Federer relieved getting past ‘mirror’ Evans at THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 PAGE 18

Nasser al Attiyah wins Stage Nine to virtually ASIAN CUP 2019 PAGE 19 seal his third Dakar Rally title QATAR VS SAUDI ARABIA (7PM) Confident Qatar set for Saudi tie We are doing exactly the same as we have been for the other games, but we know it is a match which will decide the top spot. We will plan well, as we want to win the group: Coach Sanchez

AFC ABU DHABI

KNOCKOUT stage qualifica- tion may have been sealed but both Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s game plan for their final AFC Asian Cup 2019 Group E tie on Thursday will not hinge on who their possible Round of 16 opponents might be. Both go into the match with a perfect record of two wins, with Qatar only need- ing a draw to win the group on goal difference. The group winners will face the Group D runners-up, either Iran or Iraq, while the runners-up will go up against the top-placed team from Group F – either Japan or Uzbekistan. Both coaches - Saudi Ara- bia’s Juan Antonio Pizzi and Felix Sanchex of Qatar - were adamant that their teams would play to win. “I have never played a match in anticipation of who our next opponents will be and that is exactly how we will go into the match tomorrow. “We have maximum confi- dence in the players and have no preference as to who we could play in the Round of 16. We have an ambition to win the title and every match is equally difficult,” said Pizzi. Saudi Arabia go into the tie having defeated DPR Korea 4-0 and Lebanon 2-0, results which have boosted the confi- dence of Pizzi’s players. “Qatar is a team with many qualities and they have good strikers. However, we are also doing well collective- ly and I have full confidence that my players can get the Qatar players warm up for a training session at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, ahead of their final Asian Cup 2019 Group E clash with Saudi Arabia on Thursday. three points.” Qatar, said Sanchez, same as we have for the oth- “It is going to be a tough their two wins so far - a 2-0 performance, especially in the good game tomorrow.” only on the tournament and have prepared for the match er games but we know it is a game but hopefully, we can triumph over a tough Leba- last game. It was a very good Sanchez also hailed they have been working very just as they did for the ties match which will decide top get the result we desire,” said non and a 6-0 defeat of DPR result but we must keep look- his players for their deter- hard, before we came here against Lebanon and DPR spot. We will plan well, as we the Spaniard. Korea, which saw Almoez Ali ing forward. mination to do well in the and even now. The players (North) Korea. did for the other matches, as Sanchez said Qatar’s con- scoring four goals. “The focus now is on Saudi AFC Asian Cup. are all progressing well and “We are doing exactly the we want to win the group. fidence has been boosted by “We are very proud of our Arabia and we must plan for a “Their focus has been that is very important.” Keeper Al Sheeb hails Qatar’s ‘team spirit’

DPA goal difference from the also ABU DHABI perfect Saudis. “When we came here, it was QATAR goalkeeper Saad al with the plan of taking it one Sheeb has praised the sense of game at a time,” Al Sheeb said. unity in the team at the Asian “After two wins, our confidence Cup and is relishing a head- has been boosted. We will pre- to-head encounter with Saudi pare well for the match and our Arabia on Thursday to decide aim is to get the three points.” the winner of Group E. While consideration is While forwards Almoez sometimes given to the merit of Ali, tournament top scorer on finishing first or second, tricky Mourinho to debut as five goals, and Akram Afif have last 16 ties await both teams. drawn praise, Al Sheeb says it The group winners will meet was a collective effort which Iran or Iraq while the runners- expert on beIN Sports brought wins over Lebanon up face Japan or Uzbekistan. and North Korea for the team. “Our spirit is high as we TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK covering two highly antici- “Almoez and Akram are really want to do well in the pated games (Qatar vs Saudi very good players and with the Asian Cup,” the keeper for the & Arsenal vs Chelsea); and help of the other players, have Qatar goalkeeper Saad al Sheeb (right) with coach Felix Sanchez at the Asian Cup 2019 pre-match media Doha club Al Sadd said. FAMOUSLY known as the English Premier League cov- helped Qatar progress,” Al briefing in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday. “We have worked very “Special One” Jose Mour- erage, which viewers across Sheeb said Wednesday. hard and will continue doing inho, a former professional the Middle East and North “We are one team – wheth- coaching staff.” coach (Felix Sanchez) has pre- Qatar have kept two clean so as we want to progress as Portuguese footballer and Africa (MENA) enjoy exclu- er the 11 players who start, “Our strength, as I said, pared us well, whether in at- sheets while finding the net far as we can in the competi- the one who most recently sively on the leading sports those on the bench and the lies in our team spirit. The tack or defence.” eight times to top the table on tion,” he stressed. served as manager of Eng- channel. lish club Unit- A host of beIN stars are ed, is all set to feature on set to feature with Mour- beIN Sports as part of their inho for the two games with AFC Asian Cup 2019 and Mohammed Saadon al Ku- Qatar World Cup 2022 English Premier League wari, Mohamed Abu Trika, coverage. Tarek al Jalahma, Mubarak A 48-team tournament only possible if Doha agrees, reiterates Nasser al Khater Mourinho’s his first ap- Mostafa all taking part in pearance in front of the this week’s exciting two DOHA: Any decision by FIFA to is an important point,” he said. Any decision to extend the tour- camera for beIN Sports matches. increase the 2022 World Cup to “It will be a joint decision.” nament would though be faced will be during the keen The commentator for 48 teams will only be made in He added: “We are waiting for by huge logistical and political AFC Asian Cup 2019 clash the Qatar vs Saudi Arabia agreement with hosts Qatar, a the results of the feasibility problems. between 2022 World Cup game will be beIN star Issam senior official said on Wednesday. study, and once they are ready, The Qatar World Cup, the first in hosts Qatar and Saudi Ara- Chaouali. The match will be Nasser al Khater, Assistant (FIFA) will share them with us... the Middle East, will take place bia on Thursday. broadcast live and exclusive Secretary-General, Tournament to see if it is possible”. over 28 days in November and In his first TV appearance on beIN MAX HD1. Affairs, at the Supreme Com- FIFA is carrying out the study December 2022, not the since leaving Manchester The commentator for mittee for Delivery & Legacy, into increasing the number of usual 32. United in December, the for- the Arsenal vs Chelsea game talking to journalists in Doha, teams by 16 in 2022 and will Officials have said previously A file picture of Nasser al Khater, Assistant Secretary-General, mer Chelsea, Real , will be beIN star Hafid Der- said at the moment the country announce the decision in March. that is not possible for Qatar Tournament Affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, at Inter Milan and Porto man- radji. This match will be was continuing to prepare for a Last month FIFA president Gi- to change the number of days, the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. ager will be part of a panel of broadcast live and exclusive 32-team tournament. anni Infantino said in Doha that so one option would be to host expert analysts based in beIN on beIN Sports HD2 and “No decision will be made with- a “majority” of football federa- tournament games across the set to become the norm from take place in the USA, Mexico Sports’ studios exclusively beIN 4K. out the agreement of Qatar, this tions supported the increase. region. A 48-team World Cup is 2026, when the World Cup will and Canada. (AFP) Sports Thursday, January 17, 2019 17

15,000 fans watch PSG training session at Khalifa Stadium

The Paris Saint-Germain team held an open training session on Tuesday, January 15 at Khalifa Stadium in Doha. More than 15,000 fans were able to see their idols up close in a fun and friendly atmosphere. On the third day of the club’s Qatar Tour the whole Paris Saint- Germain squad made the most of ideal training conditions of- fered by the Khalifa Stadium, the first Qatari stadium ready to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The open training session is part of the club’s traditional winter tour, attended by the Paris Saint- Germain first team squad and staff. Several events are sched- uled for the players before return- ing to Paris on Thursday. (TNN)

Emery confident AFC ASIAN CUP 2019 he will be given time to rebuild Arsenal Son shines as South

AFP Korea beat China UNAI Emery believes he will be handed the time necessary to “get Arsenal back to where the club deserves to be” despite a recent slump threatening the Qatar U-23 beat Kuwait Gunners’ chances of a return to the Champions League. After a 22-game unbeaten in four-nation friendly run between August and De- cember, Arsenal have lost three TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Earlier in the day, Tajik- of their last six Premier League DOHA istan defeated Iran 2-1. matches to fall six points be- Qatar will next play Tajik- hind Chelsea in the battle for a THREE goals in the first half istan in the second round of top-four finish. earned Qatar U-23 team a 3-1 the tournament. win over Kuwait in the open- Qatar will take on Oman, ing day match of the four- Nepal and Afghanistan in the nation U-23 friendly tourna- qualifying group for the AFC ment at Aspire Academy. U23 Championship on March Eid Rashiedi broke the 22-26, 2019. deadlock for Kuwait just eight Eleven group winners minutes into the match, but and four best second-placed the hosts responded swiftly teams will qualify for the with three goals from Khalid Finals, with the host nation Mazeed (20), Hassan Ahmed receiving automatic qualifi- (21) and Amro Siraj (26). cation.

Unai Emery

However, the Spaniard is South Korea’s forward Heung-min Son (left) fights for the ball with China’s defender Linpeng Zhang during their 2019 AFC Asian upC Group C confident that he is not work- match at the Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (AFP) Resurgent Woods to make ing under the same time pres- sure to succeed as he was at DPA the first two games in an agree- Results head over. 2019 bow at Torrey Pines Paris Saint-Germain. ABU DHABI ment with his club Tottenham “I think that during almost “The idea is to get Arsenal Hotspur and coach Paulo Ben- Group C all the game we dominated,” AFP back to where the club de- SOUTH Korea celebrated Son to hinted he could be rested said Bento. “We could have LOS ANGELES serves to be, but it needs time,” Heung Min’s arrival at the Asian against China. South Korea 2 (Hwang Ui-jo 14, scored more goals due to the Emery told Sky Sports. Cup with a 2-0 win over China Instead he was named Kim Min-jae 51) China 0 opportunities we created dur- TIGER Woods will make his “At Arsenal, it’s maybe the in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday captain, played 88 minutes, Kyrgyzstan 3 (Lux 24, 51, 77) ing the 90 minutes. With this 2019 debut at next week’s first time I feel that I have the to progress into the knock-out was key throughout and coach Philippines 1 (Schrock 80) result we acheieved the aim that Farmers Insurance Open at support to build up from the phase of the Asian Cup as win- Paulo Bento said he was “very, Group D we wanted to achieve, getting in Torrey Pines in California, bottom in order to get where ners of Group C. very satisfied,” with his perfor- the first position of the group.” tournament organisers con- we want to be. It allows us to Son won the penalty con- mance. In the 14th minute Son Iran 0 Iraq 0 In Dubai, Kyrgyzstan were firmed on Wednesday. work more for the long-term verted by Hwang Ui Jo to open made the difference as quick Vietnam 2 (Nguyen Quang Hai 38, comfortably better than the The 43-year-old world -- or at least, ‘long-term’ in the scoring and crossed for Kim feet took him away from Zheng Que Ngoc Hai-pen 64) Yemen 0 Philippines, who became the number 12, has been a reg- football terms. It supports the Min Jae’s second to keep South Zhi in the box only to be clipped first side to lose all three games ular competitor at Torrey kind of work we want to do at Korea perfect on nine points by . Hwang found the “I was expecting such a dif- on their Asian Cup debut. Ste- Pines throughout his career. Tiger Woods this club.” and set up a last 16 clash with bottom corner from the spot for ficult match. At least I had the phen Schrock’s late free kick He won the last of his 14 Of more immediate concern a third-place team on Tuesday. his second goal of the tourna- possibility to let a few players provided a consolation goal for majors at the course in 2008, Woods, a winner at the for Emery is making the best of ’s China, sec- ment. rest, we have another important Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men. when he famously battled to Farmers Insurance Open the resources available to him ond on six points, face Thailand China rested their own star match in a few days.” Lux’s hat-trick in the 24th, his third US Open victory in in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, after claiming the club doesn’t on Sunday. striker Wu Lei and the creative Hwang struck the post with 51st and 77th had previously put a sudden-death playoff vic- 2007, 2008 and 2013, joins have the funds for any perma- Elsewhere Kyrgyzstan kept Hao Junmin but remained live- a brilliant curled attempt be- fellow debutants Kyrgyzstan in tory over Rocco Mediate. a powerful field for the Jan- nent transfers this month. their hopes alive with a 3-1 win ly going forward. Jin Jingdao fore the break but shortly after command to go second in the Woods began his come- uary 24-27 event. A large chunk of Arsenal’s over the pointless Philippines poked just over after good con- the restart South Korea deserv- third place ranking, below qual- back from injury last year Defending champion Ja- budget is tied up in a lucra- from a hat-trick by Vitalij Lux trol near the penalty spot. edly doubled their lead. Son was ified Bahrain. at Torrey Pines, going on son Day, world number one tive deal handed to Mesut to finish third in the group on “I have to admit the team again the provider, picking out With their goal difference of to play in 18 tournaments Justin Rose, world number Ozil last January that runs three points. It will likely be we faced tonight are very fast, defender Kim at a corner for a zero, they will feel confident of across the season and post- seven Jon Rahm and North- until 2021. The former Ger- enough to make them one of the strong, very good technically,” powerful near post header. not ending up eliminated as one ing seven top-10 finishes ern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy man international is the club’s four best third-placed sides that Lippi said. “In every aspect And another Son set piece of the bottom two even if other including a victory at the are among a host of players highest earner, reportedly on progress. they’re very good, we have to put a third on a plate for Jung sides match them on three season-ending Tour Cham- who are due to tee it up at the £350,000 a week. South Korea excused Son accept it. Woo Young only for him to points. pionship. course outside San Diego. Midfield dynamo De Jong wants trophy-laden run with Al Ahli

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK helped by everyone in the team. cent times. That may also give can cruise to the title pro- How was your experience DOHA At the competitive level, we us a chance to play in the AFC vided they sustain the mo- with the Netherlands na- had a rather slow start, but we Champions League. mentum. However, it they tional team? NIGEL de Jong is well-known made up for it as the QNB Stars I’m also keen on helping suffered their only defeat Our generation included a for his efficiency in the position League progressed. this club finish among the top- against us when we won 4-1 lot of players with great poten- of a defensive midfielder. De four bracket. Presently, we trail in Week 10. tial. We stayed together for 12 Jong has been playing a pivotal How’s the level of com- fourth-placed Al Rayyan by Al Duhail have lost the years and that made a huge dif- role in Al Ahli’s good run in this petition in the QNB Stars only one point. We’re hopeful advantage to some extent ference. season’s QNB Stars League, League? of doing that. All players now with the loss of two key play- which has seen them occupy To be honest, I was very know their roles well. ers (Ismail Mohammed at How did you feel when the the fifth place. De Jong, who apprehensive about the stand- the start and now Nam Tae- Netherlands lost in the fi- was a part of the Netherlands ard of competition. But soon, How do you see the change Hee). nal of 2010 World Cup? team that finished as runners- I realised that the field is very of coach, with Ruben de la That was a big letdown for up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup competitive. The level is high Barrera replacing Milan How do you see Al Ahli’s us, losing to Spain by Andres in South Africa and third at the and there’re many quality pro- Nigel De Jong in action for Al Ahli against Xavi Hernandez and Al Macala? QSL Cup quarterfinal Iniesta’s extra-time goal. We 2014 World Cup in Brazil has fessional players around. There Sadd during a QSL match recently. It hasn’t been long since against Al Gharafa on Fri- thought we had almost lifted enjoyed a successful career with isn’t a big gap in points between we started training under day? the cup. It was a lost opportu- Ajax, Hamburger and Mainz in the top teams. How do you find playing team is doing well and has gone Barrera. For sure, the play- It’s going to be an inter- nity. But that’s football. Germany, Manchester City in for Al Ahli? eight matches without a defeat. ers have to adapt to his style esting game. We had beaten England, AC Milan in Italy and You had previous stints in Before coming here, I knew They include six wins and two of functioning. Macala was a Al Gharafa in the last round What’re your expectations Los Angeles Galaxy. England, Italy, Germany that Al Ahli is the oldest club in draws. Personally too, I’m hap- father figure to us. He has a before the QNB Stars League of the 2022 FIFA World In an interview with QSL and the US, besides the Qatar and they’re very proud of py to have scored three goals as great personality with rich ex- took a break, thus making Cup in Qatar? Online, the 34-year-old, who Netherlands. How do you it. It has a rich history. All staff well. perience of coaching in many amends for our loss to them It’s a foregone conclusion joined Al Ahli ahead of the compare them with Qatar? are doing their best and the countries. in the first leg. However, this that it’ll be an amazing World 2018-19 season, gives his takes You can’t actually compare players are willing to work. It’s What are the targets of Al match is a knockout, so result Cup in 2022. It’ll be the first on a wide range of topics. any of them. In some countries, really a good group of players Ahli and yourself this sea- Which team do you think can go either way, but we’re World Cup where one fan can all players aren’t professionals. and it’s all about the mentality. son? are the strongest contend- staying confident. Al Gharafa watch three games a day be- How have you found the But I can say that the QSL is We want to finish in the ers for the League title? have some injury concerns cause of the logistic advantage season so far in Qatar? in a league of its own. And I’m How do you assess Al Ah- fourth position and play in At the moment, Al Sadd besides having some players and proximity of the venues. It was a new experience for happy to be a good addition to li’s performance so far? the Qatar Cup. Al Ahli haven’t look the strongest. They’re doing international duty for From a player’s angle too, it’ll me. I was welcomed well and the Al Ahli squad. Overall, I’m satisfied. The been able to achieve that in re- scoring too many goals and Qatar. be a great tournament. 18 Thursday, January 17, 2019 Sports Federer, Nadal pick up steam as Sharapova sets Wozniacki clash AFP MELBOURNE

ROGER Federer ground out a tough three-set win to make the Australian Open third round for an incredible 20th straight year Wednesday, with long- time rival also safely through in his drive to- wards an 18th title. Women’s defending cham- pion Caroline Wozniacki also progressed to set up a mouth- watering clash next with in- form former world number one Maria Sharapova. But it was curtains for South African Kevin Ander- son, who slumped out to young American and became the highest seed, at five, to be sent packing so far.

Russian Maria Sharapova during the match against Swede Rebecca Peterson on Wednesday. (REUTERS) RESULTS (2ND ROUND) On an overcast day at MEN’S SINGLES WOMEN’S SINGLES Melbourne Park, second seed (GRE x14) bt (SRB) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 Sloane Stephens (USA x5) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-3, 6-1 (GEO x19) bt Stefano Travaglia (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Petra Martic (CRO x31) bt Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 6-4, 7-5 Angelique Kerber, the 2016 Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt (NED) 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST x20) 6-3, 6-3 winner, and former US Open (ITA) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 Caroline Garcia (FRA x19) bt Zoe Hives (AUS) 6-3, 6-3 champion Sloane Stephens Diego Schwartzman (ARG x18) bt Denis Kudla (USA) 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 Ashleigh Barty (AUS x15) bt Wang Yafan (CHN) 6-2, 6-3 joined the big guns in round Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 7-5, 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x9) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 Frances Tiafoe (USA) bt (RSA x5) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 Amanda Anisimova (USA) bt Lesya Tsurenko (UKR x24) 6-0, 6-2 three, but the women’s side (ESP x26) bt (MDA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Astra Sharma (AUS) 6-1, 6-4 also saw a top 10 player crash. (RUS x10) bt (JPN) 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 Danielle Collins (USA) bt Sachia Vickery (USA) 6-3, 7-5 Ninth seed Kiki Bertens, (SUI x3) bt Daniel Evans (GBR) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x3) bt Johanna Larsson (SWE) 6-1, 6-3 who raced through the rank- Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x30) 6-3, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) Kimberly Birrell (AUS) bt Donna Vekic (CRO x29) 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x22) bt (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Irina Begu (ROU) 6-1, 6-3 ings last year after winning (BUL x20) bt (URU) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-5 Belinda Bencic (SUI) bt Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 three titles, was whipped in Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) bt Reilly Opelka (USA) 6-7 (15/17), 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (10/5) Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x11) bt Katie Boulter (GBR) 6-3, 6-4 three sets by Russia’s Anasta- Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during the match against Australia’s at the Australian Open (AUS x27) bt Henri Laaksonen (SUI) 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 4-6, 6-3 Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) 6-2, 6-3 sia Pavlyuchenkova. on Wednesday. (REUTERS) Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 Maria Sharapova (RUS x30) bt Rebecca Peterson (SWE) 6-2, 6-1 Federer might be 37 but he’s not showing his age, with er,” said the third seed. en or more titles at two Grand I was happy with the way and finesse. Azarenka in 2013. and I’m ready to go out there British qualifier Dan Evans the “I think he played very Slams, having already won I served. I did a few things It set up a tough clash with and take it.” latest to fall under his spell as well, it was hard to pull away eight Wimbledons. very well,” said Nadal, who Collision course five-time Grand Slam cham- Meanwhile, three-time he works towards a third suc- to his credit.” Nadal had an easier route next plays Australian Alex de Sixth seed Marin Cilic, who pion Sharapova, who blitzed Grand Slam champion Kerber cessive Australian crown and The Swiss star’s Australian to round three, outclassing lo- Minaur. “It is an honour to lost in the final to Federer last past Sweden’s Rebecca Peter- dominated Brazilian qualifier 21st major victory. achievements so far put him cal hope Matthew Ebden 6-3, play here. Was a great atmos- year, had no such dramas, son 6-2, 6-1. The Russian is Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-3 He defeated Evans at on a par with other six-time 6-2, 6-2. phere.” grinding past American Mac- in scintillating form and has to stay on a collision course with Wimbledon last year with the winners and The Spaniard is bidding Anderson, beaten by No- kenzie McDonald in four sets dropped just three games in Stephens in the quarter-finals. loss of just eight games, but Roy Emerson – although the for his own slice of history by vak Djokovic in the Wimble- and next plays Spanish 26th her opening two matches. Stephens, who endured it was a much harder assign- Australian great’s victories all becoming the first man in the don final last year, was sent seed Fernando Verdasco. “I’m really happy with the a horror run at Melbourne ment this time, winning 7-6 came before the Open era. Open era, and only the third home by Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, Dane Wozniacki, who is way I performed,” said Shara- Park since reaching the semi- (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 on Rod He next plays American in history along with Emerson 7-5. battling rheumatoid arthritis, pova, adding that she was final in 2013, exiting in the Laver Arena. Taylor Fritz. and Rod Laver, to win each The fifth seed struggled steamrolled Sweden’s Johan- looking forward to the Wozni- first round in 2015, 2016 and “I think if I could have If he goes on to win the Grand Slam on two or more with an elbow injury early in na Larsson 6-1, 6-3 as she bids acki showdown. 2018, swatted aside former pulled away earlier in the tournament, he will become occasions. the clash and couldn’t cope to become the first woman to “It’s a tough third round doubles partner Timea Babos match it might have been easi- the first man ever to claim sev- “I played a solid match, with the 20-year-old’s power defend the title since Victoria but I have set up the challenge 6-3, 6-1. Roger relieved getting Shaky ‘Demon’ stutters into dream Nadal showdown AFP before where he lost to 2008 MELBOURNE Australian Open runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. past ‘mirror’ Evans TEENAGE Australian number De Minaur, slight in stat- one Alex de Minaur had to dig ure but with a deceptively deep to keep his home Grand powerful array of ground- and reeled off the next four Slam hopes alive on Wednes- strokes, raced through the first points to secure the set with a day as he staggered into a two sets in 74 minutes on Mar- cry of “Come on!”. dream third-round showdown garet Court Arena. “It always helps when with Rafael Nadal. But he was forced to dig you sneak a break in the first Nicknamed “Demon” and deep to see off the tenacious set,” said the Swiss star after wearing a flaming red shirt, 26-year-old Laaksonen, lifted a ding-dong contest lasting the 27th seed tore into a two- by a huge, loud home support. 2hr 35min. set lead but was pegged back “That was definitely “The match might have by little-known Swiss world pretty special. First of all I’d been different.” number 166 Henri Laaksonen like to thank everybody out Federer said he had ex- who forced a fifth set. here. The support was amaz- pected Evans to cause him The young Aussie eventu- ing as always and you guys more problems than when he ally stuttered across the fin- got me through that. I can’t cruised through their previous ish line 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), thank you guys enough,” de Grand Slam meeting at Wim- 4-6, 6-3 after a marathon Minaur said. bledon in 2016 for the loss of 3hr 52min to reach the last De Minaur is seen by many just eight games. 32 of his home Slam for the as the future of Australian ten- “I have high regard, you first time. nis after flying up the rankings know, in Dan. I think he’s a The 19-year-old warmed from outside the top 200 at good player. I’ve seen him play up for Melbourne by winning the start of 2018. some really good matches over last week’s Sydney Interna- He also got to the third the years, I see why he can Australia’s Alex De Minaur celebrates after winning the match against tional, following a quarter- round at Wimbledon and the Roger Federer (left) in action against Britain’s Daniel Evans during cause difficulties,” he said. Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen. (REUTERS) final run at Brisbane the week US Open last year. their men’s singles match of the Australian Open in Melbourne on “He’s got a nice slice, de- Wednesday. Federer won 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. (AFP) fending the court well. He has the variation, which is always AFP a hard thing to play against. Fencing Grand Prix du Qatar from January 25 MELBOURNE ‘Cat and mouse’ “He was very sort of cat DEFENDING champion Rog- Playing a player like Dan and mouse. I liked the match. er Federer reached the Aus- Evans is like facing myself. It was enjoyable.” tralian Open third round for a It feels like playing a mirror The loss of the first set after 20th straight year Wednesday a little bit. That was my exactly an hour was harsh on but admitted it had been tough mindset heading into it Evans who had committed only to get past his ‘mirror’ image two unforced errors and con- Dan Evans. – how would I play myself stantly put the third seed under Britain’s world number 189 potentially? pressure with his scampering, slowed the Fed Express to a Federer on his match attacking game and flurry of crawl, keeping the Swiss mas- winners off both wings. ter battling for more than two with Daniel Evans The plucky Evans, who had hours to win the opening two covered acres of ground and sets before finally succumbing a little bit. That was my mindset found the lines unerringly, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. heading into it – how would I needed treatment for blisters The ageless 20-time Grand play myself potentially?” on both feet before the second Slam champion, who is gun- Evans, whose ranking set started and immediately ning for a record seventh Mel- plummeted from a career-high was broken. bourne Park title and third in 41 after he was slapped with a But he refused to lie down a row, admitted he had been year-long ban for testing posi- and broke back as Federer given an unusual challenge by tive to cocaine in April 2017, served for the set to force an- the 28-year-old, who plays a played almost flawless to other tie-break. similar style of tennis. stave off a set point on his way “I thought I might have “Playing a player like Dan to forcing a first set tie-break. pulled away midway through Evans is like facing myself,” He even had the temerity the second set,” added Feder- The Fencing Grand Prix du Qatar 2019 will take place at the Aspire Zone in Doha from January 25 to 27. Most of the top male and female the 37-year-old Federer said. to lead 5-3 in the breaker be- er. “But I couldn’t, to his epee fencers of the world will compete in the annual event, which is carrying a total prize-money of $12,000 each in both categories. The “It feels like playing a mirror fore Federer stepped up a gear credit. He played well.” winner will take home $5,000, while the runner-up will get $3,000. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) Sports Thursday, January 17, 2019 19 Awesome Attiyah on verge of his 3rd Dakar Rally triumph

But he failed to get going in Qatar’s rally ace the dunes and needed about wins Stage 9; Final 20 minutes to resume his charge. stage in Lima on As if the first setback was Thursday a formality not enough, another mechani- cal failure had him trapped in for him now the dunes with 33 kms to go in the 309-km timed section. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Soon Despres also had his DOHA dream of winning a stage gone up in smoke as his car over- QATAR’S sporting icon turned at 288 kms. He had to Nasser bin Saleh al Atti- wait for other drivers to come yah has virtually sealed his and rescue him. third Dakar Rally title as he This unexpected oppor- grabbed the ninth and pe- tunity suddenly opened the nultimate stage in Pisco in whole passage in front of Atti- a dramatic turn-around on yah to charge through, win and Wednesday. defend his overnight overall The tenth and final round lead of 46 minutes. The twice in Lima on Friday will thus runner-up in the past three be a formality to complete for Toyota’s driver Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah of Qatar and co-driver years and his French co-driver Attiyah given his 51-minute Mathieu Baumel of France compete during the Dakar Rally. (AFP) Matthieu Baumel drove cau- overall lead. Qatar’s Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah thumbs up at a checkpoint during the Dakar Rally. (EPA-EFE) tiously and claimed the stage. The 48-year-old Gazoo always try to do our best be- beginning. We’ve been lead- Attiyah is now at the top Racing driver, who earlier X-Raid Team) was fourth 14 rally giant and barring any I hope he’s okay. Today was cause it’s not easy. The Dakar ing since stage 3 and building of the general classification won the ultimate test of man minutes adrift of the stage last-minute surprises on the very difficult, not easy, with a is really difficult. Every day up the [gap] every day, we’re with 51 minutes and 27 sec- and machine in 2011 and winner Attiyah and Benedik- morrow, the overall leader lot of soft sand, but we took it we work very hard to be fast quite happy,” he added. onds lead over Roma and has 2015, posted his third stage tas Vanagas Sebastian (Gen- will stand on the top step of easy and did a good job. I’m and not make mistakes. After a flying start in pri- opened a big gap of two hours, victory for Toyota 4’58” ahead eral Financing Team Pitlane) the podium. quite happy. “Me and Mathieu, the vate Peugot and opening over two minutes and 37 seconds of X-Raid Team’s Nani Roma completed the top five 15 min- Attiyah after the day’s “Yeah, until now every- team, work very hard every nine minutes gap on Cyril De- on Loeb. Przygonski has fall- in Mini and 7’15” ahead of utes and 45 seconds behind thrilling action, said, “We saw thing has gone very well and day to keep our car fit every spres (X-Raid Mini) and Atti- en two hours and 33 minutes teammate and 2009 winner him. Sebastien and I didn’t know tomorrow, we just need to day. The car is good, the bug- yah by WP4, Spaniard Sebast- behind and is followed by Giniel de Villiers. Overall, it was the 34th about ‘Peter’, we just got the bring everything together in gy is a good car. We’ve fol- ien Loeb (PH-Sport) looked Despres two hours and 55 Jakub Przygonski (Orlen stage victory for the Qatari information on the finish line. Lima. I’m quite happy. We lowed our strategy from the strong for his fifth stage win. minutes adrift. Souq Al Wakrah to host MERC Windies recall Kohli wants India to be superpower in Tests Bravo, Joseph IANS the game. “I wouldn’t say goal Kohli however, also said opening round in March for England MELBOURNE but I would rather speak of a the shorter formats of the game vision, which is for India to be are equally important. series VIRAT Kohli added another a superpower in Test cricket or “If we focus too much on feather to his cap after becom- a very, very strong side in Test shorter formats – yes, they’re QMMF offers free AFP ing the first ever India skipper cricket in the years to come,” important – but if we solely BRIDGETOWN (BARBADOS) to win a Test series on Austral- Kohli was quoted as saying. focus and look at them as an shipping from ian soil. However, the 30-year- “I think if Indian cricket re- escape or an excuse to not Oman, Kuwait to DARREN Bravo could play his old wants to take Indian cricket spects Test cricket, and Indian be in the kind of situations first Test for the West Indies to much greater heights. players respect Test cricket, that Test cricket presents to competitors in over two years after the ex- Kohli has shared his vision then Test cricket will stay at the you, then there’ll start be- perienced top-order batsman for the Indian team, saying he top because of the fan base that ing a mental problem with was recalled Tuesday for next wants his nation to be a super- we have all over the world,” the the cricketers coming up,” TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK week’s series opener against power in the longest format of Indian skipper pointed out. expressed the skipper. DOHA England in Barbados. Bravo hasn’t featured in a THE Manateq Qatar Interna- Vojtech Stajf on his way to winning the Manateq International Rally of Test since a tour of the UAE in tional Rally will kick-start the Qatar last year. October 2016, but the 29-year- England women’s football team trains at Khalifa FIA Middle East Rally Cham- old returned to the interna- pionship in 2019 and has The QMMF is also sup- The Qatari duo of Adel Ab- tional fold late last year as part moved back to a traditional plying free shipping on the dullah and Nasser al Kuwari of the one-day squad. date at the start of the season Oman-Doha-Oman and Ku- won the MERC 2 category in Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and will open the series on wait-Doha-Kuwait routes and Qatar in 2018 and regional also earned a recall ahead of the March 14-16. five nights accommodation for MERC 3 champions, Henry three-match series, although The Qatar Motor and Mo- the driver and co-driver as a Kahy and Musa Djiyerian, fellow quick Oshane Thomas torcycle Federation (QMMF) generous concession to com- wrapped up an excellent sea- was named as cover as the for- has also announced that the petitors. Teams have been in- son with two-wheel drive hon- mer continues his recovery from event’s rally headquarters vited to the event from Jordan, ours in their Škoda Fabia 1.6 a stress fracture in his back. and service park will remain Kuwait, Oman and several Eu- This year’s rally will be John Campbell, a 26-year- at Lusail Sports Arena but the ropean countries. held under the chairmanship old left-handed opener from pre-event press conference, Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah of QMMF President Abdul- Jamaica, received his first call- ceremonial start and prize is currently competing on the rahman al Mannai and senior up along with the 30-year-old giving ceremony will move to Dakar Rally in Peru, but he has committee members. Portu- Shamarh Brooks, who cap- an exciting new location at Al dominated the Qatar event in gal’s Pedro Almeida will act as tained the West Indies at the Wakrah, south of Doha. recent seasons and has taken Rally Director and is working Under-19 World Cup in 2008. The ceremonial start will 13 victories in 17 years. alongside Qatari Clerk of the take place on the beach in The multiple regional Course Rashed al Sulaiti. Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg front of the Souq Al Wakrah champion missed out last The event last visited the Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Hotel on March 14 and this November, however, with a Al Wakrah area in 2012: the Al John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane venue will also host the prize surprise win falling to Czech Wakrah Stadium hosted rally Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, giving ceremony and start and driver Vojtĕch Štajf. He be- headquarters and the QMMF Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, finish media facilities. came the first non-Arab driver ran stages in the south of the Jomel Warrican, Oshane Thomas (cover for The competitive action to win the event since the late country and to the west of Joseph) will then take centre stage on Björn Waldegård’s success Doha. Schedule a series of timed gravel surface with co-driver Fred Gallagher Regulations will be open 1st Test: Jan 23-27 at Bridgetown specials through the Qatar de- in a Toyota Celica Turbo way shortly and entries will open 2nd Test: Jan 31-Feb 4 at North Sound The England women’s football training held a training session at the Khalifa International Stadium on serts on March 15 and 16. back in 1986. in due course. 3rd Test: Feb 9-13 at Gros Islet Wednesday in preparation for the World Cup in France.

RECEDING WAVES CLAIMS UMM AL AFAI CUP Mosanda down City Exchange by a run in Qatar Airways T20 cricket

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK BRIEF SCORES DOHA DIVISION A MOSANDA rallied spiritedly Mosanda beat City Exchange by one run Mosanda: 142 for four in 20 overs (Kamran Khan and scripted an exciting one- 49 in 50 balls, Imran Ali 35 in 34 balls; Shafiq 2/13, run victory over City Exchange Rayees 1/27) in a Division A match in the City Exchange: 141 for eight in 20 overs (Shafeeq Qatar Airways Twenty20 39 in 41 balls, Jackson 35 in 18 balls; Imran Ali Javed (left) of Gulf Colours 2/15, Ahmer 2/10) Cricket Tournament. Man of the match: Imran Ali (Mosanda) After Kamran Khan Lagaan and Sherin of Selex cracked 49 out of Mosanda’s Gulf Colours Lagaan beat Bangladesh Seniors by 142 for four in 20 overs and Javed’s 58 in just 36 34 runs Gulf Colours Lagaan: 156 all out in 18.1 overs Imran Ali chipped in with 35, balls were supported well by (Javed 58 in 36 balls; Ziku 2/25, Ronny 2/22) the latter joined hands with Ameen and Saeed as Gulf Col- Bangladesh Seniors: 122 all out in 17.5 overs Ahmer to restrict the rivals ours Lagaan easily defeated (Haleem 23 in 21 balls; Ameen 3/16, Saeed 3/17) at 141 for eight in a pulsating Bangladesh Seniors by 34 Man of the match: Javed (Gulf Colours Lagaan) finish. runs in another match. Selex beat Doha Falcons by four wickets Khan’s 50-ball knock had Javed hammered a six Doha Falcons: 135 for eight in 20 oves (Iftikhar 55 Receding Waves defeated Top Face by a length to win the Umm Al four boundaries and Ali also and nine fours to lay the base not out in 55 balls, Kashif 42 in 40 balls; Sherin Afai Cup, the feature event at the 22nd Race Meeting on Wednesday. hit four shots to the fence in of his team’s 156 in 18.1 overs. 4/18) At the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse’s dirt track, the Selex: 136 for six in 16.2 overs (Sherin 21 in 19 his 34-ball innings Shafiq Ziku and Ronny shared four balls, Asif 21 in 18 balls; Muhammad 4/16) Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari’s six-year-old bay colt, with JP Guillambert picked two wickets for 13 and wickets. Haleem battled the Man of the match: Sherin (Selex) astride, registered his first win of the season, taking his overall tally to Rayees had one for 27. longest for Bangladesh Sen- five in 22 races. City Exchange got stuck iors and got 23 with a six and Iftikhar’s 55 not out with The victory for Mohammed Jassim Ghazali’s ward also completed a after Shafeeq hit two sixes two fours. Ameen and Saeed a six and three fours and 42 superb treble for jockey Guillambert. and as many fours in 39 and grabbed three scalps each to by Kashif took Doha Falcons The rider earlier piloted Rahibah (Injaaz Stud) and Lo De Nalane Jackson blasted a six and six send the opponents crashing to 135 for eight. But Selex (Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari) to wins for trainer Jassim Ghazali fours in his 18-ball cameo of all out at 122 in 17.5 overs. made light of the target, get- in the day. 35. Ali’s two wickets for 15 In the third match, Sher- ting the required runs in 16.2 Harry Bentley also helmed Caid De L’Ardus across the line in the first with one maiden over and Ah- in’s all-round display (four overs. Sherin and Asif (21 in place, helping owner Kuwari and trainer Jassim Ghazali to land three mer’s two for 10 in two overs wickets for 18 and 21 runs) 18 balls) saw the team home victories. (TNN) enabled Mosanda to pull off was the highlight as Selex beat despite a four-wicket haul by the close victory. Doha Falcons by four wickets. Muhammad.