Sport WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Pochettino’sP mind is already on Barca game ItI (PSG's Champions League showdown with Barcelona) llooks far away, but it’s next month. The most important thingt is to build and arrive at our best to face Barcelona (in tthe round of 16).

Mauricio Pochettino Sport |11

QBF MEN'S LEAGUE Al Arabi (Kevin Murphy 23) 107 - 54 Al Khor; Al Sadd (Konstantinos Vasileiadis 24) 92-75 Al Ahli (Jonathan Lee 22) Kenin ready : Al Attiyah wins to seek Djokovic’s second consecutive stage advice in AP – Toyota's Qatari driver Nasser AO defence Al Attiyah and navigator Matthieu Nasser Al Attiyah won his third I’m quite happy. Today we really pushed a lot and stage of the Dakar Rally in Baumel in their REUTERS – MELBOURNE and cut his deficit during the third stage of the Mathieu (Baumel, co-pilot) did the navigation well. to overall leader Stephane yesterday. Everything is working very well like we need it to. Sofia Kenin has never defended Peteransel to five minutes a Grand Slam title before but yesterday. I’m really quite happy with the pace, because to the reigning Australian Open Al Attiyah won the pro- open and to win the stage is good: Nasser Al Attiyah champion said yesterday that logue and the second stage, she will seek advice from world and had to open the 403-kil- number one Novak Djokovic if ometer loop around Wadi Ad- she feels the pressure is too Dawasir, a blend of rocky much to handle. canyons and dunes. Kenin won her maiden The Qatari dominated, Grand Slam in Melbourne last beating Henk Lategan of South year which set the American on Africa by 2 1/2 minutes. Peter- course to break into the top 10 hansel overcame an early and claim the WTA Player of the puncture and was third, four Year award. minutes back. The 22-year-old, who was Some contenders didn’t also the French Open runner- fare so well. up, is currently ranked fourth Defending champion in the world and will be among , racing second the top seeds in Melbourne early on, lost his way along when the event gets underway with Saudi flagbearer Yazeed on Feb. 8. Al Rajhi. Sainz was back on “I definitely think I can talk track 31 minutes later and Al to Novak... I think that will be Rajhi after 45 minutes. helpful since we’re both Bernhard Ten Brinke of the defending champions,” Kenin Netherlands, in the top five told reporters ahead of the Abu with about 40 kilometers to go, Dhabi Open, a warm-up tour- rolled his car and was nament before the Australian receiving a competitor’s help Open. to resume. “He did give me great Peterhansel held on to the advice ahead of the final (last overall lead, five minutes over year) since we were practicing Al Attiyah. Mathieu Serradori next to each other.” of France rose to third, 26 Kenin, who was seeded 14th last year, came back from a set down to beat Spain’s twice Three-time champion Grand Slam champion Garbine minutes back. Sainz was year, in his second Dakar, he Two-time winner Toby STAGE 3 (TOP 5 CARS) Muguruza in the final. Nasser Al Attiyah who won fourth, 33 minutes back, and was ninth overall, taking a Price of Australia outdueled 1: N. Al Attiyah (Toyota) 03:17:39 “He came up to me and he the prologue and the Sebastien Loeb was sixth, 46 laidback approach just three of Argentina 2: H. Lategan (Toyota) + 0:02:27 was really nice about it and told minutes down. months after breaking his to win the stage. Matthias 3: S. Peterhansel (Mini) +0:04:05 me some things before the final second stage, dominates Skyler Howes of the United neck. He said he has the same Walkner, who lost two hours 4: Y. Seaidan (Century) +0:07:09 which was special because I the 403-kilometer loop States became the motorbike mindset this year. on Monday because of a 5: Sk. Al Qassimi (Peugeot) +0:12:31 was crazy nervous,” Kenin overall leader after stage two “Today the dunes flowed mechanical problem, was added. around Wadi Ad-Dawasir, winner and really well and I felt com- third. Brabec was 22 minutes OVERALL STANDINGS (CARS) While many tournaments and beats Henk Lategan of defending champion Ricky fortable there,” Howes said. off the pace, and Barreda 25 AFTER STAGE 3 were played last season without Brabec went off course 40 kil- ”Then we got out into the open minutes. 1: S. Peterhansel (Mini) 10:39:02 crowds due to the COVID-19 South Africa by 2 1/2 ometers in. desert on the really fast sandy Overall, Howes led 2: N. Al Attiyah (Toyota) +0:05:09 pandemic, Kenin hopes to see Howes came into the tracks and I felt right at home. Benavides by 2 1/2 minutes, 3: M. Serradori (Century) +0:26:21 them return in numbers in Mel- minutes. picture after the stage’s mid- I told myself if I was feeling and Xavier de Soultrait was 4: C. Sainz (Mini) +0:33:34 bourne, even if capacity is point and finished fourth. Last good, then I’d let it ride.” third. 5: J. Przygonski (Toyota) +0:44:22 limited.

City don’t have Qatari international referee Salman Falahi delivering a lecture session for the Al Sadd players. PL records 40 new virus enough players cases, highest in a week REUTERS – LONDON for League Since the new season kicked Cup semi-final The said off, 171 individuals in the yesterday that a total of 40 English top-flight have individuals tested positive for tested positive for the novel REUTERS – LONDON COVID-19, the highest number of cases in a week this season, coronavirus in 19 rounds of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has in two rounds of tests testing. said he has a depleted squad for today’s League conducted last week. Cup semi-final at Manchester United because Since the new season Between Friday 1 January of the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak at the kicked off, 171 individuals in the and Sunday 3 January, 984 Etihad club. English top-flight have tested players and club staff were Teams can name nine substitutes on bench Al Sadd players positive for the novel corona- tested for COVID-19 and of in the League Cup semis and final after the virus in 19 rounds of testing. EFL approved five substitutions per game. attend Falahi's lecture The league, which is now these, there were 12 new However, City had six players unavailable due conducting tests twice per positives. to positive tests in their 3-1 Premier League week, did not name the people win at Chelsea last weekend. on regulation changes who tested positive but said The United Kingdom has City’s game at Everton last week was also they will self-isolate for 10 recorded more than 2.7 postponed due to several positive cases in their days. million confirmed COVID-19 camp, with the Manchester club joining New- “The Premier League... can cases and more than 75,000 castle United, Sheffield United and Fulham today confirm that between deaths among those who have suffered virus out- THE PENINSULA – DOHA Monday 28 December and breaks in the top flight. Thursday 31 December, 1,311 “We don’t have many players,” Guardiola Qatari international players and club staff were told Sky Sports. “To play one, two games is referee Salman Falahi, tested for COVID-19. Of these, was cancelled due to fresh okay, but if sustained for a long time - and you delivered a lecture there were 28 new positive COVID-19 cases reported at the can use just 14 or 15 players - it will be more session for the Al Sadd tests,” the league said in a Etihad club. difficult. players yesterday, in the statement. The United Kingdom has “But... we have to adjust as much as pos- main hall of the club’s “Between Friday 1 January recorded more than 2.7 million sible. We don’t have an alternative. The training facility, before and Sunday 3 January, 984 confirmed COVID-19 cases and important thing is the guys who have COVID the start of the first team’s players and club staff were more than 75,000 deaths, as recover well and the others try to avoid it as main training session in tested for COVID-19 and of per a Reuters tally. much as possible.” preparation for the QSL these, there were 12 new Prime Minister Boris “It looks like we are an island inside the game against Al Sailiya. regulations were reviewed the most prom- positives.” Johnson announced a new society. It’s like everything is locked down The lecture was held reviewed with the use of inent amendments Last week, Fulham’s games national COVID-19 lockdown except ourselves,” Guardiola added. in the presence of the videos to make them approved by FIFA, espe- at Burnley and Tottenham on Monday due to surging “They (players) have to be careful what coaching and adminis- clear to the players. cially in the cases of Hotspur were called off due to infections in the country caused they do. Social distance, be careful and be trative staff of the Referee Salman Falahi interventions, and cases a COVID-19 outbreak at the by a new variant of the virus, lucky because even doing as best as possible, Al-Sadd team, and all the and assistant referee involving goalkeepers west London club, while Man- but the Premier League will be there are risks.” new amendments in FIFA Faisal Eid Al Shammari inside the penalty area. chester City’s match at Everton allowed to continue. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11 Qatar to establish All Asia Football Lab by 2026

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Study and research Technical and conditioning coaching Qatar will establish a state-of-the-art facility Refereeing aimed at facilitating the exchange of knowledge, Football technology innovation, research and training for all Member Sports medicine Associations of the Asian Football Confederation The impact on the Asian football family would (AFC) before, during and after the 2027 Asian Cup. go far beyond the elite game and would be open Named as the All Asia Football Lab, the facility to men’s and women’s teams alike. will be part of Qatar’s legacy programme as the The team categories which are intended to country bids to host the 2027 Asian Cup. have access to the Lab: The All Asia Football Lab could open its doors Senior national teams as early as 2026. It would be designed and Olympic teams planned in close collaboration with the AFC to Youth teams ensure it contributes towards elevating Asian Futsal teams football to its vision as the world’s leading Beach football teams confederation. Services which will be offered at All Asia Lab: In addition, the All Asia Football Lab will Technical and educational courses, sem- champion meaningful activities directed at pro- inars and conferences moting women’s participation in sports, including Experience and expertise in the areas the development of a Women’s Football Pro- of construction, management of sporting instal- the areas of sports science and sports medicine Potential topics of exchange programmes gramme that sets up a structured training pro- lations, materials, sport and scientific equipment in relation to football include: gramme, brings in expert skills from regional and The training of technical personnel and The availability of sports centres or other Good governance international fields and trains Qatari women to organisational procedures suitable venues for competitions, training and Marketing and promotional activities become international standard coaches and Experience, expertise and training in camps Sports venues management match officials.

Murphy shines as Al Arabi beat Al Khor 107-54; Al Sadd win QSL: Leaders Al Sadd take on Al Sailiya in Round 13 clash

THE PENINSULA – DOHA QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS Al Sadd's Rodrigo RK CLUB M W L D GF GA GD PTS Tabata in action 1 Al Sadd 12 10 0 2 42 9 33 32 during a practice Former champions Al Sadd, 2 Al Duhail 12 8 4 0 27 16 11 24 session yesterday. coming off a dominant 5-0 3 Al Gharafa 12 7 3 2 27 18 9 23 win over Al Kharaitiyat in 4 Al Ahli 12 7 4 1 19 22 -3 22 the previous round, will take 5 Qatar SC 12 6 4 2 20 12 8 20 on Al Sailiya in the opening 6 Al Rayyan 12 4 4 4 12 11 1 16 fixture of the 13th week in 7 Al Arabi 12 4 5 3 16 20 -4 15 QNB Stars League tomorrow. 8 Al Sailiya 12 4 5 3 15 19 -4 15 Al Sailiya also stunned 9 Al Wakrah 12 4 7 1 12 16 -4 13 last season's runner-up Al 10 Umm Salal 12 2 6 4 7 16 -9 10 Rayyan 2-0 in Round 12, will 11 Al Khor 12 1 7 4 8 24 -16 7 be brimming with confi- 12 Al Kharaitiyat 12 2 10 0 8 30 -22 6 dence ahead of tomorrow's Al Arabi and Al Khor players in action during their Qatar match against the Xavi Her- Qatar SC (fifth with 20 Basketball Federation League match played at Al Gharafa nandez-coached Wolves points) face Al Kharaitiyat Indoor Hall yesterday. Kevin Murphy scored 23 points to guide who are enjoying a brilliant (last with six points) with the Al Arabi to an easy 107-54 win over Al Khor in the day's first unbeaten record as far this aim of returning to the match. Later, at the same venue, Konstantinos Vasileiadis season. winning path that saw them (24) powered Al Sadd to a 92-75 win over Al Ahli. Al Sadd had beaten Al record five consecutive vic- Sailiya 5-1 in the first leg of tories before being held in the FIXTURES the 2020-21 season. last two rounds. The Kings TOMORROW Al Sadd (32 points) had had played out a 1-1 draw Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya Al Sadd Stadium (16:15) extended their leap atop the with Al Sadd in Week 11. Al Rayyan VS Al Gharafa table to eight points with last On the other hand, Al Al Sadd Stadium (18:45) week's win, while Al Sailiya Kharaitiyat have their back Qatar SC VS Al Kharaitiyat (placed eighth) are on 15 to the wall as they face rel- Qatar SC Stadium (18:45) points. egation threat. FRIDAY Al Rayyan (sixth with 16 Champions Al Duhail Al Duhail VS Al Wakrah Al Duhail Stadium (15:15) points) are up against third- will also be in upbeat mood Al Khor VS Umm Salal placed Al Gharafa (23 points) when they take on Al Al Duhail Stadium (17:45) in another heavyweight Wakrah (ninth with 13 Al Arabi VS Al Ahli clash. points). The Red Knights had Al Arabi Stadium (17:45) Al Rayyan will be looking improved from third to to put their campaign back second position in the zone as they clash with Umm on track under new coach standings with 24 points fol- Salal (10th with 10 points). Laurent Blanc, whereas Al lowing their 1-0 win over Al Arabi (seventh with 15 Gharafa, who drew 2-2 with Umm Salal in Week 12. points) will target their Qatar SC in Week 12, will be Al Khor (11th with seven fourth straight win when keen to maintain their points) will also be eager to they run into Al Ahli (fourth Al Ahli, Al Khor record wins in position in the top four. stay away from the danger with 22 points). QVA Beach Volleyball League Pochettino’s mind is already on Barca game AP – PARIS Twice, Pochettino applauded his feats does not exist at PSG, but he relishes the of memory. added pressure. Just days into his new job and Paris Saint- Pochettino may also have some sym- “Paris Saint-Germain have an amazing Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino’s mind pathy for Tuchel, having himself been sacked squad and unbelievable players,” he said. is already on the Champions League despite leading Tottenham to its first Cham- “I know what PSG represents and I know showdown with Barcelona. pions League final in 2019 - losing to what big players are. I really believe they He hopes injuries will have cleared up Liverpool. can perform in the best way, that is our by then, allowing PSG to face the five-time Few expected Spurs to get that far, but expectation and challenge.” European champion at full strength. Pochettino is expected to win big at PSG. When he steps out at Parc des Princes “It looks far away, but it’s next month. The club has been lavishly bankrolled for Saturday’s home game against Brest, The most important thing is to build and by Qatari investors QSI for nearly 10 years, Pochettino will be on familiar turf. He played arrive at our best to face Barcelona (in the and demands are huge. Tuchel was the third 95 games for PSG as a rugged central back round of 16),” Pochettino said yesterday at coach sacked in four years following Laurent from 2001-03 - a combative player instantly his first news conference.e e ce. Blanc and Unai Emery.Emery popular with fans. “From the momentoment all the players will ManagingManaging PSG is a “To come back to the club 18 years later be available, therere will be a massive cocom-m- different dynamicdynamic fromf is a dream.” The 48-year-old Argentine petition (for places)es) between them. I thinthinkk Pochettino’sPochettino’s underdogunder began coaching at Espanyol in 2009, but for sure we are ggoingoing to arrive at our best rolesroles at SouthamptonSouthamp made his name with Tottenham. Under his to win, and to go further.” andand Tottenham,Tottenham, wherewh guidance, Harry Kane blossomed into the Going furtherr was not enough for his he waswas hailedhailed asa a prolific striker with more than 200 goals for Action during the General Beach Volleyball League matches, predecessor, Thomasomas Tuchel - who was shrewd coach wwho the club. conducted by the Qatar Volleyball Association. In yesterday's sacked just four monthsmonths after leading PSG mamaximizedximized lilimitedmi Now, Pochettino, has the world’s two matches, Al Ahli and Al Khor recorded convincing wins, to its first Championsons League final. PSG lost rresources.esources. HHee sasaved most expensive players to work with in defeating their respective opponents in straight sets. Al Ahli to Bayern Munichh in August.August. Saints from relerelegation,gat Neymar and Mbappe, who cost PSG €402m beat Al Wakrah 2-0 while Al Khor defeated Al Rayyan 2-0. Pochettino’s immediatemmediate ppri-ri- before revitalizirevitalizingn a ($494m). Unsurprisingly, Pochettino is also ority is getting PSGSG back on flaggingflagging Spurs sidesid by linked with a summer move for fellow top of a league itit usually reachingreaching the 22015 Argentine Lionel Messi, the Barca star whose dominates - wwithith the League Cup ffinal,i contract expires this season. defending championampion and finisfinishingh Pochettino would not be drawn on Messi third after four losses. secondsecond in the but left the door open, as any coach would. His first game is at Premier LeagueLea “There are a lot of rumors in big clubs Saint-Etienne today,day, twotwo years latlater. like PSG. It’s time to leave the rumors for when star forwardard WhenWhen SpursSp later,” he said. “But any big player in the Neymar will bee mimissedssed out on world is always welcome in Paris Saint- among at least trophies, few Germain.” Where Pochettino differs from eight PSG blamedblamed himh Tuchel, however, is in not just banking on players injured. sincesince he was the stars to lead others. Pochettino tacklingtackling richerric “There are different ways to express your was not asked clubs.clubs. leadership,” he said. about Tuchel,, ThatT h A lack of unity on the pitch often proved during a news con-n- safesafetyty net to be PSG’s downfall on the biggest stage. ference in which hehe With Neymar and Mbappe were off form spoke in Spanish and in last season’s Champions League final, no English, flanked byby one other players emerged and Bayern’s 1-0 of his loyal assistantsants who became too comfortable. Three years ago, translated his longg answers PSG made Champions League history by into French withoutout taking Mauricio Pochettino crumbling 6-1 in Barcelona after winning notes. 4-0 in Paris. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 Confident United can go all the way in Leagueg Cup: Solskjaer

REUTERS – LONDON 10-match unbeaten run and goalless draw at homeome by Marcelino level on 33 points with leaders City in their league gameame lalastst Manchester United are Liverpool with a game in month, and Solskjaerlskjaer playing confidently and hand. attributed that too CityCity Marcelino should be able to win the “We’ve developed in the manager Pep Guardiolardiola League Cup, and there will be last 12 months since the last switching to a moremooere returns no excuses if they fail to beat semi-final in the League Cup counter-attacking for-for- Manchester City in Wednes- so it’s not just learning to win mation which he revertedverted Criticism as Athletic day’s semi-final, manager Ole semi-finals,” Solskjaer told to in their 3-1 wiwinn at Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured) reporters. Chelsea. of Cavani Bilbao coach said yesterday. “We’ve also earned the “You never knoww whatwhat United crashed out at the right to feel we can go all the system he’s going to ccomeomme upp REUTERS – MADRID semi-final stage of the League way with our performances. with but you’ve got too ddefendeffend ban grows Cup, FA Cup and Europa We’re confident, in good form, well. It’s hard to keep thethe ballbaballl Marcelino, one of the most League last season, but Sol- so there’s no excuses. in their half - we havee to bebe consistent coaches in Spanish skjaer believes that they have “You play to win trophies brave, compact, trustt ththehe in South football but seen by some as a made big improvements in - it gives you the hunger to players, play out of theirheirr divisive character, is back in the current campaign. win more. The squad is press,” Solskjaer said.d. America the fold after 16 months off and The club are second in the focused and ready to give it “We’ve found thathhat is ready to stamp his authority Premier League after a a go.” United were held to a balance.” REUTERS – MONTEVIDEO on an Athletic Bilbao side in need of a shake-up. The South American Football A coach since 1997, Confederation (CONMEBOL) Marcelino has had success at joined the growing criticism of practically every club he has England’s FA yesterday with a taken charge of, leading three condemnation of the three- sides to promotion to La Liga, match ban given to Uruguayan two into the Europa League Edinson Cavani for alleged and one into the Champions racism. League. Cavani was last week He also won the 2019 Copa banned for three games and del Rey with Valencia, beating fined £100,000 ($136,180) for Barcelona in the final, after posting an Instagram message securing back-to-back top- to a friend with what the FA four finishes with the team - decided to be a racist term after but was sacked early the fol- his Manchester United side’s lowing season after falling out 3-2 win over Southampton on Manchester United players walk out onto the pitch before a match. with owner Peter Lim. Nov. 29. The FA said the post brought the game into dis- repute and ordered him to Liverpool extend EPL blip with defeat at Southampton undergo “face-to-face edu- cation” as part of his pun- ishment. The striker apologised AP – SOUTHAMPTON Southampton’s scoring a goal against Liverpool on Monday. for any misunderstanding and The best situations we had declined to challenge the ban. Southampton manager Ralph were with Sadio having “The disciplinary measure Hasenhuttl slumped to the the ball at his feet. For levelled on the Uruguayan ground, pulled down the bill of his player clearly does not take cap, and wept after another big anyone to say he’s a diver into account the cultural char- win for his team in the English is the biggest joke...He had acteristics and use of certain Premier League. two situations where other terms spoken in daily life in On the receiving end this time teams would get a penalty. Uruguay,” CONMEBOL said in was Liverpool, which also appears a statement. to be on its knees in what is The handball, I don’t know “Judgment of these kind of shaping up to be the most open who will explain that to declarations... should always be title races in years. me. In these situations we made bearing in mind the Danny Ings, a former Liv- were unfortunate...I hear context in which they were erpool player, scored in the made and above all the cultural second minute to lead South- Manchester United had peculiarities of each player and ampton to a 1-0 win over the more penalties in two each country. champion at an empty St. Mary’s years than I had in 5-1/2 “CONMEBOL condemns Stadium on Monday. years. I have no idea if and always will condemn with Liverpool has gone three the greatest energy any racism games without a win - after back- that’s my fault, or how or discrimination but the spe- to-back draws against West Bro- that can happen: cific case for which Cavani was mwich Albion and Newcastle - Juergen Klopp sanctioned does not constitute and leads on only goal difference one of them.” The statement from great rival Manchester followed similar protestations United, which has played one by both the Uruguayan Football game fewer. Southampton was depleted Association and a union of Uru- United isn’t the only team in for the game, missing the spine of Klopp says Liverpool were denied guayan professional players. striking distance of the lead its team with first-choice goal- The country’s Academy of approaching the halfway point of keeper Alex McCarthy (corona- Letters, an association dedi- the league. Four points separate virus), central midfielder Oriol penalty but makes no excuses cated to protecting and pro- Liverpool from seventh-placed Romeu (hamstring) and striker moting the Spanish language Everton, with 10th-placed West Che Adams (concussion) joining REUTERS – SOUTHAMPTON explain that to me. In these situations we were used in Uruguay, also criticised Ham only seven points off the lead giant center back Jannik Vester- unfortunate...I hear Manchester United had the ban. in what was always going to be a gaard on the sidelines. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said it was more penalties in two years than I had in 5-1/2 disjointed season amid the But the Saints still had Ings, baffling that the Premier League champions years. I have no idea if that’s my fault, or how pandemic. who latched onto a free kick by were not awarded a penalty in Monday’s that can happen. Southampton is in the mix, its James Ward-Prowse and lifted a 1-0 loss at Southampton and claimed other “But it’s no excuse for the performance. Barca team latest win lifting Hasenhuttl’s bouncing ball over goalkeeper teams would not have been denied by the We cannot change it, we have to respect the team to sixth place in a season Alisson Becker and into the far officials. decisions. We can change our performance. tests negative when it has been in first place - corner. Liverpool fell behind to a second-minute That’s our focus now.” albeit briefly - for the first time It was attack vs. defense from lob by former striker Danny Ings and had a Former Liverpool defender Jamie Car- REUTERS – BARCELONA since 1988. It all proved too much then on but Southampton held penalty claim dismissed when Georginio ragher said the club had forgotten how to play for the emotional Hasenhuttl at firm, with center backs Jack Wijnaldum’s shot from inside the box was in the final minutes of games after going three Barcelona's first team players the final whistle. Stephens and Jan Bednarek, in blocked by the hand of Jack Stephens. league matches without a win. have all tested negative for Few could have foreseen this particular, outstanding. The league leaders were left frustrated “I didn’t see that coming, I expected a COVID-19 following a new sudden drop-off by Liverpool, “You know exactly what you again when Kyle Walker-Peters went unpun- reaction on the back of two poor perform- round of tests after two cases which has failed to score in suc- are going to get from them,” Klopp ished after bringing down Sadio Mane in the ances. We’ve just seen another one,” Car- among staff members were cessive games for only the second said of Southampton. “You cannot penalty area. ragher told Sky Sports. announced the day before, the time in Jurgen Klopp’s five-year be surprised but we looked sur- “The best situations we had were with “Liverpool’s away form this season is so club said yesterday. tenure. prised. At the beginning how we Sadio having the ball at his feet,” Klopp told poor...That’s a big worry, in terms of what The staff members' infec- Indeed, such has been Liver- played, where we lost the balls, Sky Sports. they’re creating away from home. It’s nowhere tions led the team to pool’s lack of cutting edge of late it’s not rocket science. We should “For anyone to say he’s a diver is the near enough.” reschedule their morning that Klopp’s team has managed have done much better. We biggest joke...He had two situations where Liverpool face Aston Villa in the FA Cup training session and news con- just seven shots on target in the played into their hands with the other teams would get a penalty. third round on Friday before a league clash ference ahead of today's La past three games. start.” “The handball, I don’t know who will against United on Jan. 17. Liga trip to Athletic Bilbao. No Zlatan, no problem: Milan rated Europe’s most improved team REUTERSREUTERS – MILANMILAN 19th Scudetto, and their first in a ranking of European football clubs to a 3-1 win at title rivals Napoli on decade. which informs us which teams are Nov. 22. EvenEven wiwithth ZlZlatanatan IIbrahimovicbrahimo side- According to Gracenote’s data, the best, which are the most However, Ibrahimovic has since linedlined throuthroughgh ininjury,j AC Milan are the only team to have improved or falling fastest, and a been missing with a thigh injury, Milan have maintainedma increased their Euro Club Index by whole host of other things without and without his contribution, many their early seasonseas form more than 500 points in the last bias. expected the wheels to come off for and improvedimproved mmore than year. The seven-time European Many have questioned whether Milan. But in recent weeks several anyany other team in EEurope in champions’ improvement means 39-year-old Ibrahimovic could still other players have stepped up in the last yyear,ear, accordiaccordingng to the Euro they have climbed from being the produce the goods in the far reaches his place. In all, four of the side’s Club Index football rankingranki from 47th-best team in Europe a year ago of his career, but his goals have players have scored four or more Nielsen’sNielsen’s GGracenote.racenote. to number 20. been pivotal to Milan’s impressive goals in Serie A this season -- Ibra- TTh he SerieSerie A leaders Norwegian champions Bodo/ start to their delayed campaign. himovic, Theo Hernandez, Rafael andand only Glimt are the second-most The evergreen Swede’s two Leao and Franck Kessie -- a joint- unbeatenunbea side improved team in Europe, while goals earned Milan a dramatic 2-1 record among the top five European in Europe’sEur top Champions League winners Bayern win over rivals Inter Milan in mid- Leagues in the current season. fivefive leaguesle - Munich improved the third most to October, and he scored a late Five league wins and two draws EEngland,ngland Spain, move from fourth place overall to winner at Udinese two weeks later. in the absence of Ibrahimovic leave Germany,Germany, Italy and France - first. His late equaliser preserved Milan top of the standings, one point faceface championschampions JuventusJuven on Simon Gleave, head of sport Milan’s unbeaten start against ahead of Inter and 10 clear of Zlatan Ibrahimovic WednesdayWednesday as theythey lookloo to lay analysis at Gracenote, said: “The Verona seven days after that, while Juventus in fifth ahead of today's down a marker in their ququest for a Euro Club Index is an objective two more of his strikes helped Milan match. WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09

Rahul out FACTBOX as India set Langer says Warner ‘very Australia vs India, third Test Factbox on the third Test between Australia and India: for Sydney likely’ for the third Test WHEN? Jan. 7-117 (1030 a.m. local/2330 GMT) WHERE? Test match REUTERS - MELBOURNE Australians withwith bouncers SydneySydney CricketCricke Ground (10,000 restricted capacity) in Melbourne,e, striking MATCHMATC OFFICIALS (all Australian) AP - SYDNEY Australia coach Justin Langer has specialist batsmenbatsmen Umpires:Umpire Bruce Oxenford, Rod Tucker all but confirmed David Warner Marnus Labuschagneschagne hird umpire: Paul Reiffel KL Rahul has been ruled out (pictured right) will return for and Wade onn the MatchM referee: David Boon with injury, denting India’s the third Test against India and helmet. Yet LLangeranger AUSTRALIA stock of backup batsmen. said uncapped opener Will said there wwasas “no World ranking: 1 With a series lead on the Pucovski is available for selection reason” why Pucovski CCoach:oach: JJustin Langer, Captain: Tim Paine line at the Sydney Cricket after clearing concussion could not be selected.elected. Team (likel(likely):y): Will Pucovski, David Warner, Marnus Ground, there’ll be changes in protocols. “All the concussionncussion propro-- LLabuschagne,abuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron the personnel when the third Regular opener Warner has tocols... have bbeeneen passed,” GGreen,reen, Tim PaiPainen (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Josh Test starts tomorrow. been racing to be fit for the Sydney he said. HHazlewood,azlewo Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon. The Board of Control for Cricket Ground (SCG) test starting “It’s just wworkingorking out the INDIA Cricket in India yesterday said tomorrow after missing the first balance of our team, wherewhere World ranking: 3, Rahul had sprained his left two matches in Adelaide and Mel- we’re at in thee series... CCoach:oach: RaRaviv Shastri, Captain: Ajinkya Rahane wrist during batting practice bourne with a groin strain. we weigh up whwhetherether Team (likel(likely):y): RRohito Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar on the weekend and would Warner admitted last week this Test matchtch is PPujara,ujara, AAjinkyajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant return to the National Cricket he was unlikely to be fully fit but right, or the next ((wicketkeeper),wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Academy in Bengaluru for Langer told reporters yesterday Test match is rright.”ight.” SShardulhardul Thakur,Tha Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. rehabilitation on the injury. the lefthander was “very, very, Pucovski’sk i’s Rahul hasn’t played a Test very likely” to play at the SCG inclusion wwouldould PREVIOUSPREVIOU SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND TESTS match since 2019, but was fac- where Tim Paine’s Australia will likely mean Wade 1947 - Match drawn toring in calculations for a hope to take a 2-1 lead in the reverting to hiss usual 11968 - Australia won by 144 runs return with the series tied 1-1 four-match series. spot in the middlemiddle 11978978 - India won by an innings and two runs and two matches remaining. Warner is expected to replace order and batsmanatsman 1981198 - Australia won by an innings and four Rohit Sharma seems set to the dropped Joe Burns but Travis Headd bbeingeing runs make his return from injury, selectors will have to decide dropped after scores of 1986 - Match drawn with the only doubt over whether Pucovski should partner 38 and 17 in thee ddefeatefeat in 1992 - Match drawn where. Warner at the top of the order or Melbourne. 200020 - Australia won by an innings and 141 With Mayank Agarwal tal- retain Matthew Wade as a make- Langer saidaid HeadHead runs lying just 31 runs in four shift opener. was a “good player”ayer” but 2004 - Match drawn innings this season, it could be Pundits have expressed declined to backack his 20082 - Australia won by 122 runs a straight swap at the top. concern about the risks of picking inclusion for Sydney.ydney. 2012 - AustraliaAust won by an innings and 68 runs India’s batting depth is 22-year-old Pucovski, who was “He’s one of thethe 2015 - Match drawn being tested. unavailable for the first Tests guys currentlytly in 2019 - Match drawn Skipper Virat Kohli played after suffering concussion when the team. Whetherhether RESULTS in the first Test, which Aus- struck in the helmet by a short that changes fforor thisthis First Test (Adelaide):(Ade Australia won by eight wickets tralia won by eight wickets, ball in a tour match. game, I can’tt tetellll yyou.ou. SSecondecond Test ((Melbourne): India won by eight wickets before returning home to be Pucovski has a history of con- We’ve got someme ddecisionsecisions ttoo REMAINING FIXTURES with his wife, who is expecting cussion problems and India’s make... probablyably after this Jan.Jan. 15-19 FourthF Test at the Gabba, Brisbane (1000 the couple’s first child this pace attack, led by the formidable afternoon’s (trainin(training)g)) a.m. local/0000 GMT) month. Jasprit Bumrah, pelted the session.”

SCOREBOARD South Africa coach SRI LANKA, first innings, 157 SOUTH AFRICA, first innings, 302 Daryl Mitchell SRI LANKA, second innings (overnight 150-4) of New Boucher hails team D. Karunaratne c Mulder b Nortje ...... 103 Zealand talks K. Perera b Ngidi ...... 1 to former L. Thirimanne c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 31 player- K. Mendis c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 0 after series win M. Bhanuka c Maharaj b Nortje ...... 1 turned TV N. Dickwella c Bavuma b Ngidi ...... 36 commentator D. Shanaka c Sipamla b Mulder ...... 8 REUTERS - JOHANNESBURG Grant Elliot W. Hasaranga b Sipamla ...... 16 after the third D. Chameera c De Kock b Sipamla...... 0 day's play of South Africa coach Marc Boucher hailed a first series win for his V. Fernando not out ...... 1 the second side following a lean run of form over the last two years after they A. Fernando b Sipamla ...... 0 Test against romped to an easy 2-0 triumph over Sri Lanka yesterday. Extras (b9, lb2, nb2, w1) ...... 14 Total (56.5 overs) ...... 211 Pakistan at “First of all, it’s just good to get a win under our belts,” said Boucher after South Africa beat Sri Lanka in the first Test in Pre- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Perera), 2-86 (Thir- Hagley Oval. imanne), 3-92 (Mendis), 4-109 (Bhanuka), PIC:@ toria last week and followed it up with a 10-wicket triumph in 5-176 (Karunaratne), 6-181 (Dickwella), 7-190 blackcaps the second test at The Wanderers Stadium yesterday. (Shanaka), 8-209 (Hasaranga), 9-210 (Cha- “Our batsmen got among the runs, spent good time in the meera) middle and so that will have given them a lot of confidence for Bowling: Ngidi 15-5-44-4, Nortje 19-2-64-2 our next series in Pakistan and then against Australia. They can (1w), Mulder 13-3-52-1, Sipamla 9.5-1-40-3 build on that momentum.” (1nb) South Africa now prepare to visit Pakistan for the first time in 14 years for a two Test series later this month. They then host SOUTH AFRICA, second innings A. Markram not out ...... 36 Williamson smashes 238 as Australia in February and March. D. Elgar not out ...... 31 “If you look at our bowling attack, there are only a handful of Extras ...... 0 caps between them and so a lot of inexperience there,” Boucher Total (0 wkts, 13.2 overs) ...... 67 told a news conference. Bowling: V Fernando 4-0-23-0, A. Fernando New Zealand flatten Pakistan “They learnt a lot of lessons and they learnt them very quickly 4-1-20-0, Hasaranga 2.2-0-16-0, Shanaka 3-1- as well. It’s a group that is growing and as long as we see growth 8-0 REUTERS - WELLINGTON SCOREBOARD Battling a calf strain, we are happy. The way they responded to a few harsh words that Result: South Africa won by ten wickets Nicholls decided to counter- were needed at times was good and is something to build on.” Series: South Africa won the two-match se- ries 2-0 Skipper Kane Williamson PAKISTAN, 1st innings 297 (Azhar Ali 93, M. attack, pulling and cutting until South Africa had lost eight of their previous nine Tests, five of (pictured below) smashed his Rizwan 61, F. Ashraf 48; Jamieson 5-69, South- his dismissal after attempting them at home, going into the Sri ee 2-61) fourth Test double-hundred NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings (overnight 286-3) a pull shot off Mohammad Lanka series at the end of a while Henry Nicholls and Daryl T. Latham c Sohail b Afridi ...... 33 Abbas. 11-month hiatus, having dropped “Playing in our home Mitchell notched up centuries T. Blundell lbw Ashraf ...... 16 Williamson was rock solid to six in the world Test team conditions will be a lot to fuel New Zealand’s bid for a K. Williamson c Masoon b Ashraf ...... 238 at the other end and became the rankings. better for us. We can do it in 2-0 series sweep in the second R. Taylor c Masood b Abbas ...... 12 third New Zealand batsman, “By no means are we a finished Sri Lanka. We have a good and final Test against Pakistan H. Nicholls c Shah b Abbas ...... 157 after Stephen Fleming and Ross product,” Boucher warned. “There spinning line-up who will yesterday. B. Watling c Sohail b Afridi ...... 7 Taylor, to score 7,000 Test runs. is still a lot of hard work to be done be keen to make full use of Williamson scored 238 and D. Mitchell not out ...... 102 Currently the top-ranked but the guys understand that. our conditions. Hopefully K. Jamieson not out ...... 30 collaborated in a marathon Extras (b27, lb8, w17, nb12) ...... 64 Test batsman, Williamson took “We are going to make mistakes we can dominate the 369-run partnership, a New Total (six wickets; 158.5 overs) ...... 659 a single off Shaheen Afridi to along the way but as long as we English.” Zealand record for the fourth Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Blundell), 2-52 also equal Brendon McCullum’s keep learning from those mistakes, Sri Lanka skipper wicket, with Nicholls, who (Latham), 3-71 (Taylor), 4-440 (Nicholls), record of four Test double-hun- then we are heading in the right Dimuth Karunaratne made 157. 5-452 (Watling), 6-585 (Williamson) dreds by a New Zealand direction.” Williamson then allowed Did not bat: Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent batsman. Mitchell to complete his maiden Boult Williamson raised his bat in Bowling: Test century before declaring Afridi 35.5-8-101-2 (2nb), Abbas a muted celebration. 34-11-98-2 (2w, 1nb), Shah 26-2-141-0 (12w, Sri Lanka want key players New Zealand’s first innings on 9nb), Ashraf 28-4-106-2 (3w), Masood 2-0- After batting for more than 659-6. 17-0, Gohar 32-0-159-0, Sohail 1-0-2-0 nine-and-half hours during Pakistan, who managed 297 which he hit 28 boundaries, to return for England series in the first innings, finished the PAKISTAN, 2nd innings Williamson played a tired shot day three on 8-1, still 354 runs S. Masood c Southee b Jamieson ...... 0 and departed with scores of 251, behind and staring at an innings Abid Ali not out ...... 7 129, 21 and 238 in his last four REUTERS - JOHANNESBURG The skipper said he was confident Sri Lanka defeat at Hagley Oval. M. Abbas not out ...... 1 Test innings. could turn around a dismal showing in the two Extras ...... 0 Pakistan could not make Total (one wicket; 11 overs) ...... 8 “Pretty grateful to the Sri Lanka hope to have at least three key players Tests when they take on England. the most of the overcast condi- Fall of wicket: 1-3 (Masood) skipper for giving me a couple back after an injury-hampered Test series defeat They play a two-match series in Galle, where tions and the second new ball Bowling: Southee 6-4-5-0, Boult 3-2-2-0, of extra overs to try and get the to South Africa, their captain said yesterday, as the first test begins on January 14. and Azhar Ali spilled a catch at Jamieson 2-1-1-1 job done,” Mitchell, who made they look ahead to hosting England later this “Playing in our home conditions will be a lot gully to allow Nicholls to 102 not out, said afterwards. month. better for us. We can do it in Sri Lanka,” he said Veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chan- yesterday. complete dimal and senior seamer Suranga Lakmal are all “We have a good spinning line-up who will hisTop New Zealand players due to rejoin the squad, captain Dimuth Karu- be keen to make full use of our conditions. Hope- seventh naratne said after his side were beaten by 10 fully we can dominate the English. Tcentury.with most Test runs/100s wickets by South Africa at The Wanderers “They gave us lots of trouble previously, but Player Mat Runs 100s Stadium. we are ready for that. LRPL Taylor 105* 7379 19 It was a second successive defeat for Sri “I think this time we have experience, and SP Fleming 111 7172 9 Lanka after being thumped by an innings and 45 we will be trying to dominate in our KS Williamson 83* 7115 24 runs in the first Test in Pretoria last week. conditions.” BB McCullum 101 6453 12 Chandimal was injured in the first Test and England have only planned a two-day intra- MD Crowe 77 5444 17 missed out in Johannesburg; Lakmal never squad warm-up game to prepare for the first test, JG Wright 82 5334 12 recovered from a hamstring niggle; while Mat- but Karunaratne said he still expected the tourists NJ Astle 81 4702 11 thews did not travel to South Africa for the brief to be well-prepared. DL Vettori 112 4523 6 tour. “They have lots of experience of conditions TWM Latham 56* 3929 11 “We are hopeful they will be back. We think on the sub-continent. But ultimately the series BJ Watling 73* 3773 8 there is good news around their injuries,” Karu- could be decided around the mental side. That’s * current Test included naratne told a news conference after the con- my plan, at least, whatever the condition we clusion of the South Africa tour. should back ourselves,” Sport WEDNESDAY 6 JANUARY 2021 08 In the NBA F1 talks with Australian GP are ‘live and active’ this season,

AGENCIES - MELBOURNE pandemic. A member of the positive result on Monday in teams will McLaren crew tested positive for Dubai, where he is on a holiday Government officials in Australia the coronavirus after arriving in before the team’s training camp. see same are involved in “live and active” Australia and other team staff Norris, 21, said that he took a negotiations with Formula One were put into hotel quarantine. COVID-19 test after losing his refs more organizers about the timing of the F1 completed a shortened sense of taste and smell. race that is scheduled to open the 17-race season, mostly in Europe Norris is the fourth F1 driver season on March 21 at Melbourne’s and the Middle East, with Lewis to test positive for the novel coro- often Albert Park circuit. Hamilton winning a seventh navirus after seven-times Media in Europe reported the drivers’ title. champion Lewis Hamilton, Australian Grand Prix was likely Australia’s travel restrictions Mexican Sergio Perez and Lance AP - NEW YORK to be postponed because of mean anyone entering the country Stroll of Racing Point (now Aston COVID-19 restrictions and staged must spend 14 days in hotel quar- Martin) returned positive tests last There are nine people who later in the season. antine, making it difficult for F1 season. Norris finished ninth in the have been on the court to start “As far as I know, there has teams to prepare for the season. drivers standings last season. four different games at Staples been no decision made to cancel, The Australian Open tennis Also yesterday, it was con- Center so far this season. move or otherwise with the Aus- tournament is set to go ahead - firmed that Thai racer Alexander Only eight of them are tralian Grand Prix,” Victoria state’s starting three weeks late on Feb- Albon will compete in selected players. Emergency Services Minister Lisa ruary 8 - with players expected to rounds of the German Touring Car The other is referee Scott Neville said yesterday. “Those start arriving in Australia next Championship (DTM) with Red Foster. conversations are live and active, week to begin two weeks of Bull backing this season after There might be no better absolutely.” quarantine. losing his Formula One seat to way to explain how and why The Victorian state gov- Respected auto racing news Mexican Sergio Perez. the NBA has changed the ernment is a major backer of the site Autosport reported the likely The DTM said in a statement travel rules for officials this Australian GP, which had to be postponement of the Australian that the 24-year-old would race year than Foster’s work cancelled in 2020 just two days race and said the Bahrain Grand with an as yet unidentified team schedule to this point. He was before the first race of the season Prix, scheduled for March 28, now whenever his Formula One duties scheduled to work a game in was set to begin. appeared poised to become the as a Red Bull test, reserve and sim- Houston on December 23, Drivers and teams were in season-opening race. ulator driver allowed. only to see the matchup called Melbourne last March and were Meanwhile it was announced Albon finished seventh overall off when the Rockets didn’t hours away from the first official that McLaren driver Lando Norris in F1 last year but was dropped by have enough people available practice session when organizers has tested positive for COVID-19 Red Bull Racing in December in to play in accordance with the canceled the GP, with thousands and is now self-isolating. favour of Perez, a race winner league’s health and safety of fans queuing outside the circuit, McLaren said in a statement with Racing Point, alongside protocols regarding the because of the coronavirus that Norris had returned a Dutch driver Max Verstappen. coronavirus. From there, Foster flew to Los Angeles. He worked four games in six days, and never left LA in that span. Civil Guard That simply would have TENNIS IN 2021: COVID questions never happened in past years, training when the policy typically was that officials would go at least key; Djokovic, Nadal eye records 13 days between working opened my games in the same city and six days between seeing the same AP - LONDON Federer’s agent said he is aiming for late February after missing team after reffing one of its the Australian Open for the first time since his main-draw debut eyes to games. When the 2020 men’s tennis season ended at the ATP Finals, Rafael in 2000. Those rules will almost Nadal captured a common sentiment that still holds true as the THE SLAMS migrants’ certainly come back when the 2021 tennis season is set to begin this week. There were only three Slams in 2020, because the All England world returns to normal, but “The world is suffering a lot, so we are very lucky that we can Club cancelled Wimbledon for the first time since World War II. for now, in the interest of play tennis,” Nadal said in London in November. “That’s the real As of now, Wimbledon is scheduled for its usual place on the cal- hardships: safety - and common sense - feeling that I have.” endar, beginning June 28. The French Open’s start got shifted from teams are seeing referees After an off-and-on, pandemic-altered year for the sport, coro- May to September last year and the number of fans was severely Muguruza more often than usual. navirus questions and an ever-evolving calendar still will be key restricted; as of now, it is slotted for May 23. For the Australian “It changes things a little parts of the conversation as things get going Wednesday at the Open, there are lingering questions about flights, hotels and quar- bit,” Milwaukee coach Mike Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open, where Sofia Kenin leads antine plans for players and their personnel. “I’m not that excited, REUTERS - ABU DHABI Budenholzer said. “But obvi- the field, and tomorrow at the ATP’s Delray Beach Open, where to be honest. Like, I don’t want to stay in my room for 19 hours,” ously, for safety and our Reilly Opelka is the defending champion. Opelka said. “You know, I get it; we have to do it. But I’m not one Two-time Grand Slam health and the health of the Opelka won that hard-court title last February, but the tour- bit excited.” champion Garbine Muguruza officials, it makes all the sense nament was moved to early January as part of a shuffling on both TOKYO OLYMPICS has said training with special in the world.” professional tours. The 2020 Olympics, as they’ll still be called, are scheduled to groups of Spain’s Civil Guard Referees are tested for “It’s really going to be for me to findind my tennis. I haven’thaven t eveneven start in JulyJuly,, and two tennis players representing Japan could be police force during her off- COVID-19 daily, just like played in three months,” said Opelka,ka, a 23-year-o23-year-oldld AmericanAmerican breakoutbreakout stastars:rs: AP FFemaleemale AAthletethlete of the YYearear NNaomiaomi Osaka aandnd season opened her eyes to the players and coaches, and have who is based in Florida and ranked 39th.39th. “So tthishis is reareallylly jjustust ttoo KeiKei Nishikori.Nishikori. “The“The OlympicsOlympics are a specialspecial time whenwhen thethe hardships faced by vulnerable to comply with new league get me back into the competitive mindsetdset anandd pplayinglaying against ototherher worldworld co comesmes toget togetherher to cecelebratelebrate sports. I am migrants trying to reach rules about avoiding bars, guys and back in tournament mode.”” llookingooking fforwardorward mostmost to beingbeing with the athletes that Europe. lounges, clubs, public gyms The changes include the start of thethe year’syear’s firstfirst majormajor cham-cham- had waitedwaited andand trainedtrained forfor over 10 yeyears,ars, fforor cecele-le- Muguruza underwent mil- and many other indoor gath- pionship, the Australian Open, delayedyed three weeks to FebruaryFebruary bratingbrating a very hard year (2020), and having that itary training with the Civil ering spots. 8, and the joint event played at Indiann WeWells,lls, CaCalifornialifornia - cancecancelledlled happenhappen in JapanJapan mamakeskes it thatthat mucmuchh more Guard after her French Open Reducing their air travel last yearr because of the COVID-19 ououtbreakutbkiibreak - ggivingiving up itsi ts usuusualall special,”specil”i a l , ” OsakaOsaka wrotewrote in anan emailemail exit in October last year, taking is another part of the league’s March datesdates witwithouthout a new spot fforor itit on tthehe scheduleschedule as of interview. “It’s“It’s a speciaspeciall anandd bbeautifuleautiful part in helicopter rescue mis- plan to exist outside a bubble now. countrycountry filledfilled witwithh sions, cave diving and self- in a coronavirus-dominated Therere are some significantsignificant mile-mile- cculture,ulture, hhistoryistory defence classes on the Spanish world. stones inn the offinoffingg for stars such anandd bbeauty.eauty. I island of Mallorca. The Bucks saw David as Nadal,al, NovakNovak DjoDjokovickovic anandd cannot bebe more “It was an incredible Guthrie and Marat Kogut on Serena WilliamsWilliams in 2021.2021. excited.”excited.” week,” Muguruza told the crew that officiated their Nadalal cancan breakbreak a tietie withwith CROWDEDCROWDED reporters at the Abu Dhabi game at Miami on December Roger FedererFederer forfor thethe most COMPETITIONCOMPETITION Open. 29 and when Milwaukee Grand SlamSlam singles titles for a ShouldShould be “I’ve always wanted to do returned to Miami a night man afterer matching him with No. fascinatinfascinatingg to military training, ever since I later for the second half of the 20 at thee French OOpenpen in October; watch the young was a kid, but the timing was two-game set, Guthrie and by March,ch, Djokovic can surpass womenwomen whwhoo never right with playing Kogut were back as well. Federer’s’s rrecordecord forfor mostmost weeksweeks at rrecentlyecently won tennis,” she said. It’s not an aberration this No. 1 in thethe ATP rankings; Williams iss GrandGrand SSlamlam titlestitles “Just sharing with them the season; Ben Taylor was crew one Slamm singles trophy away from competecompete for more. kind of job that they do - they chief in Milwaukee on Friday No. 24, which would equalequal ThatThat includesincludes No.No. don’t get any awards or tro- and had the same role when Margaretet Court for the 1 Ash Barty, who is phies - it was such an the Bucks played their next most inn the sport’s 24;24; No. 3 Osaka,Osaka, 2323;; experience.” game there Monday. history. No.No. 4 Kenin,Kenin, 221;1; No. The 27-year-old tennis star There are plenty of other Otherer tennistennis 7 Bianca Andreescu,Andreescu, said that seeing migrants make examples. Zach Zarba lives in storylinesnes in 20;20; No. 17 Iga sea crossings from Africa was New York and didn’t have to 2021: Swiatek,Swiatek, 19.19. the toughest challenge when get on a plane until his fourth FEDERER’SERER’S WHO’SWHO’S GOGOTT she worked with the coast game of the season, after RETURNURN NENEXT?XT? guard. opening in Brooklyn and then Moree thanthan ThereThere aappearppear to be “It was quite hard because being crew chief for Knicks’ 12 monthshs will more legitimatelegitimate candi-candi- you see many people in need,” home games on consecutive have passedassed dates forfor first-timefirst-time she added. nights last week with Scott betweene en major champions in “I experienced many Wall working alongside him matchess fforor men’smen’s tennistennis thanthan therethere aspects of the job and I found in both of those games. thee havehave been in years. With this one pretty tough. I love all Marc Davis, Derrick 39-year-ar- DominicDominic Thiem joining the the adventure stuff, but there Collins and Nate Green were oldd clubclub last year at the no-no- is an ugly truth that they have the crew for the Dallas-Los Federer by spectatorspectator US Open, who to face and it really opened my Angeles Clippers game on the time hhee will jjoinoin him? Daniil eyes.” December 27, then stayed in returnsn s Medvedev,Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Muguruza, a runner-up at LA to work Portland’s game from ttwowo StefanosStefanos TsitsiTsitsipaspas and the Australian Open last year, there against the Lakers the operationsions AlAlexanderexander ZvZvereverev allall also said she had no concerns Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal next night. on hissgts rightright knee.knee. appearappear capable.capable. about this year’s event from Foster had the Lakers on February 8-21 despite the the 25th and 27th, then the strict COVID-19 protocols in Clippers on the 29th and place, which include a 14-day December 30. WTA Tour announces events up to Wimbledon mandatory quarantine for players. NBA Results REUTERS - LONDON French Open (May 23) and Wimbledon Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, “I’m not really concerned, (June 28) -- the first half of the year will often called the “fifth major” and usually I think they’re doing an ORLANDO 103 Cleveland 83 The WTA announced a provisional calendar have four WTA 1000 events in Dubai and held in March, which was postponed last incredible job in putting all this PHILADELPHIA 118 Charlotte 101 for the women’s tour yesterday with events Miami (both in March), Madrid (April) and week due to COVID-19 concerns. together and making a whole lined up until the Wimbledon champion- Rome (May). The 2020 edition of the tournament was swing in Melbourne,” she said New York 113 ATLANTA 108 ships in June-July. Other WTA 500 events on the schedule the first major professional sporting event yesterday. MIAMI 118 Oklahoma City 90 The sport’s governing body had previ- include Doha and St Petersburg (March) in the United States cancelled in the wake “I think it’s going to be Boston 126 TORONTO 114 ously announced the first seven weeks of and Charleston and Stuttgart (April). of the pandemic, on the eve of its scheduled mentally tough to go through Dallas 113 HOUSTON 100 the tour, starting with the season-opening The rebranded Fed Cup, now known as start. The WTA also said it has yet to decide the protocols because nothing MILWAUKEE 125 Detroit 115 WTA 500 event in Abu Dhabi from the Billie Jean King Cup, is scheduled to start on the dates for its season-ending WTA comes easy now. Indiana 118 NEW ORLEANS 116 tomorrow. on April 12. Finals in Shenzhen, China after last year’s “I have to prepare for that,” Apart from the three Grand Slams -- However, there is no new date edition was cancelled due to the she said while interacting vir- G State 137 Sacramento 106 Australian Open (starting February 8), announced for the prestigious BNP Paribas pandemic. tually with global media.