mount Fuji om July 25, just six focussed on the Tour." NHL: Ovechkin leads Capitals with second straight hat-trick

REUTERS — NEW YORK career goal on a spectacular atop the Pacific Division handed Vegas coach Peter play 5:18 into the third when he standings. DeBoer his first loss with his Alexander Ovechkin recorded scored while falling to the ice Avalanche 5, Blues 3 new team. a hat-trick to pass Hall of Famer after making a move through Cale Makar and Andre Bura- Blue Jackets 5, Devils 0 Mario Lemieux for 10th place the right circle. He then tied kovsky scored 22 seconds apart Rookie goaltender Elvis Merz- and tie Steve Yzerman for ninth Yzerman by capping Washing- late in the second period, likins stopped 41 shots for this place on the NHL’s all-time ton’s comeback with an empty- Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson third shutout of the season, and goals list and the Washington net goal with less than a minute Jost also scored, and Colorado Columbus defeated visiting New Capitals rallied for a 6-4 victory remaining. beat St. Louis in Denver. Jersey for its fourth straight win. over the host New York Ovechkin recorded his 26th Oilers 7, Coyotes 3 Blackhawks 6, M' Leafs 2 Islanders. career hat-trick and posted a Connor McDavid scored two Jonathan Toews scored Ovechkin tied Lemieux hat-trick for the second straight goals and Riley Sheahan had a twice and added two assists, midway through the first period game. goal and three assists as Dominik Kubalik had two goals with a breakaway goal but after Canucks 4, Sharks 1 Edmonton earned a victory over and an assist and visiting Washington Capitals left his 690th goal, the Capitals did Tanner Pearson collected visiting Arizona. Chicago defeated Toronto. wing Alexander Ovechkin little offensively until their one goal and one assist, while Canadiens 5, G' Knights 4 Drake Caggiula added a goal in action against New York comeback bid in the third to win goaltender Thatcher Demko Tomas Tatar scored the and an assist, and Brandon Saad Islanders. their third straight game. made 17 saves as host Van- game-deciding goal in the also scored for the Blackhawks, Ovechkin got his 691st couver beat San Jose and moved shootout as host Montreal who have won four in a row. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09

Lee Westwood of England poses with the trophy after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Westwood captures 25th Championship yesterday. European Tour trophy AP — ABU DHABI ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES Fitzpatrick is already in Lee Westwood secured his there and was pleased to start 25th European Tour win with 269 - Lee Westwood (ENG) 69-68-65-67 the year with a strong per- victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC 271 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 71-70-67-63, Victor Perez (FRA) 70-70-68-63, Matthew formance, he added: “Front Championship yesterday. Fitzpatrick (ENG) 68-67-69-67 nine I felt like could I hole Westwood, who had a 273 - Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 69-68-70-66 everything and managed to one-shot overnight lead, has 274 - Shaun Norris (RSA) 64-77-68-65, Ross Fisher (ENG) 70-71-66-67 hole one putt for par, which now won in four different 275 - Scott Jamieson (SCO) 71-72-67-65, Martin Kaymer (GER) 68-73-69-65, Sergio Garcia was nice to keep a bit of decades starting in the 1990s. (ESP) 67-69-69-70, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 69-69-65-72 momentum going. The Englishman’s 5-under 276 - Erik Van Rooyen (RSA) 73-68-69-66, Paul Waring (ENG) 71-71-67-67, Sam Horsfield “Just on back nine, just par final-round 67 gave him (ENG) 73-69-67-67, Jack Singh Brar (ENG) 70-70-68-68, Rafa Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67-68- couldn’t make a thing. It was a two-shot margin over a 71-70 just one of those days, but chasing pack of France’s 277 - Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 69-71-70-67, Branden Grace (RSA) 68-72-69-68, Scott hey, that’s golf. I’m delighted. Victor Perez (63) and Eng- Hend (AUS) 69-70-69-69, Francesco Laporta (ITA) 71-63-69-74 It’s a great start to the year.” land’s Tommy Fleetwood (63) Selected: Fleetwood, on his 29th and Matthew Fitzpatrick (67) 280 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 66-75-70-69, Patrick Cantlay (USA) 71-66-72-71 birthday, carded a final round

who all finished on 271. 281 - Li Haotong (CHN) 67-69-74-71 of nine under to finish on 17 Bernd Wiesberger and under, but fell just short of second-round leader winning the event for a third Francesco Laporta, who both World No. 1-ranked player, me, control my emotions and time. started the final round one was challenged throughout control what I’m working on “You just concentrate on back of Westwood, had their the final round. in the golf swing. Just what you’re doing and every challenge fall away after Fitzpatrick, who was two managed to do that. time, every week we play, rounds of 72 and 74. shots off Westwood before “A little slip-up at 16. Like somebody is going to play Top-ranked Brooks the start of the day, got off to I said yesterday, with what great golf and at the moment Koepka finished joint 34th a strong start and an I’m working on, if I don’t that’s Lee,” said Fleetwood. with an 8-under 280 after a impressive front nine saw quite do it, I hit a pull, and I “I’m very, very happy 69 in the final round, 11 back him pile on the pressure but hit a pull second shot and with my weekend, I felt like of Westwood. the 46-year-old former pulled the putt actually, as I played some really good It was Koepka’s first tour- world No. 1 kept his cool and well, but I hit some good golf.” nament since returning from continued to putt well to shots coming in, and really Perez joined Fleetwood a knee injury he aggravated secure his victory. just pleased with the way I with a final round of 63 to in October when he slipped “It’s been a good week,” controlled myself.” come joint-second while while walking off the tee at Westwood told europe- Westwood was ranked Louis Oosthuizen finished the CJ Cup in South Korea. He antour.com. No. 63 in the world going into fifth on 15 under. previously had stem cell “I wasn’t really paying the event, but the first victory Sergio Garcia finished six treatment for a partially torn any attention to what other by an English player on the off Westwood to come tied tendon in his patella. people were doing. 2020 Race to Dubai should for eighth alongside Austria’s Westwood, a former “I was trying to control move him into the top 30. Wiesberger. Kuchar clinches Singapore Open crown in Tokyo Olympics boost

AFP — SINGAPORE disappointment for silver birdies on the 11th and 16th tournament, there were 12 medallist Henrik Stenson who helping him push ahead of his Americans ahead of him in the Olympic medallist Matt finished 23rd. closest rivals, before he sank world rankings, meaning it Kuchar fought back from a Kuchar looked strongest a birdie putt to win the tour- could be tough for him to earn triple-bogey to win the throughout and went into the nament with a final round a spot in Team USA. Singapore Open yesterday in final day of the US$1m event one-under-par 70. The field will be finalised a boost ahead of the Tokyo with a three-shot lead, but “Seven was a disastrous in June. Games, while fellow Rio nearly let victory slip from hole to make (a) triple-bogey,” Rose made a strong charge winner Justin Rose finished his grasp on the par-five said the world number 24. on the back nine with back- second. seventh. “I felt like I was cruising to-back birdies on the 11th and The three men’s golf med- His tee shot came up along and had a four shot lead 12th and a 70-foot birdie at the allists from the 2016 Rio against the root of a tree and (at) that point and it was 14th, and picked up another Olympics appeared at the he missed the ball on his first awfully comfortable.” But he shot at the 16th with a 15-foot event, with their performances bid to hit it clear. added: “I’m awfully proud of effort. closely watched for clues His approach shot then being able to bounce back He fired a final round 67 about their form before the flew left of the green and went from adversity and being able but his four-day total of 269 Tokyo Games start in July. out of bounds, but he even- to not let hard things get the was still behind Kuchar’s 266. While Rio bronze medallist tually managed to hole a putt best of me.” “Some second places hurt, Kuchar of the United States from 10 feet for a triple-bogey The win was a boost for some second places you feel and gold winner Rose of eight. Kuchar in his campaign to good and this is more of a Matt Kuchar of the US poses with the trophy after winning the Singapore England had good tourna- He staged a strong qualify for the Olympics. feeling good second place Open at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore yesterday. ments, there was comeback however, with Before the Singapore finish,” he said. Jimenez overcomes Els in play-off

AP —KA’UPULEHI-KONA, HAWAII Miguel Angel Jimenez makes the right edge. On the second extra a 12-foot birdie putt on the hole, his 20-footer went by on the Miguel Angel Jimenez made a 12-foot second hole of a play-off with right side before Jimenez holed the birdie putt on the second hole of a senior newcomer Ernie Els to winner. play-off with senior newcomer Ernie win the PGA Tour Champions’ Els missed a chance to become the Els to win the PGA Tour Champions’ season-opening Mitsubishi 19th player to win in his tour debut. season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Jimenez was the last to accomplish Electric Championship. Championship. the feat in the 2014 Greater Gwinnett Fred Couples dropped out on the Championship. first extra trip down the par-4 18th at with consecutive 65s to post at Retief Goosen shot 64, the best windy Hualalai, missing a short par 14-under 202.. The four-time major round of the week, to tie for fourth putt. winner from South Africa had an with Wes Short Jr. at 12 under. Short Jimenez, paired with Couples in eagle and five birdies in the final closed with a 67. the second-to-last group, birdied Nos. round. Bernhard Langer, tied for the lead Roy wins QGL tournament 13-15 in a 5-under 67. The 56-year- The 60-year-old Couples finished with Els, Couples and Jimenez with old Spaniard has nine victories on the with a 67. two holes left, finished double bogey- Golfers, who excelled at the Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL) tournament pose for a group 50-and-over tour, also winning at Jimenez and Couples left birdie bogey for a 71. The 62-year-old photo. JB Roy was victorious in the event that took place at Doha Golf Course. Andy Hualalai in 2015. He has won in all tries to win on the 18th in regulation German star, a three-time winner at Robinson was declared runner up of the competition that was played on a stroke- seven his senior seasons. just short, and Jimenez had a birdie Hualalai, hit long and left into the lava play format. Thomas Rolt won the ‘longest drive’ award, Nilotpal Brahma claimed Els made his senior debut on putt stop on the edge on the first extra on the par-3 17th. Second-round the ‘closest to pin’ award, Aaron White took the ‘longest putt’ title while Anton Thursday with an even-par 72 to fall hole. leader Woody Austin, playing in the Dickinson secured the ‘closest to rope’ award in the tournament. eight strokes behind leaders Jimenez With the wind down, Els’ 12-footer final group with Langer, had a 73 to and Bernhard Langer, then rallied to win on the first playoff hole ran by tie for ninth at 10 under.

McGregor demolishes Cerrone in 40-second return to UFC octagon

AFP — LOS ANGELES October 2018 -- overpowered in to call a halt to the welter- superfight in 2017, his loss to the most popular fighter in UFC “I like this (welterweight) his American foe without ever weight bout 40 seconds into Nurmagomedov, announce- history, and his return brought division,” he said. “I feel really Conor McGregor made a trium- being tested. the first round at the T-Mobile ments of retirements and out stars including British good. I came out of here phant return to the UFC After missing with a first Arena in Las Vegas. returns to fighting and brushes heavyweight Tyson Fury and unscathed. I’ve got work to do octagon, pummelling Donald punch, McGregor immediately McGregor took his record with authorities outside the New England Patriots superstar to get back to where I was.” “Cowboy” Cerrone for a tech- bloodied a clinching Cerrone’s to 22-4 with his first UFC octagon. quarterback Tom Brady for the And while the UFC has nical knockout victory in just nose with an upward shoulder victory since 2016, when he He pleaded guilty to hitting sold-out show. stripped him of titles before, 40 seconds. strike -- quickly followed by stopped Eddie Alvarez in a a man in a bar in Ireland and In Cerrone McGregor faced McGregor noted they can never The mixed martial arts another. lightweight title fight to was accused of smashing a an experienced veteran whose take away the fact that he has superstar from Ireland -- As soon as Cerrone stepped become the first fighter in UFC fan’s phone in Florida. 36 wins included the most posted knockouts in three divi- returning to the Ultimate back, McGregor caught him on history to hold two champi- The New York Times knockouts (20) in UFC. sions -- featherweight, light- Fighting Championship for the the jaw with a high kick, then onship belts at the same time. reported he is the subject of Although there was no title weight and welterweight. first time since he was battered buried him under a hail of That triumph was followed two alleged assault investiga- at stake, McGregor said the “Etch my name in the into submission by arch-rival punches. by a loss to boxing great Floyd tions in Ireland. outcome was a harbinger of history books one more time,” Khabib Nurmagomedov in Referee Herb Dean stepped Mayweather in a cross-combat Nevertheless, he remains things to come. he said. 10 SPORT MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

Pollard’s four South Africa on brink of defeat in vain as Ireland T20 AFP — PORT ELIZABETH Friday. ngland dominated the England’s Joe Root celebrates taking the of South Africa’s Pieter Malan with team-mates day despite a second lengthy during the Third Test at St George’s Park, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, yesterday. England captain Joe Root rain break in two days. abandoned produced a Test-best They needed only 28 balls performance to send South to dismiss South Africa’s last AFP — BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS Africa hurtling towards a humil- four batsmen for the addition iating defeat on the fourth day of a single run at the start of Captain Kieron Pollard of the third Test at St George’s play, with Stuart Broad picking produced the best bowling Park yesterday. up three of the wickets without spell by a West Indian in Root took four for 31 as conceding a run. International South Africa slumped to 102 for South Africa were all out for cricket on Saturday before rain six after being forced to follow 209 and Root immediately forced the second match of a on. enforced the follow-on. three-game series against They were still 188 runs Rain early in South Africa’s Ireland to be abandoned. short of avoiding an innings second innings threatened to Pollard took 4-25 as defeat, with England seemingly thwart England’s push for Ireland were limited to 147-9 assured of taking an unbeatable victory but fast bowler Mark in a clash reduced to 19 overs 2-1 series lead into the final Test Wood struck twice when play a side. starting in on resumed more than three Set a rain-revised target of 152 to win, the West Indies SCOREBOARD reached 16-1 after 2.2 overs before rain caused another in England (I Innings) ...... 499-9 decl. (1w), Denly 4-1-10-0, Root 11-4-25-0, a series of stoppages. South Africa (I Innings) Stokes 5-1-26-1 hours later. Wood used his caught at short leg by Ollie Pope Vernon Philander missed a Umpired eventually called D Elgar c Pope b Bess ...... 35 South Africa (II Innings) extreme pace to send Dean and first innings top-scorer drive against a full the game off as a no result. P Malan c and b Bess ...... 18 P Malan lbw b Root ...... 12 Elgar’s off stump flying out of fell to a which swung in between bat Ireland lead the series 1-0 Z Hamza c Pope b Bess ...... 10 D Elgar b Wood ...... 15 the ground before he had leaping catch at backward point and pad. after their dramatic four-run A Nortje c Root b Stokes ...... 18 Z Hamza c Buttler b Wood ...... 2 Zubayr Hamza feeling for a ball by a leaping Wood. He was out for 27. Curran win in the opener in Grenada F du Plessis c Pope b Bess ...... 8 F du Plessis c Pope b Root ...... 36 outside his leg stump to present South Africa captain Faf du uprooted De Kock’s middle on Wednesday. a catch to wicketkeeper Jos Plessis was sixth out after stump with the fifth ball of the The third and final game is H van der Dussen b Bess ...... 24 H van der Dussen c Pope b Root ...... 10 Buttler. making 36, his highest score of next over with the left-hander also in St Kitts today. Q de Kock b Curran ...... 63 Q de Kock c Wood b Root ...... 3 Then it was over to Root, what has been a poor series for missing an extravagant drive Pollard ripped the heart V Philander b Broad ...... 27 V Philander() ...... 13 who in 90 previous Tests had him. He was another bat-pad against a ball angled in from the out of the Irish middle order K Maharaj b Broad ...... 0 K Maharaj (batting) ...... 5 never taken more than two victim, giving Pope his fifth left-armed bowler. De Kock had by removing top scorer Gareth K Rabada c Wood b Broad ...... 1 Extras (B3, LB1, NB1, W1) ...... 6 wickets in an innings. catch of the match. not added to his overnight score Delany, whose 44 included D Paterson () ...... 0 Total (6 wkts, 62 overs) ...... 102 Bowling from the end where In overcast conditions at of 63. five sixes, skipper Andy Bal- fellow off-spinner Dom Bess the start of play, Broad and Keshav Maharaj was birnie (36) as well Extras (B4, W1) ...... 5 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-22, 3-44, 4-66, took five wickets in the first Sam Curran achieved some bowled off a bottom edge when (five) and George Dockrell Total (86.4 overs) ...... 209 5-74, 6-83 innings, he trapped Pieter swing with a ball which was he tried to pull a ball from Broad (two). Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-60, 3-63, 4-71, Bowling: Broad 6-3-5-0 (1nb), Curran Malan leg before wicket in the almost new, but they were before Kagiso Rabada, who Fast bowler Sheldon Cot- 5-109, 6-154, 7-208, 8-208, 9-208 3-0-13-0, Wood 11-3-23-2 (1w), Bess last over before tea. aided by some poor shots by scored the only run in the col- trell also starred with two Bowling: Broad 13.4-6-30-3, Curran 11- 18-10-17-0, Stokes 5-2-9-0, Root 19-11- Root took three more the South African batsmen. lapse, hit a simple catch to wickets, including dangerous 2-32-1, Bess 31-12-51-5, Wood 11-4-31-0 31-4 wickets after the interval. Rassie Broad struck with the fourth mid-off to give Broad his third opener who was van der Dussen was superbly delivery of the morning when wicket. caught in the deep for just 17. Clinical India beat Australia by 7 wickets to clinch ODI series

AFP — BANGALORE He finally fell to Adam Zampa’s leg he served a one-year ban between spin as the senior batsman attempted March 2018 and 2019. A sparkling century by Rohit Sharma a big hit but the ball top-edged off his Smith put on 127 runs for the third and inspired bowling helped India to bat to be caught by Mitchell Starc at wicket with Marnus Labuschagne to a series-clinching seven-wicket win long-on. Kohli kept the chase on track lay the foundation for Australia’s total over Australia in the third one-day with an attacking Shreyas Iyer, after they elected to bat. international yesterday. unbeaten on 44, as the pair put on 68 Sharma made 119 and put on a key runs before the captain was bowled by SCOREBOARD 137-run second-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood. Australia skipper Virat Kohli, who made 89, as Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan did D Warner c Rahul b Shami ...... 3 India chased down their target of 287 not bat after injuring his shoulder while A Finch run out (Jadeja//Iyer/Shami) 19 Sri Lanka’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne (second left) celebrates with team- in 47.3 overs in Bangalore. fielding in the fifth over Australian mates after the dismissal of Zimbabwe’s Kevin Kasuza during the first day of The hosts fought back in the series innings. He went for an X-ray later and S Smith c Iyer b Shami ...... 131 the first Test at the Sports Club in Harare, yesterday. after a 10-wicket drubbing in the TV pictures showed the batsman’s arm M Labuschagne c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 54 opening game to go past the Aaron in a sling. M Starc c (sub) Chahal b Jadeja ...... 0 Finch-led tourists 2-1. India though did not feel his A Carey c Iyer b Yadav ...... 35 Paceman Mohammed Shami absence as Sharma and wicketkeeper- A Turner c Rahul b Saini ...... 4 Kasuza, Masvaure give claimed four wickets to lead the batsman KL Rahul put on 69 runs to A Agar not out ...... 11 bowling charge with the hosts set up the chase. restricting Australia to 286 for nine on Rahul was given not out by the on- P Cummins b Shami ...... 0 Zimbabwe solid platform a good batting pitch despite Steve field umpire after being trapped lbw A Zampa b Shami ...... 1 Smith’s 131. off Ashton Agar for 19 but Australia J Hazlewood (not out) ...... 1 AFP — HARARE SCOREBOARD Sharma took the attack to the successfully reviewed the decision in Extras (LB 14, W 13) ...... 27 Zimbabwe (I Innings) opposition with a steady flow of their favour. Earlier Smith followed up Kevin Kasuza struck a half-century Total (9 wkts) ...... 286 P Masvaure c D Karunaratne b L Embuldeniya 55 boundaries -- eight fours and six sixes his 98 in the second match with his Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-46, 3-173, 4-173, 5-231, on debut while opening partner in his 128-ball knock -- and completed ninth ODI hundred and his first since Prince Masvaure recorded his maiden Kevin Kasuza lbw Lahiru Kumara ...... 63 6-238, 7-273, 8-276, 9-282 his eighth century against the Aussies. January 2017 -- a period during which fifty as Zimbabwe finished the first Craig Ervine (batting) ...... 55 Bowling: Bumrah 10-0-38-0 (w8), Shami 10-0- day of the first Test against Sri Lanka (batting) ...... 13 63-4 (w4), Saini 10-0-65-1, Yadav 10-0-62-1 (w1), on 189 for 2 in Harare. Extras (3LB) ...... 3 Jadeja 10-1-44-2 Masvaure, playing in his third Total (84.0 overs) ...... 189-2 India Test, made 55 before he was caught Fall of Wickets : 1-96 Masvaure, 2-164 Kasuza R Sharma c Starc b Zampa ...... 119 by Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karu- Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 15-8-18-0; Kasun Rajitha naratne off the slow left-arm bowling 17-5-31-0; Lasith Embuldeniya 21-6-69-1 3.29 Lahiru KL Rahul lbw b Agar ...... 19 of Lasith Embuldeniya. Kumara 16-6-37-1; Dhananjaya de Silva 15-7-31-0. V Kohli b Hazlewood ...... 89 Kasuza, one of three Zimbabwe S Iyer (batting) ...... 44 players handed their Test debut, sur- M Pandey (batting) ...... 8 vived a dropped chance off a miscued elected to bat first despite Extras (LB2, W8) ...... 10 hook shot before bringing up his own overcast skies at the Harare Total (3 wkts) ...... 289 half-century. He eventually fell lbw Sports Club, where the African Did not bat: S Dhawan, R Jadeja, N Saini, K Yadav, to Lasith Kumara for 63 after facing nation are playing their first home 214 balls and spending more than five Test since 2017. The hosts gave debuts M Shami, J Bumrah hours at the crease. Craig Ervine to opening batsman Kasuza, left-arm Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-206, 3-274 injected the innings with some spinner Ainsley Ndlovu and seam Bowling: Cummins 7-0-64-0 (w5), Starc 9-0-66- impetus late in the day, hitting three bowler Victor Nyauchi -- in their first India’s Virat Kohli (right) and Rohit Sharma greet each other during the third 0 (w2), Hazlewood 9.3-1-55-1 (w1), Agar 10-0-38- sixes and as many boundaries as he Test match in 14 months. and last (ODI) match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium 1, Zampa 10-0-44-1, Labuschagne 1-0-11-0, Finch finished unbeaten on 55. Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal in Bangalore, yesterday. 1-0-9-0 Brendan Taylor was 13 not out. returned for Sri Lanka, having missed Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams the entire Pakistan series. Chess seminar for school teachers to kick off today

THE PENINSULA — DOHA educational tool for In the second session, on the board and the children, strategy to be fol- the basic equipment of the queen. The third day will A four-day chess seminar lowed and value of the game- board, the pieces - deal with basic strategy- for school teachers pieces. will be explained and also the value of the pieces, organised by Qatar Chess Salman A Salman, the moves and captures on game results and how to Association (QCA) will kick Technical Expert at QCA the board and recording of develop the pieces while in off from today at Al Rashad and FIDE Trainer and the moves On the second the second session using Independent School for School Instructor along day the school teachers chess as an educational boys, organisers of the with GrandMaster Hicham will be briefed about the tool for children will be event said here yesterday. Hamdouchi, Trainer at special rules like - Castling discussed in detail along Around 40 teachers QCA and FIDE Trainer will rules, Pawn Promotion, En with practical training. from 16 primary schools be the instructors during Passant and Draw. On the concluding will be attending the the seminar. The seminar will day, the games tactics and course, which is one of the On the opening day, also deal with other combinations will be many steps QCA has taken the participants will get a chess basics like explained while in the to spread the game far and first hand idea about the opening principles of second session an exam- wide in Qatar. importance of learning the game and devel- ination will be conducted Among the topics to be chess in schools and its oping the pieces. and successful candidates discussed at the topic impact on the evolution The participants will will be awarded certifi- include the basics of the of the student’s thought get some practical training cates informed organisers A file picture of chess seminar for school teachers organised by Qatar Chess Association. game, chess as an process. on how to move the pawns of the seminar. MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

Australian Open Day 1 Australian Open in numbers Schedule Djokovic, Williams lead old PRIZE MONEY Order of play on show courts at the Singles winners: A$4.12m Australian Open today, day one of Total prize pot: A$71m the first Grand Slam of the year (x denotes seed): guard into new decade SHOWCOURTS

Rod Laver Arena AFP — MELBOURNE Rod Laver Arena Capacity: 11:00 am (0000 GMT) 14,820 Naomi Osaka (JPN x3) vs Marie Bouzkova Old stagers Novak Djokovic and The stadium is named after (CZE) Serena Williams will aim to Australian great Rod Laver Anastasia Potapova (RUS) vs Serena keep the younger generation of who won 11 Grand Slams, Williams (USA x8) players waiting in the wings as including three Australian Steve Johnson (USA) vs Roger Federer Grand Slam tennis enters a new Open titles. He is also the (SUI x3) decade at the Australian Open only player to hold all four 7:00 pm today. Grand Slam titles in a single Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) vs Lesia After recent bushfire smog year in 1969. Tsurenko (UKR) largely cleared in Melbourne, Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) vs Novak the view is all too familiar with Melbourne Arena Djokovic (SRB x2) Djokovic and Williams, who is Capacity: 10,500 Margaret Court Arena seeking a record-equalling 24th A multi-purpose arena 11:00 am Major title, installed as the opened in 2001, it is the Denis Shapovalov (CAN x13) vs Marton bookies’ favourites. second-largest court at Fucsovics (HUN) Top seed Rafael Nadal, 33, Melbourne Park and is also Katerina Siniakova (CZE) vs Petra Kvitova is celebrating becoming world used for other sports such (CZE x7) number one in a third decade as basketball and netball. Venus Williams (USA) vs Coco Gauff while Roger Federer, 38, is (USA) trying to defy the ageing process Margaret Court Arena 7:00 pm and stay ahead of his rivals with Capacity: 7,500 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) vs Salvatore a 21st Grand Slam win. The stadium is named after Caruso (ITA) The start of 2020 is not dis- Australian Margaret Court, Sloane Stephens (USA x24) vs Zhang similar to 2010, when Federer Serena Williams of the US and Novak Djokovic of Serbia share a lighter moment in Melbourne. who won 24 Grand Slam Shuai (CHN) and Nadal shared the four titles -- more than any Melbourne Arena Grand Slam titles and Williams player in history. She won 11:00 am won in Melbourne and women have won Grand Slam They’re knocking on the door.” of seeing the first home-grown the Australian Open 11 times Matteo Berrettini (ITA x8) vs Andrew Wimbledon. titles since Williams, 38, The clash between old and women’s winner since 1978. between 1960 and 1973. Harris (AUS) Ten years later, the men’s claimed her 23rd in Melbourne new will be epitomised in the “Obviously it’s the perfect Total Attendance in 2019: Kristie Ahn (USA) vs Caroline Wozniacki Big Three -- who have won all in 2017. first round today, when Venus preparation. But regardless of 796,435 (DEN) but two Australian Open titles While Djokovic and Nadal Williams, who turns 40 this whether I won the title or not Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) vs Grigor since 2004 -- occupy the top split last year’s Grand Slams, year, plays 15-year-old rising last week, I feel like I’m well- TOP SEEDS Dimitrov (BUL x18) three rankings, and Williams is Dominic Thiem, Daniil star Coco Gauff -- who wasn’t prepared,” Barty said. Men’s singles Samantha Stosur (AUS) vs Catherine one step away from Margaret Medvedev and Fabio Fognini even born when her fellow “I’m happy, I’m healthy. I’m 1-Rafa Nadal (Spain) 2-Novak McNally (USA) Court’s record for Grand Slam won their first Masters trophies American lifted her first Grand coming into the first Grand Djokovic (Serbia) 3-Roger 1573 Arena victories. and Stefanos Tsitsipas, 21, Slam trophies in 2000. Slam of the year with a smile Federer (Switzerland) 11:00 am The men’s dominance is became the youngest ATP Japan’s Naomi Osaka, 22, on my face. That’s all I can ask 4-Daniil Medvedev (Russia) Sam Querry (USA) vs Borna Coric (CRO stark: since Federer won his Finals champion in 18 years. is defending a title for the of myself.” 5-Dominic Thiem (Austria) x25) first Grand Slam title in 2003, “They’re very close. I don’t second Grand Slam in a row The tournament is taking Women’s singles Reilly Opelka (USA) vs Fabio Fognini only five Major finals have not think that’s miles, miles away after her repeat bid at last place against the backdrop of a 1-Ash Barty (Australia) (ITA x12) featured one of the Swiss, Nadal maybe as it was some years year’s US Open fell flat in the bushfires emergency that has 2-Karolina Pliskova (Czech Madison Keys (USA x10) vs Daria or Djokovic. ago,” fourth round. swept the nation and ramped Republic) 3-Naomi Osaka Kasatkina (RUS) Several challengers have Djokovic of the NextGen World number one Ashleigh up fears over global warming (Japan) 4-Simona Halep Johanna Konta (GBR x12) vs Ons Jabeur come and gone but there is winning a Major title. Barty, fresh from winning the -- and billowed choking smog (Romania) 5-Elina Svitolina (TUN) increasing hope for the men’s “I think they are definitely Adelaide International on Sat- across Melbourne and other (Ukraine) up-and-comers, while nine hungry. They’re challenging. urday, carries Australian hopes cities. Final curtain looms for Wozniacki at Melbourne Park

REUTERS — MELBOURNE however unlikely, would she had been diagnosed with the tennis career is short. therefore bring down the rheumatoid arthritis, a painful There’s plenty of time outside While most of her rivals are curtain on a career that has autoimmune disease that to do whatever I want. At the looking for a strong showing at earned her more than $35 affects the joints. same time, you know, you just Melbourne Park to kick-start million from winnings alone. I’ve just approached That, she was keen to point have to go with what feels their seasons, a defeat for “I’ve just approached it like out, was not behind her decision right.” Always a player who Caroline Wozniacki (pictured) any other tournament but obvi- it like any other to retire before her 30th revealed a little more hinterland at the Australian Open will ously it’s different since it’s my tournament but birthday and she expanded on of her life than some of her bring an end to 15 years of last one,” the 29-year-old Dane her reasoning at Melbourne rivals, Wozniacki said she hitting a ball over a net for a told reporters on Saturday. obviously it’s Park. “I’ve achieved a lot. I’ve wanted to “chill” and visit some living. “I’m just enjoying being out different since it’s my given it my all. Every single day “cool places” with Lee once she Keen to move on to the next there. I’ve had some great last one: Wozniacki I go out and I work so hard to finally hung up her racket for stage of her life with her practice sessions. I’ve done eve- stay at the top or to get back to good. husband of seven months, rything I could to prepare as the top, whatever it may be,” With 36-year-old Kim Cli- former NBA All Star David Lee, well as I can for this tour- number one spot for the third she said. jsters planning another Wozniacki has decided that the nament, then hope for the best. time in her career in 2018 after “It doesn’t feel the same. I comeback this season after 108th Australian Open will be “I have my family here, winning her maiden Grand still want to work hard, but I seven years away from tennis, her last tournament. which is great. I’m sure once the Slam singles crown by beating want to do something different. Wozniacki was naturally asked A loss to American Kristie last ball is hit, it’s going to be a Simona Halep in the Australian I want to try and achieve some- whether she might also one day Ahn in the second match on bit emotional.” Open final. thing else, some other things in reconsider her decision to Melbourne Arena on Monday, Wozniacki hit the world Later that year she revealed life. “Life is short. I know that retire.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk scores their first goal against Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, Britain, yesterday. Real Madrid make light of absentees to go top AFP — MADRID La Liga paraded the club’s latest trophy La liga results yesterday: on the pitch before kick-off. Real Madrid started without Real Mallorca 4 (Raillo 7, Benzema came on in the their top scorer, captain and Budimir 22, 41, Rodriguez second half after shaking off record signing on Saturday but 79) Valencia 1 (Torres 82) a dead leg but Ramos and claimed a scrappy 2-1 win over Real Betis 3 (Iglesias 27, Hazard need more time to Sevilla that sent them above Joaquin 44, Canales 90+5) recover. Barcelona and top of La Liga. Real Sociedad 0 Gareth Bale was not even Karim Benzema, Sergio Played on Saturday in the squad, despite training Ramos and Eden Hazard were Levante 0 Alaves 1 (Aleix 64) on Friday. Bale missed the trip all absent at the Santiago Real Madrid 2 (Casemiro 57, to Jeddah through illness. Bernabeu but Casemiro stepped 69) Sevilla 1 (De Jong 64) “He picked up a knock the up in their place. Osasuna 0 Valladolid 0 other day,” said Zidane. “Only His first double as a Real Eibar 2 (Burgos 10, Exposito because of that.” player proved the difference 90) Atletico Madrid 0 Lopetegui was back at the amid a three-goal flurry in the Santiago Bernabeu for the first second half, during which Luuk time since he was sacked by Liverpool power past Man United de Jong had briefly pulled fourth, eight points off the top Real last season, 138 days after Sevilla level. while Atletico Madrid in third they appointed him. “Two goals for him is very are now the same margin “I haven’t even stopped to as Burnley stun Leicester City 2-1 unusual,” said Real Madrid behind after falling to a surprise think about it,” Lopetegui said. coach Zinedine Zidane. 2-0 loss away at Eibar. “The only emotion I wanted AGENCIES — LONDON the visitors, Van Dijk was were caught on the counter- His team were largely Barca can reclaim first place to feel is to win here.” poorly marked by United as he attack in the final moments underwhelming, at times on Sunday by beating Granada His Sevilla side arguably Liverpool moved 16 points clear rose to head in a Trent Alex- with Salah racing clear before reverting to the stodgy days of at Camp Nou, where Quique deserved more too but con- at the top of the Premier League ander-Arnold corner. slotting home. last season when they struggled Setien will be overseeing his verting impetus into goals has after a 14th-minute Virgil van Salah missed a glorious Earlier, Burnley recovered for goals under Julen Lopetegui, debut game since being been their problem all season, Dijk header and a stoppage- chance from close range just from a goal down to beat high- who was this time in the appointed coach early last and so it proved again. time strike from Mohamed after the interval during an flying Leicester City 2-1 at Turf dug-out of Sevilla. week. De Jong thought he had Salah gave them a 2-0 win over intense period of pressure from Moor yesterday, ending their Yet given those missing, the Setien has said he will not scored when he was given a Manchester United at Anfield the home side, in which Jordan four-match losing streak in the opposition and the per- be satisfied if his team win suspicious amount of space in yesterday. Henderson also hit the post. Premier League. formance, this might be the while playing badly, but Zidane the area to head in from a Juergen Klopp's side, United survived that blitz Sean Dyche's Clarets failed kind of victory that could prove is likely to be less choosy. corner and VAR showed his chasing their first league title in and clawed their way back into to score a first-half goal for an crucial to Madrid winning the His side are now 17 games marker Eder Militao had been 30 years, also have a game in the game and could even have 11th successive league game, title in May. unbeaten, a streak that included blocked, albeit only by a small, hand on second-placed Man- snatched an equaliser but and their problems worsened “It makes the win even them winning the Spanish but seemingly deliberate, step chester City with the title race Anthony Martial blasted high when midfielder Harvey Barnes more important,” said Zidane. Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last from Nemanja Gudelj. appearing more of a procession and wide in the 59th minute. put the visitors ahead with a “It’s only three points but weekend. Marcelo was lucky not to than a contest. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side stunning solo effort in the 33rd we needed them and we got Ramos, who is still recov- concede a penalty for a After a promising start from applied some late pressure but minute. them by suffering.” Sevilla stay ering from an ankle injury, shirt-pull. SPORT SPORT | 08 SPORT | 10 James scores 31 Clinical India as Lakers shoot beat Australia by down Rockets; 7 wickets to Bucks defeat Nets clinch ODI series

MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 Doha Triathlon 2020 likely to attract record participation next month

THE PENINSULA — DOHA With races for children The swim takes place in into a new passion. This will ahead of Sophie Clarke (UK) main event of the now already and youths part of the pro- the shadow of the iconic be a priority event for Qatar’s and Andrea Stadler well-established Qatar The Doha Triathlon, one of the gramme too, this is an event building itself; the cycling best. (Colombia). National Triathlon Series and most anticipated events on for all levels of ability and all route extends along the Doha The Doha Triathlon fea- The 2020 edition sees a stepping stone for the big sports calendar, is expected to the family. It is an individual sea front (Corniche) to the tures the ITU (International Qatar Triathlon Federation international events to come.” attract record participation sport but the Doha Triathlon ultra-modern West Bay Triathlon Union) National and the team behind other QTF President, Dr. when it will take place next also allows groups of friends business district, finishing Championships where the major events such as the Al Mohammed Al Kuwari, also month in the Qatari capital. to tackle one discipline each, with a run in the inspiring sur- current number one ranked Adaid Desert Challenge, Ride welcomes the involvement of The multi sports event, competing for team relay roundings of MIA park. Qatari, Ebrahim Al Romaih of Champions and the Qatar the federation. “By bringing which will take place on Feb- awards. This makes it among the will be seeking to unseat last National Triathlon Series, the race under QTF organi- ruary 7, is likely to be partic- The huge appeal of tria- world’s most scenic and the year’s champion, Saad taking over full organisation sation, we can continue to ipated by 500 across three thlon stems from its ability to long-term ambition is to Almejali. Among the interna- of the event. offer an exceptional level of distances - Olympic, Sprint challenge and provide a com- create a destination event tional talent, Bernard Race Director, Slovenian quality while growing a sport and Super-Sprint. petitive environment acces- attracting international McCullogh (Ireland) who Andrej Filip relishes the which offers opportunities for Triathlon is a sport where sible to everybody. competitors. showed top form at the opportunity. so many to discover and enjoy participants swim, then cycle, In recent years, new tria- For Qatar’s seasoned tria- Dukhan Triathlon will be bat- ”I see the development of healthy competition. We then run in a continuous race thlons have been launched in thletes it is the must-do race tling against Mouhcine Rhaili our organising team sup- thank the previous organisers, – quickly moving from one Qatar, reflecting the sport’s of the year, but many others; (Morocco) and Aday Alvarez ported by members of local Tasama, for the past two years discipline to the next. This is a popularity, but the Doha Tri- swimmers, cyclists, runners (Spain). triathlon and cycling clubs as where we have seen The Doha challenge growing in popu- athlon remains the most pres- or fitness fanatics join them to Women’s triathlon in one of the greatest achieve- Triathlon grow into one of larity in Qatar and this fourth tigious thanks to its city centre give it a go. Qatar is currently dominated ments of Qatar Cycling and Qatar’s foremost mass-par- edition is expecting to be setting at the Museum of For some, the Doha Tria- by former double Olympian Triathlon Federation," said ticipation sports events,” he bigger and better. Islamic Art. thlon will be a springboard cyclist, Pia Sundsted (Finland) Filip. "Doha Triathlon is the said.

Olympic distance: 1500m swim, 40km cycling and 10km running Sprint distance: 750m swim, 20km cycling and 5km running Super-Sprint: 325m swim, 10km cycling and 2.5km running

An athlete takes part in the Doha Triathlon in this file photo. Asian Men’s Handball Djokovic says NextGen ‘very, Championship: Qatar to take on South Korea in very close’ to Slam success main round opener AFP — MELBOURNE

THE PENINSULA - DOHA their other match. The eight Novak Djokovic yesterday said qualifying teams have been tennis’s young guns were “very, Eyeing a place in the semi- divided into two groups, from very close” to winning a Grand They’re literally one finals, defending champions which the top two sides will Slam with emotional maturity set away. On a given Qatar will take on South Korea enter the semi-finals. the only missing ingredient if today in their first match of the Group 1 includes Bahrain, they want to stay on top. day, in the very near main round at the Asian Men’s Japan, Saudi Arabia and the The 16-time Major winner, future, I think that Handball Championship – a UAE, while Qatar and South who is gunning for an eighth qualifying event for the 2021 Korea are in Group 2 along with Australian Open title, knows can happen. It’s World Championships in Egypt. Kuwait and Iran. that the dominance of himself, going to happen. It’s Qatar reached the main In other matches today, Roger Federer and Rafael inevitable: Novak rounds of the event after Bahrain face the UAE while Nadal, who have 55 Slam topping their group in the pre- Saudi Arabia will take on Japan. crowns between them, has to Djokovic liminary round in Kuwait, Hosts Kuwait will clash with ultimately end. marking commanding victories Iran. But for that to happen, the over China (49-18) and Japan Qatar have become a dom- likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic, 32, credited the (36-28). inating force in the continental Daniil Medvedev and Dominic pre-eminence of the Big Three South Korea advanced to event, winning the last three Thiem still have so work to do. over so many years to each the main stage after their win editions of the biennial event. “Well, they’re coming player motivating the others, over Australia (40-20). They Their previous title came after closer and closer. It’s obvious,” turning their rivalries into the lost to Saudi Arabia (25 -27) in a win over Bahrain in the final. said the Serbian world number stuff of legend. two who has been at the top He said the fact that top- Action from Qatar's match of the game for well over a ranked Nadal, 33, and world against Japan on Saturday decade. number three Federer, 38, were which they won 36-28. He pointed to Russia’s still playing at such a high level Medvedev pushing Nadal hard was inspirational. in last year’s US Open final, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic speaks during a press conference ahead “I mentioned many times Greek Tsitsipas making the of the Australian Open in Melbourne, yesterday. before that the three of us have semis at Melbourne Park a year inspired each other throughout ago and Austria’s Thiem playing “They have put in the hours “To win a Slam and also to our rivalries and careers to be the finals at Roland Garros in and dedicated themselves on be consistently on the top level better, to understand how we 2018 and 2019. and off the court. I think a lot of for many years, it takes a player can overcome obstacles in the “They’re literally one set those next generation players to gain that mental and emo- matchups that we have against away. On a given day, in the are working very hard, being tional maturity and experience each other,” he said. very near future, I think that can very professional. to understand his own “I am more grateful today happen. It’s going to happen. It’s “That’s a good sign because strengths, to kind of fight his to be in the same era with inevitable,” he said of one of that’s one of the precursors, I own fears,” he said. these two guys than I was them taking the final step. guess, for the success.” “Rafa, Roger, and I, obvi- probably 10, 15 years ago. I “I don’t think they are But they still needed to ously because of the past 10, 15 think that definitely rivalries missing too much, to be honest. develop another essential char- years, we know what we need with them made me very, very I think they possess very pow- acteristic, and that generally to do mentally in this particular strong, very resilient, and also erful games that require a lot of comes with experience, he situation. That gives us probably very motivated that I am still skills, and they have those skills. added. a little bit of an edge.” today.”