Rise of Youngsters at the Open As Thiem Floors Nadal in Thriller Zverev Knocks out Wawrinka to Get Into Semis

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Rohit slams sixes to steer India to Super Over win over Kiwis PAgE 15 ThUrsdAy, JANUAry 30, 2020 rise of youngsters at the Open as Thiem floors Nadal in thriller Zverev knocks out Wawrinka to get into semis

AFP MeLBourne Knocking on

DOMINIC Thiem shocked top the door seed Rafael Nadal and Alex- ander Zverev ousted former Several young players champion Stan Wawrinka have been knocking on as tennis’s young pretenders the door of the Big stole a march on the old guard to reach the Australian Open Three of Rafael Nadal, semi-finals on Wednesday. Roger Federer and Austria’s Thiem, 26, Novak Djokovic, and Former tennis player John McEnroe conducts on-court interview with beat Nadal 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 Germany’s Alexander Zverev after his men’s singles quarter-final (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) – his either Dominic Thiem match against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka at the Australian open first win in six attempts at or Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Wednesday. 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. (aFP) Grand Slams, including two French Open finals – to end will get a chance to the 33-year-old’s bid to equal kick it open in Open Results Roger Federer’s record 20 Sunday’s ﬁnal. Men’s Singles Quarter-finals Major titles. Alexander Zverev (GER x7) bt Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x15) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) Women’s Singles Quarter-finals Simona Halep (ROM x4) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST x28) 6-1, 6-1 Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x30) 7-5, 6-3.

it should happen,” he added. after her third Major title. Wimbledon champion “It’s just a feeling that you Simona halep has also ben- don’t see this trophy as im- earlier Zverev, 22, beat efited from a more relaxed possible anymore.” 2014 champion Wawrinka, Austria’s Dominic Thiem after his epic win over Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the men’s singles quarter-final match of the Australian open in approach as she swept aside halep’s semi-final is 34, to go into a semi-final Melbourne on Wednesday. Thiem won 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) in a battle that lasted over four hours. (aFP) Anett Kontaveit 6-1, 6-1 to against fellow two-time Slam- with Thiem, meaning that reach the semi-finals without winner Garbine Muguruza, one of them will reach Sun- the floor after falling to win est of all time. You need some from a set down to halt three- hard at the Majors. dropping a set. who continued her impres- day’s final against Roger one point and enjoying some luck to beat him.” time Major-winner Waw- “I was doing things in a The Romanian fourth sive return to form by beating Federer or Novak Djokovic, luck from the net cord to set Several young players rinka 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and way too professional way. seed, who is spending time Russian 30th seed Anastasia who have won 12 of the last up the third and decisive have been knocking on the reach his first Grand Slam I was not talking to any- away from tennis between Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-3. 14 Australian Open titles. match point. door of the Big Three of Nad- semi-final. body. I wasn’t going out with matches, said she was finally “I’m excited to play my Thiem had Nadal’s meas- “I was lucky in the right al, Federer and Djokovic, and Big things have been friends. I wasn’t having din- feeling comfortable on the first semi-final here,” said ure in the first two sets and situation – the net cord was either Thiem or Zverev will tipped for Zverev since he ner. I was just really almost biggest stage. the unseeded former world he recovered from dropping really on my side,” Thiem get a chance to kick it open in burst into the top 10 in 2017, too focused.” “I just feel more confident number one, who won the the third to win the fourth- said. “But it’s necessary be- Sunday’s final. but he said that until now he “I changed that a little bit and I feel like I’m able to do 2016 French Open and 2017 set tie-breaker, getting off cause he is one of the great- Germany’s Zverev rallied has been pushing himself too this week... maybe this is how it,” said halep, who is going Wimbledon. Barty time as home hero Federer and Djokovic bids to live up to hype

AFP She is yet to drop a set in clash for 50th time MeLBourne Melbourne as she chases a third Grand Slam title, hav- AShLeIGh Barty is two victo- ing triumphed at Roland Gar- The two have had very different paths to their imminent semi-final at Australian Open ries away from becoming the ros in 2018 and defeated Ser- Australian Open’s first home- ena Williams 6-2, 6-2 to win DPA “To come back and save grown winner in 42 years, but Wimbledon last year. MeLBourne seven match points at his age, the top seed must first tame “Perfection doesn’t exist, I mean, he’s still playing such aggressive American Sofia but I’m very happy with the ROGeR Federer and Novak a great tennis and proving that Kenin on Thursday. way I played,” halep said af- Djokovic will on Thursday he deserves to be up there. The other-semi final at ter disposing of 28th-seeded clash for the 50th time in their he’s a great fighter,” Djokovic the Australian Open in Mel- estonian Anett Kontaveit 6-1, careers - and 17th at a major - said of the performance. bourne, where temperatures 6-1 in her quarter-final on as they both seek to extend re- In Federer’s mind all are forecast to soar to nearly Wednesday. “I felt great on cords at the Australian Open. the close saves did was tak- 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahr- court, I was moving great, I World number two Djoko- ing pressure off: “With these enheit), tees up Wimbledon felt the ball really, really good.” vic is looking for an unprec- lucky escapes all of a sud- champion Simona halep and But in Muguruza, halep edented eighth title at Mel- den you might play without unseeded Garbine Muguruza. Ashleigh Barty is two wins away takes on a player with Grand bourne Park – Federer has expectations any more, be- The 23-year-old Barty is from becoming the Australian Slam pedigree whose confi- six – while with a 21th Grand cause you know you should the only Australian left in the open’s first home-grown winner dence is also soaring. Slam title Federer would wid- actually already be skiing in men’s or women’s draw and since Chris o’Neil in 1978. Like halep, Muguruza is a en the gap that separates him Switzerland actually, and not will be expected to beat Kenin, former world number one and from Rafael Nadal and Djoko- on the way there.” What is the 14th seed contesting her Women’s singles semis winner at Roland Garros and vic’s total tallies – 19 and 16 sure about this final is that first Grand Slam semi-final. Wimbledon. respectively. it won’t be Rafael Nadal’s Barty, into the semi-finals 1-Ashleigh Barty (AUS) vs 14-Sofia Kenin Unlike halep, the 26-year- While the Swiss has won familiar face to wait on the at the Australian Open for the (US) at 6am Doha Time old Spaniard failed to kick on their latest head to head at the other side of the net after he first time, has defeated the 4-Simona Halep (ROM) vs Garbine after those two Grand Slam ATP finals, it was 32-years- was knocked off by an out- American in four of their five Muguruza (ESP) at 7.30am Doha Time triumphs. Muguruza ended a old Djokovic that came out on While the Swiss (left) has won their latest head to head at the ATP finals, standing Dominic Thiem late previous meetings. wretched 2019 ranked 36 in top in their most recent en- it was 32-years-old Djokovic that came out on top in their most recent on Wednesday. excitement is growing that States as the only American the world – the first time since counter in a slam, winning an encounter in a slam, winning an epic four-hour-and-57-minute Wimble- It will be either the 26-year- Barty can become the first left at the Australian Open. 2014 that she finished the year epic four-hour-and-57-minute don final in a fifth-set tiebreak after saving two match points. overall, the old Austrian or 22-year-old Al- Australian winner since Chris Born in Moscow but a outside the top 20. Wimbledon final in a fifth- Serbian has won 26 of their previous 49 encounters since 2006, and the exander Zverev, both in their O’Neil in 1978. But the world fiercely proud American – her She spent the off-season set tiebreak after saving two Swiss 38-year-old only won three of the last 10 and none at the slams firstMelbourne semi-final and number one and reigning racquet is in the colours of the climbing Mount Kilimanjaro match points. Overall, the Ser- since 2012 Wimbledon. Match at 11.30aM Doha tiMe in search of their maiden title French Open champion is try- stars and stripes – Kenin is to clear her head of tennis and bian has won 26 of their previ- at the majors - with Thiem los- ing to ignore the hype. adamant she will not shrink reunited with coach Conchita ous 49 encounters since 2006, said of their recent results. very close calls. ing back-to-back French Open “I don’t pay attention to it, in the face of what will be vo- Martinez. and the Swiss 38-year-old only “But Roger is Roger. You Last week it took him over finals against Nadal. honestly. I’m here to try and cal home support for Barty. “I The results have been al- won three of the last 10 and know that he’s always going four hours and a tiebreak to “Reaching the final would do the best that I can,” she guess I could just say aggres- most immediate, defeating top- none at the slams since 2012 to play on such a high level ... defeat home hope John Mill- be the best day in my life,” said, after defeating Czech sev- sive, the fight in me,” she said, 10 seeds Kiki Bertens and elina Wimbledon. he loves to play these kind of man in a thriller five-setter, Zverev said after oursting enth seed Petra Kvitova in the asked what her strengths are. Svitolina on the way to the “Wimbledon last year, he matches, big rivalries, semis, fighting from 8-4 down in a former champion Stan Waw- quarter-finals. Kenin defeated the 15-year- semi-finals, having started the had two match points, he was finals of Grand Slams.” The fifth-set match tiebreak. rinka in the quarters. “Obviously it’s exciting. old sensation Coco Gauff on tournament with a viral illness. one shot away from winning hype of the clash may not be On Tuesday, he looked as Thiem, who leads their se- hopefully I can bring a smile the way to the last four. “I think the toughest mo- that match. It’s not like I’ve quite warranted, while Djoko- good as on a plane back home ries 6-2, said: “I think it’s the to a few faces around our coun- Romania’s halep, defeated ment is when you work hard, been dominating the match- vic has dropped just one set in against unseeded Tennys Sand- first time that I am playing in try and around the world.” in the 2018 final by Caroline work like before, or even harder, ups. I’ve had success against the first round and has mostly gren as he faced seven match a Grand Slam semi-final and I Underdog Kenin, 21, is Wozniacki, is hitting top form and you don’t feel like results are him, as you said, in Grand sailed through to reach the points in the fourth set before am the older player, so it is a flyingthe flag for the United at the right moment. coming fast,” said Muguruza. Slams in particular,” Djokovic last eight, Federer has had two coming back to win the decider. new situation.” 14 Thursday, January 30, 2020 sports

Bayern chief Important for Al Arabi to develop rummenigge attacks plans a winning culture: hallgrimsson to expand UCL AFP MunICh

The Dream Team BAYeRN Munich chief Karl- heinz Rummenigge has hit host Umm Salal out at proposals to expand the Champions League and today as Al Ahli, questioned the motives behind creating new and bigger Al Khor lock competitions at club and international level. horns in QSL “We have got to the point where we have to say stop. AYENI OLUSEGUN Players and coaches need to Doha Change needed! stand up and say enough is I have said so many times, enough,” Rummenigge said The culture at Al Arabi needs at a sports business confer- to change for the team to start it’s been so long since Al ence in the German city of winning trophies, the club’s Arabi won any trophy and Duesseldorf on Wednesday. coach heimir hallgrimsson it’s natural if the players feel his comments come said as the Dream Team pre- inferior to the big teams and amid talk of expanding the pare to host bottom side Umm Champions League to create Salal on Thursday in the QNB players who win trophies extra matchdays in the group Stars League. regularly. We have to stage, thereby further grow- The second oldest team change the mentality and it ing revenue for clubs. in Qatar last won a trophy in Al Arabi players during a training session ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Umm Salal. Meanwhile, FIFA’s new 2011 when they beat Umm is going to take time. The 24-team Club World Cup is Salal to clinch the Sheikh Jas- culture deteriorated over the play, train and even eat. May- tant for us, but I think we after going on a six-game los- for Umm Salal. set to start next year, while sim Cup. Prior to that victory, years and this why the club be we won’t achieve all that have made a big leap from our ing run. “We need to know the the World Cup is set to fea- the club had gone 14 years hasn’t won in a long time. while I am here, but I hope I previous matches, especially “It will be a difficult match importance of every ball and ture 48 teams from 2026. without a trophy. can be remembered as the guy in attitude and character. We because Al Arabi are a big every attack. We have to think Of the Champions League Al Arabi famously hired Gi- – Heimir Hallgrimsson who helped change the culture always try to be professional team and they are playing on that we have an opportunity proposals, he said: “We must anfranco Zola in 2015 but the here in Al Arabi.” in our preparation, it doesn’t their home turf. to stay in the first division and refuse that. There are not Italian lasted only one season mentality and it is going to take The Dream Team had a matter who we play. Umm “In the last round, we start- must fight to achieve this dif- enough dates in the calendar and since his departure, the time. The culture deteriorated good start to the 2019-20 sea- Salal started the season badly ed a new chapter and we have ficult target because football is for a competition where the club has had six coaches in- over the years and this why the son, but have since fallen short but they have changed the new players with high spirit. If very difficult,”Askar added. two finalists will have played cluding current manager hall- club hasn’t won in a long time,” of the top four places, having team a lot. They have a new we want to keep winning, we Also on Thursday, eighth- 21 matches in total, and with grimsson who believes the cul- hallgrimsson who took over as lost points from winning posi- coach and we saw in their last must keep our focus,” said Aziz placed Al Ahli host Al Khor at groups of eight teams there ture at the seven-time league coach in December 2018 said. tion and just last Friday, fell game against Al Khor that they Ben Askar who joined the club the Al Ahli Stadium. would be games with noth- champions need to change. “I know how the job of a 3-1 to league leaders Al Duhail. are improving. after The Orange Fortress fired The Brigadiers pipped Al ing to play for,” said the for- “I have said so many times, coach here is – winning games Against a struggling Umm “For us hopefully our mis- Spaniard Raul Caneda due to Sailiya last weekend by a lone mer Ballon d’Or winner, now it’s been so long since Al Arabi keeps you in and if not you get Salal however, Al Arabi have fortune is finished and we can the team’s poor performance. goal to end a miserable run of aged 64. won any trophy and it’s natu- fired. But I know what’s best a chance to return to winning score goals because we work “The team is working hard. three-straight defeats. “There is no reason ral if the players feel inferior to for Al Arabi, we need to change ways and hallgrimsson knows really hard,” he added. The players know their task Al Khor on the other hand, to change the Champions the big teams and players who the culture and you cannot be how important three points Umm Salal managed only well and they must forget the are one point from the relega- League format, we’re trying win trophies regularly. a good club with a bad culture. means to the club. their second win of the sea- past in order to restore bal- tion playoff and last place, hav- to fix something that isn’t “We have to change the We need to change how we “Winning is very impor- son last weekend at Al Khor ance and get positive results ing managed just nine points. broken.” Man United agree deal to sign Fernandes

AFP LonDon Bruno Fernandes MANCHESTER United have celebrates scoring agreed a deal worth up to Euros for Sporting Clube 80 million to sign Portuguese of Portugal recently. international midfielder Bruno (aFP) Fernandes from Sporting Lis- bon, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fer- dividual awards. Italy. he was also part of the with flares and graffiti. Al Shaqab Racing’s Snan nandes. The deal is subject to “Some are born great, Portugal side that won the United lie fifth in the Pre- a medical and the agreement some achieve greatness, and inaugural Nations League in mier League, a massive 33 of personal terms,” United some have greatness thrust June and has scored twice in points behind runaway lead- makes winning debut said in a statement. upon them. Thanks captain,” 19 international caps. ers Liverpool and six points Fernandes, 25, has been Sporting tweeted alongside of There had been mounting adrift of the Champions TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Julian Auge patiently waited for margin. I think he will improve linked with a move to Old video of some of Fernandes’s pressure on United’s executive League places. Doha an opening, and once his part- a lot from this run and will be Trafford for many months, finest moments for the club. vice-chairman ed Woodward Their chances of a top- ner settled in his stride, he un- better on a grass track. Once he but United were previously United are badly in need to land at least one marquee four finish will depend greatly OWNeD and bred by Al leashed him in the final furlong. has matured in his mentality, unwilling to meet Sporting’s of midfield reinforcements name in the remainder of the on how they fare in their next Shaqab Racing, Snan put in a Snan took the lead in a matter he could be a very good horse.” valuation. due to long-term injuries to transfer window. two league games at home to remarkable performance and of strides, winning by a short Snan is by the Al Shaqab Sporting confirmed the Paul Pogba and Scott McTo- Woodward, who has over- Wolves on Saturday and then won his first race in the Prix head in front of Zulfakkar, who stallion Al Mamun Monlau, as deal is worth an initial fee of minay, while a back injury to seen the club’s poor recruit- away to fourth-placed Chelsea Magicienne on the all-weather runs in the colours of Sheikh was the third-place finisher in 55 million euros with another Marcus Rashford has also left ment over the past seven years, on February 17. track at Pau in France. he also Mohammed bin Faleh al Thani. this race, Jugurtha De Monlau. 25 million euros in perfor- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer short of had been the target of the fans’ The europa League offers did so despite the disadvan- Thomas Fourcy, who Snan is out of the Tornado De mance-related add-ons. options in attack. anger in a 2-0 home defeat to another potential route into next tage of facing more experi- trained the winner, comment- Syrah mare Nevada De Car- The add-ons include five Fernandes offers a goal Burnley last week. season’s Champions League enced opposition. ed, “he is quite an immature donne, who has already pro- million related to appear- threat, having scored 63 goals Police have launched an and Fernandes will be eligi- Travelling mid-division colt. It was a bit of a messy win. duced two winners. She is the ances, five million dependant in 137 appearances for Sport- investigation into an attack on ble to feature for United when throughout, the race was led at If the race had opened up for great-granddaughter of foun- on United qualifying for the ing since returning to his Woodward’s Cheshire home that competition returns next a decent pace by Al Mahbooba. him earlier, I think he would dation mare Nevada through Champions League and 15 mil- homeland after spells with on Tuesday night when a hood- month despite already playing Once in the final stages, jockey have won by a much greater the blue hen Nevadour. lion on Fernandes winning in- Udinese and Sampdoria in ed group targeted the property for Sporting in the group stages. beIN SPORTS to air new series ‘Behind the Scenes’ featuring Wenger and Desailly

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the interview he says: “I always better than the year before. Doha compare football and rugby “In 2002/03 season, I told because the mental prepara- the players that my dream is BeIN SPORTS, the global tion is different. It’s individ- to be champion with no de- sports channel will broad- ual preparation. Look at the feat. And we didn’t achieve it. Aston Villa’s Trezeguet celebrates scoring the winner against Leicester cast the first episode of the national anthem and players The players blamed me at the City in the English League Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.(aFP) brand-new series “Behind the who are singing it, it’s because start of the 2003/04 season Scenes” with French football they are already thinking of and said “it was your fault” Trezeguet ﬁres Villa into EFL Cup ﬁnal legends Arsene Wenger and their match in their mind. It’s because I gave them a lot of Marcel Desailly January 30 a mental preparation”. pressure and when we lost the at 22:00 Mecca time on beIN Winning two Serie A titles, first game, we didn’t have any DPA on to Jack Grealish’s flicked SPORTS hD1. one UeFA Champions League, goals. So, I told them, ‘I am LonDon pass to unleash an impressive During the episode, the FIFA World Cup and the convinced that now, you are half-volley from a tight angle. Wenger and Desailly will dis- Qatar Stars League, Marcel ready to do it.’” eGYPTIAN striker Trezeguet Leicester striker Kelechi cuss matters related to player Desailly’s versatility was con- Arsene Wenger and Mar- scored a stoppage time win- Iheanacho was on hand to rituals, the spirit inside the sidered a great asset for the Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (left) and ex-Chelsea and cel Desailly are part of a long ner to send Aston Villa draw the sides level with a tap locker rooms, how football has teams he played with. France national team defender Marcel Desailly. list of names from the foot- through to the eFL Cup final in on 72 minutes. changed throughout the years Arsenal legend and for- balling hall of fame who have on Tuesday in a 2-1 (3-2 ag- With two of four minutes and much more. mer manager Arsene Wenger chitect. I asked for a huge locker Premier League title 3 times appeared on beIN SPORTS, gregate) semi-final second- stoppage time left, Trezeguet Former AC Milan, Chel- discussed how he influenced room, with big enough individ- with Arenal as well as 7 FA including Jose Mourinho, leg win over Leicester City at ran on to a long ball from fel- sea, Al Gharrafa and Qatar the design of Arsenal’s emir- ual space and a close massage Cups, before leaving the North Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Villa Park. low Ahmed elmohamady to SC player Marcel Desailly also ates Stadium. room and doctor room. When London club in 2018. Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Defender Matt Targett punch home the game winner discusses preparations for a In the interview he says: you go inside you will feel that On Arsenal’s Invincible Ruud Gullit, Yaya Touré, Ne- fired the hosts in front in the and send Villa to Wembley football player as being very “At the emirates Stadium I de- it all works perfectly”. season, Wenger says that he manja Vidić, Wesley Sneijder, 12th minute when he latched Stadium. different to any other sport. In signed everything with the ar- Wenger won the english always wanted his team to do Graeme Souness and others. sports Thursday, January 30, 2020 15 rohit slams sixes in Duathlon included in fifth Al Adaid Desert Challenge super Over to seal Competition to expand race options, attract T20I series for India bigger field of than chase a total. participants Shami helps tie After a slow start in which Sharma had only 12 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 3rd match in runs off 11 balls, he erupted Doha over the next 12 deliveries to dramatic reach his half century. ORGANISeRS of the Al Adaid In a brutal attack on pace Desert Challenge, the Gulf turn-around bowler Hamish Bennett he region’s most challenging hit three sixes and two fours one-day off-road cycling and AFP off five consecutive de- running competitions, have Winners in the Elite class celebrate on the podium of the Al Adaid haMILTon (neW ZeaLanD) liveries. announced that they would Challenge last year. But when Colin de add a new event to this year’s ROHIT Sharma smacked Grandhomme removed programme - a duathlon en- sixes off the final two balls KL Rahul for 27 and Bennett compassing 42km of cycling factfile of a dramatic Super Over for followed with the wickets of followed by a 10k run. Al Adaid Desert Challenge – Fast Facts India to win the third Twen- Sharma and Shivam Dube, The Al Adaid Desert Chal- * Event date is Friday (February 28, 2020), ty20 against New Zealand India slumped from none lenge was launched in 2016 as with races starting at the Mawater dune and in Hamilton on Wednesday for 89 to three for 96 after 11 a mountain bike race and has finishing at the new finish line at Al Majles and wrap up the series. overs and were restricted to grown to attract hundreds of Resort * Kids races at the finish line including a new It sealed a man-of-the a further 83 runs in the re- local and international ath- strengthen with improve- event for 12-15 year olds match performance from mainder of the innings. letes. Two years ago, with the ments across all and new race * Mountain bike race is 42 kilometres Sharma, the most prolific New Zealand’s reply was rising popularity of desert run- formats, which will take com- * Running race is 30 kilometres batsman in cricket’s short- steady but unspectacular ning in Qatar, a 30k run was petitors throughout the stun- * Duathlon (MTB + RUN format) is 52 kms est format, who showed his until the back half of the included in the menu, swelling ning topography of the area to * 524 competitors in 2019; 10 elite men and class with 65 to set up In- innings when Williamson the event to 530 competitors. the all-new finish line.” 6 elite women dia’s 179 for five which was charged in an attempt to The addition of the duathlon This year’s race will com- matched by New Zealand’s keep the series alive. is expected to further enhance mence at Mawater sand dune and former Olympian, Pia 179 for six. His 95 included eight its appeal. adjacent to Sealine Beach Re- Sundstedt (Finland). New Zealand skipper fours and six sixes and with The cycling race is licenced sort and finish at the recently Despite the impact of the Kane Williamson had kept four balls remaining New by the UCI, the international opened Al Majles Resort. To blockade, the Al Adaid De- his side in the hunt with Zealand only needed two to governing for the sport. It covers reach the finish line, competi- sert Challenge has achieved a classy 95 and when the win. more than 40 km of desert while tors will traverse desert ‘high- year on year growth in par- scores were tied he scored Williamson was caught traversing one of Qatar’s most way’, sand sections and eight ticipation. Already, 2020 en- another 11 of their 17 runs behind trying to edge the impressive natural wonders, the dunes, one more than previ- tries have surpassed those of batting first in the super winning runs past the inland sea or Khor Al Adaid. ous years, amidst the back- last year by 20 percent and over. India’s rohit Sharma (left) celebrates with KL rahul after hitting the keeper and after Ross Tay- Representing Qatar Na- drop of spectacular desert and exceeded 2018 participant India only scored eight winning runs as New Zealand’s Tim Southee looks dejected during the lor and Tim Seifert ran tional Tourism Council, a ocean views. numbers. off the first four deliver- third Twenty20 International match in Hamilton on Wednesday. (aFP) a bye to level the scores, partner and leading sponsor Qatar Cyclists President Jassim Ali A. al Moftah, ies in reply before Sharma Taylor was bowled on the of the challenge, Rashed al Dr Abdulaziz al Kuwari spoke CeO of Doha Insurance smacked Tim Southee for final ball of the innings Qurese, Chief Marketing Of- about the race’s impact on a Group, said: “It is a privilege back-to-back sixes to clinch scoreboard sending the match into a ficer, said: “Qatar has estab- local level: “It makes us enor- and a source of pride to sup- the match and the series INDIA: C. Munro st Rahul b Jadeja 14 super over. lished itself as a major player mously proud that this event port the Al Adaid Desert Chal- with two games to spare. R. Sharma c Southee b Bennett 65 K. Williamson c Rahul b Shami 95 It was the third super in the sports tourism industry has captured the hearts and lenge as an official partner, “It was unbelievable. I K. Rahul c Munro b de Grandhomme 27 M. Santner b Chahal 9 over New Zealand have faced during the past decade and imagination of Qataris. especially in this year marking thought at one stage we were S. Dube c Sodhi b Bennett 3 C. de Grandhomme c Dube b Thakur 5 in the past seven months and the Al Adaid Desert Challenge “Cycling is more popular its fifth edition. We hope it will V. Kohli c Southee b Bennett 38 R. Taylor b Shami 17 gone, down and out,” a re- S. Iyer st Seifert b Santner 17 T. Seifert not out 0 they have lost them all hav- plays a huge role in strength- than ever in Qatar, and the continue to inspire people to lieved Kohli said. M. Pandey not out 14 Extras: (b6, lb2) 8 ing gone down to England ening the country’s reputation Al Adaid Desert Challenge is have an active and healthy life- “He (Williamson) played R. Jadeja not out 10 Total: (six wickets; 20 overs) 179 in the World Cup final and as a main destination for ad- among our top annual events style. We are looking forward Extras: (b1, lb2, w2) 5 Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Guptill), 2-52 (Munro), 3-88 a brilliant innings and they Total: (five wickets; 20 overs) 179 (Santner), 4-137 (de Grandhomme), 5-178 then again in a Twenty20 venture sport enthusiasts. We offering a mix of endurance to this year’s experience!” probably deserved to finish Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Rahul), 2-94 (Sharma), 3-96 (Williamson), 6-179 (Taylor) match in November. are proud to play our part in and adventure sports. Once Manar Khalifa al Murai- the game off the way he bat- (Dube), 4-142 (Iyer), 5-160 (Kohli) Did not bat: Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, “They haven’t been too that success and to showcase again, a thrilling finale is ex- khi, Director PR and Cor- ted and the way he led from Did not bat: Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hamish Bennett. successful for us,” said Wil- some of Qatar’s most iconic pected as Qatari cyclists will porate Communications at Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Bowling: Thakur 3-0-21-2 (2w), Shami 4-0-32-2 (2w), the front and I feel bad for bowling: Southee 4-0-39-0 (2w), Bennett 4-0-54-3, Bumrah 4-0-45-0, Chahal 4-0-36-1 (1w), Jadeja 4-0- liamson. “We’d probably cultural and tourism assets in be competing for the MTB Ooredoo, said: “We’re de- him. Kuggeleijn 2-0-10-0, Santner 4-0-37-1, Sodhi 4-0-23- 23-1 (1w), Dube 1-0-4-0 do better trying to win it in the context of sport.” Cross Country national title,” lighted to be working with “But Rohit was outstand- 0, de Grandhomme 2-0-13-1. Result: Match tied, India won super over decider regular time. event Managing Direc- he added. the Al Adaid Desert Challenge ing in the first half and the Super over – “It was pretty disap- tor Dr Jamal al Khanji, also While the event attracts again, acting as Gold Sponsor NEW ZEAlAND: New Zealand: 17 for no loss; India: 18 for no loss last two balls as well.” M. Guptill c sub (Samson) b Thakur 31 Series: India lead 3-0 pointing not getting across a board member of Qatar large numbers of local en- for the 2020 event. We look India comprehensively the line in the first 20 overs Cyclists, added: “The event durance athletes, it also has forward to an exciting race won the first two games of but it’s a game of small mar- has steadily grown in stature international appeal. Win- and wish all the participants the five-match series when Brutal Sharma immediate pressure on the gins. We must learn from it.” with the mountain biking and ners of the 2019 elite events the very best of luck in what they bowled first, which is When Williamson won tourists by electing to bowl, The fourth match is in trail running community. Its included Frédéric Gombert is always a challenging but in- their preferred option. the toss in Hamilton he put forcing India to set rather Wellington on Friday. reputation is set to further (France) and Qatar resident credibly rewarding event.”

Clarke-Field share heroic 9th-wkt stand Career-best 13 teams for Qatar Jr U-17 beach volleyball as NZ beat WI to make U-19 WC semis haul by raza for AGENCIES BenonI (SouTh aFrICa) Zimbabwe AN all-round performance by Christian Clarke AFP and his partnership with Joseph Field helped New harare Zealand reach the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup defeating the West Indies by two wick- ZIMBABWe all-rounder Si- ets in a low-scoring match on Wednesday. kandar Raza picked up a ca- New Zealand paceman Clarke played a key reer-best seven wickets as the role in restricting the West Indies to 238 as Kristian Clarke of New Zealand celebrates scoring hosts built a 175-run lead over he claimed four wickets for 25 runs. he later the winning runs with Joseph Field at Willowmoore Sri Lanka on the third day of scored an unbeaten 46 off 42 balls to take the Park in Benoni on Wednesday. the second Test in harare on team to the target with Joey Field (38 not out). Wednesday. The West Indies opting to bat first were dis- The New Zealand team lost wickets in regu- Off-spinner Raza claimed missed in 47.5 overs. Kirk McKenzie scored 99 lar intervals chasing the target and were re- three wickets apiece in the runs. Kevlon Anderson contributed 33 and An- duced to 153 for eight in 34.5 overs. morning and afternoon ses- tonio Maurice contributed 31 runs. Clarke and Fields took over from here and sions to finish with figures of Left-arm spinner Jesse Teshkoff took two after an unbroken 86-run partnership, saw seven for 113 as Sri Lanka were for 35 and Field took two for 52. New Zealand reach 239 for eight in 49.4 overs. bowled out for 293. The Qatar Volleyball Association will host the Qatar Junior Under-17 Beach Volleyball Championship at the Raza’s haul was the sec- Al Gharafa Club courts from February 7 to 8. The draw was held under the supervision of Hussein Imam Ali, ond best for Zimbabwe in Test the QVA Technical Director, in Doha. Four players in each team will compete in the event, which has attract- cricket, after former legbreak ed 13 teams. Al Arabi Club, Qatar Sports Club, Al Shamal Club and Al Khor Club will field two teams each. bowler Paul Strang’s eight for Qatar Olympic shooting & archery from today 109 against New Zealand at Bulawayo in 2000. Rain again brought an early end to the day as Zimba- Arabi spikers beat sadd 3-0; rayyan win 3-0 bwe reached 62 for 1 at stumps in their second innings with Prince Masvaure unbeaten on 26. Craig ervine was the only Zimbabwe wicket to fall after tea when he edged behind off Vishwa Fernando for 13. Play will start early on Thursday at 0735 GMT. For the second Test in suc- cession Zimbabwe were forced to make a concussion substi- tution after opening batsman Kevin Kasuza was again struck on the helmet while fielding at The Qatar Shooting and Archery Association will host the Qatar olympic Shooting and Archery Cup at the short leg. Al Arabi Club beat Al Sadd Club in straight sets in the Na- Losail ranges from Thursday to February 8. on the opening day, the Pre-Event Training fro 25m rapid Fire brief scores tional Volleyball Championship in Doha on Wednesday. The Pistol for men will start at 3.30 pm. The organising committee is headed by Mohamed Ahmed Taher, the Zimbabwe: 406 and 62-1 (P. Masvaure 26 not out; V. opening set was contesting and Al Arabi went on to wrap QSAA Executive Director. Ali Saeed al Mannai is the Tournament Director. Taher said in a press release that Fernando 1-9) up a 28-26, 25-20, 25-11 victory at the QVA Headquarters the all the preparations have been done to host the championship at the Losail ranges and participants Sri lanka: 293 (A. Mathews 64, D. Karunaratne 44, O. Indoor Hall. In another match, Al rayyan Club posted an are excited about the year’s first competition. Fernando 44; Sikandar Raza 7-113) easy 25-15, 25-11, 25-15 victory over Al Khor Club.