Qatar Exxonmobil Open Preliminary Rounds Begin Today QNA — DOHA

SATURDAY 4 JANUARYARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

Australian batsman This time last year I was sitting here and there were Marnus Labuschagne a lot of questions. I believed that I had the ability. After scoring his fourth century in five For me it was a lot of mental stuff and just making matches this summer sure I stayed focus for long periods of times. Qatar ExxonMobil Open preliminary rounds begin today QNA — DOHA

The preliminary rounds of Qatar ExxonMobil Open will begin at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha today, with main rounds starting on Monday. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland and 2012 champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France are among the top stars set to open their season in Doha. Wawrinka reached Doha on Wednesday and was given a warm welcome while Canadian Milos Raonic, the 2016 Wimbledon finalist, was also given a traditional welcome at the Hamad Inter- national Airport. In all, 21 players made the entry list for the singles event of the annual ATP World Tour 250 series tournament with three slots allotted for wild card entrants and four for qualifiers. The doubles event will feature 16 teams. Other key players expected to feature at the event include 2018 finalist Andrey Rublev and Doha-resident Fernando Verdasco, who is the 2009 Australian Open semi-finalist. Richard Gasquet, the 2013 champion in Doha, Serbia's Filip Krajinović and Russia's Andrey Rublev (right) in action during training sessions has suffered a setback ahead of the new season ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash as he has withdrawn and his place is taken by Complex in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund. Goffin ‘motivated’ Ruud helps Norway upset after Belgium US at ATP Cup make winning start AFP — PERTH AFP — SYDNEY has 24 nations split into six Emerging youngster Casper groups across the three cities, Ruud notched the biggest World number 11 David with eight teams emerging victory of his career after Goffin said he was “very from the round-robin to beating big-serving John Isner motivated” after getting his compete in a knockout phase yesterday to spearhead season off to a winning start in Sydney until one country Norway’s stunning upset over Friday at the ATP Cup in is left standing. the United States on the first Sydney, which was marred Under the format, the day of the inaugural ATP Cup. by a national anthem gaffe second-ranked singles The 21-year-old levelled by organisers. players from each team face the Group D tie with a 6-7 Belgium’s top player led each other first before the (3/7), 7-6 (12/10), 7-5 win over his team to a win over Group top players take to the court, the world number 19 in two C rivals Moldova at the inau- followed by a doubles. hours and 43 minutes. gural 24-nation event that is Belgium’s Steve Darcis He saved two match points Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in action during his Group F singles match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov also being played in Brisbane earlier scrapped past Alex- in the second set and at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane yesterday. and Perth. ander Cozbinov 6-4, 6-7 weathered 33 aces from Isner, He cruised past an error- (4/7), 7-5 to hand his country after Taylor Fritz thrashed laden Radu Albot 6-4, 6-1, a perfect start, with the Viktor Durasovic 6-2, 6-2 in rarely threatened by the match marred by the the opening match in Perth. world number 46 who broke Romanian anthem being Young gun Shapovalov shocks Ruud then backed up in new ground in 2019 by played beforehand instead the decisive doubles alongside becoming his country’s first of Moldova. Durasovic to down Rajeev ATP Tour title winner at “We are sincerely sorry Tsitsipas as ATP Cup kicks off Ram and Austin Krajicek 4-6, Delray Beach. and have apologised per- 6-3, 10-5 and trigger jubilant “I was very good sonally to Team Moldova,” AFP — BRISBANE He went into the match as ATP CUP RESULTS scenes from the Norwegian intensity, good energy, good the ATP said. slight favourite over the IN SYDNEY - GROUP C contingent, who were the last attitude. That made the dif- Cozbinov, ranked 818 Canadian young gun Denis Canadian, ranked nine places Belgium 3 Moldova 0 team to qualify for the ference,” said Goffin, who and who had never played Shapovalov edged world below him. Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Alexander Cozbinov 24-nation event which is also made two ATP Tour finals an ATP Tour match before, number six Stefanos Tsitsipas Both players were relatively (MDV) 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5 being played in Brisbane and last year at Halle and insisted it was “not a big in his country’s clean sweep untroubled on serve but Shapo- David Goffin (BEL) bt Radu Albot (MDV) Sydney. Cincinnati. deal”. against Greece on the first day valov made the clutch points in 6-4, 6-1 “I didn’t have much time “I’m very motivated, “But it wasn’t that hard of the inaugural ATP Cup the two tie-breakers to take the Sander Gille/Joran Vliegen (BEL) bt Radu to recover from my singles,” happy to start the year with to pick the right anthem,” he yesterday. match in just over two hours. Albot/Alexander Cozbinov (MDV) 6-7 Ruud said. new ambitions, so maybe told AFP. “Moldova and The 20-year-old Shapo- “It’s definitely a huge win for The world number 54 has (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 11-9 that’s why today was a very Romania have the same flag valov downed the world me,” Shapovalov said. risen up the rankings over the good match.” so probably that’s why they number six 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7/4) “Obviously, he had an unbe- past year since training “It’s never easy to start made a mistake. Hopefully in Brisbane to give Canada an lievable end to the season and IN BRISBANE - GROUP F alongside Rafael Nadal at the the season with the first next time it’s going to be the unassailable 2-0 lead after Felix he’s definitely one of the top Canada 3 Greece 0 world number one’s academy match, first team compe- right one.” Auger-Aliassime thrashed players in the world right now Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) bt Michail in Mallorca. tition, the new format, with The Tim Henman-skip- Michail Pervolarakis 6-1, 6-3. so to beat a guy like this first Pervolarakis (GRE) 6-1, 6-3 Ruud, whose father the team on the bench. And pered Britain, minus the The two then combined in match of the year, it’s really Denis Shapovalov (CAN) bt Stefanos Tsit- Christian is Norway’s captain, the way I played, I’m very injured Andy Murray, take on the doubles to beat Pervolarakis special for me.” sipas (GRE) 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7/4) clawed back into the singles pleased and so it’s good for Bulgaria in the second Group and Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3. Tsitsipas conceded he had Denis Shapovalov/Felix Auger (CAN) bt match and stormed out to a the next tie.” C tie later Friday, with Grigor “It was definitely a great returned poorly, which proved Petros Tsitsipas/Michail Pervolarakis 6-4 lead in the second set tie- The ATP Cup, which Dimitrov acting as playing- start to the event -- these boys the difference. (GRE) 6-2, 6-3 break, but was thwarted on allows on-court coaching, captain of his country. played awesome,” Canadian World number 21 Auger-Ali- his set points by a desperate captain Adriano Fuorivia said. assime was far too strong for IN PERTH - GROUP D Isner. Shapovalov’s left-handed Pervolarakis, 466 places further He saved two match points Norway 2 USA 1 serve was working beautifully down the ATP rankings. in a see-sawing set before Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Viktor Durasovic in his match against Tsitsipas, The Canadian cruised finally converting on his fifth who faltered at key moments in through the first set before Per- (NOR) 6-2, 6-2 attempt to keep Norway alive. both tiebreaks. volarakis -- playing his first Casper Ruud (NOR) bt John Isner (USA) It appeared the match was Tsitsipas, 21, had a superb match on the main ATP tour -- 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (12/10), 7-5 going the distance in the third end to 2019, winning the ATP could adjust to the pace, but the Casper Ruud/Viktor Durasovic (NOR) bt set until an inspired Ruud Finals in his tournament debut 19-year-old was never in Rajeev Ram/Austin Krajicek (USA) 4-6, broke in the 12th game to and reaching a career-high trouble and wrapped up the 6-3, 10-5 clinch his first victory over a world ranking of five. match in 69 minutes. top-20 ranked player. De Minaur's stunning comeback hands Australia win David Goffin of AFP — BRISBANE faults -- and give Australia an downed the world number six 7-6 slight favourite over the Canadian, Belgium hits unassailable 2-0 lead in their (8-6), 7-6 (7/4) after Felix Auger- ranked nine places below him. a forehand Alex de Minaur came from a set Group F tie. Aliassime thrashed Michail Per- Both players were relatively return during and a break down to overhaul Earlier, the mercurial Nick volarakis 6-1, 6-3. untroubled on serve but Shapo- his men’s singles Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Kyrgios laid on a serving master The two then combined in the valov made the clutch points in match against cause a major upset at the inau- class to beat Jan-Lennard Struff. doubles to beat Pervolarakis and the two tie-breakers to take the Radu Albot gural ATP Cup in Brisbane Kyrgios, who has promised to Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3. match in just over two hours. of Moldova at yesterday. donate Aus$200 (US$140) for Shapovalov’s left-handed World number 21 Auger-Ali- the ATP Cup World number seven Zverev every ace he serves in the tour- serve was working beautifully in assime was far too strong for Per- in Sydney seemed to be cruising to victory nament to people affected by the his match against Tsitsipas, who volarakis, 466 places further yesterday. when he won the first set and Australian bushfires, fired 20 aces faltered at key moments in both down the ATP rankings. broke the Australian in the first past Struff to win 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). tiebreaks. The Canadian cruised through game of the second. In the opening Group F tie, Tsitsipas, 21, had a superb end the first set before Pervolarakis However, the towering Ger- Canadian young gun Denis to 2019, winning the ATP Finals -- playing his first match on the man’s serve went off the boil and Shapovalov edged world number in his tournament debut and main ATP tour -- could adjust to de Minaur stormed back to win six Stefanos Tsitsipas in his coun- reaching a career-high world the pace, but the 19-year-old was 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 -- helped in no try’s clean sweep against Greece. ranking of five. never in trouble and wrapped up small part by Zverev’s 14 double The 20-year-old Shapovalov He went into the match as the match in 69 minutes. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020

England give up More misery for New Zealand as their favourite warm-up routine Labuschagne hits another century AGENCIES — CAPE TOWN England have put a stop to AFP — SYDNEY warm-up football games after injury to Rory Burns ruled him Marnus Labuschagne hit his out of the Test series against fourth century in just 14 Tests South Africa. to guide Australia into a Burns was injured before commanding position against England's final practice ahead virus-hit New Zealand on the It’s all a bit of a of the second Test which opening day of the third Test whirlwind at the started at Newlands in Cape in Sydney yesterday. moment. I haven’t Town yesterday. The rock-solid number The ban was confirmed three, last year’s leading Test really sat down by an England team scorer with 1,104 runs at and completely spokesman, who said the 64.94, again proved the Black decision was made by head Caps’ nemesis with his second thought about how coach Chris Silverwood, sup- ton of the series to continue amazing this summer ported by Ashley Giles, Eng- his remarkable scoring has been for me: land's director of men's sequence. Cricket. Supported by Steve Smith’s Labuschagne Giles previously banned 28th Test half-century, Aus- football warm-ups during tralia reached stumps at 283 stints with English counties for three with Labuschagne Warwickshire and Lancashire unbeaten on 130 and Matthew but had not stopped the Wade a breezy 22 not out. England team from playing the The South African-born game. Labuschagne has now scored It was the second relatively four centuries in seven Test serious injury by an England innings this southern summer player in just over a year. against Pakistan and New Jonny Bairstow was injured Zealand. and missed several matches “Terrific day,” he said. during a tour of Sri Lanka in “When you bat on day one you October 2018. know it can be a real pros- Burns suffered ligament perous day but if you get off to damage to his left ankle when a shaky start it can be tough he kicked the turf in trying to work. make contact with the ball on “It’s all a bit of a whirlwind Thursday. at the moment. I haven’t AusAAuuusssttrtraliaalalia’aliallia’iaa’ssMa MMar ararnususus L abuscabbubuscusuuscchagnhagnehahagneggnen celeccecelelee bratebrabratraatetesssco scoscs oringinginngn acena cencecenenttuturyuryuryy durindudurinuringthggt tthhhee firstfirsfirsrsts daydadaya ofo tht hethe ththithhiirdddT Testesstt aggagainsaainsaininsttNetN NewNNe ewew ZealZeaZZeeaallanandandndda a t thet e It came only 24 hours really sat down and com- SydneSydydnedneddnnneeyyCr CriC Crrickckkeketet GroGGrounGrGrouo nddin inin SydneSydnSyy y,,,y yeyestersterdstestterderdayaay.y.y after Ollie Pope had taken pletely thought about how angry exception to a amazing this summer has crunching tackle from team- been for me.” unbeaten 335 and 154 against Williamson, who has been ill SCOREBOARD Australia have been mate Matt Parkinson that in Smith, who took 39 balls to Pakistan last November. in the lead-up. unbeatable this season, a real game of football might get off the mark, shared in a Opener Joe Burns was dis- Batsman Henry Nicholls Australia (I innings) winning all four Tests at home have earned the leg spinner 156-run stand with missed in the 15th over, and spinner Mitchell Santner D Warner c de Grandhomme b Wagner 45 -- two each against Pakistan a red card. Labuschagne before he again squared up by de Grand- were other illness withdrawals J Burns c Taylor b de Grandhomme ....18 and New Zealand -- after England have now added missed out after a lengthy stay homme and caught by Taylor while Southee lost his place to M Labuschagne (batting) ...... 130 retaining the Ashes in England. yet another name to a growing and was caught at slip off Colin at first slip for 18. leg-spinner Todd Astle. The Test is being played against list of soccer casualties. S Smith c Taylor b de Grandhomme ..63 de Grandhomme for 63 off 182 De Grandhomme opened Paceman Trent Boult is also the backdrop of one of Aus- Just over a year ago, balls. the bowling with Matt Henry missing after returning home M Wade (batting) ...... 22 tralia’s most devastating Jonny Bairstow lost his place David Warner fell again to after senior paceman Tim with a broken hand suffered in Extras (LB3, NB1, W1) ...... 5 bushfire seasons with at least as wicketkeeper on a tour of the leg-side trap on the third Southee was surprisingly left the second Test in Total (3 wkts; 90 overs) ...... 283 18 people losing their lives in Sri Lanka after damaging ball after lunch when he was out of the attack. Melbourne. Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-95, 3-251 blazes raging across the ankle ligaments in a caught by de Grandhomme at Australia won the toss and Batsman Glenn Phillips, Bowling: Henry 21-1-68-0 (1w), de Grand- country, including on the out- kick-about. leg gully off Neil Wagner for chose to bat against the vis- who made a late dash to skirts of Sydney. A decade ago, then homme 18-1-63-2 (1nb), Wagner 21-6-48-1, 45. itors, who made five changes Sydney as cover on Thursday, Play will be suspended in England coach Andy Flower It was the fourth time in to the team that lost the Boxing was named to make his Test Somerville 13-0-52-0, Astle 17-0-49-0 the match at the umpire’s dis- banned the warm-up soccer the series left-armer Wagner Day Test in Melbourne by 247 debut, with opener Tom cretion, should smoke signifi- routine after Joe Denly has snared Warner, who has runs. Latham to lead the side in Wil- into the side, while the Aus- cantly affect air quality or vis- damaged a knee because of yet to reach a half-century The Black Caps went into liamson’s absence. tralians were unchanged after ibility, but the sky above the an unwieldy tackle before a against New Zealand this the Sydney Test without Will Somerville, Matt Henry considering Mitchell Swepson ground was clear during the one-day international match summer after scoring an skipper and star batsman Kane and Jeet Raval were also called as a second spinner. first day’s play. against Australia at The Oval. South Africa on top as England Get fit or take a pay cut, Pakistan labour with the bat at Newlands tells cricketers REUTERS — CAPE TOWN

AFP — KARACHI South Africa’s Anrich Nortje took the vital wickets of captain Joe Root and talisman Ben Stokes as England Pakistan’s cricket board yesterday warned the struggled to 262 for nine at stumps national players to meet fitness standards or lose on the first day of the second Test up to 15 percent of their salary, as officials seek to yesterday. address the team’s fall in the international rankings. Pace bowler Nortje, playing his Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the fourth Test, finished with 2-54 off World Cup in England last year, and won only one 17 overs as the home side restricted of their six Test matches. the tourists on a Newlands wicket They also fared badly in one-day interna- that was expected to be full of runs. tionals, winning just nine of their 25 and just one A late cameo from Ollie Pope, of their ten Twenty20 internationals, leaving the one of three changes to the touring team as low as seventh in Tests and sixth in ODIs. side’s line-up after they lost the first They did manage to cling to their world number test by 107 runs, lifted England’s one rankings in Twenty20 internationals -- but gloom slightly as he defied the by just one point. second new ball to finish unbeaten New head on 56. coach Misbah-ul- “It’s a good wicket but there Haq (pictured) had is something there for the stressed fitness will seamers, so we’ll see how it pans be paramount as out in the next two days,” said he tries to lift Pope, who was caught in the deep standards. in the penultimate over of the day “All the but earned a reprieve when available centrally Kagiso Rabada’s delivery proved contracted players to be a no-ball. will attend the The rest of England’s top England’s Ben Stokes (right) looks dejected as South Africa’s Anrich Nortje celebrates taking his wicket with two-day testing on batsmen contrived to get them- team-mates during the second Test at the PPC Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday. January 6 and 7 in selves out when they looked set for Lahore and any a lengthy spells at the crease with player failing to Stokes dismissed for 47 and Root after England won the toss. his second test appearance after The sloppy shot left Stokes cov- meet the minimum 35. They lost Zak Crawley (4) in the being brought in to replace the ering his face in disbelief before fitness require- Joe Denly contributed 38 and third over as he edged Vernon Phi- injured Rory Burns, who hurt his trudging off. ments will be fined Dom Sibley 34 but it is the home lander to wicketkeeper Quinton de ankle playing soccer on Thursday Jos Buttler (29) threatened a 15 percent of his side who will be more satisfied Kock. The 21-year-old was making in the latest setback for England on counter-attack before Dwaine Pre- monthly retainer,” a calamity-filled tour. torius halted his progress and then said a Pakistan Cricket Board release yesterday. SCOREBOARD Sibley was also snagged bowled Sam Curran and Dom Bess The cut will be maintained until the player gets England (I Innings) S Broad b Rabada ...... 1 behind off Rabada just before was out first ball off the first fit again, it said. lunch followed, in the afternoon delivery with the second new ball Any player failing consecutive tests “will risk Z Crawley c De Kock b Philander ...... 4 J Anderson (batting) ...... 3 session, by Root, caught off his from Philander as De Kock took a the chances of retaining his central contract cat- D Sibley c De Kock b Rabada ...... 34 Extras (B4, LB1, NB1) ...... 6 gloves as he ducked into a vicious fifth catch. egory and may face demotion,” warned the PCB. J Denly b Maharaj ...... 38 Total (9 wkts) ...... 262 bouncer. “We stuck to our disciplines, so Currently 19 top players are under contract in J Root c De Kock b Nortje ...... 35 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-63, 3-105, 4-127, Denly was bowled by a full it was a pretty good day. We can A, B and C categories and get monthly salaries B Stokes c Elgar b Nortje ...... 47 5-185, 6-221, 7-231, 8-231, 9-234 delivery from spinner Keshav run with that,” Pretorius said. ranging from 1.1 million to 0.5 million rupees based O Pope (batting) ...... 56 Maharaj and Stokes, who hit a A yorker from Rabada on their contract. career-high 258 at the picturesque accounted for Stuart Broad but Pakistan are scheduled to play three Twenty20 J Buttler c De Kock b Pretorius ...... 29 Bowling: Philander 16-3-46-2, Rabada 18-3- Cape Town ground four years ago, Pope attacked the new ball to add internationals and two Tests at home against Bang- S Curran b Pretorius ...... 9 63-2 (1nb), Nortje 17-2-54-2, Maharaj 27-6- was beginning to look dangerous an unbeaten 28 runs for the last ladesh starting later this month, but pending D Bess c De Kock b Philander ...... 0 68-1, Pretorius 11-5-26-2 when he chipped to Dean Elgar at wicket with James Anderson, who clearance from Bangladesh Board. extra cover. will resume on three not out. SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 19 Longines Hathab Tour: Kamil, Ali clinch victories in Round 5

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Kamil Sabitov guiding Quintendro Kamil Sabitov guided Quintendro towards victory in Medium over an obstacle Tour while Ali Mohammed Al Qadi clinched the Small Tour during the Medium on Charming Boy on the opening day of the fifth round of Tour competition Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour, CSN Al Shaqab, yesterday. of the Fifth Round Kamil, a young rider from Kyrgyzstan, completed the of Longines hathab round in 47.90 secs on his 14-year old gelding to secure the Equestrian Tour, top prize of the day, worth QR5,000. yesterday. Numero Uno-T with Qatari Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi in the saddle, completed the same routine in 48.96 secs to finish second as he got richer by QR4,000. Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi and his mare Jazz De Semilly K Z (Dupli) completed the task in 49.86 secs and booked the remaining spot on the podium. Earlier, in the Small Tour which saw 45 entries in contest, Ali had a flawless ride with Charming Boy as they completed the routine in 28.72 secs to win QR2,500. Hugo Z, with Hamad Nasser Al Qadi in the saddle, spent 28.97 secs to complete the round as they went on to win the second place along with a prize cheque worth QR2,000. Fito R, ridden by Saad Ahmed Al Saad, booked the third place following a ride that lasted 29.26 secs. He won QR1,500. The fifth round of the Championship concludes today. The podium winners in the Small Tour, Ali Mohammed Al The annual series is organised and hosted jointly by Qadi, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi and Saad Ahmed Al Saad Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab, member posing for a photograph with Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi, of Qatar Foundation. Longines, ExxonMobil, and Salam Inter- Director of the Championship and an official. national are the main partners of the series. Bayern Munich to arrive in Doha today THE PENINSULA — DOHA

German giants Bayern Munich will be reaching Doha today evening for their winter training camp at the Aspire Zone. The FC Bayern players had just under two weeks to relax and take advantage of the short winter break before heading for the mid-season training camp in Qatar, according to a report posted on the club website. For the tenth time in total, the record champions will prepare for part two of the Bun- desliga campaign in Qatar, laying the foundations for a successful second half of the season. The Bundesliga champions, coached by Hansi Flick, will undergo training at the Aspire training pitches as they gear up for challenges in the German domestic league, DFB Cup and A ﬁle picture of German giants Bayern Munich in action during the UEFA Champions League. last year's winter training camp at the Aspire Zone. Following the annual winter training camp in Doha, the 29-time Bundesliga winners the first-ever trip to Doha for Flick before his first training Lewandowski (groin surgery) rehabilitation under optimal off after his groin operation on will play their first match in the the 54-year-old, who promised camp as the boss. and Kingsley Coman (torn conditions at the performance December 21 Michaël Cuisance second half of the League cam- an intensive, tough training With a total of 26 players, capsule in the left knee) are also centre. and Fiete Arp will are also back paign against Hertha BSC in camp. Flick and his coaching staff will out of action. While Süle and Martinez after recovering from their Berlin on January 19, 2020. In between matches it’s be working in Doha until 10 Following ankle surgery, will kick-off their programme injuries. Ahead of that match, FC often “not possible to train very January. World Cup winner Lucas today, Lewandowski will not The training squad is com- Bayern will play a friendly much” so the focus is more on However, four players from Hernández will continue to work start his rehab training until plemented by six young match against FC Nurnberg on “a few things that are important the pro squad will not be on his comeback in Doha and January 7. talents: Joshua Zirkzee, Sar- January 11. for the next game”. A period of making the trip to Qatar. he’s already penned-in to com- Coach Flick, together with preet Singh, Leon Dajaku, Flick has just six days to preparation is therefore “enor- In addition to long-term plete parts of the team training. chief medical officer Dr. Hans- Oliver Batista-Meier and Chris ensure his squad achieves the mously important for a team absentee Niklas Süle (torn cru- Lewandowski, Coman, Mar- Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt had Richards from the reserves optimal level of fitness required because you can work better on ciate ligament), Javi Martínez tínez and Süle will be staying in promised the striker this in and U-19 defender Bright for three competitions. It’ll be particular moves,” emphasised (muscle injury), Robert Munich to continue their order to give him enough time Akwo Arrey-Mbi. FA Cup underdogs seek their moment in the sun

AFP — LONDON However, United lost to matches. Adding to manager another National League side Steve Bruce’s problems is an Holders Manchester City get Barnet last season at the same injury crisis. Four players their FA Cup campaign stage. Several of the squad including captain and most underway today with their third including defender Andy Taylor impressive performer this term round home tie against fourth- will be familiar with the hosts Jonjo Shelvey went off during tier Port Vale. having played for them. the Leicester defeat taking their The eye-catching clash of Taylor, who was a United total of injured personnel to 11. the round, where all fixtures regular in the Championship in Gillingham (League One) start a minute late to highlight 2009 but failed to win back his vs West Ham United (Premier a mental health campaign, is place after 14 months out with League) -- tomorrow Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during the Sunday’s Merseyside derby as a serious injury, says they travel (18:16GMT kick-off) Champions League Group A match against PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain in this runaway Premier League with belief they can pull off a The Gills are just three November 26, 2019 ﬁle picture. leaders Liverpool host Everton, major shock. points off the play-off places who have shown a noticeable “It’s one I look back on with and have an imposing recent improvement since Carlo Ance- great fondness, playing at that home run under the experi- lotti took over. level in a great stadium. There’s enced Steve Evans -- seven However, the dreamers always an upset, so you never wins and a draw in their last Real Madrid’s Hazard who hold onto the idea of the know, we’ll be confident, pos- eight matches at Priestfield ‘romance of the cup’ will be itive and will give a good Stadium. hopeful of giantkilling exploits account of ourselves,” said the Giving the hosts extra hope by the underdogs and here are 33-year-old. of an upset is that the Hammers ruled out of Super Cup the three matches to justify the Rochdale (League One) vs have been beaten by lower tag: Newcastle United (Premier league opposition in cup com- REUTERS — MADRID Chelsea but was in brilliant their opening league game of Sheffield United (Premier League) -- today (1231GMT petitions both last season -- form when he injured his ankle the new year in the last two League) vs Fylde (National kick-off) AFC Wimbledon humbling Real Madrid’s joint-record in a 2-2 draw with Paris St seasons but Zidane said his side League) -- tomorrow Rochdale may be a lowly them 4-2 in the FA Cup -- and signing Eden Hazard has no Germain in the Champions feel refreshed after their two- (1401GMT kick-off) 18th in the third tier but based this term, losing 4-0 to Oxford chance of returning from his League on Nov. 26. week break and are looking The non-league team have on their recent FA Cup record United in the League Cup. ankle injury in time for the After facing Getafe, Real will forward to getting back to quite a task travelling to take compared to Newcastle’s they However, the London side revamped Spanish Super Cup, fly out to Jeddah to contest the playing. on the Blades who are can entertain genuine hopes of go into the tricky tie on the coach Zinedine Zidane has said. new-look Super Cup in Saudi “I can’t say why we often acquitting themselves well back claiming a major scalp. back of a 4-0 thrashing of “He is 100% ruled out of the Arabia, playing Valencia on Jan. make a bad start but we have in the top tier. Rochdale have reached the fellow Premier League strug- Super Cup, when we get back 8 for a place in the final against returned feeling very good The ‘Coasters’ have beaten fourth round of the competition glers Bournemouth in David (from Saudi Arabia) we hope either Barcelona or Atletico physically and have trained fellow non-league outfits in four of the last six seasons Moyes’s first match of his we’ll be able to get him back Madrid on Jan. 12. very well,” added Zidane, Nantwich and Kingstonian in which is one more than New- second spell. little by little,” Zidane told a As well as missing Hazard whose side trail champions the previous rounds to reach castle have. Who comes out on top may news conference ahead of for the short trip to sixth-placed Barcelona by two points in the this stage of the competition for The Magpies travel to depend on whether Moyes Real’s game away to Getafe in Getafe, Real will also be without standings after 18 games. the first time but this is a huge Rochdale with their morale at picks a first choice team or La Liga today, their first match influential captain Sergio “We want to play and are step up for the side in the rele- a low ebb following a 3-0 home keeps them fresh for their next back after the winter break. Ramos as the defender is looking forward to starting up gation zone of the fifth tier of hammering by Leicester which league game on Friday week Hazard had a slow start at suspended. again and we’re going to try and English football. was their fourth defeat in five away at Sheffield United. Real after a $111m move from Madrid have failed to win change this tendency.” SPORT SPORT | 17 SPORT | 19 Goffin Bayern 'motivated' Munich to after Belgium's arrive in Doha winning start today

SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020 Uzbekistan win warm-up match against Qatar in Thailand Ibrahimovic This combination of photos shows a Qatar off the mark U-23 player doing a bicycle kick during in AC Milan a pre-tournament warm-up match against Uzbekistan friendly U-23 team ahead AFP — MILAN of the AFC U23 Championship Zlatan Ibrahimovic warned Thailand 2020 at yesterday he was not back at the SCG Stadium AC Milan just to act as a mascot in Nonthaburi, and immediately got off the yesterday. Holders mark for his new club by Uzbekistan beat scoring in a friendly against a Qatar 3-1 on local lower league side. Friday. Midﬁelder “I’m ready, I feel more than Mohammed Waad alive, I hope to play immedi- scored Qatar’s ately,” the 38-year-old told a only goal in the press conference in Milan 78th minute. Felix before scoring and setting up Sanchez’s side another in a 9-0 friendly win will play their Group later in the day over fifth- B opener against division Rhodense. Syria on Thursday. “I’m not here as a mascot. PICS: FADI ELASSAAD I’m looking for the last bit of adrenaline I might have. At my age you’re not looking for any- thing else but a challenge. “I have not lost my passion for what I do.” Brahimi's hat-trick seals big Ibrahimovic has signed a six-month contract worth €3.5m ($3.9m) with the option for an additional season, seven years after he left Milan for Paris Saint-Germain. Al Rayyan win over Umm Salal Hundreds of fans waited outside the club’s Casa Milan CHINTHANA WASALA Al Rayyan's Yacine Brahimi (third right) celebrates with team-mates headquarters to catch a THE PENINSULA after scoring a hat-trick against Umm Salal during their QNB Stars glimpse of the returning hero league match played at the Al Gharafa Stadium, yesterday. who helped the fallen Italian A magnificent hat-trick by giants win their 18th and last Yacine Brahimi secured a Serie A title in 2011. thumping 4-0 win for Al Rayyan He greeted them holding against Umm Salal in their QNB the number 21 jersey aloft, Stars League (QSL) round 12 having worn the number 11 clash at the Al Gharafa Stadium during his previous spell at the yesterday. club. Brahimi scored in the 33rd, “I got more requests now 55th and 67th minutes (penalty) than when I was 28,” said Ibra- after Abdulaziz Hatem opened himovic, who parted company the scoring as early as the fifth with MLS side Los Angeles minute. Galaxy in October. Yesterday's treble by “I wanted adrenaline and Brahimi, the currently QSL sea- at Milan you can’t say no. It’s son's top-scorer with 10 goals a club I love, in 2012 I didn’t under his name, once again want to leave.” proved that the Algerian star is His first league game could one of the biggest assests of Al be against Sampdoria on Rayyan. Monday at the San Siro. Brahimi, 29, joined the ranks “I want to feel the grass of Al Rayyan from top Portu- and the atmosphere of the guese side FC Porto at the start stadium, if they boo the adren- of this season. aline will increase, and at the With yesterday's win, Al was their ninth defeat of the 10 men after Rami Fayez was delighted with the vital three when Saleh Al Yahri brought end of the game they will Rayyan have lifted their total season, while Al Rayyan notched red-carded for fouling Frank points they collected against one down Muad Hassan in the applaud.” points to 28, while Umm Salal up their eighth victory and Kom in the 64th minute and of the league’s best sides. penalty area. The referee Ibrahimovic scored 56 are fearing relegation at the stayed as the only unbeaten side, Brahimi completed his hat-trick Following a solid opening authoritatively pointed to the goals in 85 appearances in his bottom of the table with five along with leaders Al Duhail. by converting from the spot. period, their confidence grew spot and Hanni stepped up to put first spell at Milan, and scored points. It was all Al Rayyan with 66 For Umm Salal, Fahad Kha- and were duly rewarded for his side level with a powerful more Serie A goals for the club Next up, Umm Salal have an per cent possession of the ball. lfan’s header was collected by their early endeavours. Ahmed strike. (42) than anyone else in the uphill task on hand as Al Sha- Their domination was complete Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahd Akaichi attacked the left flank Into the second half and Al last decade. hania, who also have the same and they could score twice in Younis and Jasser Yahya’s rising before pulling the ball back from Shahania quickly restored their One of the most successful number of points, had beaten Al both sessions. shot hit the horizontal. the byline into the path of the lead as an excellently-executed clubs in the world, the seven- Gharafa 2-1 in the day’s early Abdulaziz Hatem opened the Elsewhere, Al Shahania grateful Amangoua, who through ball by Ahmed Akaichi times European champions kick-off. floodgates following a brilliant pulled off a shock 2-1 win over smashed home to give his side was pounced up on by the pred- languish 11th in the Serie A It was a disappointing per- spadework by Brahimi. Al Gharafa, their first of the the lead. atory Amangoua who neatly fin- table, 14 points away from formance by Umm Salal than After Rodrigo Tabata missed season, thanks to a brilliant The spirited performance ished to grab his second of the Champions League football their 2-2 draw with Al Rayyan a penalty in the 20th minute, double by Kesse Amangoua (19 continued and they were unfor- game. and just seven away from the in the first leg, in the tourna- Brahimi himself was on target and 54). tunate not to double their lead His side was dealt a blow not relegation zone. ment’s opening week. thrice as the game progressed. Sofiane Hanni scored Al when both Amangoua and Ali long after when Ferydoon was With 116 games for The Orange Fortress recently Tabata was unlucky as he Gharafa's only goal in the 41st Ferydoon went close. given his marching orders in the Sweden and 62 goals, Ibrahi- replaced Spaniard Raul Caneda narrowly missed the target later minute (penalty). So often the architects of 66th minute following a second movic is the all-time leading with their former player and on. Al Shahania coach Jose their own downfall, Al Shahania yellow card and that led to a scorer for the Swedish Moroccan Aziz Ben Askar. This Umm Salal had to play with Murcia would have been gifted Al Gharafa the equaliser resurgence by Al Gharafa. national team. Qatar's Al Attiyah gears up for Dakar Rally title defence Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Qatari rider Nasser Al Attiyah (right) speaks during a press conference ahead of the 2020 Dakar Rally in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. Defending champion Al Attiyah will be targeting his fourth title when he competes at the Rally which will ﬂag off on Sunday. RIGHT: Al Attiyah speaks with Mini’s driver Stephane Peterhansel prior to the press conference yesterday. The Dakar Rally will feature 351 entries out of which are 170 motor and quad bikes, 134 cars and 47 trucks. The rally - set to consist of 12 stages - will cover a total distance of 7,900kms.