SPORT
Monday 2 January 2017 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 LeBron, Harden, Angelique Westbrook sparkle in Kerber enjoying triumphant efforts No.1 pressure
Murray, Djokovic to 8DU`8PVIUS` UPVSI6H@IU96U@T T 9uhRhh !&Ehh ! &
TU6UVT I6U
B7S HVSS6`6q begin season in Qatar &!"40)07$
The Peninsula Andy Murray of Great !"0)%#/ !"%'#8 0,)3 Britain attends a press here will be fireworks on and off the court this conference on the eve of the Qatar ExxonMobil !"%1#1 Tweek in Doha at the !"321#%6 star-studded Qatar ExxonMo- Open at the Khalifa bil Open as the top two International Tennis players on the ATP Tour Andy Complex in Doha 4 !" %#0* Murray and Novak Djokovic yesterday. & B@S FPCGT8CS@D7@SQuvyv are set to begin their season in Qatar. " 8a@ 7@S9`8CUh Djokovic, who was dethroned as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings by Mur- X8 & !",3# ray at the ATP Finals, will be . &!"43)3 seeking revenge in the Qatari capital. The longtime rivals could !"%2',/1 face off in the final, which 5!"'6-3, would be their first encoun- ter at an ATP World Tour 250 .!",/)0$ event. With only 630 points $ AS6 UTPIB6EXvys vrq separating them atop the ATP
Rankings, the battle for No. 1 % 8SP F6SGPWD8D will be hotly contested to Djokovic still the biggest !" ##$% open the new season. Murray carries an 8-1 Head2Head edge into his X8 & !" '(%)%*"+%,,%, .!"%)0, first-round encounter against rival, says Murray Jeremy Chardy, with either Gerald Melzer or Paul-Henri Mathieu potentially waiting AFP one ranking, Novak would be matches go to form it will set . !"0),%,/1 next. Fellow Top 10 player (the biggest threat)," Murray up a mouth-watering final
Tomas Berdych and World orld number one told reporters. clash with Djokovic, the !"1(3, No. 12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Andy Murray "I had a great sort of four, number two seed and defend- # 7@G BPAADI9hvq could loom large in the semi- Winsisted yesterday five months at the end of last ing Doha champion, on finals. Murray, who owns a that Novak Djokovic will year and I still only got to January 7. ' 8`Q 76BC96UDTHh p 15-2 mark in four trips to remain his biggest threat in number one by one match Murray's first round match Doha, will be looking to his 2017, as the pair prepare for a basically at the end the year, is against France's Jeremy extend his career-best potential first clash of the sea- so I know it will be very tough Chardy tomorrow. 24-match win streak. son in Doha this week. to stay there." Djokovic begins his title X8 "!")-+') Djokovic, meanwhile, will Newly-knighted Murray, Murray also tipped six- defence today against Germa- face Jan-Lennard Struff for speaking ahead of the first times Australian Open ny's Jan-Lennard Struff.
the first time in his opener. round of the Qatar Open champion Djokovic to be the Djokovic, Murray and !" 1)%231 The 26-year-old German is which begins on Monday, said player to beat in Melbourne, Tsonga are former champions &!"#1)3%, eyeing Top 10 wins in back- the Serb would continue to when the year's first Grand returning to Doha this year. to-back tournaments, having make life tough for him on Slam begins later this month. Murray claimed back-to-back !"4%,8 0,,%)/ notched his first at the BNP court this year. In Qatar, Murray is the titles in 2008-09, while ! TS7 9EPFPWD8Ihx Paribas Masters in November, "In terms of the number number one seed and if Tsonga prevailed in 2012. defeating Stan Wawrinka in a deciding tie-break. Djokovic could face either Horacio Zeballos or Florian Mayer in the second round. Upbeat Djokovic ready for new season QATAR EXXONMOBIL Armstrong Vas mindset, I guess, in my philoso- Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, But after having the Austral- more from your lost tennis OPEN ORDER OF PLAY The Peninsula phy of life to observe things in while Murray's first round match ian Open and French Open in his matches. Then you can really sit this way. That I didn’t succeed; is against France's Jeremy kitty the Serb season faced a down, dig deep, and really fig- Centre Court start that I failed; that I’ve fallen or Chardy tomorrow. The Briton slump, with a third round loss at ure out what are the things that 3:30pm f regaining the World No. 1 something like that,” Djokovic however will see action in the the Wimbledon and a loss to in you can do better. D Marrero (ESP)/N Zimonjic position from Andy Murray is said on the eve of the Qatar Exx- doubles today. the final of the US Open. “So that’s how I felt. I defi- (SRB) vs M. Fyrstenberg Ihigh on Novak Djokovic’s list onmobnil Open which begins in Last year, Djokovic who last Djokovic insisted his mini- nitely don’t see it as an (POL) / A Murray (GBR) of priorities, he will need to find Doha today. year honed his game in readi- slump was a blessing in unsuccessful year. I don’t see it Not Before 5:30pm his form quickly. Familiar foes Murray and ness for the Australian Open in disguise. as a crisis. I don’t see it as any of J Struff (GER) vs (2) N. The Serbian who faced a Djokovic are poised to pick up Qatar, which he has won six “I just feel like every expe- that. Djokovic (SRB) slum in form in the second half where they left off to conclude times in the last nine years, rience is a blessing one way or “I actually see it as a great, I R. Haase (NED) vs (4) D of the season yesterday denied 2016. began the season by winning the another. would say incentive, challenge, Goffin (BEL) his game was in ‘crisis’. Both the top ranked players Qatar tournament and was dom- “I felt like the second six experience that has helped me (Q) V. Pospisil (CAN) vs F. “I don’t see the second six begin their season in Qatar. inating the ATP Tour and there months of the year were very to rise and hopefully get even Verdasco (ESP) months of 2016 as a failure or Djokovic begins his title was much talk of him winning valuable, because I was always stronger, get even better, and Court 1 start 3:30pm anything like that. It’s not in my defence today against all four Grand Slams in 2016. saying that you can learn a lot keep going.” (WC) A.Yuksel (TUR) vs J. Vesely (CZE) P. Lorenzi (ITA) vs N. Alma- gro (ESP) [8] M. Baghdatis (CYP) vs [Q] R. Stepanek (CZE) ExxonMobil Public Village all set for tennis gala Court 2 start 3:30pm F Bagnis (ARG) vs D. The Peninsula “It gives us great pride to organized a multitude of of those visiting the ExxonMobil braking and cornering Brown (GER) celebrate the 25th anniversary activities at the stand in an effort Qatar stand. The model conditions. A built-in 5.1 H Zeballos (ARG) vs F. of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open to attract every visitor, young provides visitors with an surround sound system also Mayer (GER) xxonMobil Qatar is once with our partner the Qatar and old. Actively engaging the interactive and realistic racing provides users with a full- (WC) A. De Greef (BEL) vs again welcoming Tennis Federation. Since the community is a pillar of our experience based on a full-size sensory experience. [Q] M. Safwat (EGY) Ethousands of Qatar beginning, we've focused on national outreach programs in specification racing car. It has ExxonMobil Qatar is also Court 3 start 3:30pm ExxonMobil Open attendees to providing the best experience Qatar, and we hope that you will an authentic, padded cockpit bringing back the popular [4] D Inglot (GBR)/F Mer- its stand in the Public Village. possible for our visitors, and that join us for some fun, for a headrest, four-point racing “ExxonMobil Minute” gea (ROU) vs K Khachanov As the title sponsor of the includes the ExxonMobil Qatar thrilling racing car simulator harness, gear lever paddles, competition. After each match, (RUS) /A Kuznetsov (RUS) esteemed tournament, stand in the Public Village,” said experience, and for a once-in- and a quick release carbon ExxonMobil Qatar gives several (WC) M Jaziri (TUN)/M ExxonMobil Qatar organizes a Alistair Routledge, President and a-lifetime opportunity to meet fibre steering wheel, that allow lucky spectators the chance to Zayid (QAT) vs J Chardy number of exciting, hands-on General Manager for ExxonMobil tennis stars.” drivers to experience the catch tennis balls served (FRA) F Martin (FRA) activities for people of all ages Qatar. The racing car simulator unique movement of the car randomly into the crowds by to enjoy. “As in previous years, we’ve has been a long-time favourite under realistic acceleration, tennis stars. SPORT 2 JANUARY 2017 MONDAY 21 European broadcaster believes in Olympic gold
Paris Italy and Spain to be sealed that brand," one national television in Britain until 2024. National "You look at the sub licens- want to watch the Olympics. AFP could decide how successful its executive who has negotiated companies from Belarus to ing terms, you look at the It has hired Olympic legends gamble for gold will be. with Eurosport said. Czech Republic have also signed advertising income, you look at such as Tina Maze in skiing, Peter The cost of Olympic televi- "I think sports rights poten- "It could still go wrong but it up. But German state companies your digital income, then you Forsberg in ice hockey and Sven sion rights may look hair-raising tially are bets," Eurosport chief is looking less of a risk and this ARD/ZDF said the price was too break it down by country and Hannawald and Martin Schmitt but Eurosport is confident it will executive Peter Hutton told in an kind of development is a real high. then it is not quite as scary." in ski jumping to win over get back the € 1.3 bn ($1.4bn) it interview. challenge to national broadcast- Now Eurosport will show the "We have a few more deals national audiences. laid out to get European rights, Television rights contributed ers," added the executive, who Olympics in Germany on its own to go. Spain is still out there, Italy "There is going to have to be according to its chief executive. about three quarters of the IOC's spoke on condition of anonym- channels. That will add to the is still out there. France for the a lot of elbow room in the dress- Counting down to the $5.6bn revenues for 2013-2016 ity. The European rights went for massive project it has taken on second cycle (after 2020) is still ing room. It is important that you Pyeongchang 2018 Winter and the price is continually going more than twice what China's to produce Olympic programmes out there, Turkey is still out invest in the talent that gives you Games, the company, owned by up. Discovery's June 2015 deal state-run CCTV is believed to for diverse tastes across Scandi- there," said Hutton. France could the credibility, gives you US media giant Discovery Com- with the IOC, covering 50 coun- have paid for national rights over navia and other European be particularly important as it is relevance." munications, can from January tries for the rights from 2018 to the next four Olympics. nations. a leading contender with Los Bracing for the public switch 1 use the Olympic rings on 2024, shocked the European But it is still dwarfed by the Germany, said Hutton, will Angeles and Budapest to host the from traditional television to screens under its surprise deal broadcasting industry. more than $12bn that NBC is pay- be "a massive challenge" and that 2024 Olympics. other media is also taxing sports with the International Olympic "The price they paid was ing to show the Olympics to a US Eurosport had not expected the But Hutton said Eurosport rights holders who have to build Committee (IOC). high. But they have taken a tough audience from 2012 to 2032. collapse of the talks. But it has was "ahead of schedule" on the muscle across social media, dig- But it faces a key 2017 with line with national broadcasters Eurosport has agreed to let not dimmed the company's deals and must now grip view- ital services, free and paid sub-rights accords in France, while building up their own the BBC keep showing the Games confidence. ers and adapt to the way they broadcasting.
IOC refuses to lift LeBron, Harden, Westbrook Kuwait sports ban
Lausanne sparkle in triumphant efforts AFP he International Olympic Committee (IOC) has rejected a call by the Kuwaiti government Washington Tto temporarily lift a 14-month sports ban AFP while the Gulf State amends a controversial law. World sports bodies led by the IOC and foot- ouston's James ball governing body FIFA suspended Kuwait in Harden scored October 2015 for the second time since 2010 over a career-high alleged government meddling in sports. 53 points, Okla- Kuwait's public sports authority had on Decem- homa City's ber 23 written to the IOC and FIFA urging them to HRussell Westbrook achieved "lift the ban on Kuwaiti sports activities temporar- a first-half triple double and ily until relevant local laws are revised". LeBron James sparked an But in a letter addressed to the Kuwaiti gov- injury-hit Cleveland squad ernment on Saturday the IOC said it "will not be in in triumphant NBA efforts on a position to reconsider the situation" until the Saturday. country complies with a number of steps to become Westbrook, the NBA's fully compatible with the Olympic Charter. top scorer with 31.3 points a Kuwait's sports authority had said it was mak- game, needed only 19 min- ing "serious and relentless efforts" to have the ban utes to reach double figures lifted and said parliament would set up a panel to and finished with 17 points, draft amendments to the relevant laws. 14 assists and 12 rebounds in But their efforts failed to convince the IOC. the Thunder's 114-88 home The IOC also demanded the authorities imme- victory over the Los Angeles diately reinstate the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee Clippers. Cleveland Cavaliers' forward LeBron and dissolve or dismiss any "parallel bodies/offic- Harden, Westbrook's ers appointed by the Kuwait authorities that are James passes the ball as he is defended former Thunder teammate, not recognised by the IOC." by Charlotte Hornets' forward Michael had a triple double of his The IOC decision could impact one expected own with 17 assists -- Kidd-Gilchrist and forward centre Cody by FIFA on January 9 or 10 with the final deadline matching his career best Zeller during their NBA game at the for Kuwait to be eligible to compete in the 2019 -- and 16 rebounds in pow- Spectrum Center on Saturday. Cavaliers Asian Cup on January 11. ering the host Rockets over won 121-109. The wealthy emirate has already missed out New York 129-122. on the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and qualification Four-time NBA Most for the 2018 World Cup. Valuable Player James triple double of the season NBA RESULTS 27 and Malcolm Brogdon losing Spanish center Marc Analysts say the crisis was partly caused by a scored 32 points, 17 in the fell short of the NBA's fast- contributed 15 points, 12 Gasol with a left ankle sprain political struggle involving senior ruling family Houston 129 NY Knicks 122 first quarter, and had nine est-ever triple double, Utah 91 Phoenix 86 assists and 11 rebounds for three minutes into the second members and politicians. assists while Kevin Love achieved in only 17 minutes Oklahoma City 114 LA Clippers 88 Milwaukee in the Bucks' 116- half. added 28 points and 10 by Syracuse's Jim Tucker in Milwaukee 116 Chicago 96 96 victory at Chicago. Jimmy The Grizzlies netted a
rebounds to spark the 1955. Cleveland 121 Charlotte 109 Butler scored 26 points in a club-record 17 3-pointers, 11 defending NBA champion At Charlotte, Jordan Memphis 112 Sacramento 98 losing cause. of them in the third quarter, Cavaliers over host Charlotte McRae scored 20 points in French big man Rudy in improving to 22-14. They Tampa Bay extend 121-109. only his second career start Gobert had 18 points and 13 made six 3-pointers in a row Westbrook, the only NBA to ease the load on James as Jennings led the Knicks with rebounds while Gordon Hay- and 7-of-8 over a 4:30 span player since 1997 to manage Cleveland was missing guard 32 points while New York ward added 18 points to spark that saw them open a Anger's contract a first-half triple double, Kyrie Irving due to a tight star Carmelo Anthony scored host Utah over Phoenix 91-86. 22-point advantage. scored 11 points, grabbed 10 right hamstring and reserve only seven points before Mike Conley scored 22 "When we're shooting like Tampa rebounds and passed off 12 forward Mike Dunleavy with leaving the game with a sore points in his return after miss- we were today, we're a very Agencies assists to spark Oklahoma an ankle injury. left knee. ing two games with a toe tough team," Conley said. City to a 69-40 half-time Kemba Walker led Char- Greek star Giannis injury and the visiting Mem- "The ball was shared so much he Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed punter advantage. lotte with 37 points. Antetokounmpo scored 35 phis Grizzlies ripped that guys got a lot of open Bryan Anger to a five-year contract But Westbrook's 16th At Houston, Brandon points, Jabari Parker added Sacramento 112-98 despite looks." T extension. The deal is worth $17m ($3.4m per year aver- age), according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Anger, 28, joined Tampa Bay in 2016, setting franchise records for punts inside the 20 (32) and net punting average (42.4) -- both career bests -- NHL: Blue Jackets clinch 15th win in a row while also establishing a team record for gross punting average (45.9). Washington they've handled themselves through NHL RESULTS Johnson scored his second of the He ranks fifth in the NFL in punts inside the AFP all this." season. 20 and fourth in net average. It was the first time two NHL Los Angeles 3 San Jose 2 Minnesota's Mikael Granlund put Anger originally entered the league as a third- am Atkinson netted two goals teams on double-digit win streaks Calgary 4 Arizona 2 the Wild on the scoreboard with a round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2012 and the Columbus Blue Jack- had faced each other and the first Vancouver 3 Edmonton 2 power-play goal 5:58 into the sec- NFL Draft. ets matched the time two clubs had such long streaks NY Rangers 6 Colorado 2 ond period but Seth Jones answered The Minnesota Vikings placed safety Andrew C Florida 3 Dallas 1 second-longest win streak in concurrently. Both joined the NHL for the Blue Jackets with 2:25 Sendejo on injured reserve because of a knee NY Islanders 6 Winnipeg 2 National Hockey League history on in 2000 as expansion teams. remaining in the period. injury and promoted wide receiver Isaac Fruechte Tampa Bay 3 Carolina 1 Saturday with their 15th consecutive Columbus matched the 15-game Jason Zucker scored on a back- from the practice squad. Pittsburgh 4 Montreal 3 victory, a 4-2 triumph at win streaks of the 1981-82 New York hand shot 24 seconds into the third Sendejo started 14 games in his sixth NFL sea- Columbus 4 Minnesota 2
Minnesota. Islanders and 2012-13 Pittsburgh Boston 3 Buffalo 1 period to pull the Wild within the son, recording 69 tackles, four pass breakups and Atkinson, a 27-year-old US right Penguins, all two wins shy of the Washington 6 New Jersey 2 final margin. two interceptions. He also contributed on special wing who tops Columbus scorers, record 17-game run belonging to the Columbus boasts the NHL's best teams, recording six tackles. struck for his 16th and 17th goals of Penguins from March and April of attack with 3.44 goals a game while The Baltimore Ravens claimed wide receiver the season as the league-leading Blue 1993. Bobrovsky made 30 saves for his 13th the Wild owned the toughest defen- Vince Mayle off waivers from the Dallas Jackets stretched their streak to two If they beat Edmonton at home consecutive Blue Jackets victory. sive unit, allowing only two goals a Cowboys. wins shy of the league record by on Tuesday, the Blue Jackets could Atkinson opened the scoring game. Baltimore moved linebacker Zachary Orr snapping Minnesota's 12-game vic- equal the record win streak Thurs- midway into the first period and the The Blue Jackets last lost in a (neck) to injured reserve to make room for Mayle. tory run. day at Washington and break the Blue Jackets seized a 3-0 edge 3:44 shootout at Florida on November Orr, 24, was already ruled out for Sunday's sea- "I'm happy for the guys," Blue mark next Saturday at home against into the second period when Atkin- 26. Minnesota had not lost since son finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackets coach John Tortorella said. the New York Rangers. son netted his second goal only 15 December 2 in overtime against Mayle, 25, was a 2015 fourth-round draft pick "I'm proud of our team and the way Russian goaltender Sergei seconds after teammate Jack Calgary. of the Cleveland Browns out of Washington State. 22 SPORT MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2017 Newlands' seam-friendly Battling Cornet topples wicket favours Proteas
Cape Town Last year's New Year's test Reuters at Newlands saw South Africa battered by Ben Stokes' record- seventh seed in Brisbane nother seam- breaking 258 from 198 balls as friendly wicket they lost a home series to Eng- Brisbane Bouchard reached a career- stacks the odds land and their place as the top AFP high world ranking of five in overwhelmingly in test side in the International October 2014 but has slumped to favour of hosts Cricket Council rankings. renchwoman Alize Cor- 46 after a run of disappointing SouthA Africa when they take on But, even without talis- net battled back from results in 2016. Sri Lanka in the second test at manic AB de Villiers and Dale losing the first set to She said earlier this week she Newlands, starting today. Steyn, South Africa have since overcome seventh wanted to use the Brisbane tour- The middle contest in a beaten New Zealand and Aus- seeded Russian Elena nament to relaunch her career three-match series comes just tralia and set their target on a FVesnina in the opening round of but she found the big-hitting Rog- two days after South Africa much improved 2017 in which the Brisbane International ers too tough on Pat Rafter Arena. completed a 206-run victory at they will go to England and yesterday. Rogers stormed through the St George's Park in Port Eliza- then host Bangladesh and Playing in ferocious heat on first set before Bouchard recov- beth in the Boxing Day test. India. an outside court where the on- ered to level the match. That surface was suppos- "It's important for this team court temperature climbed above However, after a 10-minute edly the closest Sri Lanka would that even though we are play- 40 degrees Celsius, the tenacious break because of the heat, which get on their tour to conditions ing really well, we must make Cornet wore down Vesnina 3-6, Bouchard asked for, Rogers dom- that would allow spin spear- sure that we look at areas, espe- 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in two hours, 37 inated the third set to win in one head Rangana Herath to make cially when we are winning, minutes. hour, 53 minutes. an impact. where we can improve," said She will now play Christina "I definitely feel kind of rusty, Even then, it proved a con- du Plessis. McHale in the second round after out of it," Bouchard said. test where the home side were Sri Lanka are likely to make the American beat Italian Sara "I haven't played in a match in firm control, though the vis- changes to strengthen their bat- Errani in straight games 6-3, 6-3. in a while. I haven't won a match itors did provide some dogged ting line-up with Upul Tharanga Canadian Eugenie Boucha- in a while. All those thoughts kind resistance at times. expected to replace Kusal Per- rd's hopes of turning her form of go into your head a little bit At Newlands, the bowling era at number three. slump around were dashed when when you're on the court." trio of Kyle Abbott, Vernon Phi- Defeat in Port Elizabeth she was bundled out by US player Bouchard said although she lander and Kagiso Rabada will ended a run of five successive Shelby Rogers 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. had requested the heat break, she again be looking to dominate the test victories for Sri Lanka, wasn't blaming the loss on the batsmen, with captain Faf du whose last home series was a Bouchard struggles conditions. Plessis insisting three seamers convincing whitewash of Aus- "I felt like I was okay with the would be enough, even if it does tralia in mid-year but they Eugenie Bouchard heat today -- I wasn't dying or put their stamina to the test with remain unconvincing on the lose to US player anything," she said. just two free days between road. Shelby Rogers 6-2, "Since I have been here, the matches. They have lost nine of 11 2-6, 6-1. practice courts are outdoors. It's "The seam attack has proven previous tests in South Africa. actually been tougher in practice, we can do it with three," he said Sri Lanka were beaten by an Bouchard reached a and I felt like I was surviving." after the first test success. "The innings and 229 runs and by 10 career-high world "It's just the mental aspect of key is obviously not to have any- wickets in their two previous ranking of five in getting back to playing matches one breaking down." tests at Newlands. October 2014 but has and all that sort of stuff." slumped to 46 after a Third seeded Czech Karolina Alize Cornet of France hits a return against Elena Vesnina of run of disappointing Pliskova was in superb touch as Russia during the first round of the Brisbane International results in 2016. she downed Yulia Putintseva of tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia yesterday. Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-1. Australia double up on spin as Misbah ponders
Sydney TEAMS Kerber enjoying No.1 pressure AFP AUSTRALIA (FROM): Steve Smith ustralia have one eye on (capt), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Jack- Brisbane India and Pakistan could son Bird, Hilton Cartwright, Peter AFP Abe contemplating life Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman without their most successful Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Stephen O'Keefe, ermany's Angelique captain Misbah-ul-Haq when Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kerber said yester- the final 'dead' Test begins on Wade. Gday that she was Tuesday in Sydney. enjoying the pressure of Steve Smith's Australians PAKISTAN (FROM): Azhar Ali, Sami being the world's top- wrapped up the three-match Aslam, Babar Azam, Younis Khan, Mis- ranked tennis player as series with a Test to spare in a bah-ul-Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Mo- she prepares to get her dramatic second innings dem- hammad Nawaz, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wa- 2017 season under way. olition of Pakistan in two hab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Speaking ahead of the sessions in Melbourne on Fri- Mohammad Asghar, Sohail Khan. Brisbane International, day to open up new selection Kerber conceded she possibilities for Sydney. would be under more Shattered Pakistan could be someone like Jackson Bird could pressure in 2017 as the forced to look for a new leader be the unlucky one who misses world number one but German player Angelique Kerber with 42-year-old Misbah admit- out, but that will depend on the was not letting it get to celebrates her win against ting he was thinking about condition of the SCG pitch. her. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus after retirement, possibly even before "If it looks like it's going to "I think it will be a their women’s singles match of the the series concludes in provide more assistance for the completely different year 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament Sydney. seamers, then we still have the than 2016," she said. in Melbourne in this file photo. "I always believed that if I option of playing all three spe- "There are a lot of couldn't contribute to the team cialist quicks and just the one challenges that I have then it's no point staying there. spinner." now, and I think I'm I lost the first set," she I haven't decided (about Sydney) The all-rounder option ready. Of course the pres- said. but let's see," Misbah said after could rest between Zimbabwe- sure is there but it's a "Then we had a rain the tourists lost by an innings born Hilton Cartwright or Agar, different pressure now." delay and I came back USA thrash Czechs in and 18 runs. who Lehmann puts in the ver- Kerber said she was after losing the first set While the end looms for the satile category, saying "he's initially surprised at the and I won that match. man who has guided his coun- certainly got the talent to be a attention she had received "So this was the start try to more victories than any batting all-rounder or a spinning since reaching number of my journey in 2016, Hopman Cup opener other Pakistan captain -- 24 in all-rounder". one last September. here in Australia, because 52 Tests -- Australia have other Left-arm spinner Agar, 23, "The biggest thing was then I played every single considerations. is on track to play for the first that I have so many things round better and better. Perth with the inexperienced Pavlasek in the Spinners Steve O'Keefe and time since his only two Tests on to do," she said. "And then, of course, AFP first set. A break in the 11th game of gave Ashton Agar have been included the 2013 Ashes tour of England, "It was a really big the final [which she lost] Sock the advantage and the 24-year- in a 13-man squad for a Sydney where he scored 98 on debut at thing here, and in Ger- against Vika [Azarenka] he United States opened old served out to clinch the set. Cricket Ground wicket that is Trent Bridge batting at number many, and everywhere, so here was not bad and I their Hopman Cup cam- However, the 75th-ranked Pav- expected to turn. 11. Agar has subsequently scored that surprised me a lot. I'm went to Melbourne with a paign in style with a 3-0 lasek broke in the second game of the Coach Darren Lehmann two first-class hundreds and actually just trying to lot of confidence." win over the Czech Repub- second set and fought back to level raised the prospect of playing eight fifties. enjoy it -- I'm still enjoy- Kerber went on to lic in Perth yesterday. the tie. two of his three spin options -- Pakistan are facing their ing it." beat Serena Williams at TThe American pair of Jack Sock An early break in the third set had the other is Australia's 12th straight defeat since their Kerber had a break- the Australian Open to and Coco Vandeweghe won both their Sock back on the right foot and he most-successful off-spinner last Test win in Australia in Syd- through 2016, winning win her maiden Grand singles matches to clinch the tie, and overcame some serving problems to Nathan Lyon -- at the expense ney 22 years ago. two Grand Slams on her Slam, lost to the American then made it a clean sweep with vic- win in just over two hours, 7-5, 3-6, of paceman Jackson Bird with Misbah was disconsolate way to becoming number in the Wimbledon final, tory in the mixed doubles. 6-3. an all-rounder coming in. following the Melbourne sec- one. before downing her again After Vanderweghe beat Lucie Sock, who at Rio 2016 became the Australia go to India for four ond-innings debacle on good But asked when her to win the US Open and Hradecka 6-4, 6-2 to open the tie, first player to win two tennis medals Tests in February and March on batting surface that had seen the run to the top began, Ker- become the first German Sock then edged past Adam Pavlasek at the same Olympics, conceded it likely turning pitches, putting teams score a total of 1,067 first- ber pointed to the first world number one since in three sets. was a rusty performance to start his the onus of O'Keefe and Agar to innings runs. round in Brisbane last Steffi Graf in 1996. The dead mixed doubles rubber year. put in a good audition and stake "After scoring 443 you year, when she rallied Kerber has been given was a relaxed affair played under the "It's never easy after a decently a claim for a place on tour. should not be in that position to from a set down to beat a bye into the second novel Fast Four format and the US long off season," he said. "It's more than likely that lose a Test match on the last Italy's Camila Giorgi 5-7, round, where she will play came from a set down to win 2-4, 4-2, In the opening match of the tour- we're going to play two of those day," Misbah said. 6-3, 6-0. either Australian wildcard 4-1. nament, the women's singles, world three spinners which means "I think we should take the "Starting here with my Ashleigh Barty or Serbian Sock, who is just one place in the number 36 Vandeweghe was far too we'll also have to look to fit in blame as a batting unit because first round where I played qualifier Aleksandra rankings below last year's career-high good for Hradecka, winning in an all-rounder," Lehmann said. the pitch was very good on the on court one, I think, and Krunic. of world number 22, traded winners straight sets in just over an hour. "It might end up that last day." MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23
Another injury blow for El Jaish
The Peninsula
'It is Usain Bolt': l Jaish midfielder Olympic champ Ahmed Moein has Eadded to an ever calls into Man growing injury list for Sabri Lamouchi’s side United TV after the club announced that he is set for a six Manchester week spell on the side- AP lines after the Qatari player tweeked his cru- anchester United's ciate knee ligament. in-house televi- The player suffered Msion channel Leicester City's Islam Slimani (centre) scores their match-winning the injurt injury during a received a shock when goal against West Ham United in their English Premier League training session, as El Usain Bolt (pictured) match at King Power Stadium on Saturday. Jaish begin their prepa- called up to discuss Satur- rations ahead of their day's 2-1 win over match against Al Wak- Middlesbrough in the rah. The injury of Moein English Premier League. adds to a long list of In the post-match absentees for the soldiers phone-in, MUTV pre- which includes; Khaled senter Mandy Henry Ranieri hails Slimani Abdel Raouf, Majed introduced the next Mohamed, Abdel Rah- caller as a "Usain from man Abkar and Abdel Jamaica" but then added: Leicester "Now Vardy comes back, I Match winner with defeat after three succes- Razzaq Hamdallah. "It's not Usain Bolt is it?" AFP have Leonardo Ulloa, I have sive wins had given the El Jaish are currently The six-time Olym- Shinji Okazaki and I have some Record signing Islam Hammers and boss Slaven Bilic in third place in the pic champion replied: "It laudio Ranieri believes good players and I am very calm Slimani scored his some much-needed breathing Qatar Stars League is Usain Bolt". Leicester City can and very confident with all my sixth Leicester goal in space. standings with 29 points Henry still looked cope without record players," said the Italian, after the 1-0 victory over Bilic will check on the fitness from thirteen league disbelieving as Bolt signing Islam Slimani seeing his side end their historic the Hammers. of midfielder Mark Noble for matches. delivered his post-match during the Africa Cup 2016 with a victory to ease their Monday's clash with Manches- analysis. Cof Nations despite the striker's relegation fears. Ranieri called ter United after a high challenge "They came through match-winning contribution "Of course Slimani can only Slimani's winner, by Daniel Amartey, but the Al Rayyan like the old Manchester against West Ham. improve. When somebody a classic header, Croatian was pleased with his United," Bolt said. "They The £30m signing scored his comes from another country it side's display. "a masterpiece". came through and sixth Leicester goal in the 1-0 is not easy and some players "I believe we deserved set to miss pushed on and perse- victory over the Hammers but need six or seven months or one something. I'm very disap- vered, the Manchester will leave to represent Algeria year to be involved in the atmos- him," he added, before reflect- pointed, angry and frustrated key duo United way. It was a after today's trip to phere of English football. ing on the calendar year that saw that we lost," he said. great match, I am very Middlesbrough. "He scored six goals and it is his side crowned Premier "They started better. We atar Stars League happy about this." Countryman Riyad Mahrez good for us but we have to find League champions in one of knew they were going to start (QSL) champions The Jamaican will also be absent for up to a him much better because he has football's great shocks. aggressively and they deserved QAl Rayyan are set sprinter tweeted to con- month but Ranieri will welcome very good quality and also he "Of course 2016 will remain the goal for the first 20 to be without two key firm he was the caller back the suspended Jamie Vardy presses a lot and sometimes he in our heart and in our mind, not minutes. players in Sebastian and Henry replied : after today's game on can make mistakes because he only me but all my players, the "After that, for 70 minutes Soria and Daniel Daniel "Sorry Usain - we didn't Teesside. is very tired." chairman, staff and everybody we were the better team. Goumou ahead of their think it was you! Enjoy And Ranieri believes his Ranieri called Slimani's win- in Leicester. "I'm very disappointed but next game against Al your celebrations in reigning champions can handle ner, a classic header, "a "It was something special but we played a good game and that Shahaniya. Jamaica and call again the loss of Slimani, although he masterpiece". it was special to win today makes me satisfied in one part. Both players will be after West Ham on Mon- admitted the former Sporting "When the ball comes from against a team with a lot of "We looked good, fit and on suspended for one game, day night!" Lisbon man is becoming better the cross Slimani is fantastic, we confidence." the ball. It was just that final after picking up their all the time. have to make more crosses for West Ham ended the year product that wasn't there." fourth yellow cards of the season in Al Rayyan’s 2-1 defeat to Al Khor in the previous round. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup will be eager to get back to winning ways Mourinho salutes Old Trafford faithful following their defeat last time out. Al Rayyan are cur- rently in fifth position in Manchester Middlesbrough's resilience was the QSL standings, and AFP superb as they repelled constant have twenty two points United attacks, until Martial and from thirteen games. anchester United manager We managed to do Pogba produced the goods in an Jose Mourinho saluted the end that was extremely cruel on MOld Trafford crowd and something that is the visitors. said they swept his side to a dra- amazing, which is "If the fans remember Sir Alex, Paulinho matic 2-1 victory over to bring the fans not just for his birthday but for the Middlesbrough. performance we had, that is a Grant Leadbitter's goal after onto the pitch: great tribute," Mourinho said. and Khoukhi 67 minutes gave Aitor Karanka's Jose Mourinho "I think the fans love the way unfancied visitors a surprise we try and play football and they out for advantage until Anthony Martial love the players' attitude. It was a swept home on 85 minutes and big victory for us, a big three Al Arabi Paul Pogba won it 87 seconds points." later with a fine header. Karanka was Mourinho's l Arabi will be The late turnaround -- remi- everything. But my players assistant for three years from without two key niscent of the glory years of the deserved it because they gave it 2010 at Real Madrid and the Aplayers ahead of watching Alex Ferguson on his everything." United manager spoke in his pre- their QSL match of the 75th birthday -- sealed United's United should have been out match programme notes of his week against Al Sailiyah. fifth consecutive Premier League of sight by half time after domi- genuine affection for his Middles- Brazilian attacker victory and they are now nating the first 45 minutes. brough counterpart. Paulinho is unlikely to unbeaten in 12 matches in all They hit the post twice, cour- Karanka feels the same back feature after suffering a competitions. tesy of Pogba and Martial, and but, understandably, could not back injury during train- A delighted Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic also had a goal hide his disappointment at failing ing, while captain the atmosphere inside the "The- controversially ruled out. to hang on for what would have Boualem Khoukhi will be atre of Dreams" eventually made If Ibrahimovic's goal had been been a truly spectacular end to unavailable through sus- all the difference. allowed to stand he would have 2016. pension for the local "We managed to do some- matched Lionel Messi's 2016 tally "The reaction is one you can derby. Manchester thing that is amazing, which is to of 51 strikes in the calendar year imagine," Karanka said. Al Arabi are currently United manager bring the fans onto the pitch," he and Mourinho was upset that the "I don't like to lose but I told in sixth place in the QSL Jose Mourinho said. 35-year-old was denied the them that apart from the result, the standings and have six- celebrates "I think we did that in the last chance of equalling that record. performance once again against a teen points from thirteen victory at the 15 and 20 minutes. We played "That stopped such an amaz- top team was really good. games. Last time out Al Old Trafford with 70,000 or 80,000. What was ing player from being top scorer "Again we competed against Arabi registered a 3-1 on the pitch was too much for a with Messi in 2016. It was quite a top team. We will win games win over Umm Salal and following their very good team. frustrating and it was another big against teams around us. Once will be looking to dramatic 2-1 "I feel for my brother (Kara- test for us and the players." again we showed we are a con- improve their fortunes in victory over nka) but not just him, I feel for After the break United sistent team and we had chances the second half of the Middlesbrough their players because they gave it remained in complete control but to score." season. on Saturday.