SPORT Thursday 24 January 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 08 Woods ready Djokovic throughh for 2009 to semi-finals afterer challenge Nishikori retires

Sanchez hails Qatar team Al Wakrah Stadium nears completion spirit after Iraq victory

AFC Republic without the suspended ABU DHABI Abdelkarim Hassan and Assim Madibo, although Sanchez is adamant that their Qatar’s head coach Felix Sanchez has They are a group of absence is far from a major issue. credited Al Annabi’s ‘impressive team “These things happen in a tour- spirit’ for their memorable 1-0 victory players who work very nament and we are certain that, over former champions Iraq, which hard for the team and who whichever players come in, we will sent them into the AFC Asian Cup UAE all work towards the same maintain our level,” he said. 2019 quarter-finals. objective: Felix Sanchez “We will need to look at many Bassam Al Rawi’s sublime free-kick things before we start to plan properly in the second half of an absorbing tie and assess exactly which players will helped seal the success, as Qatar racked There is currently a good mix [in the start the match against Korea Republic up a fourth successive victory to guar- squad] of players who have come from who are always one of the top sides. antee themselves a third AFC Asian Cup the U-23s and others who are more Opposite number Srecko Katanec quarter-final appearance after experienced and who have been in the was, meanwhile, left to rue a spate of reaching the same stage in both 2000 national team for a longer time.” injuries during the game – notably to and 2011. “They all feel very comfortable midfielder Humam Tariq – which put With their last eight encounter when they play together, and we hope a distinct dent in his plans. Pictures released against Korea Republic to come at Abu we can continue in this way as we do “I believe the game was an equal by the Supreme Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium not only have this competition, but also one, and we really tried to win,” he said. tomorrow, Sanchez feels Qatar’s others in the future. We hope to get “We pushed and pushed but were Committee current campaign in the United Arab better and better. unable to score and we were very for Delivery & Emirates points to a particularly bright “Of course, this is a competition unlucky with injuries. The players gave Legacy yesterday future for his team – especially with the that we are fully focused on, but we everything, I told them to get their heads show the under 2022 FIFA World Cup edging ever closer. know that it is an opportunity to up as we have a lot of work to do in the construction “This group of players are doing improve and be ready for the FIFA future, although the injuries [against Al Wakrah very good things for Qatar, and we are World Cup in a better condition. That Qatar] definitely affected our plans.” Stadium. The very proud of them,” declared the is some distance away, but at the “We undoubtedly have a lot of stadium, which is delighted Spaniard. moment the players are doing very work to do going forward, but we have one of the eight “They are a group of players who well.” quality and we can put together a very stadiums for 2022 work very hard for the team and who Qatar will, however, head into the solid team as we showed against FIFA World Cup all work towards the same objective. game with 2015 runners-up Korea Qatar.” Qatar, is close to its completion. This eye-catching stadium will impress football fans with its elegant looks and flawless pitch. Supporters will also find plenty to do before and after matches, whether it's taking a stroll along the waterfront, buying unique local wares at the souq or discovering the area's rich history Qatari players celebrate after defeating Iraq 1-0 in AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Round of 16 at a museum. match at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Record entries likely for Al Adaid Desert Challenge

THE PENINSULA The first few weeks has significantly increased, DOHA of registration saw more reaching 359 cyclists and than 250 adventurous runners from 48 different The fourth edition of Al Adaid cyclists and runners from countries. Desert Challenge, set to take Qatar and all over the Last year, Dutch legend and place on March 1 2019, is world signing up for the former Olympic medalist Erik expected to be the biggest ever Dekker defended his title in the in the history of the one-day challenge. men’s UCI elite category as Fin- outdoor annual event. land’s Pia Sundstedt won her The first few weeks of reg- Cyclists will have to third straight title in the women’s istration saw more than 250 overcome seven of these dunes competition. Meanwhile, more adventurous cyclists and runners as they cover a distance of 38.5 than 60 Qataris took part in the from Qatar and all over the kms to reach the finish line, cycling event, and Fawaz Al world signing up for the chal- while runners will follow a 26.7 Hichan came on top to clinch the lenge, which will take them km route that includes four National MTB Cross Country through one of the few places in dunes. Championship title. This file photo shows elite riders in the world where the sea The UCI MTB Class-3 event Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, action during the previous edition encroaches deep into the heart is organised by Qatar Cyclists in President of Qatar Cyclists, won of the desert. association with Qatar National of Al Adaid Desert Challenge. second place in the same cat- Taking place in Khor Al Tourism Council (QNTC) and is egory. He said: “Al Adaid Desert Adaid, a Unesco recognised supported by Qatar Cycling Challenge is among our top nature reserve in the south-east Federation. annual events, it offers a mix of of Qatar, the race will kick off A finish line camp will proud to continue supporting Desert said: “Thanks to the con- The Al Adaid Challenge has endurance and adventure sports, from the area next to Mawater provide an area for the partici- this annual event which has tinuous support of our sponsors, earned a reputation of being the and once again a thrilling finale Sand Dune, opposite to Sealine pants to relax and celebrate after steadily grown over the years, the previous editions achieved toughest off-road mountain bike is expected as Qatari cyclists will beach resort. the race, while a non-compet- and promises to contribute to the huge success, especially last year race in the region, attracting be competing for the national Participants will then head itive kids’ race at the camp will country’s efforts to develop the when a running competition was cycling enthusiasts and title.” towards the Inland Sea, a offer a chance for all members sports tourism sub-sector in introduced, and we will do our adventure seekers from all over Registration for the event is tranquil expanse of water that of the family to enjoy the event. Qatar.” best to guarantee that the 2019 the world, and with the intro- still open via the official website can only be reached by crossing Rashed Al Qurese from Dr. Jamal Rashid Al Khanji, Al Adaid Desert Challenge will duction of a running race last www.aladaid.qa and will run the rolling sand dunes. QNTC, commented: “We are Managing Director of Al Adaid be the most successful ever.” year, the number of participants until February 26, 2019. THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07 After third game or fourth game when I was serving, I felt pretty Kei Nishikori after retir- FOOTBALL FOOTBALL heavy to my right leg. After that I ing from the Austral- couldn’t really bend my knees and ian Open quarter-final Asian Cup, quarter-final: Asian Cup, quarter-final: couldn’t jump up. Yeah, I decided against Novak Djokovic. Vietnam vs Japan China vs Iran ACTION

to stop. TODAY’S Woods ready for 2019 challenge AFP finished 23rd. It took just three year after what I did aatt thethe endend waswas somethingsomething I trulytruly missed.missed. I LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES events to silence those critics of last year. Playing sevenven out of love being in the water.” when Woods fell one shot shy of nine weeks was quite a bit. Body Woods’Woods’ only health issue is Tiger Woods makes his 2019 This year I have a forcing a play-off in the Valspar held up better than I thoughtthought it strugglingstruggling with a head colcold,d,, debut here today, having Championship. would, even though I gotgot pretty somethingsomething he picked up fromfroom replaced the trepidation of a year great understanding Woods then led, albeit for tired at the end. Overall,all, it held oneone ooff hishis children.children. ago with an eagerness to capture of what I can and two holes, during the final round up pretty good. WoodsWoods will plaplayy thethe an eighth Farmers Insurance can’t do. There’s not of the Open Championship at Woods revealed his bbackack openingopening two rounds in thethe Open crown in California. Woods Carnoustie while he drew record now feels so strong he sspentpent part companycompany of Xander got his first look at the Torrey uncertainty that I had crowds to Bellerive when he got of his off-season deep-seasea diving Schauffele and Tony Finau.Finau. Pines course on Tuesday when going into the year last himself into contention a few in the Bahamas and offf tthehe ccoastoast he played a nine-hole practice year after what I did weeks later at the PGA of Florida, using scuba tanks for round in the company of Jordan at the end of last year: Championship. the first time in years. Spieth. Woods finally ended a more “One of the best thingshings I diddid It was a happy return to the Tiger Woods than five-year winless drought in the off-season was getget back cliff-top course overlooking the amid emotional scenes at the into diving again and bbee aableble too Pacific Ocean, where he won the the 42-year-old quipped. Tour Championship in suburban do some spear fishingg and last of his 14 Majors at the US “I’ve been coming out here Atlanta. free driving is somethingng that Open more than a decade ago. quite a bit. This is the first PGA “My expectations are now I truly missed,” he said.d. “I haven’t played on the Tour Tour event that I ever attended way different to a year ago,” he “Even tank diving, I haven’t since September, so it’s been a with my dad when this was the said on Tuesday. tank dived in years. I justst couldn’tcouldn’t while and looking forward to old Andy Williams tournament. “I know what my body can afford to have that weightght on my getting started, looking forward “To have won on this and cannot do. So last year was back and compressingg mmyy disk to getting out there and playing,” property and had the success I’ve very fluid and it was like trying and my disk was alreadyalready said Woods. had, it’s been a lot of fun and to hit a moving target. screwed up. “This is a golf course looking forward to getting out “It was quite interesting to try “So whenever youu putput anyany property that I’ve always loved. there this week.” and figure it all out as the year weight on it, it made itt worse. I Jordan asked me today as we Twelve months ago, Woods progressed and it evolved. haven’t tank dived in yeyearsars and Tiger Woods were playing, he said, ‘How long didn’t know what to expect as he “This year I have a great to be able to do that again,gain, to be have you been coming down returned here in his attempt to understanding of what I can and able to get in the waterr and free here?’ I said, ‘Well, 10 years come back from a near two-year can’t do. There’s not uncertainty dive, put the fins on andd load the longer than you’ve been alive,’” injury absence. He eventually that I had going into the year last body up and drop downn likelike tthat,hat,

Gasol and NHL: Hertl’s hat-trick Conley up helps Sharks extend for grabs: Capitals’ slump

Report REUTERS two attempts of a shootout, and WASHINGTON the hosts edged New York in the REUTERS final game for both teams NEW YORK Tomas Hertl completed a hat- before the NHL All-Star break. trick by scoring 1:48 into Toews scored the final goal The Memphis Grizzlies overtime to give the visiting San of regulation late in the second will begin listening to Jose Sharks a come-from- period for the Blackhawks, who trade offers for center behind, 7-6 victory over the have won two straight. Dylan Marc Gasol and guard Washington Capitals on Strome scored earlier in the Mike Conley for the first Tuesday night. second period. time since the pair Evander Kane (two goals) Coyotes 3, Senators 2 developed into franchise knocked in a loose puck with Vinnie Hinostroza scored building blocks a decade one second left in regulation to twice and added an assist as ago, ESPN reported on force overtime, and Hertl then Arizona continued its hot streak Tuesday. won it for San Jose, which with a victory at Ottawa. According to the ended a three-game losing Derek Stepan also scored report, the Grizzlies are streak. for Arizona, which is 6-1-1 in its prepared to consider Hertl, taking an OT pass past eight games. Coyotes goal- trading one or both vet- from Logan Couture, beat tender Darcy Kuemper made Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (left) drives the ball against Portland Trail Blazers erans before the Feb- Washington goalie Braden 25 saves. guard Evan Turner during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Tuesday. ruary 7 deadline, or Holtby from the right circle on Bobby Ryan and Ryan perhaps after the season. a shot just inside the far post. Dzingel scored for the Senators, Sitting second at 19-28, Hertl notched his second career who had won four of their pre- Memphis is motivated to hat-trick and added an assist. vious six games after an eight- reshape its roster around George scores 36 points Alex Ovechkin registered game skid. rookie forward Jaren his 23rd hat-trick for the Cap- Red Wings 3, Oilers 2 Jackson Jr., per the itals, who have dropped six Luke Glendening scored report. straight (0-4-2). two goals, and visiting Detroit Gasol, who turns 34 as Thunder beat Blazers Flames 3, Hurricanes 2 handed Edmonton its third con- on January 29, could Mikael Backlund scored 15 secutive loss. become a free agent this seconds into overtime, and Glendening raised his summer by declining a REUTERS The result not only win. Damian Lillard led the David Rittich made 33 saves in season total to eight goals. $25.6m option for NEW YORK put the Thunder ahead of Blazers with 34 points while CJ a sparkling performance as host Dylan Larkin also scored for 2019-20. His salary for the Blazers by a game in McCollum added 31. Nurkic had Calgary beat Carolina. Detroit while Andreas Atha- this year is $24.1m. Paul George scored 36 points to third place in the Western 22 points and 15 rebounds. Backlund added an assist in nasiou added two assists. Conley, 31, is making lead the Oklahoma City Thunder Conference, but it also McCollum dominated in the a two-point game. TJ Brodie Jimmy Howard stopped 32 $30.5m this year and is to a 123-114 home win over the gave Oklahoma City a 2-0 third quarter, making his first finished with two assists, and shots for the Red Wings, who under contract for Portland Trail Blazers on six shots, including four Oliver Kylington and Mark won for just the fourth time in $32.5m in 2019-20. Tuesday night. advantage in the season 3-pointers. He finished 7-for-9 Jankowski also scored for 15 games (4-9-2). Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City extended its series between the from the floor in the period, Calgary. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and Dallas Mavericks have winning streak to three games teams with two games scoring 21 points, and the Blackhawks 3, Islanders 2 an assist for the Oilers. Matthew banned a fan for the rest and snapped Portland’s three- remaining. Blazers trailed just 93-87 Jonathan Toews and Patrick Benning also scored while Mikko of the season after an game winning streak. heading to the fourth. Kane scored on Chicago’s only Koskinen made 24 saves. investigation showed he Russell Westbrook had 29 games remaining. The Thunder Oklahoma City scored 28 behaved inappropriately points, including a pair of led virtually the entire way, with points on the fast break while toward guard Patrick emphatic dunks in the final two the Blazers leading for just 23 Portland managed just six. Beverley of the Los minutes to put the exclamation seconds -- all in the first half. The Thunder shot 50.6 Angeles Clippers, point on the victory. Westbrook Even so, Oklahoma City percent from the floor and con- according to a report. added 14 assists and 10 couldn’t put Portland away until tinued their recent improved Beverley had com- rebounds. the final minutes. 3-point shooting by going plained about the fan on He sealed his NBA-best 14th With just more than two 11-for-23 from behind the arc. December 2, when the triple-double of the season with minutes remaining, George Oklahoma City is shooting Clippers played at a rebound shortly after George’s stepped in front of Jusuf Nur- 41.8 percent from behind the American Airlines Center steal started to make things feel kic’s pass and took it the other 3-point line over its past seven in Dallas. comfortable for the Thunder. way, using his body to protect games. Beverley was ejected The result not only put the his shooting arm from Nurkic at Prior to that, the Thunder with 9:10 left in the game Thunder ahead of the Blazers by the basket as he finished the were shooting just 32.3 percent San Jose Sharks centre Tomas after he threw a bounce a game in third place in the layup. The hoop put Oklahoma from 3-point range. Hertl (left) celebrates after pass at the man, whom Western Conference, but it also City on top 117-108. Portland made 45.3 percent ESPN scoring the game-winning goal identified as Don gave Oklahoma City a 2-0 The steal was the last of five of its field-goal attempts, against Washington Capitals Knobler. advantage in the season series for George. The Thunder tied a including 10 of 36 (27.8 percent) in Washington on Tuesday. between the teams with two season high with 16 steals in the from 3-point range. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2019

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Top seed Djokovic through to MEN’S SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS

Lucas Pouille (FRA x28) bt Milos semis after Nishikori retires Raonic (CAN x16) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4

REUTERS Novak Djokovic (SER x1) bt Kei But he has roared back to his after losing the first set and number one said. “After the third tised with him plenty of times. best, and is a huge favourite to grimaced as a trainer worked on game or fourth game when I was The enigmatic 24-year-old Nishikori (JAP x8) 6-1, 4-1, ret. Novak Djokovic reached the win a third successive Grand his right thigh. He pulled out of serving, I felt pretty heavy to my had never won a match at the semi-finals of the Australian Slam title after triumphing at the match after Djokovic won the right leg. After that I couldn’t year’s first Grand Slam prior to WOMEN’S SINGLES Open for a seventh time Wimbledon and the US Open. fifth game. really bend my knees and this year but eased past Milos QUARTER-FINALS yesterday after eighth seed Kei “This has been my most suc- “Before the match, I was couldn’t jump up.” Raonic in four sets. Nishikori retired hurt when cessful Grand Slam throughout okay. Of course, I wasn’t, like, Djokovic was grateful for the “He struggled a little bit with Karolina Pliskova (CZE x7) bt trailing 6-1, 4-1 in their quarter- my career, the first one that I fresh, fresh,” the Japanese short match, having complained consistency of his results in the Serena Williams (USA x16) 6-4, final. won back in 2008. As I said on of a sore back and a “couple of last two years,” said Djokovic. 4-6, 7-5 Top seed and six-times the court, I have a lot of beautiful issues” after battling through a “But with the quality of the champion Djokovic will meet memories from Rod Laver taxing four-set clash against tennis that he possesses, he Naomi Osaka (JPN x4) bt Elina Frenchman Lucas Pouille, a Arena,” he told reporters. Russian Daniil Medvedev in the deserves to be definitely at the Svitolina (UKR x6) 6-4, 6-1 maiden Grand Slam semi-finalist, Nishikori grinded through previous round. Djokovic has top 15, maybe top 10 of the tomorrow for a place in Sunday’s three five-set matches before never played 28th seed Pouille, world. Hopefully we can both be final. taking on the Serb and was who has enjoyed a brilliant run fresh and fit and put on the great Second seed Rafa Nadal and clearly struggling after a handful at Melbourne Park, but has prac- show.” TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY Greek wunderkind Stefanos Tsit- of games in the evening match sipas will meet in the other semi- at Rod Laver Arena. ROD LAVER ARENA final today. He had a medical Nishikori (left) embraces Djokovic, bidding for a record time-out Men’s doubles seventh title in Melbourne, failed Djokovic as he leaves the Leonardo Mayer (Argentina)/ to reach the last four in the past Joao Sousa (Portugal) vs Henri two editions of the tour- court after retiring from Kontinen (Finland)/ John Peers nament as he battled with (Australia) an elbow problem. yesterday’s quarter-final. Not before 0300 GMT 8-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) vs Danielle Collins (US)

Not before 0430 GMT 7-Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) vs 4-Naomi Osaka (Japan)

Not before 0830 GMT Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action against Japan’s Kei Nishikori during their Australian Open quarter- 14-Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) final match played at the Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. vs 2-Rafael Nadal (Spain)

AFP Pouille beats odds MELBOURNE Rampaging Nadal stands The vast experience of Rafael and Raonic to set up Nadal meets the exciting youth of Stefanos Tsitsipas in in Greek’s path to final a fascinating first men’s semi- clash with World No. 1 final at the Australian Open today. Tsitsipas, the 20-year-old REUTERS the match in three sets if he had Greek with all the gifts, pulled MELBOURNE done justice to four break point off the win of his life to knock opportunities in the third. out Roger Federer in four sets Frenchman Lucas Pouille The 24-year-old hired in the last 16. continued his unlikely run at former Australian Open and The 14th seed Tsitsipas has the Australian Open by stunning Wimbledon champion Amelie already etched his name in in-form Canadian Milos Raonic Mauresmo, Andy Murray’s Greece’s sporting pantheon by 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 to former mentor, as his coach becoming the first player from advance to his maiden Grand recently and paid rich tribute his country -- man or woman Slam semi-final yesterday. to his compatriot after the -- to reach the semi-final of a The odds were stacked victory. Slam. heavily against the 28th seeded He took the first set with a The NextGen Finals Pouille on his arrival in Mel- brilliant forehand pass against champion with the flowing bourne after he lost all three of an advancing Raonic in the tie- locks will continue his ascent his singles matches for France break and converted his only to Greek god-like status if, in the Hopman Cup before break point in the second with aged 20 years 170 days, he making a first-round exit in a measured backhand lob becomes the youngest major Sydney. before serving out finalist since Novak Djokovic Pouille exited in the first emphatically. (20 years, 112 days) at the 2007 round in his five previous The 28-year-old Raonic US Open. appearances at Melbourne Park made Pouille pay for wasting But first he has to tame the Spanish World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and his quarter-final matchup the break points by winning the rampaging bull that is the was against an opponent who third set tiebreak but the Spanish world number two he had been unable to take a Frenchman broke the Canadian Nadal, who has blasted the first-round encounter with set off in three meetings. again in the fourth, converting through the draw without STEFANOS TSITSIPAS VS RAFAEL NADAL James Duckworth. Yesterday, though, he his third matchpoint to seal the dropping a set as he chases his At the age of 32 he has simply dominated the 2016 contest in just over three hours. own slice of history. HEAD-TO-HEAD: Nadal leads 2-0 already dismissed the chal- Wimbledon finalist, facing a Raonic has now lost three Victory for Nadal in his FAST FACTS lenge of two NextGen talents. single break point over the quarter-finals at Melbourne sixth Australian Open semi- TSITSIPAS: He shattered the dreams entire match while earning 14 Park after exiting at the same final would keep him on Age - 20; World ranking - 15; Prize money - $2,952,113; Career of 19-year-old Alex de Minaur against Raonic, who is famous stage in 2015 and 2017. course to be the first man to titles - 1; Grand Slam titles - 0; Australian Open best - Semi-finals in the third round and then in on the men’s tour for his He sent down 11 more aces win all four Grand Slams twice (2019) the quarter-final destroyed booming serves. than his opponent but his serve in the Open era. PATH TO THE SEMI-FINAL 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe, “I didn’t have to face a was unable to get him out of Tsitsipas lost both of his 1st rd: bt Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) who was left in awe of the break point for almost three trouble as Pouille won the previous meetings with Nadal, 2nd rd: bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 17-time Grand Slam hours,” Pouille told reporters. crucial points. blown away on Barcelona’s 3rd rd: bt Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO x19) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 champion. He passed Raonic with both Pouille will meet top- clay 6-2, 6-1 last year but 4th rd: bt Roger Federer (SUI x3) 6-7 (11/13), 7-6 (7/3), 7/5, 7-6 (7/5) “I knew if he got hold of a forehand and lobbed winners seeded Serb Novak Djokovic for giving him a tougher exami- Q-F: bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x22) 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) forehand, it was going to be and would have wrapped up a place in Sunday’s final. nation on a hard court in barbecued chicken,” admitted Canada. NADAL: American Tiafoe. “Point in, France’s Lucas Pouille “I felt very close to beating Age - 32; World ranking - 2; Prize money - $103,251,975; Career point out, I’ve never seen celebrates after defeating him in Toronto, though the titles - 80; Grand Slam titles - 17; Australian Open best - Champion someone so locked in.” Canada’s Milos Raonic score was 6-2, 7-6,” said (2009) Nadal is wary of Tsitsipas, in the men’s singles Tsitsipas. PATH TO THE SEMI-FINAL who he called “one of the best quarter-final match of “I remember coming back 1st rd: bt James Duckworth (AUS) 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 players in the world”, but the Australian Open, to the locker room and prom- 2nd rd: bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 declared his own time was not yesterday. ising to myself I’m going to do 3rd rd: bt Alex de Minaur (AUS x27) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 yet up. much better against him next 4th rd: bt Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) “They can wait a little bit,” time. Q-F: bt Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 said Nadal of the new kids on “I feel like I can do some- the block. thing good against him.” “But looks like they don’t Nadal came to Melbourne He also promised to word, looking fitter, faster and want to wait. They’re here. having not played since the US unleash a remodelled, more stronger with every match. “Stefanos is one of the best Open and subsequent foot powerful serve to add a new And the serve? It is now an players of the world. To have surgery, but insisting he was weapon to his deadly astonishing 51 straight games the chance to be in that final, fully fit despite pulling out of arsenal. since it was last broken -- four I need to play my best, and his Brisbane warm-up. He has been as good as his matches ago in the third set of that’s what I am looking for.” THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 09 Pliskova fights back to stun Serena REUTERS MELBOURNE Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova hits a Beaten Serena Serena Williams squandered four return against Serena match points and blew a 5-1 lead Williams of the US in the deciding set as seventh seed during their women’s hails Pliskova’s Karolina Pliskova produced a singles quarter-final fightback for the ages to claim a match the Australian 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 quarter-final win over Open in Melbourne, ‘crazy’ comeback the American great at the yesterday. Australian Open yesterday. Williams, chasing a milestone AFP 24th Grand Slam triumph, also MELBOURNE saved two match points in the last game but netted on the third as the Serena Williams denied choking after falling victim to big-serving Czech shocked a one of the greatest ever comebacks yesterday, saying packed Rod Laver Arena with her she was powerless as Czech foe Karolina Pliskova “just remarkable rally from the brink of went crazy” and stormed into the Australian Open semi- defeat. finals. The American’s hopes of Williams had Pliskova on the rack serving at 5-1 in matching Margaret Court’s all-time the third set but the seventh seed fended off four match record of Grand Slam singles titles, points to bounce back and end the American’s latest bid and claiming a first since becoming final defeat to the Japanese fourth Williams, seeded 16th as she for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam. a mother in 2017, were denied once seed. continues her return from “She just played lights out on match point, literally more, after she also lost in finals at “Normally I’m having a lot of maternity leave, rolled her ankle hitting lines,” Williams said. “Just went for it, just went Wimbledon and the US Open last comebacks, but maybe from a set when serving for the match at 5-1. crazy on match point. She just played unbelievable.” year. down or a break down, so nothing Normally I’m having She promptly double-faulted The 37-year-old made a slow start and conceded While disappointed, the like this. I think it’s the best a lot of comebacks, after missing a passing shot on her the first set but had recovered and looked set for a hard- 37-year-old was philosophical in comeback ever so far in my life,” first match point and was broken fought win before a desperate Pliskova went on the six- defeat and pledged to regroup for an elated Pliskova told reporters but maybe from a set after dumping a backhand into the game rampage. another tilt at the French Open. after qualifying for her first Mel- down or a break down, net. “She was killing me... I was almost in the locker “It’s definitely not easy for me. bourne semi-final. Pliskova held on grimly, room, now I’m standing here as the winner. It’s a great From day one, I expect to go out “This time I really believed, so nothing like this. saving three more match points feeling,” an exhausted Pliskova said after the two hour and, quite frankly, to win,” the like, (she’s) still a player, I know I think it’s the best when serving to stay alive at 5-4, 10 minute epic. seven-times champion in Mel- she’s the greatest ever, but I don’t before breaking Williams to love “My mind was in the locker room. I wasn’t playing bourne told reporters. want to put her somewhere where comeback ever so far and charging to 40-0 in the final very well in the third set but I thought let’s try, this game “That hasn’t happened. But I do I would not have a chance to beat in my life: Pliskova game. (will make it) 5-2. She got a little bit shaky in the end so like my attitude... I’ve only been her.” Williams saved two of the I took my chances and I won.” playing 10 months, but I expect to Pliskova avenged her quarter- match points, the second with a Pliskova, who will play Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the win, and if I don’t, it’s final loss to Williams at last year’s courageous backhand winner, but semis, was on the brink until Williams double faulted disappointing. US Open and now holds an Petra Kvitova thrashed home Pliskova held firm to add another with the end in sight after appearing to roll her ankle. “I rather think of it that way enviable 2-1 Grand Slam record favourite Ashleigh Barty on highlight to a tournament laden Williams, a seven-time Australian champion, then and know that it’s going to happen against the American, having Tuesday to book a match with with upsets. failed to win a point on serve for the rest of the match. sooner or later than making an beaten her in the 2016 semi-finals Danielle Collins. The American said her ankle She refused to blame the injury for the loss, saying excuse for myself. I don’t like at Flushing Meadows. Locked in a three-way battle was not a factor in defeat, and her ankle “seems to be fine”. making excuses.” The 26-year-old former world with Osaka and Kvitova to take the credited Pliskova for playing The elated Czech rated it the best comeback of her The brave Pliskova advanced number one, chasing her maiden world number one spot from “unbelievable” on match points. life and said she always believed she could beat the to meet Naomi Osaka in the last Grand Slam title, is the second Simona Halep, Pliskova will “She literally played her best American legend. four, denying Williams a chance to Czech into the semi-finals after emerge as the top-ranked woman tennis ever on those shots,” she “I know she’s the greatest ever, but I don’t want to avenge her controversial US Open double Wimbledon champion if she claims the title. said. put her somewhere where I would not have a chance to beat her,” she said in explaining how she approached the match. “I beat her before. She was No.1 at that time. I knew Osaka reaches maiden Melbourne semis I’m going to have my chances. But I had to play well.” Williams said there was nothing she could do against an opponent in such form. REUTERS “I can’t say that I choked on those match points, said MELBOURNE the American, who made a comeback last year after having a baby. “She literally played her best tennis ever US Open champion Naomi Osaka managed on those shots.” to keep a lid on her simmering temper and Williams, seeded 16, had blazed through the early powered to a 6-4, 6-1 win over Elina stages of the tournament, seeing off world number one Svitolina yesterday to book a spot in the Simona Halep in the fourth round. Australian Open semi-finals for the first But against Pliskova she lacked the intensity she time. had previously displayed and was soon trailing for the The 21-year-old, who will play first time during her campaign after a slew of unchar- Karolina Pliskova for a place in the final, acteristic errors. committed a string of unforced errors but Pliskova, who entered this year’s tournament on a still proved too strong for the sixth-seeded high after winning the Brisbane International warm-up, Ukrainian. came out firing and bested Williams on serve to take Osaka wrapped up the win in an hour the first set. and 12 minutes to become the first Jap- Williams rebounded in the second before imploding anese woman to reach the last four at Mel- in the decider. bourne Park since Kimiko Date in 1994. Former world number one Pliskova has made the Osaka’s first Grand Slam triumph at quarter-finals in her last two appearances at Melbourne the US Open last year was overshadowed Park and made the final at the US Open in 2016. by a row between Serena Williams and Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action against She has been a regular in the second week of Grand Carlos Ramos but there will be no Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina during her Australian Slams in recent years, reaching the quarters or better rematch of that match at Melbourne Park. Open quarter-final match, yesterday. six times since late 2016, but is still searching for a break- Williams, a 23-times major winner, through win. squandered four match points and blew a 5-1 lead in the decider to fall to seventh seed Pliskova 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the last quarter-final of the women’s draw. Osaka feeling no pressure as last-four meeting looms “I have played her (Pliskova) a couple times already. She’s really tough to play,” said Osaka. AFP PLISKOVA VS OSAKA “I can barely read her serve, so it’s very MELBOURNE difficult for me. 7-KAROLINA PLISKOVA 4-NAOMI OSAKA “I see now that she doesn’t hit too many Japan’s Naomi Osaka said she I know that a few months unforced errors, which is a little bit felt another Grand Slam title Age: 26 Age: 21, WTA Ranking: 4 ago I would have given dangerous.” was close after routing an anything to be in the semi- Ukrainian Svitolina, 24, kept her errors injured Elina Svitolina to reach WTA Ranking: 8 Grand Slam titles: 1 (US Open 2018) in check to get two service breaks back the Australian Open semi- Grand Slam titles: 0 2018 Australian Open performance: Fourth round finals of a Slam. But it’s and stay in the opening set at 4-5. finals yesterday. 2018 Australian Open performance: Quarter-finals Best Australian Open performance: Semi-finals (2019) this weird feeling of, like, Osaka blew three set point opportu- The US Open champion Best Australian Open performance: Semi-finals (2019) After winning her first major at the US Open last year, Osaka’s you want to do the next nities on Svitolina’s next serve with three cruised past the Ukrainian sixth Pliskova, who reached world number one in 2017 but has yet to run to her maiden Australian Open semi-final proves she big thing. Especially now embarrassing errors, berating herself with seed 6-4, 6-1 and said she was win a Grand Slam title, has a chance to regain the top ranking if belongs among the top players on the circuit. that I won a Grand Slam, angry slaps on the thigh. hungry for more success ahead she wins the tournament. Osaka has managed to keep a lid on her simmering temper so I feel like I want to win However, the Japanese gathered of a final four clash with Czech The Czech saved four match points to record a remarkable far and her game management skills will be tested again when another on. I’m so close herself and hit a crisp backhand to set up seventh seed Karolina Pliskova comeback win over 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams in she takes on Karolina Pliskova, who defeated the Japanese and I just want to keep the quarter-finals. a fourth chance, and converted it when Osaka, 21, seeded fourth youngster in the Tokyo final last year. going: Osaka Svitolina thumped a return into the net. this year, denied the pressure Svitolina took a medical timeout in the created by her breakthrough second set for neck and shoulder problems win at Flushing Meadows last The win put Osaka into her injured but playing against her try to stay calm, there’s an breaks mid-way in the opening with Osaka up 3-0 but she was broken year was getting to her and she straight Grand Slam semi-final even when she was injured inner peace I can tap into set. again after returning to the court. was enjoying herself at Mel- and she is the first Japanese was still really tough,” Osaka sometimes during my Osaka was the dominant “I felt pain from the beginning of the bourne Park. woman in the final four at Mel- said. matches.” player, hitting 17 winners to tournament here and there. It was going “I know that a few months bourne Park since Kimiko Date She was pleased to Osaka has a 3-2 losing three and four aces to one but and coming back,” Svitolina said. ago I would have given any- in 1994. maintain her composure in a record against Pliskova and struggled to put away her “Unfortunately today was a little bit thing to be in the semi-finals of Svitolina received simple straight sets win after said the Czech, who has been chances. worse than I expected. a Slam. But it’s this weird feeling treatment for a neck and previously losing her cool on one of the most consistent per- She has complained “It’s normal to have some tension of, like, you want to do the next shoulder injury in the second court when her last two formers at Grand Slams in throughout the tournament during the Grand Slam and it happens, but big thing. Especially now that I set and looked a shadow of the matches went to three sets. recent years, was tough to play. that she was making too many unfortunately I couldn’t handle it today.” won a Grand Slam, I feel like I player that won the WTA Finals “I feel like I play better Osaka and Svitolina both mistakes and 19 unforced Fourth seed Osaka served her eighth want to win another on. in Singapore last October. when I’m calm,” she said. fired down aces to hold their errors to Svitolina’s seven in ace then converted her first match point “I’m so close and I just “I tried to be consistent, it’s “When I’m not calm, it just opening service games then the first set kept the Ukrainian with an overhead winner to seal the win. want to keep going.” unfortunate that she got makes my life harder. So I just went on to exchange two in the match. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2019

SCOREBOARD New Zealand India M Guptill b Shami ...... 5 R Sharma c Guptill b Bracewell ...... 11 Kohli rested for final two NZ C Munro b Shami ...... 8 S Dhawan () ...... 75 K Williamson c Shankar b Yadav ...... 64 V Kohli c Latham b Ferguson ...... 45 R Taylor c&b Chahal ...... 24 A Rayudu (not out) ...... 13 ODIs and T20 series T Latham c&b Chahal ...... 11 Extras (lb 5, wd 7) ...... 12 H Nicholls c Yadav b Jadhav ...... 12 Total (for 2 ) ...... 156 REUTERS M Santner lbw Shami ...... 14 Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-132 MUMBAI D Bracewell b Yadav ...... 7 Bowling: Boult 6-1-19-0, Southee 6.5-0-36-0, Fer- T Southee (not out) ...... 9 guson 8-0-41-1 (3w), Bracewell 7-0-23-1 (1w), Sant- L Ferguson st Dhoni b Yadav ...... 0 ner 7-0-32-0 (2w) Indian Virat Kohli will be rested for the fourth and fifth one-day T Boult c Sharma b Yadav ...... 1 Result: India won by eight wickets international matches against New Zealand as well as the subsequent Twenty20 Extras (WD 2) ...... 2 Target reduced to 156 after 30 minutes lost be- international series, the Indian board (BCCI) said yesterday. Total (all out) ...... 157 cause of sun in players’ eyes The BCCI is keen to manage Kohli’s workload in the build-up to the World Cup Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-18, 3-52, 4-76, 5-107, 6-133, Player-of-the-Match: Mohammed Shami in England and Wales, with India set to continue their preparation for the tournament 7-146, 8-146, 9-148, 10-157 with a limited-overs home series against Australia starting on Feb. 24. Bowling: Kumar 5-0-20-0, Shami “Considering (Kohli’s) workload in the last few months, the team management 6-2-19-3 (1w), Shankar 4-0-19-0, Chahal 10-0-43-2 (1w), and senior selection committee is of the view that it would be ideal for him to Yadav 10-1-39-4, Jadhav 3-0-17-1 get adequate rest ahead of the home series against Australia,” the board said in a statement. Kohli has been in stellar form, scoring 282 runs in the recent Test series in India’s captain Virat Kohli Australia to help India end a 71-year wait for a series victory Down Under. He plays a shot during the first extended his purple patch in the subsequent ODI series, finishing with 153 runs one-day international (ODI) at an average of 51 in three matches, including a match-winning at the match against New Zealand Adelaide Oval. Rohit Sharma, who led India to the Asia Cup title in September at McLean Park in Napier last year, has been named stand-in captain and selectors are not planning on yesterday. calling up a replacement for Kohli.

FACTBOX Australia vs Sri Lanka Test series Glare no problem as India Factbox on the two-Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka, which begins today (times in brackets GMT): crush Kiwis in Napier ODI SCHEDULE AP First Test: Jan. 24-28 01:00 p.m. (0300) - The Gabba NAPIER Second Test: Feb. 1-5 10:30 a.m. (2330) - Manuka Oval Shikhar Dhawan scored an AUSTRALIA unbeaten 75 and Virat Kohli World ranking: Fifth scored 45 to guide India to an Captain: Tim Paine eight- win over New Coach: Justin Langer Zealand in a one-day cricket Top ranked batsman: Usman Khawaja (13) international that was shortened Top ranked bowler: Pat Cummins (4) because of so-called Recent form (Opponent/Venue/Result): December/January India Adelaide Lost by 31 sun-strike. runs India Perth Won by 146 runs India Melbourne Lost by 137 runs India Sydney Draw The players were forced October Pakistan Dubai Draw Pakistan Abu Dhabi Lost by 373 runs from the field for almost 40 minutes as India replied to New Squad - Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris, Will Pucovski, Kurtis Zealand’s total of 157 because the setting sun on Wednesday was Patterson, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Jhye Richardson, Pat shining through windows at the Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, . back of the grandstand and into Umpires and (right) look at the sun angle after it halted play during SRI LANKA the batters’ eyes. India was 44-1 in the 11th the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and India at McLean World ranking: Sixth over when the stoppage Park in Napier yesterday. Captain: Dinesh Chandimal occurred. When the players Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha returned to the field, the target Top ranked batsman: (9) had been revised under the Umpires Shaun George of because the match started an performance than the efforts of Top ranked bowler: Dilruwan Perera (26) Duckworth-Lewis system from South Africa and Shaun Haig of hour later than usual to suit its batsmen. Recent form (Opponent/Venue/Result): December New Zealand Wellington Draw New 158 to 156 and one over had been New Zealand explained they Indian TV audiences. The India New Zealand batted on Zealand Christchurch Lost by 423 runs November England Galle Lost by 211 runs deducted from the innings. didn’t receive an appeal from the innings was also interrupted by winning the toss and on what England Kandy Lost by 57 runs England Colombo Lost by 42 runs Dhawan and Kohli shared a batsmen against the light; in this the dinner break because it had was expected to be a high- Squad - Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Roshen Silva, Lahiru Thir- 91-run partnership which helped case an excess of light rather dismissed New Zealand in only scoring pitch. But Mohammed imanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Niroshan Dickwella, India reach its winning target than a shortage. 38 overs, meaning the visitors Shami bowled both New Zealand Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha, Dilru- with 85 balls remaining, taking The officials said they’d had to face nine overs before the openers, Martin Guptill (5) and early momentum to start the acted out of concern for the scheduled break. Colin Munro (8), to give India the wan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara. five-match series. safety of the players. Opener Rohit Sharma was upper hand from the start. Australia v Sri Lanka Tests Kohli won a brief reprieve The intervention of sun- out for 11 two balls after the Shami also dismissed on 37 when he adjudged lbw to strike was not entirely unex- resumption but Dhawan and Mitchell Santner (14), and wrist Matches 29 Tim Southee but had the pected. A Twenty20 match at Kohil calmly guided India to spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Australia wins 17 decision overturned on review. McLean Park in the past week 132-2, before Kohli was caught Kuldeep Yadav (4-39) shared six Sri Lanka wins 4 Dhawan also had some luck, had been interrupted for a by Latham from the bowling of wickets. Chahal caught and Draws 8 being dropped by wicketkeeper similar reason. Lockie Ferguson. bowled both Latham (11) and Previous Sri Lanka tours of Australia Tom Latham on 31. The stadium was hosting its Dhawan reached his 26th Ross Taylor (24), ending Taylor’s (Year/Tests/Winners/Result): Otherwise, India’s progress first international match since half century in ODIs from 69 run of six consecutive ODI 50s. 1988-1989 Three Aus 2-0 to an emphatic victory - con- the 2015 World Cup after being balls and had been joined by “When I lost the toss I 1995-1996 Three Aus 3-0 tinuing the form it showed in dropped from New Zealand’s list Ambati Rayudu who was 13 not thought it’s going to be 300-par,” 2004 Two Aus 1-0 winning Test, one-day and of international venues because out when the winning runs came Kohli said. “But the way the guys 2007 Two Aus 2-0 Twenty20 series in Australia - of drainage problems. in the 35th over. bowled and created pressure it 2012-2013 Three Aus 3-0 was impeded only by the rays of The setting sun may have India owed its victory more turned out to be absolutely the the setting sun. become a problem yesterday to a superb collective bowling opposite.” Paine tells bowlers to bounce out Sri Lanka after humbling loss AFP in.” The Australian skipper said the bowling BRISBANE attack, which has lost Hazlewood to injury, Australia name two would have to improve on the lively Gabba Australian captain Tim Paine said yesterday wicket. debutants for first SL Test that Sri Lanka should prepare themselves “Look, I would have liked to have been for a barrage when the first day- hitting the stumps a little bit more than we night Test gets under way in Brisbane this were and that’s been spoken about,” he said. AFP week. “But I also felt we didn’t use the bouncer BRISBANE Paine said that Australia’s much-vaunted as much in that series as we would have pace attack hadn’t used the bouncer effec- liked. Sometimes when you use the bouncer Australia have named debutants Kurtis Pat- tively in their recent series loss to India. a couple of times an over, when you do pitch terson and Jhye Richardson and recalled The Australians went into the Test series it up it’s a bit more effective.” opener Joe Burns for the first Test against against India boasting one of the most for- He said his team was now squarely Sri Lanka beginning in Brisbane on Sri Lanka’s captain Dinesh Chandimal (left) and Australia’s captain midable pace attacks in world cricket -- but focused on the Sri Lankans. Thursday. Tim Paine pose with the Warne-Murali Test trophy at The Gabba in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat “We want to be scoring hundreds, but Patterson scored centuries in both Cummins were comprehensively outbowled most of all we want to win the series,” Paine innings playing for the XI Brisbane ahead of their first day-night Test match beginning today by their Indian counterparts. said. “We know it’s going to be hard, but it against Sri Lanka in Hobart last week, between Australia and Sri Lanka. To make matters worse, the three starts out here tomorrow and it starts in the prompting selectors to call him into the pacemen failed to get a single lbw decision first hour -- that’s as simple as it is for us.” squad. The 25-year-old has scored 3,813 Warner recovering after surgery as India claimed a historic series win. The Australians are in line to give Test first-class runs for New South Wales at an Paine said while praise should go to the debuts to batsmen Kurtis Patterson and Will average of 41.00 and will bat at number six. Opening batsman David Warner is recovering from elbow surgery Indian batsmen, his bowlers will be better Pucovski, and fast bowler Jhye Richardson. West Australian fast bowler Richardson, and is likely to be fit to return to the Australia team when his 12-month prepared when the day-night Test against Patterson and 20-year-old Pucovski will play who was impressive in the ODI series suspension for ball-tampering expires in late March. Sri Lanka begins Thursday. in Australia’s faltering top six if selected, against India, comes in for the injured Josh Warner underwent surgery in Melbourne on Tuesday to remove “India batted really well,” he conceded. while Richardson could take Hazlewood’s Hazlewood. Selectors resisted the temp- a bone spur and detached bone fragment from his right elbow. The “Sub-continent players, when the wickets place following impressive performances in tation to blood 20-year-old batsman Will injury became inflamed and forced him to recently quit the Bang- are good, like the ball being bowled at their the ODI series against India. Pucovski, who many are touting as the next ladesh Premier League. stumps and they don’t miss too many when “It’s really exciting to have a number of Ricky Ponting. The Australian Associated Press reported Warner, the Australia they’re in the form some of those guys were young guys in the group,” Paine said. vice-captain, should be able to resume within a month. THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 11 Qatar post third win in a row to go top

THE PENINSULA through a splendid 121-run was ruled out for obstructing a for their team with plenty to Qatar’s captain Inam- DOHA second wicket partnership with fielder and at this juncture, Qatar spare. Ul-Haq receives the Kamran Khan. began tightening the screws Khan hammered five sixes man-of-the-match award Inam-Ul-Haq turned in a skip- Qatar Cricket Association further. Malik and Sajjad bowled and a four in his 30-ball 42, from Oman Cricket’s Board per’s performance (one wicket President Yousef Jeham Al well to remove four more while Ul-Haq finished unbeaten Member Taj Balouch in and 73 not out) and guided Qatar Kuwari lauded the team for players, while Ul-Haq also on 73. His 50-delivery knock Muscat, Oman yesterday. to a resounding eight-wicket clinching the third victory: grabbed a wicket. Sajjad got rid contained two sixes and 10 fours, triumph over Maldives in the “Congratulations to the whole of top-scorer Ahmed, having him which secured him the man-of- ACC Western Region Twenty20 squad on the third triumph. We brilliantly by the-match award. Mohammed Cricket Tournament yesterday. are all proud of the way you Mohammad Rizlan Iqbar. Tanveer was other not out This was the third win in a are playing in Muscat. Keep up He hit a six and three fours batsman with eight. row for Qatar, the only unbeaten your good work and focus on to get 53 off 45 balls. Mohammed Brief scores side in the five-team tour- each match.” Nadeem also played an Qatar beat Maldives by nament. Besides hitting the top Maldives had a good start important role in helping Qatar eight wickets of the table, the winners are and reached 44 before losing choke Maldives. He did not get Maldives: 134 for nine in 20 close to ensuring their place in opener Adam Nasif Umar (27 off a wicket but his four overs cost overs (Adam Nasif 27, Ahmed the final, to be held today. 12 balls with three sixes and a only 16 runs with 13 dot balls. Hassan 53, Tamoor Sajjad 3/28, Batting first in Muscat, four) to Malik, who got another Qatar’s chase suffered a Awais Malik 3/19, Inam-Ul-Haq Oman, Maldives, winless in the wicket four runs later when he quick setback with opener Faisal 1/26) five-tournament so far, were dismissed Rishwan Mohamed (1). Javed Khan getting out for five. Qatar: 135 for two in 14.5 limited by Mohammad Awais Hassan Ahmed and Hassan But captain Ul-Haq and Khan did overs (Inam-Ul-Haq 73 not out, Malik and Tamoor Sajjad to 134 Haziq Rasheed appeared to be not let the Maldives bowler Kamran Khan 42; Ibrahim for nine. Qatar raced to the stablising Maldives. However at trouble them. Hassan 1/25, Hassan Ahmed 1/8) target inside 15 overs with the 85 in the 12th over, the latter got They collected 121 runs off Man-of-the-match: Inam- captain guiding the team home out in bizarre fashion for 16. He 70 balls to set up the third win Ul-Haq (Qatar)

Barca sign young Dutch VAR set to make midfielder De Jong for €75m Asian Cup debut AP BARCELONA

AFC Barcelona has signed prom- DUBAI ising 21-year-old Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong Asian Cup history will be made from Ajax for €75m. today when the Video Assistant The deal could reach Referee (VAR) system makes its €86m including possible debut from the first quarter- add-ons depending on the finals of the Continental show- youngster’s and the team’s piece, which sees Vietnam take performances during the five- Rui Faria, the new coach of Al Duhail during the unveiling on Japan at the Al Maktoum year contract. ceremony in Doha yesterday. Stadium in Dubai at 5:00pm The transfer was finalized local time. yesterday by Barcelona pres- Leading Asian refereeing in ident Josep Maria Bartomeu the milestone implementation Faria unveiled as in Amsterdam. is none other than Mohammed De Jong’s poise on the ball Abdulla Mohamed from the and eye for a pass has drawn UAE, who will supported by coach of Al Duhail comparisons to Dutch legend Assistant Referees, Mohamed Johan Cruyff, who thrived Alhammadi and Hassan AFP with Barcelona as a player Almahri, who featured in the DOHA and as a coach. 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Barcelona calls De Jong The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will make its debut from The Emirati trio, who will be Rui Faria said yesterday he did not seek advice from Jose Mourinho “one of Europe’s most prom- the first quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup at the Al Maktoum supported by compatriot and before deciding to take his first head coach job at Qatar Stars League ising midfield talents.” fourth official Ammar Aljneibi, Stadium in Dubai today. side Al Duhail. It says he has “an officiated the Group C match The man who was Mourinho’s assistant for 17 years at some excellent reading of the game between France and Peru in Elleray, FIFA Referees’ Committee there not to influence every of the world’s biggest clubs was officially unveiled at a press con- and ability to provide the Ekaterinburg, Russia. Australia’s Chairman, Pierluigi Collina, and decision but to help the referee ference as Duhail’s new coach on a one-and-a-half year killer pass.” Christopher Beath has been Head of FIFA Refereeing, when there is a clear error or some- contract. The Catalan club says the appointed as the VAR and will Massimo Busacca have also been thing serious has been missed in a It is the 43-year-old’s first job since leaving Manchester United, “versatile” De Jong is “strong be assisted by Muhammad Taqi invited to the UAE by the AFC to match-changing incident. as Mourinho’s number two, last year. in the one-on-one” and can Bin Jahari from Singapore as ensure the highest VAR standards “For that reason, the VAR “No, I didn’t seek an opinion from Jose, this was my decision,” play either as a defensive or well as Italian Paolo Valeri. and protocols are observed. can only become involved in Faria told reporters. attacking midfielder. In addition to organising a “The VAR system is goal, penalty and direct red card Faria was assistant for Mourinho at clubs including Chelsea, “His wonderful vision and comprehensive series of VAR undoubtedly the future of incidents,” added the former Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United over 17 years. natural ability to find the right specific workshops since Sep- football,” said IFAB Technical English international referee “Motivation is something that you have or you don’t have,” pass mean he is the perfect tember last year, the AFC has Director, David Elleray. who officiated in nearly 200 he said. choice as a central play- also successfully completed a “Across the world, we can Premier League matches. “The reality is that I thought this would be a very good option maker,” the club said. robust test of the system during see the positive impact of VAR “As we saw during the FIFA for me.” De Jong rocketed to fame the Round of 16 stage across the and it was a wise and calculated World Cup in Russia, the VAR He added: “I am 100 per cent motivated to do the best job I this season with standouts four quarter-final venues. decision by the AFC to introduce brings fairness without inter- can.” performances for Ajax and These include the Zayed VARs from the quarter-final rupting the essential flow and Faria replaces Nabil Maaloul, who was the coach of the the resurgent Dutch national Sport City Stadium and stage onwards to ensure that all emotion of the game. I am con- Tunisian national side at the World Cup last year in Russia. team, prompting his name to Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium elements of a complex tech- fident that the Asian Cup will Maaloul abruptly left the club earlier this month after the team be linked with top clubs in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain’s Hazza Bin nology system are operating benefit immensely from having was knocked out of the Asian Champions League at the quarter- including Barcelona, Man- Zayed Stadium and the Al well, and the referees and VARs the VAR system in place, and the final stage. chester City and PSG. Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. are fully trained. IFAB applauds the AFC for their Khalifa Khamis, Duhail’s vice-president said the club’s ambition Widely considered a Some of the industry’s most “The philosophy behind the decisive and rationale approach was to win the Champions League. future star for the Dutch renowned figures which include, system is “minimum interference of increasing fairness in Asian Duhail, the current champions, stand second in the Qatari national team, De Jong joined IFAB Technical Director, David for maximum benefit” - the VAR is football.” league, two points behind Al Sadd with seven games left. Ajax from Willem II in Tilburg.

Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival

The podium winners at the Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival pose for a picture with officials in Doha yesterday. The festival whichbegan on January 19 will end on Friday.