SPORT Tuesday 15 January 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 11 Gutsy Murray Sanchez credits bows out as ‘super start’ for Federer, Nadal Qatar’s dominant march on victory PSG stars give thumbs up to Qatar 2022 preparations ‘Qatar on right path to get ready for World Cup’

FAWAD HUSSAIN PSG players during their visit to the Al Wakrah Stadium yesterday. THE PENINSULA

French giants Paris Saint Germain (PSG) are one of the top European clubs to visit Qatar for their winter training camps every season. The Parisians are here again this year and despite a busy schedule that includes five training sessions, inauguration of a PSG Academy in Doha besides fans and media interactions, the champions yesterday took time out to inspect Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. PSG’s Italian After touching down in Doha goalkeeper on Sunday night, PSG players yes- Gianluigi make any difference. World Cup is terday visited the under con- Buffon gives a huge event and teams come after struction Al Wakrah Stadium – one the thumbs a lot of preparations. The compe- of the eight venues to host the 2022 up as he tition has always been tough and We are coming to FIFA World Cup - and were left strong and it will remain so,” said attends Qatar every year for amazed with the pace and modern the young forward. a press training and I think technology being used to build the During his visit to Al Wakrah conference it’s a phenomenal venue. Stadium, PSG Thilo Kehrer said yes- in Doha, country. It’s just Veteran Italian goalkeeper yesterday. terday: “It’s the latest technology Gianluigi Buffon, who is visiting and we’ have learned a lot. It’s very fantastic and it’s Qatar for the third time but first modern. When it is finished it would developing very, time as a Parisian, praised Qatar’s “I think I am 40 and it’s a bit dif- phenomenal country. It’s just fan- “This is my second time here be incredible.” very quickly. I think commitment in preparing for the ficult to make it to the World Cup tastic and it’s developing very, very and discovered quite a few things, “It’s under construction but we it’s a country for the mega event. as it is in four years time but eve- quickly. I think it’s a country for the and hopefully will play the World saw a lot of great things and I hope future, the sporting “Qatar is growing very fast and rything is possible. I may take part future, the sporting infrastructure Cup in three years time. It’s going we are here to see it in 2022,” said infrastructure in very rapidly and I think the country in a different role if not as a goal- in the country is just exceptional. I to be a huge event for us,” said the another PSG star Presnel the country is just is in right path to get ready to host keeper,” Buffon joked. think the country is on right track 20-year old, who was one of the Kimpembe. exceptional. I think the World Cup in four years time,” Uruguayan striker Edinson to host a successful World Cup,” stars in last year’s World Cup in The Parisians today will hold a the country is on the PSG goalkeeper said at a press Cavani said he is surprised by the said the PSG striker. Russia. training session from 5pm to 7pm right track to host a conference in Doha, yesterday. development every time he returns World Cup hero Kylian Mbappe Asked if the Word Cup in winter at Khalifa International Stadium, successful World Cup: The veteran star, however, was to the country. said he was looking forward to will make any difference, Mbappe’s another venue for the World Cup PSG striker Edinson not sure of guarding the goal for “We are coming to Qatar every playing at Qatar 2022 when France reply was in the negative. 2022. The session will be open for Cavani Italy in the tournament. year for training and I think it’s a will defend their title. “I think, it (schedule) will not fans.

PSG forward Moussa Diaby takes a selfie with young kids during the Champions League: PSG wary inauguration ceremony of the club’s sports academy in Doha, yesterday. of rejuvenated Man United

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe said Paris Saint-Germain will be on the guard against a rejuvenated Manchester United when they take on the English giants in their last-16 tie of the Champions League. “I think Manchester United is always a top side,” Mbappe said yesterday on day one of their winter training camp in Doha. “It’s not easy to play any team PSG opens sports academy in Doha in the Champions League, we are going to do our best,” added THE PENINSULA training camp and tour in in addition to the young Edinson Cavani Kylian Mbappe Mbappe, who was one of the stars DOHA Doha. children who created a won- of the World Cup winning French The Paris academy was derful atmosphere with the squad in Russia last year. sacked Jose Mourinho in December, going to have five training sessions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attended by , PSG stars. The PSG Academy PSG and United meet first in with a revival capped off by this on excellent pitches in a nice tem- officially opened its sports the PSG coach and the team’s in Doha is the first of the kind Manchester on February 12, with weekend’s impressive victory away perature and in a calm atmos- academy at the Qatar Foun- Brazilian star, . the Middle East and the Arab the second leg taking place in the at Spurs that has them closing in phere,” the German said. dation, Education City on the The ceremony was region, and will be equipped French capital on March 6. on the European spots after falling “It’s perfect given the number sidelines of the team's winter attended by a host of officials, with world-class facilities. United beat another Champions way behind. of matches that will come thick and League side Tottenham at the Meanwhile PSG’s veteran goal- fast when we get back,” added weekend to record their six suc- keeper Gianluigi Buffon said the Tuchel. cessive victory under caretaker French champions are “improving The players echoed their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a and we are looking to do well in coaches’ thoughts. “We want to Asian Cup: Bahrain beat India 1-0 run of results that has made PSG the Champions League.” The Italian achieve the goals we have set our- sit up and take notice. international said Spanish clubs are selves,” Thiago Silva said. THE AFC one of the best four third- pressure and came close when “I think after the departure of favourities to win the Champions “So we need to prepare well, SHARJAH placed teams. substitute Mohamed Marhoon Jose Mourinho Manchester United League. notably during this week in Qatar. UAE won the group with looked to have scored, only for has a new energy,” PSG’s Uru- “Clubs from Spain have a big We’ll have to return with a lot of Jamal Rashed’s penalty in five points while Thailand, the woodwork to deny him. guayan star Cavani said yesterday. chance in the Champions League. motivation in order to string added time secured Bahrain defeated 4-1 by India on India continued to repel “They have started to win matches They have the firepower, strong together wins.” a 1-0 win over India to give Matchday One, completed an Bahrain’s advances but finally and have more continuity,” he team and big players. Our (PSG) “This training camp is the West Asians a great amazing comeback to seal conceded a penalty late in the added. players are also have good quality important for us, because we chance of advancing to the second spot. game after Hamed Alshamsan When the draw was made, but I think they are the favourite returned to competition after just AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 India suffered early was brought down by Pronay many made PSG clear favourites ones,” Buffon said yesterday. two days’ training,” explained knockout stage. problems at the back when Halder. to win the tie with an uninspired PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said . With United Arab Emirates Anas Edathodika was forced Rashed made no mistake United well off-the-pace in the his team was looking forward to “The first games of the year and Thailand playing to a 1-1 off with an injury in the fourth from the spot, sending Gur- Premier League title race. make the best use of the top notch were not easy, and we now have a draw, Bahrain finished third minute and was replaced with preet Singh the wrong way as But they are a team trans- facilities at the Aspire Academy and week to prepare ourselves for the in Group A and will likely seal Salam Ranjan Singh. Bahrain claimed the three formed since Solskjaer replaced the the prefect weather in doha “We’re rest of the season,” he added. a place in the Round of 16 as Bahrain turned on the points. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: WOMEN’S The Scottish five-time SINGLES FIRST ROUND Melbourne finalist, RESULTS - DAY 1 Andy Murray went down fighting to Qatar Irina Begu (ROM) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER) ExxonMobil Open 6-7 (3/7), 4-3 retired Belinda Bencic (SUI) bt Katerina Siniakova champion Roberto (CZE) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 Bautista Agut. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE x32) 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) Spain’s Rafael Swiss master Federer, Lesya Tsurenko (UKR x24) bt Ekaterina Nadal hits a continued his march Alexandrova (RUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) return against towards a record Amanda Anisimova (USA) bt Monica Australia’s James seventh Australian Niculescu (ROM) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Duckworth Open title with a roaring Katie Boulter (GBR) bt Ekaterina Makarova during their (RUS) 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (10/6) win over Uzbek Denis men’s singles Istomin. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x11) bt Anna match on day Kalinskaya (RUS) 6-1, 6-4 one of the Ashleigh Barty (AUS x15) bt Luksika Australian The 17-time Grand Slam Kumkhum (THA) 6-2, 6-2 Open tennis winner Rafael Nadal Wang Yafan (CHN) bt Ellen Perez (AUS) tournament showed no mercy to 6-4, 6-0 in Melbourne, Australian wildcard Astra Sharma (AUS) bt Priscilla Hon (AUS) yesterday. 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 James Duckworth in his Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT opening round clash. x22) 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 Maria Sharapova (RUS x30) bt Harriet Dart World number three (GBR) 6-0, 6-0 Wozniacki opened Rebecca Peterson (SWE) bt Sorana Cirstea Gutsy Murray bows out as her defence with a (ROU) 6-4, 6-1 convincing win over Johanna Larsson (SWE) bt Vera Lapko (BLR) 7-6 (7/5), 3-0 retired Belgium’s Alison Van Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x3) bt Alison Van Uytvanck. Uytvanck (BEL) 6-3, 6-4 Federer, Nadal march on Sloane Stephens (USA x5) bt Taylor AFP Townsend (USA) 6-4, 6-2 so much to everyone that came over Belgium’s Alison van MELBOURNE Timea Babos (HUN) bt Ons Jabeur (TUN) 7-6 out tonight,” he said after being Uytvanck. (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) given a rapturous send-off. It was an emotional win for Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) bt Evgeniya A battling Andy Murray bowed While his tournament ended the Dane who is struggling with Rodina (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 out of the Australian Open at the in despair, Swiss master Federer, rheumatoid arthritis and she was Petra Martic (CRO x31) bt Heather Watson first hurdle yesterday, but it was six years older than Murray, con- in tears afterwards. business as usual for ruthless tinued his march towards a “Last year I had some special (GBR) 6-1, 6-2 Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal record seventh Australian Open memories and just to be able to Anett Kontaveit (EST x20) bt Sara Sorribes Germany’s who joined Caroline Wozniacki title. be back out here on Rod Laver (ESP) 6-3, 6-2 Angelique in round two. He swept past Uzbek Denis Arena is something extremely Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Kirsten The Scottish five-time Mel- Istomin 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 said he was special and emotional,” she said. Kerber hits Flipkens (BEL) 6-1, 6-1 bourne Park finalist gave it eve- in “disbelief” that he was the Second seed and 2016 a return Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Monica rything he had and showed double defending champion at champion Angelique Kerber was against Puig (PUR) 6-4, 6-3 glimpses of the form that won his age and vowed to give his all also impressive, breezing past Slovenia’s Kiki Bertens (NED x9) bt Alison Riske (USA) him three Grand Slams, but his to make it three in a row. Slovenia’s Polona Hercog 6-2, Polona 6-3, 6-3 ailing body let him down during “I’m going to try everything 6-2. Hercog. Danielle Collins (USA) bt Julia Georges (GER a gutsy 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 possible (to win again) and leave Maria Sharapova, a winner x14) 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 (4/7) defeat to 22nd seed Roberto it all on the court,” said the world at Melbourne in 2008, signalled Sachia Vickery (USA) bt Ysaline Bonaventure Bautista Agut. number three. her intent with a rare 6-0, 6-0 Denmark’s (BEL) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 Murray tearfully revealed His long-time rival Nadal, double bagel demolition of Brit- Caroline Zoe Hives (AUS) bt Bethanie Mattek-Sands before the tournament that he who cut short his 2018 season to ain’s Harriet Dart. Playing in her Wozniacki in (USA) 6-1, 6-2 was in constant agony from a hip have surgery on a foot injury, 15th Australian Open, the three- action against Caroline Garcia (FRA x19) bt Jessika Ponchet injury and planned to retire this showed no mercy to Australian time finalist said she was pleased Belgium’s (FRA) 6-2, 6-3 year. wildcard James Duckworth in his to go through so easily as she Alison Van Donna Vekic (CRO x29) bt Kristina The 31-year-old hopes to end opening round clash. battles back from injuries. Uytvanck Mladenovic (FRA) 6-2, 6-4 his career at Wimbledon, but has The 17-time Grand Slam “I’m still working through during their Kimberly Birrell (AUS) bt Paula Badosa (ESP) admitted the Australian Open winner cruised through 6-4, 6-3, some painful days. But, you women’s 6-4, 6-2 could be his last event, unless he 7-5 and said it was an important know, I felt like I did all the right singles first Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) bt Bernarda Pera has a late change of heart. victory. things today in order to get round match, (USA) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 “Amazing.g That was “Not easyy to come back after through that match,” said the yesterday. Angeliqueeliliquque KerberKerbeer (GER(GER x2)x2) btbt PolonaPolona HerHHercogeercogg incredible,iincrreddibblee, a lolott of mmonths,ono thths,s especiallyes against Russian. (SLO)(SL(S O) 6-26-2,-22, 66-2-2-2 thankthana k a plpplayerayyerr playingplaayiyingng supers aggressive Fifth seeded Sloane Stephens, PPetraetra KvKviKvitovavitovt va ((CZECZEC x8)x8)b) btbttM MMagdalenaagdaggdalea enana youyoy u so,sos , onon eeveryveryy ppoint,”oio ntt,”, said the 2009 the 2017 US Open champion who RybarikovaRybybariikokovva ((SVK)SVKS K))6 6-3,6-3, 6-26-6 2 AustralianAuAuststraraliianan champion,chah who struggled in her warm-up tour- showedshshowweded nono signsisigngn of any injury naments in Brisbane and Sydney, worries.woorrr iees.s “The“ThThe energyene e I feel in this got back to business with an easy placeplplace isi fantastic.”fanntasttiic two-set win against fellow TheThThe secondsesecoc ndnd seedse is bidding to American Taylor Townsend. becomebeb coomme tthehehe ffirstirirsts mman in the Open Eleventh seed Aryna era,erera,a andandnd oonlynlnly theththe third in history Sabalenka, widely tipped as a alongalalonong withwiwithth RoyRooy EEmersonm and Rod potential future champion, also Laver,LaLavever,r, ttoo wiwwinin eaeeach Grand Slam safely negotiated round one on onon twotwowo oorr mommoreor occasions. a hot day. But Germany’s 14th FifthFiF ftfth sesseedeeded KKevin Anderson seed Julia Goerges was knocked progressed,prprogogreressssede , asa did NextGen out, as was former French Open FinalsFiF nan lsls cchampionhah mpm ioi Stefanos Tsit- champion Jelena Ostapenko. sipas.sisippaas.s. ButButut ninthnininthh seed John Isner Britain’s Katie Boulter, mean- becamebebecaameme tthehehe ffirsti top seed to while, created a slice of history crashcrcrassh ouoout.utt. by becoming the first woman to Andydy MMurrayururray looksloookoks Russia’s Maria WorldWoW rlr d nunnumbermbm three Woz- win in a third set tiebreak -- a Sharapova dejectedectedd afteraftefter loloosingoossing niacki,niacacki, whowho mademam her Grand new rule introduced to the Open thee mammatchtch againstagagaiainsst Spain’sSpaia n’n s returns a shot SlamSlS amam breakthroughbreakthhrrougu in Melbourne this year, beating Russia’s Ekat- to Britain’s Robertoberto BautistaBauttista AgutAgug t lastlal st year,year,r oopenedpene her defence erina Makarova 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 Harriet Dart. yesterday.sterday. withwith a convincingconviincin 6-3, 6-4 win (10/6).

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: MEN’S SINGLES FIRST ROUND RESULTS - DAY 1 Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Steve Johnson (USA x31) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 Radu Albot (MDA) bt Michael Mmoh (USA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x20) bt Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 Fernando Verdasco (ESP x26) bt Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-3 Pablo Cuevas (URU) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 Not easy to come back John Millman (AUS) bt Federico Del Bonis (ARG) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) bt Jason Kubler (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 2-6, 6-3 after a lot of months, Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt Tennys Sandgren (USA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 Reilly Opelka (USA) bt John Isner (USA x9) 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5) especially against a Karen Khachanov (RUS x10) bt Peter Gojowczyk (GER) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR x13) 6-3, 6-0, 7-5 player playing super Robin Haase (NED) bt Guillermo Garc1a-Lopez (ESP) 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x14) bt Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) aggressive on every Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Roberto Carballes (ESP) 6-1, 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 Denis Kudla (USA) bt Marc Polmans (AUS) 5-7, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Guido Andreozzi (ARG) 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 Diego Schwartzman (ARG x18) bt Rudolf Molleker (GER) 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 point. The energy I feel Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO x19) bt Christopher Eubanks (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 Alex De Minaur (AUS x27) bt Pedro Sousa (POR) 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in this place is fantastic: Gael Monfils (FRA x30) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-0, 6-4, 6-0 Henri Laaksonen (SUI) bt Mirza Basic (BIH) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3 Rafael Nadal Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Cameron Norrie (GBR) 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 Matthew Ebden (AUS) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 Daniel Evans (GBR) bt Tatsuma Ito (JPN) 7-5, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 Kevin Anderson (RSA x5) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x22) bt Andy Murray (SCO) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 Last year I had some Frances Tiafoe (USA) bt Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND) 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-3 Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Denis Istomin (UZB) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 special memories and just Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-1, 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS) 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) to be able to be back out here on Rod Laver Arena is something extremely special and emotional: Caroline Wozniacki

Switzerland’s Roger Federer hits a return I’m still working through against Uzbekistan’s some painful days. But, Denis Istomin during their you know, I felt like I did men’s singles match on all the right things today in day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament, order to get through that yesterday. match: Maria Sharapova TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 09 Murray to make career decision ‘next week’

AFP MELBOURNE

Andy Murray said he would make a I have basically like two decision on further surgery that could end his career “within a week” after options. One is to take the battling to a gutsy, epic five-set defeat next four-and-a-half months in the Australian Open yesterday. Britain’s Andy off, then build up, you know, The Scot fought to the very end Murray addresses play Wimbledon: Andy Murray before losing his Melbourne first-round match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 media at a press to Roberto Bautista Agut. conference after Murray, who has said he will retire losing his first round -- but not before being interrupted as this season because of chronic hip pain, men’s singles match he served to stay in the match at 5-6 by seemed finished at two sets and a break against Spain’s fireworks going off at the nearby Mel- down to the 22nd seeded Spaniard in Roberto Bautista bourne Cricket Ground. the first round but somehow battled Agut on day one of Once Bautista Agut broke in the fifth, back to force a fifth set. the Australian Open, Murray’s resolve finally crumbled and “Amazing. That was incredible, yesterday. the Spaniard took it 6-2. He will face thank you so, so much to everyone that unseeded Australian John Millman in came out tonight,” the three-time the second round. Grand Slam champion said after being “That was an incredible night,” said swept along on a wave of vociferous four-and-a-half months off, then build Melbourne Arena to a huge ovation as Bautista Agut broke for 2-1 in the Bautista Agut. support. up, you know, play Wimbledon. Scottish Saltires and British Union flags third and just as the end looked like it “Andy deserves this atmosphere. He “Honestly I’ve loved playing here “I mean, I’m really struggling. I can’t were flown while one banner pro- would come quickly, Murray had the gave everything to the last point. I want over the years. If this was my last match, walk properly at all just now. I could claimed: “There will only ever be one crowd, including mum Judy and brother to congratulate him for all he did for an amazing way to end. I gave every- play another match, but... I want to Andy Murray”. Jamie, back on their feet after a winner tennis.” thing I had and it wasn’t enough tonight.” improve my quality of life, because The rollicking support lifted him and down the line to break back. Murray was then shown a big screen Murray announced at an emotional even if I take four months, I still can’t despite frequently grimacing with pain “Right, let’s go,” Murray shouted and tribute from a whole phalanx of top press conference on Friday that he walk. he moved relatively freely as the held to love with an searing ace to nudge players, including Roger Federer, would retire at Wimbledon this year, “But having an operation like that, Spaniard took the opening set in 50 ahead 3-2 before forcing a tiebreak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Caroline Woz- but conceded Monday’s clash could well there’s absolutely no guarantees I’d be minutes. which he took 7-5 with a scream of niacki and Sloane Stephens. be his last match as he will soon need a able to play again. I’m fully aware of that. The in-form Bautista Agut had “come on” and a huge fist pump. “I’ve been very fortunate -- and further major operation on his damaged It’s a really big operation. beaten world number one Novak Suddenly the comeback was on. unlucky -- to compete in an era with all right hip. “I’ll probably decide in the next week Djokovic on his way to winning the The fourth set went with serve and those great players around” Murray said. “I have basically like two options,” or so.” Qatar Open at the start of the month and Murray again proved the tie-break “To have the respect of your peers he told reporters. “One is to take the next Murray had entered a raucous quickly took the second. master on the fourth of his five set points is a very special thing.” Retiring Murray Tensions rise as Nadal backs Australian Open likely to have Highlights of the opening day statue erected under-pressure ATP chief REUTERS AFP MELBOURNE AFP MELBOURNE LONDON Federer eases past Istomin in opener Rafael Nadal yesterday threw his Roger Federer, chasing a third consecutive Australian Open title, eased Two-time Wimbledon support behind ATP Tour chief past Uzbek Denis Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-4 in the opening round. champion Andy Murray is Chris Kermode as he fights to The 37-year-old Swiss will face British qualifier Dan Evans, ranked 189 likely to be honoured with a save his job, and hit out at not in the world, in the second round. statue at the historic Grand being consulted by the players’ Slam venue, the All England council over such an important Spain’s Rafael Murray bows out after five-set battle Club’s chief executive told the issue. Nadal sweats as he Five-time finalist Andy Murray produced an inspired comeback in what BBC. Britain’s Daily Telegraph prepares to serve could have been his final match but was eventually beaten by Spain’s Roberto The 31-year-old Scot -- reported at the weekend that a against Australia’s Bautista Agut 6-4 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-2. who won the grasscourt move was under way to topple James Duckworth The former world number one had announced on Friday that he could Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 the Briton among a section of during yesterday’s be forced retire this year due to a chronic hip problem. -- announced last Friday players unhappy at the way the men’s singles match. retirement was on the cards game is being run. Champion Wozniacki breezes through due to a chronic hip injury. The ATP players council, A dominant Caroline Wozniacki scythed down Belgium’s Alison Van He then choked back headed by Novak Djokovic, met supported new progressive rules Uytvanck 6-3 6-4 in 93 minutes to get her title defence off to a strong start. tears and broke down as he in Melbourne on Saturday and for injured players. The Dane, seeded third, hit four aces and won two out of seven break revealed he hoped to end his reportedly voted 5-4 against But according to an email the points in a controlled display to down her unseeded opponent and set up a career at Wimbledon, but Kermode continuing in his role I believe that Chris Telegraph cited from ATP player match with Johanna Larsson. admitted the Australian Open when his contract expires later council member Vasek Pospisil could be his last event this year. probably did some good there was a push for “a CEO that Petkovic collapses on court before conceding match because the constant pain Asked for clarity in a press work out there, and first and foremost represents Andrea Petkovic was forced to retire from her opening match against was so bad. conference Sunday, Djokovic I don’t see him doing OUR interests”. Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu after collapsing on court during the eighth Richard Lewis, chief attempted to defuse the situation, negative things or The email added that “the game of the second set. The tournament’s trainer and doctor were immediately called to treat executive of the All England saying: “I don’t know where you enough negative things governance structure of the ATP Club, said Murray could well got that information, a 5-4. favours the interests of the tour- the German who trailed in the second set after winning the opening set be honoured in the same “That information is com- to not continue in the naments and its (their) owners ... 7-6(3). manner as fellow Briton and pletely confidential, so I can’t position. In terms of the It’s time for a change and it can Petkovic eventually got back on her feet and played another point before multiple Wimbledon men’s speak about anything that we President thing, I believe be achieved by staying unified calling it a day. singles champion Fred Perry. spoke about in that room.” will be good for the sport and demanding what we deserve Nadal said Djokovic had not for our hard work”. Fit-again Berdych beats Edmund if he continues: Nadal been in touch to sound him out Nadal said he didn’t believe Tomas Berdych, back to full fitness following a back injury, defeated 13th Sabalenka not about Kermode. it was healthy to chop and seed Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-0 7-5 to move into the second round in style. “I am not in the council any change the ATP leadership. The Czech, a runner-up in the Qatar Open this month, is participating in interested in more, and at the same time, have touched base with Nadal. “I believe that is not good to only his second tournament since the Queen’s Club championships last June nobody from the council side “Somebody needs to reach have changes all the time, but showed no signs of the problem as he dismantled Briton Edmund. ‘crazy’ title talk came to me and asked me my out to him, no doubt about it. For because is difficult to develop a Up next for Berdych is Robin Haase, who beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez opinion,” he said. that we have player representa- good project of work if we have 7-5 6-4 7-5. “Was the first information I tives,” said the Swiss great. changes every three, four years. AFP had that maybe Chris is not con- “Look, it’s a big decision- I believe that Chris probably did Dimitrov enjoying Agassi mentorship MELBOURNE tinuing. But I suppose if some making time right now. I think some good work out there, and Grigor Dimitrov said having eight-times major champion Andre Agassi crucial decisions like this, I it’s important that Rafa, Novak, I don’t see him doing negative in his corner as coach had not just sharpened his game but also improved Aryna Sabalenka has been understand that somebody from and me, we get together,” he things or enough negative things his outlook on life. tipped as a dark horse to win the council should come to me added. to not continue in the position. “I’m just a better person, period. On a daily basis, I have learned some- the Australian Open, but the and ask my position.” Kermode has overseen big “In terms of the President thing new from him,” Dimitrov, who began working with the American great Belarusian said yesterday she Roger Federer agreed yes- increases in prize money for thing, I believe will be good for last October, said following his in over Janko Tipsarevic. didn’t want to talk about titles terday that somebody should players, created new events, and the sport if he continues.” or she’d go “crazy”. Battling Isner falls to unseeded Opelka Despite her inexperience, Ninth seed John Isner was stunned by his American compatriot Reilly bookies have installed the Opelka, who secured a 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5) victory in a tight encounter 11th seed as one of the between the towering pair. favourites on the back of siz- Opelka, ranked 102 in the world, moved into the second round of a Grand zling recent form which saw Slam for the first time. her beat eight top 10 players late last season and win a title Kerber in cruise control in Shenzhen this month. Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber hardly broke sweat in her clinical Sabalenka kicked off her 6-2 6-2 victory over unseeded Polona Hercog. Up next for the world number campaign at Melbourne Park two is Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia who beat Bernarda Pera in with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 three sets to advance. romp against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya and will play Brit- Dimitrov rallies past Tipsarevic ain’s Katie Boulter next. Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov dropped the opening set tamely but regained But she is wary of getting his composure to power past unseeded Janko Tipsarevic 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-4. carried away. Dimitrov, who struggled with an ankle injury towards the end of last “I don’t want to think about season, hit 42 winners but also made 43 unforced errors during the victory. the title yet, because when you think about titles, you can get Stephens makes short work of Townsend crazy because you’re not Big-hitting American Sloane Stephens relied on accuracy instead of power, respecting your opponents and A spectator holds up a placard in support of World Number one Angelique Kerber during the German’s winning 69 percent of points on her first serve to ease past compatriot Taylor you’re already on the next Australian Open first round match against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog in Melbourne, yesterday. Townsend 6-4 6-2. match,” she told reporters. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in action against Eibar at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday night.

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates his goal during a Spanish League Messi scores record 400th match against SD Eibar at the Camp Nou goal in Spanish League Stadium in Barcelona on Sunday night.

AP “He should be proud,” said Suarez, who the best in the league. BARCELONA scored Barcelona’s other two goals. “Game Griezmann did the rest, scoring his team- after game he shows what a great player he leading ninth league goal of the season when That’s 400 and counting. Lionel Messi took is. I am happy for him and for the history that he fired a spot kick over Levante goalkeeper his all-time Spanish League scoring record to he is writing for this club.” Oier Olazabal in the 57th minute following a 400 goals on Sunday after contributing to a Barcelona stayed five points ahead of handball by defender Nikola Vukcevic. 3-0 win over Eibar to keep defending second-placed Atletico Madrid, which edged Dani Ceballos was greeted with jeers when champion Barcelona comfortably at the top. Levante 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Antoine he went on as a late Real Madrid substitute to Messi scored Barcelona’s second goal Griezmann, as the league reached its midway face his former club, Real Betis. shortly after halftime to reach a milestone point. But he silenced the crowd, and saved his in the competition after 435 league Real Madrid lost Karim Benzema to a current club from another setback, when he matches. Former Real Madrid rival Cris- right-hand injury in a 2-1 win at Real Betis to sent a free kick through a gap in the defensive tiano Ronaldo is second all-time in La Liga stay 10 points back in fourth place. wall to grab the win with two minutes with 311 goals. After 90-plus minutes of prowling the remaining. In all competitions, Barcelona says the sideline, yelling at his players and stoking his “I was eager to show what I can do,” 31-year-old Messi has scored an astonishing fans, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone Ceballos said. 575 goals in 658 appearances. normally hurries off the pitch when the final Luka Modric struck from distance to open “He is from another galaxy,” Barcelona whistle sounds. the scoring for Madrid, only for Sergio Canales coach Ernesto Valverde said. “They are But after the victory over Levante, to equalize in the second half. incredible numbers. But he does much more Simeone took time to embrace each of his Sevilla lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao, ending than score goals, he also does so much to gen- players - a show of appreciation for their its unbeaten run in nine rounds. erate scoring chances for others.” efforts that kept Atletico in the title chase. Bilbao forward Inaki Williams scored both Barcelona’s all-time top scorer got the “I felt the need to hug them,” Simeone said. goals for the hosts to help lift them out of the landmark goal in the 53rd minute after Luis “I congratulated them because they main- relegation zone. Suarez passed to him inside Eibar’s area. The tained the same level of play throughout the Sevilla remained in third place, level on Argentine did the rest by opening an angle entire match.” points with Madrid. around a defender and driving in a low left- Despite only scoring one goal, Simeone Sevilla had won 3-1 at Bilbao’s San Mames footed shot. called it “one of, if not our best, performances Stadium in the Copa del Rey on Thursday. It was also Messi’s league-leading 17th of the season.” They will meet again on Wednesday in league goal and his 23rd goal overall this True to Simeone’s defense-first approach, Seville in the return leg of their round-of-16 season. Atletico stifled a Levante attack that is among game. Players should stage protests Solskjaer basks in win against against racism, says Capello Spurs but he has work to do

REUTERS AFP “You’ve seen that in MILAN LONDON the last few weeks. At Wembley, it was the Footballers in Italy’s Serie A Manchester United’s victory acid test. It was the should stage sit-down protests against Tottenham is a moment where people on the pitch if there is racist statement win for Ole Gunnar said could he live in a chanting during a match, former Solskjaer (pictured) but the big game and could he Juventus, AC Milan and Real team’s reliance on David de live against the big Madrid coach Fabio Capello Gea’s heroics in goal show the managers. Second half (pictured right) suggested interim boss still has work to do. I thought it was about yesterday. Solskjaer had won all five of spirit, desire and Italian football has struggled his games as interim United boss hanging on a little bit. to stop racist behaviour by fans before Sunday’s Premier League The players were and the problem returned to the match at Wembley, seen as the playing for the spotlight on Boxing Day when first major test of his reign. manager.” Napoli’s Senegalese defender The Norwegian got his The hard-fought Kalidou Koulibaly was taunted be punished for doing it,” slogans and too much power tactics spot on in the first half of victory at Wembley cer- during a match against Inter Capello said in a radio interview given to them by the clubs.” a match billed as a face-off tainly boosts Solskjaer’s Milan at San Siro. with state broadcaster RAI. Match officials in Italy are between the two favourites for chances of staying at Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti “That would help the fans expected to report racist inci- the full-time job at Old Trafford, But the second half was a Old Trafford beyond the end of said his team would walk off the who are behaving and want to dents to public security officials with in the different story as Spurs came this season and some British pitch if there was a repeat, watch football and force those who have the power to stop opposition dugout. forward in relentless waves, bookmakers now make him the leading to a debate as to whether guilty of animal noises to stop games, although that did not Spurs dominated possession only to find De Gea in favourite ahead of Pochettino. teams should take the law into and feel ashamed of what happen during the Inter-Napoli in the opening minutes but unbeatable form. The Norwegian has done their own hands. they’re doing.” match. United’s fleet-footed trio of Former United defender little wrong since he took over Inter were ordered to play Capello, who also coached The guidelines were intro- Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gary Neville hailed the impact an unhappy club from two home matches behind England and Russia during his duced in 2013 after the AC Milan Martial and Jesse Lingard looked his former Old Trafford Mourinho, reinvigorating Pogba closed doors but Koulibaly also long career, added that the team walked off the field during to counter-attack at every teammate Solskjaer has had and Rashford and tightening a banned for two games, after hardcore ‘Ultras’ had too much a friendly match in protest at opportunity. since he replaced the sacked leaky defence -- the clean sheet being sent off for dissent late in power in Italian football. racist insults aimed at several of The approach paid off just Jose Mourinho last month. against Spurs was just United’s the game, sparking criticism that “Italy is the only place where their players. before half-time when the “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fourth of the Premier League Serie A punishes the victims as the ultras run the show and the There was another outcry impressive Paul Pogba delivered picking the profile of player campaign. much as the culprits. players go the curve (stands) to two years ago after Ghanaian a raking cross-field ball for Manchester United need and Solskjaer hailed De Gea as Ancelotti blamed Koulibaly’s wave at them,” he said. player Sulley Muntari was Rashford to run onto and the that’s players who have the “the best goalkeeper in the loss of temper on the treatment The 72-year-old added that booked and then sent off after England man drove the ball energy to get from box to box world” after the Spaniard’s 11 he received from the crowd. “85 to 90 percent of Italian fans complaining about racist abuse emphatically past Hugo Lloris, quickly and counter-attack with saves and praised his defence “The players should sit down are important -- not these gen- while playing for Pescara at leading to wild scenes of cele- quality,” the Sky Sports pundit but he acknowledged it was on the pitch, and they shouldn’t tlemen with their banners, Cagliari. bration on the bench. said on his podcast. tough going after the break. TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 11

AFC fines Cavani welcomes Qatar’s Lebanon coach for comments inclusion in Copa America after Qatar defeat REUTERS ARMSTRONG VAS AL AIN THE PENINSULA The Asian Football Confederation The inclusion of Qatar team in To have a team from this (AFC) has fined Lebanon coach this year’s Copa America is a continent at the Copa Miodrag Radulovic $7,500 for his move in the right direction and America, it’s something comments on the referees after a 2-0 will provide an added defeat by Qatar in their Asian Cup attraction to the prestigious very special to bring opener last week. tournament, said Paris Saint- a new culture and to The AFC said Radulovic had vio- Germain and Uruguayan star mix with the South lated Article 50.1 of their disciplinary Edinson Cavani. Americans: Cavani and ethics code, which deals with “To have a team from this bringing the game into disrepute. continent at the Copa America, “Mr. Miodrag Radulovic is it’s something very special to making their Copa America informed that a repeat violation of bring a new culture and to mix debut. this provision may be met with more with the South Americans,” the Uruguay have 15 Copa severe punishment,” the AFC said. 31-year-old said while America titles against their Lebanon’s opening goal in the speaking at a press conference Paris name and Cavani said there first half of their defeat by Qatar was in Doha yesterday. Saint-Germain’s was a real possibility they disallowed before their opponents Copa America, which has Uruguayan could win again. scored twice after the break to seal been traditionally a tour- forward Edinson “We have very good the win, leading the Montenegrin nament confined to South Cavani during a chances, we have been playing manager to question the match American countries, is moving press conference very well in recent years and officials. in a new direction with the held in Doha, had a good competition in Media reports had quoted Radu- inclusion of Asian teams. yesterday. Russia,” he said. lovic as saying his team played “To have Qatar is a sur- “Historically, Uruguay is a “against 12 or 13” and accusing the prise and I think it is going to team smart enough to have officials of denying Lebanon a legit- be something very nice,” the four-day winter training camp Brazil in June and July this World Cup hosts, Japan will be won it the most times. imate goal. star striker said to reporters at and yesterday was the first year. the other Asian side in the “This, I think, gives PSG’s winter training camp in day for the French champions It was announced in May 12-nation tournament. prestige to Uruguay in this Doha. in Doha. that Qatar would be one of the Japan have previously competition.” The French champions are The 2019 Copa America 12 teams taking part. played in the Copa America, The draw for the event Only one Arab in Qatar as part of the tournament will take place in Besides the FIFA 2022 in 1999, while Qatar will be takes place on January 24. player allowed at each club: QFA

UAE refuse to give THE PENINSULA Sanchez credits ‘super start’ DOHA super hat-trick The ExExecutivee Committee of the Qatar ball to Qatar’s Ali for Qatar’s dominant victory FootballFootba Association (QFA) has announcedannoun that football clubs in the countrycountry will be allowed to register only THE PENINSULA THE AFC “In this case,case, with Almoez and Akram oneone ArabArab player in their annual rosters DOHA AL AIN they are playingaying togethertogether for the last untiluntil thethe end of the ongoing season. seven years and they’rethey’re playingplaying close to TheThe Executive Committee of QFA In an unprecedented incident in football, Qatar’s rapid-fire start was the key to each other so it’sit’s nnormalormal the uunder-nder- yesterdayyesterda issued a circular regarding the Asian Cup 2019 organisers in the UAE their 6-0 defeat of North Korea in Al Ain standing theyey hhave,”ave,” hhee said.said. registrationregistra of players. Accordingly, prevented the Qatari striker Almoez Ali on Sunday afternoon, said coach Felix “They’veve playedplayed many, many thethe ArabAra player must be part of the from retaining the ball from the game in Sanchez, after his side secured their place games so I thinkhink ttheyhey understandunderstand eacheach 23-player23-play roster that is allowed to which he scored the super hat-trick. in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian other. Theyy knowknow whenwhen one gets thethe eacheach cclub.lu “We asked the organizers to give the Cup UAE 2019. ball the movementvement thethe ototherher is going TheThe Executive Committee also ball to Almoez Ali after our game with Almoez Ali scored four in a compre- to do and it mmakesakes the connection announcedannoun the following decisions: North Korea, but that did not happen. A hensive victory for the West Asians, who easier. ŭƔƔãÌ㍿ƔÌ«Ɣã°Ù¢¢ƔƃČƄƔ«ÌÙ¢²¬ÆƔÖÙÌŭƔƔã - formal complaint was filed with the AFC moved to the top of Group E ahead of “Also thee relation with fessionalfessiona players will be allowed each after this incident,” Ali Al Salat, Media their meeting with Saudi Arabia on all the othersers was goodgood match.match Co-ordinator of Qatar footbal team, said Thursday, which will determine who today and AlAlmoezmoez was ŭƔŭƔñ¢ÙøƔ㢍ÅƔÅèÝãƔ°ñ¢ƔÌÆ¢ƔƃĊƄƔ during “Al Majliss Show” on Al Kass TV claims pole position in the standings. especially veryery effective AsianAsian professional player. yesterday. Ali put the Qataris in front after just and that’s whwhatat we ŭƔñ¢ÙøƔ㢍ÅƔò²¿¿Ɣ˜¢Ɣ¿¿Ìò¢žƔŭ A player who scores a hat-trick or nine minutes and the Al Duhail striker need from a playerplayer iinn justjust one Arab player. more usually gets to keep the ball they doubled the advantage just two minutes his position,”ition,” ŭƔU°¢Ɣ˜Ìñ¢ƔÅ¢Æã²ÌÆ¢žƔÖ¿ø¢ÙƔ played with as a token gift to remember later to effectively end the resistance of Sanchez said.d. shouldsho not occupy a goalkeeper’s the match. DPR Korea. Boualem Khoukhi and positionpo at any time in any game. Almoez Ali yesterday scored four Abdelkarim Hassan also put their names The players will be allowed times, known as super hat-trick in the on the scoresheet as Sanchez’s side to participate in all competi- region, in the match against North Korea. cruised to victory. tionsti held under the super- The 22-year-old Al Duhail SC forward “We’re very pleased with the per- visionv of QFA and the QNB was in rampant form throughout the AFC formance the team displayed today,” said In this case,se, QatarQ Stars League (QSL) Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group E encounter Sanchez. “The fact of scoring early also with Almoezoez excepte for the final match with North Korea, scoring twice in the gave us the confidence to keep going and and Akramm betweenb the 11th place in the first half before adding two more goals the team never stopped trying to keep QSLQ and second place in the after the break as Qatar recorded a 6-0 playing our game, even when it seemed they are pplayinglaying SecondSe Division. win. the game was over, with the fourth goal together fforor the Each club will have to obtain Ali, who scored six times at last year’s especially. last sevenn years approvalappr before the finalizing the AFC U23 Championship in China, has now “We’re very proud of the players with contractcontra with player. The approval notched 11 goals in his last eight appear- the performance, the attitude and the and they’rere plplayingaying must ccome from the Department of ances at AFC competition Finals, and is game they played this afternoon.” close to eachach othotherer CompetitionsComp at QFA with currently topping the goalscoring chart Ali became just the fifth player in the so it’s normalmal tthehe involvementinvolve of the Financial Control at the AFC Asian Cup’s 17th edition in the AFC Asian Cup history to score four times understandingnding CommitteeCommit of QFA. United Arab Emirates with five as he had in a single game, with all of his goals TheThe latest changes will come into scored a goal against Lebanon in the first assisted by Al Sadd winger Akram Afif they have:e: Coach forceforce fromfro its date until the end of the Sanchez Qatar coach match. and Sanchez paid tribute to the under- Felix Sanchez currentcurrent sports season of the 2018/2019 standing between the pair. sportssports season.s Hungary down Qatar Mourinho joins beIN Sports for ‘Special’ week THE PENINSULA Mourinho, known as the Sneijder and Graeme clear example of the DOHA ‘Special One’, will be Souness. premium content and world Action during providing his forthright Jonathan Whitehead of beIN class punditry that we the IHF World Jose Mourinho (pictured) opinions during: The English Sports, said: “We’re delighted provide to sports fans glo- will join beIN Sports, the Premier League match, to welcome Jose Mourinho bally on a dailydail Hanball beIN Sportss Championship global sports broadcaster, Arsenal vs Chelsea, on to andand basis.”basis.” this week as part of the AFC January 19 and the AFC Asian havinghaving himhim as part match Asian Cup 2019 and English Cup 2019 group stage fixture, of our exclusive between Premier League coverage, Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, on AFCAFC Asian CupCup Qatar and which viewers across the January 17. 2019 and Hungary in Middle East and North Africa Widely acknowledged as one EnglishEnglish Premier Copenhagen, (MENA) enjoy exclusively on of the most successful League coverage yesterday. the leading sports channel. managers of all time, in MENA will be Hungary won In his first TV appearance Mourinho will join a long list a specialspecial moment the match since leaving Manchester of names from the foot- forfor ouourr network.network. 32-26. United in December, the balling hall of fame who “Jose is one ofof former Chelsea, Real Madrid, have appeared as part of thethe greatest ffootballootball Inter Milan and Porto beIN Sports’ premium managers of all time, manager will be part of a football coverage in recent andand we hope that his panel of expert analysts months, including Zlatan expertexpert analysis and char-char- based in beIN Sports’ studios Ibrahimovic, Paul Scholes, ismatic personalitpersonalityy will exclusively covering two of Ruud Gullit, Arsene Wenger, be enjoyed by our the most watched products Marcel Desailly, Yaya Toure, millionsmillions ooff in the MENA region. Nemanja Vidic, Wesley viewers.viewers. It’sIt’s a TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07 Honestly I’ve loved playing here Andy Murray over the years. If this was my last FOOTBALL CRICKET After losing his Australian match, an amazing way to end. Open first round match to Asian Cup: Group B 2nd ODI, (D/N) I gave everything I had and it Roberto Bautista Agut Australia vs Syria India vs Australia

wasn’t enough tonight. ACTION Palestine vs Jordan at Adelaide TODAY’S SA fast bowlers deliver 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan

AP While Pakistan lost a second JOHANNESBURG straight series, that four-pronged pace attack saw South Africa to South Africa’s fast bowlers a seventh consecutive series delivered a 107-run win in the victory at home and ninth win in final Test and a 3-0 series its last 11 series anywhere. whitewash over Pakistan Pakistan showed fight late on Weather may delay yesterday. Day 3 on Sunday and had very South Africa finished off faint hopes of pulling off a dra- Pakistan before lunch on the matic victory at the Wanderers. return of Marsh to fourth day of the Test as the They were snuffed out in two tourists crashed from 153-3 over- rapid deliveries from Olivier yes- night to 273 all out and well short terday morning. Australia ODI side of the victory target of 381. Charging in for his second In an ironic twist, the series- over of the day, and South Africa’s REUTERS ending wicket was a run out, the third, Olivier sent a short ball ADELAIDE only one of the 60 wickets for throat-high to Babar Azam, who South Africa in the series that gloved a catch to wicketkeeper Stifling conditions forecast for Adelaide today could delay Mitchell didn’t fall to one of its four fast Quinton de Kock. Olivier knocked Marsh’s (pictured above) return to the Australian side after the all- bowlers. over Pakistan captain Sarfraz rounder missed Saturday’s first one-dayer against India due to Pakistan No. 11 Mohammad Ahmed’s off stump next ball and gastritis. Abbas was stranded after a Pakistan was suddenly 162-5 and The 27-year-old returned to training yesterday with vice-captain mix-up with Shadab Khan, in trouble. Alex Carey indicating the selectors would see how he fared while ending their last-wicket part- Asad Shafiq made 65 to top- bowling in the nets before determining whether he would be nership of 31 and Pakistan’s last score in the second innings but available for the second match at Adelaide Oval. stand of the series. no Pakistan batsman made a South Australia, however, is experiencing extreme weather with Duanne Olivier was Paki- century the entire series as they temperatures expected to hit 41 Celsius on Tuesday. stan’s chief destroyer, finishing failed to cope with South Africa’s “Mitch is good... he’s back fully fit and ready to go,” Carey told with 3-74 in the final innings and pace. Shadab Khan finished 47 SCOREBOARD reporters yesterday. “He is going to have a bowl today and he will have a hit, so we a series-leading 24 wickets in the not out and smiled ruefully after South Africa (I innings) ...... 262 three Tests. That was just one contributing to the run out of Pakistan (I innings) ...... 185 will see how he pulls up.” wicket short of the South African partner Abbas that ended the South Africa (II innings) ...... 303 Australia can seal the three-match series and give their belea- record for a bowler in a three- match and the series with Pakistan (II innings) guered side some much-needed confidence heading into this year’s test series. another one-sided result. Imam-ul-Haq c De Kock b Steyn ...... 35 World Cup after they won the first game by 34 runs. Olivier was Man of the Series South Africa won the first Shan Masood c De Kock b Steyn ...... 37 The five-times world champions were aided by some strong yet only played because fellow Test by six wickets in three days, Azhar Ali c De Kock b Olivier ...... 15 performances through their middle order with Shaun Marsh, Peter paceman Lungi Ngidi was ruled the second by nine wickets on the South African Asad Shafiq c Elgar b Philander ...... 65 Handscomb and Marcus Stoinis forcing explosive batting all-rounder out of the three Tests with injury. fourth morning, and again only bowler Duanne Babar Azam c De Kock b Olivier ...... 21 Glenn Maxwell to bat at number seven. Olivier (left) Sarfraz Ahmed b Olivier ...... 0 Olivier found a hostile edge needed just over three days at the Shadab Khan not out ...... 47 Maxwell faced just five balls, yet still scored 11 runs, and the to his game against Pakistan on Wanderers for a whitewash. celebrates the Faheem Ashraf c Markram b Rabada ...... 15 decision for him to bat so low in the order has led to questions being his return to Test cricket after The final run out came four dismissal of Mohammad Amir c Markram b Rabada ...... 4 raised as to whether it was a wasted opportunity. being out of the team for more balls into the first over of spin Pakistan batsman Hasan Ali c and b Rabada ...... 22 Carey, however, said he preferred having the explosive Maxwell than a year. He bowled short and from stand-in South Africa Sarfraz Ahmed (not Mohammad Abbas run out (Markram) ...... 9 up their sleeve if needed. fast throughout the series to bully captain Dean Elgar. in picture) during Extras (LB2, NB1) ...... 3 “To have Glenn Maxwell sitting in the sheds ready to go with the Pakistan batsmen. Those four balls were the the fourth day of Total (65.4 overs) ...... 273 two, three overs to go, I think that’s a pretty powerful position for He had top-ranked Test only slow bowling from South the third Test match Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-74, 3-104, 4-162, our cricket side to be in,” Carey said. 5-162, 6-179, 7-204, 8-208, 9-242 bowler Kagiso Rabada, No. Africa in the last two Tests and against Pakistan Bowling: Steyn 20-2-80-2, Philander 14-4- “He has had lots of opportunities up the top of the order before... 4-ranked Vernon Philander and might have been the only time at Wanderers 41-1, Olivier 15-2-74-3 (1nb), Rabada 16-2-75- you could argue the point he should be batting higher. leading South African wicket- the host country veered away Cricket Stadium 3, Elgar 0.4-0-1-0 “Personally... it’s pretty exciting to have that power hitting later taker Dale Steyn to back him up, from its fast-bowling attack the in Johannesburg, Result: South Africa won by 107 runs in the innings. He doesn’t need too many balls to make a big a fearsome foursome that South entire series if Philander hadn’t South Africa, Series: South Africa won the three-match se- impact.” Africa hopes could take it to No. been injured for the opening yesterday. ries 3-0 India’s top order suffered a rare collective failure in the first 1 in the world. match. match, with Shikhar Dhawan, captain Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu all back in the changing rooms with their side 4-3 inside four overs. Pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, however, said the collapse at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a rarity and they would probably not repeat the collapse. Pakistan seek cure for batting “It was one of those matches where the top order didn’t click,” Kumar said. “It can happen with you when you play so much cricket. So it was just one of those things... its very rare for us.” Kumar said his side were not concerned with the possibility of struggles after poor run of form a series loss in Adelaide. “We have been in this situation before,” he said. “We know it AFP South Africa did not take won’t be... easy for us as we are playing away from home. JOHANNESBURG Pakistan lightly. “We are preparing in a manner where we have to win our next “We know they are a good two matches so it’s a kind of knockout for us.” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur team. We are very fortunate to said yesterday he was deter- have that arsenal of four fast mined to find a solution to his bowlers.” Bizarre 7-ball It’s true: China team’s problems against fast, Olivier took 24 wickets in short-pitched bowling. the three-Test series at an over dismissal all out for 14! Speaking after South Africa average of 14.71 and he made completed a 3-0 series clean the crucial breakthrough early AFP AFP sweep by winning the third Test Pakistan yesterday. PERTH BANGKOK by 107 runs at the Wanderers batsman Imam- Azam received a fast, lifting Stadium, Arthur said he wanted Ul-Haq avoids a ball angled in towards his throat, Perth Scorchers opener Cricket’s governing body has to build a team able to play in all bouncer during which he gloved to wicketkeeper Michael Klinger was bizarrely long dreamed of spreading conditions by the time they the third day of Quinton de Kock. Azam (22) had given out on the seventh ball the game to China, but the started their campaign in the the third Test helped Shafiq add 58 for the of an over in Australia’s latest performance by its world Test championship in match against fourth wicket. Twenty20 Big Bash League women’s team is unlikely to September. South Africa Sarfraz was then bowled first with umpires failing to realise inspire many in the world’s “We play Sri Lanka in the at Wanderers ball. Seemingly expecting their mistake. most populous nation to take United Arab Emirates in Sep- Cricket another short-pitched delivery It overshadowed the up the bat and ball. tember then we play Australia Stadium in from Olivier, he was deep in his Scorchers’ seven-wicket win China were skittled out in Australia straight after that,” Johannesburg crease when he had his off and a quick-fire unbeaten 87 for just 14 runs at a tour- he said. on Sunday. stump knocked back by a fast, from Cameron Bancroft as he nament in Bangkok on “We have to have our skill full delivery. starts to find form again on Sunday - the lowest ever sets perfect to manage the Arthur singled out Babar to get a good core of leaders With Vernon Philander his return from a nine-month score in a Twenty20 interna- bouncing ball. I want to get our Azam, Shan Masood and Asad around him. If we can do that gaining unpredictable bounce ban for ball-tampering. tional match, for men or batsmen into Australia three or Shafiq as batsmen who had he’ll go from strength to from a good length just outside Scorchers coach Adam women. four weeks early, to have camps played well during the series strength.” off stump, Shafiq advanced Voges said the controversy In reply to UAE’s massive there to get them ready.” and he gave qualified support South African stand-in down the pitch and was caught was “not ideal”. “Obviously 203 for 3, China were bowled Man of the series Duanne to Sarfraz Ahmed, whose cap- captain Dean Elgar praised the at second slip off a ball which it’s the umpires’ jobs to count out in under an hour and with Olivier sparked a Pakistan col- taincy was questioned by Paki- commitment of his players. seamed away from him. the number of balls in an 10 overs to spare at the lapse as the tourists lost their stani media. “Three-nil is what we asked Shafiq had taken his over- over,” he said. Thailand T20 Smash. remaining seven wickets for 120 “This question always from the guys and we have night score of 48 to 65, made off Cricket Australia said the The Thailand T20 Smash runs to be bowled out for 273 at arises at the end of a series,” achieved that. We are halfway 71 balls with 11 fours. incident would be “followed includes Malaysia, Indonesia lunch on the fourth day. said Arthur. “Sarfraz goes from to our goals for the season. We Shadab Khan batted well to up”. “It appears there was a and Myanmar. In October last Olivier effectively ended strength to strength. He wants want to achieve the same feat make 47 not out before the miscount of balls in the over, year, China’s men made a Pakistan’s hopes when he took to lead from the front. I thought against Sri Lanka (in match ended when Mohammad and a seventh ball was dismal 26 against Nepal at a two wickets off successive balls his wicketkeeping has been February).” Abbas was run out after a allowed by the umpires,” a World Twenty20 qualifier, a in the third over of the morning. outstanding. What we need is Elgar stressed, though, that mix-up. spokesperson said. total bested in just 11 balls.