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Monday 30 January 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Curry powers Barcelona salvage Warriors to win; late draw against Heat outplay Pistons Betis Federer beats Nadal to clinch Slam No. 18

Melbourne Reuters of Switzerland oger Federer came out on celebrates top after a rollercoaster with the Rride in the 35th chapter of championship his rivalry with Rafa Nadal to trophy during win his fifth the awards 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and clinch ceremony after a first title in four his victory and a half years yesterday. Jeunghun Wang of Korea, winner of the Qatar Masters, receiving the Mother of Pearl trophy against Spain's The 35-year-old capped his from Hassan Al Naimi, President of Qatar Golf Association (QGA), in the presence of Fahad triumphant return from knee Nasser Al Naimi, General Secretary of QGA, Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi, Executive Director of surgery with a record-extend- in the singles QGA, Mohamed Al Mohannadi, Assistant General Secretary of QGA and Joseph Abraham, CEO ing 18th major title after a final of the of Commercial Bank, and other officials at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. Wang edged Joakim vintage battle with his Spanish Australian Open Lagergren and Jaco Van Zyl in a play-off battle to lift the Qatar Masters title. rival, who had won all three of in their previous meetings at Mel- yesterday. bourne Park. Lefthander Nadal, also Wang creates history returning from injury this year, showed sustained periods of his brutal best from the baseline but was just unable to stay with his rival in the gut-wrenching with Qatar victory drama of the deciding set. Federer was forced to endure a nervous wait for his Korean tops at DGC victory after Nadal unsuccess- fully challenged the line call on The 21-year-old the second championship point Korean wins three- before becoming the first man way play-off battle to win five or more titles at three and becomes the different grand slams. first Asian player to The Swiss, for many the clinch the Mother of greatest player of all time, cel- Pearl trophy at the ebrated with tears in his eyes but breakthrough, converting the and Federer, his crosscourt Doha Golf Club. his first words were for his old first break point of the match causing Nadal all sorts friend and rival. with a forehand winner to go of problems, secured a two sets " is a tough sport, 5-4 up. to one lead with a drop volley. there are no draws in tennis but That was enough to take the The pendulum had not fin- Rizwan Rehmat I would have been happy to opening set but this was never ished swinging yet, however, The Peninsula accept one tonight and share it going to be a straightforward and Nadal broke for 3-1 in the with Rafa," he said. win for either player and Nadal fourth and held under huge ising Korean golf star "I would have been happy was all over his opponent's pressure in the next game with and overnight leader Wang in action during the play-off with Lagergren and to lose to be honest, the come- at the start of the second and a brilliant crosscourt forehand Jeunghun Wang yes- back was as good as it was. I grabbed a 2-0 lead. winner at full stretch. Van Zyl. terday edged Joakim hope to see you next year but if Federer had two break Nadal again closed out the Lagergren and Jaco not, then it was a wonderful year points in the next game but set and Federer took a medical RVan Zyl in a play-off battle to lift Kimsey completed the top 10 at greens," Wang said. "But my here and I couldn't be happier Nadal fought them off and then timeout before the start of the the Qatar Masters title in his 13 under. chipping was really good today. tonight." broke again as his rival strug- decider, returning to court only maiden appearance in Doha. Wang presented a broad So I saved everything. Finally I Nadal, the 2009 champion, gled for accuracy under the to give up his first service game. It was the first time in the smile at the prize distribution won," he added. was also typically gracious after Spaniard's onslaught. Federer was not prepared tournament's 20-year history ceremony. "I just want to try to make losing his third Melbourne final Four big forehands gave the to give up easily on a first that an Asian player had nailed "(It) feels really fantastic for (the) birdie at the last (hole). I and coming up short in his bid Swiss a break back but Nadal grand slam title since Wimble- the Mother of Pearl trophy. me. It's really, really great. I'm didn't think about anything. I for a 15th grand slam title. held firm to serve out the set and don in 2012, though, and upped The 21-year-old fought so happy," Wang said. "I just just want to try to make birdie," "It was a great match and I Federer needed three aces to his aggression to put the set against the chasing pack on the wanted to play (the) play-off and he said. think Roger probably deserved save three break points at the back on serve at 3-3 when back nine at the Doha Golf Club I got 18th hole, the last hole," he "I've really got a lot of con- it a little more than me," the start of the third. Nadal sent a rasping forehand (DGC) where he produced a added. About his coming events fidence right now. I just want to 30-year-old said. The momentum had swung, wide. winning birdie on the last hole this season, Wang said: "I just play another tournament," he "I played a great quality of though, and Federer stepped up He needed another five in the play-off battle. don't want to get any pressure said. tennis. That's great news for me. a gear and rattled off the next break points on Nadal's next Wang earlier strutted with this year. (I) just want to learn Lagergren sounded dejected I believe that if I have my body two games with Nadal left service game before the Span- a couple of bogeys - on holes 14 from the other players. I just after finishing second. in the right condition, I can have scrambling to fend off a second iard finally cracked as Federer and 17 - to card 1 under par 71 want to keep winning I hope." "(I) can't complain about the a great year." break in a marathon fourth sealed the title with a forehand that forced him into a play-off Wang admitted he was a second place, but obviously a lot Federer made the slower game. winner that Hawk-Eye con- battle with Lagergren and Van victim of nerves when playing of disappointment right now," start to the contest but it was the He was unable to repeat the firmed hit the line. Zyl. the back nine. Lagergren said. Swiss who made the first feat in the sixth game →See also page 22 It was Wang's third win on "I was really nervous at the "I played really well today. the European Tour since last back nine. I missed a lot of I played a lot of good golf, year. definitely. Lagergren (66) yesterday "I would have taken 6-under produced another consistent before the day, definitely. (I) performance firing seven bird- played well. I lost in a play-off. ies while Van Zyl - the Nothing to say about it really. I 28-year-old from South Africa knew before I was hitting -- - remained steady with a score before we went to the tee box of 68 to share a three-way over- there, you need to make birdie all card of 16 under par 272. here to win it. Frenchman Mike Lorenzo- "I was hitting 4-iron down Vera - thanks to an eagle on hole in that bunker, so it's a tough 16 - shared the fourth spot with shot from there," he said. South Africa's Thomas Aiken. Van Zyl said starting the last Lorenzo-Vera (66) and round well was key to the thrill- Aiken (68) ended their Qatar ing finish yesterday. Masters campaign with an over- "The start was really impor- all score of 15 under par 273. tant. An unfortunate 3-putt on Aiken and Lorenzo-Vera fin- 6 kind of put a damper on things ished with a shot clear of a little bit. I kind of just lingered Spanish pair Rafa Cabrera Bello along until I made a nice one on and Nacho Elvira, and English- 13. Just unfortunately I hit a cou- man Jordan Smith. ple of good putts that just didn't Federer and Nadal pose with their trophies, with former Australian tennis legend , Thailand's Kiradech Aphib- Wang celebrates with the go in," he said. arnrat and England's Nathan Mother of Pearl trophy. →See also page 23 after their final match. SPORT MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2017 21 Nasser dreams of donning national colours at Qatar 2022

The Peninsula Akram Afif, both now integral in this tournament on home soil. professional footballers plying members of Jorge Fossati’s Qatar I have a once-in-a-lifetime their trade in the Qatar Stars national team. opportunity coming my way in League has also helped his evo- spire Academy U17 cap- “Abdulkarim and Akram 2022, and I want to make full use lution as a footballer. tain Nasser Abdulsalam inspire me, as well as my team- of this.” “The two best midfielders in Ahas been a vital part of his mates,” said Nasser. That the youngster has a the QSL in my opinion are Al team’s excellent run during this “Their growth as interna- great football mind is evident Sadd’s Xavi and Lekhwiya’s Nam year’s Al Kass International Cup. tional footballers has been both on and off the pitch: Tae-hee,” he continued. The ambitious attacking phenomenal. Both of them are “The football legacy of the “I have been lucky to inter- midfielder is looking to extend hard workers and this is the World Cup will be the develop- act with Xavi. He is a legend of his form beyond the tournament secret behind their success. I ment of young homegrown the game and his vision of the and is harbouring dreams of an relate more to Akram as I am an players through an efficient sys- game and ball distribution skills ‘Al Annabi’ cap and representing attacking player. One day I hope tem and state-of-the-art are unsurpassed. Nam, on the his country in the 2022 FIFA to play alongside both of them stadiums, training and medical other hand, is very fast and has World Cup Qatar. in the senior national team," he facilities,” said Abdulsalam. fantastic movement.” Nasser, whose side earned said. “I want to make use of the However, Abdulsalam’s the distinction of becoming the The dream, of course, does opportunities that have opened favourite player is Xavi’s former first to qualify for the semi-finals not end there. up because of the historic event Barcelona team-mate Andres when they defeated Tunisian “I want to play for my coun- and help my country become a Iniesta. side Esperance de Tunis in the try in the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” leading footballing nation in the “Iniesta is the best player in last eight stage on Thursday, said Abdulsalam. Middle East and Asia.” the world and I run out of words exclusively told www.sc.qa that “My country is hosting a In addition to the facilities at when I talk about him. I hope I Nasser Abdulsalam (right) hopes to represent Qatar at 2022 he is motivated by Aspire grad- World Cup and it is the ultimate Aspire Academy, Abdulsalam can be half as good as him one FIFA World Cup. uates Abdulkarim Hassan and dream of every footballer to play says watching top quality day,” he concluded. India pull off stunning Curry powers Warriors to win to level series 1-1

Nagpur rebuilding. Root struck two win; Heat outplay Pistons IANS fours in the ninth over, off leg- spinner Amit Mishra, to increase the run rate. came tantalizingly close to his ndia produced an inspired England reached 65/2 in 10 AFP season high of 46 points despite Stephen Curry bowling display to deny overs, needing 80 more runs to sitting out the entire fourth shines for Golden IEngland their first limited- win in 60 balls. tephen Curry scored 43 quarter. State Warriors overs series in the country since Earlier, India posted a pal- points to lead the Even Warriors coach Steve in their big win 1984, winning the second try total. Opener KL Rahul (71) Golden State Warriors Kerr couldn't help but be in awe over LA Clippers Twenty-20 International (T20I) was the top scorer for the hosts to their most dominant of Curry's performance. Kerr, in Oakland on here yesterday by five runs. while Manish Pandey contrib- victory of the NBA sea- who played over 900 games in Saturday. India posted 144/8 after uted with a crucial 30 runs Sson, a 114-98 rout of the Los the NBA, told his star player dur- being sent into bat in the Vidar- under pressure. For England, Angeles Clippers in Oakland. ing one timeout on the bench bha Association Chris Jordan scalped 3-22 to be "It feels great," said Curry, that he could only dream of hav- Stadium. England, seemingly in the most successful while Mills, who electrified the crowd with ing a game like that. control, faltered at the end to Ali and Rashid chipped in with a 51-foot shot to close the first Curry also found time for be restricted to 139/6. a each. half. a team-high nine rebounds and Young pacer Jasprit Bum- "I felt like I was always in a six assists. The Clippers dropped rah bowled an inspired last rhythm and the guys were set- to 1-4 since losing star guard over, conceding only two runs, SCOREBOARD ting great screens." Chris Paul to injury despite hav- to deny England a victory. INDIA After the break he drained ing Blake Griffin back in the He finished the match with V Kohli c Dawson b Jordan ...... 21 five three-pointers in the third lineup. Griffin, who finished with figures of 20/2 in his four overs, L Rahul c Stokes b Jordan...... 71 quarter en route to 25 points in 20 points, was playing in his sec- giving away only three runs in S Raina c Jordan b Rashid ...... 7 Y Singh lbw b Ali ...... 4 the period. ond game since returning from the 18th over. M Pandey b Mills ...... 30 "It was one of those quarters knee injury. Veteran pacer Asish Nehra M S Dhoni b Jordan ...... 5 where everything seems to go JJ Redick added 13 points for (3/28) also contributed to India's H Pandya (run out) ...... 2 right," Curry said. the Clippers, who haven't beaten win. England won the first A Mishra (run out)...... 0 The 46-point margin of vic- the Warriors in the regular sea- match of the three-match series J Bumrah (not out) ...... 0 tory was the Warriors' biggest of son since Christmas Day in 2014. by seven at Kanpur. Extras (B-1, W-3) ...... 4 the season while the Clippers Elsewhere, Goran Dragic tal- The third match is at Ben- Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 144 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-56, 3-69, 4-125, hadn't lost by more than 26 this lied eight of his 23 points in the galuru on February 1. Sam 5-139, 6-143, 7-144, 8-144. year. fourth quarter and the Miami Billings (12) got England going Bowling: Dawson 2-0-20-0, Mills 4-0-36-1, Curry notched his third Heat extended their NBA win in the run chase with two huge Jordan 4-0-22-3, Stokes 3-0-21-0, Ali 4-0-20-1, 40-point game of the season and streak to seven games with a the season despite getting a the visiting Sacramento Kings to sixes of leg-spinner Yuzvender Rashid 3-0-24-1. 116-103 win over the Detroit team-high 24 points from Reg- a 109-106 victory over the Chahal in the third over. ENGLAND NBA round-up Pistons. gie Jackson. Hornets. But Nehra struck twice in J J Roy c Raina b Nehra...... 10 Wayne Ellington scored 19 In Milwaukee, Isaiah Tho- Cousins put the Kings ahead the next over, having Billings S W Billings c Bumrah b Nehra ...... 12 Golden State J E Root lbw Bumrah ...... 38 points and James Johnson fin- mas scored 37 points and Jae for good with a driving basket (12) caught by Bumrah at fine E J G Morgan c Pandya b Mishra ...... 17 superstar fires 43 ished with 18 for the Heat, who Crowder added 20 as the Bos- that took the score to 108-106 leg in the first ball and then B A Stokes lbw Nehra ...... 38 points in 114-98 have the longest active winning ton Celtics beat the Milwaukee with 14.3 seconds remaining. induced a leading edge of Jason J C Buttler b Bumrah ...... 15 victory over Clippers streak in the league. Bucks a 112-108 in overtime at After Charlotte's Frank Roy (10) in the next ball to be M M Ali (not out) ...... 1 Miami improved to 18-30 on the Bradley Center. Thomas Kaminsky missed a three-point caught at mid-on by Suresh C J Jordan (not out) ...... 0 the season, giving them their knocked down six three-point- attempt, Cousins added a free Raina. Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-4, NB-1) ...... 8 Dragic stars as Miami longest winning streak since ers and went 11 for 21 from the throw with less than a second The twin strikes jolted Eng- Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 139 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-22, 3-65, 4-117, 5-137, Heat extend winning February 2014. floor. He has scored 20 or more remaining as the Kings -- near- land. They needed time to get 6-138. streak after 116-103 Dion Waiters scored 13 of his points in 31 straight games. ing the end of an eight-game back in their run-chasing Bowling: Y S Chahal 4-0-33-0; A Nehra 4-0-

win against Detroit 17 points in the first quarter in In Charlotte, DeMarcus road trip -- bounced back from groove. 28-3; J J Bumrah 4-0-20-2; A Mishra 4-0-25-1 Pistons front of a crowd of 19,600. Cousins scored 35 points and an overtime defeat at Indiana on Skipper Eoin Morgan (17) (1nb); S K Raina 4-0-30-0 (2w). Detroit dropped to 21-26 on pulled down 18 rebounds to lead Friday. and Joe Root (38) began enters ring Santa Cruz secures WBA belt for Pacquiao-Horn fight Los Angeles first defeat. "I did what I had knockout of World Boxing AFP to do. I knew it was going to Council lightweight cham- closely with Duco Events, be another tough fight and pion Dejan Zlaticanin of AFP (venue manager) AEG Ogden eo Santa Cruz reclaimed like I said, let's make it a third Montenegro. and as well as the (Brisbane the World Boxing Asso- fight." A right upper-cut fol- BO welterweight City) Council to secure this fight Lciation featherweight Santa Cruz improved to lowed by a monstrous world champion here in Brisbane. world title on Saturday, 33-1 with one drawn while overhand right from Garcia WManny Pacquiao "We're hoping to lock this handing Carl Frampton the Frampton fell to 23-1. knocked Zlaticanin out cold could fight Australian Jeff Horn down as soon as possible." first defeat of his career and Although Frampton at 2:21 of the third round. in Queensland state after offi- Describing it as the "largest avenging his 2016 loss to the landed plenty of telling blows Garcia's in-ring celebra- cials confirmed yesterday they boxing event in Australia", Jones Northern Ireland star. in a fight filled with frenetic tions gradually turned to were in negotiations to host the said her government was keen In an explosive rematch exchanges, he was repeatedly expressions of concern as bout. to secure the fight at the that lived up to their bruising pushed out of position by medical personnel worked There has been weeks of 52,500-capacity Suncorp encounter last July, it was Santa Cruz's effective jab. for several minutes to revive speculation that the 38-year- Stadium. Santa Cruz who this time After a strong 11th round, Zlaticanin, who endured his old Filipino dubbed "Pac-Man" Suncorp Stadium general emerged with a majority Santa Cruz withstood a des- first defeat in 23 fights. will get into the ring with Horn manager Alan Graham said decision, with two judges perate attack from Frampton "I'm glad my opponent is in April, possibly in Australia. 28-year-old Horn was keen to scoring it 115-113 for the US- in the final round. "He was OK. We never wish that any- "We now are getting the fight at the Brisbane venue. based Mexican while the very clever. He used his thing bad happens in the pieces together to deliver this Pacquiao, who has par- third scored it a draw at reach," Frampton said. sport," said Garcia, a former Leo Santa Cruz celebrates win over major fight," Queensland's tour- layed his sporting fame into a 114-114. Meanwhile, on the same featherweight and super ism minister Kate Jones told career in politics, is a veteran Carl Frampton after their WBA "I wanted revenge," said card, American Mikey Gar- featherweight titlist who reporters in Brisbane. of 67 fights including 59 featherweight title fight in Las Vegas Santa Cruz, whose loss to cia won his third world title improved to 36-0 with 30 "We are working very victories. on Saturday. Frampton last year was his with a ruthless third-round knockouts. 22 SPORT MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2017

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Switzerland's Roger FEDERER THE CHAMPION MEN'S SINGLES Federer holds

CHAMPIONS the trophy after Born: August 8, 1981 in Basel, Switzer- winning the Men's land. (Age: 35) List of Australian Open men's sin- singles final of the gles champions since the event Australian Open GRAND SLAM TITLES (18): Austral- began in 1905 (Australian unless against Spain's ian Open 2004, 2006-07, 2010, 2017; stated): Rafael Nadal. 2009; Wimbledon, 2003- 2007, 2009, 2012; U.S. Open 2004-2008 2017 Roger Federer (Switzerland) 2016 () * Bursts on to the scene in 2001 when he 2015 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) ends ' 31-match winning 2014 (Switzerland) streak at Wimbledon in the fourth round 2013 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) before losing in quarter-finals. 2012 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) * In 2003, becomes the first Swiss man to 2011 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) win a grand slam after beating Mark Philip- 2010 Federer (Switzerland) poussis in the Wimbledon final. 2009 Rafael Nadal (Spain) 2008 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) PLAYING CAREER 2007 Roger Federer (Switzerland) 2006 Roger Federer (Switzerland) * Only man to win five consecutive titles 2005 (Russia) at two different grand slams -- Wimble- 2004 Roger Federer (Switzerland) don and U.S. Open. 2003 (U.S.) * First man to win Wimbledon-U.S. Open 2002 () double four years in a row. 2001 Agassi * Only man in the professional era to win 2000 Agassi (U.S.) three consecutive majors twice in his 1999 Kafelnikov career when he captured the 2007 Aus- 1998 (Czech Republic) tralian Open title. * Matched Bjorn Borg's record of five con- 1997 Pete Sampras (U.S.) secutive Wimbledon titles in 2007. 1996 (Germany) * His run of reaching 10 consecutive grand 1995 Agassi slam finals is ended by Novak Djokovic 1994 Sampras in the semi-finals. 1993 (U.S.) Emotional Federer savours * The 2008 five-set epic final at Wim- 1992 Courier bledon is regarded by many as the best 1991 Becker ever tennis match. He lost the match to 1990 Lendl Rafael Nadal. 1989 Lendl * His crown made him 1988 (Sweden) long-awaited 18th slam win the sixth man -- after , Don 1987 (Jan) Edberg Budge, Rod Laver, and Andre 1986 No competition Agassi -- to have won all four grand slam 1985 (Nov) Edberg Melbourne titles during his career. Nadal later became 1984 Wilander LEADING MEN'S GRAND Reuters SLAM WINNERS the seventh to achieve the feat. 1983 Wilander * Breaks American Pete Sampras's record 1982 (South Africa) n emotional Roger 1 8 - Roger Federer (Switzerland) - of 14 grand slam titles with his 15th win 1981 Kriek Federer wiped Australian Open (5), French Open in the 2009 Wimbledon final to reclaim 1980 Brian Teacher (U.S.) away tears and (1), Wimbledon (7), U.S. Open (5) the world number one spot from Nadal. 1979 (Argentina) urged Rafa Nadal 14 - Rafa Nadal (Spain) - Australian * His record run of reaching 23 consecu- 1978 Vilas to stay with him Open (1), French Open (9), Wimble- tive grand slam semi-finals is snapped 1977 (Dec) (U.S.) onA the tour for years to come don (2), U.S. Open (2) by Robin Soderling in the last eight of 1977 (Jan) (U.S.) after felling his great rival to 14 - Pete Sampras () - the . That record is 1976 win his fifth Australian Open Australian Open (2), Wimbledon (7), widely considered as one of the most 1975 Newcombe yesterday. U.S. Open (5) astonishing in sport as it means Federer 1974 Connors Completing a brilliant 12 - Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - Aus- finished in the top four at a major for 1973 Newcombe comeback after six months out tralian Open (6), French Open (1), almost six successive years. His streak 1972 of the game, the nerve-shred- Wimbledon (3), U.S. Open (2) is more than double the previous record 1971 Rosewall ding 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 win 12 - Roy Emerson (Australia) - Aus- held by , who reached 10 con- 1970 Ashe gave Federer a long-awaited tralian Open (6), French Open (2), secutive major semis. 1969 Rod Laver 18th grand slam title that Wimbledon (2), U.S. Open (2) * Becomes the 23rd man to top the ATP 1968 many thought beyond the 11 - Rod Laver (Australia) - Aus- rankings in 2004, and keeps the ranking 1967 Roy Emerson 35-year-old Swiss. tralian Open (3), French Open (2), for a record 237 consecutive weeks. By 1966 Emerson Having endured a decade Wimbledon (4), U.S. Open (2) winning his seventh Wimbledon title, he 1965 Emerson of grand slam heartbreak 11 - Bjorn Borg (Sweden) - French also matches Sampras's record of spend- 1964 Emerson against Spaniard Nadal, 17th Open (6), Wimbledon (5) Spain's Rafael Nadal (left) congratulates Switzerland's ing 286 weeks as world number one.

1963 Emerson seed Federer roared back 10 - (United States) - Roger Federer after Federer won the Australian * Holds a record run of 24 consecutive 1962 Laver from 3-1 down in the tense Wimbledon (3), U.S. Open (7) Open men's singles final yesterday. final victories, which was snapped when 1961 Emerson final set, riding a wave of he lost 2005 Masters Cup final to David 1960 Laver crowd support at a heaving Nalbandian. Finished the season with an 1959 (U.S.) to mow with the was going to be one I would Rosewall won the 1972 Aus- 81-4 win-loss record. 1958 through five straight games. Challenge Cup by Australian have been very happy to tralian Open at 37. * In 2006, he reached all four grand slam 1957 Cooper Federer sealed the title great Rod Laver, sharing an accept a draw tonight and "Everybody says they finals, winning in Australia, Wimbledon 1956 with a forehand winner on the embrace with the 11-times share it with Rafa." work very hard, I do the and the U.S. among a haul of 12 titles and 1955 Rosewall second championship point grand slam champion. The win snapped Feder- same," said Federer, who a 92-5 win-loss record. 1954 but had to endure a nervous "I'd like to congratulate er's six-game losing streak to arrived in Australia full of * Won an Olympic men's doubles gold 1953 Rosewall wait as Nadal challenged the Rafa on an amazing come- Nadal at the grand slams, with doubts after coming back from medal with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 1952 Ken McGregor line call. back," Federer said at the his last major win over the a knee injury. Beijing Games. Also won the silver 1951 (U.S.) The ball was good and trophy ceremony. Spaniard coming at the 2007 "I wasn't sure if I was medal in men's singles at the 2012 Lon- 1950 Sedgman Federer jumped in the air, "I would have been happy Wimbledon final. going to make it here but here don Games. 1949 Sedgman with tears welling up in his to lose, too, to be honest, (my) It made Federer the first I am and we made it. * Comes back from six-month injury lay- 1948 eyes, having won his first comeback was perfect as it player ever to win five titles at "Stay on the tour, keep off to win the 2017 Australian Open and 1947 grand slam title since Wim- was. three different grand slams playing Rafa, please, tennis at 35, becomes the oldest player to win 1946 Bromwich bledon in 2012. "Tennis is a tough sport, and at 35, the oldest grand needs you, so thanks very a grand slam title since Australia's Ken 1941-5 No competition Federer was presented there are no draws but if there slam winner since Ken much for everything you do." Rosewall won at in 1972 1940 Quist at the age of 37. 1939 Bromwich 1938 Donald Budge (U.S.) 1937 Vivian McGrath 1936 Quist 1935 Crawford Federer says Nadal 1934 Perry (Britain) 1933 Crawford 1932 Crawford 1931 Crawford deserved win, too 1930 Edgar Moon 1929 John Gregory (Britain) 1928 () Melbourne he's also pleased with his play in 1927 AP Australia, saying he's "back at a 1926 Hawkes very high level." 1925 here was much mutual "I'm going to keep fighting 1924 Anderson respect following the Aus- during the whole season and for 1923 Pat O'Hara Wood tralian Open final between sure, to come back here for many 1922 Anderson T Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, years and keep trying to have this 1921 Rhys Gemmell with both players commending trophy," Nadal said. "That is the 1920 O'Hara Wood each other for better-than- third time that I have (the runner- 1919 Algernon Kingscote (Britain) expected comebacks from their up trophy). This is beautiful but 1916-8 No competition respective injuries. still much better the trophy." 1915 (Britain) Nadal missed chunks of last Federer was also impressed 1914 Arthur O'Hara Wood season with an injured wrist and by Nadal's return from injury, say- 1913 Federer was sidelined during the ing he would have been content 1912 James Parke (Britain) second half of the year with an if the Spaniard had gotten the vic- 1911 Norman Brookes injured knee. tory, too. 1910 "Just amazing, the way he's "I would have been happy to 1909 Tony Wilding (New Zealand) playing after such a long time lose too, to be honest," he said. 1908 (U.S.) without him being on the tour," "Tennis is a tough sport, there's 1907 Nadal said of Federer. "It's just no draws. If there was going to be Spain's Rafael Nadal holds the runner-up trophy next to Australian legend Rod Laver 1906 Wilding very difficult to make that one, I would have been happy to during the awards ceremony after his defeat against Switzerland's Roger Federer in the 1905 Heath happen." have it tonight and share it with men's singles final of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. The 14-time major winner said Rafa, really." MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23 Barca salvage late draw against Betis

Madrid "was a metre over the line." Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (right) vies with Betis defender AFP Ultimately Enrique paid Watford, Hull the price for again heavily Ryan Donk during the Spanish league match at the Benito Villamarin arcelona's La Liga rotating his side with Wednes- Stadium in Sevilla yesterday. The match ended in a draw 1-1. and Leeds title challenge suf- day's Copa del Rey semi-final, fered a huge blow as first leg at Atletico Madrid in lose in FA Cup the Spanish champi- mind. ons were "The feeling I have is that Bcontroversially held 1-1 at Real we have won one point (not lost Betis despite Luis Suarez's last two)," he added. Reuters minute equaliser yesterday. Enrique made all three of Aleix Alegria gave Betis the his substitutions early in the remier League clubs lead their dominance deserved second period, but Barca were Watford and Hull City, 15 minutes from time when he still struggling to gain a foothold Pand Championship club bundled home from close range under Betis' intense pressing. Leeds United, paid the pen- after Marc-Andre ter Stegen Ceballos saw a dipping alty for fielding weakened flapped at a corner. long-range effort come back off teams when they were all However, Barca were the bar before Castro struck the knocked out of the FA Cup in rightly infuriated seconds later post with Ter Stegen beaten at the fourth round yesterday. as the ball clearly crossed the his near post. Like Liverpool, beaten at Betis goalline, but no goal was The German goalkeeper home by Wolverhampton given by referee Alejandro Jose had a moment to forget for the Wanderers the previous day, Hernandez. opening goal as he failed to get they miscalculated in resting Suarez did at least rescue a a good connection on an so many players ahead of point in the dying seconds, attempted punch under pres- league games in midweek though, as he slotted home sure from two Betis players and and could have no complaints Lionel Messi's through ball for the ball fell kindly for Alegria at going out of the his 21st goal of the season. to tap home. competition. Barca move above Sevilla Conceding appeared to Watford lost 1-0 to into second on goal difference, wake Barca from their slumber League One (third tier) side but remain a point adrift of Real and they were doubly denied Millwall and on the other side Madrid, who have two games by Hernandez seconds later as of London, Hull, FA Cup final- in hand, the first of which Neymar went down inside the ists three years ago, were comes at home to Real Socie- area and the ball ricocheted humbled 4-1 by Champion- dad later on Sunday. towards the Betis goal off Riza ship (second tier) side Fulham Sevilla are also in action Durmisi. after missing two late later at Espanyol. Replays showed the ball penalties. "We have to help the refe- clearly went over the line Leeds, fourth in the rees," Barca boss Luis Enrique before Alissa Mandi cleared, but Championship and giving told BeIN Sports Spain. La Liga's refusal to implement greater priority to returning "The technology can help goal line technology due to to the Premier League after a them. I say that for all situations pricing fears cost Barca dearly 13-year absence, lost 1-0 to not just ones that go for me, but as no goal was given. Sutton United, who joined fel- against me too." Messi finally found the low fifth-tier National League Suarez was less under- space to slip a pass through the club Lincoln City in the last standing as he claimed the ball Betis defence and Suarez 16.

Final round scores Leading fourth round scores of the Qatar Mas- ters at the Doha Golf Club yesterday (GBR/IRL unless stated; par 72):

272 - Wang Jeung-hun (KOR) 69 67 65 71 (won at the first extra play-off hole), Joakim Lager- gren (SWE) 67 72 67 66, Jaco Van Zyl (RSA) 67 69 68 68

273 - Thomas Aiken (RSA) 68 68 69 68, Mike Action from the Real Madrid and Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 69 69 69 66 Eintracht Frankfurt match of the Al Kass Cup International at Aspire Zone 274 - Jordan Smith 71 66 71 66, Nacho Elvira yesterday. (ESP) 67 69 68 70, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 70 70 66 68

Graeme McDowell in action at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club 275 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 66 70 70 69, yesterday. The four-time Ryder Cup star carded a closing 69 to finish eight-under-par in Qatar. Nathan Kimsey 66 74 66 69 276 - Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 69 68 73 66, Chris Wood 69 70 70 67 277 Anton Karlsson G-Mac 'exceeds expectations' at (SWE) 68 73 69 67, Ernie Els (RSA) 68 70 71 68, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69 67 75 66, David Ling- Real Madrid enter merth (SWE) 71 69 70 67, Chris Paisley 74 67 69 67 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 278 - Peter Hanson (SWE) 70 70 73 65, Sam Al Kass Cup final Walker 68 71 71 68, Chris Hanson 68 69 73 68 The Peninsula The conditions are usually “I played the previous four, tougher than they were this missed last year and was disap- The Peninsula Madrid were easily the better raeme McDowell said his week; I’m not sure I’ve ever pointed not to be there,” of the two sides at this stage. first appearance in five spent a week in Doha when the McDowell said. eal Madrid edged a highly Frankfurt were uncharacteris- Gyears at the Commercial winds have been this benign. “Like I’ve talked about, it’s competitive semi-final tically sluggish, and their lack Bank Qatar Masters 'exceeded The golf course was in fantastic a long road back to where I want Ragainst Eintracht Frank- of energy off the ball had seen expectations' after the four-time shape and the greens are to be but this week was a cou- furt, running out 3-1 winners in them deprived of possession for Ryder Cup star carded a closing phenomenal. ple of steps down that road. I’m a game that was far closer than the majority of the opening 69 to finish eight-under-par at “It’s my first time back to looking forward to going to the final score suggested. period. Doha Golf Club. Doha in five years so it’s great Dubai and continuing to work The game exploded into The remainder of the half McDowell, 37, fired four to see the way the city has on my game.” action from the very first whis- proved less eventful, as Real sat birdies in his last seven holes to expanded and the way the sky- Among other star draws, tle, and produced a goal within deeper, controlled possession conclude a week that started line has got bigger and bigger as four-time Major winner Ernie Els five minutes. Antonio Casas and played patiently to protect with rounds of 66, 75 and 70. it prepares for 2022. St. Regis – the 2005 champion – finished Marín controlled a Daniel their advantage. The Florida-based Northern Hotel was magnificent, great 11-under after a 68, World Sanchez throw-in, and drove Frankfurt came into the Irishman was competing in his hospitality and I really, really Number 10 Alex Noren (70) was the ball low into the box on the second period with the two- first tournament since the ISPS enjoyed my week.” nine-under and two-time Major turn. A sleeping Junior Oliveira goal deficit weighing heavy on Handa World Cup of Golf in Mel- McDowell had spoken ear- winner Martin Kaymer (73) was was unaware that Raul De Blas their shoulders. In the 53rd bourne in late November. lier of his eagerness to regain the five-under. In the morning, Thor- was ghosting in, and before the minute reduced Real’s lead to “I actually exceeded my form that has earned him 10 bjørn Olesen recorded the second defender could react the ball one. expectations this week. Only one European Tour titles and three hole-in-one of the tournament, was fired into the top corner A defence-splitting ball part of my game let me down – PGA TOUR victories, including hitting the target at the 13th with from close range. through to frontman William I drove the ball pretty awfully his historic win at the 2010 US an eight-iron from 182 yards. Five minutes later Los Kabuya. – but the rest of my game was Open. However, the 27-year-old Blancos found themselves fur- The Eagles were back in it, definitely at a competitive level McDowell was a mainstay Dane didn’t earn anything for ther in front. A Pérez cross and with just one goal to find, and bodes well. This was very of the Ryder Cup team from his achievement unlike Eng- arrived at the near post, before they ramped up the intensity in good on a lot of levels,” McDow- 2008 and part of winning sides land’s Chris Paisley, who aced a leaping Benjamin Garay search of an equaliser. ell said. in 2010, 2012 and 2014, but after the 17th on Friday to win headed the ball across the Real broke against the run “I’ve always been a fan of missing out last year, he’s deter- $150,000 from Qatar Duty Free, keeper and into the far of play and restored their two- this tournament and I’ve always mined to regain his place for the tournament’s Hole-in-One corner. goal advantage with Daniel been a fan of the course here. next year’s edition in France. Sponsor. Ten minutes in and 2-0 up, Sanchez scoring the goal.