sign in sign up
<<
Home , 2021 FIFA Club World Cup, Aliou Dieng, Ali Afif, Ali Lotfi (footballer), Almoez Ali, Al Ahly SC

Sport

THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021 ProteasProte in a spin over fitness of key players

It was a very big blow. You name a team and 20 minutes bbefore the toss, you’re busy scrambling. It was a bubble burst forfo us right before the game. I certainly would have loved to sesee how Shamsi would have bowled on that wicket.

South coach Mark Boucher Sport |09

QATAR CUP BASKETBALL FINAL: Al Gharafa (Abdulrahman Saad 21, Nedim Muslic 16) 86-77 Al Shamal (M Berishvili 27, W Arkaji 23)

FIFA Club World Cup: Lamouchi hopes for good show against Egyptian giants ’s Al Duhail promise fight in opening CWC clash against

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Duhail players taking part in a training session yesterday ahead of their 2020 FIFA Club World Cup match THE PENINSULA against 's Al Ahly which will take place today. Pic: Twitter/DuhailSC

Al Duhail are set to enter a new territory, hoping for success in what is expected to be a bumpy ride for the Red Knights. In their debut game at the FIFA Club World Cup today, the Qatari Al Duhail Al Ahly champions face one of the most Coach: Coach: (South experienced teams of the tour- () Africa) nament – Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Mohammed Al Bakri (Qatar), (captain) A prize for victory in today’s (Qatar), Ali (Egypt), Ahmed Ramdan second round clash, kicking off at Malolah (Qatar), Beckham (Egypt), 8:30pm at the Education City (Morocco), Bassam Al Rawi (Egypt), (Egypt), Hamdy Stadium, is February 8’s semi-final (Qatar), Ahmed Yasser (Qatar), Fathy (Egypt), spot against European champions (Qatar), (Egypt), Mohamed Sherif (Egypt), Bayern Munich – arguably the best Luiz Júnior (captain) (Qatar), (Egypt), Badr club of the world, nowadays. (Belgium), Benoun (Morocco), Hussein But to achieve that, Al Duhail (Qatar), Mubarak El Shahat (Egypt), will have a mountain to club as they Shanan Hamza (Qatar), Abdullah (Mali), Ali Lotfi (Egypt), Amr El confront nine-time African cham- Al Ahrak (Qatar), Khalifa Solia (Egypt), pions, who are known as the most Ababacar (Qatar), Sultan Al (Egypt), Mohamed Magdy decorated club of the world with 139 Brake (Qatar), (Qatar), (Egypt), Saad Samir (Egypt), Ali trophies. Al Duhail have won plenty Ali Afif (Qatar), Maâloul (), Akram Tawfik of trophies in Qatar but they are still are upbeat of reaching a new mile- and we will not leave the pitch do our best to meet their high expec- (Qatar), (Egypt), Walter Bwalya (Congo), aspiring to win continental titles. stone on their sixth appearance in unless we are totally satisfied with tations,” he added. (Qatar), (Qatar), (Egypt), Junior The Qatari side is taking a lot of the tournament. ourselves. We are keen to please Al Ahly’s captain Mohamed El (), Ajayi (Nigeria), pride in representing the country in Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane our fans, as they always support Shenawy said fans support will be (Kenya), (Egypt) and Mostafa Shobeir the elite tournament, hoping to leave yesterday said winning the title is us.” the key for his sides opening game (Qatar) and Dudu (Brazil) (Egypt) mark in their first appearance. not an impossible task, saying Mosimane, however, said Al in the tournament. “We have prepared well and the defeating Bayern Munich is an astro- Ahly’s focus is on Al Duhail match, “Our fans’ support and the spirit team is ready for match against nomical challenge: “But anything is which is expected to draw good of Al Ahly will be our keys to strong Al Ahly side,” Al Duhail coach possible - Leicester City has showed crowd support for both the teams. defeating Al Duhail tomorrow. We Al Ahly players will wear grey shirts, black shorts, Sabri Lamouchi told a video con- you that anything is possible,” he “We respect Al Duhail a lot, as are very excited to play again in and black socks in the game while goalkeeper will ference yesterday. said while recalling The Foxes’ they have many good players and front of the fans, and we are all wear an all-yellow kit. “It’s a moment of pride of us as Premier League title triumph in they managed to win QNB Stars determined to win the match and we are representing Qatar in this big 2016. League. Also, they will play at their qualify for the second round,” El Al Duhail’s team will wear an all-red kit, while the tournament. Everyone is excited and “We have great confidence in homeland and among their fans, Shenawy said yesterday. opponent’s goalkeeper will wear an all-purple kit. looking to give good performance ourselves and we aim to reach our besides that, they have many good “We have great dreams and we Five substitutions will be allowed during the game, against tough opponents who have maximum levels in the competition,” foreign players,” he said. are so happy and proud for partic- with a sixth substitution possible during extra time or very good players,” the Frenchman Mosimane said at a pre-match video “The game will not be easy, but ipating in this elite competition. We added. conference yesterday. I have full confidence in my players are very keen to achieve good if any severe injury occurs. “We must avail opportunities to “We have great determination and I promise our fans that we will results in the competition.” get good results in the match,” he added. Al Ahly players taking part in a training Almoez Ali, Qatar’s key striker, session in yesterday. TWITTER/@ALAHLY said Al Duhail are aiming to go far- thest in the tournament. “It is our first Club World Cup and we want to make it memorable with our performance,” Almoez said on the eve of the match. “Our preparations for this tour- nament are good and our goal is to reach the farthest in the tournament. We are ready for the challenge,” he added. Al Duhail game not easy: Al Ahly coach While Al Duhail are looking to go deep in the tournament, Al Ahly, who achieved their best position Al Duhail goalkeepers in action during a practice session. with third spot in the 2006 edition, CONMEBOL champions Palmeiras arrive in Qatar Players of Brazilian FIFA – DOHA at Education City Stadium, between AFC giants SE Palmeiras, Champions League winners Ulsan Hyundai winners of the 2020 Brazilian giants SE Palmeiras, winners of FC of the Korea Republic and CONCACAF CONMEBOL Copa the 2020 CONMEBOL , Champions League winners Tigres UANL Libertadores, arriving touched down in Doha yesterday ahead of of Mexico. in Doha yesterday their participation in the FIFA Club World Should Palmeiras win their semi-final, ahead of their Cup. it opens up the exciting prospect of facing participation in the Upon arrival, players and officials FC Bayern Munich in the final at Education FIFA Club World Cup. underwent COVID-19 testing at the airport City on 11 February. Bayern will face either Palmeiras will take before departing for their designated hotel. Al Duhail SC, the reigning Qatari champions, on the winners of Palmeiras, who defeated fellow Brazilian or CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly today's second-round side Santos FC 1-0 in a tightly contested of Egypt in their semi-final at Ahmad Bin game between Ulsan Copa Libertadores final on 30 January at Ali Stadium on February 8. Hyundai FC of the the iconic Maracana Stadium, will enter the On arrival at Hamad International Korea Republic and Club World Cup at the semi-finals stage on Airport, Ferreira said: “We are delighted to CONCACAF Champions February 7 at Education City Stadium, one be in Qatar for the Club World Cup. This is League winners Tigres of two FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues a very important tournament for all Pal- UANL of Mexico, at the being used during the tournament. meiras fans and we are looking forward to Education City Stadium, Abel Ferreira’s side will take on the testing ourselves against some of the leading on February 7. winners of today's second-round game, also teams in the world.” THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 11

AFC chief Ferretti eyes CWC glory as Tigres get praises Qatar’s set for ‘tough’ clash against Ulsan efforts

RIZWAN REHMAT QNA – KUALA LUMPUR THE PENINSULA President of Asian Football Confed- Coach of Mexican giants Tigres eration (AFC) Sheikh Salman bin UANL Ricardo Ferretti Ibrahim Al Khalifa praised yesterday said his team will be Wednesday the State of Qatar’s aiming to win the FIFA Club efforts in hosting the FIFA Club World Cup title in Doha but World Cup for the second year first they must beat ‘tough’ running, following the successful and Korean side Ulsan Hyundai. safe staging of the AFC Champions The two teams lock horns League 2020, held from September today in the opening clash of to December 2020 in Doha. the hugely popular FIFA tour- Tigres UANL players and officials posing for a photograph at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday. The AFC President added: “The Qatar nament at Ahmad Bin Ali FA and the Supreme Committee for Stadium where the kick-off is Delivery and Legacy have proven set for 5:00pm. filled,” the Tigres coach said. Tigres UANL Ulsan Hyundai passionate about their football. their world-class hosting capabil- Tigres, who arrived in Tigres captain and mid- Coach: Ricardo Ferretti (Brazil) Coach: Hong Myung-bo (S Korea) They are really good. When I ities and the success of the AFC Doha last week, are Mexico’s fielder said his Nahuel Guzmán (Argentina), Jo Su-huk (S Korea), Bae Jae-woo (S Korea), was in the US, I also went to Champions League in 2020 exem- most successful football side players remain ‘highly moti- (Mexico), (Mexico), Jason Davidson (Australia), Dave Bulthuis CONCACAF and other games plified their incredible organ- of the last decade. vated’ for a ‘good (Brazil), (Ecuador), André-Pierre (Netherlands), Kim Tae-hyeon (S Korea), back in the day. I believe the isational excel- Under long-time coach performance’. Gignac (France), (Mexico), Shin Hyung-min (S Korea), Kim In-sung Mexicans are really good at lence and Ferretti, Tigres have won nine “As our coach said, the Juan Sánchez Purata (Mexico), Leonardo (South Korea), Kim Ji-hyeon (S Korea), Yoon football,” Myung-Bo said. meticulous trophies - Liga MX five times, team is feeling great. We are Fernández (Uruguay), (Mexico), Bit-garam (S Korea), Lee Dong-jun (S Korea), “We respect the team but attention to the Campeon de Campeones looking forward to playing this Guido Pizarro (captain) (Argentina), Javier Kim Min-jun (S Korea), Won Du-jae (S Korea), we are the representatives of detail under three times and the Copa MX tournament aggressively. We Aquino (Mexico), Francisco Meza (Colombia), Kim Sung-joon (S Korea), Kang Dong-hyeok the Asian region. We are also the most chal- once. are highly motivated to give a Raymundo Fulgencio (Mexico), Luis Quiñones (S Korea), Jo Hyeon-woo (S Korea), Kim Tae- a team representing Korea,” lenging of “Our final objective is good performance. We are in (Colombia), Luis Rodríguez (Mexico), Jesús hwan (S Korea), Kang Yun-gu (S Korea), the 51-year-old, who took circumstances. winning the tournament,” our bubble and we cant go out. Dueñas (Mexico), Carlos González (Paraguay), Seo Ju-hwan (S Korea), Lee Ho (S Korea), over a little over a month ago, grey-haired Ferretti said in his We are focused. We are facing Julián Quiñones (Colombia), Juan Pablo Lee Hyeong-kyeong (S Korea), Kim Kee- added. remarks in the tournament’s a tough opponent and we will Chávez (Mexico), Érick Ávalos (Mexico), Arturo hee (S Korea), Seol Young-woo and Lukas Ulsan goalkeeper Jo first digital media conference. be doing all we can to deliver Delgado (Mexico) and Patrick Ogama (Mexico) Hinterseer (Austria). Hyeon-woo said his team “We have great expectations a good performance,” Pizzaro, would deliver a strong show. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa from the first game,” said the 30, said yesterday. to play. They are motivated how we are going to be able “We respect Tigres, but we coach with a smile on his face. “We aim to play in the final but we have to play our game. to defend on Thursday (today), will be the representatives of “We are feeling well. We but we feel that the most dif- My team is going to play the but we prepare ourselves Asia. We will do everything Bayern to are obviously very excited to ficult game is the first one. We way I like to play and taking within our possibilities. Our possible because we also rep- be here. We know the oppo- are facing a difficult and into account the team we are team, we haven’t been training resent South Korea,” Hyeon- nents are a great team. I do not dynamic rival. Being here is going to face, we will try to together for long after we won woo, 29, said yesterday. arrive on agree with the kind of remarks very important, but whenever impose ourselves.” the AFC Champions League (in “We have done our best in that have come out about our you are here you want the best December). We will try to play preparations, we will try to Saturday opponents. My players wont and this is no exception. We Tigres UANL a top side, with confidence, it is make a good game on believe those remarks either. have arrived in very good says Myung-Bo important to have it. Thursday. Our team is doing QNA – DOHA There are no easy opponents. shape. Since the Mexican Ulsan Hyundai coach “Our players have the its very best to stay better We have a great deal of championship started, we Hong Myung-Bo admitted motivation to do well. Tigres organization. The coach has German club Bayern Munich will humility and we just want to have had good results. Our their Mexican rivals are a top have very good players, like planned well. We can never arrive in Doha on Saturday to do things the right way to performance took us here and side. Carioca and Andre-Pierre predict what will happen in a participate in the Club World Cup. move ahead,” Ferretti said. the boys are eager to do things “We have analysed their Gignac, another very good match but we will be able to Bayern Munich, currently at “There is no rival that does well,” the Buenos Aires-born strategy well. They are a very player. I’m sure their line-up do our best. I don’t put much the top of the German League, will not deserve respect. We are added. strong team. I know they are will be very good. We have to values of the players of any play its first Club World Cup match going to face the game with “I think we are all very one of the best teams in the think about how to form our rivals side. But we have done on February 8, with the winner of great seriousness, humility excited about our goal of world,” Myung-Bo said defense for Thursday. our preparation and I am sure the Qatari Al Duhail and Egyptian and eager to do things well to winning the tournament. The yesterday. “I know the Mexican we will have a good per- Al Ahly SC match in the move on to the next stage. My toughest match is the first. “Of course, we don’t know players and people are very formance,” he said. semi-finals. team is going to play the way That will provide us the A source revealed that the it likes, and taking into opportunity to think beyond Ulsan Hyundai players taking part in a training session at the Qatar University yesterday. German team will arrive in Doha account the team that we are that match. They (Ulsan on Saturday after playing its match going to face, adapting to Hyundai) play regardless of in the 20th round of the German certain things and seeking their opponents so clearly our League against Hertha Berlin ourselves. toughest match will be against tomorrow. “When Monterrey were them,” he added. Bayern Munich will get a break here in Qatar (in December Coach Ferretti echoed Piz- from training on travel day after 2019), I said I wish they were zaro’s sentiments when he COVID-19 tests. champions. People have the said yesterday: “We have seen The German team, through the right to support (us) or not. the way they play. I don’t think FIFA Club World Cup, is looking to That does not matter to us. they will wait for us to attack. add the 6th title in one season after We care about those who They have a good squad. As winning 5 titles in the 2020 season, support us. Those who wish any Asian team tends to do, which are the DFB-Pokal, DFL- us badly, I tell them that I they play in a very orderly Supercup , UEFA Champions League hope their wish is not ful- way. They will be a tough team and the UEFA . SC Ambassadors reveal their Club World Cup memories

One of the most important club competitions HERNANDEZ Appearances: 2006, 2009 & 2011 (Barcelona) I won as a player was the UEFA Champions Best finish: Champions (2009, 2011) League with Milan in 2007, which meant I Personal honours: Bronze Ball (2009), Silver Ball (2011) also got the opportunity to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup. It was a great honour for me to win the Club World Cup as a player, as not many get this I had the honour of playing at the FIFA Club World Cup on three opportunity. At Milan, we had an impressive team at occasions for Barcelona, winning it twice. that time with lots of great players such as Kaka, I have also had the privilege of coaching in a FIFA Club World Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo. Cup with my current club when Qatar hosted the 2019 edition Competing at the FIFA Club World Cup provides of the tournament. We were proud to represent Qatari football and further recognition and merit for the job you have showcase the country during this prestigious event. We also performed done during the previous season and is another well in the tournament. We won the first game against Hienghene opportunity to compete against other great teams Sport before pushing Monterrey close in the second round. It was a and win some additional silverware. great experience for the players to compete in a global competition. In the final in 2007, we played against an extremely CAFU I know Qatar is really looking forward to staging the FIFA Club World difficult opponent in . It is never easy to Appearances: 2007 Cup again and providing another preview of what fans can play against Boca, but at Milan, we were very well (A.C. Milan) expect when the FIFA World Cup takes place in the country in prepared for the match and managed to win 4-2 in Best finish: less than two years’ time: Xavi an exciting game: Cafu Champions (2007)

SAMUEL My memories of the FIFA Club World Cup could not be better, ETO’O because I won the final with Inter Milan in 2010. For the first Appearances: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, Appearances: time, I had the pleasure of playing in a final against a very 2013 (Al Ahly) 2010 (Inter beautiful African team, TP Mazembe. Best finish: Third place (2006) From my role as an SC Ambassador, I know Qatar Milan) I had a lot of emotions for this match for my continent, Africa, and my Best finish: is ready and very much excited to host the FIFA duty to ensure victory for Inter Milan. It was an honour to win the Champions Club World Cup. I am proud to have played in 11 competition with Inter for the first time in the club’s history and to (2010) matches in five editions of the FIFA Club World share this victory with my brothers from TP Mazembe. Personal Cup with Al Ahly and such experiences are honours: These are great memories for me, especially as I also won the full of unforgettable and happy Golden Ball Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament: Eto'o (2010) memories: Gomaa 10 SPORT THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021

FIFA Club World Cup: Five of the best Asian performances

AFC – DOHA:

The stage is set for the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 which kicks- off today. Two Asian teams will participate in this year’s competition: Ulsan Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani celebrates Hyundai FC as the 2020 AFC Cham- with team-mate Marcus Rashford after scoring pions League winners while Qatar their fourth goal on Tuesday. champions Al Duhail SC will rep- resent the host nation. Ahead of the tournament opener between Tigres UANL and Ulsan Man United hit Hyundai on Thursday, the-AFC.com remembers five of the best Asian performances in the history of the record-equaling FIFA Club World Cup.

Urawa Red Diamonds nine past () - 2007 In 2007, less than a month after Southampton defeating Islamic Republic Iran’s Sepahan in the AFC Champions REUTERS – LONDON League final, Urawa triumphed over the same opponents in the quarter- Manchester United reignited their title challenge final of the FIFA Club World Cup at in spectacular fashion with a record-equalling the Toyota Stadium. 9-0 thrashing of hapless Southampton on a night The victory set up a semi-final of goals, red cards and yet more VAR contro- clash against European giants AC versy in the Premier League on Tuesday. Milan. Seven different players were on the Just a game away from a historic scoresheet for United as they ran riot after final, Urawa managed to hold Milan Southampton’s teenaged midfielder Alexandre Asian champions Al Sadd team members celebrating after scoring against Tunisian club Esperance during the to a goalless draw at half time before Jankewitz was shown a straight red card after FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in this December 11, 2011 file photo. The Qatari giants defeated Esperance 2-1 to eventually falling to a second half two minutes. Clarence Seedorf strike. progress to the semi-finals. Southampton ended with nine men, as did Despite that disappointment, the (UAE) - 2018 Arsenal whose revival hit the buffers with a 2-1 Reds went on to become the first decision as they qualified by virtue loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers for whom Asian side to clinch bronze at the of winning the J-League. During the 2011 FIFA Club World Having qualified by virtue of Joao Moutinho secured victory with a second- FIFA Club World Cup after a penalty This was their second Cup, Asian champions Al Sadd being the champions of the host half wonder strike. shootout victory over Tunisia’s Etoile appearance in the tournament after nation, Al Ain made maximum use Crystal Palace recovered from conceding a du Sahel in the third place play-off. a fifth-place finish in 2012. overcame African champions of their chance to play against goal in the second minute to beat Newcastle Brazilian striker Washington After seeing off Oceania cham- Esperance to progress to the semi- various continental club United 2-1 at St James’ Park -- Jairo Riedewald (pictured above) netted a brace to pions Auckland City 2-0 in their finals with a 2-1 win. After going champions. and Gary Cahill securing the points. finish as the tournament’s top scorer opening game, Sanfrecce put up an The UAE Pro League side Like Wolves and Palace, Sheffield United with three goals. even better performance in the down to eventual champions advanced into the second round after also came from a goal down to beat West Bro- quarter-finals as they stormed past FC Barcelona, Al Sadd went a thrilling 4-3 win on penalties mwich Albion in the battle of the bottom two at Al Sadd SC (Qatar) - 2011 DR Congo’s TP Mazembe with a fine into the history books as the first against New Zealand’s Team Wel- the Hawthorns. Billy Sharp scored the winner After putting an end to a five- 3-0 victory. West Asian side to finish third in the lington, with Al Ain coming from 3-0 as Chris Wilder’s side earned a third win in five year domination of East Asian clubs The semi-final with Copa Liber- down to force the shoot-out. league games having won none of their first 17. in the AFC Champions League, tadores champions River Plate FIFA Club World Cup, with a 5-3 win That took them to a second United’s challenge had stuttered with a Qatar’s Al Sadd headed to Japan for proved to be a hard-fought clash, as on penalties over Kashiwa after a round showdown with Tunisia’s defeat by Sheffield United and a draw against the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Sanfrecce kept the Argentine side at goalless stalemate in normal time. Espérance de Tunis and Al Ain turned Arsenal allowing Manchester City to move into looking to scale further heights. bay for most of the game before suc- on the style as they cruised to a 3-0 pole position in the table. Their first match saw them suc- cumbing to a 1-0 defeat. win to set up a semi-final date with Yet they responded in ruthless fashion to cessfully navigate African champions China’s Guangzhou Evergrande Argentina’s River Plate. become only the third side to win a Premier Esperance and progress to the semi- were up next for Sanfrecce in an all- before Mu Kanazaki headed in an Marcus Berg gave Al Ain a dream League game 9-0, matching their 9-0 win over finals with a 2-1 win. Asian encounter in the third place 88th minute winner. start with his third minute opener Ipswich Town in 1995 and also Leicester City’s This set the stage for a dream play-off. A 2-0 win over African cham- but a quick-fire brace by Rafael away rout of Southampton in 2019. fixture with FC Barcelona at the The Chinese side took an early pions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Borre saw the Argentinian side in the They are level with City on 44 points, International Stadium Yokohama, lead, but two goals from Douglas saw quarter-finals saw Kashima progress lead going into the break. although City, who play Burnley on Wednesday, where the UEFA Champions League the Japanese champions win 2-1 and to a semi-final clash with Colombia’s Caio, however, drew Al Ain level have two games in hand. winners showed their quality with a clinch third place. Atletico Nacional. Once again, in the 51st minute to force extra time, “We’ve been waiting for them to show the convincing 4-0 victory. Kashima registered another where no goals were forthcoming as magic and it was a night for them to go and enjoy Al Sadd were left with the possi- (Japan) impressive result, winning 3-0 and the Emirati side headed into their it,” manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. “You get bility of finishing third if they could - 2016 creating history as the first Asian club second penalty shoot-out of the lots of confidence from a performance like this, get the better of fellow Asian side After coming up with five third to reach the final. tournament. scoring goals is always good for a team.” For in the play-off. place finishes over the 12 editions of The biggest match of all came at Backed by the home fans at the Southampton, who had Jan Bednarek harshly Eventually, the Qatari side went the FIFA Club World Cup, Asia finally the very end - the FIFA Club World , goal- sent off in the 86th minute, it was a horrible case into the history books as the first went a notch higher in the 2016 Cup final against Real Madrid. keeper Khalid Eisa emerged the hero of deja-vu. West Asian side to finish third in the edition. Kashima impressed fans across as he saved River Plate’s fifth penalty They held out for 18 minutes until Aaron FIFA Club World Cup, with a 5-3 win Kashima Antlers, the J-League’s the globe after holding the European from Enzo Perez as Al Ain won the Wan-Bissaka opened the scoring, and the flood- on penalties over Kashiwa after a most successful side, ensured that champions to a 2-2 draw in normal shootout 5-4 to set up a dream final gates. Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 and goalless stalemate in normal time. their ticket to the global event did time, after having led 2-1 courtesy with European champions Real Bednarek’s own goal and Edinson Cavani’s effort not go to waste with a memorable Gaku Shibasaki’s brace. Madrid. made it 4-0 at halftime. Anthony Martial scored run all the way to the final. would even- There was not to be a dream two after the break with Scott McTominay, Bruno (Japan) - 2015 Kashima’s campaign could have tually complete his hat-trick to give finish as Real Madrid powered to a Fernandes and Daniel James also on target. In 2015, the FIFA Club World Cup ended prematurely, after going Real Madrid the title but that did not 4-1 win but Al Ain had, undoubtedly, “What can I say? It is horrible but we stood returned to Japan after a two-year behind in their first match against take the gloss off what was a captured the imagination of football up after the first 9-0 (against Leicester) and we absence and Sanfrecce Hiroshima Auckland City. However, they remarkable showing by Kashima fans worldwide with their swash- have to do that again,” Saints manager Ralph were perhaps the happiest with that retained their composure to equalise throughout the tournament. buckling run to the final. Hasenhuttl said. Advantage Juventus as Ronaldo inspires semi-final win at Inter

REUTERS – MILAN leg in Turin on Tuesday, Feb. 9 and the winner will face Napoli or Atalanta in the final. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to fire Juventus “There’s still one game to go, which will be to a 2-1 comeback win over Inter Milan in a hard- even more important and difficult, the spirit of fought Coppa Italia semi-final first-leg clash at revenge seen tonight must be reaffirmed next San Siro on Tuesday. week,” Rabiot added. Lautaro Martinez gave the home side an early Inter coach Antonio Conte was without two lead but the Portuguese replied with a penalty influential players through suspension in Lukaku before pouncing on a defensive mix-up to put and wing-back Achraf Hakimi, but Martinez the Turin club in front before halftime. squeezed a finish past Buffon after nine minutes Inter, without suspended top scorer Romelu to give the hosts a perfect start. Lukaku, pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t find However, Ashley Young’s tug on Juan a way past 43-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Cuadrado resulted in a penalty following a VAR Buffon. The Italian produced a superb save to review, which Ronaldo smashed into the roof of deny Matteo Darmian on the 1,100th senior the net. appearance of his career for club and country. The striker soon grabbed his second by Nine players were booked in a fiery encounter pouncing on some hesitation between Samir as Andrea Pirlo’s side earned revenge for their Handanovic and Alessandro Bastoni on the edge 2-0 defeat in this fixture, known as the of the box, pinching the ball and finishing into ‘Derby of Italy’, last month. an unguarded net. “It was important after losing in the league,” Inter pushed forward after the break, but they Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot told Rai Sport. were denied by heroic last-ditch defending as “We saw a different team and showed that Alexis Sanchez’s shot was cleared off the line by we’re at the same level as Inter.” Juventus, who Merih Demiral and Buffon showed sharp reflexes Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo scores their first goal from the penalty spot. finished as runners-up last year, host the second to save Darmian’s shot. THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 09

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh first innings Shadman Islam lbw b Warrican ...... 59 English spinners face ultimate Tamim Iqbal b Roach ...... 9 Najmul Hossain run out ...... 25 Mominul Haque c Campbell b ...... 26 Mushfiqur Rahim c Cornwall b Warrican .....38 Shakib Al Hasan not out ...... 39 Liton Das not out ...... 34 test in series against India Extras (b2, lb2, w5, nb3) ...... 12 Total (five wickets; 90 overs) ...... 242 AP - CHENNAI a price on their wickets. spinners. Will Root give To bat: Mehidy Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Is- While these weren’t them an attacking role, lam, Mustafizur Rahman England’s spinners had a satis- career best returns - as in Sri Lanka, or will Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Tamim), 2-66 (Najmul), 3-119 (Mominul), 4-134 (Shadman), 5-193 fying workout on the subcon- Leach, for example, they play second fiddle (Mushfiqur) tinent when they played starring picked up 18 wickets to pacers James Bowling: Roach 16-5-44-1, Gabriel 17-3-51-0 roles in a Test series win in Sri during England’s 3-0 Anderson, Stuart Broad, (w5), Cornwall 22-1-56-0, Mayers 7-2-16-0, Lanka last month. win in Sri Lanka in 2018 Chris Woakes and Jofra Warrican 24-5-58-3 (nb3), Brathwaite 4-0-13-0 Now for the real test: - it was one of the better Archer? Toss: Bangladesh bringing down a full-strength displays by English Leach’s persistent India. spinners in this part of line and length is seen Bangladesh A four-match Test series the world in recent as strength in sub-con- between two of the world’s years. tinental conditions. holds firm leading cricket nations begins Ali wound up Bess’ bowling speed is tomorrow, with the outcome missing the series after ideal for Indian condi- against West potentially dependent on the contracting the tions, although he lacks performance of England’s spin coronavirus. control as compared to Indies on Day 1 bowlers - Jack Leach, Dom Bess The English spin Swann. Ali has the expe- and the returning Moeen Ali - trio, bolstered by rience of 60 Tests. AP - CHATTOGRAM against an intimidating Indian captain Joe Root’s handy Meanwhile, the Indian captain Virat Kohli catches a ball during a team training session. India host batting lineup featuring Virat part-time spin duties, BCCI has given an After losing four wickets in the England in a four-Test series starting tomorrow. Pic:@BCCI Kohli, who is available again fol- will have their work cut informal nod to allow first two sessions, Bangladesh lowing the birth of his daughter. out, though, against an spectators for the held firm at the end of the first The English returned to Sri India team coming off a stunning It is a first visit to India for Legspinner Adil Rashid did second Test starting Feb 13, also day against the West Indies to Lanka for a Test series that was 2-1 series win in Australia. both Leach and Bess. Along with pick 23 wickets but he lacked in Chennai. score 242-5 yesterday. postponed for nearly a year Kohli missed the last three the rest of the English squad, support as India’s batsmen ran A pre-series decision was Left-arm spinner Jomel because of the coronavirus pan- Tests of that series and joins a they spent six days in Chennai amok, including a triple- taken to hold the series behind Warrican picked up three demic and won 2-0 largely batting lineup already com- inside the bio-bubble - as per hundred from Karun Nair in closed doors. wickets, conceding 58 runs, to thanks to the wickets of Leach prising Rohit Sharma, local travel protocols - and Chennai. It was only Nair’s third However, the drastic pose a strong challenge to the (12) and Bess (10). Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Leach spent his time watching Test and he hasn’t featured for reduction in the number of active hosts. There was definitely an Rahane, as well as impressive videos of Graeme Swann and India in international cricket COVID-19 cases across the “I got three vital wickets. element of luck involved as the youngsters Rishabh Pant and Monty Panesar from the 2012 since 2017. country led to the Indian govern- Hopefully I can benefit the Sri Lankan batsmen seldom put Shubman Gill. series in India, when England Nair’s example demon- ment’s decision on Jan 30 to team with more wickets registered a shock 2-1 win. strated how Indian batsmen are allow fans back at sports events. tomorrow,” Warrican said. “It England cricket players are seen Swann and Panesar shared 37 fed on a staple diet of spin The travelling party has so far is a very good wicket for the during a net session in Chennai. wickets. bowling, beginning from junior acknowledged this development. batters right now. A typical England play hosts India in a four- “They are two bowlers I love cricket. The BCCI, however, is still cau- Day 1 track in Bangladesh. We Test series starting tomorrow. to watch,” he said. Undeterred on home tious, with only 50% crowd had to be very disciplined and Pic:@englandcricket “I watch a lot of spin videos pitches, they have a propensity expected for the second test. bowl in the right areas.” and try to take things for eve- to attack visiting spinners and There has been no official Left-handed opener ryone I watch. get on top. communication in this regard Shadman Islam was the best “Monty bowled an amazing This strategy worked from the parent body. However, batsman for Bangladesh with pace. For me, it’s knowing what recently in Australia, too, where the host in-charge of interna- 59 runs, his second fifty in test my optimum pace is, and going Nathan Lyon was rendered tional cricket at Chennai, Tamil format. up and down a little from there. ineffective. Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), “I was sticking to my plan,” But trying to get as much energy He picked up only nine has confirmed its preparations Shadman said. “We have got on the ball and deceive them wickets in the four Tests. for letting in fans from Feb 13. a good start but we need a few that way. Everyone has an At times, though, Indian If it transpires, this will be big partnerships to post a big optimum pace and I think it’s batsmen have also shown a the first instance of crowds total on the board.” important to try and stick to that weakness against offspin. returning to sporting events in Najmul Hossain Shanto, as much as possible.” Swann’s success in India in 2012 India since the onset of the Mominul Haque and Mush- English spinners were pre- and Ali’s success in England in pandemic. fiqur Rahim had managed sented with friendly tracks in 2014 are examples. It will also be the first time solid starts by amassing 25, 26 that 2012 series, which even- Whether Ali and Bess can England’s cricket team has and 38, respectively, but failed tually cost the hosts. That replicate similar control and played in front of crowds in that to come up with big scores. mistake was rectified in incisiveness in the upcoming time. There were no spectators While Najmul was trapped 2016-17, when India won the contest remains to be seen. for entire home summer, and run-out, Mominul and Mush- five-Test series 4-0 on flatter Much will depend on how in South Africa as well as Sri fiqur were removed by FACTBOX wickets. England intends to use their Lanka. Warrican. India vs England Test South Africa in a spin over fitness of key players series REUTERS - RAWALPINDI touch-and-go, coach Mark concern is, if he Boucher said.“Kesh is a concern does bowl quite Factbox on the Test South Africa are sweating over because he flared up at practice a few overs and series between India and the fitness of their two frontline yesterday (Tuesday),” Boucher wakes up the England, which begins in spinners Keshav Maharaj and told reporters yesterday. next morning Chennai on February 5: Tabraiz Shamsi ahead of the “During a session, he turned and his back is First Test Feb. 5-9 second Test against Pakistan around and felt some sort of sore again, and Chennai that starts in Rawalpindi today. pain in his rib area. He then he’s not able to Second Test Feb. 13-17 Maharaj had a scan on a rib went for scans, which showed push through, Chennai injury this week, while Tabraiz there was something there. But then you’re stuck Third Test Feb. 24-28 Shamsi missed the first Test he bowled quite a few overs with one bowler Ahmedabad with back pain and is still today, about 15 overs just to light. It’s a Fourth Test March 4-8 really test himself, and he massive red flag Ahmedabad felt fine.” for me.” INDIA STATS & TRIVIA Shamsi pulled out of the Pakistan cricket players are seen during Hosts World ranking: 2 first Test just moments a net session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Pakistan won the Captain: Virat Kohli ** If Pakistan win, this will be before the toss having ini- Ground yesterday. Pakistan host South first Test in Coach: Ravi Shastri the first time they have beaten tially been included in the Africa in the second Test of the series Karachi by seven Top ranked batsman: South Africa in two successive Test side. starting today. Pic:@TheRealPCB wickets. Virat Kohli (4) Top ranked matches; and this will be only their “It was a very big blow,” "The Pindi bowler: Ravichandran second series win against South Boucher admitted. “You wicket is of Ashwin (8) Squad: Virat Africa out of the 11 series of two or name a team and 20 loved to see how Shamsi would feeling. “I’m going to have to course different to Karachi Kohli, Rohit Sharma, more matches between the teams. minutes before the toss, have bowled on that wicket.” trust Kesh on this. If he wakes pitch but this time it isn't one Mayank Agarwal, Shubman ** South Africa have only played you’re busy scrambling. It Boucher said both players up in the morning and he’s fine to play four specialist fast Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, one Test in Rawalpindi, in 2007. It was a bubble burst for us will be assessed today morning to play, then he’ll get the nod. bowlers on," Pakistan's Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, was a high-scoring draw. right before the game. and he will trust they will be “Shamsi might be effective captain Babar Azam said Hardik Pandya, Rishabh “I certainly would have honest about how they are on this particular wicket. My earlier in the week. Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, SL’s tour of WI in Washington Sundar, Ishant 'Health concerns, not finances, behind Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul doubt after positive Thakur. decision to cancel South Africa tour' COVID-19 tests ENGLAND World ranking: 4 Captain: Joe Root REUTERS - SYDNEY our duty of care to our players and everything we possibly can to make REUTERS - COLOMBO Coach: C Silverwood staff, we were really left with no alter- this tour happen. Top ranked batsman: Cricket Australia (CA) interim chief native,” he told reporters. “It’s a very challenging situation Sri Lanka are looking to reschedule their tour Joe Root (5) Top ranked executive Nick Hockley yesterday “I think the reaction of Cricket in South Africa at the moment and that of West Indies after head coach Mickey Arthur bowler: Stuart Broad (2) denied “in the strongest possible South Africa is totally understandable, makes it even more heartbreaking that and opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne Squad: Joe Root, Jofra terms” that financial considerations just given the amount of work we’ve we are not able to go. tested positive for COVID-19, the country’s Archer, Moeen Ali, James had played a part in the decision not put in to make this tour go ahead... “We would love to go but the cricket board (SLC) said yesterday. Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart to play next month’s Test series in (but) the residual risk, even with all medical advice says it’s not safe to do Tests were carried out on the provisional Broad, Rory Burns, Jos South Africa. the biosecurity arrangements in place, so. We want to play cricket, we want 36-man squad on Tuesday ahead of the series Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben CA announced on Tuesday that was just too high.” to support world cricket.” in the Caribbean that was scheduled to start Foakes, Dan Lawrence, their test team would not play the Australia have played a limited Hockley said the Australian players on February 20. Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, three matches in South Africa because overs series in England and hosted were “very disappointed” at the post- “Immediately upon identification, both Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, of the health risks - a decision that was India in a lucrative Test series since ponement, not least because it dealt a Mickey Arthur and Lahiru Thirimanne have Chris Woakes. greeted with disappointment and frus- the start of the pandemic but post- hefty blow to their chances of playing been directed to follow the government’s TEST HEAD-TO-HEAD tration by Cricket South Africa. poned matches against Bangladesh, in the inaugural World Test Champi- health protocol laid out on COVID-19,” the Matches: 122 India wins: 26 Hockley said Australia was com- Afghanistan and now South Africa. onship final at Lord’s in July. SLC said in a statement. England wins: 47 Draws: 49 mitted to playing the series at some Hockley said that at one stage Aus- “We all knew the rules going in, I “Considering the current situation, SLC is Tied: 0 LAST THREE stage in the future but the combination tralia had offered to host the South think that’s what’s made this decision exploring the possibility of rescheduling the SERIES 2018 England beat of a second wave of COVID-19 cases Africa series and bristled at the sug- really, really hard,” he said. Tour of West Indies, which was scheduled to India 4-1 in England in South Africa as well as the emer- gestion financial considerations had “We’ve done everything we pos- commence on Feb. 20, 2021.” 2016-17 India beat England gence of a new strain of the virus made played a part in the postponements. sibly can to make the tour go ahead Thirimanne said on Twitter that he had 4-0 in India 2014 England a March tour too risky. “I’d refute that in the strongest but at the end of the day we have to “zero symptoms”. Last month Sri Lanka played beat India 3-1 in England “At the end of the day, (because) possible terms,” he said. listen to the overwhelming medical a two-match test series against England at of the weight of the medical advice, “We have done absolutely advice.” home which they lost 2-0. Sport THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021 08

30th RACE MEETING WINNERS Taxiwala lands Al Shaqab Racing Trophy Horse, Trainer, Jockey

THE PENINSULA — DOHA 1 - Al SHAQAB RACING TROPHY (Far Bend) Taxiwala (IRE), Osama Al-Dafea, Alberto Sanna Taxiwala yesterday clinched another 2 - Al SHAQAB RACING PUREBRED ARABIAN CUP – 4 YEAR OLDS major victory of the season when the ONLY (Far Bend) bay gelding claimed the Al Shaqab AJS Berline (QA), Hadi Al Ramzani, Marco Casamento Racing Trophy after winning yester- 3 - Al SHAQAB RACING LOCAL THOROUGHBRED CUP – 4 YEAR day’s feature race at the 30th Race OLDS ONLY (Far Bend) Meeting. Arandas, Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Ronan Thomas The Eng. Osama Omer Al Dafea- 4 - THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far Bend) owned & trained, Taxiwala ridden by Burano Boy (IRE), Gassim Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi Alberto Sanna, secured a 1¾-length 5 - PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) victory over Think Big, helmed by Jamaiel, Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek Tomas Lukasek to pick the top prize. 6 - THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Qatari Riders Only) The winners received QR114,000 for (Far Bend) (2) sealing the victory in QR200,000 com- petition . Hot Affair, Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Faleh Bughanaim Also yesterday at Al Rayyan Park, 7 - THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Qatari Riders Only) Marco Casamento rode Al Jeryan Stud’s (Far Bend) homebred AJS Berline to Al Shaqab Doha Incanto, Owaida Salem Al Hajri, Meteb Ali Al-Marri Racing Purebred Arabian Cup title. 8 - LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Ronan Thomas also bagged victory Wukair (QA), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas yesterday when he guided Arandas to 9 - LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Al Shaqab Racing Local Thoroughbred Alberto Sanna rides Taxiwala to victory yesterday. Zaman (QA), Julian Colin Smart, Francois Herholdt Cup victory.

Serena Williams ATP Cup: Russia join Italy of the US reacts during her match against ’s Tsvetana in semis, hosts stay alive Pironkova, yesterday. REUTERS — MELBOURNE

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev won their respective Russia’s Andrey Rublev in singles matches yesterday to action during his group stage help Russia join Italy in the match against Japan’s Yoshihito semi-finals of the team-based Nishioka, yesterday. ATP Cup in Melbourne. ATP Finals winner Medvedev took down Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4 after Rublev’s dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory again Yoshihito Nishioka, setting up Russia’s second victory in Group D after Serena sizzles after the side defeated Argentina on Tuesday. “Semis is a big step,” Barty, Kenin script Medvedev told reporters. “Looking forward, really happy that we made it in both hard-fought wins singles.” also boosted their REUTERS — MELBOURNE The 39-year-old American chances of progressing to the did not allow her a foothold in last four by defeating Canada Serena Williams sounded a yesterday’s match and hit 25 at the Rod Laver Arena in Group warning for her fellow winners against the seven A to set up a knockout tie against defending champions would top Group C. Fognini set against Alexander Zverev. Australian Open contenders managed by Pironkova, who Serbia today. downed Benoit Paire 6-1, 7-6(2) Shapovalov, backing up yesterday with a sleek 6-1, 6-4 like Williams returned to pro- World number six Stefanos in the opening match of the day after a loss to Djokovic, needed victory against Bulgarian fessional tennis after becoming Tsitsipas levelled the Group B on John Cain Arena before treatment on his shoulder as Tsvetana Pironkova to reach a mother. ATP Finals winner Medvedev tie for Greece against Australia Matteo Berrettini outwitted Gael world number seven Zverev the quarter-finals of the Yarra “It’s definitely nice to get took down Japan’s Kei with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Alex Monfils 6-4, 6-2 to make levelled up the contest in the Valley Classic in Melbourne. another win,” Williams, who de Minaur in front of a raucous France’s doubles win second set, however. After top two seeds Ash will next play compatriot Dan- Nishikori 6-2, 6-4 after crowd after John Millman gave academic. Zverev, in his first match of Barty and Sofia Kenin faced ielle Collins for a semi-final Rublev’s dominant 6-1, 6-3 the hosts the lead with a 6-2, If that clash was one-sided, the year, warmed to his task in steep challenges to keep their spot, said during her on-court victory again Yoshihito 6-3 win over Michail the Germany-Canada Group A a tight deciding set but was preparations on course, Wil- interview. Nishioka, setting up Russia’s Pervolarakis. tie was anything but with four unable to convert seven break liams put up a contrasting show “She’s clearly a great player, John Peers and Luke Saville of the fives sets in the two points as Shapovalov dug deep. at Melbourne Park’s Margaret so it wasn’t easy, but it was second victory in Group D after then clinched a 6-3, 4-6 (10-5) singles matches decided by Shapovalov had his chances Court Arena in the evening good to come through.” the side defeated Argentina doubles win over Tsitsipas and tiebreakers. in the decisive tiebreak but an session. Barty, Australia’s best hope on Tuesday. Pervolarakis to help Australia Germany’s Jan-Lennard unforced error and a double World number one Barty, for a Grand Slam champion this win the tie 2-1 and keep their Struff dominated the first two fault at crucial moments opened who won 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 showed month, punished Bouzkova’s semi-final hopes alive after and finished off Milos Raonic the door for Zverev and the no signs of fatigue from having weak serve to hand her a bagel Germany also boosted their Tuesday’s 3-0 drubbing by with a thumping ace for a German stormed through it played a late match on Tuesday in the opening set but the world chances of progressing to the Spain. 7-6(4), 7-6(2) victory that gave with his 14th and 15th aces for and started in top gear against number 52 showed she had the With the second edition of Germany a 1-0 lead in their a 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(4) victory. Marie Bouzkova at the Mar- stomach for a fight by levelling last four by defeating Canada the competition truncated opening tie. “Winning a team event, garet Court Arena before her the match with a break in the at the Rod Laver Arena in because of Australian Open After losing 2-1 to Novak winning something for your Czech opponent staged a second. Group A to set up a knockout coronavirus quarantine, victory Djokovic’s Serbia on Tuesday, country it’s one of the biggest fightback. Bouzkova and Barty traded tie against defending for Fabio Fognini and Matteo Canada needed to win the tie things in our sport,” Zverev said. Australian Open champion two breaks of serve at the start Berrettini in the singles com- to stay alive in the competition “I think the ATP Cup is just Kenin, seeded second, appeared of the decider before the top champions Serbia today. bined with Tuesday’s 2-1 win and Denis Shapovalov made a as big as the Davis Cup right headed for an exit against fellow seed got the crucial break in the over Austria ensured Italy positive start by taking the first now.” American Jessica Pegula when eighth game and sealed the she fell 3-0 back after losing the encounter on her first match first set but the feisty 22-year-old point with a booming serve. found her range and rallied for a The 2019 French Open 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 win. champion will next face Australian Open tune-up games Williams, a 23-times Grand American Shelby Rogers, who Slam winner and a seven-time ousted Croatia’s Petra Martic Australian Open champion, 7-6(1), 6-3. cancelled due to COVID-19 moved well, looked composed Kenin, ranked fourth in the REUTERS — MELBOURNE and mixed power with poise world, struggled with her “There is a number of about 500, against Pironkova, who had unforced errors in the first half 600 people who are players and won a set off her during last of the match but once she Up to 600 players and support staff officials and others who are casual year’s US Open managed to land the ball closer connected to the Australian Open contacts,” Andrews said at a news quarter-finals. to the lines, a bewildered will have to isolate until they have conference late yesterday. Pegula fadfaded away. been tested for COVID-19 after a Victoria, of which Melbourne is TheThe RRussian-bornu Kenin hit hotel quarantine worker in the capital, reintroduced the com- 14 winnersw more than Melbourne returned a positive result pulsory wearing of masks in indoor herh opponent in the for the virus yesterday. public places from Thursday while match while com- Play at the six warm-up events private gatherings were reduced mittingm 10 extra for the Grand Slam at Melbourne from 30 people to 15. Ash Barty unforcedunf errors and Park was heavily disrupted with About 1,200 players, coaching convertedconve her third match organisers Tennis Australia can- staff and officials arrived in Australia pointpoint wwith a wide serve to celling all matches for today. at the middle of last month for the setset up a last eight clash “Those associated with the AO year’s first Grand Slam and went aagainstgainst Spaniard Garbine who quarantined at the hotel now into a mandatory 14-day isolation. Muguruza.Muguruz need to be tested and isolate until The players were allowed five Greece’s Stefanos ItIt willwill be a repeat of last they receive a negative test result,” hours outside for training but 72 of Tsitsipas in action year’s AustralianAus Open final the organisers of the February 8-21 them were confined to hotel rooms during his match whenwhen KKenineni rallied to beat two- Grand Slam said in a statement. for the two weeks after passengers against Australia’s time majormajor winner Muguruza, “We will work with everyone on three charter flights taking them Alex de Minaur who defedefeateda Anastasia Pav- involved to facilitate testing as quickly to Australia tested positive to the at the ATP Cup, lyuchenkovalyuchenko of Russia 6-1, 6-2. as possible. There will be no matches novel coronavirus. yesterday. CollinsCollins ousted third-seeded at Melbourne Park on Thursday. An Participants of the Australian Czech KarolinaKaro Pliskova 7-6(5), update on the schedule for Friday will Open were given the green light to 7-6(3)7-6(3) in a battle of attrition be announced later today.” begin exiting COVID-19 quarantine whilewhile NadiaNa Podoroska of Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews from end of last week with most of ArgentinaArgentin edged two-time said the positive case should not them involved at the ATP, WTA WimbledonWimble champion Petra impact the Australian Open itself and events at the site of the hardcourt KvitovaKvitov 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(7) in testing of contacts will start today. major. a ccloselos contest.