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Home , 2007 US Open (tennis), 2009 French Open, 2018 Australian Open, Alex Olmedo, Andre Marriner, Bill Bowrey

SPORT Monday 29 January 2018

PAGE | 26 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32 ‘Special’ time as NBA: Curry pours in 49 No.20 for super Pakistan go top of points against Boston Federer with ICC T20 rankings Celtics Aussie Open win

Wozniacki, Halep to headline Qatar Open

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Newly-crowned champion and world No. 1 of Denmark will be headlining the array of top stars that will be in action at the Qatar Total Open 2018. The seven-day fiesta of will be held from Feb- ruary 12 to 18 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. The 27-year-old Dane will be hoping to record another first in Doha at this year’s tournament by becom- ing third-time lucky in the quest for the golden falcon trophy. Wozniacki was the final- ist at last year’s edition where Qatar’s players celebrate after retaining their Asian she lost to Czech’s Karolina Handball title. Pliskova. She was also denied the opportunity in 2011 by Russia’s who defeated her in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in an highly enter- taining final. This year’s event, will also Brilliant Qatar complete feature former World No.1 and 2018 Australian Open finalist of , defending champion Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic, Garbine Muguruza of Spain hat-trick of Asian titles and former world No. 1 Angel- ique Kerber of Germany CHINTHANA WASALA year’s IHF Handball World Cup, among others. THE PENINSULA which will take place in Den- Former world number mark and Germany. one of Rus- DOHA: Qatar held on to their Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and sia, the 2005 and 2008 Asian Handball title for a third South Korea completed the champion, as well as 2012 consecutive year when they Asian quota of the global and 2013 champion Victoria fought back to overcame their championship. Azarenka of Belaraus have neighbouring rivals Bahrain Qatar enjoy the status of also been granted a wildcard 33-31 in a keenly-contested Asian title holders since 2014 entry by WTA to contest in the final played in Suwon, South and incidentally, Bahrain were main draw. Korea yesterday. their opponents in all three A total of $2,666,000 cash Bahrain led the first half finals. prize are up for grabs at the 17-16 but they could not deny In the final of the 2014 16th edition of the tourna- Al Annabi winning the 2018 championship, Qatar beat them ment which is WTA Premier title. 27-26, while in 2016 the scores 5 tournament on the 2018 Qatar’s total was fed by two read 27-22 in Qatar’s favour. WTA Tour. brilliant efforts from Bertrand Qatar were the only “The fans are definitely in unbeaten team in the tourna- for a good time as they watch ment in Suwon. They made it the stars doing what they to the final in South Korea know how to do best on the when they defeated hosts 32-21 courts,” said Tournament Qatar enjoy the status in a keenly contested Director Saad Al of Asian title holders Qatar’s players and officials celebrate after winning the final against Bahrain yesterday. semi-final. Mohannadi. Earlier, Al Annabi outplayed Sales of tickets for the since 2014 and the UAE 34-20, Bahrain 29-21 prestigious WTA tournament incidentally, Bahrain Roine and Frankis Marzo who award. For the losing side, Following Al Annabi’s and Japan 40-23 in the Group has started online and in var- were their opponents scored eight goals each. Mar- Ahmed Fadhul (7) and Ali advancement to semi-final stage. In the third place play-off, ious shopping malls in Qatar. in all three finals. zo’s contribution also earned Merza (6) did well in their failed stage of the tournament, they South Koreans defeated Saudi Tickets are now available in him the Man-of-the-Match attempt. also secured their berth in next Arabia 29–21 yesterday. the malls at City Center, Landmark, Villaggio or online at www.qatartennis. PSG ‘2,000%’ sure Neymar will be at club next season

AFP campaign, but Al Khelaifi rub- “yeah, why?”, and left the mixed relationship,” insisted Al PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi and star striker Neymar bished the claims. zone. Khelaifi. in a file photo. PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain “It’s a rumour and of course Edinson Cavani stole the “But you (the French media), President Nasser Al Khelaifi has it’s not true,” said the Qatari. headlines on Saturday by break- you criticise, you try to make said that he was “2,000 percent “He’s happy here, he wants ing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s all-time problems between our players sure” that Neymar will stay at the to stay here. He only came here PSG goal-scoring record with his when there are none. I really ask club for next season. five months ago and he still has 157th for the club. you to stop doing it because it’s The world’s most expensive four and a half years left on his It was Neymar’s first outing not good for you or the club. player scored twice in a 4-0 rout contract. since scoring four goals but being “We need to focus on our big of Montpellier on his return from “The Spaniards want to start booed in an 8-0 thrashing of game (against Real Madrid), a two-match absence through a little (game), but we don’t want Dijon 10 days ago, when home which is coming soon.” injury. to get into this game. He won’t fans at the Parc des Princes were PSG take on Real Madrid in Spanish media reports ear- 100 percent be with us next sea- angered after he took a penalty the Champions League last 16, lier this week speculated that son, but 2,000 percent.” that could have given Cavani the first leg at the Bernabeu on Feb- 25-year-old Neymar was When asked by reporters if record. ruary 14, with the return leg in unhappy in Paris and set to join he was happy in Paris after the “The two (Neymar and Cav- Paris on March 6, as they look to Real Madrid at the end of the game, a frustrated Neymar said ani) really have a very good reach a European Cup final. 26 SPORT MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 ‘Special’ time as gutsy Pakistan go top of the ICC T20 rankings

AFP Batting first on a friendly , Pakistan reached 181 for MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Paki- six with opener Fakhar Zaman stan laid claim to being the best making 46 off 36 at the top of the Twenty20 side in the world innings. yesterday after beating New With in hand, Umar Zealand in the series-deciding Amin was able to lead a late final Twenty20 match in Mount charge that saw 58 runs scored Maunganui. in the final four overs. The 18-run victory gave New Zealand, in reply, were Pakistan a come-from-behind never up with the run chase, and 2-1 series win that will see them managed 163 for six in their 20 overtake New Zealand at the top overs. of the world T20 rankings. The defeat followed a 48-run An animated captain Sarfraz loss in the second Twenty20, Ahmed leapt with delight and which ended a 13-match winning punched the air after the final streak across all formats, and put ball as Pakistan pulled off back- a dampener on New Zealand’s to-back wins over the hosts. preparation for next month’s tri- It marked an incredible angular series with and comeback for the tourists who . were whitewashed in the five- Zaman was the architect at match one-day series on arrival the start of the Pakistan innings in New Zealand and lost the first with a sharp 46 before being dis- Twenty20. missed in a debatable decision “It was a tough tour for us when Tom Bruce took a catch at because... we lost the (ODI) series ground level. but T20s is a totally different for- Television replays were mat,” said speedster Mohammad inconclusive on whether the ball Amir, who won the man-of-the- touched the grass, and after series award. lengthy deliberations the third “It is very special for all Paki- umpire ruled in favour of the on- Pakistani players celebrate winning the series after the stani people.” field decision. third Twenty20 international match against New Ahmed praised the team New Zealand managed to Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. effort and the way his side arrest Pakistan’s brisk early run refused to be bowed after a dis- rate in the middle of the innings appointing start to the tour. until Amin lashed out. Haris Sohail chipped in with the start of their reply to get near bully the bowlers but it was pri- the boundary fence three times “They way we came back His 21 came off the first five 20 off 12 balls while Aamer the required run rate of more marily a lone stand. When he in his 25 off 10 balls. after 6-0, credit goes to my boys. balls in an over from Ish Sodhi Yamin, replacing the injured than nine an over, and were in was removed for 59 off 43 balls But with his dismissal in the They worked really hard and before the New Zealand spinner Hasan Ali, faced six deliveries for early trouble when Williamson in the 13th over, the required run 17th over, New Zealand were 128 now we are again number one,” claimed the wicket off the final his 15. was out for nine. rate had shot up to 13.57. for five and their hopes of a he added. delivery. New Zealand struggled from Martin Guptill attempted to Ross Taylor put the ball over miraculous comeback were over.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan New Zealand Fakhar Zaman c Bruce b Santner ...... 46 M Guptill c Fakhar b Shadab ...... 59 Curran plays star role as Ahmed Shehzad c Blundell b de Grandhomme 19 K Williamson c Babar b Faheem ...... 9 Babar Azam c Williamson b Sodhi ...... 18 A Kitchen st Sarfraz b Shadab ...... 16 Sarfraz Ahmed c Sodhi b Santner...... 29 T Bruce b Rumman ...... 22 Haris Sohail not out ...... 20 C de Grandhomme b Aamer ...... 1 Umar Amin c de Grandhomme b Sodhi ...... 21 R Taylor c Sarfraz b Amir ...... 25 Faheem Ashraf b Boult ...... 8 T Blundell not out ...... 3 England beat Australia Aamer Yamin not out ...... 15 M Santner not out ...... 24 Extras: (LB2, W2, NB 1) ...... 5 Extras: (w3, nb 1) ...... 4 AFP Total: (for 6 wickets) ...... 181 Total: (for 6 wkts) ...... 163 dismal recent run of the World When Tim Paine and Adam Army... the game was unbeliev- Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-66, 3-106, 4-123, 5-156, Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-84, 3-87, 4-89, 5-128 (Taylor), Cup holders in one-dayers and Zampa threatened to snatch the able, what a finish.” 6-164 6-134 PERTH: England finished their Australian captain Steve Smith match with a gritty ninth-wicket Moeen Ali’s horror tour with Bowling: Southee 4-0-39-0, Boult 4-0-33-1 (w1), de Bowling: Aamer 4-0-25-1 (1w), Rumman 4-0-41-1 testing tour of Australia on a high was again left frustrated with stand, Curran came back into the the bat continued when he went Grandhomme 4-0-36-1 (1w), Sodhi 4-0-47-2 (1nb), (1w), Amir 4-0-23-1 (1w), Faheem 4-0-55-1 (1nb), Sunday with a thrilling 12-run both batting and bowling. attack and clean-bowled the lat- cheaply in the English innings. Santner 4-0-24-2 Shadab 4-0-19-2 win in the fifth and final one-day “We thought we’d pulled it ter with his third ball. But he claimed 3-55, including international in Perth. back really well, but we didn’t In just his third one-day the crucial wickets of Smith (12) In the first match at the new start well with the ball -- been a international and his first of the and Mitch Marsh (13) -- the lat- Perth Stadium, the tourists set bit of trend,” he said. series, the 22-year-old then ter falling to a superb reflex Australia 260 to win in front of “Again we lost wickets in delivered the last rites by bowl- return catch. a record West Australian cricket clumps and you can’t do that. ing Paine for 34. Curran’s heroics came after crowd of 53,781. Our batting again wasn’t good Curran finished with 5-35 the tourists failed to capitalise Despite resting frontline enough, these lapses are hap- and also had two catches on a fast start after being sent in bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark pening way too often in one-day dropped from his bowling, both to bat. Wood, and having quick Jake cricket.” by the normally reliable Jonny Test captain Joe Root made Ball struggling with illness, the Australia, thanks largely to Bairstow. a typically busy 62 but the Eng- tourists managed to defend their Marcus Stoinis who was pro- Curran, named man of the lish appeared to have fallen start total. moted to number three and match, was ecstatic with the after a flying start when they Young seamer Tom Curran made 87, looked to be cruising result. were bowled out for 259 in 47.4 was the match-winner with five to victory on 189 for four. “Watching the boys play overs. wickets as Australia were dis- But the loss of Stoinis, caught one-day cricket recently has The English openers blazed missed for 247 with 10 balls at long-on off leg-spinner Adil been a pleasure and to come in away early in a polar opposite remaining. Rashid, proved crucial. and try and take my chance is a to their nightmare start in England, beaten 4-0 in a lop- Curran returned to the great feeling,” he said. Adelaide on Friday. sided Ashes Test series, bounced attack and removed Glenn Max- “I’ve been training hard. To In that game they were 5-8 back to claim the limited-over well (34) and Mitchell Starc (0) come and play the first one-day and went to suffer their first series 4-1. in the space of three balls as Aus- international at this unbelieva- defeat of the series, but there The result continued the tralia lost their way. ble stadium, in front the Barmy were no such problems yesterday. Jason Roy led the charge and enjoyed some good fortune when he was brilliantly caught behind by Paine Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed celebrates with fans after winning off Starc, only for it to the series after the third Twenty20 international against New be ruled a no-ball. Zealand yesterday. Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1. The dashing Roy went on to make 49 off SCOREBOARD 46 balls before being the first man to fall, England Australia caught by Josh Hazle- J Roy c Hazlewood b Tye ...... 49 D Warner b Curran ...... 15 wood off local rookie J Bairstow b Starc ...... 44 T Head run out ...... 22 A Hales c Maxwell b Marsh ...... 35 M Stoinis c Curran b Rashid ...... 87 Andrew Tye to end a J Root c Warner b Tye ...... 62 S Smith st Buttler b Ali ...... 12 71-run partnership with E Morgan c Stoinis b Marsh ...... 3 M Marsh c and b Ali ...... 13 Bairstow (44). J Buttler c Warner b Tye ...... 21 G Maxwell lbw Curran ...... 34 A number of Eng- M Ali c Tye b Zampa ...... 6 T Paine b Curran ...... 34 land batsmen made A Rashid run out ...... 12 M Starc c Buttler b Curran ...... 0 similarly good starts but D Willey c Marsh b Tye ...... 2 A Tye c Morgan b Ali ...... 8 only Root went on to T Curran (not out) ...... 11 A Zampa b Curran ...... 11 J Ball b Tye ...... 0 J Hazlewood (not out) ...... 0 make a significant Extras (B4, LB2, NB1, W7) ...... 14 Extras (LB7, W4) ...... 11 score. Total (all out, 47.4 overs) ...... 259 Total (all out, 48.2 overs) ...... 247 Much to the delight Fall of wickets: 1-71, 2-117, 3-151, 4-157, 5-192, 6-214, Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-86, 3-119, 4-133, 5-189, 6-192, of the crowd, Tye was 7-238, 8-245, 9-258, 10-259 7-192, 8-203, 9-236, 10-247 the star with the ball, Bowling: Starc 9-0-63-1 (1w,1nb), Hazlewood 9-0-51-0 Bowling: Willey 9-1-37-0 (2w), Curran 9.2-0-35-5 (1w), cleaning up the English England players celebrate after beating Australia in the fifth one-day international (ODI) at the Optus Perth (1w), Marsh 7-0-24-2, Tye 9.4-0-46-5 (4w), Zampa 10- Ali 10-0-55-3, Rashid 10-0-55-1, Ball 10-0-58-0 (1w) tail to finish with 5-46 0-46-1 (1w), Maxwell 3-0-23-0 Result: England won by 12 runs, take series 4-1 stadiumin Perth yesterday. off 9.4 overs. MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27

Batshuayi Coach Klopp still backs VAR brace takes Chelsea into despite Liverpool’s FA Cup exit fifth round AFP AFP “Then they reversed the Dawson goal, which if it wasn’t : Michy Batshuayi LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager for the system, would never have scored twice as Chelsea beat Jurgen Klopp insisted he been disallowed in any league rivals remained a fan of the controver- game. Newcastle United 3-0 to sial video assistant referee “The fourth official said it advance into the fifth round system despite his team’s bitterly was offside, which surprises me of the FA Cup at Stamford disappointing 3-2 defeat by West from a corner. I have looked at Bridge yesterday. Bromwich Albion in the fourth it and it is really marginal.” Batshuayi’s goals in the round of the FA Cup. The experienced English 31st and 44th minutes and a Match referee boss added: “There is a question Marcos Alonso free-kick 18 used the system no fewer than there. Are we going to start tak- minutes from time were eight times during an eventful ing goals away from the enough for Premier League game at Anfield on Saturday, entertainment for those slight champions Chelsea to see off with VAR being trialled in Eng- margins? That is a worry. Rafael Benitez’s struggling lish cup competitions this “The second one, you can side. The Belgian’s striker’s season. argue Jake has lifted his arm. But first was the result of a neat Three of those referrals, all would he have got a penalty in team move, Pedro’s superb in the first half, proved hugely a normal game without VAR? I through ball splitting the important as Pawson and VAR don’t know. Newcastle defence and lead- Andre Marriner, based in a Lon- “But the bigger decision was ing to Eden Hazard slipping don television studio, disallowed the four minutes for the Salah a pass inside to Marcos a West Brom goal, awarded Liv- decision. You are going from high Alonso. erpool a penalty and then tempo work-rate to nothing. We Spaniard Alonso toed the allowed an Albion goal to stand. had a hamstring (injury) just after ball first-time to Batshuayi, “I think it’s normal that it Referee Craig Pawson looks at the pitch-side screen after speaking to the VAR (Video Assistant that. As a coach, we have to who made no mistake with a will change things,” said Klopp. Referee) before giving Liverpool a penalty during the English FA Cup fourth round match at Anfield change, we are going to have to simple finish from eight yards “Is it nice that West Brom cele- in Liverpool, north west England, on Saturday. get our players to mentally warm- out. The Belgian forward brate a goal then somebody tells up in that situation and keep scored his and Chelsea’s sec- them it’s not a goal? No, but I themselves ticking over. ond goal shortly before think it’s important if a goal In truth, Klopp and Liver- decisions, Pawson decided start,” he said after his side, “You could say that is a lack half-time when Pedro again needs to be disallowed, it is pool benefitted from two of those Gareth Barry was offside when threatened with relegation from of professionalism against us. I initiated an attacking move, disallowed. three decisions and could have Dawson headed in what would the Premier League, beat fourth- don’t know. It is just bizarre. As his pass releasing Hazard to “Normally after a game I been facing an even greater have been West Brom’s third placed Liverpool. a football person on the side- run at a struggling defence. have to explain to you (the defeat had they not done so. goal and then correctly judged “I don’t think that is what we lines, I wasn’t comfortable with Any lingering doubt about media) a defeat which was not Roberto Firmino handed that Jake Livermore fouled Mo want to see going forward, the first half. It was a mysterious the result was settled in the deserved because we didn’t get Liverpool an early lead only for Salah for a penalty which whether you are a Liverpool or situation at times.” 72nd minute when Alonso a penalty or they scored another Jay Rodriguez to score twice and Firmino struck onto the West Brom fan. Liverpool were marginally whipped a left-footed free- goal. Is it cool in January to have Craig Dawson to add a third goal crossbar. “Firstly there is no commu- better in the second half but kick over the defensive wall delays when it’s cold, especially in first-half injury-time via Despite the victory, Albion nication from the referee to us. could only add a consolation goal to make it 3-0. for the players? Maybe not. defender Joel Matip, but only manager Alan Pardew admitted Like in the NFL (American foot- through Salah. “But it will become smoother after the VAR ruled Rodriguez he was bemused by what he had ball), when there is a call and “I don’t like to say it, but it’s FA CUP RESULTS and more fluent in the future,” had not been offside. witnessed. they say they are going to look the truth,” said Klopp. “West English FA Cup fourth-round result yesterday: the German added. Of the other two key VAR “It’s hard to know where to at that. Brom deserved to win the game.” Fourth Round Chelsea 3 (Batshuayi 31, 44, Alonso 72) New- castle 0 Played on Saturday Stuttgart BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Huddersfield 1 (Mounie 21) 1 German Bundesliga results yesterday: (Jutkiewicz 54) sack coach Bayer Leverkusen 2 (Bailey 48, Wendell 68- Hull 2 (Bowen 18, Dicko 40) Nottingham Forest pen) Mainz 0 1 (Vellios 88) Wolf Played on Saturday Liverpool 2 (Firmino 5, Salah 78) West Brom- Bayern Munich 5 (Lewandowski 20, Boat- wich Albion 3 (Rodriguez 7, 11, Matip 45-og) Middlesbrough 0 Brighton 1 (Murray 90) AFP eng 25, Coman 63, Vidal 66, Wagner 90) Hoffenheim 2 (Uth 3, Gnabry 12) Millwall 2 (Wallace 17-pen, Thompson 90) Ro- 2 (Kagawa 9, Toljan chdale 2 (Henderson 32, Done 53) STUTTGART, GERMANY: 90+3) Freiburg 1 (Petersen 21, 68) MK Dons 0 Coventry 1 (Biamou 64) VfB Stuttgart sacked head RB Leipzig 1 (Bruma 9) Hamburg 1 (Kostic Notts County 1 (Stead 62) Swansea 1 (Narsingh coach Hannes Wolf yester- 29) 45) day after a 2-0 home defeat Cologne 1 (Jojic 40) Augsburg 1 (Caiuby 77) Peterborough 1 (Hughes 58) Leicester 5 (Dia- to Schalke 04 that left the VfB Stuttgart 0 Schalke 2 (Naldo 14, Harit bate 9, 87, Iheanacho 12, 29, Ndidi 90+2) club just three points above Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso Sheffield United 1 (Sharp 80-pen) Preston 19-pen) scores their third goal the Bundesliga relegation Werder Bremen 0 Hertha Berlin 0 North End 0 places. from a free kick during Southampton 1 (Stephens 4) Watford 0 Played on Friday the FA Cup fourth round “After intensive discus- Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (KP Boateng 43, Jovic Wigan 2 (Grigg 7, 62-pen) West Ham 0

match against Newcastle

sions late into the night, it 90+2) Borussia Moenchengladbach 0 Newport County 1 (Amond 38) 1 Tottenham

United at Stamford Bridge, has been decided that Han- Hotspur 1 (Kane 82) nes Wolf is no longer the coach London, Britain, yesterday. of VfB Stuttgart,” a statement on the club’s website said. It said a successor would be named in the next few days. The 36-year-old Wolf, who helped Stuttgart win Guardiola wants end to FA Cup replays promotion back to Germa- ny’s top flight last season, has AFP managers to reduce the load on quadruple-chasing team to Car- Meanwhile Guardiola said you have games every three paid the price for picking up players, suggesting those respon- diff City for a fourth-round tie, City would need to spend signif- days, we need 20 top players, 22 just four points in his last eight LONDON: Manchester City sible for running the game are wants them to go further still. icantly more than they have top players. It’s impossible to league games. manager Pep Guardiola wants too busy thinking about com- “I would like the Carabao already to assemble a squad have 22 top players today. That’s Stuttgart are 15th in the FA Cup replays scrapped, argu- mercial demands. Cup (English League Cup) semi- capable of completing an why we have academies, and table and just three points ing they add too many extra final to be one game (rather than unprecedented quadruple of have to fight to find players. from the relegation places. games to an already-congested scrapped replays for the final in over two legs), and I would like Champions League, Premier “Of course, we spend a lot Having been in charge schedule. 1998, for the semi-finals in 1999, the FA Cup ties to be one game League, FA Cup and League Cup of money, but it’s the same since September 2016, Wolf Guardiola has claimed Eng- and for the quarter-finals at the and no replays, like I think all in one season. money as a lot of other teams. is the seventh head coach to lish football authorities have start of last season. the managers do. But that is not “When you want to handle I can assure you that we are be sacked by a Bundesliga club ignored a request from Yet Guardiola, who takes his going to happen. That is not four competitions, sometimes not the only team in the world this season. going to change. you have to be lucky, or you need who spend money. There are He was one of four Bun- Manchester City’s Spanish “We are going to play in ties 22 top players,” Guardiola many.” desliga coaches under the manager Pep Guardiola and have replays and have extra- explained. Guardiola, meanwhile, has age of 40 alongside Hoffen- during the English FA time, and that is going to happen “To have 22 top players, you indicated he is likely to start next heim boss Julian Nagelsmann, Cup fourth round match in the future.” Asked if he felt need the money we don’t have. season with an under-strength 30, Werder Bremen’s Florian against Cardiff City at there was anything that manag- That’s so expensive.” squad, because he will give play- Kohfeldt, 35, and Schalke’s Cardiff City Stadium in ers could do to rectify that Guardiola insisted the club’s ers at the World Cup time oto Domenico Tedesco, 32. Cardiff, yesterday. situation, the Spaniard said: board had told him that even recover. “This is a development “Absolutely not. The business City, owned by the billionaire This year’s tournament in that nobody wanted, so we show must go on. politician and businessman Russia will not finish until July are all disappointed, but in the “All the managers say there Sheikh Mansour, could not afford 15, four weeks before the start of end we all agreed that things are a lot of games, and no time the kind of outlay required to the Premier League season. could not go on like this,” said for recovery. There are a lot of build such a squad. “I am pretty sure that the Stuttgart President Wolfgang injuries. We know that there are “Even City don’t have that guys who go to the World Cup, Dietrich. Former Wolfs- a lot of games. It’s what it is. money. There are salaries we they will have a minimum of burg coach Andries Jonker, “We had meetings in pre- cannot pay. There are transfer three weeks to one month off,” ex-Schalke boss Markus Wein- season with the big bosses, and fees we cannot pay. Guardiola said. zierl and veteran , all the managers spoke about “Maybe in the future it is “If we cannot play good who won the 2009 Bundes- that. And they listened, and that’s going to happen, but we have not games in the pre-season, in the liga title at Wolfsburg, have all,” added the former Barcelona paid more than £100m for one or , or wher- been linked to the vacancy. and Bayern Munich boss, who player, or £90m, or £80m. We ever we are going to be, I’m Stuttgart signed veteran was speaking before top-flight cannot pay that right now. They sorry. German international striker rivals Tottenham Hotspur were (the board) told me. We “They deserve a break Mario Gomez, 32, in the win- taken to a FA Cup replay after a cannot. because after a tough season, ter break, but his arrival has 1-1 draw away to fourth-tier “To be in four competitions, and then going to the World Cup, failed to halt the slide. Newport County on Saturday. you need time to recover, and if it’s so demanding.” 28 SPORT MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29

FORMER CHAMPIONS Legend Laver DOWN UNDER 2018 () bt Marin Cilic () 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 Emotional Federer hails 20th title 2017 Roger Federer (Switzerland) bt Rafa Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 praises ageless 2016 () bt (Britain) 6-1 7-5 7-6 (3) 2015 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0 REUTERS 2014 (Switzerland) bt Nadal (Spain) 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 2013 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 6-7(2) 7-6(3) 6-3 6-2 : Even after 20 Grand Slam titles, Swiss star 2012 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Nadal (Spain) 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 the tears gushing down Roger Federer’s cheeks 2011 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 6-4 6-2 6-3 after winning his sixth Australian Open crown It is a different emotion, 2010 Federer (Switzerland) bt Murray (Britain) 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) yesterday showed the competitive fires still AFP 2009 Nadal (Spain) bt Federer (Switzerland) 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 rage within the 36-year-old Swiss. clearly. The first (Grand 2008 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga () 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(2) Having regained control to put down sixth Slam title) is like ‘oh my MELBOURNE: says the 2007 Federer (Switzerland) bt Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) 7-6(2) 6-4 6-4 seed Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 under ageless Roger Federer (pictured) is 2006 Federer (Switzerland) bt (Cyprus) 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2 a closed roof at , Federer god! I was able to win one’. playing as well as he was a decade 2005 Marat Safin (Russia) bt (Australia) 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 promptly lost it at the end of his victory speech. The rest now doesn’t really ago and he can’t see the Swiss 2004 Federer (Switzerland) bt Safin (Russia) 7-6(3) 6-4 6-2 “And my team, I love you guys. Thank you,” master calling it quits any time soon. 2003 (US) bt Rainer Schuettler (Germany) 6-2 6-2 6-1 Federer, cradling the Cup, matter at this point: Federer Federer claimed an incredible 2002 () bt Safin (Russia) 3-6 6-4 6-4 7-6(4) said with a quivering voice before breaking 20th Grand Slam title yesterday in 2001 Agassi (US) bt Arnaud Clement (France) 6-4 6-2 6-2 down in tears. the stadium named after the Aus- 2000 Agassi (US) bt (Russia) 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 The show of emotion triggered a standing Having qualified for an astonishing 30th tralian tennis great, beating Marin 1999 Kafelnikov (Russia) bt (Sweden) 4-6 6-0 6-3 7-6(1) ovation in the terraces, the tears spreading to Grand Slam final, Federer admitted that nerves Cilic in five sets at the Australian 1998 (Czech Republic) bt Marcelo Rios (Chile) 6-2 6-2 6-2 his wife Mirka and parents in the players’ box. had got the better of him during a scorching Open. 1997 (US) bt Carlos Moya (Spain) 6-2 6-3 6-3 Tennis great Rod Laver, 79, snapped the hot day as he waited to take his place for the That is four more than his clos- 1996 (Germany) bt (US) 6-2 6-4 2-6 6-2 moment on his mobile phone for posterity. evening match. est challenger and his 1995 Agassi (US) bt Sampras (US) 4-6 6-1 7-6(6) 6-4 Joining Novak Djokovic and as “My thoughts were all over the place. All third in the space of a year. 1994 Sampras (US) bt (US) 7-6 6-4 6-4 the only men to win six Australian Open trophies, day I was thinking ‘What if I lost? What if I Laver, an 11-time Grand Slam 1993 (US) bt (Sweden) 6-2 6-1 2-6 7-5 Federer also emulated Laver by winning his fourth won?’ Every minute of the day,” he said. champion who has been watching 1992 Courier (US) bt Edberg (Sweden) 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-2 Grand Slam title after his 30th birthday. “Thank God I slept to 11.” the 36-year-old’s progress at Mel- 1991 Becker (Germany) bt (Czechoslovakia)1-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 “It is a different emotion, clearly. The first The nerves returned for the Swiss at sev- bourne Park this year, said he was 1990 Lendl (Czechoslovakia) bt Edberg (Sweden) 4-6 7-6(3) 5-2 retired (Grand Slam title) is like ‘oh my god! I was able eral stages through the three-hour as good as he’s ever been. He’s certainly 1989 Lendl (Czechoslovakia) bt Miloslav Mecir (Czechoslovakia) 6-2 6-2 6-2 to win one’. The rest now doesn’t really mat- three-minute clash, and he felt the trophy slip- “He’s certainly playing as well playing as well 1988 (Sweden) bt 6-3 6-7(3) 3-6 6-1 8-6 ter at this point,” Federer told host broadcaster ping from his grasp after the fourth set. as he did eight or 10 years ago,” 1987 (Jan) Edberg (Sweden) bt Cash 6-3 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 Channel Seven in front of hundreds of fans at He had to save two break points in an epic Laver told Melbourne’s Herald Sun as he did eight 1986 No competition ’s Garden Square. service game at the start of the fifth set before ahead of Sunday’s final. or 10 years ago. I 1985 (Nov) Edberg (Sweden) bt Wilander (Sweden) 6-4 6-3 6-3 “This one here tonight reminded me more riding the momentum home as Cilic’s power “I wouldn’t say he’s better but 1984 Wilander (Sweden) bt (South Africa) 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) 6-2 wouldn’t say he’s 1983 Wilander (Sweden) bt Lendl (Czechoslovakia) 6-1 6-4 6-4 of maybe the 2006 win when I beat (Marcos) game wavered. Roger is playing some of his best ten- 1982 (South Africa) bt (US) 6-3 6-3 6-2 Baghdatis in the finals. “At the end of the second (set) I got nerv- nis. Not all the time maybe. But better but Roger is 1981 Kriek (South Africa) bt Denton (US) 6-2 7-6(1) 6-7(1) 6-4 “I had a great run to the finals (in 2006) ous and that is the reason I lost the second set pretty close to all the time.” playing some of his 1980 Brian Teacher (US) bt 7-5 7-6(4) 6-3 and was a huge favourite going in ... I was just and I couldn’t take control of the match,” A decade ago, Federer, who cites 1979 (Argentina) bt (US) 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2 so relieved when everything was said and done added Federer. Laver as his idol, was virtually best tennis. Not all the time maybe. But 1978 Vilas (Argentina) bt 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-3 I think I felt the same way tonight. “It got tight and Marin held me out in the untouchable, reaching 18 of 19 con- 1977 (Dec) (US) bt (Britain) 6-3 7-6(1) 5-7 3-6 6-2 “That is why I couldn’t speak, it was third and the fifth. secutive Grand Slam finals between pretty close to all 1977 (Jan) (US) bt Vilas (Argentina) 6-3 6-3 6-3 terrible.” “I got lucky tonight.” Wimbledon in 2005 and the 2010 the time: Rod Laver 1976 bt 6-7 6-3 7-6 6-1 Australian Open. 1975 Newcombe bt (US) 7-5 3-6 6-4 7-6(7) Laver said Federer was now 1974 Connors (US) bt 7-6(7) 6-4 4-6 6-3 “playing smarter”. 1973 Newcombe bt (New Zealand) 6-3 6-7 7-5 6-1 Evergreen Federer’s 20 Slam titles “You learn when you’re playing an opponent or you see him a 1972 bt 7-6 6-3 7-5 lot, he sees weaknesses that other people don’t see,” he said. “That’s 1971 Rosewall bt (US) 6-1 7-5 6-3 (Year, tournament, opponent, score) the difference between Roger and the field.” 1970 Ashe (US) bt 6-4 9-7 6-2 2003 - Wimbledon - - 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) And given the Swiss star’s continued love of the game, Laver 1969 Rod Laver bt Andres Gimeno (Spain) 6-3 6-4 7-5 2004 - Australian Open - Marat Safin - 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 6-2 doesn’t see him ending his career any time soon. 1968 bt Juan Gisbert (Spain) 7-5 2-6 9-7 6-4 2004 - Wimbledon - - 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 “He’s enjoying it more. It’s another edge,” he said. 1967 Roy Emerson bt Ashe (US) 6-4 6-1 6-4 2004 - US Open - Lleyton Hewitt - 6-0, 7-6 (7/3), 6-0 “When he’s hitting a down the line, if he sees that hap- 1966 Emerson bt Ashe (US) 6-4 6-8 6-2 6-3 2005 - Wimbledon - Andy Roddick - 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 pening still that will keep him going for another year.” 1965 Emerson bt 7-9 2-6 6-4 7-5 6-1 2005 - US Open - Andre Agassi - 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 1964 Emerson bt Stolle 6-3 6-4 6-2 2006 - Australian Open - Marcos Baghdatis - 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 1963 Emerson bt 6-3 6-3 6-1 2006 - Wimbledon - Rafael Nadal - 6-0, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 1962 LaverLLaver bt EmEmersoner 8-6 0-6 6-4 6-4 2006 - US Open - Andy Roddick - 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 196119661 EmersonEmerson btb Laver 1-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 2007 - Australian Open - - 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 19601960 LaverLaver bbt 5-7 3-6 6-3 8-6 8-6 2007 - Wimbledon - Rafael Nadal - 7-6 (9/7), 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-2 1959 AlexAlex OOlmedo (US) bt Fraser 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 2007 - US Open - Novak Djokovic - 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 19581958 AshleyAsh Cooper bt Anderson 7-5 6-3 6-4 2008 - US Open - Andy Murray - 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 1957195 Cooper bt Fraser 6-3 9-11 6-4 6-2 2009 - - Robin Soderling - 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 19561 bt Rosewall 6-4 3-6 6-4 7-5 2009 - Wimbledon - Andy Roddick - 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 16-14 1955 Rosewall bt Hoad 9-7 6-4 6-4 2010 - Australian Open - Andy Murray - 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13/11) 1954 bt 6-2 0-6 6-4 6-2 2012 - Wimbledon - Andy Murray - 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 19531 Rosewall bt Rose 6-0 6-3 6-4 2017 - Australian Open - Rafael Nadal - 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 195219 Ken McGregor bt 7-5 12-10 2-6 6-2 2017 - Wimbledon - Marin Cilic - 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 Cilic hits out at closed roofof 1951195 (US) bt McGregor 6-3 2-6 6-3 6-1 2018 - Australian Open - Marin Cilic - 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 19501 Sedgman bt McGregor 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-1 1949 SedgmanSe bt 6-3 6-2 6-2 REUTERS three-times Grand SlamSlam champion Andy 1948 AdAdrianr Quist bt Bromwich 6-4 3-6 6-3 2-6 6-3 Murray, tweeted. 1947 DinnyDinny Pails bt Bromwich 4-6 6-4 3-6 7-5 8-6 MELBOURNE: Australian Open runner-up Marin “Absolutely ridiculousculous that the roof is Path to supremacy at Aussie Open 11946 BromwichBromwi bt 5-7 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-2 Cilic (pictured) queried the decision to close the closed for the Australianalian OpOpen.en. GS are outout-- 1941-4519441-45 No cocompetitionm roof at Rod Laver Arena for the men’s final yester- door events. Yes it’ss hothot but thethe courtcourt is FIRST ROUND: Beat Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 1940 QuistQQuist bt JaJackck Crawford 6-3 6-1 6-2 day and said it had contributed to his slow start under shade and an evenineveningg match,” 1939 BromwichBromwich bt QuQuist 6-4 6-1 6-3 SECOND ROUND: Beat Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in defeat to Roger Federer. tweeted British formermer U.S. Open ffinalistinalist 1938 DonaldDonnald BudgeBudge (US)(U bt Bromwich 6-4 6-2 6-1 THIRD ROUND: Beat (FRA x29) 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 Having prepared for the match exposed to the . 11937937 VivVivianiaan McGrathMcGrath btb Bromwich 6-3 1-6 6-0 2-6 6-1 Beat Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 FOURTH ROUND: elements on a scorching hot day, Croatian Cilic During the first wweekeek of the Grand 1936 QuistQuisst bt CrCrawfordawfor 6-2 6-3 4-6 3-6 9-7 QUARTER-FINAL: Beat Tomas Berdych (CZE x19) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-4 lost 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 in the much cooler Slam, players battledled tthroughhrough two 19193535 CrawfordCrawwford bt FreFredd Perry (Britain) 2-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 SEMI-FINAL: Beat Chung Hyeon (KOR) 6-1, 5-2 ret indoor conditions in the evening match. days of searing 40-degreedegree heat fullfullyy 1934 PerPerryrry (Brit(Britain)ain) bbtt Crawford 6-3 7-5 6-1 FINAL: Beat Marin Cilic (CRO x6) 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 Federer, who trained indoors earlier in the exposed to the elements,lements, as 11933933 CrawfordCrawwford bt KeitKeith Gledhill 2-6 7-5 6-3 6-2 day, wrapped up the opening set in 24 minutes as organisers declined to invokeinvoke 1932 CrawfordCrawwford bt HarHarryr Hopman 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1 a flustered Cilic struggled to find his range and the heat policy. 1931 CrawfordCrawwford bt HopHopman 6-2 6-2 2-6 6-1 fretted about his racket tension. A number of plplayersayers 1930 EdgEdgargar Moon bt HHopman 6-3 6-1 6-3 “Throughout the tournament I played all my criticised the policy, sayingsaying 1929 JohnJohhn GregoryGregory (Britain)(B bt Richard Schlesinger 6-2 6-2 5-7 7-5 matches outdoors, also preparing (for) a hot day, it had placed their hhealthealth 1928 JeaJeann BorotrBorotraa (Fr(France)a bt R.Cummings 6-4 6-1 4-6 5-7 6-3 38 degrees,” the sixth seed and former US Open at risk. 1927 GeraldGeraald PattersonPatterson bt 3-6 6-4 3-6 18-16 6-3 champion Cilic told reporters. Federer, who claimedaimed 1926 HawkesHawwkes bt JJimim WWillard 6-1 6-3 6-1 “Then (for) the first match for the final to play his sixth Australianlian 1925 JamesJammes AndersonAnderson bt Patterson 11-9 2-6 6-2 6-3 with the roof closed, it’s difficult. I have to say that for the roof closure. The temperature outside, Open title and 20thh iinn 1924 AndersonAndderson bt ScSchlesingerh 6-3 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 decision, could it have been different? however, was 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 F) when Grand Slams, said hehe 1923 Pat O’Hara WoodWood bt C. St.John 6-1 6-1 6-3 “I guess so. I think that it was just little bit Cilic and Federer walked out on court. was “surprised”d” 1922 AndersonAndderson bt PaPattersontt 6-0 3-6 3-6 6-3 6-2 difficult to adjust, especially the beginning of The roof closure triggered a barrage of crit- organisers had thee 1921 RhyRhysys GemmellGemmell btbt A.Hedeman 7-5 6-1 6-4 the match. icism from current and former players, with heat rule in place 1920 O’HaraO’HHara Wood bt Ron Thomas 6-3 6-4 6-8 6-1 6-3 “With the roof closed, it was way, way cooler former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash saying it for the night final. 1919 AlgernonAllgernon KingscoteKings (Britain) bt E.Pockley 6-4 6-0 6-3 than I expected. That was very, very difficult, espe- played right into 36-year-old Federer’s hands. “I never heard 1916-1819166-18 No competitioncomp cially for the final to be in that kind of a “It’s an outdoor tournament -- it’s like Wim- that before,” he 191519115 GordonGordon LoweLo (Britain) bt 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-4 situation.” bledon. Why is the roof closed?” the Australian said. 191419914 ArthurArthur O’HaraO’ Wood bt Patterson 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-1 The retractable roofs of the main showcourts said during commentary for BBC radio. “Of course, I 191319913 ErnieErnie ParkerPark bt 2-6 6-1 6-3 6-2 at Melbourne Park are usually kept open unless “The way Roger plays, he swings so hard at backed myself in, 191219912 JamesJames ParkePa (Britain) bt A.Beamish 3-6 6-2 1-6 6-1 7-5 the tournament’s extreme heat policy is invoked the ball and takes it so early, any wind or varia- sort of, indoor 191119911 NormanNorman BrookesB bt Rice 6-1 6-2 6-3 19101910 RodneyRodney HeathHe bt Rice 6-4 6-3 6-2 when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Cel- tion of the ball moving will take it away from conditions. 1909 TonyTony WildingWilding (New Zealand) bt E. Parker 6-1 7-5 6-2 sius (104 F) and a key humidity threshold has him. It’s why he’s one of the best players ever “I do think backk 1908 FredFred AlexanderAlexande (US) bt Alfred Dunlop 3-6 3-6 6-0 6-2 6-3 been surpassed. indoors.” that usually when I 19071907 RiceRice bt H. ParkeParkerr 6-3 6-4 6-4 Tournament organisers cited the ‘wet bulb Other players expressed similar disdain. play indoors, it’s goodd for me. Fans of Switzerland’s Roger Federer display a banner as they celebrate outside the Rod 1906 WildingWillding (New(New Zealand)Ze bt H. Parker 6-0 6-4 6-4 Laver Arena in Melbourne after he won the final against Croatia’s Marin Cilic yesterday. globe temperature’, its humidity measure, as “I can’t believe they’ve closed the roof,” Brit- But I didn’t mind thehe hheat,eat, to bbee 1905 HeaHeathath bt ArArthurthur Curtis 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 being above the threshold of 32.5 as their reason ish doubles player , the brother of honest.” 30 SPORT MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 Wild Woods impresses with a card of 70 as Noren leads REUTERS Alex Noren of Sweden plays LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA: Tiger his shot from the second tee Woods knows it will take time to fine-tune his swing as he plays on Saturday. his way back towards tournament toughness on the PGA Tour. Woods, however, showed there is nothing wrong with his short game as he overcame a wild driving display to shoot two- under-par 70 in the third round at the Farmers Insurance Open on Saturday. In his first official tournament in 51 weeks, since a spinal fusion last April, he struggled to find any rhythm with his swing, missing all but three fairways, several by wide margins. The 14-times major champion described his performance as “gross”, even though he produced some brilliant recovery shots and ran the tables on the greens on the Torrey Pines South course, where he has won eight times. Woods will start the final round equal 39th, out of conten- tion but clearly looking forward to getting another competitive round under his belt. “The only thing I have is my typically eventful round that on the correct sides because I “Hey, I’ll have another day short game and my heart, and my included several brilliant recov- knew I didn’t have it. Then I had in this whole process of trying to heart got me through today.” ery shots that required bold to rely on my touch, my feel, my build my way back up,” he said Woods has improved his imagination and deft execution. putting, and that’s been good all after posting a three-under 213 score each day, shooting 72, 71 His putting was also brilliant week.” total, eight strokes behind Swed- and 70. early on. Four times on his out- Noren sank a 40-footer to ish leader Alex Noren. While the leaders attracted a ward half Woods holed putts eagle the par-five sixth and added “I didn’t have much but I modest gallery, thousands from outside 10 feet, and though a tap-in birdie at the par-five 18th fought and put up a score and tracked every step with Woods, he did not hole any long putts to card 69 and edge ahead on a made some putts. It’s just fight- including three men in red base- coming home, he did not get him- crowded leaderboard. ing and grinding. I tried as hard ball caps displaying the words self in to as much trouble either. The Swede heads Ryan as I possibly could. “Make Tiger Great Again” -- a “I didn’t hit it worth a darn all Palmer (73) by a stroke and is two “Some of my go-to shots play on words of US President day,” he said. “I was really strug- in front of JB Holmes and Michael aren’t there and some of the shots Donald Trump’s campaign gling trying to find anything that Kim. Spanish defending cham- Tiger Woods waves to the crowd on the 13th green during the I like to hit under certain circum- slogan. was resemblance of a golf swing. pion Jon Rahm double-bogeyed third round of the Farmers Insurance Open on Saturday. stances aren’t there either. The fans were treated to a “I was trying to miss the ball the last to fall four behind. Australia thrash SA in Sky’s the limit for Japan’s final pint-sized Olympic hope

AFP AFP “Ocean is more gnarly, he’s uncoachable. Sky is more finesse, SYDNEY: Australia won their first World MIYAZAKI, JAPAN: Sky Brown is not more elegant,” explains Stu. Sevens Series title since 2012 by demolish- your typical nine-year-old. For now Ocean is happy to be his ing South Africa 29-0 in the Sydney final Born to be wild, the freckly Jap- sister’s biggest fan, tipping her to win yesterday. anese schoolgirl is already the Olympic gold in 2020. The Australians were in sublime form as world’s youngest pro skateboarder, Sky, who is hoping to make her they ran in five unanswered tries against the videos of her shredding have gone debut at extreme sports champion- more favoured South Africans. viral and, for super-duper kicks, she’s ship X Games this year, has faced Playing in front of a boisterous home just started jumping off the tops of resistance from various event organ- crowd, Australia’s win was also their first on buses. isers reluctant to allow her to home soil in 16 years, their last success com- Sky has been skating since before compete -- and potentially embar- ing at Ballymore in Brisbane in 2002. she could walk and these days trav- rass -- established skaters. “The boys backed up from game one to els the world to compete, regularly “They can’t keep her out forever,” game six and we developed and we grew,” beating the grown-ups -- fuelled, she shrugs Stu as his kids enjoy a sunset Australian captain Lewis Holland said. says, by mum’s pancakes. surf, noting that skateboarding’s gov- South Africa were always one of the Now she has set her sights on erning body have decided not to set favourites to reach the final but the Austral- Tokyo 2020, when the hipster sport an Olympic age limit. ians pulled off a major upset when they beat makes its Olympic bow, along with Following impressive perform- New Zealand in the quarter-finals, playing surfing, karate and sports climbing. ances in Britain, Sweden and some inspired sevens rugby. “I’ve thought about the Tokyo Singapore in 2017, Olympic qualifi- Both teams reached the final with rela- Olympics a lot,” Sky said in an inter- cation should prove a formality for tive ease after big wins in their semi-finals. view near her family home in Sky, who has recently thrown her South Africa easily disposed of the USA Miyazaki, southwestern Japan. considerable energy into philan- 35-7 while Australia downed Cape Town run- “I’ll be maybe like 12 or some- Sky Brown shows her skateboarding thropy by raising money for ners-up Argentina 28-0. thing,” she adds, perched on a ramp skills in this file photo. disadvantaged children in Cuba and The two teams boasted the best defen- built by her parents in a local park Cambodia. sive records of the preliminary rounds but and flanked by six-year-old brother “I wanted to see how they live,” in the final, the Australian tackling was Ocean. 1.23 metres (four feet). away from the sport. said Sky, who visited the countries relentless as they pressured the South Afri- “I think it will be awesome. It’s “The more you get scared, the “Before she was three I didn’t last summer to film a documentary cans into uncharacteristic errors. mostly about having fun -- it will be more exciting it is. I love skating want her to get on a skateboard,” he and even designed a pair of socks The Blitzboks absorbed the early pres- so cool if I win though! But for me I’d because it makes me feel free.” said. with a skateboarding motif to help sure and looked certain to open the scoring like to go in there and just have fun, The intrepid Brown kids are “You have a little girl and you raise money for Cambodian orphans in the fifth minute when Rosko Specman col- just be me.” inseparable: they skate together, go want to wrap her in cotton wool. But and struggling families. lected a Justin Geduld kick ahead and raced Born to a Japanese mother and surfing together, even sleep in the it was the one toy she kept going “They’re poor and there’s a lot of for the corner, only for man of the match a British father, Sky has no doubts same bed. back to.” children who have no shoes so I Lachie Anderson to force him into touch with about which country she wants to “Besties,” as Sky calls them, the Her mother, Mieko, confesses to wanted to give them something a desperate covering tackle. represent. siblings also have an Instagram occasional nerves while watching special.” From that point on, it was all Australia. “I’d like to skate for Japan at the account which has more than 92,000 Sky flirt with danger A blur of perpetual motion, Holland crossed 40 seconds before the Tokyo Olympics because I was born followers. “I was sweating a bit when she skateboarding’s Tinkerbell clearly break and from the ensuing kick-off, veteran here, all my friends are here and my Despite her tender years, there first jumped off that bus,” she says, has no time to waste. James Stannard, playing his last tournament school’s here,” she explains, as her is a steely determination to Sky, who as her daughter performs the same “I would like to go to the Olym- on home soil, found some space and scored trusty sidekick Ocean fidgets next to is also a professional surfer. stunt, plummeting to earth and nail- pics while I’m young -- I don’t really under the posts. South Africa needed to score her. The little record-breaker landed ing a textbook landing. wanna be 16 or something going to first after the restart but they were rocked Later the little girl rips into a her first major sponsorship deal aged “But I trust her. If she says she the Olympics,” declares Sky, screw- when first John Porch and then Ben O’Donnell string of jumps at breakneck speed, seven and has already perfected sev- can do it, I believe her.” ing up her nose at the unimaginable crossed to put the game out of reach. her long sun-bleached hair billow- eral fiendishly difficult tricks that no Arguably though it is Ocean, horror of reaching her mid-teens. The series moves to Hamilton in New ing in her wake. other women have pulled off. sporting a black beanie and shoul- “I wanna be young and show Zealand next weekend. “I don’t really get scared,” insists Her father, Stu, admits he initially der-length hair, who is the real every girl that you can do it, just go the teeny boarder, who stands just tried to steer his daredevil daughter adrenaline junkie. for it -- even though you’re little!” MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Curry pours in 49 against Celtics

AGENCIES score just 34 points. Wayne Ellington made a NEW YORK: Stephen Curry 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left as poured in 31 of his season-high host Miami rallied from a 49 points in the second half Satur- 15-point, third-quarter deficit to day night, including consecutive defeat Charlotte. hoops to break a late tie, rallying Josh Richardson scored a the Golden State Warriors to a team-high 19 points and Elling- 109-105 victory over the Boston ton had 17 as Miami swept the Celtics in a nationally televised four-game season series against showdown of conference lead- Charlotte this season. ers in Oakland, Calif. The Heat also improved to Curry’s 49 points came on 5-16 when trailing entering the 16-of-24 shooting and 8-of-13 fourth quarter. accuracy from 3-point range. Kemba Walker scored 30 Kevin Durant finished with points, and Dwight Howard 20 points and Draymond Green added 20 points, 16 rebounds and recorded a 15-point, 11-rebound four blocks for the Hornets. double-double for the Warriors, Walker scored more than 20 who completed a three-game points for his fifth straight game, home sweep of the New York but he missed a free throw that Knicks, the Minnesota Timber- would have tied the score with wolves and the Celtics. 30 seconds left. Boston’s Kyrie Irving had 37 Markieff Morris scored a points on 5-for-6 shooting from game-high 23 points while Mike 3-point range and 13-for-18 accu- Scott came off the bench and racy overall. added 19 as Washington took a Jaylen Brown totaled 20 big first-half lead en route to a points and Al Horford, returning win at Atlanta. from a concussion, notched a The Wizards won despite 15-point, 13-rebound double- playing without All-Star guard double for the Celtics. John Wall (knee soreness/pain). Carmelo Anthony scored his Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. 25,000th career point, Russell both scored 18. Westbrook notched a triple-dou- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving during the first quarter of Dewayne Dedmon, Taurean ble, and Oklahoma City posted its their NBA game at Oracle Arena on Saturday. Prince and Tyler Dorsey all scored seventh straight victory by top- 14 points for the Hawks. ping host Detroit. the basket. 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Harrison Barnes led the Mav- NBA RESULTS Victor Oladipo scored 24 Anthony finished with 21 Roberson reportedly sus- He sealed his second triple- ericks with 22 points. Results from the NBA games on Saturday points and Lance Stephenson points and became the 21st player tained a ruptured patellar tendon double of the season when he hit Jumping out to a 30-11 lead Oklahoma City 121 Detroit 108 added a season-high 21 as Indi- in NBA history to hit that mark, on the play. a 19-foot jumper above the right after one quarter, Minnesota led Indiana 114 Orlando 112 ana rallied for a victory over as well as the 25th in NBA and Tobias Harris led six Pistons elbow after getting a pass from by double figures for most of the Washington 129 Atlanta 104 Orlando in . ABA combined history. in double figures with 21 points, Jamal Murray to give Denver the last three quarters in a decision Miami 95 Charlotte 91 Thaddeus Young added 20 Westbrook racked up 31 but Detroit dropped its seventh final margin. over in Minneapolis. Golden State 109 Boston 105 points for the Pacers, who trailed

points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. straight. Dallas’ Wesley Matthews’ Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Minnesota 111 Brooklyn 97 by 21 in the first half. Paul George supplied 26 Nikola Jokic recorded his 3-point attempt off an inbounds Butler led the Timberwolves with Denver 91 Dallas 89 Stephenson had nine points points and Steven Adams added eighth career triple-double and pass was short just before time 21 points each, while Karl- in the fourth quarter. Domantas 13 points and seven rebounds. hit the tiebreaking jumper with expired. Anthony Towns and reserve Sabonis chipped in with 17 points Thunder guard Andre Rober- 1:12 remaining as host Denver Denver’s Gary Harris led all Jamal Crawford scored 16 apiece. with 21 points in a reserve role, and team-high nine rebounds. son was wheeled off in a stretcher held on for a victory over scorers with 24 points, including Towns also hauled in 19 while another substitute, Nik Aaron Gordon recorded highs with 4:33 left in the third quarter Dallas. seven straight for the Nuggets rebounds. Stauskas, hit for 15. for the Magic with 22 points and after he slipped running toward Jokic finished with 11 points, before Jokic’s tiebreaking shot. Jahlil Okafor paced Brooklyn Nets starters combined to 11 rebounds. McDavid, Gaudreau shine NFL: Gronkowski returns to practice at NHL skills competition REUTERS

AFP McDavid joins Scott Nied- Vegas Golden Knights Marc- Boston have been discussed as MIAMI: New England Patriots ermayer, Mike Gartner, Peter Andre Fleury was the top possible candidates. tight end Rob Gronkowski TAMPA: Connor McDavid had Bondra, Sami Kapanen, and Ser- goaltender by making 14 straight In September, New Jersey (pictured) is not cleared yet plenty of spring in his step and gei Federov as the only players saves in a shootout will visit Switzerland and from the league’s concussion Johnny Gaudreau showed off his to win the event more than once. competition. Edmonton will go to Germany protocol but he returned to the smooth hands at the 2018 NHL Calgary Flames star Gaud- The league also held a board to play local teams. The Devils practice field on Saturday in All-Star Game skills competition reau easily claimed the puck of governors’ meeting earlier on and Oilers will then face each preparation for next week’s on Saturday night. control relay title after finishing Saturday and announced that other in a regular-season opener Super Bowl against the Phila- Edmonton Oilers forward in 24.65 seconds. San Jose would host the 2019 in Sweden. Winnipeg will play delphia Eagles. McDavid became the first back- He was more than three sec- NHL All-Star game. Florida in Finland for two regu- Gronkowski was in full pads to-back winner of the fastest onds faster than runner-up John Commissioner Gary Bett- lar season games in after sitting out the previous skater competition, ahead of the Tavares, of the New York Island- man also announced tentative November. two practice days with a con- All-Star Game in Tampa Bay, ers, who finished in 28.24. plans for next season’s interna- The topic of goaltender cussion he sustained in last Florida. The event featured players tional games. interference also came up with Sunday’s AFC Championship Hurney and Houston Texans The 21-year-old McDavid controlling the puck through a The Kings and a number of high-profile cases against the Jacksonville assistant GM Jimmy Raye III, finished his lap around the rink series of obstacles and then Vancouver Canucks played exhi- this past week involving Jaguars. according to multiple reports. in 13.45 seconds, just ahead of shooting into an empty net. bition games in China in 2017 McDavid and ’s Auston Gronkowski took part in the The Panthers will also Tampa Bay Lightning forward Washington Capitals star and the league intends to return Matthews, where seemingly portion of New England’s prac- interview Buffalo Bills assistant Brayden Point who clocked Alex Ovechkin won the hardest there next September. good goals were not allowed tice open to the media, director of college scouting 13.57. Buffalo Sabres Jack Eichel shot title at 101.3 miles per hour Details are still being because of contact with the according to a report from Lake Dawson and are expected was third in 13.83. (162 kilometeres per hour) while worked out but Calgary and netminder. NESN.com. The team’s injury to reach out to Tennessee Titans Meanwhile, NHL commis- report released Wednesday was director of player personnel sioner Gary Bettman officially the first time the Patriots Ryan Cowden, according to a announced Saturday that the San acknowledged that Gronkowski report from NFL Network. Jose Sharks will host the 2019 suffered a concussion in the The Panthers have not had NHL All-Star Game at SAP 24-20 comeback victory over a full-time general manager Center. the Jaguars. since firing Dave Gettleman, The skills competition will Gronkowski missed the who was recently named GM take place January 26, followed second half after taking a hel- of the New York Giants, in July. by the All-Star Game itself on met-to-helmet hit from Jaguars Hurney stepped in to fill the January 27. safety Barry Church in the sec- role on an interim basis; he was San Jose last hosted the ond quarter. Carolina’s GM from 2002-12 event in 1997. Eagles defensive tackle Tim before being fired after a 1-5 “It’s very big for San Jose to Jernigan was back at practice start to the 2012 season and land the All-Star Game simply in preparation for next week’s replaced by Gettleman. for our fans,” Sharks president Super Bowl after missing Fri- Giants quarterback Eli Man- John Tortora told NHL. day with an illness. ning says he is “excited” to com.”I’ve been with the Sharks The exact nature of Jerni- begin working with new head now for seven years, and so gan’s illness was not coach Pat Shurmur, who also many fans come up to me and announced, but ESPN reported will be calling offensive plays. still talk about the 1997 All-Star he had a stomach bug. Manning showed his opti- Game. In 15 regular-season games mism about Shurmur in an The SAP Center opened in in 2017, he made 29 tackles and interview with the team’s web- 1993, so to bring the game back had 2.5 sacks. site on Friday after the coach after 22 years is long overdue Coach Doug Pederson’s met with the media at his intro- and it’s primarily for our fans to Eagles wrapped up their last ductory press conference. celebrate the great game of practice before heading to Min- “(I’m) just excited to see hockey.” neapolis on Sunday. how he calls games, how he The 2018 All-Star Game is The Carolina Panthers will looks at defenses, how he wants Atlantic Division forward Brayden Point (21) of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots the puck on Pacific taking place this weekend at the kick off their search for a new to pick them apart and just see- Division goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) of the Vegas Golden Knights competes in the save streak Amalie Arena in Tampa, general manager next week by ing his insight to that and learn challenge during the 2018 NHL All Star Game skills competition at Amalie Arena on Saturday. Florida. interviewing interim GM Marty from it,” Manning said.” MONDAY 29 JANUARY 2018 32

I am so happy. It’s SPORT unbelievable. This is a 3.30PM 5.55PM dream come true, the Roger Federer FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Celebrates winning the 20th Esperance Sportive vs Benfica vs fairytale continues for me. Grand Slam title of his Live on It’s incredible. amazing tennis journey. Paris Saint Germain Kashiwa Reysol TUBE Al Kass TV Live on Al Kass TV Number 20 for super Federer

Switzerland’s Roger Federer holds the winner’s trophy after beating Croatia’s Marin Cilic in their men’s singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. Federer won 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

AFP year, it’s incredible,” the break point which the Croatian Cilic was break point down set in 29 minutes. Cilic was then FACTBOXFACTBOX on Switzerland’s 36-year-old added as he broke followed with a smash into the in the ninth, but crucially got out broken in the opening game of Roger Federer: MELBOURNE: A tearful Roger down in tears. net for a break in the opening of it with a second ace the fourth set with a poor back- Federer powered home to beat Federer added to his already game. down the middle followed by a hand dropshot into the net as Born: Aug. 8, 1981 in Basel, Switzer- Marin Cilic in five riveting sets imposing win-loss record in Mel- The Croat was finding it dif- forehand winner. Federer closed in for the kill. land. (Age: 36) to win his sixth Australian Open bourne and is now 94-13. His ficult to settle and changed rac- The Croat had a big moment But the Croat broke back in Grand slam titles: 20 and 20th Grand Slam title overall his Grand Slam mark quets in his second service game, in the 10th game when two Fed- the sixth game with three break Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007, yesterday. stands at 332-52. but it had no obvious benefit as erer double faults gave him set points when Federer netted and 2010, 2017, 2018; The Swiss defending cham- “It was an amazing journey he dropped serve again after point, but a tentative backhand fought off a break point in the French Open 2009; pion dropped his only sets of the to come to the final. It could have three break points to trail 0-3. into the net and a wild backhand next game to put his nose in Wimbledon 2003, 2004, 2005, tournament before completing been the best two weeks of my He finally held serve to get cost him his chance. front. 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017; a 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win life, but Roger played a great fifth on the board but the Swiss star In the tiebreaker, Cilic got to Cilic was now more in the US Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, over the sixth seeded Croatian set,” Cilic said. was too good, serving out the set two set points when his forehand flow and broke Federer again 2008). in 3hr 3min. “I want to thank my team, in just 24 minutes after a shaky clipped the line before a winning with his big forehands starting Federer, playing in his 30th you’re unbelievable. We worked Cilic opening. smash levelled the match as Fed- to find their mark. He served it » Born to Robert and Lynette. Grand Slam final, joined Novak hard for this year, hopefully we Federer, a former world erer dropped his first set of the out to take the absorbing final Has one sibling, Diana. Djokovic and Australian great will lift these trophies in the number one, fought off two tournament. into a fifth. » Began playing tennis at the age Roy Emerson as joint top for the future.” break points in his opening But Cilic lost serve on the But Federer stayed calm and of eight. Was a ball boy at his most Australian Open men’s The roof was closed over Rod service in the second set with back of a couple of ground stroke produced quality to hometown event in Basel in titles. Laver Arena as the tournament’s pinpoint serves, while Cilic had errors and Federer raced 4-2 up hold on to his serve amid 1993-94. “I’m so happy. It’s unbeliev- heat policy was implemented a tussle before holding in the in the third set. mounting tension. » Bursts on to the scene in 2001, able. This is a dream come true, amid evening temperatures of third game. The defending champion The world No.2 crucially ending Pete Sampras’s the fairytale continues for me,” 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). Cilic worked his way back shifted gears with a stunning broke to 2-0 and got a vital 31-match winning streak at Federer said at the Cilic’s serve came under into the match as both players forehand off his toes and confi- double break when Cilic netted Wimbledon in the fourth round presentation. immediate pressure with a whip- traded furious forehands to stay dently held serve to lead 5-2 a forehand, leaving him to serve before losing in the “After the great year last ping backhand return winner for on serve. before clinically serving out the out for the championship. quarter-finals. » Becomes the first Swiss man to Switzerland’s Roger Federer win a Grand Sam after beating The trailblazing Swiss star (left) holds the winner’s trophy Mark Philippoussis in the 2003 ** Breaks American Pete Sampras’s record of 14 Grand Slam titles with after beating Croatia’s Marin Wimbledon final. his 15th win in the 2009 Wimbledon final to reclaim the world number one Cilic (right) in the Australian » Federer is the only man to win spot from Nadal. Open final. five consecutive titles at two ** His record run of reaching 23 consecutive grand slam semi-finals or better different Grand Slams -- Wim- from 2004 Wimbledon onwards is snapped by Robin Soderling in the last eight of the bledon and US Open. . His streak is more than double the previous record held by Ivan » First man to win Wimbledon-US Lendl and Rod Laver, who both reached 10 consecutive major semis. Open double four years in a ** Becomes the 23rd man to top the ATP rankings in 2004, and keeps the row. ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks. By winning his seventh Wim- » Only man in the professional bledon title, he also matches Sampras’s record of spending 286 weeks as world era to win three consecutive number one. majors twice in his career when ** Holds a record run of 24 consecutive final victories, which was snapped when he captured the 2007 Aus- he lost the 2005 Masters Cup final to . Finished the 2005 season tralian Open title. » with an 81-4 win-loss record. Matched Bjorn Borg’s record of five consecutive Wimbledon ** In 2006, he reached all four grand slam finals, winning in Australia, titles in 2007. Wimbledon and the US among a haul of 12 titles and a 92-5 win-loss record. » His run of reaching 10 consecu- ** In 2007, again reached all four major finals, winning in Melbourne Park, Wim- tive Grand Sam finals is ended bledon and Flushing Meadows. by Novak Djokovic in the 2008 ** Has a professional era record of 65 consecutive wins on grass, which Australian Open semi-finals. was ended by Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final. » His 2009 French Open crown ** Won an Olympic men’s doubles gold medal with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 made him the sixth man -- after Beijing Games. , , Rod ** Comes back from six-month injury lay-off to win the 2017 Australian Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Open and at 35, becomes the oldest player to win a grand slam title since Aus- Agassi -- to have won all four tralia’s Ken Rosewall won at Melbourne Park in 1972 at the age of 37. Grand Slam titles during his ** Won an eighth singles title at Wimbledon in 2017, pulling one ahead of career. Nadal later became the Britain’s and Pete Sampras. seventh to achieve the feat and ** Aged 36, won his 20th Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. Equalled Rod Novak Djokovic joined the list in Laver’s record of claiming four Grand Slams after turning 30. 2016.