sign in sign up
<<
Home , Darcy Graham, Elina Svitolina, Henry Pyrgos, Jamie Bhatti, Jamie Ritchie, Jonny Gray

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

CRICKET FOOTBALL If I'm on holiday. I put on five kilos in the South Africa vs International friendly summer. I'm one of those people who puts on England Iceland vs Canada weight very quickly then loses it very quickly: in Port Elizabeth in California ACTION

Real Madrid forward Hazard TODAY’S Bucks rout Knicks; Jazz win over Nets AFP — LOS ANGELES “The way we came out it’s Dallas Mavericks guard Seth a good sign for us,” he said of a Curry (30) and Philadelphia NBA Most Valuable Player Bucks team on pace for a 76ers guard Ben Simmons Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 70-win season. “The focus of 37 points and the Milwaukee the guys is impressive.” Kawhi (25) in action during the game I’m just trying to do Bucks improved their league- Leonard impressed in Los between the Mavericks and the my job, just trying 76ers at the American Airlines leading record with a 128-102 Angeles, scoring 43 points in to be aggressive, romp past the New York Knicks less than 29 minutes on court Center. on Tuesday. to lead the Clippers to a 128-103 make plays: Antetokounmpo was victory over the Cleveland Antetokounmpo ruthless in leading the 36-6 Cavaliers. Bucks to a fourth straight The Clippers led by as many victory, connecting on 12 of 17 as 36 points on the way to their Rockets star James Harden to shots and 10 of 12 from the free 28th win of the season. win the back-and-forth battle. throw line while grabbing nine Leonard scored 14 points in “I was just hungry, man,” rebounds with four assists and the second quarter as the Morant said. “We needed this a blocked shot. Clippers pulled away. He con- win.” He did it all in just over 21 nected on 14 of 22 shots from Eric Gordon added 23 points minutes on the court as the the floor with six three-pointers for the Rockets, who were Bucks, who never trailed and before sitting out the entire without a resting Russell West- led by as many as 35, turned fourth quarter. brook. There was another things over to their reserves in The Utah Jazz continued to painful defeat for the once- the fourth quarter. roll in the right direction with a mighty Golden State Warriors, “I’m just trying to do my job, 10th straight win -- 118-107 who saw reserve guard Jacob just trying to be aggressive, over the Nets in Brooklyn. Evans go down hard after taking make plays,” Antetokounmpo Aussie guard Joe Inglis field goals. game. The Jazz won their 15th could say the same after beating an inadvertent elbow to the said. scored a career-high 27 points Donovan Mitchell tallied 25 game in their last 16. Sitting at the Houston Rockets 121-110 for face. Dwight Powell scored 21 The victory was the Eastern and Rudy Gobert added 22 points -- 14 of them in the 13-11 on December 9, the Jazz their sixth straight win. points and Luka Doncic added Conference-leading Bucks’ 13th points and 18 rebounds for the fourth quarter. have since averaged more than Rookie point guard Ja 20 to lead the visiting Dallas of the season by 20 or more Jazz, who improved to 28-12 Kyrie Irving, playing his 115 points per game while Morant scored 26 points and Mavericks to a 124-97 victory points. and are five games behind the second game since missing shooting 50 percent from the handed out eight assists for over the Warriors -- who lost Coach Mike Budenholzer Los Angeles Lakers for top spot nearly two months with a field. Memphis. Morant drained 10 of their ninth straight. was pleased to see the Bucks in the Western Conference. shoulder injury, led all scorers “Obviously we’re on the his 11 shots from the field, three Powell caught Evans with maintain their focus against the Ingles hit 10 of 14 shots and with 32 points and dished out right track and it’s fun to play of four from three-point range, an elbow in the second quarter lowly Knicks, who dropped made six of eight from beyond 11 assists, but the Nets were at the moment,” Ingles said. as the Grizzlies withstood a as Evans tried to challenge a lob their sixth straight. the arc, tying his career-high for unable to win a third straight The Memphis Grizzlies 41-point performance from to the Dallas big man. Slater, Sprinkle, Red Sox part Sabol make ways with Cora centennial Hall for role in of Fame class cheating scandal

AP — NEW YORK AFP — CALILFORNIA

Duke Slater, one of the NFL’s The Boston Red Sox are first black players, defensive parting ways with Alex Cora, standout Ed Sprinkle and NFL the manager who led the team Films pioneer Steve Sabol are to the 2018 World Series but the latest members of the Pro is now linked to Major League Football Hall of Fame’s Baseball's sign-stealing centennial class. scandal. Moments after wide Cora piloted the Red Sox receiver Harold Carmichael to the 2018 World Series and offensive tackles Winston crown in his first season as Hill and Jim Covert were manager. announced yesterday, Slater, In 2017 he was bench Sprinkle and Sabol joined coach for the World Series- them. winning Houston Astros where Over the weekend, the according to a report from election of coaches Bill MLB commissioner Rob Cowher and Jimmy Johnson Manfred he was a ring-leader as part of the special class cel- of an illegal sign-stealing ebrating the NFL’s 100th scheme that Monday resulted season was revealed. Seven in a one-season ban for Astros more 2020 members are manager A.J. Hinch and upcoming. general manager Jeff Luhnow Slater played 10 seasons in -- who were promptly sacked the early NFL, from 1922-31, by their club. mostly for the Chicago Car- Manfred's report said that dinals, making four all-NFL the Astros sign-stealing was Los Angeles Kings defenceman Matt Roy (3) and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos (91) fight to control the puck during the squads at tackle when players "player-driven." third period at Amalie Arena on Tuesday. went two ways. But investigators found He was the longest- that Cora was involved in tenured African-American setting up the system that used player during that era and was a camera placed in center field the main blocker for Ernie Lightning rally late against to decipher opposing catchers' Nevers when Nevers scored 40 signals to pitchers -- then points in one game. banged a trash can to alert Sprinkle was called “the Astros batters to what pitches greatest pass rusher” that to expect. George Halas ever saw. Kings to win in shoot-out Manfred said he was with- In his 12 pro seasons as a holding discipline for Cora linebacker, defensive end and REUTERS — MIAMI Early in the first period, Quick for his 18th at 11:25.On its until after MLB completes an end on offense - yes, another NHL Results Clifford redirected Derek For- third power play of the game, investigation into allegations two-way star who once was Steven Stamkos scored in regu- Results from the NHL bort’s shot across the crease, Los Angeles grabbed the lead of illegal sign-stealing during dubbed “the meanest man in lation and added the game- games on Tuesday where Carter was looming. in the third period after a his tenure in Boston. football’’ - he made four Pro deciding goal in a shoot-out to Buffalo 4 Las Vegas 2 Carter then tapped in the easy scoreless second. Brown tipped He is widely expected to Bowls and the 1940s All- carry the Tampa Bay Lightning Columbus 3 Boston 0 tally for his 13th at 4:18. in Prokhorkin’s shot from above receive a signficant Decade Team. to a 4-3 win over the visiting Ny Islanders 8 Detroit 2 Vasilevskiy, who registered the left circle at 12:00 for a 3-2 punishment. Sabol, whose father Ed was Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday Pittsburgh 7 Minnesota 3 shutouts against Arizona and lead. "Given the findings and the enshrined in 2011, was the cre- night. Tampa Bay 4 Los Angeles 3 Philadelphia in his previous two The power-play goal was Commissioner's ruling, we col- ative force at NFL Films, which In the top of the shootout’s Toronto 7 New Jersey 4 starts, saw his goalless streak the first against the Lightning lectively decided that it would has become an institution in fourth round, Stamkos beat Chicago 3 Ottawa 2 end at 150:13. in after they killed off their pre- not be possible for Alex to the football world. NFL Films Kings goalie Jonathan Quick Winnipeg 4 Vancouver 0 The backstop denied Anze vious 21 penalties. effectively lead the club going won more than 100 Emmy high on the left side, and Arizona 6 San Jose 3 Kopitar’s one-on-one try at Meanwhile, Steven Stamkos forward and we mutually Awards under his stewardship, Lightning goalie Andrei Vasi- 5:55, but Brown screened Vasi- scored in regulation and added agreed to part ways," the Red telling stories about players levskiy then stopped Dustin and after it ended, the levskiy as Clifford put another the game-deciding goal in a Sox said in a statement issued and teams in ways previously Brown for the win. remainder of the extra session shot on goal. Vasilevskiy never shootout to carry the Tampa on behalf of team owner John untried in sports. Brayden Point also scored was played four-on-four saw the shot, and the puck got Bay Lightning to a 4-3 win over Henry, chairman Tom Werner, Steve and Ed Sabol are the in the shootout for the without a stoppage. through for Clifford’s sixth at the visiting Los Angeles Kings Chief Executive Sam Kennedy third father/son combination Lightning, who won the skills Alex Killorn had a goal, 6:52. on Tuesday night. and Cora. in the hall, joining Tim and competition 2-1. Nikolai Anthony Cirelli assisted on two Killorn put the Lightning In the top of the shootout’s "We agreed today that Wellington Mara, owners of Prokhorkin tallied for the Kings goals, and Vasilevskiy made 38 on the board at 10:06 when he fourth round, Stamkos beat parting ways was the best the New York Giants, and Art in the shootout. saves for the Lightning, who beat Quick from the left dot Kings goalie Jonathan Quick thing for the organization," and Dan Rooney, owners of Tampa Bay’s Nikita have won seven straight over after a slick drop pass from high on the left side, and Cora said in Tuesday's the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kucherov knotted the game at Los Angeles. Alexander Volkov. Killorn’s Lightning goalie Andrei Vasi- statement. "I do not want to be At 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, 3 with just 1:15 remaining when Clifford and Jeff Carter each 19th tally matched his career levskiy then stopped Dustin a distraction to the Red Sox as Carmichael was something his high shot beat Quick with recorded a goal and an assist, high, and Volkov recorded his Brown for the win. they move forward. My two very new to pro football. He Vasilevskiy pulled and the extra Brown scored, and Quick first NHL point with the Brayden Point also scored years as manager were the used his height, long arms and skater on. stopped 35 shots. primary assist. in the shootout for the best years of my life. It was an strong hands to dominate The overtime started with Drew Doughty played in his Tyler Johnson’s drive to the Lightning, who won the skills honor to manage these teams smaller defenders - which Tampa Bay on a four-on-three 900th NHL game, becoming the net ended with Stamkos competition 2-1. Nikolai and help bring a World Series meant just about everyone - power play for the last 1:01 of a first defenseman in franchise knotting it at 2 when he back- Prokhorkin tallied for the Kings Championship back to from 1971-84. Kyle Clifford high-sticking call, history to reach the milestone. handed in a loose puck near in the shootout. Boston." 08 SPORT THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 Tougher fines, stroke penalties for slow players: PGA Tour

AFP — LOS ANGELES subjected to warnings if they over the entire tournament. Carolina in April. Anger over exceed 60 seconds to play a “In the past, two bad times slow play has simmered PGA Tour players guilty of slow shot. A second breach of the in a round meant a penalty, and amongst professionals for play will face tougher fines and time limit in a tournament will that has happened very infre- years, but came to a head last more frequent stroke penalties result in a one-stroke penalty. quently. Now we are changing August after criticism of Bryson under tough new rules due to The observation list that to a tournament, so a DeChambeau, who was take effect in April, tour officials however will not be made second bad time in a tour- recorded taking two minutes said. public. Players will be notified nament would result in a and 20 seconds to line up an A PGA Tour statement said if they are on the list on a week- penalty stroke.” eight-foot putt. maximum fines for slow play to-week basis. The new regulations will go World number one Brooks will be increased tenfolddo from Any pplayerlayer in a toutournament a e t intoto eeffect ect at tthe e RBC C Heritage eritage KoepkKoepkaacooted confronted their current level while plplayersayers -- even ifif theythey are not on thethe inin SoutSouthh DeCDeChambeauhambeau ooverver hihiss sslowlow taking too long to play shotsots will observationobservation listlist -- will also be pplay,lay, while RorRoryy McIlroMcIlroyy later be placed on an observationon list.list. penalised if they are found to called for more frequent “You talk to players,, readread taketake llongeronger tthanhan 120 strokestroke penalties.penalties. articles, hear from fans,”” PGA seconds to play a single “That will stamp it out Tour chief of operations TylerTyler shotshot without goodgood rightright away,”away,” McIlroMcIlroyy said. Rugby: Hogg named Dennis said. reason.reason. “We are not children “What gets people, wwhathat PPlayerslayers will face a that nneedeed to be told ffiveive gnaws at them, are thesee indindi-i- one-shotone-shot penalty for oror six times what to Scotland captain for vidual habits that peoplee have. the second time breach do.”do.” It’s seen as bad etiquette,te, it’s inin a toutournamentrnament -- seen as a distraction, and we’re ratherrather thanthan a roundround -- Six Nations tourney targeting those individualvidual whilewhile tthehe maximummaximum finfinee moments to help their fellowfellow forfor cumulative bad times EDINBURGH AFP — SCOTLAND SQUAD competitors and assistst our overover a season hhasas bbeeneenn media partners with raisedraised to $50,000 from ththee Forwards (21) Stuart Hogg has been appointed presentation.” current level of $5,000. Rory McIlroy as the new Scotland captain for (Edinburgh), Under the new sloww pplaylay “We“We ffeltelt we neeneededded ttoo the Six Nations, the Scottish (Edinburgh), (Edinburgh), policy, data from the PGA Tour’s rratchetatchet uupp the deterrence,”deterrence,” announced Fraser Brown (Glasgow), Alex Craig Shotlink database will bee aana-na- DennisDennis said.said. yesterday. (Gloucester/ENG), (Edinburgh), lysed to identify players guiguiltylty “We’ve“We’ve signisignificantlyficantlyy The Exeter full-back takes Scott Cummings (Glasgow), (Lon- of slow play. upped the ante on strokestrokee over from Stuart McInally, who don Irish/ENG), Cornell du Preez (Worces- Players will be placed on the penalties. Currently it’s by thethhe led the team out during last ter/ENG), (Glasgow), Grant tour’s observation listt and round;round; now it’s goinggoing to be year’s disappointing World Cup Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Tom Gordon (Glas- Anger over slow play has simmered amongst professionals campaign. gow), (Glasgow), for years, but came to a head last August after criticism With 72 caps Hogg is the (Edinburgh), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), of Bryson DeChambeau, who was recorded taking two most experienced player in the Willem Nel (Edinburgh), (Edin- 38-man squad named by burgh), Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh), Ben minutes and 20 seconds to line up an eight-foot putt. for this Toolis (Edinburgh), George Turner (Glas- year’s championship, which gow), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh) World number one Brooks Koepka confronted starts for Scotland with a trip Backs (17) to Dublin on February 1. DeChambeau over his slow play, while Rory McIlroy (Edinburgh), Chris Harris McInally was given the later called for more frequent stroke penalties. (Gloucester/ENG), (Glas- armband ahead of former skippers and gow), Stuart Hogg (captain, Exeter/ENG), John Barclay for the World Cup George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson in Japan. (Northampton/ENG), Sam Johnson (Glas- But the Edinburgh hooker gow), Huw Jones (Glasgow), had a disappointing tour- (Edinburgh), (Saracens/ENG), nament and was left out of the Byron McGuigan (Sale/ENG), (Glas- LPGA begins season with record starting line-up as the Dark gow), (Edinburgh), Finn Rus- Blues saw their hopes of sell (Racing 92/FRA), (Edin- reaching the quarter-finals burgh), (Glasgow), Ratu Tagive purses but disparity remains evaporate with defeat to the (Glasgow) hosts in their final pool match. Laidlaw and Barclay have REUTERS — LONDON women’s circuit never- 12 cuts in 24 starts and since announced their retire- bringing others into the game theless can only focus on earned barely $100,000, ments from international and building relationships with The LPGA Tour season their own product. hardly enough to cover action. those around him.” kicks off today, launching “We can only focus on expenses. She will need to “Stuart is very passionate Townsend has handed a a year which will see the what we’re doing and improve sharply this about playing for Scotland and recall to centres Matt Scott, world’s best women we’re increasing our season in order to be one he’s determined to do all he can Huw Jones and Rory Hutch- golfers compete for $75m purses but as we’re of the two Swedes who to improve Scotland,” said head inson after all three were left in prize money -- a record increasing them, the guys likely will qualify for the coach Gregor Townsend. out of the squad that travelled but still a pittance com- are still running away Tokyo Olympics. “He really cares about to the Far East in the autumn pared to what their from us,” Lindberg, a “These next five or six playing for his country, what but Saracens’ Duncan Taylor is male counter- member of the LPGA months are going to the jersey represents and also a notable absentee. parts will Player Board, said in a tel- determine everything,” getting the best out of his There are also first call-ups play for on ephone interview. said Lindberg, who has teammates. for Gloucester lock Alex Craig, the PGA “We’re doing our part slipped to 160th in the “He’s a really intelligent Glasgow wing Ratu Tagive, Tour. trying to catch up but Rolex world rankings. rugby player who is learning Glasgow flanker Tom Gordon The they’re moving further “A few of us are up for and improving with every and Edinburgh number eight LPGA ahead which in one way is those two spots. I feel I’m season. He’s very good at Nick Haining. purses -- an sad but I’m happy with the in a good position. For sure average of purses we (have) and it’s a bit goal this year and more than $2m we’re for sure going in the something that motivates Kenyan runner Kipketer per event over the 33 right direction. me.” official-money tourna- “It is such a good time Lindberg thought her ments -- are nothing to to be part of the women’s ANA Inspiration victory suspected of rule breach scoff at, even if they are game. It’s going to be my would lead to ever bigger not comparable to the 11th year on the LPGA Tour things, but found out that AP — MONACO connected to doping and drug men. and I feel each and every golf does not always work testing. Former marathon Total prize money on year it’s getting better.” that way. Kenyan runner Alfred Kipketer, world-record holder Wilson the PGA Tour will be more Swede Lindberg is part “Last year there was a who raced in the 800-meter Kiprotich was suspended last than $400m, including of an elite 26-woman field lot of searching,” she said. final at the 2016 Olympics, has week because of a “wherea- bonus money for the at the Tournament of “When I didn’t feel been suspended for failing to bouts” violation and possible season-long FedEx Cup Champions at the Four good over the ball I got make himself available for tampering with anti-doping points race. Seasons Club in Orlando frustrated and started doping tests. work. LPGA commissioner this week. searching for different The Athletics Integrity Unit Athletes are required to Mike Whan has long been The field is restricted things all the time. said yesterday that Kipketer keep drug-testers informed of sanguine about the dis- to winners over the last “I thought I had things has been charged with “where- their whereabouts for one hour parity, which he says two years, and Lindberg figured out but fell into abouts” failures. He has been each day. If they fail to do that, Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand lines up a reflects the higher tele- qualified with her victory some old tendencies with provisionally suspended until or aren’t present at the location putt during the final round of the Blue vision ratings for men’s in the ANA Inspiration my swing again. a full hearing. where they said they would be, Bay LPGA in Sanya on China’s Hainan golf in the United States. major early in 2018. “Now I know what to Kipketer is the latest in a that is a violation. Three viola- Island, in this file photo. And LPGA player Per- Her form took a dip stick to and work on the string of Kenyan athletes to tions usually lead to a nilla Lindberg says the last year as she made only range.” face disciplinary issues suspension. Badminton: Japan's Momota flies home following fatal car crash AFP — KUALA LUMPUR ident of the Badminton Associ- hours after he began his 2020 “I hope he will do his best Japanese badminton ation of Malaysia said. season in style on Sunday with without pushing and rushing player Kento Momota Badminton world number one Momota, wearing a dark cap victory over Denmark’s Viktor himself too hard and without arrives at Kuala Kento Momota was released and a face mask, left on a Axelsen in Kuala Lumpur. being impatient,” said Zeniya. Lumpur International from a Malaysian hospital Malaysian Airlines flight to Momota had been in Putrajaya The driver was killed at the Airport yesterday, yesterday and boarded a plane Tokyo’s Narita airport at 9:40 public hospital outside the capital scene while Momota received as he leaves for back to Japan, two days after he am (0140 GMT). Kuala Lumpur since Monday. cuts to his face and bruising all Tokyo, after he was treated for injuries in a car “Momota is on flight MH70. Momota will now aim to over his body, Zeniya said, was released from crash in which his driver was The plane has taken off,” Norza return to action at the All denying previous reports that hospital following killed. confirmed. England Championships on he had broken his nose and an injury in a vehicle The 25-year-old Japanese An assistant coach, physio- March 11, the secretary general chin. collision on Monday, faces two months out after suf- therapist, and badminton of Japan’s Badminton Associ- Momota, currently the best in Sepang, Malaysia. fering cuts to his face and mul- official also suffered minor ation Kinji Zeniya said player on the planet, enjoyed tiple bruises when the vehicle injuries in the highway crash, yesterday. unrivalled success in 2019, with carrying him to Kuala Lumpur seen as a blow to Momota’s Momota, who won a record his title haul including the International Airport crashed preparations for this year’s 11 titles last year had “extraor- World Championship, Asia in the early hours of Monday. Tokyo Olympics where he will dinary enthusiasm towards the Championship and All England “Momota has been dis- attempt to win gold on home Olympics” this year in Tokyo, Championship -- a dramatic charged from hospital. He is soil to complete a full set of added Zeniya, but urged the turnaround for a player who heading back to Japan this major titles. gold medal favourite to take had been banned for gambling morning,” Norza Zakaria, Pres- The accident occurred just time to recuperate fully. in 2016. THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 England still After Mumbai loss, Kohli sees unsure over need to rethink batting order

REUTERS — NEW DELHI

India’s cricket availability of India captain Virat Kohli team captain acknowledged the need to Virat Kohli rethink the team’s batting order after being steamrolled by speaks at a Archer, Wood Australia in Mumbai on promotional Tuesday, but said there was no event for cause to panic after losing the the India REUTERS — PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA first one-day international of a launch of the three-match series. Audi Q8 car England captain Joe Root says fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark India were subjected to a in Mumbai Wood must still prove their fitness to be included in the side to 10-wicket thrashing for only the yesterday. play South Africa in the third Test at St George’s Park that starts fifth time in their history after today. scoring a modest 255, a total England are seeking a replacement for James Anderson, whose overhauled by Australia in the tour has ended after he picked up a rib injury in the 189-run 38th over. second Test victory in Cape Town. India packed three openers Archer missed that game with an elbow problem and Wood in their playing XI in a bid to has had a number of fitness issues in the past, meaning neither give more game-time to might get the nod. in-form players, rejigging the “No decision has been made,” Root told reporters. “It is top order with Kohli dropping important to use today’s training session to get a real clear under- down to number four to accom- standing of where everybody is at and as this tour has proven, modate KL Rahul at three, but make sure that we are all ready to go when we turn up to play.” the plan came unstuck against Root suggested a fully fit Archer would play, but whether his a fired-up Australian attack. elbow will hold up over five days, allowing him to bowl at his full “Because of the way KL has intensity, is the big question. been batting, we have tried to “With Jofra, he is 24-years-old, right at the start of his Test fit him in the batting line-up,” career and has a huge amount of ability. It is clear to see what he Kohli told Star Sports about his is capable of doing,” Root said. batting position at the century-partnership with Rahul with one template and just Warner and Aaron Finch “But managing workloads is a very important part of it as well. Wankhede Stadium. before India lost four wickets, follow it non-stop. I think smashed unbeaten hundreds He has played a huge amount of cricket since he has come into “Having said that, I don’t including Kohli, for 30 runs people need to relax and not and stitched together the largest the international arena and we have seen a little bit of push-back think it’s quite gone our way before being bowled out in the panic with one game, I’m partnership against India in from his body with that elbow injury. whenever I’ve batted number final over. allowed to experiment a little one-day cricket to help the “If he is fit and raring to go you want him in your side. But you four, so we’ll probably have to “All in all it’s about giving bit and fail as well at times. You tourists romp home with 12.2 want to make sure that he is able to deliver all of his skills and rethink about that one.” some guys opportunities and lose games here and there but overs to spare. not just seam it around and swing it, but do it all at 90 miles an Rohit Sharma made 10, you’ll never know if this works today was one of the days The two sides will meet in hour.” while fellow opener Shikhar or not if you don’t try,” Kohli where it didn’t come off.” Rajkot for the second ODI Wood’s chequered past with injuries means the selectors are Dhawan forged a said. “It’s very easy to just go Australian openers David tomorrow. cautious over him as well, and Root suggested that he, like Archer, must be able to bowl at full pace to get into the line-up. RIGHT: In this file photo taken “The reason we have been quite cautious in terms of rushing on July 10, 2019, India’s him back is that (injury) history and knowing that his value in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni walks team is being at 100%,” the skipper added. off for 50 during the 2019 “If he is 100% and firing, the skills he has at his pace will be a Cricket World Cup first semi- great asset in Test cricket.” final between New Zealand One player who will definitely play a prominent role is all- and India at Old Trafford rounder Ben Stokes, who was named ICC Player of the Year in Manchester, northwest yesterday. England. Dhoni’s illustrious “It is hard to say any more superlatives, it is the right decision career is nearing its end, but and it could not really have been anyone else,” Root said. his cryptic comments and long “The way he has performed across all the formats has been absences from the pitch have fantastic. In my opinion he is definitely the leading player in the kept fans guessing how he world at the moment.” plans to walk away. The series is level at 1-1 after South Africa won the first Test. Big welcome awaits De Villiers if he returns to South Africa Will he, won’t he? Guessing AFP — PORT ELIZABETH game on Dhoni’s future AB de Villiers will be welcomed back into the South AFP — NEW DELHI India for that long? That is the icon Sachin Tendulkar, who African team ahead of the T20 question and therein lies the was similarly coy about his World Cup, captain Faf du Former India captain Mahendra answer.” plans in the lead-up to his Plessis said yesterday. Singh Dhoni’s illustrious career Dhoni quit Test cricket in farewell Test in 2013. Batting star De Villiers, is nearing its end, but his cryptic 2014 and national coach Ravi Shastri recently sent Indian who retired from international comments and long absences Shastri said he would likely social media users abuzz after cricket in 2018, was quoted on from the pitch have kept fans soon quit one-day interna- saying that the constant spec- an Australian website on guessing how he plans to walk tionals, but his imminent return ulation about Dhoni’s Tuesday as saying he was keen away. to the Indian Premier League retirement “feels like a break- to return. The 38-year-old warhorse with the Chennai Super Kings up... you know it’s coming and He said he had been serves as an honorary lieu- could mean his international it’s imminent but just don’t talking with former captain tenant colonel in his army swansong is yet to come. want to face (it)”. Graeme Smith, South Africa’s reserve regiment and spent part “I have had a conversation In the cricketer’s absence, interim director of cricket, as of last year in strife-torn with MS and that is between Indian selectors have backed well as coach Mark Boucher Kashmir -- missing an ODI tour us... in all probability, he will new talent such as Rishabh Pant and Du Plessis. of the West Indies. and Sanju Samson for Speaking on the eve of He has now not the wicketkeeper- South Africa’s third Test appeared for club or batsman’s role in T20. against England, which starts country in more than MS Dhoni Factbox Both have yet to today, Du Plessis hinted that six months, since New convince. De Villiers’s return was almost Zealand beat India in Born: Jul 07, 1981 (38 years) Dhoni led India to a done deal, although both De the World Cup semi- Birth Place: Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand) the inaugural T20 Villiers and South African final, and he was left Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) world title in 2007. He assistant coach Enoch Nkwe out of the three- Role: WK-Batsman hit a six to seal the 2011 have emphasised that it is far match one-day inter- Batting Style: Right Handed Bat World Cup final from finalised. Du Plessis first national series against Bowling Style: Right-arm medium victory and his status revealed last month that he Australia which began as a national hero. Former England cricketer Andrew Strauss poses with his medal had been talking to his one- on Tuesday. Test 90 Runs 4876 He has amassed after being knighted as a Knights Bachelor (Knighthood) for services time schoolmate, who is Dhoni hinted late ODI 350 Runs 10773 10,773 runs from 350 to sport following an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace among the world’s most in- last year he would not T20I 98 Runs 1617 ODIs, but his form demand T20 players. on Tuesday. Strauss' name was included by former British Prime reveal his plans until IPL 190 Runs 4432 dipped noticeably at “It’s the same as what I Minister Theresa May in her resignation honours list along with this month, but that last year’s World Cup. mentioned before,” said Du another former England skipper Geoffrey Boycott. hasn’t stopped con- TEST DEBUT vs Sri Lanka Dec 02, 2005 Stellar perform- Plessis. “We spoke and I was stant questions about LAST TEST vs Australia Dec 26, 2014 ances from the likes of very keen to have him back his sabbatical at team ODI DEBUT vs Bangladesh Dec 23, 2004 Kohli, who passed even before the new coaching Strauss played 100 Tests for England from 2004-12, press conferences. LAST ODI vs New Zealand Jul 09, 2019 11,000 runs while staff was on board.” scoring more than 7,037 runs at an average of 40.91, and With India’s T20 DEBUT vs South Africa Dec 01, 2006 India captain against Now it seems the team’s captaining the team to two Ashes series wins. He also demanding fanbase LAST T20 vs Australia Feb 27, 2019 Sri Lanka on Saturday, senior management are sim- played 127 ODIs in which he amassed 4205 runs with an setting their sights on have started to eclipse ilarly keen. average of 35.63. The left-hander hit 6 hundreds while in a Twenty20 World the Dhoni legend. “It was a process of what 4 T20Is he scored 73 runs. Cup win in Australia later this finish one-day cricket,” Shastri Kohli reached that mark in does the next year look like in year, speculation over Dhoni’s told Indian television. 196 innings, while Dhoni made terms of T20 cricket,” said Du Strauss reflected on England's maiden ODI World Cup participation has whipped up “At his age, probably the his figure from 324. Plessis. “How many games, triumph last English summer and praised all-rounder Ben feverish discussion. only format he’ll want to play But there seems to be little where, when, what? And then Stokes at the knighthood ceremony held on Tuesday. “The question that needs to is T20 cricket which means he’ll appetite among national cricket try to unfold that in a way that be asked is of MSD himself,” have to start playing again, get authorities to bring the issue of he can come back. He’s keen "That World Cup victory on home soil did everything said batting great Sunil back into the groove because Dhoni’s retirement to a head. to come back. In an ideal we hoped it might, it reached a broader section of the Gavaskar last weekend, sug- he’s going to play in the IPL and India’s new cricket chief world, we would like to make public, and the way that game panned out. The heroes that gesting that the wicketkeeper- see how his body reacts.” Sourav Ganguly promised last sure we can play our best 11, were forged off the back of it, I'm thinking Ben Stokes and batsman’s long absence had For cricket-obsessed India, year that seniors like Dhoni will 12, 13 players for a few games the massive transformation he's had, it's extraordinary to already settled the matter. Dhoni’s international be respected and that the coun- or in a few series leading up to see that," Strauss said. “Does anybody keep retirement will be a moment to try’s champions “don’t finish a T20 World Cup.” himself away from playing for rival the departure of batting quickly”. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 Stokes named ICC Player of the Year after landmark 2019

AFP — DUBAI “Fundamentally, without of the year while captain Virat the support of these individuals, Kohli bagged the Spirit of Ben Stokes was yesterday we would never have achieved Cricket award for his gesture to named the International Cricket our objective of lifting a major stop fans from booing Aus- Council Player of the Year, England’s Ben Stokes trophy.” tralia’s Steve Smith during a capping an unforgettable 2019 celebrates hitting Stokes, who carried his form World Cup match. for the swashbuckling England the winning runs into this year with a man of the Smith was returning to all-rounder that included a on the fourth day of match performance in the international cricket from a match-winning knock at the the third Ashes Test second Test victory over South one-year suspension for World Cup. against Australia in Africa last week, said the strong changing the condition of the Stokes won the coveted Sir this August 25, 2019 bonds between the players can ball. Garfield Sobers trophy -- voted file picture. lead to further success. “I’m surprised that I have for by a panel of media repre- “There is an incredible bond got it, after many years of being sentatives and former players between team-mates and to under the scanner for the wrong -- thanks to an unbeaten 84 in savour our achievements, things,” Kohli said in a a dramatic final against New whether that’s winning the statement put out by ICC. Zealand in July followed by a World Cup final at Lord’s or “That moment was purely brilliant 135 not out to win the digging deep to win a Test understanding an individual’s third Ashes Test against Aus- match against Australia at situation. I don’t think a guy tralia six weeks later. Headingley,” said Stokes. who is coming out of a situation Stokes, 28, said it was a “It is satisfying you can like that needs to be taken huge honour for any cricketer accomplish these superb highs advantage of.” to receive such an award. together. Kohli was also named “To be recognised and be “The last 12 months have captain of both the ICC Test and the person to win that (award) been the best in my career, and ODI teams of the year. it’s pretty amazing,” he said in I believe what we attained will In other major awards, Aus- a video statement. took 22 wickets in 11 Tests. “The past 12 months have achievement,” said Stokes. be the catalyst to achieve tralia fast bowler Pat Cummins During the voting period, However, the New Zealand- been incredible for England “This award is testament to further success over the next was named the Test player of Stokes aggregated 719 runs and born star said his award was not cricket and to lift the ICC Men’s my team-mates and the support few years.” the year and teammate Marnus bagged 12 wickets in 20 ODIs. solely for him as an Cricket World Cup for the first staff that have been there every Indian opener Rohit Sharma Labuschagne was declared He also scored 821 runs and individual. time was our greatest step of the way. was named the ODI cricketer emerging cricketer of the year. AFC U-23: Unbeaten Qatar make exit after Japan draw THE PENINSULA — BANGKOK looking to reclaim some pride and he again threatened to advantage, Qatar struggled. having been eliminated from unlock the Qatar defence as Nasser Alahrak ballooned his Ten-man Japan held on to contention for a place in the he found Daiki Sugioka eight shot over the bar 10 minutes claim their first point of the next phase following back-to- yards from goal. The Shonan into the half while Ahmed AFC U-23 Championship back defeats in their opening Bellmare wing-back, Alhamawende sent a free- Thailand 2020 yesterday as games against Saudi Arabia however, steered his effort kick high over the bar. Hajime Moriyasu’s side and Syria. harmlessly across the target. Instead it was Japan who earned a 1-1 draw against Moriyasu’s side looked the The chances kept coming opened the scoring in the Qatar that meant the more likely to take the lead, for Japan, with Hatate mis- 73rd minute as Koki Ogawa two-time semi-finalists with Yuki Soma sending a kicking when he should have picked up possession from missed out on a place in the searing ball low across the hit the target before Shunta Ryotaro Meshino 20 yards knockout rounds. area 11 minutes into the game Tanaka shot wide despite from goal and beat Albakri Felix Sanchez’s Qatar that, agonisingly for the Jap- having time and space to do with a low drive to the goal- needed to win to advance to anese, no one in a blue shirt better. keeper’s right. the quarter-finals for the third was able to reach. However, with only Six minutes later Qatar tournament in a row but a Reo Hatate went closer seconds left in first half injury were level when Alahrak con- resolute performance by three minutes later when he time, the Japanese were verted confidently from the Japan, despite Ao Tanaka’s was given time and space in reduced to 10 men when penalty spot after Mitsuki sending off in the dying the box thanks to Shunta referee Muhammad Taqi dis- Saito clipped the heels of seconds of the first half, Tanaka’s lofted pass, only for missed Ao Tanaka for a foul Khalid Mazeed, but the West ensured the 2016 champions goalkeeper Mohammed Al on Yusuf Abdurisag after con- Asians were incapable of The players of Qatar and Japan vie for ball possession during the AFC U-23 salvaged a draw. Bakri to smother the shot. sulting the Video Assistant finding the winner and, in the Championship match in Thailand yesterday. The Group B match ended in The Japanese went into Soma was having consid- Referee. end, both teams slid out of the one-all draw. the final Group B match erable joy down Japan’s right Despite their numerical competition. Spurs sign Gedson Xavi ‘will be Fernandes with Spurs reach FA Cup fourth round manager’ of option to buy AFP — LONDON Barca one day, AFP — LONDON Tottenham edged into the FA Cup fourth round as Giovani says Bartomeu Portugal midfielder Gedson Fern- Lo Celso bagged a rare goal in andes became the first signing of their 2-1 win over Middles- AFP — BARCELONA the Jose Mourinho era at Tottenham brough, while much-maligned yesterday as the manager bids to Newcastle striker Joelinton Xavi Hernandez may have just revive the club’s Premier League scored for the first time since turned down the chance to Newcastle campaign. August in a victory against coach Barcelona but “he will United’s Joelinton The 21-year-old signed an Rochdale on Tuesday. be manager one day”, the celebrates scoring 18-month loan deal with an option Jose Mourinho’s side Catalan club’s president Josep to make the transfer permanent for almost killed off second-tier their fourth goal Maria Bartomeu said a reported £56m. Fernandes will Middlesbrough within the first with manager yesterday. provide vital cover in midfield fol- 15 minutes of the third round Steve Bruce during Former Barca captain Xavi lowing a three-month lay-off for replay at the Tottenham the FA Cup Third was approached for the Camp Moussa Sissoko, who has had knee Hotspur Stadium. Round Replay Nou job last week but rejected surgery. Lo Celso, on loan from Real against Rochdale the offer, preferring to remain “We are delighted to announce Betis, got Tottenham up and at St James’ Park, as boss of Qatari team Al Sadd that we have reached agreement running with only his second in Newcastle, for the time being. for the 18-month loan of Gedson goal of the season and his first Britain, on Tuesday. That led to Quique Setien’s Fernandes from Benfica with an since a Champions League appointment as successor to option to make the transfer per- strike against Red Star Bel- sacked Ernesto Valverde on manent,” said a club statement. grade in November. Monday, the 61-year-old Fernandes, capped twice at senior It was an encouraging signing a contact until June level, told Spurs TV he was looking moment for the Argentine English FA Cup 2022, with a break clause in forward to working with compatriot midfielder, who has endured A gift from Middlesbrough back for Middlesbrough in the 2021, to allow for change after English FA Cup results on Tuesday: Mourinho. “All young players want a difficult season in north keeper Tomas Mejias helped 83rd minute as Tottenham the club’s presidential Third round replays to work with Jose Mourinho because London. Tottenham open the scoring survived a tense finale to earn elections. Blackpool 0 Reading 2 (Boye 42, he’s one of the best. All of us as players Tottenham needed a Lucas in the second minute. a trip to Southampton. Bartomeu believes that in want to stay near the best, so it’s fan- Moura equaliser at the Riv- Mejias tried to play a quick “I told my players at half Obita 82) Setien they have found a more tastic to work with him.” erside Stadium to avoid a shock ball out and ended up passing time if we don’t score 3-0 then Coventry 3 (Biamou 4, 56, Pask 50) than suitable alternative after “I have no words to say about exit in the 1-1 draw at Middles- straight to Lo Celso, who ran at 2-1 we would be in trouble Bristol Rovers 0 failing to land their first choice. the stadium because it is fantastic. brough earlier this month. across the area before firing and it happened,” Mourinho Newcastle 4 (O'Connell 17-og, M. “He has shown in the I have never been or seen anything But Mourinho still made into the bottom corner. said. Longstaff 20, Almiron 26, Joelinton teams he’s been with that he like this, It is unbelievable.” five changes from last week- Tottenham’s second came “The boys are trying their 82) Rochdale 1 (Williams 86) loves the beautiful game, he Fernandes was offered to Spurs end’s defeat against Liverpool, when Argentina winger Erik best. Is the FA Cup a priority Shrewsbury 1 (Pierre 89) Bristol City 0 loves above all the way we like by Mourinho’s friend and super with Christian Eriksen, linked Lamela sliced through the now? In this moment it is not Tottenham 2 (Lo Celso 2, Lamela 15) to see the game played and it’s agent Jorges Mendes and they beat with a January move to Inter Middlesbrough defence before the priority. The priority is to Middlesbrough 1 (Saville 83) because of this that he was off competition from West Ham. Milan, starting despite the slotting home in the 15th play a difficult match against Postponed selected,” Bartomeu told Sport The potential reported fee Dane’s form being affected by minute. Watford in the Premier Tranmere vs Watford (waterlogged pitch) website. would mark a huge mark-up from the transfer talk. George Saville got one League.” But he also had warm the 250 euros and 25 footballs words for Xavi, who won the Benfica reportedly gave to Fern- World Cup with Spain in 2010, andes’ club, Frielas, when he was came through Barcelona’s 10. Mourinho will be hoping that Lukaku double sends Inter into Cup quarters academy and played 855 more arrivals may follow, particu- senior games for the club. larly a striker following Harry AFP — MILAN Belgian Lukaku has looked then, after Borja Valero had with a fierce drive, but Andrea After an emotional Kane’s potentially season-ending a player reborn since moving made it 2-0 in the 22 minute, Ranocchia headed in Cristiano farewell, he joined Al Sadd as hamstring injury, with the club Romelu Lukaku scored after to Italy and his double took his headed home his side’s third Biraghi’s corner to seal the a player in 2015 before being eighth in the Premier League, nine just 21 seconds as he bagged a hot streak to six goals in his from Nicolo Barella’s corner win. They will be joined in the appointed coach last July. points behind fourth-placed brace in a 4-1 thumping of last four appearances in all just three minutes after the quarters by Lazio and Napoli, “Xavi will be manager of Chelsea. The club are understood Cagliari that fired Inter Milan competitions, with his Serie A break as Antonio Conte’s side who both cruised through with Barca one day, I have no doubt to be interested in AC Milan’s into the last eight of the Italian tally standing at 14 in 19 ran riot at the San Siro. comfortable wins over about that,” he said. Krzysztof Piatek while Christian Cup, while Lazio and Napoli games. Their were nerves among second-tier sides Cremonese “He is very competent, he Benteke, Edison Cavani and even are set for a quarter-final clash The 26-year-old lashed the home fans when Christian and Perugia to set up a mouth- is someone with an enormous former striker Fernando Llorente after easing past second-tier home his opener with the Oliva pulled one back for the watering last eight tie with drive and who knows our have been linked. opposition. match barely underway and Sardinians in the 73rd minute each other. football perfectly.” THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

The world’s top players pose for a photo in the Rally for Relief charity tennis match played in support of the victims of the Australian bushfires in Melbourne yesterday. German star Federer, Nadal kick in $170,000 Kerber suffers injury for Australian bushfire relief setback AGENCIES — MELBOURNE $500,000 to the WWF of the US (centre) shares a lighter moment with of Spain (left) Australian Wildlife and and of Serbia as they and other top players play in the Rally for Relief charity AFP — ADELAIDE Tennis greats Nature Recovery Fund as tennis match in support of the victims of the Australian bushfires, in Melbourne, yesterday. and Rafa Nadal pledged part of the bushfire relief ’s prepa- A$250,000 ($170,000) towards efforts. rations for the opening the Australian bushfire relief A number of players of the year efforts at a charity event have made individual were dealt a blow yesterday yesterday in the leadup to the pledges including when she was forced to Australian Open. American Williams who retire from the Adelaide World number one Nadal said she would donate all International with back made the announcement at her prize-money from pain. Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver winning a tournament in The German former Arena during the “Rally for Auckland on Sunday. world number one, who Relief” event where top players Australian won the Australian Open in including Serena Williams and has pledged A$200 for 2016, pulled out when Australian Open defending every ace he hits this behind 6-3, 2-0 in her champion Novak Djokovic led month. second-round clash with fundraising efforts. Earlier a capacity ’s Dayana “Hopefully that will keep crowd of more than 15,000 Yastremska. inspiring the people to support at Rod Laver Arena The ninth seed began this terrible disaster that we’re watched Federer defeat showing serious signs of the going through and helps to Kyrgios in a one-set finale back problem early in the recover all the things that we to the Australian Open’s second set then stopped need,” Nadal said on court after Rally for Relief to aid after two points in the third an exhibition match. wildfire charities game on her own serve, Australia is experiencing yesterday. calling for the trainer. one of its worst bushfire seasons Tennis Australia said A medical evaluation on on record, with fires burning for the night helped raise court ended with the months and killing 28 people, nearly A$5m ($3.5m) for 31-year-old world number destroying more than 2,500 the victims of recent and 18 calling it quits against homes and razing forests and ongoing fires in Australia her teenaged opponent. farmland the size of Bulgaria. that have killed 28 people Yastremska kept calm Smoke from bushfires blan- and destroyed several during the delay, reading keted Melbourne in a thick, grey thousands homes, most of what she called “secret” haze on Wednesday before a them in New South Wales and Park, delaying play by several and . On which includes various amounts notes. clearing rain-storm, disrupting Victoria states. hours and prompting com- several occasions, volunteer fire for aces served during the tour- “I didn’t want to lose the Australian Open’s qualifying Smoke haze from the con- plaints from players over the air personnel were invited on the nament and the sale of mer- focus,” said the world matches for a second successive tinuing fires has played havoc quality. court to play against the tennis chandise donated by players, number 24, who has won day. with scheduling of the first two Other players who took part stars. will continue when the Aus- three titles over the past The ATP on Sunday pledged days of qualifying at Melbourne included The fund-raising efforts, tralian Open begins on Monday. two seasons. Men’s second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime converted "It’s got to come from the top guys - Roger and on the first of six match A woman Rafa are a little bit selfish in thinking about them- points, firing a service yesterday holds selves and their careers. Because they’re near the winner to complete a 6-3, onto her face end and all they’re thinking about is their legacy 7-6 (7/0) defeat of Aus- mask during a and they’re not thinking about the sport itself and tralian James Duckworth. practice session trying to do what’s good for the sport - so those guys The 19-year-old in Melbourne need to step up.” Canadian set up a quarter- ahead of the final against a second Australian Open Says Canadian world number 103 Brayden Schnur straight Aussie wild card, set to begin on while taking aim at 20-times Grand Slam champion local Alex Bolt, who Monday. Roger Federer and world number one Rafa Nadal for not defeated German seventh taking a vocal stand for the lower-profile players in seed Jan-Lennard Struff Australian Open qualifying. 6-3, 6-4. Angry players speak out at smoke-shrouded AO qualifiers REUTERS — MELBOURNE Canadian world number 103 Brayden Schnur court because we’re qualifiers.” France’s Nicolas Scheduled horse race meetings in two sep- taking aim at 20-times Grand Slam champion Mahut posted a picture of himself wearing a mask arate Melbourne suburbs were also cancelled yes- Tempers flared at the Australian Open qualifying Roger Federer and world number one Rafa Nadal over his mouth and nose with the caption: “Ready terday, governing body Racing Victoria said, “due yesterday as players battled through another day for not taking a vocal stand for the lower-profile for my first round.” to smoke haze and poor air quality”. of smoky air and two of the game’s all-time greats players in qualifying. Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, a member of the ATP Bushfire smoke has affected a number of Aus- were labelled “selfish” for not protesting about “It’s got to come from the top guys - Roger Player Council, tweeted to express his anger tralia’s elite sporting competitions including the conditions. and Rafa are a little bit selfish in thinking about “It’s time for a players’ union. This is getting soccer, rugby league and cricket. Qualifying was disrupted for a second suc- themselves and their careers,” Schnur told Aus- absurd,” Pospisil said in his tweet. Victoria state’s chief health officer, Brett cessive day, firstly by bushfire smoke and later tralian Associated Press after winning his qual- Australia is experiencing one of its worst Sutton, said Tennis Australia needed to establish by a torrential rain storm which cleared the air ifier against Austrian Sebastian Ofner. bushfire seasons on record, with fires burning a proper air quality policy alongside its existing but put an end to play at Melbourne Park. “Because they’re near the end and all they’re for months and killing 28 people, destroying more extreme heat policy. Tournament organisers have been under fire thinking about is their legacy and they’re not than 2,500 homes and razing forests and farmland “They do have a heat policy, I think they need for ploughing ahead with the qualifiers after an thinking about the sport itself and trying to do the size of Bulgaria. to plan out an air quality policy in the same way,” initial delay on Tuesday, with players complaining what’s good for the sport - so those guys need to Tennis Australia said it would continue to he told media. of breathing difficulties. step up.” monitor on-site data and consult their medical “You can’t have a blanket solution, you need One player was forced to retire from a match Schnur said he felt “super dryness” in his team, the local bureau of meteorology and gov- to look at the individual circumstances and what after suffering a coughing fit. throat and that conditions were “100 percent not ernment scientists to determine whether condi- the alternatives are for protecting people,” Sutton The ill will spilled over into yesterday, with normal”. “They’re just trying to shove us on the tions were fit for play. said. SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 11 WillW he, won't Federer, Nadall hhe? Guessing kick in $170,00000 ggameam on Dhoni's for Australian cricketc future bushfire relief

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 World No. 1 tops list of star players lined up for Doha event Barty confirmed for Qatar Total Open THE PENINSULA — DOHA champion and 2019 US Open award in October after winning This year’s event, the By winning the 2019 Finals, wonderful time as they enjoy doubles winner the Shiseido WTA Finals 18th edition, is featuring Barty, a former cricketer, also watching their favourite players World No. 1 and 2019 French is also making a return to Doha Shenzhen and ending the eight of the world’s became the second Australian doing what they know how to Open champion alongside former world No.1 season as World No.1, to hoist top-ten players including to capture the WTA Finals do best on the courts of Khalifa is topping the star-studded list Angelique Kerber, finalist in the golden falcon trophy for the 2017 champion and crown following 1974 and 1976 International Tennis & Squash of players, comprising four 2014, Garbine Muguruza, 2018 first time, the die is also cast World No. 2 Karolina champion Evonne Goolagong Complex come February 23.” former champions, lined up for finalist, and Jeļena Ostapenko, between the four past cham- Cawley, and the fifth player to Belgium’s Mertens won the Pliskova and 2014 winner the Qatar Total Open 2020 to the 2016 finalist. pions featuring at this year’s win the tournament as a 2019 edition after stunning be held from February 23 to 29 While all eyes will be on the tournament to see who will be and World No. 4 Simona debutante. Halep 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 in a at the Khalifa International 23-year-old Barty, who cap- joining the elite group of two- Halep. The Ipswich, Queensland- thrilling encounter that lasted Tennis & Squash Complex in tured her third WTA Player of time winners in Doha. born star, who had to withdraw two hours and 13 Doha. the Month Since the tournament begabegann Also on the list are 2019 from lastlast year’syear’s event due to hip mminutesinutes to claim This year’s’s event, the 18th in 2001, only three playersplayers Wimbledon semi-finalist injury,y, will be hoping to con-con- herher firfirst-everst-ever WTA edition, is featuringturing eigeightht of the - AnastasiaAnastasia MyskinaMyskina and World No.5 Elina tinue hherer fine form and win her Premier-levelPremier-level world’s top-tenp-ten playersplayers (2003,(2003, 2004), MMariaaria Svitolina, World No. 6 and first trophyrophy in Doha this time ccrown,rown, andand including 201717 champion and SharapovaSharapova (2005(2005,, 2019 US Open champion around.nd. tthehe fiffifthth World No. 2 KarolinaKarolina PliskovaPliskova 2008)2008) and VictoriaVictoria Tournamentournament DirDirectorector titletitle ofof herher and 2014 championmpion and World AzarenkaAzarenka (2012, , World Saad Al Mohannadi saidsaid,, career No. 4 Simonaa Halep. 2013) – have had the No. 7 , “We areare delighteddelighted with the overall.overall. Also on thethe lilistst areare 20192019 privilegeprivilege of liftinglifting the 2018 champion and list of totopp plaplayersyers lined up Wimbledon semi-finalistsemi-finalist andand trophytrophy on more than World No. 8 Petra Kvitova for thisis year’s Qatar Total World No.5 Elina Svitolina, oneone occasion.occasion. and , the Open.n. That most of the World No. 6 aandnd 2019 US Open Barty,Barty, World No. 10. top-tenen playersplayers are feafea-- champion Biancaianca Andreescu, whosew hose turingg at the tournament is World No. 7 Belinda Bencic,Bencic, $4.42m$ 4.42m an indicationdication of the impoimpor-r- 2018 championon andand WorldWorld No. earningearning fforor ShenzhenSh is the largest amount tancee ofof thisthis tour-tour- 8 Petra Kvitovavitova and Kiki winningwinning of prize money at a single men’s namentent andand we Bertens, the WorldWorld No. 10. the WTAWTA or women’s tournament in believeve alalll the In all, a totaltal of 64 plaplayers,yers, season- tennisten history to date, has had fans will including fourur qualifiers,qualifiers, endinge n d ing a spectaculars season in 2019. have a will feature inn the singles eventevent in BesidesBe winning the French event of the WTWTAA PrePremiermier OpenOp and the WTA Finals, the 5 tournamentnt while 32 AustralianAu also won the Miami teams will slugug it out in OpenOp and the Birmingham the doubles. Ashleigh Barty Classic,Cl and she was the worthy Aside fromm thethe top-top- recipientre of the WTA Player of ranked players,rs, defendingdedefefending theth Year award for 2019.

The Mini buggy driver, a two-times winner of the endurance event, had started only 24 seconds clear Dakar Rally: Sainz stretches lead of Toyota’s defending champion Nasser Al Attiyah but extended his lead to 18 minutes and 10 seconds. over Al Attiyah with Stage 10 win REUTERS — SHUBAYTAH The car category’s He had started the day a bit closer to Nasser even 534km special stage was 10th overall but fell back to if we are still in third Spaniard Carlos Sainz took halted after 223km, with the 14th. position.” a big lead in the Dakar Rally competitors travelling to the “It was a dangerous In the motorcycle cat- yesterday after winning a bivouac in liaison. stage with lots of difficult egory, American Ricky 10th stage halted before the Frenchman Stephane dunes. Several kilometres Brabec finished the stage halfway point by strong Peterhansel, a 13-times before the neutralised second and extended his winds and deteriorating Dakar winner, was in third section, we got completely lead on a Honda. He now conditions in the Saudi place overall and a further lost with Nasser and other leads Chilean Pablo Quin- Arabian desert. 16 seconds behind Al drivers,” said tanilla by 25 minutes. The Mini buggy driver, Attiyah. Peterhansel. Australian Toby Price, a two-times winner of the Two-times Formula “Some drivers got there the defending champion, endurance event, had One champion Fernando at the right time, when we dropped to fourth overall started only 24 seconds Alonso, Sainz’s compatriot, eventually found the right and 28 minutes off the lead. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Nasser Al Attiyah and clear of Toyota’s defending rolled his Toyota on the way and gained a lot of The rally, being held in Matthieu Baumel during stage 10, yesterday. champion Nasser Al Attiyah dunes and continued time. In the end, it’s a good the Middle East for the first but extended his lead to 18 without a windscreen after stage for my team-mate time, ends in Qiddiya minutes and 10 seconds. losing more than an hour. Carlos... whilst we have got tomorrow. Tokyo 2020 ticket designs unveiled Impressive debut for Qatar’s Al

REUTERS — TOKYO Subaie at Winter Youth Olympics

The ticket designs for the Tokyo 2020 Games were unveiled by Japanese para- canoeist Monika Seryu yesterday as the second wave of ticket sales for the Paralympics began. Organisers said the simple ticket designs, which feature the pictograms of each individual event and come in one of four colours, are inspired by the creation of fabrics for kimono, Jap- anese traditional formal wear. The colours - red, blue, purple and green - rep- resent each of Japan’s four seasons. Tickets for the The ticket designs for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are displayed Olympics have been on sale for the media for a photo opportunity in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. since May 2019 and organ- isers said yesterday that 4.48 million had been sold so far. commodity for Japanese the Paralympics. “I think myself, me without any Organisers are still sports fans and the second that the spectators are going arms, performing at the unclear on how many wave of domestic sales for to come and watch archery highest level of Qatar's Thawab Al Subaie (foreground) in action during a 3x3 ice hockey game tickets are available but in those events began and watch basically the competition.” at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland. Al Subaie, who Tokyo 2020’s bid to host the yesterday. impossible,” said Stutzman, The Tokyo 2020 joined a team of different nationalities, became the first Qatari to feature in the Olympics, they detailed that American silver who won silver at London Olympics run from July 24 7.8 million would be medalist para-archer Matt 2012. - August 9 with the Paral- multi-sporting event. His team finished with a creditable fifth position. Top four available. Tickets for the Stutzman was in Tokyo to “That is people with ympics starting over two teams advanced to the next round after the preliminary stage. Paralympics are also a hot rally even more support for physical disabilities like weeks later on August 25.