TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

TENNIS FOOTBALL I think I have been pretty clear that I have committed Australian Open Premier League: myself to South Africa until the T20 World Cup matches at Chelsea vs Arsenal; (in Australia in October and November): South African Melbourne Park S. United vs Man City ACTION

Faf du Plessis denies rumours of his retirement TODAY’S

In this January 17, 2020 file photo, Domantas Sabonis (left) of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Minnesota Chiefs, 49ers advance to Timberwolves during their NBA game. Super Bowl showdown AFP — LOS ANGELES Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) and strong safety Tyrann Mathieu celebrate Patrick Mahomes ended the with the Lamar Hunt Trophy after beating the Kansas City Chiefs’ 50-year Tennessee Titans. wait for a return to the Super Bowl as the San Francisco 49ers routed the Green Bay Packers to advance to next month’s NFL showpiece. Mahomes helped the Chiefs overturn a 10-point deficit to complete a convincing 35-24 win over the Tennessee Titans to take the American Football Conference Championship at Arrowhead Stadium. Sabonis’ triple-double The reigning NFL MVP threw for three touchdowns and danced into the end zone leads Indiana Pacers for a superb individual score as the Chiefs successfully neu- tralised the threat posed by past Denver Nuggets Titans running back Derrick Henry. AP — DENVER performance from the Nuggets’ It is the first time the Chiefs Nikola Jokic to win their fifth have advanced to the Super Despite playing from behind for straight. Bowl since their victory over the process. It was like last week, Football Conference Champi- quarterbacks in NFL history, most of their game against the Jerami Grant and Will Minnesota Vikings in 1970. we just stuck with the game onship with a 37-20 rout of the finished with 326 passing yards Denver Nuggets, Domantas Barton added 16 points apiece “I’m lucky to be a part of this plan and knew it was going to Green Bay Packers that was from 31-of-39 attempts but also Sabonis never felt the Indiana for the Nuggets, who were team with all these guys - it work out,” he said. more one-sided than the had two interceptions and was Pacers were out of it. again without injured starters makes my job a lot easier,” said The Titans had reached the scoreline suggested. sacked three times. Sabonis had 22 points, 15 Paul Millsap, Gary Harris and Mahomes, who finished with brink of the Super Bowl after a Niners running back Niners counterpart Jimmy rebounds and 10 assists for his Jamal Murray. 294 passing yards and 23 giant-killing playoff run which Raheem Mostert rushed for four Garoppolo meanwhile was first career triple-double, Doug Denver had the lead for completions. included wins over the New touchdowns and a whopping barely called upon as the San McDermott scored 18 of his 24 most of the game but was out- The win came one year after England Patriots and the top- 220 yards as the run-oriented Francisco run game took over, points in the fourth quarter and scored 41-26 in the fourth the Chiefs suffered an agonising seeded Baltimore Ravens. San Francisco offense punched making just eight passes the Pacers rallied late to beat quarter. home overtime loss to the New But despite starting strongly hole after hole through a porous throughout the entire game for the Nuggets 115-107 on Sunday The Nuggets missed 10 of England Patriots at the same the Titans ran out of ideas once Packers defense. 77 yards. night. 32 free throws and were 3 of stage of the play-offs. the Chiefs defense contained The game was effectively Rodgers later acknowl- “I just felt like we were 23 from 3-point range while the “It’s amazing, to be here to powerhouse rusher Henry, who over by half-time with Mostert edged that Sunday’s defeat had always right there, down 5-6 Pacers connected on 13 of 29 do it at Arrowhead, these people helped Tennessee forge early crossing for three of his four stung as he faces up to the real- points all game,” Sabonis said. from beyond the arc, including deserve it. We’re not done yet,” leads of 10-0 and 17-7 before touchdowns -- a record in an isation that at 36, he may have “I felt like this was the game six 3-pointers by McDermott. Mahomes added. “We’re going the Chiefs rallied. NFC championship game -- in only a limited number of oppor- we needed to get to start the Successive 3-pointers by to get it.” Henry had few complaints the opening two quarters as San tunities to reach the Super Bowl road trip right and just believed Aaron Holiday and McDermott Mahomes said the Chiefs -- after being restricted to a rela- Francisco opened up a 27-0 again. in my team-mates that we followed by McDermott’s layup who had fought back from 24-0 tively paltry 69 yards and one lead by halftime. “It’s a little raw right now could make that next step. And evened the score at 91 with 6:59 down to rout the Houston touchdown after 19 carries. “I just woke up like it was for sure,” the Packers quar- in the fourth quarter everybody left. The sides alternated scores Texans in the divisional round “They just had a great game any other game,” Mostert said terback said. stepped up and made big-time in the closing minutes, with the last week -- had kept their cool plan, man,” Henry said after the of his stellar display. “It definitely hurts than plays.” Pacers taking their first lead, after falling behind early on defeat. “It was just one of those earlier in your career just In one sequence with just 98-97, with 4:13 remaining on against the Titans. “They were coming off the games where once we all got because you realise how dif- under three minutes remaining, a 3-pointer from the corner by “We just stayed with the ball, those guys were being in the groove we were like ficult it is to get to this spot. Sabonis helped protect the McDermott. physical. They played a great ‘Hey, let’s keep it riding, keep “With all the changes this Pacers’ late lead by fighting Consecutive baskets by Kansas City Chiefs’ game today on defence and you it rolling’ and that’s what we off season, to get to this point, through traffic in the low post Sabonis put Indiana in front 50-year wait for a return know their offense, we know did.” with a new coach and a new to grab three offensive 104-99 with 1:30 left and to the Super Bowl ends the type of offense that is: But it was another disap- offensive system, you felt like rebounds before finishing with McDermott answered two free as the San Francisco explosive, can score at any pointing outing for Packers it was something special. It felt quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a tip-in. throws by Jokic with another 49ers rout the Green moment. like it was meant to be almost. Malcom Brogdon and T.J. 3-pointer as the Pacers pulled “We just came up short. All who once again fell short in his So it’s kind of disappointing. I Warren added 22 points each out to a six-point advantage Bay Packers to advance the credit to them and good luck pursuit of a second career Super don’t have the same number of for the Pacers, who snapped a with 1:08 remaining. The to next month’s NFL to them.” Bowl title. years ahead of me as I do 10-game skid at Pepsi Center. Nuggets could not close the showpiece. In Santa Clara, meanwhile, Rodgers, regarded by many behind me. So yeah, it’s They overcame a 30-point gap. the 49ers clinched the National as one of the greatest disappointing.” Impey eyes hat-trick of Tour Down Under titles

AFP — ADELAIDE season-opening World Tour along with fellow Australian event. “It’s harder because you Dennis. Daryl Impey is chasing a third have a target on your back, but “It’s going to be a hard race straight victory in Australia’s when your form is good enough, this year, and it probably is Tour Down Under from today, it’s still down to who has the best It’s harder because going to be the hardest edition but the South African faces an legs in January,” said Impey you have a target on of the race,” said Porte. uphill battle against past before the race. “Daryl’s done a fantastic winners Richie Porte and Rohan His chances for triple your back, but when race in the past two years, and Dennis. success hinge on a climb into the your form is good you can never rule him out,” he Forecast temperatures for small town of Paracombe for the enough, it’s still down added. this week’s race are mild and third stage finale, along with the Dennis is the world indi- significantly lower than previous demanding double ascent of to who has the best vidual time trial champion and years, a relief to organisers, who Willunga that closes out the race legs in January: Daryl 2015 race winner. He recently said they were working to in stage six. signed a two-year deal with ensure the route was safe after “Paracombe (stage three) is Impey Britain’s Team Ineos, formerly bushfires scorched the Adelaide tough, and it will test me, as well Team Sky. Hills region last month. as many other rivals similar to more suited to climbers, so it’ll Stages two and three will Mitchelton-Scott’s Impey me, so we’ll need to wait and be tougher for guys like me.” take teams and spectators hung on up the torturous Wil- see,” Impey said. Porte, the 2017 winner and through areas where properties lunga Hill to become the first “For me, that day’s going to four-time runner-up, is a noted were destroyed in recent bush- Daryl Impey cyclist to win back-to-back be a huge decider in the overall Grand Tour climber and will be fires, which also killed one titles in last year’s UCI winner. Overall, it is a race that’s suited by the tougher course person and injured other. NHL: Blackhawks top Jets as Kane reaches milestone

REUTERS — CHICAGO slot to Brandon Saad for a goal with Winnipeg. Mark Scheifele scored assisted on Nylander’s goal, regis- 5:46 left in the game to give his 23rd goal, Patrik Laine got his tered his sixth goal on a 45-foot Patrick Kane recorded a late assist Chicago a 4-2 lead. 16th and Connor Hellebuyck wrister that cleared the glove of for his 1,000th career point, With the assist, Kane extended stopped 28 shots for the Jets, who Hellebuyck with 5:49 left in the helping the Chicago Blackhawks his point streak to 10 games (four have lost two straight and four of first. to a season-high fifth consecutive goals, 11 assists) for the Black- the last five while sitting outside Chicago has scored seven first- victory with a 5-2 win over the hawks, who also got a goal and of playoff position in the Western period goals over the last three visiting Winnipeg Jets on Sunday assist each from Alex Nylander and Conference. contests. night. defenceman Erik Gustafsson. Chicago opened the scoring Winnipeg managed to cut Chi- Kane, in his 13th season, David Kampf also scored, Dominik just 2:51 into the game. Nylander cago’s lead in half with 1:43 left in became the 90th player in NHL Kubalik added an empty-netter struck on a nifty backhand shot off the second. history to reach the milestone. It and Robin Lehner made 36 saves a Hellebuyck rebound for his sixth Following Saad’s second goal came when he dished a pass from for his third straight win as Chicago goal of the season. in two games, Laine pulled one Patrick Kane behind the net to Ryan Carpenter, won for the 11th time in 15 games The Blackhawks went up 2-0 back for Winnipeg at the 17:51 who delivered the puck across the to draw even on points (54) with when defenseman Gustafsson, who mark of the third. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 Lyles among top sprinters to skip indoor season

REUTERS — LONDON De Grasse (Canada) and But it was a definite “no Many top sprinters are skipping or limiting their Indoor Grand Prix on January Shaunae Miller-Uibo (Bahamas) way” from Mark Wetmore, indoor season, often because the 2019 World Outdoor 25 to open the World Athletics Even with outstanding hurdles to the winter circuit. manager for US world 200m Championships extended into October, more than a Indoor Tour and in New York, races at US indoor meetings and World 100m champion champion Lyles, who will sit out month later than usual, say managers and coaches. the Millrose Games hurdles race talented field event competi- Christian Coleman may also join the indoor season. on February 8 will match tions in Europe, international them. “Athletes were excep- Even the lure of an Indoor World Championships in Olympic champion Omar athletics is continuing to be “Coleman“Coleman iiss stistillll tionally tired after Doha as a China has not pulled World outdoor champions Noah McLeod of Jamaica, world gold impactedimpacted byby tthehe longlong 2019 ddecidingeciding iiff hhee wiwillll class. It was so lonlong,”g,” ssaidaid medallist Grant Holloway and outdooroutdoor seseason.ason. compete,compete,”” Wetmore.Wetmore. Lyles (US) and Dina Asher-Smith (Britain) and medallists US outdoor winner Daniel Many top sprinters are manager WetmoreWetmore and PaulPaul Justin Gatlin (US), Andre De Grasse (Canada) and Roberts. skipping or limiting their indoor EmanuelEmanuel Hudson Doyle,Doyle, agent for CanCanadianadian Shaunae Miller-Uibo (Bahamas) to the winter circuit. The New York meeting also season, often because saidsaid of the 60m Olympic and world dodoubleuble will feature a shot put duel the 2019 world worldworld indoor sprint medallist De Grasse,Grasse, the Tokyo Olympics, which will said agent Adrian Laidlaw of between Olympic gold medallist outdoor champion-champion- recordrecord holder aandnd also mentioned the shortershorter be held fromfro July 24 to August Jamaican world 100m Ryan Crouser and world ships extended 20192019 world 100m than normalnormal 9. champion Shelly-Ann champion Joe Kovacs, key races into October,October, gold medallistmedallist.. downtimedowntime bbetweenetween ThatThat ggap of less than 10 Fraser-Pryce. involving world 800m winner more than a thethe worworldld cchampi-hampi- monthsmonths is mmuch shorter than the The February 15 Glasgow Donavan Brazier and women’s month later onshipsonships andand nearlynearly onone year time frame event is part of the seven- 800m medallist Ajee Wilson than usual,usual, betweenbetween ththe 2015 world cham- meeting World Athletics Indoor and a special appearance in the managersmanagers and pionships,pionships, which concluded in Tour. 60m by 13-times world coaches said. late AuguAugust, and the 2016 Bahamian Gardiner’s com- champion sprinter Allyson Felix Even the Olympics,Olympics which opened in petitions will be even more low who will be seeking to make her lure of an earlyearly August.Augu key with a couple of 300m fifth US Olympic team this IIndoorndoor “The timtiming doesn’t make a races. summer. WWorldorld lotlot ooff sesense,” said Lance “Every year we do this just Meanwhile in Europe, the CChampion-hampion- Brauman,Brauman, who coaches Lyles to see how training is going,” three pole vault medallists from shishipsps in andand OOlympiclymp 400m champion said coach Gary Evans. Doha - American Sam Kend- CChinahina has Miller-Uibo.Miller-Uib There will be nothing low ricks, Swede Mondo Duplantis not ppulledulled No matterma how short the key about US hurdles races, and Poland’s Piotr Lisek - will world breakbreak,, ththough, Caribbean though. feature in Dusseldorf’s Feb. 4 outdooroutdoor ccham-ham- ssprintersprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser- Olympic gold medallist World Tour meeting.. But the pions Noah LyleLyless ((US)US) and Dina Pryce and Steven Gardiner will Brianna McNeal and world cycle for top sprinters running Asher-SmithAsher-Smith (Britain)(Britain) and med-med- bebe rurunningnning at least once indoors. champion Nia Ali will clash over all out indoors is several years allists Justin Gatlin (US)(US), Andre “She wwill be doing Glasgow,” the 60m hurdles at the Boston away, coach Brauman believes. Formula One rookie Lopez wins LPGA Tournament of Latifi takes race number from area code Champions after play-off duel AFP — MIAMI SCORES REUTERS — LONDON Gaby Lopez drained a 20-foot (x-tied through five play-off holes, y-elimi- Canadian Formula One birdie putt on the seventh hole nated at third play-off hole. USA unless not- rookie Nicholas Latifi has of a sudden death play-off to ed, par 71) made the call and will race I decided to choose win the LPGA Tour’s season- 271 - x-Gaby Lopez (MEX) 65-69-71-66, x- with the number six on his number six. So opening Tournament of Cham- Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 66-69-68-68, y-Park car in a nod to the telephone pions yesterday. In-bee (KOR) 65-68-67-71 area code of his home city the reason I chose The 26-year-old from 272 - Hur Mi-jung (KOR) 69-70-70-63, Toronto. this is because I’m Mexico City clinched the second Brooke Henderson (CAN) 67-66-72-67 Latifi, this season’s sole from Toronto and win of her career after draining 273 - Annie Park 68-73-68-64 rookie driver, explained his the putt on the par-three 18th 274 - Lexi Thompson 66-71-69-68, Kim Sei- choice on Twitter in a video Toronto is known as hole at the Four Seasons young (KOR) 66-69-67-72 posted by his Williams team ‘The Six’, basically Orlando. 275 - Celine Boutier (FRA) 66-69-69-71 yesterday. because if you’re Lopez’s long putt left Nasa 276 - Nelly Korda 73-67-69-67 “I decided to choose Hataoka needing to make an 277 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 68-71-73-65 number six. So the reason I from there your easier 12-footer to force an 278 - Cydney Clanton 69-69-69-71, Angela chose this is because I’m area code for your eighth playoff hole, but the Stanford 65-72-70-71, Danielle Kang 63-73- from Toronto and Toronto is 21-year-old Japanese ace 71-71 known as ‘The Six’, basically phone number is pushed her effort wide of the 279 - Amy Yang (KOR) 68-69-76-66, Jessica because if you’re from there either 416 or 647: cup to concede defeat. Korda 70-68-71-70 your area code for your Nicholas Latifi Lopez had birdied the 18th phone number is either 416 on Sunday to force her way into 280 - Jasmine Suwannapura (THA) 68-73- or 647,” he said. the playoff with a closing five- 69-70 “It’s a bit silly, but that under-par 66, and the Mexican 281 - Brittany Lincicome 71-72-70-68, Geor- kind of stuck, so I decided to statement that Bratches would said that had given her confi- gia Hall (ENG) 70-71-71-69 choose that.” continue to have an advisory dence for the shootout. 282 - Cheyenne Knight 68-70-74-70 The number previously role from the United States. “I was mentally prepared 283 - Marina Alex 66-81-68-68 belonged to 2016 world Bratches was appointed for the last 24 hours,” Lopez 284 - Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) 70-73-73-68 champion Nico Rosberg, who when Liberty took control of said after her win. 286 - Bronte Law (ENG) 69-73-72-72 retired from Formula One the sport in January 2017 and “Coming down the stretch 287 - Ji Eun-hee (KOR) 74-67-76-70, Chun

days after his title success reported to chairman and yesterday, I knew I had to birdie In-gee (KOR) 71-71-73-72 with Mercedes. chief executive Chase Carey, the hole to have a chance. 292 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 75-76-73-68 A driver keeps his who will now take over the “I was very lucky to have a number throughout his F1 majority of his direct reports. good look at it above the hole career but they become Ross Brawn remains as today and I made it. I know I However Hataoka’s tee- available again two entire managing director for don’t need to fear anyone else shot was even better, arcing seasons after they were last sporting matters. Bratches’ apart from myself, and I proved around the back of the green used. The new season starts departure had been widely to myself I can win in any and rolling down a slight slope in Australia on March 15. signalled, with the American situation. Gaby Lopez of Mexico City poses with the trophy after winning to settle around 12 feet from the Meanwhile, Sean known to be keen to return “I put all those moments the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions at Tranquilo Golf pin. Bratches, one of Formula to the United States to be together and recall them when Course in Lake Buena Vista, Florida yesterday. Lopez judged her birdie putt One’s top bosses as managing closer to his family. I’m walking down the fairway, perfectly, finding an ideal line director of commercial oper- “Sean has transformed just staying in the moment.” had been eliminated after the Both players secured pars and length to roll her ball gently ations, is to step down at the the commercial side of The play-off had been third play-off hole, leaving on the sixth play-off hole, to the edge of the cup and in. end of January after three Formula One and a tes- halted on Sunday evening due Hataoka and Lopez to slug it sending it back to the tee. That left Hataoka with a years in the position, the tament to his work is shown to darkness with Hataoka and out. Lopez’s tee-shot on the pressure-laden putt to save par sport announced yesterday. in our momentum and Lopez unable to break the When play resumed just seventh play-off hole easily and a chance for her fourth Liberty Media-owned growth as a business,” Carey deadlock after replaying the after 8am local time yesterday, found the green and rolled LPGA Tour event. Formula One added in a said in a statement. 18th hole five times. it looked as if another pro- around to leave her a long But her putt drifted well South Korea’s Park In-bee tracted battle was in store. birdie chance. wide to leave Lopez the victor. Miller keen to see Biles eclipse her record

REUTERS — NEW DELHI be more each and every year abuse. Miller does not think the at Tokyo, said Miller. makeup of the team,” she said. along the way. I’ll be among the scandal would hinder the gygym- “There are ppros and “So, youy kind of control Shannon Miller thinks her time fans cheering her on.” nasts’ performanceance in Tokyo. conscons but whatwhat what you can control and then as the United States’ most deco- An explosive combination “I think the atathleteshletes thatthat areare wewe as athletes you go out and do the very rated Olympic gymnast will of power, agility and creativity, For me and for so competing are focused on their do isis wewe findfind best you ccan.an. come to an end this summer Biles has already vaulted into gymnastics andnd their compcompe-e- out tthehe rrulesules “You“You nevernever wwantant to hhaveave and the 42-year-old will be in the debate as the greatest many athletes, we tition,” she said.d. andand thenthen an athlete get injured but it Tokyo cheering on Simone Biles gymnast of all time. feel that records are “We want too cecelebratelebrate ttheirheir wwee focusfocus happens.happens. So you want to as she bids to supplant her. Miller, who won five medals hard work andd all that thethey’rey’re onon whatwhat make sure that youyou have Biles bagged five medals, at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics made to be broken. doing, especiallyally leading into our bestbest enough people on the team including four gold, in her daz- and two at Atlanta four years It’s how sport thrives, and at the Olympicympic GGames.”ames.” strategystrategy isis thatthat can competecompete all four zling Olympic debut at Rio four later, said she was amazed at it’s how it evolves, Teams in Tokyoyo will comprise to notnot events.”events.” years ago and the 22-year-old how Biles, the most decorated four gymnasts,, down from five only make is widely expected to surpass gymnast in world championship and it’s how it in London 2012,2, which is likely thethe teamteam Miller’s haul of seven at Tokyo history, continues to dominate progresses: Shannon to discouragee teams from but tthenhen Simone Biles later this year. the sport. picking specialistsalists who could howhow best to “I’m excited about it,” Miller, “What strikes me is really Miller be required in ootherther events createcreate a who was in India as an ambas- the incredible amount of diffi- in case a teamm mate sador for Sunday’s Tata Mumbai culty that she has in her skills much difficulty. She has the gets injured. Marathon, said. combined with the consistency combination of both.” Smaller teamm “For me and for so many with which she competes those USA Gymnastics is still sizes should nott athletes, we feel that records are skills. That’s fairly rare,” she recovering from a scandal that be a headachee made to be broken. It’s how added. saw former team doctor Larry for the Unitedd sport thrives, it’s how it evolves, “A lot of times you have dif- Nassar sentenced to up to 300 States women’sn’s and it’s how it progresses. ficult skills but you are not as years in prison in 2018 after squad, who aarere “It’s important for athletes consistent, or you’re very con- more than 300 women, eyeing a hat-trickick to be inspired to do more and sistent but you don’t have as including Biles, accused him of of Olympic goldsddss TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 England take series lead with big win AFP — PORT ELIZABETH SCOREBOARD England (I Innings) ...... 499-9 decl. D Paterson () ...... 39 England completed a compre- hensive win by an innings and South Africa (I Innings) ...... 209 Extras (B12, LB1, NB1, W1) ...... 15 53 runs on the fifth day of the South Africa (II Innings) Total (88.5 overs) ...... 237 third Test against South Africa P Malan lbw b Root ...... 12 Fall of : 1-18 , 2-22, 3-44, 4-66, at St George’s Park yesterday, D Elgar b Wood ...... 15 5-74, 6-83, 7-102, 8-128, 9-138 taking an unbeatable 2-1 lead Z Hamza c Buttler b Wood ...... 2 : Broad 10-5-14-1 (1nb), Curran in the four-match series. F du Plessis c Pope b Root ...... 36 6-0-46-0, Wood 16.5-6-32-3 (1w), Bess 22- England were held up by a last stand of 99 between H van der Dussen c Pope b Root ...... 10 11-36-1, Stokes 5-2-9-0, Root 29-13-87-4 Keshav Maharaj (71) and Dane Q de Kock c Wood b Root ...... 3 Result: England won by an innings and Paterson (39 not out) and it V Philander c Pope b Broad ...... 13 53 runs needed a direct-hit run-out by K Maharaj run out (Curran) ...... 71 Series: England lead the four-match se- Sam Curran from mid-on to K Rabada c Broad b Wood ...... 16 ries 2-1 clinch the result shortly before A Nortje b Bess ...... 5 Man of the match: Ollie Pope (ENG) lunch. South Africa were bowled out for 237. The partnership between Pope hit a century of high favourites going into the final Maharaj and Paterson was quality and held six catches in Test at the Wanderers, with easily South Africa’s best of the the match, equalling the South Africa’s batsmen lacking match and showed up an oth- England Test record. form and their bowling erwise poor batting per- Bess took the first five resources severely stretched formance by the hosts. wickets in the first innings, his following the suspension of South Africa added 135 runs first five-wicket haul in Tests. Kagiso Rabada for his over-exu- in losing their last four wickets, The win extended England’s berant celebration after clean- which seemed unlikely when unbeaten run in Test series in bowling Root on the first day in England’s Ollie Pope and Dom Bess celebrate as they leave the field with a stump each after winning Vernon Philander chipped a South Africa, going back to Port Elizabeth. the Third Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, yesterday. catch to midwicket off Stuart 1999/2000 when Nasser Hus- The suspension of Rabada Broad three balls into the day. sain’s team were beaten by a seemed to have cast a pall Mark Wood and Dom Bess flourish for the hosts, it was a Cup in Australia in October and radical changes in the team side led by Hansie Cronje. over the South African team, also took wickets but England result which was a triumph for November, by which time he management might have her- That series ended with who were lacklustre in the captain Joe Root could not add England’s youth policy, while will be 36. alded a new dawn. England gaining a consolation field as Ben Stokes and Pope to his four wickets taken on the way South Africa were out- It seems possible that the A resurgent England team win in a contrived finish to a shared a double century Sunday, conceding 56 runs in played was a devastating blow fourth Test in Johannesburg bounced back from defeat at Test which it was later revealed partnership. 10 overs yesterday to finish with for captain Faf du Plessis and from Friday could be his last Centurion to win the second had been orchestrated by Replying to an England total four for 87. new coach Mark Boucher. home series in charge. Test in Cape Town by 189 runs Cronje in collaboration with a of 499 for nine declared, South Maharaj hit Root for three Even before yesterday’s last It was South Africa’s seventh and they dominated in Port bookmaker. Africa batted poorly in both fours and two sixes in an over rites there was speculation defeat in their last eight Tests, Elizabeth, with two 22-year- Since then England have innings with the off-spin of Bess which ended with four byes, about Du Plessis’ future. He has the only exception being their olds, batsman Ollie Pope and won two series in South Africa in the first innings and Root in costing 28 in total. expressed his desire to lead win in the first Test against off-spinner Dom Bess playing and shared one. the second innings exposing Despite the late face-saving South Africa in the T20 World England when it seemed that significant roles. The tourists will be some poor technique.

Bangladesh can Zimbabwe’s Donald Tiripano plays a shot during the second day Simmons of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports do well in Club in Harare, yesterday. blasts 10 sixes Pakistan: Coach as Windies rout AFP — DHAKA Ireland to level Coach Russell Domingo said Bangladesh would perform T20 series well in Pakistan despite security concerns overshad- AFP — BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS owing the tour starting later AND NEVIS this month, with several players and coaching staff Opening batsman Lendl refusing to make the trip. Simmons blasted 10 sixes in an Bangladesh will tour undefeated 91 as West Indies Pakistan for three , Tiripano strikes early to give routed Ireland by nine wickets a one-day international and in the third and final two Tests spread across three International at Warner Park visits. on Sunday. International cricket has Zimbabwe edge over Sri Lanka Simmons, the nephew of gradually returned to Pakistan West Indies coach Phil in the last four years after it AFP — HARARE SCOREBOARD the stumps. The left-armer Simmons, also hit five bound- was suspended following an Zimbabwe (I Innings) Fall of Wickets: 1-96, 2-164, 3-208, 4-247, spinner removed Regis aries in his 40-ball blitz. Islamic militant attack on the Donald Tiripano struck early to Chakabva shortly after lunch It was his highest score in Prince Masvaure c Dimuth Karunaratne b 5-247, 6-266, 7-307, 8-309, 9-328, 10-358 Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore remove Oshada Fernando and but Sikandar Raza and Tiripano the format and came just five in March 2009. complete an excellent second Lasith Embuldeniya ...... 55 Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 27-10-53-3; then both settled in. days before his 35th birthday. The players are expected day of the first Test for lbw Lahiru Kumara ...... 63 Kasun Rajitha 29-9-55-0; Lasith Embuldeni- Raza fell for a flighty 41, Chasing a modest 139 to to train amid heavy security, Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in Craig Ervine b Suranga Lakmal ...... 85 ya 42-12-114-5; Lahiru Kumara 29-8-82-2; by Dickwella as he win, Simmons won the match but Domingo said the situation Harare. lbw Suranga Lakmal 21 Dhananjaya de Silva 21-8-50-0 2nb charged at Embuldeniya, who in style with a six over mid- would strengthen the bond The 31-year-old seamer had S Williams c N Dickwella b L Embuldeniya 18 Sri Lanka (I Innings) also bowled Kyle Jarvis. wicket off spinner Simi Singh between them rather than earlier made a handy 44 not out S Raza st N Dickwella b L Embuldeniya 41 Dimuth Karunaratne (batting) ...... 12 Ainsley Ndlovu was bril- whose three overs cost 41 runs. hamper preparations. batting at number eight as Zim- liantly snapped up at short-leg Fellow opener Evin Lewis “I do not think it will be babwe advanced from their R Chakabva c A Mathews b L Embuldeniya 8 Oshada Fernando b Donald Tiripano 21 by off Lahiru made 46 with four boundaries tough for the boys (to focus),” overnight 189 for two to 358 all Donald Tiripano (not out) ...... 44 Kusal Mendis (batting) ...... 6 Kumara. Lakmal dismissed last and three sixes as West Indies Domingo told reporters late out. Kyle Jarvis b Lasith Embuldeniya ...... 1 Extras 0b 3lb 0nb 0pen 0w ...... 3 man Victor Nyauchi just after raced to victory with 54 balls Sunday as the team started Left-arm spinner Lasith A Ndlovu c Kusal Mendis b L Kumara 5 Total (14.0 overs) ...... 42 the delayed break to finish with remaining. preparations for the tour. Embuldeniya, playing in his Victor Nyauchi c (Sub) b S Lakmal ...... 11 Fall of Wickets: 1-32 three for 53, leaving Tiripano “It was a proper batting “When you are facing a sixth Test, was the stand-out Extras 0b 4lb 2nb 0pen 0w ...... 6 Bowling: Jarvis 7-2-20-0; Victor Nyauchi undefeated on 44. surface with the ball coming bowler there is nothing else to bowler with five for 114. The two-Test tour was only onto the bat nicely,” said Total (all out) ...... 358 5 -1-14-0; Donald Tiripano 2-0-5-1 think about except a ball or when When bad light stopped announced by the Sri Lankan Simmons whose ambition is you are bowling there is nothing play for the day, Sri Lanka had cricket board last week. to help West Indies defend else to think except landing the reached 42 for the loss of Zimbabwe Craig Ervine well set It was the third wicket to fall Zimbabwe were readmitted their World T20 title in Aus- ball in the right area.” Fernando who had his off on 55 and looking for his third during the morning as Lakmal as an ICC member last October tralia later this year. “It (the heavy security) can stump flattened by Tiripano’s Test century. also produced a full inswinger following a three-month sus- “I missed out on the last galvanise the team as well. It very first . The 34-year-old progressed to have Brendan Taylor leg pension over political inter- World Cup because of injury can get the team working Dimuth Karunaratne will comfortably to 85 until pace before for 21 and Zimbabwe ference. The Sri Lanka games but I am looking forward to the together and connecting well.” resume on 12 and Kusal Mendis bowler Suranga Lakmal nipped captain Sean Williams edged represent their first Tests since one this year.” Bangladesh agreed to the on six. one through his defence shortly left-arm spinner Embuldeniya a 1-1 series draw in Bangladesh The three-match series Pakistan tour after a long The day began with before lunch. to Niroshan Dickwella behind in November 2018. ended 1-1 after Ireland edged debate over security concerns a first-game thriller by four that nearly led to the cancel- runs in Grenada before Satur- lation of the series. day’s match at Warner Park The Tigers will play three was abandoned due to rain. T20Is in Lahore from January Maxwell doesn’t make our top Earlier, veteran all- 24-27 before returning to rounders Kieron Pollard and Pakistan for the first Test from Dwayne Bravo shared six February 7-11 in Rawalpindi. wickets as West Indies They will visit again to play seven, says Aussie skipper Finch restricted Ireland to 138 all a one-day international in out. Karachi on April 3 and the AFP — BANGALORE “Anyone can,” said Finch. “He got a hundred in the Captain Pollard, who pro- second Test from April 5-9. “It’s about form, picking last game and they won the duced the best bowling spell “Where we go and when Glenn Maxwell (pictured) will players for the right role. I series. So surprised not to see by a West Indian in T20 inter- we go is not our decision. have to work to get back into think it’s just going to come him because he brings the nationals (4-25) in Saturday’s Obviously it would be nice to Australia’s one-day squad down to whichever way you spinning option as well.” Kohli abandoned game, claimed go once and finish in three despite his brilliant domestic want to match up, specific also heaped praise on Aus- 3-17. weeks but they think it’s best form, said captain Aaron Finch, roles for specific players.” tralian batsman Marnus Bravo finished with 3-19 to do it in one-week blocks. I who rates the all-rounder India captain Virat Kohli Labuschagne, who made an to become the West Indies’ am fine with it,” Domingo outside the nation’s current top was surprised at Maxwell’s impact in his debut ODI series leading all-time wicket-taker added. batsmen. absence from the Australia with scores of 46 and 54 in the in the format with 57 victims Senior batsman Mushfiqur The 31-year-old Maxwell team, which he believed would second and third match. in his 69th game. Rahim and several members was dropped from Australia’s have benefited from his off- “He’s a quality player. We That beat the previous best of the backroom staff, ODI tour of India after taking spin bowling. were talking outside... he’s very of 54 by leg-spinner Samuel including batting coach Neil a break to focus on his mental “Honestly I did not look at sure of what he wants to do,” Badree. McKenzie, spin bowling coach health, one of eight players the (squad) and I asked Aaron India’s captain said. “We need to get early Daniel Vettori and fielding axed from the squad that lost that have you got only 14... and “Again, body language, wickets, we cannot have teams coach Ryan Cook refused to the World Cup semi-final to But Finch said the big- asked ‘Is Maxwell here?’ and intent, he’s there, he’s running get to 40, 50 in no time. I think join the tour. Domingo said he England last year. hitting batsman, who has they said he is playing the hard between the wickets, he we need to improve in that did not share their concerns. “Outside the top seven at scored 341 runs at an amazing BBL,” said Kohli. wants the ball (in the field). area,” admitted man of the “It was easy (to take the moment,” Finch said when average of 68.20 for the Mel- “I was a bit surprised that “I think he’s got the right series Pollard. decision of going to Pakistan). asked to rate Maxwell after his bourne Stars in this season’s he wasn’t here, especially the mindset to be a consistent On Simmons, he added: I sign up to coach Bangladesh Australia’s 2-1 series defeat to Twenty20 Big Bash League, way he performed last time in player, to be a top player in the “We love to see him in that and that’s what I want to do,” India in Bangalore on Sunday. could still earn a recall. the T20 series. world for a while.” mindset, he’s a little guy but Domingo said. he packs a punch.” 10 SPORT TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020

French Referee Karim Abed (left) looks on as PSG midfielder Idrissa Gueye (centre) fights for the ball with Lorient’s midfielder during the French Cup match at the Moustoir Stadium in Lorient, northwestern France on Sunday. Ronaldo creates one problem but solves 100: Sarri

REUTERS — MILAN

Cristiano Ronaldo sometimes appears to create more problems than he solves but, after another match-winning performance on Sunday, Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri was convinced the latter is true, even if the talisman is not always easy to accom- modate. The 34-year-old has shaken off the knee problems which have bugged him early in the season and on Sunday hit the target for a remarkable seventh Serie A game running as he scored both goals in Juve’s 2-1 win over Parma. His tally now stands at 16 league goals for the season including 11 in the last seven games and he has helped take Juventus four points clear at the top of Serie A as they chase a ninth successive title. It was enough for Sarri to quell the doubt that has often been raised about the five-times World Player of the Year: is he worth the trouble of organising the team around him? “Sometimes, Ronaldo creates a small problem because you know you have a champion in the team and it has to be set up around him but at the same time it solves 100 of them,” said the chain-smoking coach. “You just have to be clear that everything revolves around him.” There have been murmurs that Juventus have looked better this season on the few occasions that the Portuguese PSG see off plucky Lorient forward has been absent and the partnership between Argentina pair Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala has flourished without him. The two were certainly on form when, without Ronaldo, Juventus thrashed Udinese 4-0 in the Coppa Italia in midweek, combining superbly with three successive one-twos to set up to reach French Cup last 16 the opening goal for Higuain. For all his titles and incomparable statistics, Ronaldo some- AFP — PARIS the bench the away side lacked Dijon will travel to fifth- holders Rennes, whose 2-0 win times appears to have an overbearing presence on a team, dis- creative spark despite the tier outfit Limonest after at fifth-tier Athletico Marseille playing a body language that often suggests impatience with Pablo Sarabia put Paris Saint- presence of in-form striker English forward Stephy was interrupted for around 10 less gifted and less experienced team mates. Germain into the last 16 of the Mauro Icardi. Mavididi struck twice as his minutes after home fans threw He also insists on taking every penalty and free kick despite French Cup on Sunday with the The French champions team fired four goals in the flares onto the pitch. a remarkably poor success rate from the latter. According to late winner in a tight 1-0 win were lucky to go into the break last 15 minutes of their 5-0 win Lyon will travel to Nice after the website Transfermarkt, he has yet to score from a free kick over spirited Lorient. level after over Nimes. starlet Rayan Cherki showed in his one-and-a-half seasons with Juventus. Spaniard Sarabia headed somehow managed to head Hosts Dijon were leading why he is so highly though of home the only goal with 10 Jimmy Cabot’s pinpoint cross a tight tie by a single goal by contributing to all four of minutes remaining to put wide from just a couple of yards thanks to Jhonder Cadiz’s first their goals in Saturday’s 4-3 win Thomas Tuchel’s much- out. half penalty when Mavididi over Nantes. changed side into the next The second half continued begun a goal frenzy in the 75th The 16-year-old, who has round after struggling to break to lack clear chances for either minute. drawn comparisons with fellow leaders Lorient down side, with doing well The 21-year-old, who has Lyon academy graduates Karim in an underwhelming contest. to charge down Icardi’s close represented England at Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa, They have been rewarded range header in the 68th minute Under-20 level and is on loan scored twice, provided two with a tie at third-tier Pau, who before pushing Pablo Sarabia’s from Italian giants Juventus, assists and won a penalty that knocked out side Bor- shot wide 11 minutes later. added another in the final was missed by Moussa deaux on Thursday. However the 25-year-old minute after further goals from Dembele. PSG came into the match could do nothing about Sara- Mounir Chouiar and Bruno In-form Marseille will host missing a host of injured stars bia’s header seconds later, the Ecuele Manga. Strasbourg in the next round, including Edinson Cavani, Spaniard beautifully guiding Montpellier -- 5-0 winners while Saint-Etienne will play Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates after Marco Verratti, Juan Bernat and home Thiago Silva’s cross to over Caen -- will travel to the winner of Monday’s match opening the scoring during the Italian Serie A match against Marquinhos, and with both squeeze the top flight outfit into fourth division side Belfort between Monaco and fourth- Parma at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe on the next round. while Angers will host cup tier St-Pryve St-Hilaire.

Ronaldo double Guardiola says League form sets standard pulls Juventus

AFP — MANCHESTER his return today at Sheffield clear as Inter United. Manchester City manager Pep “Every day Aymeric is stalled in Lecce Guardiola believes his side must getting better,” added Guar- maintain high standards in the diola. “I have an idea for him To finish second, AFP — MILAN Premier League if they are to but I have to think today and there always has to lift silverware in three cup tonight and then we’ll see.” In Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice competitions this season. contrast to City’s disappointing be something inside as Juventus beat Parma 2-1 to City’s quest for a third league campaign, Sheffield of us all to move pull four points clear of Inter straight league title is realisti- United have massively overa- forward and improve: Milan at the top of the Serie A cally over after they fell 16 chieved on their return to the table on Sunday. points behind Liverpool, who top flight. The Blades are Pep Guardiola Inter’s title push hit also have a game in hand on seventh in the table and in the another stumbling block after Guardiola’s men. running to finish in the top four. a 1-1 draw at lowly Lecce while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures during an However, the bookmakers Guardiola is a big fan of “I have never seen some of Ante Rebic fired city rivals AC English Premier League match in this file picture. still believe City are the United manager Chris Wilder the movements that they are Milan to a last gasp 3-2 win favourites to retain the League with the use of overlapping doing. There’s a reason why over Udinese. Cup and FA Cup and face Real “You cannot play good possible.” City’s quest for cup centre-halves from his three- they are in the position they are. Ronaldo broke through just Madrid in a blockbuster Cham- games in the knockout games glory will be aided by the return man defence catching the eye. “I admire how they play and before the break, to score in a pions League last 16 tie. if you are not running well in of Aymeric Laporte after five “I’m incredibly impressed,” how they are doing, with a high seventh consecutive league “To finish second, there the Premier League. months out with a serious knee said Guardiola. “If you can percentage of the same players game, and almost set up a always has to be something “It’s not one day, you are injury. The Frenchman has been improve watching other games from the Championship, League second just after for Aaron inside of us all to move forward bad and then good. You have to badly missed at the heart of the and other teams and other One and now in the Premier Ramsey, but the Welsh inter- and improve,” said Guardiola. maintain the level as high as City defence and he could make managers, then this is the one. League. I like it.” national rattled the post. Andreas Cornelius scored with a towering header to get seventh-placed Parma back level ten minutes after the Messi ensures Setien enjoys winning start break. But the visitors hardly had AFP — MADRID Eteki hadn’t struck the post with Barcelona forward Lionel time to celebrate when just over 20 minutes left or their Messi (left) celebrates after Ronaldo broke through again Quique Setien may want a central defender German scoring the opening goal after latching onto a Paulo different Barcelona but he Sanchez not been sent off for a during the Spanish league Dybala cross for his 11th goal needed the same old Lionel needless second yellow card match against Granada FC in seven games to bring his Messi on Sunday as the Argen- soon after. at the Camp Nou Stadium league tally this season to 16. tinian gave his new coach a The extra man was the in Barcelona on Sunday. The eight-time reigning winning start by scoring in a 1-0 boost Barca needed and Messi champions have a four-point victory over Granada. duly poked home his 17th goal cushion on Inter, who have Messi’s strike in the 76th in 21 games this season fol- won only two of their last six minute decided a cagey contest lowing good work by Arturo league games, and are now at the Camp Nou and prevented Vidal, Antoine Griezmann and also under threat from Lazio, the much-anticipated launch of the 20-year-old Riqui Puig. who are just two points behind Setien’s new era becoming All three had reasons to with a game in hand after something of a damp squib. impress, particularly Puig, hammering Sampdoria 5-1 on Victory also sends Barca whose inclusion on the bench Saturday. Antonio Conte’s side back to the top of La Liga on was an early indication of Set- had looked set to take goal difference, after Real ien’s belief in youth. Puig’s con- maximum points from his Madrid had briefly claimed first tribution after coming on should hometown team, where he place following their win over mean more opportunities are started his footballing career Sevilla on Saturday. to come. in the 1980s, when Alessandro “I have seen many things Setien said last week that if Bastoni headed the away side from the team today that I want he could make one guarantee, in front with 18 minutes to see,” said Setien. it was that Barcelona would remaining. But Marco Mancosu “But I already saw some of play good football while he is grabbed a precious point for them against Atletico (last in charge and although few encouraging signs. The passing Ansu Fati, another youngster, gets his tenure off to a positive the southerners five minutes weekend) because Barca has could argue this was a trans- was faster, the pressing higher on the right. Setien claimed on start and, with Real Madrid after going behind. been doing great things for formative display following the and Messi spent most of the Saturday he would never go showing no sign of stuttering, “For me there’s always many years.” It would have sacking of Ernesto Valverde, match playing down the middle, home happy after winning and he could hardly afford anything great emotion,” said Conte of been different if Granada’s Yan there were certainly some with Griezmann on the left and playing badly but a 1-0 victory less. his return to Lecce. TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11 Gauff stuns Djokovic survives scare as rain Venus again in causes chaos at Australian Open first-round AFP — MELBOURNE upset Novak Djokovic survived a Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against Germany’s scare to join Roger Federer and Jan-Lennard Struff during their men’s singles match on AFP — MELBOURNE Serena Williams in the day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne, yesterday. Australian Open second round Fifteen-year-old American as heavy downpours caused Coco Gauff said she’s on “a chaos on Monday, forcing mission to be the greatest” organisers to postpone a swathe yesterday after stunning of matches. veteran Venus Williams once Defending champion again in the first round of a Djokovic was made to sweat Grand Slam. before beating Germany’s Jan- The fast-rising Gauff, Lennard Struff in four sets on ranked 67 in the world, the first day, when fears over defeated the seven-time Grand air pollution were replaced by Slam winner 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 at disruption caused by rain. the Australian Open. While play continued at the The teenager, who will three stadiums with retractable play unseeded Romanian roofs, half of the 64 scheduled Sorana Cirstea in round two in matches were postponed, Melbourne, similarly beat the ensuring a big backlog for 39-year-old Venus in the Tuesday. Wimbledon first round last Wet conditions are unusual year. Gauff, touted as a long- for the Australian Open, which term successor to Venus’s is more used to extreme heat sister Serena, said the Williams and was plagued by smog from siblings were her idols and she bushfires during qualifying, wants to emulate their trail- when players suffered coughing blazing success. fits and breathing problems. Warning that she can still Air quality was rated ‘good’ improve “a lot”, Gauff said: as the first round started on “My mission is to be the Monday but about four hours greatest. That’s my goal, to win later play was suspended on as many Grand Slams as outside courts when the stunning fashion by 15-year-old -- her fourth first-round exit in vatore Caruso 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. experienced American Sam possible.” heavens opened in Coco Gauff, who won 7-6 (7/5), Melbourne. Defending Player anger over smog Querrey, while Australia’s Sam Asked if she believes she Melbourne. 6-3 in a repeat of her first- champion Naomi Osaka was dominated the final days before Stosur bombed out against Caty can win her first Major over World number three round upset at Wimbledon last done well before the downpour the tournament, which is taking McNally. But former champion the next fortnight in Mel- Federer was briefly hauled off year. as she dismissed Marie place after bushfires ravaged Caroline Wozniacki, playing her bourne, Gauff replied: “If I go court while the roof was closed In the late match, defending Bouzkova of the Czech Republic large parts of Australia, last tournament before retiring, into a tournament thinking I’ll on Rod Laver Arena before champion Djokovic dropped his 6-2, 6-4 in 80 minutes, destroying thousands of homes safely reached the second lose, then I’m going to lose... returning to complete a routine first set since 2006 in the smashing one powerful serve and killing 29 people. round as she beat Kristie Ahn “I believe I can beat 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over opening round before recov- that broke a net fastening. Tournament officials are 6-1, 6-3. anyone, but I think that’s American Steve Johnson. ering to beat Jan-Lennard Struff “It was really tough for me closely monitoring pollution almost every player’s Williams, on the hunt for a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. trying to control my nerves,” and will halt play and close the mentality. record-equalling 24th Grand “There is a lot of pressure said Osaka. “It’s tough to play three main stadiums’ roofs if “The ones who are the Slam title, won the first set and a lot of different emotions someone you’ve never played particulate matter suspended great ones, they don’t really against Anastasia Potapova in involved. I definitely try to before in the first round of a in the air hits PM2.5 200. There is a lot of fear anyone. just 19 minutes as she cruised remind myself to stay present Grand Slam.” Later on the In other results, Canadian “You respect your to a 6-0, 6-3 win in less than an and really enjoy,” said the covered centre court, Australian 13th seed Denis Shapovalov pressure and a lot of opponent, but you can’t go into hour. seven-time Melbourne winner, world number one Ashleigh argued furiously with the different emotions the match fearing someone “I feel like I can still improve who brought up his 900th Barty recovered strongly from umpire over a code violation for because then you’re going to and get better throughout this Tour-level victory. a set down to beat Lesia throwing his racquet as he lost involved. I definitely lose, and I don’t want to lose.” tournament, for sure. This is a Former US Open champion Tsurenko 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. in four sets to Marton try to remind myself Playing under a roof as good stepping stone for right Sloane Stephens was the biggest In the men’s draw, Greek Fucsovics. to stay present and rain lashed the first Grand now,” Williams said. women’s casualty on day one sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, Croatian 25th seed Borna Slam of the year, Venus con- However, Williams’ elder when she crashed out in three who beat Federer en route to Coric was another first-round really enjoy: Djokovic ceded the first-set tie break sister Venus was ousted in sets to Zhang Shuai of China last year’s semis, crushed Sal- loser as he went down to when she hit a routine backhand overhead into the net. Gauff, remarkably unfazed by playing someone more than twice her age, held her nerve in the second set to claim Venus’s scalp once more. Victory over Venus at Wimbledon and her run to the fourth round there -- where she lost to eventual champion Simona Halep -- propelled Gauff into the sporting lime- light. She went on to win her first WTA title in October in Linz, Austria. Venus, a former number one but now 55 in the world, is tipping Gauff for the top. Gauff spent some of the off-season with Serena, who sailed through her Melbourne opener. “She clearly wants it, works very hard, is extremely mature for her age,” said Venus. “I think the sky’s the limit for her.” Gauff belied her tender years with her power, precision and composure, but said that she is a typical teenager in many respects. By her own admission she Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova serves against Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova during their women’s singles match on day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne, is “very active” on TikTok, the yesterday. RIGHT: A ballgirl wipes raindrops leaking from the roof on the court during the men’s singles match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Germany’s Jan- video sharing social media Lennard Struff at the Australian Open yesterday. network. ‘Old school work ethic’ pays off for Federer

AFP — MELBOURNE It left him short of match His earliest exit in Australia practice, but it didn’t show on since 2000 has been the third Roger Federer has never lost in Rod Laver Arena against the round, and the Swiss star said the first round at the Australian American. hard work was key to his Open since his debut 20 years “I think for me really the first longevity. ago, and the Swiss great kept his three rounds are key to get going, I think for me really “At the end of the day, old- incredible record intact to get used to the pressure, stay the first three rounds school work ethic, there is yesterday, attributing “old school calm, when to save breakpoint are key to get going, nothing wrong with that,” he work ethic” for his Melbourne or 30-all points or whatever it said. Park success. may be,” he said. to get used to the “I do believe if you’re in a The 38-year-old swatted “This is sort of the unknown pressure, stay slump, not feeling well, whatever aside Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 that can be a little bit scary at it may be, knowing how to train to race into the second round, times. calm, when to save hard, when to train hard, with kickstarting his bid for a 21st “But today there was none of breakpoint or 30-all who to train hard, there is Grand Slam title in immaculate that because I broke early each points or whatever it nothing wrong when it goes to style. set and was able to get on a roll, those things. Federer said ahead of the play freely after that.” may be: Federer “And learning from your mis- tournament that he had low He will next play either takes is key, as we remember our Switzerland’s Roger Federer expectations at the year’s French qualifier Quentin Halys losses more than our wins. It’s celebrates his win against Steve opening Grand Slam after or Serbian Filip Krajinovic, title but his seventh in Australia, just important that when you do Johnson of the US during their missing the warm-up ATP Cup admitting “I have to be careful”. having most recently tasted lose, you know, you really make singles match at the Australian to spend more time with his Seeded three, Federer is success at Melbourne Park in the most of it, because it’s Open yesterday. family. gunning for not only a 21st Slam 2018. actually an opportunity.” SPORT SPORT | 08 SPORT | 10 Miller keen to see Guardiola says Biles eclipse her Premier League record in Tokyo form sets Games standard

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 Asian Handball Championship: Qatar defeat South Korea Real Madrid seal deal to sign Brazilian teen Reinier

AP — MADRID

Real Madrid has signed 18-year-old playmaker Reinier from Brazilian club Flamengo. Madrid said yesterday the talented Brazilian midfielder is joining the club on a contract until June 2026. The Spanish club said Reinier will initially play with its “B” team. He will arrive in Madrid after playing with Brazil’s under-23 squad in qualifying for the 2020 Olympics. The qualifying tournament ends in early February. Financial details were not immediately made available, but Brazilian and Spanish Action during the Main Group 2 match between Qatar and South Korea at the 19th Asian media said Reinier’s transfer Men’s Handball Championship in Kuwait yesterday. Qatar won the match 34-27 to register from Flamengo was worth their third consecutive victory in the tournament. Earlier, the Al Anabi defeated China and more than €30m ($33.2m). Japan in the preliminary stage. Reinier, who turned 18 on Sunday, is the third Brazilian teen signed by Madrid in recent seasons, following Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Vinícius Júnior also played for QSL: We must win all the matches, Flamengo, while Rodrygo was signed from Santos. The transfers for each one of them reportedly reached nearly €45m ($50m). says Xavi ahead of Al Khor clash Both also played in the “B” team before making it to the main squad. FAWAD HUSSAIN — THE PENINSULA Reinier is a creative attacking midfielder who has Coach Xavi Hernandez been touted as one of the most yesterday stressed his newly- promising youngsters in Bra- crowned Qatar Cup champions Al Khor have zilian soccer. He helped Fla- Al Sadd to focus on their today’s mengo win last year’s Brazilian QNB Stars League (QSL) clash improved a lot and league and the Copa Liberta- against relegation threatened are excellent with the dores, South America’s most Al Khor, terming it a ‘difficult’ counter-attack. The important club competition. match. Like Vinícius Júnior at the The game, which will be game will be at their time he was signed, Reinier played at Al Khor Stadium, was home and we must played only a few matches as deferred due to Al Sadd’s 2019 be focused, and must a professional before AFC Champions League impressing Madrid and getting commitment. not lose any points: the Spanish powerhouse to Al Sadd thrashed QSL points Al Sadd coach Xavi make an offer. leaders Al Duhail 4-0 in Friday’s Qatar Cup final, but despite Hernandez their phenomenal form Xavi feels a lack of focus in the match position with nine points and may cost his team dearly. are not too far from the danger “It is a very difficult match, zone. They are one point ahead especially after the big win in of 11th-placed Al Shahania and the Qatar Cup. We must now four ahead of bottom-placed focus on the league and the Al Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and midfielder Salem Al Hajri during a press conference yesterday, Umm Salal. Al Khor have only Khor match. We lost 4 games in ahead of their QSL match against Al Khor. The game will kick off at 7pm. two victories to their credit, and the league championship, and they will expect to pull off a win from tomorrow’s match champions - are currently third “We must play with the different from the cup matches in front of home fans. onwards we must win all the in the standings with 21 points, same pressure that we played but we will work to win and get Al Khor coach Omar Najhi matches,” Xavi said at a press nine less than Al Duhail and against Al Duhail and Al Rayyan close to the top of the league. We hoped that his team will snatch conference on the eve of the seven less than Al Rayyan. especially as Al Khor is a strong have turned the Qatar Cup page points from Al Sadd on their match. The ‘Wolves’ suffered a team with high capabilities. We and our focus is entirely on the home turf. “Al Khor have improved a couple of upsets in the first half must play the game with all our league, and all its matches are “It’s very important match lot and are excellent with the of the season and Xavi doesn’t strength,” Xavi added. difficult,” said Al Hajri. for us. Every match is important counter-attack. The game will want a repeat of it. Meanwhile, Al Sadd mid- “The league still has a long for us at this stage. We must be at their home and we must “We lost to Qatar and Al fielder Salem Al Hajri said his way to go, and we should not collect points to stay away from be focused, and must not lose Wakrah, so if we do not focus team is targeting full points lose any points in all the danger zone,” said Najhi. any points,” he said. in front of Al Khor, we can lose against Al Khor. upcoming rounds,” he added. The match will kick off at Al Sadd – the defending QSL again,” he said. “The league matches are Al Khor are in the 10th 7pm. Reinier Australian Open : Nadal begins campaign against Dellien

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